Himalayan Spring:
trekking and yoga in nepal
Mar 30-April 12, 2025
Step out of the ordinary: embark on a life-changing journey, immersed in the stunning, lush beauty of the Himalayas.
Experience the grounding power of the majestic Annapurna mountains. Find inspiration and be nourished by the deep culture of the region. You will return home a new you!
Let the rich color and culture of Nepal give your heart and soul a creative boost. Learn to trust your body as you embark on expansive verdant trails, whose natural beauty will remind you of the infinite possibilities in your own life.
Be nourished by kind, interesting peers, and tap into deep contentment as you encounter a power that transcends all understanding: the magic of timeless mountain majesty ‘Anna-purna’, named after the goddess of abundance.
I’m joining forces with trusted local mountaineer Dinesh Karki to provide you with a safe, carefully crafted, well-rounded, and once-in-a-lifetime experience in the great Himalaya.
You won’t find any other retreat offering just like this one!
feel inspired, expanded and vibrantly alive
Embark on your journey of a lifetime: 14-day adventure including 8 days of Hut-to-hut hiking and yoga, 1 rest day in the mountains, and 5 days of cultural immersion in the heart of Nepal.
March 30 - April 12, 2025
Hiking with daypack — luggage carried by Sherpas — food and lodging in cozy mountain teahouses and hotels
Nestled against the backdrop of the majestic Himalayan mountaintops rimmed with valleys of blooming rhododendrons, this extraordinary adventure seamlessly blends the exhilaration of trekking through breathtaking landscapes with the tranquility of yoga, breathwork, and meditation, all while immersing you in the rich cultural tapestry of Nepal.
Join me for an unforgettable experience that will rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit, as you explore ancient trails, find serenity in daily yoga practices, and forge connections with local communities as well as your fellow adventurers. This retreat goes beyond the ordinary, where every step is a chance to discover the beauty around you and within yourself.
You will have the opportunity to be nourished on all levels and with all senses, through delicious local Nepali food, astonishing beauty surrounding you at every turn, and all levels Yoga, Breathwork, Meditation and grounding practices to help you reconnect to nature and yourself, and be inspired and enlivened by the possibilities of your life.
This retreat is carefully designed to leave you feeling inspired, transformed, and accomplished in an adventure like no other. The thoughtfully created Yoga, Meditation and Breathwork practices and stretching sessions will help you access deeper breaths, optimize your muscle tone for easeful movement, and feel a renewed sense of energy.
There is nothing for you to plan other than your flights to/from Nepal.
Details at a glance
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Sun Mar 30 - Sat Apr 12 (meet in Kathmandu, depart from Kathmandu)
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Meeting point: Kathmandu Airport (we will be picked up from and driven back to this airiport by our guides)
Route: Kathmandu – Pokhara - Ghorepani – world famous Poonhill viewpoint- Chhomrong – Annapurna Basecamp (ABC) – Jhinu Dada – Return Pokhara – Kathmandu
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Easy to Medium, and we hike only with our daypack (Porters carry the large backpacks)
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First dibs early bird (through June 7th, 2024); $2799
($ 3599 USD full price)
No hidden costs
Non-refundable.
Full Payment by Feb 7th (Monthly Installment payment options available)
Refund Policy: Non-refundable, but transferable to another person. Consider buying travel insurane
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During trek: teahouses w/double bedroom
Before/after trek: Hotels
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Refund Policy: Non-refundable, but transferable to another person.
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Proof of Emergency Travel Insurance is Insurance required prior to start of trip. This kind of insurance is valid once you’re on the trip, in case of emergency. Nomad insurance offers a
plan for $107.
If you think life might get in the way before you start your trip, I recommend purchasing additional travel insurance coverage.
YOGA
CUlTURE
TREK
Besides deepening your yoga practice and growing your resilience, this trip will also help you broaden your experience of world cultures. I’ll be contributing not only my therapeutics, meditation and breathwork, but also decades of experience as an art and cultural historian to this adventure.
Be inspired by the ancient fusion of Buddhist/Hindu philosophy in this region, enjoying daily meditation and breathwork practice based on modern teachings from both Buddhist and Hindu philosophies to ignite your own life-giving routine. You’ll be finding ‘golden nuggets’ from Buddhist and Hindu Mythology to inspire your practice and your life off the mat.
this trip is for you iF:
….you want to join a down-to-earth community of like-minded folks dedicated to living life at its fullest
… you are feeling the call to go on a life-changing beautiful adventure without the stress of finding trusted providers, guides, and accomodations
…you walk several times a week, are ok walking steps and inclines (up & down) and have general physical fitness and wellbeing
… are an avid hiker and are interested in using yoga, breathwork, and focused stretching techniques ‘on site’ to get stronger and more flexible
…you want to experience the Nepalese culture and people
… are interested in taking both your asana and your spiritual practice deeper in the Birthplace of Yoga
… are interested in seeing Buddhist/Hindu traditions, how they intermingle, and how Nepalis integrate these values in their everyday life
…are interested in improving how you use yoga, stretching and/or meditation and breathwork
to experience life in more color and less stress
…you have been to Nepal before and are looking for a more culturally immersive experience this time
…you are going to Nepal for the first time and are looking for a safe and supportive environment to explore this deep, colorful region.
what’s Included
(scroll down for full list of inclusions and itinerary)
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Daily Yoga for Hikers, Meditation, Breathwork
Take advantage of offerings ranging from Meditation and Breathwork for Grounding, Yoga slow flow, and simple stretching for Hikers.
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Professionally guided Trek with local sherpas
Dinesh’s dedicated, well trained, and close-knit team of porters carry your luggage to your next teahouse in time for your arrival.
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Delicious Local cuisine
Delight in the vibrant flavors of Nepali cooking provided fresh every day at the mountain inns. Meals are a la carte with various options including western inflected dishes.
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Stay in mountain teahouses and hotels
Cozy rustic mountain inns await you each night on the trek, where you can rest and reset in a double room, and connect to your group in the warm communal dining hut. The trek is book-ended by stays in hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
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nepali cooking class run by womens' collective
The two Sisters Cooking school supports a rural community in the far reaches of Nepal with their proeeds. Learn how to cook the best chai you’ve ever tasted, and create a lovely Nepali meal that we’ll share together. The staff shares fantastic recipes and local wisdom.
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Visit sacred sites and temples
Visit Buddhist Temples, Hindu shrines, and the vivid medieval quarter of Kathmandu; sneak in a blessing as you witness a Puja ritual at an island temple by the lake of Pokhara.
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Scenic flight and Hotel stays in Lakeside Pokhara
Approach the magic mountains by air, landing at the gorgeous lakeside town of Pokhara and know that the mountains have got your back as we fly back to Kathmanu after the trek.
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Be enlivened by the power of nature
Experience the indescribable wonder and awe of being surrounded day and night by the auspicious mountains and exotic flora and fauna of the Annapurna region.
what people are saying
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provided a wonderful holistic experience
Suzanne provided a wonderful holistic experience on the trek. She organized a unique cultural cooking class where I was able to learn skills to take back home. And each day she took care to make sure everyone was doing alright, either leading yoga or meditation sessions, as well as directly helping when I had some issues with my knee. She was integral in making the trip a lifetime memory, thank you Suzanne!
Andy Huang, UX designer
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I really loved the meditation sessions
I really loved the meditation sessions led by Suzanne on our Annapurna trek. She built up our awareness over several sessions, allowing us to easy in to a meditation practice and acknowledge all of the feelings - good and bad- that were coming up. After each session she offered us a chance to talk about what came up. It was beautiful way to be in tune with ourselves on the trip.
Tessa Scott, PHD student in Lingustics
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I felt so well cared for physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
My trek to ABC was one of the best trips I’ve ever done. Suzanne and William organized a terrific team. They were responsive to the needs of every member of our group including activities to train and prepare for our journey. They led with positivity, enthusiasm, and flexibility. When we trekkers were beat, Suzanne would give personal physical training and even a massage. I felt so well cared for physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I came home with an album of fantastic pictures, fitter in body and soul, and richer by my new close friends.
Dorothea Bowman, Kaplan Prep Specialist
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She has the ability to guide through any situation and create meaningful experiences
I didn’t know what to expect going to Nepal with a group of people I had never met before. Suzanne helped make that the most positive part of the trip: going with the flow, taking the unexpected as another part of the journey. She has the ability to guide through any situation and create meaningful experiences out of the ordinary. I’m very grateful to have travelled with her guidance and continue to enjoy our friendship beyond the trip.
Chris Palowicz, Artist and Sound Engineer
our 14 day schedule at a glance
Itinerary (sneak peek)
Day 1 (Sunday 3/30): WELCOME TO NEPAL!
Meet in Kathmandu (alt. 1300 m / 4265 ft) around noon, transfer from airport to hotel Thamel in the heart of Kathmandu. Explore the neighborhood, option to visit monkey temple Svayambunath or explore historical Durbar Square. Welcoming/Stretching/Grounding session with Suzanne in pm.
Day 2 (3/31): KATHMANDU, COOKING, CULTURE
After a brief meditation session and breakfast at the hotel, we will buy ingredients at local market with 2Sisters Cooking School. Learn how to cook a Nepali feast together, eat the feast at lunch. Visit Boudnath Stupa with optional participation in Buddhist Puja, Kora walk. Afternoon/eve: meet our Nepali guide team, pack and get ready to head into the mountains the next morning.
Day 3 (4/01): TO THE MOUNTAINS
Breakfast at Hotel — flight from Kathmandu to lakeside town Pokhara in the Himalayan foothills (alt. 740m/2400 ft): In the afternoon, explore Pokhara, row to the temple on the lake and experience a puja (ceremony), or chill by the rooftop hotel pool with your first view of the Annapurna mountains. Evening Yoga and Meditation.
Day 4 (4/02): THE TREK BEGINS! Meditation, gentle Yoga, Breakfast. 3 hour Jeep ride to Ulleri (alt.1900m/6233 ft). Today’s landscape is highlighted by beautiful rhododendrons and bamboo forests. Hike 3 hours, lunch break, hike 3-4 hours with tea break, reaching our first mountain lodge in the traditional Magar village Ghorepani (alt.2800m) in the late afternoon, where we will stay overnight.
Day 5 (4/03): MEET YOUR MAGIC MOUNTAINS
Early morning hike to Poonhill viepoint (alt.3210m/10531 ft). We will witness the sunlight pouring into the panoramic mountains, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Elaborate breakfast and day hike to Chuli (alt 2140m)
Day 6 (4/04): TAKING IT ALL IN
Rest day at an Idyllic teahouse in Chuli rimmed with prayer flags and gorgeous views.
Day 7 (4/05) JUNGLE PLANTS AND BIRDS, VILLAGES, VISTAS.
Today’s trek to Sinwa village (2300 m/7545 ft) is 5-7 hours total with elaborate lunch and tea breaks in the Gurung village of Chhomrong. We will traverse spectacular suspension bridges, and pass through a rhododendron forest. The lush Jungle vegetation is filled with melodic birdsong and rejuvenating views. Yoga & Meditation, Dinner at Teahouse in the village of Sinwa.
Day 8 (4/06): BAMBOO FORESTS & PRAYER FLAGS
Trek from Sinwa to Himalaya Hotel (alt. 2900 m/9514 ft), 5-6 hours, through emerald forests graced with prayer flags.
Day 9 (4/07): EPIC ANNAPURNA Highest point: Annapurna Basecamp (4130m/13549 ft)
Day 10 (4/08): ANNAPURNA BASECAMP SUNRISE , trek to BAMBOO (2300 m/ 7545 ft)
Day 11 (4/09): Rolling down into the HOTSPRINGS of Jhinu Dada (alt 1740 m / 5708 ft) (4-5 hours)
BEAUTY & HOT SPRINGS
Bamboo to Jhinu dada 4 to 5 hours, (alt.1740m / 5708 ft) 12.5km walk
Downhill trek to Jhinu Danda Hot Springs. The path to Jhinu Danda descends through forested slopes to Chomrong via Khuldighar. Stop by the experimental sheep farm to see a glimpse of
herder life in Nepal's mountains, arriving at Jhinu Danda in the afternoon. Yoga/stretching, followed by a visit to the hot spring about a half-hour hike downhill. This is an excellent place
to unwind and let the stress of the day wash over you. Yoga, Meditation, dinner at teahouse
Day 12 (4/10): HIMALAYA’S GOT YOUR BACK
Jhinu dada to Pokhara (alt. 740 m / 2427 ft). Short hike to finish the trek, and drive per Jeep to Pokhara. Afternoon: freetime to explore Pokhara.
Day 13 (4/11): Flight back to Kathmandu. Afternoon time to explore Durbar Square or head to nearby former kingdoms like the site of Patan. Evening celebratory dinner with the Trekking crew. Cultural performance with music.
Day 14 (Saturday 4/12): Transfer from Hotel to airport as needed
InvestmenT
$3599 $2999 [SAVE $600] Super Early Bird OFFER is valid untiL July 7, 2024
There are two ways to pay:
1) Payment upfront
2) Pay in monthly installments of $334
*** MONTHLY Payment Plan: nine monthly installments of $334, until March 7, 2025.***
Refer to booking policy below for more information.
This adventure is designed to leave nothing out. It includes local transfers, all accomodations, all meals on the trek, breakfasts in the hotels on city days, daily yoga, breath work and meditation, cooking class and guided tour of Kathmandu. (See below for list of inclusions)
Pay in Full ($2999)
includeD:
Group Support and Leader contact via WhatsApp for all preparation and questions
Pre-Trip Meet and Greet in the Berkeley Hills and Online to get to know each other (excluding $10 meal contribution). Hiking in the Berkeley Hills.
Pre-Trip Hiking opportunity in Yosemite to adjust to higher elevations (excluding travel/food/ camping costs)
Airport-to-hotel transfers in Kathmandu (arrival & departure)
13 nights accomodation:
3 nights in hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu: 2 prior to departure for Pokhara, 1 upon arrival from Pokhara after trek (Additional self-funded but discounted night’s accommodation can be arranged for after the trip if required)
2 nights in hotel in Pokhara: 1 prior, 1 after trek
8 nights in historic teahouses on Trek (shared rooms)
13 Yoga sessions plus stretching to get you ready for hiking and to ease sore muscles
13 sessions of progressive breathwork (pranayama) to improve your Oxygen intake and create ease and equanimity
13 sessions meditation to increase your capacity to live in the moment
Cooking class & meal with local womens’ collective, 2 Sisters Cooking School, with the opportunity to visit Boudnath Stupa and take a Kora walk
Guided tour of Kathmandu
Luggage storage for duration of the expedition
All teahouse accommodation during trekking (shared)
Three meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) and Tea while on the hike with full food choice
Experienced leaders, with daily briefings and health observations
All necessary local staff with experienced English speaking trekking leader, sherpa porters to carry duffels including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and lodging
Ground transportation by private vehicles
2 Internal domestic flights
All necessary paperwork and permits
Travel arrangements
All government, local taxes
Duffelbag (on loan by guide service)
Insulated Jacket (on loan by guide service)
Certificate of Success
Goodbye cultural dinner in Kathmandu
NOT INCLUDED:
International airfare to and from Kathmandu
Helicopter payments if decide to use any heli services
Nepal Visa fee (bring accurate USD cash, usually 30 USD)
Recommended but not required: travel insurance (in case you need to cancel)
Required: Rescue insurance and Emergency evacuation costs (Rescue insurance is mandatory. We recommend the company Nomad, which has a plan for ca. 100$)
Personal expenses (phone calls/mobile data and airtime, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottled/boiled water, hot shower, snacks, curios, speciality coffee’s etc.) – approx. US$ 200
Personal medications
Optional trips and sightseeing beyond the cooking & culture tour and the Kathmandu city tour
Night/s in Kathmandu before or after official end of trip.
Tips for guides and porters for all personal duffel carry and guiding services - minimum US$ 150
Credit facility
Services not listed in the ‘What Is Included’ section
Are the mountains calling you?
Tell me more
Book-ended by several colorful days of art, cooking, and culture in Kathmandu and the lakeside town Pokhara, the famous eight day Annapurna Basecamp Trek is filled with mesmerizing views of mountains, verdant canyons, waterfalls, and hot springs, as we hike our way through picturesque Gurung villages and from teahouse to teahouse where we experience the warm hospitality of the local communities.
On our way to Annapurna Basecamp (ABC), the first jewel of the journey is witnessing the sun light up the magic mountain range of Annapurna on the world-famous Poonhill viewpoint, which is framed with blooming Rhododendrons at this time of year. The trail continues rimmed with views of some of the most majestic and auspicious mountains on the planet, including Annapurna I (8091 m), Annapurna South (7219 m), and Machapuchhre (6993 m), also known as Fishtail. Includes a rest, yoga-and-unwind day at a mountain teahouse in Choli.
This trek is classified as grade medium and involves long but leisurely ascents and descents on stone steps and packed trails, an average of 6 to 7 hours a day. We will be carrying only a light day pack (luggage carried by porters).
A typical day on the Trek
Wake up to birdsong and option to greet the sun together with meditation and breathwork surrounded by mountains, sky, and vibrant foliage and blooms. After a full breakfast in the teahouse (various choices), we pack up, gear up with a handful of targeted hip and shoulder drills, and head out for our first hike of the day (ca 3-4 hours, leisurely pace). The first 20 minutes are an invitation to silent walking, to fully experience our spectacular (outer and inner!) surroundings.
Midday we arrive at the next teahouse, greeted by a fresh cup of tea. After an invigorating all levels yoga session that doesn’t over-tax the legs, lunch is served. The second hike (ca. 3-4 hours) is punctuated by a tea break along the way and frequent stops as needed. Arriving at the next teahouse anywhere from 4-5 pm, we may need to get dried off after an afternoon spring rain, get settled in our rooms, shower etc. Gentle stretching and bodyscan opportunity before dinner. After dinner, gather around a cozy fire in the community tea room, with time to play games, journal, draw, or just sit and enjoy. If demand arises, there will be a short outside evening meditation ‘sit’ to integrate the day and prepare for a restful night.
After trekking in the spectacular mountains, enjoying a rest-day in a historical teahouse, exploring gurung villages, and practicing full-spectrum yoga, we return filled with fresh Himalayan air to the picturesque lakeside town of Pokhara for a restful night, heading back to Kathmandu for one last afternoon in its colorful streets. A celebratory farewell dinner in Kathmandu tops off our adventure.
Meet Your Facilitators
This retreat is hosted by Suzanne Zuber, R-RYT 500, with the support of local mountaineer Dinesh Karki and his team.
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Suzanne Zuber Yoga (E-RYT 500) specializes in teaching Yoga and Movement that empowers you both physically and mentally.
Suzanne's classes (Hatha AND Vinyasa) incorporate cutting-edge techniques from physiotherapy and movement science to 'unlock' the powers of traditional yoga and help you counteract imbalances sustained by uneven workouts and stress.
I’m Suzanne Zuber, a German-American Yogini, lifelong hiker, mom of two girls and one goldendoodle called Louie. I’m a Yoga teacher trainer (E-RYT 500) and advanced certified Anusara Yoga teacher (ECAT). I teach an expert blend of Yoga and related movement modalities that picks you up where you are and empowers you both physically and mentally.
Born and raised in Munich and its Alpine surroundings, my path was shaped both by centuries of culture, art and ballet, as well as by the vibrant landscapes of mountain, woods, water, and sky of the Bavarian alps that surrounded me every day. I bring my personal history of vivid, multisensory, deep life into my yoga teaching - helping you design your experience in such a way that allows you to tap into the sweetness that comes with being in the moment, in your body, your breath, and your senses.
You can read more about me here.
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William Walsh is a well-known Mountain Yogi who has been teaching climbing and Yoga in the Bay Area and Davis for decades. He is known for his warming Vinyasa flow classes taught with insight, kind affirmation and humor.
Dinesh Karki, founder of Nature Explore Trek, was born and raised trekking in the Everest Region, and has been a certified mountain guide for almost 20 years. He has climbed mountains and led groups all over the world, and from all walks of life.
Dinesh is a seasoned mountaineer, who is enthusiastic and passionate about sharing mountain adventures with others. As a born and raised Nepali, he has a deep connection to the landscape he knows so well, and is an advocate of environmentally conscious tourism in the region.
Frequently asked questions….
CAN I TRUST THESE ORGANIZERS?
We are especially pleased to guarantee high quality service that is tested and trustworthy, sparing you last-minute permit hassles, unjustified, or hidden costs. Suzanne has established a relationship with a reputable guide service that will arrange all permits and park fees and all accommodations in the cities and mountains. On the trek, Dinesh and his team help monitor everyone’s physical wellbeing, making sure you are pacing yourself well. Knowing that you are in good hands makes for a much more enjoyable experience.
REQUIREMENTS OF HEALTH AND EXPERIENCE:
This outdoor experience is suitable for the passionate walker who will be comfortable walking, including descending and ascending inclines and stairs, around 6-7 hours a day with a light backpack <8kg. The trek is much less physically demanding compared to the Everest Region Trek. Preparation would include regular daily walks leading up to this trip. You do need to be in good physical and mental health to complete the trip. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung and blood diseases please inform me before confirming your participation. I am highly conscious of your health and safety. I also recommend that you have a medical check-up with your GP as well.
The yoga and meditation will be accessible yoga to all body types and abilities. All practices are invitational. There is no prior experience necessary to participate in your yoga practices, however you will be encouraged to do so as to enrich the overall connection, depth and experience of yourself and the group.
As for vaccinations, medication to prevent altitude sickness, gastro-intestinal problems or other illnesses, you must consult with your doctor at least six months before embarking on this trip.
WHAT TO BRING:
I will provide all who book with a detailed pack list well in advance
WHAT I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU:
(Email your answer to me upon receiving your booking confirmation)Any allergies or diet requirements?
Any pre-existing medical conditions or injuries
TERMS & CONDITIONS OF BOOKING
MANDATORY EMERGENCY INSURANCE: the local guide service requires proof of purchase of emergency insurance (coverage during trek) in order to hold your spot.
RECOMMENDED TRAVEL CANCELLATION INSURANCE: this insurance is not required but recommended, for the event that life gets in the way and you can’t come on the trip.
Payment options:
Payment plans are available at the check out. The subscription/payment plan requires you to pay the entire amount in all nine installments, even if you are not able to attend.
Cancellation policy:
This retreat is non-refundable, no exceptions. However, you may transfer it to another person. Additional travel-and-retreat-cancellation insurance is recommended.
There is no refund in the case of cancellation of the retreat by any party, for any reason.
Suzanne Zuber is not responsible for the cost of your international travel or any other extraneous costs.
Various and Sundry:
How does the guide/group handle illness or altitude sickness? If someone is too ill to trek on a particular day or multiple days, do they drop out? Can they rejoin the group later?
The local guide has decades of experience scanning hikers for signs of altitude sickness, and I keep close tabs as well. Our pace is slow to start with, but Dinesh has enough staff in place that someone will be able to slow down more, with anyone who is feeling ill or is showing signs of altitude sickness. The first strategy is to hydrate, slow down exponentially, and take more breaks. If there is no improvement, the guide will accompany the member down to the next lower teahouse to spend the night there (the guide will sleep in the common room with other guides while the trekker will sleep in their own room), and the two of them will either catch up with the gorup the next day, wait in place until the group circles back, or return back to Pokhara, which is a fantastic place to stay put. The cost of staying at other teahouses than planned, is covered; the cost of staying in a hotel in Pokhara is not covered.
There are travel insurance plans that cover some or all of these costs, including return trips in the case of emergency. Emergency rescue insurance is required for this trip. General travel insurance is not required but recommended.
As for vaccinations, medication to prevent altitude sickness, gastro-intestinal problems or other illnesses, you must consult with your doctor at least six months before embarking on this trip.
How does one handle communication?
I read that some of the teahouses have wifi. While I thoroughly enjoy being "off the grid", two weeks would be a stretch for me.
Every single teahouse had wifi, as well as opportunities to charge your devices (although I do recommend bringing a battery pack, since the charging stations are limited per teahouse). Wifi costs about 3-4$ per stay.
Do you recommend coming in early a few days or staying late. If so, how many days early?
If you have the time, do both. I like to arrive at least a day earlier than the official start of the trip, but come even earlier if you have the time. There is an abundance of things to see in Kathmandu and surroundings, including two other nearby former kingdoms. Staying late is also a nice idea, maybe booking a room in a spa hotel to unwind and pamper yourself.
Do you recommend against a certain age or fitness level from going on this trip?
This trip is classified as medium, and is doable for any individual who is reasonably ‘fit’ and is willing to prepare for this trip with regular exercise, regular hiking, and conditioning. My yoga classes are the perfect prep, and a great regular stomping ground are the Claremont canyon trails and the Berkeley and Oakland hills.
In general, I don’t recommend this trip for individuals with serious knee, hip, or foot injuries or who are not used to (and do not enjoy) long, slow hikes. The trek has MANY stairs up and down valleys. The common challenges that come up will be addressed on the trek itself, we do alot of focused trouble shooting to optimize knee tracking, hip muscle engagement, and proper foot placement both going uphill and downhill, to prevent pain in the legs, the back, and the neck/shoulder region. Daypacks are light, so not too much stress from that end.
