
DURATION
11 nights
LOCATION
Nepal
ANNUAL LEAVE
9 days off work
SEASON
Mar-May / Sep-Nov
GROUP SIZE
Up to 10 people
MEETING POINT
Kathmandu Airport, Nepal
ACCOMMODATION
Classic
Hotel · Teahouse
DIFFICULTY
Challenging
You'll need to be fit and capable of hiking long days; no mountaineering experience is needed but altitude adds to the challenge
Trek through the Langtang Valley, close to the Tibetan border, dodging yaks and bedding down in remote teahouses along the way
Get up close to towering peaks and tumbling glaciers with panoramic views of Mt Shishapangma (8027m) and Mt Gangchempo (6387m)
Set off by torchlight and grab your crampons, ropes and ice axes as you navigate the tight ridge to the top
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu
Welcome to Nepal! After checking in you'll have a pre-departure meeting with your guides to run through the plans for the trek. You'll finish the day with a group dinner to get to know your team for the next couple of weeks.
Day 2
Roadtrip to Syabrubesi
Driving
7hrs
Bidding goodbye to Kathmandu, you'll hop on a bus for a bone-rattling journey to Syabrubesi, the set-off point for the trek ahead. The journey will take approx. 7 hours but there's plenty to look at as you drive past numerous roadside bazaars and terraced farms, and pass through deep valleys. You'll make a stop at Dhunche to have your permits checked before bedding down in the small town of Syabrubesi.
Day 3
Through the forest to Lama Teahouse via Bamboo
Hiking
5hrs · 850m up · 100m down
Time to lace up your hiking boots up and hit the trail. The gently undulating track weaves up and over the Bhote River suspension bridge through dense forest and past Langtang Khola. Passing through the hamlet of Bamboo, keep your eyes peeled for red panda - these elusive creatures can sometimes be sighted in the forest.
Day 4
To Langtang village
Hiking
5hrs · 11km · 1200m up · 150m down
Start the day with a walk through beautiful wild forests of hemlocks, oaks and huge rhododendron. After a steady climb, you'll pass the army checkpoint at Ghodatabela before reaching Langtang village. This sombre spot was one of the worst-hit areas when the earthquake hit in 2015 and is still being rebuilt - income from tourism is fundamental to its recovery.
Day 5
Stomp on to Kyanjin Gompa
Hiking
5hrs · 7km · 450m up · 100m down
Leaving Langtang behind, the trail crosses yak pastures and follows a meandering stream. Gengchempo (6387m) is a prominent landmark off to the east and your first sight of a mighty peak. The trail reaches the Tamang settlements of Mundu (3410m) and Sindum (3410m) flanked by equally spectacular peaks, as the full Langtang range makes an appearance. Time for some dal bhat at your teahouse in Kyanjin Gompa.
Day 6
The Kyanjin Gompa loop
Hiking
3hrs · 10km · 950m up · 950m down
No need to pack up this morning as you'll return to the same spot this evening. Today is a relatively easy day as you acclimatise to being at altitude (currently at 3830m). You can wander to a monastery, visit a local cheese factory or walk up the moraine to see the spectacular ice faces and tumbling glaciers of Langtang Lirung. For those with energy to burn, your guide can also take you up Kyanjin Ri (4773m) for a breathtaking panorama of the Langtang peaks. Overnight at Kyanjin Gompa, don't forget to look up at the stars!
Day 7
To Yala Base Camp
Hiking
6hrs · 10km · 780m up · 100m down
Leaving behind the last settlement you'll see for a couple of days, you'll start to trek along the rocky glacial trail. You'll arrive at base camp (4600m) mid-afternoon with plenty of time to settle in, grab a hot drink and marvel at the peak ahead. Sunset this high up is something to behold and worth checking out before you gather together in the mess tent for a hearty meal prepared by your crew.
Day 8
Summit day!
Hiking
10hrs · 16km · 1000m up · 1200m down
Headtorches at the ready as you set off for the summit in the early hours when conditions are usually at their best. The summit generally takes approx. 8 hours, with the last 700m usually needing ropes, crampons and ice axes. You'll make your way along a small ridge to the top at 5500m - Yala Peak bagged! Your reward - panoramic views of Shishapangma, Dorje Lakpa, Gangchempo, Naya Kang, Tserko Ri, Langtang Lirung and many other Tibetan mountains. After summitting, you'll head back to base camp for a quick refuel before descending back down to Kyanjin Gompa.
Day 9
The long descent to the Lama Teahouse
Hiking
5hrs · 18km · 100m up · 1400m down
With lung fulls of oxygen, you'll hop, skip and jump back down the valley all the way to the Lama Teahouse in Rimche, time to grab a local beer and celebrate your achievements (now at a sensible altitude to do so!).
Day 10
Back to Syabrubesi
Hiking
5hrs · 11km · 100m up · 900m down
Last day on the trail today with an easy walk through the forest, retracing the track past Bamboo and Dovan and onto the overnight spot at Syabrubesi. This small town perched above a river is the perfect place to end your hiking journey and to reflect on your achievement before saying goodbye to the mighty Himalaya tomorrow.
Day 11
Road trip back to Kathmandu
Driving
7hrs
Jump on the bus back to Kathmandu where a hot shower and your clean clothes await. You'll be staying right in the centre of Thamel, an area popular with travellers and packed with street food and backstreet bars. Head out for a final group meal and perhaps onto a local cocktail bar for a final celebratory nightcap.
Day 12
Last day in Kathmandu
Enjoy a well-earned lie in and breakfast at your hotel, then spend your last day exploring the city before heading back to the airport, and reality.
Included
Guides
You'll be led by local, expert, English-speaking mountain guides
Accommodation
2 nights in Kathmandu, 8 nights in teahouses and 1 night camping
Meals
Welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu and 4 meals while trekking
Equipment
Crampons, ice axe, ropes, helmet and harness will be provided
Transfers
Airport transfers and transfers to and from Kathmandu City
Porterage
A porter will carry your overnight luggage on the trek
Permits
All your permits and entry fees are covered and sorted
Not Included
Flights to and from the meeting point
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Tips for your guides
Some meals as described
Visas where required
Day 1
Hotel · Twin share
Day 2
Teahouse · Twin share
Day 3 – Day 6
Teahouse · Twin or triple share
Day 7
Teahouse · Twin or triple share
Day 8
Teahouse · Twin or triple share
Day 9 – Day 10
Teahouse · Twin or triple share
Day 11
Hotel · Twin share
Day 12
Departure day
What is the food like?
Breakfast is usually either hot porridge, muesli or Tibetan bread served with an omelette or boiled eggs. The menus in the teahouses are very similar at every stop and there will usually be a choice of traditional Nepalese dhal bhat (a mixed plate of lentils, rice, vegetables and pickles - delicious and healthy), Nepalese dumplings (momos), mixed noodles, pasta and even pizza. Although meat is available at some teahouses, we suggest you ask your guide for advice about eating it as it tends to depend on how far it has travelled as to whether it is a safe option.
Dairy-free, vegan or vegetarian diets can be catered for while trekking although meals may get a bit repetitive - dhal bhat will likely be your go-to staple. Gluten-free/coeliac diets are tricky to cater for on teahouse treks (beware that powdered soups and seasonings used often contain gluten, and cooking oil is commonly reused and may cause cross-contamination). Please explain your dietary requirements to your guide so that they can assist when ordering, and bringing along some extra food/snacks is advisable.
What is the accommodation like?
In Kathmandu
You’ll stay in a centrally located tourist hotel in the heart of Thamel (such as the Hotel Holy Himalaya, or one of a similar standard), close to the main shopping area and heritage sites. You will stay in twin-share rooms.
On the trek
Generally, most adventures to Nepal are based in remote areas where the accommodation will be basic. On the trek you will stay in teahouses for most of the nights - these are mountain lodges that tend to have a communal dining area and basic toilets. The rooms are usually twin-share sorted by gender, however, if there is an odd number in the group they may occasionally be mixed. There’s no heating so you'll need your warm sleeping bag. WiFi and hot showers are often available at a small cost. You can usually charge your phone up - again, you guessed it, for a cost - so remember to take an adapter.
You'll spend one night in a twin-share dome tent at Yala Peak Base Camp. All your camping kit is provided but you might wish to pack a small inflatable pillow.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked, please see Optional Extras for pricing. This is only for the 2 x nights in Kathmandu and is subject to availability. Please request this at the time of booking.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Kathmandu Airport (KTM)
Anytime on Day 1
Ends
Kathmandu Airport (KTM)
Anytime on Day 12
Transfers
Airport arrival and departure transfers are included no matter when you arrive and depart (even if booking extra nights before or after the trip), provided you have completed your passenger information form and have supplied your flight details in advance.
Travel options
There are regular flights to Kathmandu from major airports in the UK, Europe and North America.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What's provided?
- All climbing equipment: ice axe, ascender, descender, climbing helmet, harness, carabiners, crampons (ice axes and crampons are generally only required on winter climbs from December to March, but your porter will carry them just in case).
What do I need to bring?
- Day pack with rain cover (35 litre +)
- Rucksack or duffle bag (for the porters to carry overnight kit)
Clothes
Mountain environments are notoriously unpredictable. A layering system works best so that you can put on and remove items to adjust your temperature. You'll need to be equipped for all eventualities, although you won't necessarily need to use everything if you're lucky with the mountain conditions.
- Waterproof jacket (windproof)
- 3- to 4-season down jacket, with hood
- Waterproof and windproof overtrousers
- Lightweight trekking trousers
- Thermals (top and bottom, wool or synthetic)
- 2/3 trekking t-shirts/shirts
- Fleece or warm mid-layer
- Warm gloves
- Hiking socks and merino liners
- Woolly hat
- Sun hat/cap
- Spare underwear
- Buff or similar
- Something to sleep in
Shoes
- Worn-in, waterproof hiking boots (with ankle support): B1 boots are suitable if you have them but crampon-compatible boots are not generally necessary except on winter climbs
- Lightweight trainers (for the evenings)
Sleeping
- 4-season sleeping bag with hood (with a comfort rating down to around -20°c)
- Sleeping bag liner (a good liner can add a few degrees extra warmth)
- Pillowcase (optional)
Other
- Trekking poles
- Travel towel
- Sun protection and lip balm (high SPF: 50+)
- Sunglasses (UV blocking, ideally with a 'wrap-around' design)
- 2 x 1-litre water bottles (Metal SIGG bottles can double up as hot water bottles at night)
- Headtorch (LED recommended)
- Earplugs (for the teahouses)
- First aid kit and/or personal medication
- Water purification tablets/system
- Biodegradable wet wipes
- Hand gel
- Small biodegradable bags to take toilet tissue off the mountain
- Toilet paper/tissues
- 1 x passport photos for trek permits
- Powerbank/solar charger
- Universal plug adaptor
- Book/Kindle/cards for downtime
Please remove all unnecessary packing before you leave home and ensure you take all plastic off the mountain to be disposed of in Kathmandu.
What's available to hire?
The below can be rented in Kathmandu:
- Down jacket: costs approx. $1.5/day with a deposit of $50
- Sleeping bag (3-season only available): costs approx. $2/day with a deposit of $80
(Please ask your host if this is needed so they can assist you with how to arrange the hire.)
What can you buy in Kathmandu?
Kathmandu has many outdoor gear shops - some with kit that is the same price you will find it at home and some are filled with cheaper imitation gear that may not be of the same quality. You will, however, find a soft duffel bag easily that the porters can carry.
Weight restrictions
There will be one porter for every person on this trip. They will each carry up to 20-25kg of kit (including your climbing gear). Please pack no more than 15kg per person of personal clothing/items (including your sleeping bag) in a soft backpack or duffel bag, allowing for the climbing equipment to make up the remainder of the porterage limit. You will only need to carry a ‘day pack’ with essentials in (extra layer, snacks, water, suncream, camera etc).
Optional Private Room Upgrade (Kathmandu x 2 nights)
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade (Kathmandu x 2 nights)
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Pre/post-trip accommodation in Kathmandu (Single)
Payable Before Departure
Pre/post-trip accommodation in Kathmandu (Single)
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Pre/post-trip accommodation in Kathmandu (Twin/Double)
Payable Before Departure
Pre/post-trip accommodation in Kathmandu (Twin/Double)
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The trek was a fantastic experience that I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Dakman and the climbers Ngima and Pasang were very patient and accommodating throughout the trip and helped us all successfully reach Yala summit with not much prior mountaineering experience. They were all very polite and fun to be around as well as the porters. I would recommend the trip to anyone who wants to push themselves to new limits! I would also recommend bringing protein supplements if you’re used to a protein-rich western diet.
Trip of a lifetime! I cannot recommend this trip enough. If you want to experience a truly Nepalese mountain trek then pick this one. The trails are pretty quiet and take you from jungle to snowy miuntains over the course of a few daysa. The summit day of Yala Peak is a challenging and serious day out (especially in snow) but the reward of snowy mountain views for miles is worth it.. The local team were incredible making the trip for me. Experienced, knowledgeable and always on hand to ensure we had the best experience. The accommodation in Kathmandhu is comfortable great for exploring the crazy city and the tea houses on the trekking route gave a really special almost home stay experience. Big thanks to Dakman, Pasang and Ngima for a trip that I will never forget!
Yala peak is an A+ adventure. It’s not for your typical hiker but for those who want next level experiences this is the trip for you. You must complete over 50 miles of breathtaking views and eventually find yourself in the rare air. It’s tough but one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The local operators, Freedom Adventures, are completely invested in making the experience the best possible. Personally, I feel Nepal and the Himalayas have changed my outlook of life in a better way and I’m left thinking about my next trip to this magical country.
I have just returned from the Yala Peak trip 06-17th November 2022. It was my first time in Nepal and first time to the Himalaya. It has been a dream of mine since I was 15 - and it did not disappoint. I have always been apprehensive about booking onto group trips online and going to the mountains with people I did not know. I was lucky in a sense in that I was going with 1 other - and we actually met prior to departure as it turned out we only live 10 minutes away from each other! So in this sense it actually felt like a private trip/expedition for us. It is hard for me to pick a highlight - the objective was to climb Yala Peak which we successfully completed but without a doubt the whole trip was excellent. I wanted a challenge - and Yala Peak certainly provided this - not technically but the altitude did weigh down on us low landers (Bristol being 11m above sea level!). Aside from this the trip really was a brilliant introduction to Nepal and the Himalaya for me - and has left me hungry for much more. The team provided by my local host was excellent - our main guide Dakman was great and I cant praise him highly enough - a perfect balance for me of not being overbearing but a kind hearted, friendly and knowledgeable bloke who spends his whole life walking these mountains. I dont like to be smothered or waited on hand and foot - but the guide was literally there for any needs which we did have. We were very lucky with our climbing guide Ashok- usually guiding on 8000's and so to have him share some of his time, knowledge and insight with us was a real special bonus. The Langtang Valley is beautiful - in the sunshine the area surrounding Kyanjin Gompa was genuinely up there with the most beautiful and powerful scenery I have ever seen and walked amongst. Whilst I have never been to the Annapurna and Everest areas I have in recent years been put off by the increasing commercialization of that area and the number of tourists that head there. Langtang still has that genuine rural/remote feel to it. There are of course other hikers there but it retains its peace and serenity. I love the fact you get to stay with the real people living a tough life surviving where most would not - quite literally sharing their homes and dining spaces with us. If you want a pampered 5* hotel kind of experience this is not the trip for you. The showers are generally freezing and the toilets stink. If this does not phase you then I would hands down recommend this trip. I will never forget the smiles and the hospitality of the people we stayed with. In particular the girls at Mountain View Guest House Langtang Village. Whilst feeling saddened to witness the site of the tragic landslide that occurred following the earthquake of 2015 that destroyed the original village - their huge smiles, happiness and hospitality was so amazing and the happiness infectious. It really was inspirational and despite the horror of what had happened had rebuilt/were continuing to rebuild their lives. This is a particularly rambling review - I dont think i have quite unpacked/processed the trip in its entirety yet but it really was an amazing experience for me. The saving process begins again from now and I hope to return soon. Thanks to Much Better Adventures and my local host for their parts in organising and putting this trip on.
Yala Peak trip was everything what I hoped so (beautiful area to trek, challenging climb to the top, friendly local people, good food and a lot of good memories). The local host was great (including Krishna who arranged for all transport, hotel etc. and made sure that the trip run smoothly). I fill that I made new friends in Nepal. I struggled with the altitude sickness, but local guides (Dakman, Ashok, Pasang & Asman) were all very supportive and helped me to achieve my dream and reach the Yala Peak!
From the tropical heat of Langtang Valley through sacred sites to the breathtaking peaks around Kyanjin Gompa and heaving yourself to the summit, the Yala trip was magical.
Yala Peak is a brilliant but very hard trip. Starting at 25 degrees and 90% humidity in the low lang tang valley and hiking up to the minus degrees you can see so much of what Langtang has to offer in one trip. I did go in May so the weather may be different for another trip but the contrast is massive. Brilliant views with plenty of time to relax after a long day's hike. I would absolutely recommend this trip to anyone.
Great trip, tough, but very rewarding
Great trip through the Langtang Valley to see the mountains. Never seen such high or beautiful mountains/scenery before! Would absolutely recommend this trip, and combine it with a tour around Nepal before/afterwards. Be prepared for pretty basic conditions in the valley, and have a good level of fitness!
We've crunched the numbers to work out the total carbon footprint of this trip, and plant enough trees to suck 2x as much back out the atmosphere.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 343kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal for 2023 to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. For every person booked with us since 2016 we’re planting enough trees to suck at least 2x more carbon out the atmosphere than is emitted by their trips. All native trees, as part of amazing projects that are re-foresting degraded land, tackling the biodiversity crisis and supporting local communities at the same time. We go further than that too, also funding re-wilding projects worldwide to help protect important keystone species from extinction. See the reforestation and re-wilding schemes we support. See our carbon action plan.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
Much of the trek is within the capabilities of people with good fitness and stamina who are keen and experienced trekkers. Still, it is important to note that trekking at altitudes above 3000m/10,000ft is more demanding on the body than walking at low elevations. Some training beforehand will help and we advise doing at least one weekend of back to back days walking. The guide will set the pace and as with all altitude treks, the theme is ‘slowly slowly’ to help you adjust to the altitude.
The ascent of Yala Peak is non-technical so you do not need previous mountaineering or high altitude climbing experience. You will, however, summit using ropes, crampons and an ice axe - you will learn the basics and practice using these while hiking on the previous days and there will be plenty of time to go through these skills with your guide before you start the summit. It may be that you use these items for a short period only or for a couple of days as you approach the summit, the weather is highly changeable so you will prepare early on in the trek to ensure you feel confident with the ascent.
Sure can! Over 50% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
We do not include meals on the trek as from experience we know that altitude and physical exercise can mean appetites vary hugely. The cost of food rises as you ascend as it is all carried in by porters and yaks and as you get higher up, very little food can be grown. How much you spend per day will vary according to your choice of meal but generally, people spend between $25-$35 per person per day on meals and hot drinks. Below is an approx. breakdown of some items:
- Dal Baht: $4 to $7
- Chow Mein: $2 to $4
- Eggs: $2 to $4
- Toast: $1.50 to $3
- Tea/Hot Chocolate: $1.00 to $3.00
- Chocolate Bars: $2 to $4
Teahouses will provide cold water free of charge however it needs to be treated to enable you to drink it. Please read the FAQ re our advice here.
Other extra costs to be considered:
- Shower: $2-$4
- Wifi: $2-5
- Electricity: $2-5
It is customary in Nepal to tip guides and porters. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. You can give any tips to your lead guide at the end of your trip. This will then be shared amongst the whole team. For full transparency, the lead guide will distribute the tips to the guides and porters in your presence. It is customary for the guides to receive a higher share than the porters as they are more highly qualified. A good rule of thumb is around $140pp as a tip, although the amount you give is entirely your choice.
If you would like to give an additional tip to a member of the team who has supported you personally please do so directly and discretely.
The preferred currency is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). Whilst ATMs are available in the main cities, please do not rely on them as they are often out of order and most have a maximum withdrawal limit equivalent to about GBP300.
It's best to bring the bulk of your money with you in cash and exchange it at a bank or at one of the many money changers in Nepal - your guide will help you with this. Most major currencies are accepted, including GBP (Sterling), Euros and US Dollars, however Scottish or Irish currency cannot be changed. Keep your exchange receipts in case you want to change any unused Rupees back into hard currency when you leave Nepal (it is illegal to export Nepalese Rupees as it is a closed currency).
You will need to carry a fairly large amount of cash while trekking for the meals. We advise that you keep this in a waterproof bag and in your day bag along with your passport.
We work with some of the best leaders in the industry. Every single one of them is government licensed and very experienced. In order to ensure the guides high standard of performance, the host provides them with top-notch in-house training that covers advanced wilderness first aid, hyperbaric chambers, oxygen system, mountain rescue and incident management and Leave No Trace (LNT) principles.
When you trek in the mountains, there's always the risk of getting altitude sickness, regardless of how old, young, fit or unfit you are. We would expect most trekkers to feel some mild symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, sleeplessness, heavy breathing) when over 3000m. Our guides are trained to identify the symptoms of altitude sickness so if any more serious symptoms are noted, there is a strict procedure regarding extra care or a rapid descent or evacuation if needed. All of our trips have been designed with altitude best practice in mind so acclimatisation days have been built in and our experienced guides follow advice to ‘walk high and sleep low’. On this trip, medical oxygen is available to treat altitude sickness should it be needed.
There are 2 key seasons for trekking Yala Peak in Nepal:
Pre-Monsoon / Spring (March-May): Temperatures rise significantly in spring and flowers are in full bloom in the lower lands. Although it can still drop below freezing at night, the daytime temperatures tend to sit between 10-15°c.
Post-Monsoon / Autumn (Sept-Nov): This is the most popular time to trek in Nepal with sunny and mild days generally. It can get cold and windy at higher altitudes however skies are usually clear.
Snow is likely in early March and late November but for other dates later in Spring and earlier in Autumn, it will be less prevalent. If there is no or minimal snow, the summit will be approached as more of a scramble than a snowy hike so crampons and ice axe won't be needed. Of course, mountain weather is notoriously hard to predict and snow can be expected on any trip so all the kit will travel with you in case it is needed.
Although we schedule departure dates outside of the main monsoon season, weather conditions in any mountain region can be unpredictable and sometimes your host will need to revert to 'Plan B'.
No two trekking seasons are the same but occasional landslides or heavy snowfall/avalanches have been known to lead to trail closures in this region. In this event, it will not be possible to reach Yala Peak or summit a peak and your host will organise an alternative trek - usually the Laurebina La to Gosainkunda.
As you are summiting a peak in mountainous terrain, it may be that the weather isn't perfect - if this is the case, you are likely to get another chance to summit the next day. So to play it safe we advise you to consider booking an extra night’s accommodation in Kathmandu at the end of the trip.
You can leave any luggage not needed on the trek at your hotel in Kathmandu.
There will be one porter for every person. They will each carry up to 20-25kg of kit (including your climbing gear) so your overnight bags will be transported for you. Please pack no more than 15kg per person of personal clothing/items (including your sleeping bag) in a soft backpack or duffel bag, allowing for the climbing equipment to make up the remainder of the porterage limit. You will only need to carry a ‘day pack’ with essentials in (extra layer, snacks, water, suncream, camera etc).
We’ve sourced some great optional activities for you to do in and around Kathmandu should you wish to explore that little bit further. Please discuss these directly with your host who will be able to book them for you.
Cook Like a Local: This short cooking workshop (approx. 3 hours) teaches you how to cook popular Nepali dishes like momos and dal bhat. You’ll meet your teacher and accompany them shopping, then head to the kitchen and learn to cook alongside them. Price: pay what you think the workshop is worth!
Shop Local: A 2-3 hour guided exploration of the markets of Kathmandu. Prepare to learn about the vendors that line the crowded narrow alleyways and to witness everything you could ever imagine being sold, haggled and bargained for. A great experience to learn about the melting pot of cultures that exist in Kathmandu. Price: $9-$50pp, depending on the group size.
Master of the Arts: Patan Durbar Square is popular for its Fine Arts and this trip will explore the local factories where handicrafts are made. You’ll visit 2-3 factories and learn about traditional processes and see art being produced. Price: $14-$59pp, depending on the group size.
Introduction to Shamanism: Shamanism, which is believed to heal many diseases, is not practised widely these days however this trip enables you to meet a practising Guru and learn all about this age-old tradition. You’ll visit a small house to have an introduction, followed by lunch and a drumming session where you’ll learn the importance of rhythm pattern to healing. Price: $90-$150, depending on group size.
Although most teahouses have the option to buy bottled water, we advise against it to reduce the use of plastic in the mountains (this ends up being burnt or in landfill out of sight). You will instead be provided with cold water that needs treating. There is a wide range of products available these days which are more effective than traditional purification tablets - some trekkers like to use UV handheld devices such as a Steripen but other options are available (just check the performance in freezing conditions).
We recommend checking out the country specific information here and also talking to a travel nurse.
For current advice regarding travel in Nepal, have a read of the FCO pages here.
Whilst there are no domestic flights included in this itinerary, should you choose to add one to your booking as an additional service you should be aware of the following:
Nepal's mountainous terrain and weather make for challenging flying conditions and sadly more incidents (including fatalities) occur here than in other countries. Since 2013 the EU has banned all Nepalese domestic airlines from flying within EU airspace in order to raise awareness of the poor safety record (although no Nepalese airlines were operating routes within the EU prior to the ban). You should be aware that flying in Nepal is an identified risk: please consider this carefully before booking. Additional information can be found on the Aviation Safety Network entry for Nepal as well as the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office travel advice for Nepal
Domestic airlines in Nepal are generally not accredited by any internationally recognised safety audit systems and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal does not operate to the same standards as those of Western nations.
What does MBA do about this?
MBA collaborates with other UK travel companies that arrange for independent air-safety auditors to visit Nepal annually to assess the local airlines. MBA then only uses the carriers that were approved as part of the most recent audit. If any concerns are subsequently raised about an approved airline between audits, we put them on hold until the auditors are satisfied that safety standards are being met.
Owing to the nature of this trip, it is essential that your personal travel insurance policy provides cover to the maximum altitude visited on this trip (5500m) as well as for emergency medical evacuation by helicopter.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our adventures. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure.
Your insurance policy should also include specific Covid-19 cover, including cancellation and curtailment cover if you, your travel companion or a close relative are diagnosed with Covid-19.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're in good company. Our adventures are typically made up of a mix of solo travellers and small groups of two or three friends who simply love adventure, pushing themselves and meeting awesome like-minded people. See here for more info about our lovely bunch of Much Better Adventurers.
Want to book a private trip? Just tap ‘Private Group’ in the dates and prices tab.
Your trip is led by carefully curated local hosts and expert guides. See here for more info about the guides we work with.
Pay In Installments
You can choose to pay for this trip in as many installments as you like, with no interest or fees.
Full Financial Protection
Your money is safe. Every booking is fully financially protected.