To our trekkers past, present and future;

There have been significant increases in Trekkers and general tourism that have resulted in significant changes to the flight logistics getting to and from Lukla and Kathmandu. There has also been a massive increase in the number of visitors to many areas of Nepal. The Kathmandu airport can no longer handle the air traffic volume.

Over the 2018 trekking season there were large numbers of Trekkers stranded for many hours or days due to backlogs in flights. Many missed their time windows and had to abandon or shorten their treks. This situation deteriorated further in 2019 and beyond. The Kathmandu airport has shut down all flights to and from Lukla while Kathmandu builds a much needed new airport over the next five years.

Unfortunately, Government plans for Everest trekkers involves a lengthy and uncomfortable bus ride (6 plus hours at 2 o’clock in the morning) to a remote village in the mountains called Ramnechhap. Ramnechhap has a large single strip runway that handles all flight traffic to/from Lukla. The village has some very nice hotels. Our workaround is to leave for Ramnechhap the day before our flight. Travelling in the daytime allows for magnificent vistas and a relaxing journey.

We have very valuable and influential connections through Funuru (my Sherpa son) to arrange our ground transportation to and from Ramnechhap as well as our flights to and from Lukla. This is the most reliable and effective way to deal with the logistic problems. Our trekkers will still experience the incredible cultural encounters which is the hallmark of our expeditions. In many cases they will have an even better trek than those who have gone before them. The Sherpa people, the region, the trails, the teahouses and all other aspects of the Solo Khumbu will be the same experience!

Our Plan:

We will have three days in Kathmandu to adjust to the time change and travel fatigue. This will allow time for tours of the Kathmandu Valley, Bhakpatur, and final preparations for the trek ahead. On the fourth day we will leave at noon by bus for Ramnechhap. Being there the day before our flight guarantees us passage on the first flight in the morning for Lukla.

Sherpa Encounters - Trek Offerings

People around the world think of a trip to Nepal as an out of reach exotic dream, only for young adventurers or crazy risk takers. Well that is not the case. Trekking in Nepal is affordable and is an incredible experience within the reach of any healthy people who want to participate in a world renowned adventure, young or old. We offer a range of inclusive, fully supported trekking opportunities for you to experience. We are very adaptable and we manage and massage our tours as we go to meet individual and group nuances.

Our treks go in the Fall each year (start and end dates vary with group bookings). Contact us for details

The start of the tours is the Report date, which is the latest date you should arrive in Kathmandu (under your own flight arrangements) and report in. The end date is the day that our tour finishes. Our responsibilities end with the final night's accommodations.

If you wish to arrive in Kathmandu earlier or stay longer you are free to do so. You are on your own before and after the dates specified but we are happy to assist with hotel bookings, travel and activities. Your tour package includes five nights at the Kathmandu Guest House (three nights before the trek and 2 nights after).

The 2024 trekking season includes the following:

Nepal Cultural Tour

This is the tour that does not involve trekking or high altitude. It is a very pleasant and fascinating journey through some of the most famous and incredible parts of Nepal. Besides the chaos and the prominent landmarks and destinations of Kathmandu, it also includes a day at the ancient Hindu kingdom of Bhaktapur.

Then we travel to Lumbini which is the birth place of Lord Buddha. We will spend 2 days exploring the expansive cultural and heritage areas of the region.

Then onto Bharatpur for a 3 night visit in the jungle of the Chitwan National Park. The park is home to rhinos, elephants, tigers, crocodiles, monkeys, etc. As it sits on the second largest migratory flight path in the world, it is a bird watchers paradise!

From there we return to Kathmandu for a visit to Durbur Square and much needed shopping. We close the tour with a scenic fly by of Mount Everest.

Report Date: KTM November 2, 2024 - November 14, 2024 - Price $2250 usd

Price for Cultral tour includes:

- 5 nights stay in Kathmandu (3 start - 2 end) at the Kathmandu Guest House – welcome party – transport to / from airport ( for all tours)

- Ground transportation, city tours, all tourist entry fees, and all accomodations during the tour.

Price based on double occupancy – single room supplement will apply

Price set January 2024 and may change subject to changes in park fees and currency fluctuation.

Food is not included – Tips not included – Flights for arrival & departure to/from home / Kathmandu not included.

Your only other expense would be your airport entry visa ($50 USD upon arrival).

Internet and e-device charging is available everywhere. We will supply you with a Nepali SIM card.

Tips are common but not ingrained. Tipping is completely at your discretion and typically just for our local Nepali support staff at the end of the journey. If you are pleased with the service (trust us you will be pleased - just ask any of our past guests) then the group usually throws in a suggested amount that is distributed to the support team at the goodbye party.

Everest Base Camp/Kalapatar

This is the classic Nepal trek with a summit of Kalapatar with unparalleled views of Everest. - 5,643 M (18,513 ft.) It follows in the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary and the many intrepid expeditions that have visited the region. Although it can be a very demanding trek, most people come away feeling that it's more of a cultural experience than an arduous physical journey.

For this trek you will need to set aside 21 days in all, including your flights to and from home and some time to experience the wonders and chaos of Kathmandu. There are generally two days exploring and preparing in Kathmandu on either side of the actual 14 day trek.

Report date: KTM November 4, 2024 - Last day of trip is November 21, 2024 (2 nights in Kathmandu at the end) - Price $3150 usd

Price for Everest base camp/kalapater includes:

- 5 nights stay in Kathmandu (3 start - 2 end) at the Kathmandu Guest House – welcome party – transport to / from airport ( for all tours)

- Ground transportation, city tours, flights Lukla / Ramnechhap, Sherpa guides, helpers, porters, yaks, tea houses, trekking permits and park entry fees. (along with some special surprises and experiences exclusive to Sherpa Encounters).

- Use of Sherpa Encounters support gear and waterproof duffel bag

Price based on double occupancy – single room supplement will apply

Price set January 2024 and may change subject to changes in park fees, currency fluctuation and local flight costs

Food is not included – Tips not included – Flights for arrival & departure to/from home / Kathmandu not included.

Certain Tea house services not included - such as; showers, extra hot water, device charging

Besides your clothing, personal hiking gear, flights to/from Nepal, food, souvenirs and sun screen, your only other expense would be your airport entry visa ($50 USD upon arrival). Your food is typically around $25.00 USD a day while trekking – but can be more if you are really hungry or thirsty. Budget $500 USD) for on -trek spending.

Internet and e-device charging is available everywhere. We will supply you with a Nepali SIM card.

Our Goal for you

We want you to make it to the trek destination goal and back safely. Our treks are all about the culture of the people of the Solu-Khumbu and the scenery of the Himalayas. We guide you in experiencing the culture and through the excitement and challenges of this journey. We want you to achieve your own personal goals, make new friends, be part of the family and enjoy the walk through some of the highest places on earth.

Safety and facilitating you reaching your goals are our highest priorities and we do it well.

2024 Trek Itinerary

Nov. 4 - arrive Kathmandu
Nov. 5 - 1/2 day tour of Kathmandu
Nov. 6 - 1/2 day tour of Bhaktapur
Nov. 7 - depart at noon by bus for Ramnachhap
Nov. 8 - fly to Lukla and stay overnight at our guides house in Ghat
Nov. 9 - trek from Ghat to Jorsalle
Nov. 10 - trek to Namche
Nov. 11 - acclimatization day in Namche
Nov. 12 - trek to Khumjung
Nov. 13 - trek to Deboche
Nov. 14 - trek to Pheriche
Nov. 15 - acclimatization day in Pheriche
Nov. 16 - trek to Laboche
Nov. 17 - trek to Gorak Shep and summit Kalapatar
Nov. 18 - descend down to Pheriche
Nov. 19 - fabulous helicopter ride back to Lukla
Nov. 20 - Lukla to Ramnechhap and back to Kathmandu
Nov. 21 - last night of tour package. Hotel stay at Kathmandu Guest house

Other Trekking Options

Seven Day Namche / Khumjung Loop

This is a great introductory trek into the world of the high Himalayas. Crossing over a 12,000 ft. pass between Namche and Khumjung, one gets the true measure of high altitude without the extreme altitude of our other treks. Khumjung is one of the oldest Sherpa villages in the Himalayas and home to the very first school that Hillary built in Nepal. You will get all the culture and stunning views of Mount Everest on the trek. The total program is 12 days with 7 of those trekking. This trek is usually done as a subset of the Base Camp / Kalapatar trek but it can be arranged on its own.

Custom Tours

We can customise tours for small or large groups. Ask us about tours for your own groups or specialised smaller groups. We can arrange exclusive treks with only female Sherpa's, porters and guides if desired.

Overview