For American travellers
A private trek in Nepal, planned from the USA.
One host from first message to the airport, a team that is yours alone, and the best rooms each route allows.
Getting there
There are no direct flights from the US to Kathmandu. Most travellers connect through the Gulf, Istanbul, Delhi or Southeast Asia, and the journey takes about 20 to 30 hours from the East Coast and longer from the West. We suggest arriving a day early so that the first day of the trek is not also the first day after the flight.
Nepal is roughly 10 to 14 hours ahead of the US, depending on the region and the season. Jet lag is real, which is one reason we build in slow first days and acclimatisation days.
How long to allow
Most US guests need 14 to 18 days door to door for a full trek, because the travel is long. If you have less time, our short journeys and the helicopter tours fit into a week.
Short on time? A private Everest helicopter morning and a few days in Kathmandu work well after a long flight.
When to go
Spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November) are the main trekking seasons, with clear skies and settled weather. Winter suits the lower routes and the Kathmandu Valley. Each journey page shows a month-by-month guide.
Popular with American travellers
Where to begin
Everest Base Camp Trek
The full walk to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, with the best lodges low down, the best rooms higher up, and two acclimatisation days.
Everest Helicopter Tour
A private helicopter from Kathmandu up the Khumbu at dawn, a landing where the rules allow, and breakfast facing Everest. Back by noon.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Up the Modi Khola gorge into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a ring of peaks around Base Camp, with an extra night at Machapuchare Base Camp for a safer ascent.
Before you book
How do I get a Nepal visa?
Most visitors, including from the US, UK and Australia, can buy a tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport, or fill in the online form shortly before travel and pay on arrival. Fees are currently US$30 for 15 days, US$50 for 30 days and US$125 for 90 days, paid in cash. Check the latest rules with the Nepal Department of Immigration before you fly.
Do I need special travel insurance?
Yes. Your policy must cover trekking to the highest altitude on your route (up to 6,000 metres on our high journeys), emergency medical treatment, helicopter rescue and repatriation. We check it before you travel.
Do I need vaccinations?
Check with a travel clinic six to eight weeks before you go. Routine vaccines, hepatitis A and typhoid are commonly recommended for Nepal. Your clinic will advise on anything else for your route and season.
How far ahead should I book?
For spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November), six to nine months ahead is ideal. The best rooms in the Khumbu and lodges such as Shinta Mani Mustang fill early. For winter and the lower routes, two to three months is usually enough.
More on our questions page.