Nepal and the Himalayas

walking and trekking holidays

Nepal - the classic destination for any trekking holiday

Nepal and the Himalayas are the ultimate destination for many trekkers. Everest Base Camp is the premier goal for some, for others it is the tranquil beauty of the Annapurna range where some of our adventure treks really take you off the beaten track. Our trekking holidays here utilise the series of lodges we have developed in conjunction with local communities as part of an exciting Responsible Travel Initiative. We offer a wide variety of Himalayan walking tours ranging from a short but spectacular 4 day trek through the Annapurna foothills to the longer 19 day Everest & Gokyo. Many tours travel overland from India to Kathmandu from where you can then choose from a variety of treks. If you are looking for a remote and more unusual Himalayan trekking experience then our Darjeeling, Sikkim and Calcutta Uncovered should provide a highly memorable holiday with only a moderate challenge.

Please note, our Everest Base Camp Trek is 16 days. Our intention is to get as many people to Kala Patar (at 5630m, a viewpoint recognised as the best vantage point to see Mount Everest) AND get to the site of Everest Base Camp AND enjoy the experience. Our itinerary allows time not only for Lukla flight delays but also for sensible acclimatisation (our success rate on Kala Patar is very high) and a spare day at Everest in case of inclement weather. We believe a minimum of 16 days allows for this. Plus we climb Kala Patar at sunset - rather than sunrise when the morning sun often ruins that iconic shot of Everest. Everest trekking is probably a once in a lifetime journey so it's important to get it right!

When to go

The trekking seasons are fairly distinct in Nepal as outlined below, but we obviously have no control over climate and it is possible that it will rain or snow at any time or that views will be affected by cloud, mist and fog.

Please note, flights into Kathmandu book up well in advance for the peak trekking season (October).

Mid-September to End November (Autumn)

This is the most popular time for trekking due to clear skies and little precipitation. Temperatures are warm in lower to middle altitudes but very cold at night over 4,000 metres.

December to February (Winter)

Winter is generally very dry with clear skies but it is also the coldest time of year. In the lower altitudes the cool temperatures are perfect for trekking but at higher altitudes night- time temperatures can plummet to more than -25°C.

March to May (Spring)

Spring is the season for flowers, particularly rhododendrons and orchids, making photos particularly colourful. Temperatures rise from March onwards. In April and May you may expect heavy showers late in the afternoon, with hazy skies. At lower altitudes temperatures can be very warm while at higher altitudes they can still fall below zero at night. This is also a popular time for trekking.

June to August (Summer)

The monsoon season - warm and humid but also wet. Trekking is possible during this time however and there is the added benefit that the trails will be quieter.

Fitness and Preparation

Our adventure trekking holidays to Nepal and the Himalayas require varying levels of fitness – please see the individual tours for further information about this and altitudes involved. Please also see Trek Grades for advice onour grading system for our treks.

A Typical Day on a Trekking Holiday in Nepal and the Himalayas

The day usually begins around 6.30 a.m. While you are eating breakfast, the crew members will make up the loads for the porters and you will be on the trail by 7.30 a.m., though at higher altitudes the start is usually later, as we wait for the sun to warm the air a little. There is no need to rush as the day has been planned so that you have plenty of time. Do not feel obliged to keep in a group all the time - we wish you to have as much freedom as possible, Rest is an important factor in countering altitude sickness – walk slowly rather than hurrying and enjoy the scenery, drink plenty and avoid alcohol.

At a suitable spot, about 11.30 a.m., we stop for lunch for a couple of hours. The afternoon walk is often shorter and your lodge is usually reached between 3 and 4pm. There is plenty of time to explore the surrounding area until the evening meal is served about 6.30pm. After dinner there is time to relax - most people are asleep by 9pm.

Trekking Team

An experienced, English-speaking trek leader (or Sirdar) will accompany every trekking group - chosen not only for their knowledge of the Himalayas, but perhaps more importantly, for their "people skills". Trekking guides (or Sherpas) accompany the group during the day to ensure you are following the right path and to assist you where required. The guide ratio is usually one to every three trekkers. The Nike is the foreman of the porter group. Our porters have enjoyed many years working with our groups and are responsible for the carrying of the equipment and food. On some treks we use yaks or ponies to transport equipment.

Domestic Flights in Nepal

We use a variety of reputable domestic airlines in Nepal. Please be aware that bad weather conditions in mountainous and hill regions can increase the risk to safety and cause lengthy delays.