Thame, the legendary
At the end of the Khumbu valley, Thame reveals the authentic soul of Sherpa country.
Duration
13 days
From
€2,390/pers.
Ideal seasons
Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
A 13-day stay with 8 days of moderate-level trekking. An opportunity to discover Sherpa culture, the Himalayas and the legendary Thame
Throughout this "Thame, the legendary" trek, you are accommodated in the lodges of the Yeti Mountain Home chain in Phakding, Namche, Thame, Monjo and Lukla. Moreover, this program has been designed to offer a balance between trekking and visits, between adventure and discovery.
Thame, located at the far end of the Khumbu valley, is renowned and appreciated for its authenticity. It is also known as the birthplace of several famous Sherpas, great conquerors of Everest.
Far from the crowds of itineraries leading to the Everest base camp, this trek follows ancient caravan trails that once connected Népal to Tibet. You will cross stone villages, rhododendron and pine forests, as well as high-altitude landscapes dominated by the peaks of Khumbu. A day of acclimatization in Namche Bazaar allows you to fully enjoy the panoramas and discover the life of the Sherpa capital. In Thame, the Buddhist monastery and the peaceful atmosphere of the village offer a rare immersion in Himalayan traditions.
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 while.
The welcome drink will be an opportunity to present the program and discuss the necessary documents for the trekking permit.
Visit to the Kathmandu Valley
Today, you enjoy a guided tour of the main sites in the Katmandou valley.
Pashupatinath, one of the sacred temples of South Asia, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. You can see the river and the cremation rituals that are performed on the banks of the river. It will remind you of the city of Varanasi (Benares) in India.
Visit to the famous stupa of Bouddhanath, one of the main Buddhist sanctuaries in the region surrounded by numerous monasteries and Tibetan shops.
Bhaktapur, medieval city and former royal palace, inhabited largely by Newars who are mainly Hindu. Bhaktapur contains squares and historical monuments of great artistic value.
Flight to Lukla and start of our trek!
You begin your trek at the gate of 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, reaching up to 6,000 m. You pass near the enormous Thado Kosi mani stone (prayers), then go around the numerous chortens and prayer wheels of Sano.
You have a free afternoon. Those who wish can climb up to a small Gompa, overlooking the village.
You meet for an aperitif by the fire and dinner.
Phakding - Monjo
After breakfast, you walk to Monjo village. The trail winds along the right bank of the Dudh Koshi River, passes through the village of Phakding, then crosses numerous suspension bridges over the river.
You continue through a pine forest and cross several small villages, before taking a break to admire the majestic Thamserku, towering above us at 6,623 m.
A few hours later, after crossing several suspension bridges again, you reach the small village of Monjo.
First View of Everest
Day 5
Shortly after leaving our lodge, we reach the entrance to Sagamartha National Park. You will be able to observe the 3D map and take a look at the information panels, while the guides take care of the trekking permits.
From there, we walk for another forty minutes or so along the Dudh Khosi, before crossing its tributary, the Khosi Bhote, and beginning our ascent towards the dynamic Sherpa capital: Namche Bazaar, and its many colorful shops.
The trail moves away from the river in zigzags, gradually climbing to the tree line, before finally opening onto a high-altitude basin and arriving at the village.
Day 06
The beginning of the day is dedicated to a short walk, in order to acclimatize well to the altitude. Free afternoon to enjoy the shops and cafés of Namche. As you wander 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: overlooking the deep valleys, Nuptse, Everest, and Ama Dablam are on display.
Finally, if you feel fit enough, you can continue towards the charming villages of Khumjung and Kunde where a clinic and a school were able to be opened thanks to the Sir Edmund Hillary Foundation.
Two nights around the village of Thame
Day 7
Leaving Namche Bazar, the balcony path crosses pine and rhododendron forests and passes through numerous 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. Important fauna, musk deer, pheasants, Himalayan tahrs… Crossing of the Bhote Koshi river. Possibility of completing the day with a visit to the gompa above Thame.
Day 8
Easy trek along the Sumdur ridge to the Sumdur viewpoint from where you will enjoy an unforgettable panorama over the secret Tibetan border (deep Nangpa La valley, Pasang Lhamu Peak, Cho Oyu at 8,201 m) and numerous peaks between 6,000 and 7,000 meters.
Descent to Lukla
After wonderful moments in Namche, it is time to retrace your steps to Phakding. You set off again along the winding trail, through the forest, before finding the lush vegetation of the valley. You may be fortunate enough to spot a resplendent lophophore (Danfe) foraging. This bird with its superb plumage, cousin of the peacock, is the emblem of Népal.
Lunch in Phakding.
After lunch, another 3 hours of hiking to return to Lukla. You finish your trek with a final climb with a positive elevation gain of 200 meters! On the way back, you can stop for a drink, possibly visit the Chaurikharka school and the Kyongma monastery.
This is then 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 by taking a walk in Katmandou or ask us for a guided tour of the city's main sites.
We offer you the opportunity 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 back!
Good return and see you next time!
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
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
- Supplement for an English-speaking guide: 400 EURO
- International flights
- Visa fees 30 USD for 15 Days
- Tips
- Personal expenses: drinks, souvenirs, phone, spa, etc.
- Lunch and dinner meals in Kathmandu.
Included
- Terrestrial transfers described in the programme
- Domestic flights: Kathmandu - Lukla round trip
- Accommodation at Gokarna Resort for 4 nights in Kathmandu with breakfast (double room)
- Accommodation at Yeti Mountain Home Lode for 8 nights in full board (double room)
- Leadership by an English-speaking Nepalese guide and a porter for every 2 participants
- Everest National Park Entries and TIMS Map
- The entrance fees for temples and monuments during your visit to Kathmandu.
- Daily fees and insurance for local Nepalese teams
- Your travel advisor's assistance 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 — Kathmandu Valley
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
