Experience the Everest 5-Day Trek, a highly optimized Himalayan adventure tailored to your exact travel preferences. We run daily departures throughout 2026, 2027, and 2028. Because of this flexible schedule, you can easily plan your travel dates around your personal itinerary. Whether you choose to meet your licensed guide directly in Lukla or begin in Kathmandu with included domestic flights and private transfers, our versatile package lets you build your ideal trip with total confidence.
Start with our Standard Package for core essentials, which includes hand-picked guest house lodging, licensed trekking guides, and mandatory permits. In addition, you can easily customize your experience by adding daily meal plans or dedicated porter support during online checkout. Alternatively, select our Luxury Upgrade Option for high-end stays at Mountain Lodges of Nepal and the 5-star Hotel Everest View. This premium tier includes Wi-Fi, hot showers, and in-room device charging throughout your entire journey.
Please Note: We provide complimentary down jackets, sleeping bags, trekking poles, and water purification tablets for every guest. In addition, we also practice ethical trekking, which ensures our trip fees fully cover all lodging, meals, and insurance for our guides and porters.
Everest 5-Day Trek: Quick Facts
1. Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
2. Starting Hub: Kathmandu or Lukla
3. Max Altitude: 3,880 meters at Hotel Everest View
4. Difficulty: Easy to moderate; ideal for beginners and tight schedules
5. Guide Policy: Requires a licensed trekking guide (included)
6. Required Permits: Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu (included)
7. Accommodation: Mountain guest houses, with luxury upgrade options available
Everest 5-Day Trek Highlights
1. Flexible Standard Package: Start from Lukla or Kathmandu with core essentials including lodging, certified guides, and required permits.
2. Customizable Add-Ons: Add optional meal plans or dedicated porter service easily during online checkout.
3. Scenic Mountain Flights: Enjoy thrilling aerial vistas of snow-capped Himalayan peaks during your morning flight into Lukla.
4. Iconic Everest View: Reach 3,880 meters for sweeping views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam from Hotel Everest View.
6. Luxury Upgrade Perks: Stay at Mountain Lodges of Nepal and Hotel Everest View, featuring free Wi-Fi, battery charging, and hot showers.
7. Complimentary Trekking Gear: Receive complimentary down jackets, sleeping bags, trekking poles, and duffel bags for added comfort.
Everest 5-Day Trek: Seasonal Highlights
1. Spring (March–May): Trek alongside blooming rhododendrons and enjoy warm, stable weather during peak climbing season.
2. Autumn (September–November): Experience crystal-clear skies, and unmatched visibility of Mount Everest.
3. Winter (December–February): Enjoy quiet trails and crisp morning views while preparing for cold mountain temperatures.
4. Monsoon (June–August): Discover lush green valleys and quiet trails while planning for occasional rain.
Please Note: You can embark on this 5-day Everest trek all year round. In addition, every season offers a distinct and rewarding mountain experience. However, please be careful when planning during the monsoon season, as flights to Lukla might get disrupted due to heavy rains.
Legendary Landmarks and Highlights
The Gateway: Lukla Flight and Phakding Village
Your mountain adventure begins with a breathtaking 30-minute flight to Lukla Airport, offering immediate panoramas of high Himalayan ridges. Once you land and meet your support crew, you begin a gentle descent toward Phakding village along the rushing Dudh Koshi River. The trail winds through lush pine forests, passing ancient carved mani stones and fluttering prayer flags along the path. Along the way, crossing traditional suspension bridges over glacial waters offers an immersive introduction to these mountain landscapes, setting a peaceful, authentic tone for the days ahead.
The Historic Hillary Suspension Bridge
Heading further north, the trail guides you through the official entrance gate of Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. Before tackling the famous climb up Namche Hill, you cross the iconic, prayer-flag-draped Hillary Suspension Bridge hanging high above the roaring river gorge. Walking across this engineering marvel provides an exhilarating milestone on your journey into the upper Khumbu. In addition, this dramatic vantage point provides an ideal backdrop for world-class mountain photography.
Vibrant Capital: Namche Bazaar
Reaching Namche Bazaar at 3,440 meters brings your very first glimpse of Mount Everest peeking over the Nuptse ridge. Nestled in a sweeping natural mountain amphitheater, this lively Sherpa capital features busy local markets, cozy bakeries, gear shops, and historic monasteries. You can also explore local Sherpa museums to gain deeper insight into high-altitude mountaineering history and traditional culture. Spending your night here ensures comfortable high-altitude adaptation while surrounding you with rich mountain heritage.
Iconic Viewpoint: Hotel Everest View
Ascending to 3,880 meters brings you to the famous open-air terrace of Hotel Everest View. This world-renowned location offers panoramic, unobstructed vistas of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and the iconic peak of Ama Dablam. In fact, the hotel holds a Guinness World Record as one of the highest luxury lodging establishments on Earth. Enjoying hot tea while taking in these 8,000-meter giant peaks creates an unforgettable highlight for every traveler.
Everest Region Trekking Map
Everest 5-Day Trek Video Highlights
Life on the Trail
Your Everest 5-Day Trek Timeline
The Everest 5-Day Trek follows a precise, well-structured schedule from departure to return. Your adventure begins with a scenic morning flight to Lukla and a gentle walk to Phakding, allowing your body to ease into the trail. From there, the path leads through Sagarmatha National Park up to Namche Bazaar and the high viewpoint at Hotel Everest View. Afterwards, you retrace your steps back to Lukla for your return flight, ensuring a seamless and fulfilling transition through the iconic landscapes of the Himalayas.
Everest 5-Day Trek Daily Flow and Pace
Your trekking days typically begin at 07:00 AM to take full advantage of crisp morning weather and clear mountain views. Your lead guide provides comprehensive briefings every morning and evening regarding trail conditions, daily distances, and elevation shifts. Trail demands vary each day, ranging from steady climbs up Namche Hill to a longer return hike back to Lukla on Day 4. Meanwhile, your guide maintains a deliberate pace that prioritizes proper acclimatization over speed, helping you tackle varying terrain smoothly and securely.
Your Mountain Home: Teahouse Accommodation
Throughout the trek, you will stay in hand-picked, family-run teahouses offering a warm Sherpa welcome after a rewarding day on the trail. Guest rooms feature twin beds with clean bedding, cozy mattresses, and thick blankets. In addition, central wood-burning stoves create a warm and inviting atmosphere in the communal dining areas every evening. We supply high-quality down sleeping bags rated to -15 °C to keep you comfortable at night, allowing you to experience genuine Himalayan hospitality while resting deeply.
Expert Tip: For those trekking in late autumn or winter, wear your down jacket and thermal layers inside your sleeping bag. In addition, place the teahouse’s heavy blanket directly over your sleeping bag to add vital insulation and ensure deep rest regardless of dropping night temperatures.
High-Altitude Dining and Nutrition
To maintain your daily energy, your optional prepaid meal plan covers three wholesome daily meals prepared fresh at each teahouse. Breakfast features warm choices like porridge, pancakes, eggs, and freshly baked Tibetan bread. For lunch and dinner, you can choose from satisfying local and international dishes like traditional Dal Bhat, momos, noodles, fresh pasta, and warm vegetable soups. Every teahouse easily accommodates vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets upon request. We also include one hot drink per meal—specifically black tea, milk tea, or coffee—to keep you warm.
Expert Tip: Prioritize fresh vegetarian options like Dal Bhat to support smooth digestion and physical energy at high elevations. Because meat ingredients travel manually up remote trails without cold storage refrigeration, choosing vegetarian dishes remains the safest choice for your well-being.
Hydration and Beverage Guidelines
Staying consistently hydrated is the single most effective way to support your body during altitude adaptation. We strongly encourage using reusable water bottles to minimize plastic waste and lower personal costs along the trail. To facilitate this, we supply medical-grade water purification tablets as a reliable backup for your personal safety.
Expert Tip: Aim to drink 3 to 4 liters of purified fluids daily to help your body adapt naturally to higher elevations. You can easily reach this goal by combining your water intake with mealtime teas, such as soothing ginger lemon honey tea, which actively supports your respiratory comfort and overall vitality.
Essential Logistics & Planning
Booking Your Everest 5-Day Trek & Group Policies
We offer complete flexibility for your Himalayan adventure with daily departures scheduled throughout 2026, 2027, and 2028. You can secure your preferred travel dates with a fully transferable deposit of just USD 100, settling your remaining balance upon arrival in Kathmandu. We accept online transfers, credit cards, and cash in major global currencies like USD, AUD, CAD, EUR, GBP, and SGD.
1. Group Pricing: Traveling with 2 or more companions automatically unlocks our best group rate per person.
2. Solo Travelers: You can select a private Solo Package during booking to guarantee your own private room throughout the journey.
3. Same-Gender Room Policy: Solo travelers joining a shared group share twin teahouse rooms strictly with a trekker of the same gender.
4. Small Group Cap: We limit every departure to a maximum of 7 travelers per guide to guarantee direct personal support and safety.
Please Note: For complete peace of mind, please carefully review our Terms and Conditions prior to booking. This ensures total clarity regarding our mutual responsibilities, allowing you to focus entirely on your upcoming journey.
Comprehensive Travel Insurance
Navigating high-altitude mountain trails requires physical preparation and professional financial protection. All Cordial Trek participants must maintain a comprehensive travel insurance policy prior to starting the trek. Your coverage must specifically include emergency helicopter evacuation and medical treatment up to 4,000 meters in elevation. Along with this, choosing a policy with trip interruption protection guards your investment against unforeseen weather delays in Lukla.
Expert Tip: Not all standard travel insurance policies cover high-altitude mountain trekking above 2,500 meters. Therefore, review your policy details carefully to ensure your coverage explicitly includes high-altitude (4,000 meters) search, rescue, and medical evacuation.
International Flight & Buffer Days
When booking your international flights, we strongly recommend reserving at least 1 to 2 buffer days in Kathmandu at the end of your trip. Mountain weather in the Khumbu region can occasionally cause flight delays or temporary airport closures in Lukla. Building extra time into your schedule prevents minor weather delays from impacting your international return flights, removing unnecessary travel stress.
Expert Tip: Secure insurance policies that explicitly cover trip interruption and flight delays. As a result, this protection helps cover last-minute helicopter upgrades or extra hotel nights if mountain weather closes the airport.
Kathmandu Logistics and Airport Transfers
Our team handles every detail of your domestic ground logistics to ensure a seamless experience from start to finish. A dedicated Cordial Trek representative organizes private transfers between your hotel and Tribhuvan International Airport for your Lukla flights. This personalized pickup initiates a stress-free departure on your very first morning in Kathmandu.
Seasonal Flight Note: Civil aviation authorities frequently route Lukla flights through Ramechhap (Manthali) Airport during busy spring and autumn trekking windows. We coordinate the 4-to-5-hour ground transfer between Kathmandu and Ramechhap at no extra charge. However, we always secure direct Kathmandu flights whenever they are available, and travelers seeking seamless transfers can opt for an optional helicopter upgrade as well.
Preparation, Safety, and Personal Costs
Training and Physical Preparation
Beginning a basic fitness routine 4 to 6 weeks before your departure date will help you enjoy your trek to the fullest. Focus on cardiovascular exercise like hiking, jogging, stair climbing, or cycling to build steady aerobic endurance. This physical preparation enables you to comfortably manage 4 to 6 hours of daily walking on steep mountain terrain. In addition, incorporating leg-strengthening exercises like squats and lunges helps you handle ascents and descents with confidence.
Everest 5-Day Trek Safety Guidelines
Navigating high-altitude terrain requires proper preparation, steady pacing, and constant health awareness. Following our comprehensive safety guidelines ensures a secure and rewarding experience, allowing you to focus on the breathtaking scenery around you.
Safety Tip from Cordial Trek: Listen to your body and maintain a steady, sustainable pace rather than rushing up the trail. Drinking at least 3 to 4 liters of water daily remains the most effective way to help your body naturally adjust to thin mountain air.
Connectivity & Power on the Trail
You can easily purchase a local NTC (Nepal Telecom) or Ncell SIM card in Kathmandu or upon arrival at Lukla Airport. Both carriers offer 3G and 4G coverage across Lukla, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar. However, mobile service remains spotty along the trail. Signals drop frequently due to deep valley geography, cloud cover, and power fluctuations at mountain towers.
Please Note: Kathmandu serves as your final hub for reliable high-speed internet and power before you enter the remote Khumbu region. Travelers selecting our Luxury Upgrade Option enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, battery charging, and hot showers throughout their stay without purchasing separate teahouse cards. However, teahouse Wi-Fi relies on mountain networks, so connection speeds vary regardless of your package. Meanwhile, Standard Option travelers should carry Nepalese Rupees in cash to cover these daily amenities on a pay-per-use basis. We also recommend packing a portable power bank to keep your devices charged on the trail.
Baggage Limits & Porter Support
The total weight limit for domestic Lukla flights is strictly capped at 15 kg per passenger (10 kg checked luggage and 5 kg personal carry-on). When you choose our optional porter service, we supply a durable Cordial Trek duffel bag for your main gear, which our professional porters carry between teahouses.
Expert Tip: Carry a light 20–30L daypack for daily essentials like water bottles, extra clothing layers, seasonal gear, and camera equipment. Most importantly, keep your passport, cash, medical items, and valuables inside your personal daypack at all times.
Personal Expenses and Tipping Guidelines
While our packages cover your primary trekking expenses, budgeting for personal extras adds comfort to your journey. Local trail expenses operate on a strict cash-only policy, as credit card facilities are unavailable in mountain teahouses. Standard Option travelers pay for daily amenities like Wi-Fi, hot showers, and device charging locally in cash. If you choose not to add a prepaid meal plan, we recommend budgeting approximately USD 35 to 45 per day in local currency to cover your meals and warm drinks.
Tipping Note: Tipping your professional guide and porter is a cherished tradition in the Himalayas that directly supports their livelihood. For the 5-day trek, we recommend budgeting approximately USD 70 to 100 total per trekker for crew gratuities.
Trek Support & Sustainability
Professional Support Team
A licensed mountain guide is fully included to lead your Everest 5-Day Trek, while porters can be easily added during checkout. We assign one porter for every two trekkers, maintaining a strict maximum weight limit of 12.5 kg per traveler’s bag. Solo travelers requesting a private porter receive a dedicated porter carrying up to 25 kg. At the same time, to ensure personalized care, we cap every group at 7 travelers per guide. Our mountain crew is fully insured, well-equipped, and trained in wilderness first aid. In addition, we uphold high ethical standards by providing fair wages, quality gear, and full medical coverage for all field staff.
Responsible Trekking in the Khumbu
We actively protect the delicate natural ecosystem of Sagarmatha National Park by adhering strictly to Leave No Trace principles. We strongly discourage single-use plastic bottles on the trail, providing water purification tablets to help keep plastic waste out of mountain communities. In addition, we employ local guides and support staff directly from the Everest region, helping empower local families and promote sustainable mountain tourism.
Cultural Etiquette on the Trail
1. Clockwise Rule: Always pass Mani walls, stupas, and prayer wheels on the left so they remain on your right.
2. Namaste Greeting: Use the traditional “Namaste” greeting with palms pressed together when meeting local villagers.
3. Photo Ethics: Respect local privacy by asking permission before photographing residents, children, or religious sites.
4. Modest Attire: Dress respectfully and modestly when walking through mountain villages and entering sacred monasteries.
5. Leave No Trace: Pack out all personal trash and refrain from removing natural items like stones or plants from the trail.
Important Everest 5-Day Trek Note
Dossier Disclaimer and Flexibility
This trip overview is prepared with great care and provided in good faith by the Cordial Trek team. However, mountain weather and domestic flight schedules remain dynamic and subject to sudden changes. The published itinerary reflects our planned arrangements under normal conditions. Because your safety is our absolute priority, your lead guide reserves the right to adjust daily timing or stopping points if local weather or trail conditions demand it.
Places You’ll See :
Lukla is a small town in the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rural municipality of the Solukhumbu District in the Province No. 1 of north-eastern Nepal.
1Lukla
Namche Bazaar is a town in Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality in Solukhumbu District of Province No. 1 of north-eastern Nepal. Namche is the main trading center and hub for the Khumbu region.
2Namche Bazar
‘Hotel Everest View’ is a five star rated hotel located at the highest elevation in the world (3880 m / 12730 ft) situated within the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park in Nepal.
3Hotel Everest View
Travel Itinerary:
Day 1 : Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding (Max Altitude: 2,800 m / 9,187 ft)
Your adventure starts with an early morning pickup from your Kathmandu hotel and a transfer to the airport for a scenic 30-minute flight to Lukla. If you choose to join us directly in Lukla, our guides will meet you at the airport or your lodge. From Lukla, hit the trail for a gentle 3–4 hour walk downhill to Phakding, a peaceful village along the Dudh Koshi River. Along the way, take short detours to local monasteries and experience authentic Sherpa life. In addition, this initial stretch gives you the perfect opportunity to adjust to the altitude while enjoying classic Himalayan views.
Approximate Trek Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,450 m / -0 m (+4,758 ft / -0 ft)
Standard accommodation: Hotel Pine Forest
Luxury accommodation: Mountain Lodges of Nepal (Phakding)
Meals: L/D available (Optional Full Board add-on)
Day 2 : Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (Max Altitude: 3,438 m / 11,280 ft)
After breakfast and a quick briefing, head toward Namche Bazaar, the beating heart of the Sherpa community. This 5–6 hour trek takes you through Monjo Village and into Sagarmatha National Park. You will cross the iconic Hillary Suspension Bridge high above the Dudh Koshi River and catch your very first glimpse of Mount Everest. Take plenty of breaks to soak in the scenery and chat with local villagers along the trail. As a result, you get a rich mix of mountain vistas, local culture, and steady acclimatization as you gain elevation.
Approximate Trek Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: +830 m / -190 m (+2,723 ft / -623 ft)
Standard accommodation: Hotel Camp de Base
Luxury accommodation: Mountain Lodges of Nepal (Namche)
Meals: B/L/D available (Optional Full Board add-on)
Day 3 : Hike to ‘Hotel Everest View’ (Max Altitude: 3,880 m / 12,730 ft)
Today features a rewarding 3–4 hour round-trip hike up to the iconic Hotel Everest View. Perched high on a ridge, this famous resort treats you to stunning 360-degree views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. Relax with a warm drink on the terrace, snap panoramic photos, and marvel at the peaks. Afterwards, head back down to Namche to spend the night in a cozy mountain guest house, or stay overnight right at Hotel Everest View for travelers with luxury upgrades.
Approximate Trek Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: +442 m / -442 m (+1,450 ft / -1,450 ft)
Standard accommodation: Hotel Camp de Base
Luxury accommodation: Hotel Everest View
Meals: B/L/D available (Optional Full Board add-on)
Day 4 : Trek back to Lukla (Ending Altitude: 2,860 m / 9,384 ft)
Retrace your steps back through Namche, Monjo, and Phakding as you head down to Lukla. This 7–8 hour trek gives you one last chance to enjoy the roaring river valleys, lush pine forests, and sweeping mountain ridges. Once back in Lukla, settle in and celebrate completing your trek. Your package includes your full lodge accommodation in Lukla on Day 4, regardless of whether you booked the trek starting from Kathmandu or directly from Lukla.
Approximate Trek Distance: 19 km / 11.8 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: +420 m / -1,000 m (+1,378 ft / -3,280 ft)
Standard accommodation: The Nest Lukla
Luxury accommodation: Mountain Lodges of Nepal (Lukla)
Meals: B/L/D available (Optional Full Board add-on)
Day 5 : Fly back to Kathmandu (Min Altitude: 1,350 m / 4,429 ft)
Enjoy breakfast at your lodge before getting ready to head out. If you booked your flight package with us, take a morning flight to Kathmandu and enjoy a smooth transfer back to your hotel. If you booked your flights independently, our field staff will assist you with airport check-in and luggage right up until you board your plane or say goodbye in Lukla.
Meals: B available (Optional Full Board add-on)
F.A.Q
Is the Everest 5-Day Trek suitable for beginners?
Yes, the Everest 5-Day Trek is exceptionally well-suited for beginners with moderate physical fitness and an adventurous spirit. This short itinerary follows a clear, well-established trail through pine forests, river valleys, and traditional Sherpa villages. Reaching a maximum elevation of 3,880 meters at Hotel Everest View provides a manageable altitude profile compared to reaching Everest Base Camp.
Please Note: While the route includes notable inclines like Namche Hill, the steady daily pace allows your body to adjust comfortably. At the same time, our licensed guides prioritize your safety and well-being, ensuring you complete the trek with confidence. In addition, focusing on light cardiovascular exercise and leg strengthening 4 to 6 weeks before departure will make trail climbs much easier to manage.
What happens if I cannot keep up with the group’s pace?
Your safety and comfort are our top priorities, and we ensure that no trekker is ever left behind on the trail. Our team manages group dynamics according to your booking setup:
1. Groups with Porters: If you prefer a more relaxed pace, our government-licensed porter-guides can accompany you, ensuring you are fully supported while the lead guide manages the forward group.
2. Groups without Porters: Your lead guide adjusts the overall group pace to keep everyone within a safe visual distance. If someone requires extra time, the guide prioritizes their safety, stopping at the nearest suitable teahouse rather than forcing an uncomfortable pace.
How do you manage Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)?
Safety is the foundation of every Cordial Trek expedition. Our licensed mountain guides are trained in high-altitude medical response and enforce our strict Triple-Safety Protocol:
1. Your guide conducts twice-daily health assessments using a pulse oximeter to track oxygen saturation and heart rate.
2. Our team carries comprehensive medical kits and portable oxygen supplies for immediate trailside support if needed.
3. Following the principle that "descent is the best cure," we initiate an immediate descent if symptoms persist.
Please Note: We also maintain 24/7 emergency support to coordinate helicopter evacuations to Lukla or Kathmandu in critical situations.
What are the specific travel insurance requirements?
Standard travel insurance policies frequently exclude activities above 2,500 meters. Therefore, you must obtain a dedicated adventure or trekking policy prior to starting your journey. Your policy must explicitly include:
1. Confirmation of high-altitude trekking coverage up to 4,000 meters elevation.
2. Emergency Search and Rescue (SAR) coverage with direct billing support.
3. Coverage for trip delays and disruptions caused by mountain weather in Lukla.
Expert Tip: Selecting a policy with a trip interruption clause protects your non-refundable booking costs if weather disruptions alter your flight schedules.
How do you handle Lukla flight cancellations?
During peak trekking seasons (March–May and September–November), civil aviation authorities often reroute Lukla flights through Ramechhap (Manthali) Airport to avoid air traffic congestion in Kathmandu. Driving from Kathmandu to Ramechhap takes roughly 4 to 5 hours, but the shorter 15-minute flight time significantly improves takeoff reliability. We handle this transition seamlessly by arranging private road transfers departing Kathmandu around 2:00 AM. If severe weather grounds flights, our team immediately works to rebook you on the next available flight or coordinate optional helicopter alternatives.
Expert Tip: Order a packed breakfast box from your hotel the night before departure, and schedule 1 to 2 buffer days at the end of your trip to prevent flight delays from impacting your international return.
Is the water safe to drink on the trail?
Never drink untreated tap, river, or stream water along the trekking trail. We protect your health and support local environmental conservation through three safe methods:
1. Bringing a durable, insulated water bottle allows you to refill safely while eliminating single-use plastic bottles from the trail.
2. We supply medical-grade purification tablets that eliminate 99.9% of waterborne pathogens when added to tap water.
3. Mountain lodges sell freshly boiled water on a pay-per-use basis, offering a warm and safe hydration option.
Expert Tip: Fill your heat-resistant bottle with freshly boiled water before bed and place it inside your sleeping bag for extra warmth on cold nights.
Is there electricity and Wi-Fi available?
Yes, electricity and Wi-Fi coverage are available at nearly all teahouses along the route. Most lodges connect via the Everest Link wireless network. Standard Option travelers can access the network by purchasing prepaid cards at each teahouse. In contrast, guests on the Luxury Upgrade Option enjoy Wi-Fi access and battery charging throughout their stay. In addition, signal strength remains generally reliable in primary hubs like Lukla and Namche Bazaar, though mountain weather can occasionally cause temporary slowdowns.
Expert Tip: Cold temperatures drain battery life quickly. Keep your phone, power banks, and camera batteries inside your sleeping bag at night to preserve their charge.
How much should I budget for personal expenses?
Core packages cover your guide, lodging, permits, and optional domestic flights. However, you must pay for personal expenses locally using Nepali Rupees. Standard Package travelers should budget $35 to $45 USD daily for meals, Wi-Fi, charging, and hot showers. In contrast, Luxury Upgrade guests only need $25 to $35 USD per day for meals and drinks, as amenities are included.
Expert Tip: Withdraw all required Nepali Rupees from an ATM in Kathmandu before flying to Lukla, as mountain ATMs frequently experience cash shortages or network outages.
How much should I tip my guide and porter?
Tipping is a customary tradition in the Himalayas that directly shows appreciation for your crew's hard work. For the 5-day trek, we recommend budgeting $70 to $100 USD total per trekker to be shared between your guide and porter.
Please Note: While local crews prefer tips in Nepalese Rupees, they also accept all major foreign currencies in cash.
What is your policy on solo travelers and group bookings?
We welcome both solo adventurers and group bookings, keeping overall group sizes small to guarantee personal safety and direct guide support throughout the journey.
1. Solo trekkers can select our dedicated Solo Option during checkout to guarantee a private room throughout the trek.
2. Booking with 2 or more companions automatically unlocks our standard group rate for everyone in your party.
3. Solo travelers joining an open group trek to save costs share a twin room with a trekker of the same gender. Alternatively, solo travelers booking our dedicated solo package receive a private room with all single supplement charges already included in the price.
4. We cap every departure at 7 travelers per guide to maintain personalized service.
Please Note: Booking together with a friend or family member instantly secures our best group pricing without waiting for open group departures.
Is there secure storage available for extra luggage?
Yes, we provide complimentary secure luggage storage at our office in Kathmandu for the duration of your trek. Your non-trekking clothes, travel items, and city gear remain safely stored until you return from the mountains, allowing you to travel light on domestic flights.
Expert Tip: Separate your city gear from your trekking equipment before departing for the airport, packing only essential trail items into your duffel bag to stay within weight limits.
How are the guides' and porters' meals and accommodation managed?
We practice ethical trekking and prioritize the well-being of our field personnel. Whether you book a standard guided trek or add porter service, your trip fees fully cover their daily lodging, nutritious meals, and insurance.
Can I cancel or reschedule if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel or reschedule your trek depending on your departure timeline. Cancellations made more than 48 hours before departure receive a 100% full refund. If you cancel between 24 and 48 hours before departure, your deposit becomes non-refundable, but you can reschedule to a future date for free by giving written notice at least 24 hours prior. In contrast, cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure or no-shows are non-refundable and non-reschedulable, as all permits, flights, and guide allocations are fully locked in.
Please Note: Approved refunds are returned directly to your original payment method within seven business days without any processing fee deductions from our side.
