Your guide will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. She/he will brief you about your next day's schedule. Meals included: Dinner 

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up to explore Kathmandu: three major Kathmandu heritage sites, Baudhanath, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. Pashupatinath is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Kathmandu, Nepal. This temple was classified as a World Heritage Site in 1979, and Kathmandu Durbar-Square is an old royal palace of the former Kathmandu Kingdom. Evening welcome dinner with the group, briefs about the next day's activities. Meals included: Lunch/Dinner. 

Fly to Lukla (9,350ft) by Airplane. It takes 40-45 minutes and is an adventure, with great views of the landscape and mountains. After meeting our crew, we will start our trek by heading up the Dudh Koshi Valley on a well-marked trail to Phakding (8562ft). Accommodation: Sherpa Lodge Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner. 

After breakfast, we follow the Dudh Kosi river. This day's walk takes us through magnificent forests with glimpses of the mountains ahead. We cross the river several times by bridge as we pass through the sherpa villages. A final bridge brings us to the foot of the steep climb to Namche. if the weather permits, catch the first glimpse of Mt Everest along the way. Namche is a prosperous Sherpa town and an important trading center. It has a weekly market on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. Accommodation: Green Tara Lodge Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner. 

Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar, After breakfast we will walk to the Sherpa Culture Museum and Namche viewpoint where we would hopefully have views of Ama Dablam, Everest, and a few other peaks if the weather is good. Then visit Namche Monastery back to the Hotel rest evening or walk around town. Accommodation: Green Tara Lodge Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner. 

From Namche, the trail contours onto the side of the valley. If the weather is clear, we will get great views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. We will have a tea break at Kyanjuma. Walking through the forest, we come to Khumjung, where we have lunch close to the Sir Edmund Hillary School. After lunch, we walk up to Everest View Hotel (13,000ft) Accommodation: Everest View Hotel, Meals included: Breakfast/ Lunch/Dinner.

In the morning Everest View flight by Heli. A helicopter tour is a perfect way to explore the Everest region quickly. Then Heli will drop us at Lukla and we will take an airplane flight back to Kathmandu. Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner. 

Today we will fly to Bhutan. Our Bhutan guide will greet us upon exiting the arrival hall. Today, we will take it easy to acclimatize to the altitude. Drive to Thimphu, check in to the hotel, and let's have your first taste of Bhutanese cuisine. After which, you will visit the National Memorial Chorten, built in honor of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Thimphu Dzong, the largest Dzong in Bhutan, is also the seat of the office of the King of Bhutan. Most of the Thimphu population congregate every Saturday and Sunday on the banks of the river where the Weekend Centenary Farmers' Market is held. Here villagers from the valley and other nearby places come to sell their agricultural products. After that, we will drive up to Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, where the 169 feet bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma, Vajra Throne Buddha, is located. It is one of the giant statues of Buddha in the world. You can enjoy the night walking around Thimphu Town after dinner. Accommodation: 3*** Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner. 

Dochula Pass - the 108 Chorten was built by the present Queen Mother of Bhutan, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, to commemorate Bhutan's victory over Indian militants and liberate the souls of the souls lost. Punakha Dzong - Built in 1637, the Dzong continues to be the winter home for the clergy, headed by Chief Abbott, the Je Khenpo. It is a stunning example of Bhutanese architecture, sitting at the fork of two rivers, portraying the image of a medieval city from a distance. The Dzong was destroyed by fire and glacial floods over the years but has been carefully restored and is, today, a fine example of Bhutanese craftsmanship. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten - Built by the third Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, this Chorten is a splendid example of Bhutanese architecture and art and is the only one of its kind in the world. It has been built over eight and a half years, and its details have been drawn from religious scripture. Accommodation: 3*** Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner. 

Chhimi Lhakhang - A 20-minute walk across terraced fields through the village of Sopsokha from the roadside to the small temple located on a hillock in the center of the valley below Metshina. Ngawang Chogyel built the temple in the 15th century after the' divine Madman' Drukpa Kuenlay built a small chorten. It is a pilgrim site for barren women. Paro Valley - The beautiful valley is home to many of Bhutan's old monasteries and temples. The country's only Airport is in Paro. The valley is also home to mount Chomolhari (7,300 meters), situated at the northern end of the valley, whose glacier water forms the Pachu flowing through the valley. The following are some of the prominent places to visit in Paro. Paro Dzong, also known as Rinpung Dzong, this 15th-century massive fortress/monastery, is also the administrative center of the dzongkhag. A morning drive north of Paro valley brings us to the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong. Built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, the Dzong was destroyed by an accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts and relive the memories of a glorious past. Accommodation: 3*** Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner. 

We will hike up to one of the key highlights in Bhutan today! Tiger's Nest aka Taktsang Monastery. Taktsang Monastery - A one-hour walk to the cafeteria is also a vantage view whereby you can enjoy the stunning view of the monastery. Prayer flags adorn the cliffs where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. Kyichu Lhakhang - After a sumptuous local lunch, we will retrace our steps to visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Accommodation: 3*** Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner. 

After breakfast, we will transfer you to Airport and fly back to Nepal. Meals included: Breakfast/ Dinner 

Our office staff will drop you at the airport 3 hours before the flight schedule. 

• Airport pick up & drop off service in a private vehicle
• Four nights hotel in Kathmandu with Breakfast 
• Tea House and Everest View Hotel during Nepal Trek
• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner during the trek
• 3* accommodation in Bhutan with breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Heli tour around Everest and back to Lukla Airport
• Airplane flight to Lukla and back to Kathmandu
• Bhutan Government's Sustainable Development Fee of USD 200 per night per person
• Kathmandu-Bhutan-Kathmandu flight
• All ground transportation by comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
• Welcome & Farewell Dinner
• Guided sightseeing tour as mentioned in the itinerary
• Professional English-speaking, government-licensed local tour guide for sightseeing
• Staff costs include food, accommodation, salary, flight, insurance, equipment, etc.
• Monument entry fees during a Sightseeing tour
• Bhutan visa fee and special permit
• All Local and Government taxes, administrative charges 

* International flight and departure tax
* Personal trekking gear and clothing
* Tips guide/ porters and personal expenses
* Travel/medical/emergency evacuation insurance * Any other item not listed in the “Price Includes” section
* Alcohol drinks 

Once you book  this trek you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with a detailed packing list

Booking a trip is easy. Call us at 303-834-5512, or Email us at info@imperialexpedition.com. Online bookings are made via the ‘Book Now button available on each trip page. Once we confirm your booking, we’ll send you comprehensive information regarding visas, vaccinations, gear, clothing, and arrival details to ensure you are fully prepared for your adventure.

You should be moderately fit, exercise regularly, and enjoy active vacations and walking and hiking in mountainous terrain.  For the Everest base camp trek, you should be able to run for an hour without stopping at any speed and still feel good to continue – OR – walk for 5-6 hours in a day with rests.  Trekking is an endurance sport.  Mostly you need a good attitude, which will go a long way toward the success of reaching your goal.

• Fall (September-November):  Fall is considered the best time for trekking in Nepal.  The weather is excellent at this time, allowing for clear blue skies and tantalizing mountain views.  Temperatures are moderate.  Occasional short storms may bring snow to higher altitudes.

• Winter (December-February):  Winter brings heavy snowfall mostly at higher altitudes.  This can be a good time for cultural tours and trekking at lower elevations.

• Spring (March-May):  Spring is a good time for trekking and climbing in Nepal and Tibet. The rhododendrons, the national flower of Nepal, make the hillsides a colorful paradise during the spring.  It is mildly warm at lower elevations and at higher elevations, the mountain views are excellent while the temperature is quite moderate.  If you trek to Everest base camp in the spring, you will have the opportunity to meet world-renowned climbers, as several Everest expeditions will be assembled at base camp.

• Summer/Monsoon (June-August):  The monsoon during the summer months can make travel in Nepal wet, muddy, warm, and often humid.  Strong monsoon rains don’t usually last long, and often end with large and wonderful rainbows.  However, the streets in Kathmandu can be muddy and landslides sometimes occur in the mountains.  It is recommended to carry insect repellent when trekking during these months.

Our guides are dependable, competent, and highly qualified with more than ten years of trekking experience, leading trips, treks, climbs, and expeditions in the Himalayas.  Our guides speak English and the local language.  We are trained in first aid and CPR. Most importantly, our guides are friendly and enjoyable and are passionate about sharing the rich cultures, traditions, and natural beauty of Nepal.

Most trekkers normally start their day early around 7:30 to 8:30 am after a hot breakfast.  The morning sun offers nice mountain views.  You will carry a light pack for your camera, water, a jacket, and a wind layer.  Around noon we will reach the lunch stop where we will spend time drinking tea, resting, and having lunch.  After lunch, we normally walk for 2 to 3 more hours before arriving where we will stop for the evening.  Here at the lodge we will have hot tea and relax for the rest of the day.  Our day ends with dinner and then off to bed in single or double rooms in the trekking lodge.

The proper footwear depends on the trek and on the trekker.  Most hikes can be done in comfortable running shoes while longer more strenuous treks may require sturdy but lightweight hiking boots.  It is best if you purchase shoes and boots long before arriving in Nepal.  We advise that you wear your boots prior to the trek to break them in – in order to prevent blisters, which can be debilitating on the trail.

We try to bring together a small group of like-minded people.  Our trekking groups are generally from 6 to a maximum of 12 members, although we can accommodate smaller groups and solo trekkers as well.

Yes, if you would like to travel independently or with friends, family or colleagues, you are invited to choose the trip that best suits your group and the trip dates according to your schedule.  We are happy to consider any number of trekkers.  Our maximum is not more than 50 at a time.  The cost per person for private trips is negotiated on the basis of group size, trek area, and duration.

Our trips are classified into three categories according to the level of difficulty.  Easy adventure treks are about a week to 10 days in duration.  They generally don’t go above 13,000 feet (4,000m).  You can expect to be hiking/walking for around 4-5 hours a day.  Moderate to fairly challenging treks are longer treks that go into a high mountain country above 13,000 feet (4,000m).  Physically these trips are more demanding and tiring and may involve 6-8 hours of trekking along rocky trails in high Himalayan terrain.  Strenuous treks are longer treks that go beyond the normal activities of trekkers and tourists.  These include ice climbing and mountaineering expeditions.  Physically challenging, these trips may involve 7-9 hours of trekking in a day and are likely to include unfavorable weather conditions and strenuous activities.  Some level of experience may be required for these trips.

In general, while trekking breakfast may include a choice of porridge, muesli, omelet, fried or scrambled eggs with chapattis or bread.  Lunch and dinner are generally pasta, potatoes, or rice with or without cooked veggies and/or eggs.  Meat is also available, however, it is recommended to adopt a vegetarian diet.  As long as the meat is stored and cooked properly, meat dishes are also safe.  Tea, coffee, and hot chocolate are available at all meals.  Your guide will do his/her best to make sure all food is well cooked.  At some restaurants in Kathmandu, the vegetables are soaked in iodine and thus fresh salads are safe to eat.  While trekking it is best to avoid raw vegetables unless you can peel them yourself.  The rule is:  cooked, peeled, boiled – or forget it!  During the trek, you can choose what you like from the menu in the lodge.  There will also be plenty of snacks available such as biscuits, popcorn, candy bars, and soft drinks.  In some areas, you will find fresh fruit in season.

In cities, you will be staying in hotels and guesthouses that are similar to those in the US with private bathrooms, showers, TV, phone, AC, etc.  If you prefer luxury hotels we can make those arrangements as well.  While trekking in the mountains the accommodations will depend on whether you are camping or teahouse trekking.  If you are on a camping trek, then you will be sleeping in a tent.  The trekking lodges or teahouses are simple shelters.  There is no central heat.  In the dining room where meals are served, there is often a wood-burning stove that heats that room only.  The guest rooms are not heated so you will need a good quality sleeping bag, which can be rented in Kathmandu.  The guest rooms are usually small and sleep one or two trekkers.  The walls are thin so earplugs are a good idea for light sleepers.  The bathrooms are down the hall or outside.  Nowadays, there are also a few ‘luxury’ establishments along the popular trekking routes.  If you are interested to upgrade, let us know and we can make those arrangements. 

In the case of a serious illness or a life-threatening emergency during your trek, a helicopter rescue will be initiated.  You are responsible for all the expenses incurred in such an evacuation.  It is required that you have insurance that covers emergency helicopter evacuation throughout your trip.  However unlikely, we are prepared for emergencies, and your guide will respond quickly to get any necessary medical help.  We aim to avoid such circumstances with education and a large dose of preventative medicine.

Yes! A Nepal visa is easily available upon arrival at the entry places. Make the process easier by downloading & completing the application form, having the correct USD cash, and two passport photographs.Visa FacilityDurationFee

Multiple entry15 daysUS$ 25 or equivalent Nepali currency

Multiple entry30 daysUS$ 40 or equivalent Nepali currency

Multiple entry90 daysUS$ 100 or equivalent Nepali currency

1. Travelers are required to declare goods in excess of permitted personal effects
and duty-exempted consumable goods and restricted/prohibited goods and commercial
goods at the red channel. Travelers possessing such goods may use the green channel.
2. Export or import of narcotics, arms and explosives, wildlife and its products, and
commercial goods are restricted/prohibited. Attempt to import or export such goods
may lead to confiscation of goods, penalty, and arrest resulting in prosecution.
3. Travelers are required to declare foreign currency at the red channel if the sum exceeds
US$2000 or equivalent.
4. Permitted used personal effects are as follows in condition to return back at the time
of departure:
1. Binocular one set.
2. Video Camera and still camera one set each.
3. Portable music system one set recorded media 10 pcs.
4. Cloths and goods of day-to-day use.
5. Perambulator and tricycle one set each.
6. Bicycle one set.
7. Watch one piece.
8. Cellular mobile phone one set
9. Professional hand tools are one set for professional personnel.
5. Duty-exempted consumable goods are as follows:
1. Whiskey/wine not exceeding 1.15 liters or beer up to 12 cans.
2. Cigarettes 200 sticks, cigar 50 sticks, tobacco 250 grams.
3. Camera film up to 15 pcs and movie film 12 reels.
4. Readymade and can foods not exceeding NRs.1000.00.
5. Medicine not exceeding Nrs.1000.00.
6. Fresh fruits not exceeding NRs.1000.00

Our specific itineraries are custom crafted with you in mind.  Once we agree on a plan, we can always make minor changes and adjustments while en route.  The itinerary acts as a general plan for the trip.  However, there are often local events, festivals, or happenings that may capture our attention.  As long as everyone in the group agrees on these changes, that is fine.  Major changes to the itinerary may be made if there are political or environmental concerns.  Your guide will help to make any necessary adjustments.  Our trips are adventures that may take you into remote regions where unforeseen circumstances may contribute to the need for a change in the itinerary.

Nepal has many diverse ethnic groups, traditions, and religions.  There are numerous cultural practices that may appear unusual to a person on his/her first visit to the country.

• The most common greeting in Nepal is “Namaste” which is performed by placing the palms together and bowing as if praying.
• Before entering a Nepalese home, temple or monastery remember to remove your shoes and place them neatly side-by-side.
• Be careful not to use your spoon, fork, or hands to touch another person’s food, plate, cooking utensils, or even the serving dish.  Do not eat from other people’s plates and do not drink from other people’s water bottles or glasses.  This is considered to be impure by the Nepalese.
• Never touch anything with your feet.  The feet and the floor are considered dirty.
• While traveling, dress appropriately.  Women should avoid short skirts and sleeveless shirts.
• Seek permission before entering a Hindu temple.  Many Hindu temples do not allow non-Hindus to enter.
• Leather is prohibited inside temples because cows are considered sacred and are not used for slaughter.
• Walking around temples or Buddhist stupas is traditionally done clockwise.
• Be sure to ask before taking photographs of the locals.  Some people believe part of the soul is taken when a picture is snapped.
• Public displays of affection between a man and a woman are frowned upon and are not generally accepted.
• When the Nepalese shake their head from left to right, they may mean, “Yes”.
• Develop a genuine interest in Nepal and meet and talk to the Nepalese people.  Do your best to respect their local customs and traditions.

For your convenience, we have different methods of payment as mentioned below. You can choose any of these methods:

1. Bank Transfer (ask for account info) 

2. Mail a check made out to 'Imperial Expedition' to Imperial Expedition  218 S. Main St. Ann Arbor, MI. 48104

3.  You can also pay by credit card, over the phone or online

Tours and trekking trips may be transferred to the next year or to another date, however, the transfer must be made 90 days or more prior to departure.  Otherwise, if the transfer is made 90 days or less prior to departure, you must pay the cancellation fees as outlined above.  There are no fees for transferring trips more than 90 days prior to departure.  However, for climbing trips and expeditions, if you would like to transfer your trip to the next year or to different dates, there is an automatic transfer fee of $1,000 that must be paid to Imperial Expedition.

Imperial Expedition reserves the right to cancel all or a portion of a trip due to political or environmental circumstances, which may hinder trip operations or for any other reasons beyond our control.  In the event of such a cancellation, we will give a full refund for the cost of the trip.  However, Imperial Expedition is not responsible for additional expenses incurred by you in preparing for the trip, visa fees, gear, insurance, or medical expenses prior to the trip.  If international air tickets have been purchased, the airline’s refund policy applies.

Medical advice and inoculations, health and travel insurance, travel and trekking gear, international airfare, Nepali visas, airport tax, spending money, and most meals are not included in the cost of your trip.

Residential electrical outlets in some countries including the United States use 110-120 volts of electricity and accept very specific shaped plugs. Many other countries including Nepal use other voltages, 220-240 volts to power their appliances, as well as different plugs. If you try to plug an American appliance such as a shaver or hair dryer into an outlet of a different voltage, you may destroy the appliance and cause yourself injury. There are a few things you should know about other countries (here Nepal) before you travel.

We are always available to answer your questions.  Please let us know what’s on your mind.  Good communication is important for a safe and fulfilling trip!  Send us a note or call us directly:

Name:  Pem Dorjee Sherpa
Phone:  303-834-5512
Email:  info@imperialexpedition.com

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