Everest Luxury Trek

The Everest Luxury Trek is ideal for those who like to trek in the mountains and are able to walk for a few days in a row. While the itinerary provides for comfortable hotels and luxury accommodation is selected, the trekking routes still have uphill climbs, stone steps, rough tracks and suspension bridges.

These walking days typically last between 4 and 6 hours, depending on the pace and weather conditions, as well as the trail conditions and rest breaks. The hike to Namche Bazaar is quite a challenging hike as it ascends a lot of altitude from Monjo.

It is easy to make a journey more manageable with good preparation. Walking, stair climbing and hill training before leaving can help to build endurance. If you’re going downhill, trekking poles can offer additional support.

• Walk at a constant speed
• Wear comfortable, well-broken-in trekking boots
• Be sure to take breaks and drink plenty of water
• On challenging portions, follow the directions of your guide
• Allow time to rest after each trekking day

Generally, the ideal time to go on the Everest Luxury Trek is the spring or autumn season when walking conditions and mountain visibility are often good. Spring, from March to May, brings milder daytime temperatures, flowering rhododendrons and longer periods of daylight. Autumn, from September to November, often provides clear skies after the monsoon.

It will be colder in the winter, especially at night and at Everest View Hotel, where snow and icy paths may impact walking conditions. The monsoon season, usually from June to early September, brings rain, cloud cover, slippery trails and a greater possibility of flight disruption.

The weather in the Himalayas is very unpredictable, especially during the change of seasons. In spring and autumn, it is possible for the sun to appear in the morning only to turn cloudy, windy and rainy.

Pack layers, waterproof clothing, warm gloves and sun protection. Flexibility with travel arrangements is important as flights into and out of Lukla could be impacted by bad weather.

Accommodation is a crucial component of the Everest Luxury Trek deal, but this varies between Kathmandu and the mountain area. This includes five-star hotels in Kathmandu, mountain lodges for most of the trek nights and an overnight stay at Everest View Hotel.

In Kathmandu, guests can usually look forward to rooms with air conditioning, private baths and hot showers, as well as hotel restaurants. Mountain lodges provide a more practical level of comfort, with beds, bedding, shared or private bathrooms depending on the property and dining areas. Limited heating, hot water and electricity may be available and/or charged separately.

Even an expensive hotel at a high level does not imply that all the service facilities found in urban hotels are also offered in remote villages. Availability of rooms may also be affected by the season and booking policies.

Please verify with Life Himalaya Trekking before leaving the category of rooms, bathroom facilities, meals and services included. This will help you know exactly what you will be getting in your booking.

One of the cruxes of this journey is the Everest View Hotel, which will provide you with a night above Namche Bazaar with a view of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. At about 3,880 m / 12,730 ft), the hotel serves as a convenient base for the hikes within its itinerary, without putting them in a position to trek to the Everest Base Camp.

There are guest rooms and restaurant services available in the hotel, but this may change depending on the season. It is situated on a high plateau which affords views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and other peaks on clear days. Visibility may be poor due to cloud cover, wind and variable weather.

There are some uphill sections on the walk to the hotel, so hike at a comfortable speed. Attendees also need to be aware of any signs and symptoms of altitude sickness, as the overnight stay will be at a higher elevation than the previous night.

Inquire about room availability, meals and any special needs before booking. Rugged mountain views and accommodations made more comfortable than standard mountain village lodges.

One of the key components of the Everest Luxury Trek is the altitude progression from Kathmandu to the Khumbu part of the trek. The more you get above ground level, the less oxygen per breath is available. Altitude sickness can happen to anyone, even physically fit travelers, depending on the extent of the ascent, so it is important to ascend gradually and pay attention to symptoms.

The planned rest day in Namche Bazaar should provide you with more time to acclimatise yourself before heading onwards to Everest View Hotel. Walking slowly and having regular meals and plenty of fluids will help alleviate the physical effects, but will not cure it.

The table below shows the approximate elevations of the main overnight stops and important points. The figures may be slightly different depending on the accommodation location and route.

These are indicative planning values and not safety limits. The general elevation of a hotel or a lodge could be different from its actual elevation.

If you get a persistent headache, nausea, dizziness, or unusual fatigue, notify your guide immediately. If there is confusion, problems walking straight, or shortness of breath at rest, then it is an emergency to get a medical assessment. Do not keep going up a hill when symptoms are worsening.

Anyone can get altitude sickness no matter their age or fitness. Early signs and symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, a decrease in appetite and unusual tiredness. This risk is greater when the body is climbing at a rate that it cannot keep up with and it is crucial to monitor during this trip.

Your guide will check how you are feeling and help you to recognise how to make sure there is help for any symptoms that require it. If mild symptoms occur, then do not climb until proper advice is given. Exacerbation of symptoms may necessitate immediate descent and medical evaluation.

Severe altitude sickness can be life-threatening. If there is any confusion, loss of coordination, breathing difficulties at rest, or significant deterioration, then there is an urgent need for action.

• If you notice any symptoms, report them to your guide as soon as possible
• Don’t allow headaches or vomiting to get worse
• When healthfully advised, descend
• Bring personal medications and a First Aid kit
• Have emergency numbers and insurance information on hand
• Only perform a helicopter evacuation when appropriate and available

There are not many hospitals in the rural areas of the mountains. The weather, visibility, landing conditions and operational availability dictate helicopter rescue.

There is an airport service between Kathmandu and Lukla, which is approximately 35 minutes. Short mountain flights are highly dependent upon visibility/other operating conditions. Departures may be delayed, rescheduled, or cancelled at any time, even during the popular trekking seasons.

Depending on the season and the current aviation arrangements, flights may take off from Ramechhap Airport instead of Kathmandu. This means another trip on the road, typically an early morning trip. Before departure, it’s important to ensure that your operator has confirmed the departure airport and transfer arrangements.

Have your passport, flight information and any critical medication in hand luggage. Don’t make important plans right after you’re supposed to arrive, as delays may make a difference to the rest of your plans.

In case of cancellation, the airline and trekking company will inform you about the alternative options. These may include waiting for another flight, changing the schedule, or considering a helicopter where appropriate. Extra costs and no guarantees for alternative services.

Please check with Life Himalaya Trekking before traveling about any luggage allowance, airport transfer and cancellation policy.

For trekking in the Everest region, the required permits are the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rural municipality entry permit. These are independent of the other requirements and fees/policies can change. You must check the current rules with your operator before travelling.

Always have your Passport with you and make photocopies of your travel documents elsewhere. There should also be easy access to your flight tickets, hotel confirmations, insurance information and emergency contact information. Identification might be required at airport procedures and when stopping to prove identity at checkpoints.

Life Himalaya Trekking arrange require permits as part of your package and are included in the package. Unless stated in the confirmed inclusions, do not assume that all entry fees are included.

• Have a valid passport with you
• Maintain electronic and hard copy copies of vital records
• Ensure the cost of the permits has been confirmed before leaving
• Obey signs inside the national park
• Have travel insurance information available
• Please verify entry requirements before travelling

Prepare the following documents before you arrive in the mountain regions, where administrative services are not as available as in Kathmandu.

During the trek, meals may consist of Nepali cuisine and familiar international foods. These can include dal bhat, noodles, rice, soups, potatoes, eggs, or bread and vegetable dishes. Menu items will be less available in smaller lodges than they are in Kathmandu and will depend on the lodge.

During the mountain trekking section, breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in the provided itinerary; on some Kathmandu days, only breakfast is included. Please check with your operator for final meal arrangements, as drinks and snacks, as well as special menu items, may be different.

Use safe water all day long. Use properly boiled water, treated water, or sealed bottled water if available. Avoid drinking untreated water directly from streams.

Please let the trekking company know if you suffer from any food allergies or have any special dietary requirements prior to departure. Pack appropriate food for special dietary requirements and snack to keep in energy during the walk.

As you head up from Kathmandu to the Everest region you will find the various facilities of the bathroom and comfort changing. City hotels generally provide private bathrooms, hot showers and more reliable heating or climate control. The standard at mountain lodges will be less complex and will rely on the specific type and classification of rooms.

Some lodges offer hot showers for a fee, but others might not have hot water if the weather is cold or if there are a lot of tourists. Private or public bathrooms may be provided. Heating is often provided in communal areas, not in guest bedrooms, so warm bedding is helpful.

There are few washing facilities on the path and it may be difficult to dry your washing in cold or wet weather. Take extra gear for the day’s trekking and wear quick-drying garments where possible.

Please verify the facilities available at each night’s accommodation before making your booking, especially at Everest View Hotel. Check if hot showers, private baths, room heating and/or laundry are provided with the room or at an extra cost. This prevents any misconceptions about the luxury label.

Mobile telephone and internet communications are not available everywhere in the Everest region. In general, smaller communities have less connection than Namche Bazaar, but the connections can be slow or unreliable. The strength of the coverage can be diminished in rural portions of the trail and communications can be impacted by mountain weather.

Wi-Fi is available in some lodges, for extra payment. Bedroom and shared charging points might be available; however, they may be in limited supply during high demand periods. Electricity supply may be affected by weather and demand on some properties as they have some solar energy coverage.

Pack your cell phone before you leave Kathmandu. Get maps, key documents and other information offline without needing to have an internet connection. A power bank is handy to have, since batteries don’t work as well in cold weather.

• Bring an extra power bank and charging cables
• Keep your cell phone in warm places during cold weather
• Download maps and documents without requiring an internet connection
• Remember your guide’s contact information
• There will be restricted connectivity at certain locations
• Make sure to verify WiFi and charging fees at lodging

Avoid using the mobile internet exclusively for emergency communications.

There is a need to pack for the Everest Luxury Trek to keep in mind the variable weather conditions during the trek, as well as to adjust to the completion of the trek, which is a long one and also the availability of goods in smaller markets. Don’t have to take all the comforts on your own, but your daypack must have some of the items you may need when walking.

Multiple layers of clothing work better than a single thick jacket. Take a base layer with moisture-absorbing properties, a couple of mid layers, a jacket with insulation, waterproof outer clothing, trekking trousers, gloves and a warm hat. Shoes are important; they need to be comfortable for trekking and have good grip.

• Damaged trekking boots and extra socks
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Wear warm clothes, gloves and a hat
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and lip balm
• Reusable water bottle and water treatment
• Headlamp, power bank and personal medication
• Simple First Aid & Blister care supplies
• Passport, insurance information and money

Inquire with your operator about porter services, duffel bag setup and weight limits before packing. Personal Daypacks should contain valuables, medications, papers, water and an additional warm layer. Though portage and airline baggage restrictions are different, check both.

Medical care and emergency evacuation may be costly; this is why travel insurance plays an important role when trekking in the mountains. Before you buy a policy, make sure that it includes trekking at the highest point you will be going on your treks, including the night at Everest View Hotel.

The policy should also detail what it covers for emergency medical treatment, helicopter evacuation and interruption of travel and further accommodation after a covered disruption. Certain policies don’t permit activities at higher elevations, or you must get special permission for mountain trekking. Take the time to read the conditions carefully instead of the general description of the policy.

If any medical issues are of concern, or if the student needs to be taking medication or has any physical restrictions, consult a competent healthcare provider before leaving. Bring sufficient amounts of any prescription needed on the journey, along with a little extra in case of a late journey.

• Buy trekking insurance that will cover your intended trekking peak
• Review helicopter emergency evacuation conditions and exclusions
• Bring your policy number and emergency contact information
• Carry prescription medication in the container
• Inform the guide of any medical issues
• Maintain prescriptions and other valuable medical information

Don’t assume that insurance will provide an immediate evacuation. Please listen to your guide’s safety advice, as the weather, visibility and aircraft availability may impact rescue operations.

Many of the larger services are available in a trekking package, but still, you should be ready to incur some personal costs throughout your trek. You must expect extra charges for drinks, snacks, souvenirs, laundry, hot showers, WiFi and charging, etc., that are not included in the package itself.

Have sufficient Nepalese currency for incidental shopping in mountain villages. In larger settlements, there may be a place to make card payments and an ATM, but don’t rely on these as your sole means of getting cash. Take some money out in Kathmandu or an appropriate town before trekking up into the mountains.

It is the custom of the Nepalese trekking industry to tip, but it varies with service, group size, arrangements of the tour and satisfaction. When choosing the amount to donate, take into account your guide and porters and other staff members who work with them. No fixed minimum amount for all travellers.

Before departure, inquire with Life Himalaya Trekking about what expenses are covered and if there are any other costs likely to be incurred. It will be easier to keep on budget during the journey if you have a separate spending account for your personal needs.

Sherpa people have long traditions of Buddhism in the region of Khumbu. Along the way, there are villages that have prayer flags, mani walls, chortens and monasteries that reflect the religious practices. Being here also offers a glimpse of the region’s cultural activities, which are not limited to the mountain views.

Tengboche Monastery is an important religious centre and a significant stop on this itinerary. If time and access permit, Khumjung monastery can also be visited. Respect local customs and be sure to ask permission before taking photos of individuals or religious services and use a private voice.

• Walk clockwise around mani walls and chortens
• Take shoes off when asked to do so in places of worship
• Please request permission before taking pictures of monks or residents
• Don’t touch religious items without permission
• When visiting monasteries, wear clothes appropriately
• Obey your guide’s instructions during religious occasions

Respect and follow local customs, which may be different from those to which you are accustomed and ask questions respectfully when you are not sure. Supporting the villages you visit is easy and simple, such as by shopping locally and abiding by village regulations.

The Everest Luxury Trek Package includes the most comfortable mountain travel, visiting Sherpa villages, visiting monasteries and enjoying views from Everest View Hotel. The Everest Base Camp Trek goes on and on through the Khumbu to the base of the world’s tallest mountain. Both routes offer altitude exposure and challenging walking, but have different distances, destinations and day schedules.

The table below shows a comparison of the two experiences. Specifics will vary depending on package and route variations, the accommodation and operating conditions at the time.

Select depending on your fitness level, time and travel targets. Luxury rooms take no away altitude hazards and both routes have to be properly prepared.

Mountain weather, visibility and operating conditions impact flights to and from Lukla. Delays or cancelations may have an impact on the trekking program, hotel reservations and overseas travel connections. An additional day in Kathmandu will give some flexibility in case of the postponement of the return flight from Lukla.

If you have a spare day in your flight schedule, the spare day can be spent sightseeing in Kathmandu, Patan, or Bhaktapur. If the delay persists after the reserve day, further accommodation, meals and/or flight changes/transport may be required. The costs of these vary according to booking conditions and options available at the time of booking.

Don’t assume a helicopter will be present at all times as an alternative. Weather, safety needs, aircraft availability and cost are the factors that are involved in operations.

• Have a flexible day on the day after the planned return from Lukla
• Try not to make an international flight straight after the anticipated mountain flight
• Always carry important medication and documents in hand luggage
• Find out the cancellation and rebooking policy before traveling
• Keep in touch with the operator when schedules change

A buffer day will alleviate scheduling pressure but will not ensure that all disruptions will be addressed within one day.

The mountain environment is fragile in the Khumbu area and collection of waste is more difficult and water supplies and transport are more challenging than in cities. Responsible behaviour will help to protect the local communities, forests, rivers and wildlife and keep trekking routes cleaner for future visitors.

On the Everest Luxury Trek, you will travel through protected areas, river valleys, forests and villages. Small choices, such as carrying reusable water bottles and disposing of rubbish properly, can reduce the environmental impact of your visit.

• Carry reusable bottles and shopping bags
• Use the rubbish bins
• Do not disturb or feed animals.
• Protect and conserve water resources responsibly
• Use locally run businesses whenever possible
• Respect park regulations and keep on designated trails
• Don’t use single-use plastics unnecessarily

High-end travel is no excuse for not taking care of the environment. For questions about how the locals dispose of their waste, inquire of your guide and do not drop food wrappers, tissues, or other trash on the trail. By engaging with local culture and utilizing local resources, visitors can help support the local economy and contribute to the cultural growth and development of the area.

There are numerous chances for photography in the Everest region, including the scenery around the base of Mt. Everest, which is around Namche Bazaar, as well as the landscape around Tengboche and Everest View Hotel. Clouds and changing weather can create problems at any time, but sometimes morning and late afternoon light can be helpful.

Ensure that you always ask permission before taking photos of local people or monks, or taking photos of private activities. There may be restrictions on photography within religious buildings; please adhere to signs and instructions by local staff. Don’t interrupt prayers or ceremonies to get pictures.

The use of drones needs to be handled in a special way in Nepal. The operation of a drone may need to be approved by aviation authorities, protected area authorities and other relevant authorities. A flight is not legally authorized by permission from a guide/lodge. Verify aeronautical requirements before using a drone.

• Please ask permission before taking photographs of others
• Do not take photographs that are forbidden at monasteries
• Ensure that the cameras are not exposed to rain and cold conditions
• Bring extra batteries and memory cards
• Adhere to local rules for drone use
• Avoid flying drones near aircraft or airport approaches
• Do not photograph wildlife without causing any disturbance

Respectful photography is a way to capture your trip without being intrusive or endangering the communities you visit or their traditions.