Everest Differently
In the Footsteps of the Yeti in the Himalayas, Between Legends and Mythical Summits of the Khumbu.
Duration
13 days
Ideal seasons
Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov
Style
Expeditions
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Solo, Couple, With friends
The spirit of travel
The Yeti, whether a real creature or legendary, fascinates and inspires fear among the inhabitants of the region. Everyone claims to have seen or heard it, but no one has ever captured it.
On a 9-day trek, set out on a Yeti hunt at the edge of the high Himalayan ranges. Face mother nature and its legends in the Thame Valley. After 4 to 6 hours of hiking, relax in our high-end lodges and prepare yourself psychologically and physically for tomorrow's hunt. This expedition will take you along the historic Sino-Nepali trade route but also to altitudes above 4,000 meters.
Beyond the legend, this journey is a true immersion in the Sherpa world, between traditional villages, Buddhist monasteries and wild landscapes dominated by the giants of the Himalaya. Away from the classic Everest routes, the Thame Valley reveals an authentic Népal, marked by centuries-old traditions and pristine nature. An original adventure where exploration, mystery and discovery meet.
Let the hunt begin…
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Welcome and assistance by our representative at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. A short car ride will take you to your hotel where you can rest for a few moments. The welcome drink will be an opportunity to present the program and review the documents necessary for the trekking permit.
Flight: Kathmandu - Lukla, Phakding
The day starts early, with a short but spectacular flight to Lukla, the starting point of our trek. You observe the Langtang chains to Jugal Himal, passing through Rolwaling, Gaurisankar and Menlumtse, before your first glimpse of the Everest: the panorama is breathtaking.
You begin your trek at the gateway to Khumbu at the entrance to the village of Lukla. Throughout the day, many stops are planned to meet the inhabitants, take photos and of course enjoy the landscape and the view of the multiple snow-capped peaks, culminating at 6,000 m. You pass near the enormous Thado Kosi mani (prayer) stone, then skirt around the numerous chortens and prayer mills of Sano.
You have a free afternoon. Those who wish can climb up to a small Gompa, overlooking the village. You will meet for an aperitif by the fireside and dinner in the evening.
Two nights in Namche - Sherpa Capital
Day 3
After breakfast, we walk to Monjo village. The trail winds along the right bank of the Dudh Koshi, crosses the village of Phakding, then uses numerous suspension bridges above the river. You continue through a pine forest then cross several small villages, before taking a break and admiring the majestic Thamserku, towering above us at 6,623 m.
A few hours later, after crossing several more suspension bridges, you reach the small village of Monjo.
Shortly after leaving Monjo, you reach the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park. You can observe the 3D map and take a look at the information panels, while the guides take care of the trekking permits.
From there, you walk for another forty minutes or so along the Dudh Khosi, before crossing its tributary, the Khosi Bhote, and beginning your ascent towards the dynamic Sherpa capital Namche, and its many colorful shops. The trail moves away from the river in zigzags, climbing gradually to the tree line, before finally opening onto a high-altitude basin and arriving at the village.
Day 4 - Acclimatization at Namche
The beginning of the day is dedicated to a short walk to properly acclimatize to the altitude. Free afternoon to enjoy Namche's shops and cafés. As you stroll around, your guide will take you to wonderful viewpoints and you will be able to admire the "rock stars" of the Himalayan world. Feast your eyes: towering over deep valleys, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, and Ama Dablam stretch out before you.
Finally, if you feel sufficiently fit, we can continue to the charming villages of Khumjungand Kundewhere a clinic and a school were able to be opened thanks to the Sir Edmund Hillary Foundation.
Two nights around the village Thamo
Day 5
Leaving Namche Bazaar, the balcony path crosses pine and rhododendron forests and passes through many small villages. This region of Népal, outside of the valley leading to Everest, is much less frequented by trekkers, a guarantee of even stronger authenticity. You can observe significant wildlife, musk deer, pheasants, Himalayan tahrs…before crossing the Bhote Koshi river. It is possible to extend the day with a visit to the gompa above Thame.
Day 6 - Excursion to Sumdur Peak
Walk without technical difficulty along the Sumdur ridge to the Sumdur viewpoint from where you will enjoy an unforgettable panorama of the secret Tibetan border (deep Nangpa La valley, Pasang Lhamu Peak, Cho Oyu at 8,201 m) and very many summits between 6,000 and 7,000 meters.
Thame - Kongde
Day 7
You depart after breakfast for a day of trekking among rhododendrons, bamboos and pine forests. You follow the route that Khumbu sherpas used before 1950. Renovated, it offers superb views of the Khumbu mountains. From Thame, the path takes us in 30 minutes to the Khumbu power station, below, on the other side of the Bhote Koshi river. 15 minutes later, we cross Pare, a small traditional Sherpa village. Then, after a forest of pines and bamboos, we arrive at the foot of the glacier that descends from the North-East face of Kongde Ri: the view of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam is simply splendid.
This lodge is located at 4250 meters and has the most spectacular view, looking across the Namche valley and beyond Tyangboche, with Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku and Ama Dablam as a backdrop. Early start
Day 8 - Kongde Ri Excursion
Very early rise for those wishing to do the Kongde Ri excursion (5000m). It takes you 2 to 3 hours to reach the summit of this peak. You enjoy a panoramic view of the Khumbu valley, including four of the six highest summits in the world: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Back at Kongde you have lunch on the terrace with a view of the village of Namche and Khumjung. The rest of the day is free to relax or for further walks in the area.
Kongde - Phakding
Phakding - Lukla
Another 3 hours of hiking to return to Lukla, you'll finish your trek with one final climb with a positive elevation gain of 200 meters! On the way back, you can stop for a drink and, if you wish, visit Chaurikharka school and the Kyongma monastery.
This is the time to say goodbye to your trekking team before spending your last night in the mountains.
Flight to Kathmandu
Free day in Kathmandu
Today, you have a choice, you can enjoy the day to stroll around Katmandou or ask us for a guided tour of the city's main sites.
We offer you the possibility to participate in an immersive and exclusive activity with a traditional craftsman. Program to choose from: cooking class, sculpture, painting, music and much more. A fun activity for the whole family. The best souvenir you can take home!
Good to see you again and see you next time!
Price per person
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Travel Insurance: Cancellation / Repatriation / Trip Interruption / Baggage Loss
- International Flights
- Visa fees 30 USD for 15 Days
- Personal expenses: drinks, souvenirs, phone, spa, etc.
- Tips
Included
- Ground transportation described in the program
- Domestic flights: Kathmandu - Lukla round trip
- The 3 nights of accommodation at Hotel Yak & Yeti in Kathmandu
- 9 nights accommodation at Yeti Mountain Home (Everest)
- The guidance provided by an English-speaking Nepalese guide
- 1 porter for two trekkers
- All meals during the trip
- Trek permits and special permits
- Daily fees and insurance for Nepalese local teams
- Your travel advisor's support 24/7
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Nepal for a tourist stay. Since entry rules may change, we recommend that you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Nepal, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry into the country and must have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist visa
Unlike some destinations, Nepal does not grant visa exemptions to nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada. A tourist visa is mandatory to enter the territory.
This visa can be obtained in two ways:
On arrival (visa on arrival): available at the main entry points, notably Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and certain land border crossings. It is strongly recommended to complete the application form online before departure to facilitate procedures on site.
Online before departure: via the official online visa system of the Nepalese government (online visa application), allowing you to obtain prior authorization to present upon arrival.
Official rates are as follows:
15 days: 30 USD
30 days: 50 USD
90 days: 125 USD
Payment is generally made in cash (USD, EUR, or other accepted currencies) or by credit card depending on the entry points. It is advisable to have US dollars in cash for payment on site.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return flight or onward journey),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Online arrival form
Before your arrival, it is recommended to complete the online arrival form available on the official portal of the Nepalese government. This form allows you to provide immigration authorities with:
passport information
flight details
the address of your first accommodation in Nepal
A digital confirmation or a reference code may be requested when passing through immigration or at the visa issuance counter upon arrival.
Special permits for trekking areas
Certain regions of Nepal require additional permits in addition to the tourist visa:
the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System): mandatory for most trekking itineraries,
national park or conservation area permits (e.g., Sagarmatha for Everest, Annapurna Conservation Area),
restricted zone permits for certain specific destinations such as Mustang, Dolpo, or Manaslu.
These permits are generally obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara from the relevant offices.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Nepal, except in case of arrival from a country at risk of yellow fever. However, several vaccinations are strongly recommended by health authorities:
hepatitis A and B,
typhoid,
diphtheria-tetanus-poliomyelitis (DTP),
rabies (especially for extended stays or in remote areas),
Japanese encephalitis (depending on areas and season).
Preventive antimalarial treatment may be recommended for certain low-altitude regions (Terai). It is advisable to consult a doctor or international vaccination center at least four to six weeks before departure.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay, as well as their own tourist visa.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Nepal in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be covered for emergency assistance, repatriation and foreign medical expenses.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the full policy detailing all coverage and claims reporting procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claims reporting procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Yes, a tourist visa is required, issued upon arrival at Kathmandu airport or at land borders (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, USD 125 for 90 days). A valid passport for at least 6 months beyond entry and an identity photo are required.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, plan between 110 and 190 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation and English-speaking guide. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. Himalayan treks require a dedicated budget (permits, porters, lodges).
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Everest and Khumbu
Himalayan pathfinder, based in Katmandou
Nepal is a country that naturally teaches patience and humility. Even a simple trip can become a very profound experience there.
— Nirmala
