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DATES AND PRICING
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October 19-31, 2026
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Travelers may need to depart from their home airport on Saturday, October 17th, or Sunday, October 18th, in order to arrive in Kathmandu on the 19th.
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The cost of this trip package is $3,764, but the first 8 travelers to sign up will receive an automatic $200 discount, making their package cost $3,564.
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Only a deposit of $299 is needed to sign up. The rest can be paid in full or via a monthly payment plan with 6 monthly installments from March to August. Repeat travelers, don't forget that you get an additional discount!
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This trip has been planned for travelers in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.
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The trip will become available to book on Thursday, February 12th, at 7:30 PM CST.
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Although it’s a small country, Nepal is home to the tallest mountains and the best trekking in the world.
There are eight 8,000m (26,246ft) peaks throughout Nepal, and this trip takes you on a journey around the 8th highest, Manaslu. Reaching a peak of 26,781 feet, Manaslu is less crowded than Everest yet just as dramatic. Manaslu is named from the Sanskrit word “Manasa,” meaning soul or intellect, so it is often translated as the "Mountain of the Spirit," which feels very fitting.
While we won't be doing any technical climbing or going up to 26,781 feet on this trip, get your hiking boots ready because we will be trekking the Manaslu Circuit for 8 days through remote Himalayan villages shaped by Tibetan culture, across suspension bridges over roaring rivers, into high alpine landscapes a passes adorned with prayer flags where blue sheep, yaks, and eagles roam. Along the way, we'll reach Manaslu Base Camp (15,748ft/4800m) and Larke Pass (16,752ft/5106m) while trekking in parts of the Manaslu Conservation Area and Annapurna Conservation Area. You can experience local life, visit monasteries, and enjoy the culture and hospitality of the people who’ve lived in these remote areas for centuries.
For 7 nights on the trek, we will rest and relax overnight in teahouses, which are accommodations along trekking routes in Nepal that offer basic lodging and meals. The teahouses are run by the local communities, meaning you’ll have the chance to chat with many friendly locals and other hikers from around the world. Rather than camping, everyone will have a bed each night, access to a shower every night but 2, and a dining room with a fire where we’ll eat warm meals as a group. For those who need it, wifi is available most nights, but there’s nothing as refreshing as a social media detox. During this hike, you can truly disconnect from the world and give yourself a real mental break.
The menu options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner include dal bhat (a delicious mountain staple served with unlimited portions of a garlicky lentil soup, rice, curry, and various sides) momos (dumplings), and more Nepali options but also fried rice, stir-fry noodles, pancakes, oatmeal, popcorn, and more. Even people who don’t regularly love tea will be ready for a hot cup of masala tea or ginger and lemon tea with a drizzle of fresh Himalayan honey with every meal.
This trip is as much about experiencing the vibrant culture of Nepal as it is about the astounding nature. On day one, you'll arrive in Kathmandu, the country’s capital, which sits in a valley surrounded by Himalayan peaks. Right away, you’ll be introduced to the delicious Nepali cuisine, although there is an extensive variety of options to fuel up before we hike. On day two, you’ll see busy streets full of markets, several colorful Hindu temples, Swayambhunath (the "Monkey Temple"), and the bustling Patan Durbar Square, a place that has been home to royalty for centuries. From Kathmandu, we’ll take depart to start the trek in private jeeps. After the trek finished, we will return together to Kathmandu to celebrate the trek.
The combination of mountains, nature, culture, and amazing food in the Himalayas is truly unlike anywhere else on Earth. See a full FAQ at the bottom of this page.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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12 nights in accommodations
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In Kathmandu for 3 nights, rooms are double-occupancy private rooms with ensuite bathrooms. There will be 2 travelers from the TWC group per room.
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For the 7 nights spent on the trail and the night before and after hiking, rooms are double or triple occupancy private rooms with shared bathrooms in "teahouses." There will only be TWC travelers in each room.
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Please note that the teahouse accommodations are extremely basic. All teahouses are very similar, and the rooms are extremely basic without heating. Bathrooms are separate from the rooms, not private, and are a mix of western toilets and pit toilets. Sinks and showers are available, and TWC will be covering the additional fee for daily warm showers for those on this trip.
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If you want a single occupancy upgrade for the 3 nights in Kathmandu, the cost is $285. It is not possible to upgrade to single occupancy for the other 9 nights of the trip due to restrictions set by the Manaslu Conservation Area and Annapurna Conservation Area.
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34 meals
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In Kathmandu, welcome and farewell dinners will be included at our favorite spots, as well as lunch on our day exploring Kathmandu.
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On hiking days, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
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Additionally, 3 warm drinks a day, snacks, and fruit will also be included on the hiking days.
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Water purification tablets for safe drinking water during hiking days are also included.
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Round-trip transportation from Kathmandu to and from the start of the trek by private jeep
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Airport transfer service on arrival and departure in Kathmandu
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Several fun activities:
- Kathmandu Valley sightseeing day to Swoyambhunath (also known as the monkey temple) and Patan Durbar Square with a local guide and private transportation
- 8 days of trekking in the Annapurna Conservation Area, including entry fees, local professional hiking guides, and porters
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A TWC group leader for the duration of the trip
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Jess and Gavin will be on this trip!
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Local hiking guides on several days of the trip
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Porter assistance in carrying your bag on all hiking days
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Each hiker can have up to 20 pounds (9kg) carried for them.
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All required hiking permits, including the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) Fee, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) Fee, Manaslu Special Permit for restricted area, Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card fee, and government taxes
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A down jacket, sleeping bag, and duffle bag (carried by the porter) provided for whichever travelers don't bring their own
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A detailed packing list will be provided.
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Account to manage your booking and access to a private Facebook group for the trip
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Each TWC Traveler will be given access to their account where they will find a trip-specific packing list, a payment section to manage and make payments, options to contact their trip consultants with any questions, a link to a private Facebook group, and more preparation information.
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TWC trip consultants leading up to and during the trip for travel advice and to answer questions
See a full FAQ at the bottom of this page.
1. Note that your international flights to and from Kathmandu are not included. However, we have free information on how to find the best flights, and we work with travelers to help find available deals.
2. Each traveler will be responsible for paying for their visa upon arrival in Nepal. The cost of the tourist visa is either 30 USD for a 15-day stay, 50 USD if the traveler plans to stay for up to 30 days, or 125 USD if the traveler plans to stay for up to 90 days. If you are only staying in Nepal for the duration of the TWC trip, the 15-day stay is sufficient.
3. There is a 3% fee for paying with a credit card. Alternatively, travelers can pay via bank transfer to avoid any processing fees.
4. Note: The activity level of this trip is VERY HIGH. There are 8 days of hiking, and there will be a lot of walking involved on most other days. The terrain on the hiking days is very strenuous and can be steep. The mileage of the hikes are long, especially towards the end of the trek, but the elevation gradually increases, starting from 4386 ft/1340m and reaching a maximum of 16,752ft/5106m. It is highly recommended that those who join this trip have hiking experience unless travelers regularly do another form of strenuous physical activity. Reach out to jessica@travelwc.com with additional questions. Information on how to best prepare to make the hikes as comfortable as possible will also be given. Prepared hikers are the happiest hikers.
5. Each traveler will also have to purchase travel insurance of their choosing that fits specific requirements. This insurance starts at approximately 30 USD.
TWC works with local hiking guides during all hiking days and ensures that we only partner with companies that ensure the fair treatment of their guides and porters.
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Day 0
Flight to Kathmandu
Many travelers will need to book their flight leaving their home airport on October 17th or 18th in order to arrive in Kathmandu on the 19th due to the time change and length of the flight(s).
Note: When searching for flights, it is sometimes more affordable to book a round-trip flight to a major airport like Dubai or Doha and then book a round-trip flight to Kathmandu from there. If you want help searching for deals, send us a message or email, and we're happy to help!
We are expecting to help everyone search for flights, so please don't hesitate to send an email or message if you have options that you want us to look over or if you don't know where to start. We can help advise you on how to book your flights using the multi-city method above, as you want to be careful when doing this to give yourself enough time on the layovers.
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu, the gateway to the Himalayas. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), you will be welcomed to Nepal by the local guide and TWC group leaders. Private transportation will be given from the airport to the centrally and conveniently located boutique hotel in the Thamel area of Kathmandu. Thamel is well known as an exciting tourist hub and has a full range of restaurants, coffee shops (who's ready for some Himalayan java?!), gear and souvenir shops, pubs, nightspots, and tourist facilities. You'll be treated with a beverage at check-in, your first opportunity to try the delicious masala tea. From the hotel rooftop, you can look out over the entire Kathmandu Valley and see many mountain peaks and temples.
Join the group for an included welcome dinner in the evening and get to know your fellow travelers and hikers! On this trip, you'll have plenty of opportunities to discover the local cuisine, which has quickly become a worldwide favorite of TWC. Vegetarians and vegans will feel especially at home, as the options are very friendly for those who eat meat and those who don't.
Dinner is included.
Day 2
Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing
After an included breakfast with the opportunity to drink specialty coffee, the group will depart together to visit several World Heritage Sites:
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Swoyambhunath
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Patan Durbar Square.
With private transportation and a local guide to explain the significance, the group will be driven to the "Monkey Temple" (Swoyambhunath).
We'll also visit Patan Durbar Square. The outer complex consists of several 16th-century temples, one of which is the residence of the Kumari, a young girl worshipped as a living embodiment of the Hindu Goddess Durga.
Before dinner, there will be a hiking briefing with the local guides to:
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Review the trek itinerary
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Introduce the guides and porters
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Recheck each traveler's gear and clothing to make sure each person is ready to go
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Advice on how to set your pace, take breaks, and eat and drink to feel your best during the trek
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Motivate the group!!!
Join the group for an optional dinner in the evening.
Breakfast and lunch are included.
Day 3
Depart Kathmandu in Jeeps to Jagat
It’s time to hit the road! After an early breakfast in Kathmandu, the group departs by private jeep for a scenic (and adventurous) drive toward the Manaslu region. The route winds through Arughat, Soti Khola, Machhakhola, and along the Budhi Gandaki River, with sections of off-road driving and occasional river crossings that add to the adventure.
Lunch is enjoyed at Soti Khola, before continuing deeper into the gorge to reach Jagat, a charming stone village that marks the official entry point to the Manaslu Conservation Area.
Drive time: 7–9 hours
Elevation: ~4,495 ft/1,370 m
In the evening, settle into your first teahouse, enjoy a warm dinner, and rest up for the trekking days ahead.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Day 4
Manaslu Circuit Trek: Day 1
The day will begin with a warm breakfast in the teahouse dining room. Pick from an omelet, oatmeal, fresh Tibetan bread (a local specialty that is fried and delicious), and more. Of course, a warm drink is served with each meal.
After breakfast, the group will pack up their things and do a group stretch. Sometimes the best way to loosen up the muscles is with a group dance!
After breakfast, the trek officially begins with an incline to Salleri. From there, we will go downhill into the village of Sirdibas, which has beautiful views of the river and hills around us. As we walk toward Ghatta Khola, the path becomes a bit wider, leading us to Philim. We'll stop for a warm lunch at a teahouse.
Next, we will cross a long suspension bridge and continue through fields until we reach Ekle Bhatti. In the afternoon, we will enter a steep, quiet canyon, moving down grassy slopes and crossing the Budhi Gandaki River several times on suspension bridges. Then the valley opens, and we will pass through calm bamboo forests, following the trail to the Deng Khola River. In this section, we can see and hear birds and occasional monkeys on the slopes. Soon after, we cross the river to reach a small village, where we will stay the night in a local teahouse, ending a full day of adventure.
The first day of hiking will take approximately 6-7 hours over 11.8 miles (19km) up to 6,102ft/1,860m. Note: the number of hours is relative to each person and may not be an accurate estimate for everyone. We have given our best estimate of an average time.
The hike will end at the first teahouse of the trip! Teahouses are accommodations along trekking routes in Nepal that offer basic lodging and meals. Only TWC travelers will be sleeping in each room, and each traveler will have a bed, access to toilets, and the option to take a warm shower in detached bathrooms. Wifi is sometimes available but not always possible.
A warm dinner will be served, and travelers will be able to choose their dinner from a menu including dal bhat (a delicious mountain staple served with unlimited portions of a garlicky lentil soup, rice, curry, and various sides), momos (Nepalese filled dumplings with either meat or vegetables), and more. TWC will also be including a warm drink for each traveler at each meal. kisWifi
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Day 5
Manaslu Circuit Trek: Day 2
After breakfast, we will start one of the most culturally rich parts of our trek. We will cross the Budhi Gandaki River and climb up to a series of bridges, connecting with the route toward Bihi. Turning west, we will ascend through green forests, alpine plants, and villages, with tall peaks starting to appear in the distance.
In Prok village, we will have breathtaking views of the snow-covered Shringi Himal. As always, we will sit down at a teahouse for a warm lunch. Moving past Ghap, we will continue our journey to reach Namrung. Throughout the day, we will see stunning mountain views and cross ancient gompas and long mani walls built along the trail.
At one point, we will cross a suspension bridge with a view of the Budhi Gandaki beneath. We will finally reach our teahouse for the night after a steady climb up a stone stairway.
The second day of trekking will take approximately 6-8 hours over 11.2 miles (18km) up to 8,530ft/2,600m.
In the evenings, star gazing, games of cards and chess, and relaxing with a book may all be on the agenda!
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Day 6
Manaslu Circuit Trek: Day 3
The mornings will each have the same comforting routine: a hot breakfast, warm tea, a group stretch, a little group dance to get our muscles warmed up, and good vibes.
Today, the path climbs higher, with the lush forests of the lower valley giving way to the more barren, rocky landscape of the Himalayas. As we approach Lho, we will be greeted by our very first breathtaking views of Manaslu! with the peaceful Rebung Gompa monastery nestled close to the mountain. In the gompa, we can see monks, prayer flags, and traditional stone houses that reflect the Tibetan culture across the valley. After exploring, we continue our trek toward our lunch spot.
After lunch, we will cross the drainage slopes of the Pungen Glacier and eventually arrive at the flat terrain of Samagaun, one of the largest and most important villages on the circuit. During the Manaslu climbing season, Samagaun is a busy hub as it is the closest settlement to the Manaslu Base Camp.
The third day of trekking will take approximately 6-8 hours over 10.6 miles (17km) up to 11,614ft/3,540m.
Settle into the teahouse that will be home for not 1 but 2 nights! Once again showers will be available, and a warm dinner and drink will be served. Walk around town to explore the many viewpoints, lakes, and cultural elements nearby.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Day 7
Manaslu Circuit Trek: Day 4
We'll begin the morning the same: breakfast, tea, stretching, and one of Gavin's classic motivational speeches.
This day in Samagaun is dedicated to acclimatization to allow our bodies time to acclimate to increasing altitude, so we can more comfortably move to higher elevations over the coming days. From town, we can take in stunning views of Manaslu and explore the famous Ribung Gompa. We will also see panoramic sights of glaciers, farmland, and the village’s flat terrain.
The group will set out together for Lake Birendra, a beautiful glacial lake located 1.86mi/3 km from the village at 12,100ft/3,610m. For those feeling up for a longer hike, a group can continue further to Manaslu Base Camp, which lies 1.85ft/3km further away from Birendra and another 3,000ft/900m of elevation gain. The base camp offers views of the Manaslu Glacier and the icefall.
These are both “climb high, sleep low” side trips, designed to help your body adapt and reduce the risk of altitude sickness before you cross the high Larkya La Pass. As a simple alternative, travelers can choose to explore the village and observe the traditional lifestyle of local families.
After returning to the same teahouse, we be served a warm dinner and drink in the dining room. Who's up for cards?!
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Day 8
Manaslu Circuit Trek: Day 5
It's time to leave Samagaun after breakfast. The trail gradually ascends, and we will pass the confluence of the Larkya River and the river from the Samdo Glacier.
As we walk through the Kermo Kharka forests, the path becomes steeper and more rugged. We will cross several wooden bridges, and the climb can be tough. However, the scenery is stunning! Once we arrive at Samdo, a remote high-altitude settlement close to the Tibetan border, we will have lunch at the teahouse we will sleep at that night. Here, we can meet and talk with local people who still rely on yak herding and seasonal trade. The rest of the afternoon will be free for naps, games, reading, relaxing, acclimatization walks, and exploring the town.
The fifth day of trekking will take approximately 3-4 hours over 5 miles (8km) up to 12,467ft/3,800m.
At our teahouse, we'll enjoy another group dinner. There are truly fewer peaceful days than these ones in nature, away from work and social media, and spent with new friends.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Day 9
Manaslu Circuit Trek: Day 6
Our hike from Samdo to Dharamshala is a shorter but scenic journey. After breakfast and stretching, we will follow the path as it passes the Athahra Saya and Larkya rivers, gradually ascending. Along the way, we will pass Taka Choeling Gumba, from where we get beautiful views of Naike and Pangboche Peaks.
The trail passes through Mani walls, stone houses, and a bridge toward Larkya Bazaar, a small settlement with some lodging options. We then continue to Dharamshala (also known as Larkya Phedi), the highest point before the Larkya Pass. From there, we can see grazing pastures and Syancha Glacier. This day is intentionally shorter, giving you extra time to rest, hydrate, and mentally prepare for tomorrow’s long, demanding pass day.
The sixth day of trekking will take approximately 4 hours over 5 miles (8km) up to 14,633ft/4,460m.
As this is the highest. point we will sleep at on the trip, the accommodations are the most suggest. Wifi and showers are not available, but we'll enjoy a warm meal.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Day 10
Manaslu Circuit Trek: Day 7
This day is the most challenging part of the trek. We will start early with a pre-dawn breakfast. We'll begin the hike before sunrise on the north side of the Larkya Glacier. As we trek, we will enjoy views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Our goal is to cross the Larkya La Pass (Larke Pass).
Once at the top, we can enjoy panoramic views of the majestic Himalayas, like Mt. Annapurna II, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Himlung Himal. After taking in the views, we will cross the pass. We may encounter snow and ice. Then, we will descend steeply along the high moraine ridge of the Salpudanda Glacier.
It's (almost) all downhill from there... literally. We will make our way down to the grassy moraine of Dangboche Kharka. Lunch will be a stop at a teahouse during the descent. The trail becomes easier as we go. After about six hours, we will pass through a large meadow and a Mani Wall, finally reaching the beautiful village we will spend the night at, where we'll enjoy a warm dinner. This day is long and tough, but it is also one of the most rewarding days of the entire Manaslu Circuit!
The seventh day of trekking will take approximately 8-10 hours over 14.9 miles (24km) up to 16,752ft/5,160m and then down to 12,205ft/3,720m at the teahouse we will stay the night at.
A warm shower and dinner await at the teahouse!
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Day 11
Manaslu Circuit Trek: Day 8
Today, we will begin with our usual breakfast and stretching before a steady descent. We will pass through lush forests and beautiful meadows, where we get wonderful early-morning views looking back to Manaslu and the surrounding peaks. The trail will wind through small villages and terraces, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Along the way, we will cross several rivers and pass through Mani walls. Our lunch will be at a riverside teahouse. After a few hours, we will reach our final teahouse, where we will settle in for the night.
The eighth day of trekking will take approximately 6-8 hours over 13 miles (21km) down to 8,316ft/2,535m.
At our teahouse, we'll enjoy another group dinner and celebrate our last night out on the trail! It's time to cheers and reflect on the adventure of a lifetime.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Day 12
Return to Kathmandu
After breakfast, we'll start a 4-hour scenic jeep ride to Besisahar with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, including Annapurna II and Manaslu, and various villages. The drive follows the Marshyangdi River, offering stunning views of waterfalls, terraced fields, and lush forests. After some time, we will see more traffic and roadside teahouses as we rejoin the busier Annapurna Conservation Area. Near Besisahar, we will be greeted by views of the Annapurna Range and the surrounding valley.
We'll stop to sit for lunch before transferring to a van to continue driving 6 hours to Kathmandu.
Once we arrive, check in, and get settled, the group will come back together for a final celebration dinner!
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Day 13
Flight Home
Time for the final goodbyes! (Where will the reunion be?!) Enjoy one last included breakfast and soak up the rooftop views from the hotel.
Professional transportation from the accommodation to the Kathmandu airport is included.
Breakfast is included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should we be worried about the altitude? This trip is different than some other hiking trips, like Peru, where there is one large jump in elevation. The trip will begin in Kathmandu at 4,334ft (1400m). We'll then be driven to about ~4,495 ft/1,370 m to start hiking. People typically do not feel negative effects of altitude under 8,000ft. Treks in Nepal typically build in time to acclimate into the itinerary, which is great for us. The highest the group will go is 16,752ft/5,160m at Larke Pass. We'll discuss with the group at length about how to prepare before (via a prep list and group video call) and during too! It is important to take seriously, and all travelers can benefit from talking to their primary doctor about affordable generic prescriptions for altitude sickness,
Is this trip doable if you’re afraid of heights? I don’t think it’s impossible with a fear of heights. There are suspension bridges and may be parts of the trail near drop offs. There are 3 local guides and a whole team of porters in addition to the TWC group leader, so there's a team there supporting each other. The local guides have become amazing friends of ours over the years, and they always offer to walk right next to anyone who needs support.
What will the weather be like?/What is the ideal season to go? Autumn (mid-September to end-November) is ideal. Generally, during autumn, the weather is clear with mild to warm days and cold nights. In autumn, the mountain views are often clear, especially in the mornings. The ideal seasons for Nepal are very short. In the summer (June-August), Nepal has a "monsoon season," when hiking is often unsafe due to rains. In the winter (December-March), the temperatures are the coldest. The spring (April-May) sees more rain and snowmelt. For these reasons, we love October and November and think Nepal is a destination where it is very important to go during the right season. During our trip, you can expect temperatures between 79° / 57° F in Kathmandu. For the first few days of the hike, temperatures can be in the 50s and 60s F during the day and can get down to the 30s and 40s F at night. At the highest points of the trail, temperatures can drop below freezing at night. Again, down jackets and sleeping bags are provided! Especially in the mid-mornings, the warm sun makes the temperatures feel warmer, but they are generally great for hiking.
Does the price include all 3 meals a day? The trip includes 34 meals! We can accommodate dietary restrictions, including vegan, vegetarian, dairy free, gluten free, nut allergies, etc. Only a couple of meals in Kathmandu aren't included. Those times are flexible, so it works best for people to choose what they want to eat at those times. Although people often still stick together, and we make recommendations on places to eat.
Are we required to pay additional gratuity in addition to the price? For this trip, tips are included in the trip cost. TWC tips the local guides, porters, drivers, etc on behalf of the whole group. However, travelers are always welcome to give additional tips to the local hiking guides (who are with the group for 10 days) and their porter. Again, the expected amount is included in the trip package, some some travelers want to give more if they really liked the local guides.
How difficult are the hikes? The activity level of this trip is VERY HIGH. There are 8 days of hiking, and there will be a lot of walking involved on most other days. The terrain on the hiking days is very strenuous and can be steep. The mileage of the hikes are long, especially towards the end of the trek, but the elevation gradually increases, starting from 4386 ft/1340m and reaching a maximum of 16,752ft/5106m. It is highly recommended that those who join this trip have hiking experience unless travelers regularly do another form of strenuous physical activity. Reach out to jessica@travelwc.com with additional questions. Information on how to best prepare to make the hikes as comfortable as possible will also be given. Prepared hikers are the happiest hikers.
What will we have to carry? You'll store your main luggage in the hotel back in town. On the trek, you'll want to have a small backpack that you'll hike with for your water bottle, sunscreen, small stuff, etc. All of your additional clothes and items for the 6 day trek will be carried in a duffle bag by a porter. You can have up to 9kgs/20lbs carried for you, which is more than enough! We work with a group of local guides and porters who have strict rules to protect the porters and ensure fair treatment, and hikers often become friends with their porter! There is 1 porter per 2 hikers. They'll carry your bags and deliver them to your rooms once we check into the teahouse each night.
What should I do to prepare? The answer to that is going to look different for everyone! To start, I will always recommend trying out some hikes where you live. Not everyone lives in a place where there are hikes like this with elevation, and that’s okay! Wherever you can get yourself walking and legs moving is great. Make a plan, go with a buddy, and have fun! If you don’t have access to any trails with elevation gain, the stairmaster in a gym is similar. Try it out, but don’t rush! Put the speed as slow as you want. During the trip, everyone will go at their own pace, and there will be local guides with the group. However, it’s important to put some thought into preparing, and you will be so happy you did! If you’re already an experienced hiker, this may not feel as important to you. Only you know your body, so I can only make generalized recommendations. We will chat more about how else to prepare during the group video call in the summer of 2025 (and in regular notes and posts via email and the Facebook group throughout the year until the trip).
Do I need a visa? US citizens are eligible for a visa on arrival. The process is quite straightforward when you arrive. There is one extra line you wait in to pay for your visa. Each traveler will be responsible for paying for their visa upon arrival in Nepal. The cost of the tourist visa is either 30 USD for a 15-day stay, 50 USD if the traveler plans to stay for up to 30 days, or 125 USD if the traveler plans to stay for up to 90 days. If you are only staying in Nepal for the duration of the TWC trip, the 15-day stay is sufficient. If you will be traveling with another passport, please send an email if you have any questions about visas.
Is it normal to come solo? Yes! One of the best things about TWC is that we prioritize community, and our groups get close quickly. We see a lot of roommates become great friends and entire groups reunite after the trip ends.
What will we experience aside from hiking? So much! There is a lot of culture, history, nature, etc that we'll experience throughout the trek as well. We will explore Kathmandu with a local guide, including Swoyambhunath, the Monkey Temple. We'll also see wild monkeys on the trail, goats, tiny deer, birds, and more wildlife.
Do you offer payment plans? Yes! During the sign-up process, you can select to opt into a monthly payment plan interest-free. You will find the package cost under the "Pricing and Dates" section on the trip page. When signing up, you'll have the option to opt in for an interest-free payment plan. Only a deposit of $299 is due on the day of booking. The remaining balance can be paid in 6 monthly installments starting in March and going through August. However, you'll have access to an account where you can log in anytime, see your payment plan details, make a partial or full payment anytime you want, and more.
Do I need equipment? No! A down jacket and sleeping bag to be used on the trekking days will be provided for free to whichever travelers don't bring their own. A detailed packing list will be provided, but the only other "gear" travelers will need to bring themselves is hiking shoes and clothes for hiking in. Some small items like a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, etc will also be recommended. For backpacks, a small but comfortable backpack to store your water and snacks for the day is sufficient, as you can put the rest of your items in provided duffle bags that the porters will carry.
Do you accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies? TWC is happy to accommodate dietary requests to the best of our abilities. It's essential to us that everyone is comfortable! A question during the signup process for each trip asks the traveler to note any dietary requests, allergies, etc. We can accommodate vegan and vegetarian diets on every trip. 3 out of 5 of our group leaders are vegetarian or vegan, so we always make sure to have good veggie options for all included meals and on our recommendation lists.
