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Gokyo Valley and Gokyo Ri
Trek
Group Size:
1 
Duration:
14 Days 
Max Altitude:
5383m 
Accommodation
Tea House / Mountain Lodge and Hotel 
Trip Grading:
Moderate 
Trip Start:
Kathmandu 
Trip End:
Kathmandu 
Average Dist. per Day
12.80 KM / 7.95 MILE 
Average Time per Day
6hrs 
Trip Overview
Onward the Gokyo Lake Trek, you pass the popular Namche Bazaar, which is the main trading town of Khumbu. Namche is also the gateway of the Everest region. Carefully designed itinerary of Gokyo valley includes an acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar. In the day we explore Namche, visit Sherpa museum. Then hike up to Syangboche airport, claimed to be the world’s highest airport, and see the mountains from Everest View Hotel with sipping coffee.
Amid the Sherpa villages, Khumjung and Khunde are the most notable ones. Seventy percent of Sherpas who are working in Himalaya as a guide or businessman is from the same town. Khumjung and Khunde villages are the oldest Sherpa villages, which allow learning the core history of Sherpa dynasty, religions, culture, and costume. These villages have included in Gokyo Lake trek. Gokyo valley trek is special for the view of Himalayas, lakes, and glaciers. Gokyo Ri hosts some of the best views of the mountains. From Gokyo Ri you can see scenic views of the Himalayas including Mt. Everest, Mt.Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Cho Oyu, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Baruntse, Mt. Makalu and many more snowcapped peaks, lakes, and glaciers.
After exploring the Gokyo Lakes, and biggest glaciers Nozungmba the trip turns back to Lukla in a few days. The returning route is the same that we trekked before. Lukla is the ending point of the trek and also the celebration of the trek. Share your trekking experiences with trekking crews and toast a few rounds of drinks.
Tour Highlight
- Expereice of landing and taking off in Lukla airport
- Picturesque view of Mountains and Himalayan Valleys
- Exchange and Experience culture with Sherpa community
- Exploring the Gokyo Lakes
- Beautiful panaromic view from Gokyo Ri
Trip Itinerary
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Day 1
Arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport
Welcome to Nepal! We will receive you the airport and transport you to hotel.
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Day 2
Pre-trip meeting and sightseeing around the Kathmandu valley
The day beings with a meeting and introducing with your trek and tour leader. After breakfast, we organize a short meeting at the hotel lobby. The meeting finalizes the preparation of the trek. In the meeting, you need to bring three copies of passport copy size photos, and travel insurance copy. Soon, the day tour will starts and on the tour visit most highlighted places of Kathmandu.
Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most visited and sacred places of Hindu. According to Hindu mythology, Pashupatinath is one of four Dham. It is not only a religious place also the cremation place. The dead body is burning with firewood in the bank of holy river Bagmati.
Bouddhanath Stupa is one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world. While touring in Buddha you can meet the monks, learn Buddhism, gather the information about Thankas, and its significants.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a royal palace built in centuries ago when Nepal had 22 and 24 state kingdom. The palace is famous with the name of fifty-five windows durbar, Nyatapol Mandir the tallest temple in Nepal. The Lion Gate, Golden Gates, The statue of King BhupatindraMalla and the pottery where the potter makes are the main attractions of Bhaktapur.
After finished the tour, the evening time is to review the luggage for the trek. If you interested you can walk around Thamel, choose the restaurant for dinner.
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Day 3
Fly to Lukla (2,840m). Trek to Phakding (2,610m)
Wake up early in the morning and head to the airport for a flight to Lukla. We take a packed breakfast today. After a short scenic flight to Lukla, we begin the trek, after meeting our local trekking staff. We reach Phakding today, located on the banks of Dhudhkoshi River.
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Day 4
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,441m)
Following Dudh Koshi River and then a climb to reach Namche takes approximately 6 hours. We cross the river several times, encountering yaks and mules along the trail. Finally, the trail on the banks finish and we start ascending on steep gradient up, crossing the highest suspension bridge of Everest Region. The climb is steep, so we walk with a comfortable pace. Finally we reach Namche, the biggest town in the region.
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Day 5
Namche Bazaar (3,441m) acclimatization day
Today is a rest day of the trek. It is very important to take rest and acclimatize as we gain altitude. Today you will hike up to Syangboche and visit a museum that belongs to Sherpa culture, and the history records of Mt. Everest expedition by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary, the first ones to scale Everest. The view of Namche, Khumjung village, and the massive summits in front are stupendous from Syangboche.
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Day 6
Trek to Phorste Thanga (3,680m)
The trail gradually climbs to higher altitude today through rhododendron forests and juniper. We stick to the left trail from Sanasa, which follows the trail to Gokyo. Over grassland path we reach Mong La daanda where we can take a short break to absorb the beautiful views, before descending to Phortse Thanga.
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Day 7
Trek to Machherma (4,470m)
The journey today begins with a steep climb up, through pine forests. Along the trail, you can see beautiful waterfalls. Before reaching Dole you can see magnificent views of the valley down below as well as Mt. Cho Oyu on the horizon. Dole is a commercial town where you can have lunch if you feel hungry. The treeline finishes once we cross Dole.
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Day 8
Trek to Gokyo (4,790m)
Today is fairly shorter than the previous day. We walk for about 4 hours to Gokyo. The beginning part of the trail is roughly steep up about 25 minutes and then almost flat till Phanga, which is also our tea break spot. Eventually, the trail goes gradually up for about an hour. The approach to the first lake is also steep up and narrow. From the first lake, it takes about 1.5 hrs to reach Gokyo Valley (4,790 m). We have lunch here after which there is enough time to explore the third lake Dudh Pokhari along with magnificent mountain views.
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Day 9
Trek to Gokyo Ri (5,383m) and back to Gokyo (4790m)
An early morning hike up to Gokyo Ri (5383m) takes us to an amazing view point to see the mountains from. After, about 2.5-3 hrs hiking you will be on the top of Gokyo Ri, one of the highlights of the trip. From here, you can see a panoramic view of mountains including Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Cho-Oyu, Mt. Nuptse, Gyachung Khang, Numbur, Thamsherku, Cholatse and Tawoche in addition to Ngozumpa Glacier and Gokyo Valley and the lake by the side. We head back down to Gokyo and after a short break, a delicious and hot lunch will be well served.
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Day 10
Trek to Dole (4, 200m)
After having explored Gokyo and Gokyo Ri, we make our way down through the same route and amazing views of the Himalayas. We have Maccherma and continue down to Dole.
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Day 11
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,441m) via Khumjung village (3,780m)
After breakfast, we trek down to Phortse from Dole, and continue on towards Mong La Danda, which will be our lunch spot. Making our way to Khumjung village, we get to explore the largely traditional village, we make a small climb up to Syangboche before descending to Namche Bazaar.
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Day 12
Trek down to Lukla (2,840m)
After trekking for 9 days in the region, we make our way to Lukla which will be our final stop in Solukhumbu region. For lunch, we stop at Phakding, a village that lies on the banks of Dudhkoshi River.
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Day 13
Morning flight back to Kathmandu
This morning you will fly out from Lukla to Kathmandu, and upon arrival, your guide transfers you to the hotel. A good rest after a long trek will be crucial. In the evening, you have leisure time to stroll around Thamel and do any souvenir shopping if you like.
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Day 14
Transfer to the airport for your final flight departure
The trip concludes today. Your guide will drop you off at the international airport for your departure back home.
Itinerary Info
Standard Itinerary and Private Trip
It is the notice about Standard Itinerary and Private Trip. The provided itinerary is standard, and if you want to customize it, you can do it. OR you can go through our Plan Your Holidays page.Travel Insurance and Covers
We strongly recommend you have travel insurance that covers the adventure activities such as trekking/hiking above 15,000 feet. And must include flights delayed/canceled by bad weather, accidents, evacuations, etc.Keep in Mind
Sometimes, unusual weather changes, natural disasters, flight delays, and cancellations, government rules, local political situations, health conditions of trekkers may change your itinerary. At that point, our leading guide will decide and try to minimize the impacts and run the trip smoothly, but we are not liable for any additional costs if needed.Always options for Upgrade
Please you can upgrade your accommodation and transportation service to regular. We can provide you with 5Star hotel accommodation and the best available private car/ jeep services. And also domestic flights including the Helicopter Charter.
All we know is that the Lukla flight is sensitive in the case of weather. Instantly it may be delayed and canceled as well. A tiny Himalayan airport has difficulty facing heavy traffic which is why sometimes the flight may be delayed. So, we suggest, if you are trekking in Everest, please make sure at least you have two days additional in the program. In the case of a weather cancellation, the best alternative to get Lukla is to charter a helicopter because the copter can fly in lower visibility of 1,500 meters. However, Twin Otter and Dornier aircraft need minimum visibility of 5,000 meters. Due to the air traffic in Kathmandu during the peak months (March, April, May, September, October, and November), CAAN has promulgated the notice that the flight has been shifted to Manthali from Kathmandu to Lukla. If there are changes will update you ASAP.Lukla Flights:
What about the Helicopter cost? Is it getting instant or need to be in the queue?
A helicopter charges US $ 2500 per flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. And the US $ 500 per person on a sharing basis. Except for the emergency, during the high season and extreme weather of Lukla, you may not get a helicopter instantly or need to be in the queue. Also, if you have requested the Helicopter for less than 24hrs, you may need to wait because of the limited number of helicopters, and they’re using various activities in the mountains.
Lukla flight from Manthli Airport, Ramechhap
Elevation Graph
Available Date
- Fixed Departures
- Private
Select a departure month
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- September
- October
- November
- December
What Includes & Excludes
Includes
- From and to airport transfer to hotel on a private tourist vehicle
- Fullday guided sightseeing in Kathmandu.
- 3 nights hotel accommodation in a standard hotel in Kathmandu.
- 10 nights in available best guesthouses and lodges in the trek.
- Meals during the trek 13 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 11 dinners.
- From and to airport transfer to hotel on a private tourist vehicle
- Accommodation, foods, insurance, salary, equipment, and medicine for field staffs.
- Trekking/tour permits, entrance fees.
- All ground transportion as per itinerary
- Farewell dinner one night before the client’s final departure in a typical Nepali Restaurant with culture dance. Your guide will accompany you.
- All government taxes and official expenses.
Excludes
- International airfare to and from Nepal.
- Visa fees and travel insurance.
- International airfare to and from Nepal.
- International airfare to and from Nepal.
- Personal trekking gears/equipment.
- Tips for trekking staff (Tipping is expected).
- Anything not mentioned in the price includes.
HOW ARE WE DIFFERENT?
We operate this trip with aiming:
- To improve the lifestyle of local people
- To protect the environment
- To respect and promote the culture of the local community
- To create the Volunteering Opportunities
- To donate 5% of each trip cost to the COSD Nepal organization
We hire the local people as trekking staff, which creates the opportunity to learn and share the cultures, get exposure to local traditions. You can enjoy the local product feasts in the teahouses and lodges that directly help their business.
- Namaste [Namaste is usually spoken with a slight bow and hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointing upwards, thumbs close to the chest] is the respectful greetings in Nepal.
- Walk-in clockwise direction around temples, monuments, MANE Stone, MANE-wall is the culture of Hinduism and Buddhism.
- Enter temples and with removing shoes and also leather.
- Ask permission to take any portrait of locals.
- Use right while giving and receiving food, eating, wiping mouth, etc.
- Please dress in loose-fitting clothes while entering temples and monasteries.
A small group of travelers led by the local trek leader, we try to minimize the impacts on natural resources and the environment during the trips. We emphasize reducing waste. Encourage travelers to use a refillable water bottle instead of a single-use bottle.
We are also a supporter of the Community Organization for Sustainable Development Nepal (COSD Nepal). And, we collect 5% of the total payment of each trek to contribute to the organization.
Volunteer Opportunity
We have a volunteer trip operating in a local school in Gorkha. Through this trip, you can directly support the children also the teachers’ educational status.
Add-on Activities
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$ 90$ 100Shivapuri Peak Hike
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$ 585$ 650Bardia National Park Tour
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$ 90White Gumba Tour
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$ 350Scenic Mountain Flight
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$ 150Kathmandu Day Tour
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$ 200Bungee Jumping in Nepal
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$ 2000Everest Heli Tour
Equipment List
Here you will get a basic idea of the equipment and items of clothing that you need to carry on the trip. Apex Asia Holidays provide you with a gratis duffel bag in Kathmandu to pack your trekking luggage.
Note:
- Non- trekking items can store at the Hotel lockers in Kathmandu.
- If you are trekking in Everest Region: Kathmandu- Lukla Flight only allows the 15KG including hand-carry bag.
- You must have to carry a down jacket from above 4000 meters to keep warms. You can hire a down jacket and sleeping bag for USD 30 with us.
Upper Body - Head / Ears / Eyes
- A cap to protect your ear and neck from sunlight
- Warm wool or synthetic hat
- UV protective glaciers sunglasses - better to have side shield.
Hand
- A pair liner woolen gloves for mild days and heavy for morning and evening
- Haviers Gloves
Core Body
- Three cotton t-shirts
- Three synthetic t-shirt
- Two long sleeve polyesters, light colored shirts for sunny days.
- A soft shell jacket, water resistant, with insulation, underarm ventilation zippers. The full front zipper is preferable for ventilation.
- For women two synthetic sports bras, no cotton.
Lower Body
- Two pairs of nylon hiking shorts.
- Underwear, stay away from cotton.
- Two pairs lightweight long underwear.
- Two pair trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees.
Feet
- At least four pairs of liner socks, synthetic. And three pair heavyweight socks to be worn over liner socks.
- A pair of lightweight socks, a good option for the lower / warmer parts of the trail and also on lodges at the time of dinner.
- A pair light to medium weight waterproof hiking/trekking boots. Make sure the size and should have to be avoidable for blister.
- A pair light trekking shoes or sneakers to wear in and about camps or lodge.
- A pair plastic shell mountaineering boots with high altitude liners
Other Essential
- Small Day Pack
- A pair of steel crampons
- Climbing Helmet and Harness
- A mountaineering ice axe with a leash
- An ascender
- D –Shaped locking
- Non- locking carabiners
- A pair of expeditions style gaiters- ensure fit over your boots
- A neck gaiter
Medicine and First Aid
- Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches
- Ibuprofen for general aches and pains
- Immodium or Pepto bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea
- Diamox 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness
- Anti-infection ointments
- Lip balm (At least SPF 20)
- Sunscreen (SPF 40)
Miscellaneous but Important
Important Info
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TRANSPORTATION
In Nepal, there are two kinds of transport, public and private. We mostly recommend you to use the private than the public because the roads two ways that make traffic, and the private vehicle can avoid the traffic by choosing the proper time for less traffic.
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MEALS
In Nepal, you will get the extensive food menu. From the international food menu to local foods. Dal Bhat is the main course of Nepal. Your guide will help you to choose the suitable food, on the trek and tour.
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ALTITUDE SICKNESS
Trekking is the popular trekking ventures in Nepal, which is always in the High Himalaya and where we have the chance to get altitude sickness. So, it is highly recommended to learn more about the High Altitude Sickness before you start the trek. Hurry can be deadly in Nepal Himalaya. Walk slow, and give enough time to your body to fit in the high altitude. Drinking more water and stepping slowly with rest is the best protection against altitude sickness.
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INSURANCE
It is necessary to have travel insurance before you embark on any trip. The insurance policy should include the cost of medical expenses, any damage or loss of your luggage, and cancellation.
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SAFETY
Nepal is one of the safe and more peaceful countries around the world. Even though you must have your Travel Insurance and the should cover the area which is on your itinerary.
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RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
Traveling is the way of getting in touch with the local peoples. It is important to recognize what is acceptable in the society, such as dresses, behaviors, and language. There might be different than your own country. Most of the people can communicate in English in the cities and also some touristy towns but if you have learned a few words Nepali, like greetings “Namaste” that make a huge difference.
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HEALTH & SAFETY
Apex Asia Holidays always concern about the health and safety of the clients. Our guide carries a first aid kit with the directed medicine by the doctors. We also recommend you to discuss with your doctor about your visit at least a month ago. In case of severe or emergency, we transfer you to the nearest hospital. Safety is the first important for us as a responsible tour agency, so we do not take unnecessary risk.
Why Book With Us
- Great Value Guranteed
- Small Group Size
- Local Expert Guides
- Hassel-Free Booking
- Social Responsible
- Excellent Service
Tour Map
Frequently Ask Question
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What is the time zone of Nepal?
NPT (UTC+05:45)
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Do I need to tip the guide and porters? What is the standard tip?
Tips is expected by your team members and normally the standard is 10% of your total trip cost.
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Do you arrange the International and domestic flights?
Yes, we can do as per clients’ require. Normally, we arrange all domestic flights and if you required we can arrange also international tickets.
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Can I change my itinerary?
Yes, customizing the itineraries is the feature of Apex Asia Holidays. And you can also visit the Plan Your Holidays link.
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Is it possible to extend trip?
Sure, you can extend your entire trip and also you can do extended trip.
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Is it possible to use credit card during the trek/ tour?
Using card is not possible in all trekking town except Namche of Everest region. But in the cities you can use the cards.
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Can I charge the batteries of cameras, phones?
Yes, you can charge your devices, but recommended you to bring your plugs, chargers and also do not leave unattended anything while charging in a lobby or somewhere in trekking guesthouse. And if you are in camping trek it’s quite hard to charge the phone so advising to bring portable charge.
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Is there any possibility to communicate in my hometown?
Yes, you can. In the Everest and Annapurna region you can connect via Phone, Internet both is available in most of town and, in some remote routes you may need to use satellite phone that are carry by you trek guide or also get in the local town.
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Do you provide any equipment for the trek?
Apex Asia Holidays provides you a basic equipment like Sleeping Bag, Down Jacket, for tea-house trek. And for the climbing trip we provide the basic equipment. For camping trek check it once including section.
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Is the shower facility during the tour/trek?
Yes, you can have shower during the trek. In camping trek you will get shower in shower tent which is basically provide 3-4 times in whole trek it is depending on the duration of the trek. And in a tea-house trek we will provide you attached room where is possible and the rest of town you will payable shower.
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What are the accommodations and meals like?
All the meals that you provided are hygienic and fresh. While you are in camping trek you get meals prepared by professional camping cook. And if you are doing tea-house trek you will get the main course as like in the cities. For accommodation in the camping trek you will have a tent with good qualities mattress and sleeping bag. And if you are in tea-house trek you will normal twin sharing room in basic facilities with warm mattress and blanket, and also we provide sleeping bag if you need.
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Is the drinking water okay? Or I need to use tablets?
For drinking water you can buy bottle water that purified mineral water in tea-house trek and city tour. And in camping trek the camping cook provides you boiled water. For some case of remote area trekking it would be better to have some purification tablets that you can buy in Kathmandu.
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How big is a group size?
We will try to arrange small group of willing people, which immortalized the treks. Normally we encompass 12 -16 people in a group. (This is not to apply for them who want to do Private Trip, no minimum and maximum for them.)
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Do you arrange the private trip?
Yes, of course we will arrange private tour.
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Should I need to join the group?
Joining in a group is depending on your booking and option that you choose. If you have booked for Private Trip then obviously you will not join. Otherwise normally the same trip is departing in a same day then the group will join.
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Are the staffs insured of your company?
Yes, all of the staffs and crew members are the insured.
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What sort of ground transportation you use?
Normally we assign a car up to 2 people and Jeep for up to 5 people and then Micro Bus for up to 14 PAX and Coster and Sutlej Bus depending on group size. There are some trekking routes, which are dirt road for them we assign 4WD Jeeps. It also depends on what services you opt.
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Are the treks and tours secured? What about the security?
Provide the security to our clients is principal of us. The government licensed holder guides and other crew members are carefully assign for your trip. Even though, would like to counsel you to take care of your personal equipment, bags. If you doing a tea-house trek your accommodation are in a local guesthouse, where you have to be precaution yourself at all time. And if you are in a camping trek always keep your own bags inside the tent and while in nighttime please keep your bag in the middle of the tent. The camping leader assigns a Sherpa as a guard throughout the nighttime.
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Do my guide/porter speak English?
Definitely they speak English. All the guides are professional and due to the professionalism they speak good English. The guide’s English is enough to explain about the local culture, activities, and religions.
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Do you peak me up at the Airport upon my arrival?
Yes, our airport representative welcomes you at airport and transfer to the hotel in a private tourist vehicle.
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What is the fitness required for the treks?
Generally, to trek in Nepal we should have good physical and health condition. And also able to walk 4- 7hrs in day at high altitude with your little backpack.
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When is the best season for treks in Nepal?
From March to mid of June and September to December is the best season for treks.
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Since 2015, we have operated unique itineraries and happy trips that are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We focused on the fun factor and challenged you aptly to reach that great feeling of personal accomplishment while enjoying the company of like-minded travelers.
Make your journey fruitful by choosing to travel with a local company. We know each holiday is different. With the guidance of our travel experts and first-hand experience, we can customize every element of your holiday. We create travel packages that transcend our clients’ expectations. We invite you to discover what you’ve been missing. These are some of the difference that makes All-Travel unique.
Explore More
Small-Group
Join a small group of like-minded travelers that, like you, are eager to safely and confidently experience all the things that make our world worth exploring.
While traveling in a small group of up to 15 people gives an opportunity of making lifelong friendships. We can appreciate more intimate, personal connections, share experiences, and cherish memories.
Local Guides
We employ all local guides and porters because of their local knowledge expertise. They can deliver first-hand information to our valuable clients. And trekking in High Himalayas, the local guides and porters can lead you even in the extreme weather and conditions. In addition, we aim to employ the local guides to enhance their skill and empowerment them. We are always concerned about the local community to improve and support them through tourism.
Health and Saftey
Your safety is our top priority. Our trained and experienced team is always concerned with providing fresh and hygienic food, keeping First Aid, 24/7 communication services, and more. Before commencing the trek or tour, we always make sure whether the clients have good enough equipment, clothes or not.
Responsible for Tourism
Responsible tourism is significantly important because it becomes the responsibility of each individual in the tourism industry. Our dependency is on the existing environment we talk about business or livelihood. We focused on our policy to organize outdoor packages that leave less carbon footprint as possible.
