Enquire Now

Poon Hill Trek Nepal








    Smaller group sizes

    Putting local communities first

    Your safety is our number one focus

    Sustainable travel

    Amazing experiences at affordable prices

    The Mountains

    Our Poon Hill Trek is perfect for first time trekkers or families and great for people who want to experience the wonders of trekking in Nepal but who have limited time.

     

    Collecting you on arrival in Kathmandu you will stay in the superb eco-friendly Thamel Eco Resort, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, and trek the remarkable Poon Hill trek.

     

    The highlights of this trek include watching the first rays of sun hit the Annapurna’s from Poon Hill, exploring traditional mountain villages and trekking through the magnificent rhododendron forests.

     

    Looking for something a bit longer or more challenging? Take a look at our Everest Base Camp trek.

    Best Time to Go

    The best time to trek to Poon Hill is spring during the months of April and May. In April the rhododendrons will be in full bloom making this our favourite time of year to do this trek. Autumn, from early October through to mid-November is also a great time to trek to Poon Hill. You can of course trek to Poon Hill at other times of year. December and January can work although expect temperatures to drop to as low as -15 at this time of year. If you want to trek to Poon Hill outside of the main trekking seasons then please just get in touch, we would be happy to help and advise you.

    Make your way to the airport and board your flight to Kathmandu (international flights are not included in the price of this trek and you must arrange these yourself).

    Once you have collected your luggage and made your way out of the airport terminal building you will be met by one of our local representatives and transferred to your hotel (Thamel Eco Resort) in the busy Kathmandu district of Thamel.

    Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour. After breakfast you will be collected for your sightseeing tour. Highlights include:

    • Durbar Square – This ancient location has been the home to Kings throughout different dynasties and is also the home to some of the finest Hindu and Buddhist architecture in the region.
    • Swayambhunath – Set on a hilltop to the west of Kathmandu, Swayambhunath is one of the oldest religious sites in Nepal. The site itself is a collection of small stupas and a pagoda temple built over different periods by a succession of kings and noblemen. The main structure is made of a solid hemisphere of brick and clay supporting a conical spire of copper gilt. Painted on the four sides on the base of the spire are the “All Seeing Eyes” of Lord Buddha. Swayambhunath is also known as the Monkey Temple.
    • Bouddhanth – This colossal and ancient Stupa is one of Nepal’s most unique monuments and is said to be the world’s biggest Stupa. Baudhanath Stupa is said to hold the remains of Kasyapa – the Buddha of the previous time. One hundred metres in diameter, this Stupa is 36 metres high. Its pinnacle represents the stages of enlightenment, symbol of royalty, compassion, knowing and nirvana.
    • Pashupatinath – With its two-tiered golden roof and silver doors this temple is famous for its superb Newari architecture. Situated near the banks of the sacred Bagmati River only Hindus are permitted to enter, however visitors can clearly see the temple from the eastern bank of the river.

    After the sightseeing tour you can relax before we take you to a traditional restaurant for a welcome dinner and live Nepali cultural show.

    Fly to Pokhara (1400m), drive to Nayapul and trek to Tikhedhunga/Ulleri (1580m). An early start to make a 0730 flight to Pokhara. After an early breakfast in your hotel, you will be transferred to Kathmandu’s Domestic Air Terminal for an early morning flight to Pokhara. On arrival you will meet your Sirdar and the rest of the crew and then be transferred by private vehicle to Nayapul. Your trek will start by crossing the suspension bridge over the Modi Khola before winding your way up through terraced fields and mountain villages to Tirkhedhunga. Overnight accommodation in a Teahouse in Tikhedhunga or Ulleri depending on availability. Flight Time: approx. 35 mins. Drive time: approx 1 hr. Trekking Time: approx. 4 hrs

    Leaving Ulleri behind on your route today takes you up through the rhododendron forests to Ghorepani. Lunch will be taken on the trail in the village of Nagthanti. Ghorepani translated into English is litteraly ‘horse water’. The settlement is ancient and was once a bustling place where traders would rest their horses and allow them to drink. Overnight accommodation in a Teahouse in Ghorepani. Trekking Time: approx. 5 hrs.

    After an early morning wake up call we will make the short climb through the dark to the top of Poon Hill to be there in time to witness the spectacular first rays of sunshine lighting up the Annapurnas. Breakfast will be taken back down in the Teahouse in Ghorepani before we continue the trek onto Tadapani. Trekking Time (to Tadapani): approx 4 hrs.

    The final part of the trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk is relatively easy, back through forests of rhododendron and oak. Ghandruk is a cultural centre for the Gurung people who make up a large percentage of the Ghurka regiments. From Ghandruk there are awesome views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Annapurna III and Machapuchare. From Ghandruk you will be transferred to Nayapul in 4×4 vehicles where you will then change vehicles for the drive to Pokhara. Overnight accommodation at the Kuti Resort, Pokhara. Trekking Time: approx. 4 hrs.

    Enjoy a day relaxing and exploring this beautiful lakeside city. Overnight at the Kuti Resort.

    Enjoy breakfast in the Kuti Resort with fantastic views of Machapuchare and the Annapurna’s then sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery as we fly you back to Kathmandu. Overnight in the Thamel Eco Resort.

    We will collect you and transfer you to Kathmandu International Airport for your flight home.

    All going well you will safely arrive back in the UK after a fantastic cultural and scenic experience.

    From To Price Availability  
    06/04/2024 16/04/2024 £1100 6 Spaces Available Enquire Now
    04/05/2024 14/05/2024 £1100 8 Spaces Available Enquire Now
    05/10/2024 15/10/2024 £1100 8 Spaces Available Enquire Now
    26/10/2024 05/11/2024 £1100 8 Spaces Available Enquire Now
    16/11/2024 26/11/2024 £1100 8 Spaces Available Enquire Now

    Included in the price of this trip

    • Private arrival and departure transfers to and from the airport in Kathmandu.
    • Pre Trek (2 nights) and Post Trek (1 night) accommodation in the bustling district of Thamel, Kathmandu in the Thamel Eco Resort in shared rooms (twin) on Bed & Breakfast basis (single rooms available for a supplement).
    • Traditional Nepalese welcome dinner.
    • Kathmandu sightseeing tour (including Guide, private transport and all entrance fees - see detailed itinerary for details).
    • Transfer to/from domestic air terminal.
    • Internal return flight, Kathmandu to Pokhara.
    • Annapurna Conservation Area and all other entry fees and all permits.
    • Tea House accommodation whilst on the trek in shared rooms.
    • Two nights' accommodation in a twin room in Pokhara in the Kuti Resort Hotel on a B&B basis at the end of the trek before returning to Kathmandu.
    • All meals plus tea/coffee whilst trekking (see frequently asked questions for more details).
    • 3lts of boiled water for drinking per day.
    • Professional guiding and support team.
    • Portage of 15kg per client.
    • All wages, clothing and insurances for Guide/s and porters.
    • Access to satellite phone (all calls must be paid for).
    • High quality Monkey Mountaineering branded duffel bag for use on trek (you will receive this on arrival in Kathmandu).

    Not included

    • International Flights from/to the UK.
    • Personal clothing and equipment (see our clothing and equipment section for guidance about what to bring).
    • Additional accommodation in Kathmandu at the start or end of your trek.
    • Meals whilst staying in Kathmandu (ie Lunch & Dinner - hotel is Bed & Breakfast basis).
    • Drinks whilst in Kathmandu or trekking (water, soft drinks, tea/coffee, alcoholic beverages etc – see frequently asked questions).
    • Expenses of a personal nature such as telephone calls, laundry etc.
    • Tips for Guides, Drivers and Porters.
    • Personal travel insurance (to cover you for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects etc.) You must ensure you have adequate cover for emergency medical treatment and rescue costs (including helicopter rescue costs) whilst trekking up to 3200m.
    • Additional expenses incurred should there be a need to amend your itinerary or curtail your trek early for whatever reason and transfer you back to Kathmandu or a medical facility or hotel (it is essential that you have personal travel insurance that includes cover for trekking in Nepal).

    Essential Clothing & Equipment

    • Boots

      A good pair of light-weight GoreTex lined walking boots which provide ankle support and are well broken-in. Boots are essential - Please do not bring trail shoes.

    • Buff

      Essential for helping to keep the sun off your neck at lower altitudes, protecting from dust and wind and as neck/face protection higher up.

    • Dry Bags

      A selection of rucksack liners and dry bags as required to keep your clothing, sleeping bag and equipment dry and organised.

    • Duffle Bag

      This should be big enough to carry all the clothing and equipment you have with you. It will be carried by a porter, so a soft duffle type bag is best – suitcases are not suitable.

    • Fleece or Soft Shell Layer

      This can be a fleece jumper or fleece jacket or a soft shell jacket.

    • Gloves

      A lightweight windproof pair of gloves for wearing on a daily basis as required.

    • Head Torch

      With spare batteries or the means to recharge.

    • Hiking Socks

      We recommend a good pair of proper hiking/trekking socks. A minimum of three pairs but ideally you should have a pair for each day.

    • Insulated Jacket

      Can be down or synthetic.

    • Lightweight Walking Trousers

      To wear on a daily basis if not wearing shorts and for evening wear. Jeans or tracksuit bottoms are not suitable.

    • Long-Sleeved Thermal Top

      Essential base layer for colder days and nights. Pack at least 2 of these.

    • Personal First Aid Kit

      This should include suncream, lip balm, blister plasters (compeed), plasters, painkillers and any prescription medicines, insect repellant etc.

    • Rucksack 30lt

      A small rucksack, around 30lt will be ideal.

    • Shorts

      These are optional but the weather is often good enough for shorts.

    • Sleeping Bag - 3 Seasons

      This should be a minimum of three seasons and able to keep you warm down to at least minus 5 (we recommend taking as warm a sleeping bag as possible).

    • Small Padlocks

      As required to provide security for your bags.

    • Sports Bra

      Ladies only, take 2. Should be a technical fabric, avoid cotton.

    • Sports Sandals/Flip Flops/Crocks

      Or something similar for river crossings/around campwhen not wearing your boots/in the tea houses etc.

    • Sun Hat

      To keep the sun off your head!

    • Sunglasses

      For general eye protection, wearing whilst trekking or on glaciers if applicable to your trip – for wearing on glaciers sunglasses need to be Category 4 and be close fitting or have side protection.

    • Tee-shirt

      For wearing on a daily basis whilst trekking. Should be a technical fabric – avoid cotton as it is slow to dry. You will need 2 or 3 of these.

    • Toiletries and Travel Towel

      Include wet wipes, hand sanitizer and toilet tissues as well as nappy sacks or dog poo bags (to bag your toilet paper and keep rubbish under control).

    • Underwear

      Ideally these will be quick drying and moisture wicking. Take 3 pairs as a minimum.

    • Water Bladder

      It is essential that you have the means to carry at least 2 litres of drinking water. The best solution is a bladder type water carrier such as a camelbak as this then allows you to drink whilst walking with no need to stop to get out a water bottle.

    • Water Bottle

      At higher altitudes your Camelbak may freeze and so it is a good idea to have a 1 litre Nalgene type bottle. Also great for events like the Cuillin ridge Traverse.

    • Water Purification System

      Running water found along the trail ‘should’ be drinkable but it makes sense to have some sort of purification system such as ‘water purification tablets’, filtration system or UV light purification system (recommended).

    • Waterproof Jacket

      Hard shell jacket ideally this will be waterproof and breathable (GoreTex or equivalent) and it will have a hood.

    • Waterproof Trousers

      Ideally they should be windproof and breathable (Gore Tex or equivalent) and with full or ¾ length side zips.

    • Woolly hat

      To keep your head warm - Ideally a hat that will cover your ears too and fit under a climbing helmet.

    Optional Clothing & Equipment

    • Camera

      Make sure you have spare batteries or the means to re-charge.

    • Ear Plugs

      To help with sleeping.

    • Long Sleeved Shirt

      For covering up during the day or wearing in the evening.

    • Mobile Phone

      You may want to use you phone as a camera. On our overseas trips signal is often limited or non-existent so making calls or sending texts may not be possible - see FAQs for trip specific info.

    • Travel clothing

      Clothing that you will not wear whilst on the trek. This can be packed in a small bag and left at your accommodation for collection on your return.

    • Walking poles

      Not essential but extremely useful when carrying a load, descending and for any river crossings.

    Paperwork

    • Booking Confirmation

      This will be sent to you aproximately 10 days before departure

    • Immunization Papers

      Check requirement - see specific country information at https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/

    • Insurance Documents

      It is crucial that you have comprehensive travel insurance that includes emergency medical treatment and rescue apropriate for your trip. You must ensure you take your insurance documents with you and that the 24 hour emergency contact number for your insurance is clearly identifiable.

    • Passport and Visa

      Your passport should have at least 6 months validity beyond your last day of travel. It is worth making a photocopy of your passport and bringing this with you too just in case. See https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for information about Visa requirements. See also our FAQs for Visa information.

    Carbon Footprint

    Carbon Footprint :  We are yet to determine the average CO2 emissions per person for our Poon Hill trek.

    What are we doing about it

    Trekking and mountaineering trips such as this are low carbon in comparison to other forms of travel and activities. That said though, we are working hard to understand exactly what the carbon emissions are for all our products. By the end of 2024 we hope to have measured everything we do and have a good understanding of all the individual carbon footprints. This will then act as a starting point for us to take action to reduce our emissions to as low as reasonably practicable and drive towards net zero.

    FAQs

    No, unfortunately we don’t currently provide equipment for hire but can recommend Expedition Kit Hire.

    Allergies and intolerances shouldn’t limit what you can do, so we make sure we cater for everyone. We ask that you let us know at the time of booking about any dietary requirements so that we can make sure these are taken into account on the trek. That said it is worth noting that kitchen conditions and facilities on some of our trips are fairly basic. Standards of food hygiene are good, but we cannot guarantee against cross contamination of ingredients. If you have a particularly serious allergy or are extremely sensitive to certain ingredients such as nuts or wheat for instance, then please get in touch with us to discuss options.

    You are likely to require vaccinations for the majority of our overseas trips. We recommend you book an appointment with your GP to discuss your trip so they can provide you with specific advice. More information can be found here.

    Yes, you will need to book your own flights for this trip.

    Yes. Most insurance companies do not cover you for trekking above 4000m. Make sure when taking insurance cover the policy covers you for trekking up to the appropriate altitude as follows:

    Kilimanjaro – 5895m
    Everest Base Camp – 5644m (summit of Kala Patthar)
    Kanchenjunga Base Camp – 5200m
    Toubkal – 4167m

    Your insurance should also include medical and emergency evacuation (helicopter rescue). Insurance is a condition of booking and we request that all clients provide us with proof of insurance before travel (8 weeks before departure).

    Mosquitos don’t generally survive above 1800m. However, a risk still remains and we recommend taking advice from your GP before you travel. Further information including advice on bite prevention and vaccinations can be found here.

    Yes, we recommend you carry a small first aid kit in your day pack containing the following items:

    • Blister plasters
    • Antiseptic cream
    • Personal medications
    • Ibuprofen
    • High factor sun protection
    • Imodium

    Your first aid kit should be small and light so as not to add too much weight to your day pack. Our Guides carry full group first aid kits for dealing with more serious injuries.

    Ultimately this is your choice, but we would say yes. It’s important you keep yourself warm and down is without a doubt the best insulation. You will really feel the difference when the temperatures drop and especially on summit day. There are some very good synthetic brands on the market, and these have the advantage of still keeping you warm when they are wet but synthetic insulation is heavier and bulkier than down – you need a bigger, bulkier synthetic jacket for the same warmth as a lighter down jacket. Sleep helps us to recover from our trekking and is an important part of the acclimatisation process. So, our recommendation for a sleeping bag would again be down. Be sure to pick a bag with a comfort rating of -20oC and 3-4 seasons. You can buy silk or similar liners which will also enhance the warmth. With all down sleeping bags, the best way for you to keep warm is to remember to wear as little as possible whilst inside it. The heat from your body then warms the bag and the feathers retain the heat.

    On all our trips (unless specifically excluded) we provide you with adequate safe drinking water. Early on we generally provide bottled water. As we move further from civilisation water is sourced from local streams and springs. All water provided for drinking is filtered and boiled to ensure it is safe.

    We believe prevention is better than cure and all our trips are planned and structured to reduce the likelihood of problems arising. That said, things can go wrong. Our local Guides are experienced and first aid trained. They work hard to prevent problems however, if a problem does arise they deal with it in the first instance. If the problem is beyond their abilities, we can call on the support of local rescue services and get you evacuated to the nearest medical facility without delay. Please ensure your insurance covers rescue and medical emergencies.

    The best way to avoid AMS is to follow these five simple steps:

    1 – Go slowly. Trekking up to 5600m should be done at a snail’s pace. Be first out on the trail in the morning and last into the teahouses in the afternoon, take your time, keep your pulse and breathing rate down, enjoy the views and take plenty of breaks to take photos. Going slowly means that your body can focus on acclimatising rather than keeping you moving at a fast pace.

    2 – Stay hydrated. Make sure you drink plenty of water whilst on the trail. Being hydrated helps with the acclimatisation process. As a guide, you should need the toilet more than normal and your urine should be clear.

    3 – Eat. Trekking to Everest Base Camp requires lots of energy and so does the acclimatisation process. Eat well at each meal.

    4 – Keep Warm. If you start to get cold your body will need to use extra resources to keep you warm. This slows down the acclimatisation process so make sure you put that fleece on when you stop and that you take a 4-season sleeping bag to stay warm at night.

    5 – Get good rest. Sleep and rest are extremely important and also part of the acclimatisation process. Don’t be up chatting all night, get an early night and make sure you are warm and comfortable so that you can get a good night’s sleep.

    A deposit of 25% of the total cost of the trip/course is payable at the time of booking and the balance is due 8 weeks before the departure date. If the booking takes place less than 8 weeks before departure, then the full amount is due at the time of booking. If you would like to discuss payment options, then please get in touch.

    You may be experiencing altitude for the first time, and the facilities at times will be basic, it may become difficult to sleep and eat so yes you might feel a little out of your comfort zone. Our experienced team will be with you to help you through these moments and remember your trekking partners will be going through this too so you can help each other along the journey.

    Our team of guides and leaders do everything we can to make sure all your possessions remain safe, but we recommend a small padlock on your duffle bag for extra piece of mind. Like any other trip we recommend things like passport, money etc should be kept with you at all times (in your daysack). If you normally wear jewellery, unless it is absolutely necessary or for medical reasons, we suggest this is left at home. It is important that you take responsibility for your valuables and look after them whilst you are travelling.

    Diamox has been shown to reduce the chances of getting AMS, but it does not replace proper acclimatisation. We don’t recommend you take or use Diamox on our trips and would encourage you to take your time and acclimatise naturally.

    We would advise that beyond Kathmandu you adopt a vegetarian diet. Meat such as lamb, beef and chicken is available on the trail but it generally has to be transported in and then carried along the trail by a porter. Refrigeration is not possible, and many trekkers experience severe travel illness after consuming meat on the trail. This could put an end to your trip and so we advise against eating meat until you are back in Kathmandu.

    Visas requirements vary from country to country and can change from time to time. Specific and up to date requirements can be found on the UK Government’s Foreign Travel Advice website.
    In all case, we recommend that you apply for a Visa on-line before travelling where possible.

    Kilimanjaro: There are no plug sockets or recharging points on the mountain so we recommend you bring a solar battery charger or a power pack that will last for the duration and provide sufficient charge for all your devices. If your device has disposable batteries, then please take spares and make sure you carry the used batteries back down the mountain for recycling. Keeping your devices warm at night by taking them in your sleeping bag is a good way to prolong your battery life.

    Nepal: Some teahouses will offer a re-charging service for a small fee however, as a general rule, there are no plug sockets or recharging points. We recommend you bring a battery bank (or similar) or a solar charger. If your device has disposable batteries, then please take spares and make sure you carry the used batteries back down the mountain for recycling. Keeping your devices warm at night by taking them in your sleeping bag is a good way to prolong your battery life. If you are planning on staying in hotels before and after the trek the voltage is 230v similar to the UK and uses one of three types of plugs with round pins (Type C, D & M – see here for more info).

    Our local teams work very hard to make sure your trip runs smoothly and to help you achieve your goals. Tipping is down to you but I’m sure once you see how hard the crew work and what they earn in comparison to our own wages you will want to reward them. Tipping is generally done on the last day of your trek, before your guide and crew disappear back to their homes and villages.

    Kilimanjaro: For guidance on tipping please read our article on tipping your Kilimanjaro Mountain Crew.

    Nepal: For guidance on tipping in Nepal please read our article Tipping in Nepal.

    HACE stands for High Altitude Cerebral Edema which is essentially a swelling of the brain due to excess fluid.

    HAPE is High Altitude Pulmonary Edema or fluid in the lungs.

    These two conditions are fairly rare and can be prevented by careful management of any symptoms of AMS whilst ascending to Everest base camp.

    A comprehensive list of clothing and equipment required for your trip can be found by visiting the ‘Kit List” tab on the relevant experience.

    We advise taking US dollars as these are readily recognised and can be easily converted into the local currency (Nepalese Rupee). Generally, if you pay in US dollars the local currency will be given back to you in change. We recommend you take lots of small denomination notes for purchasing small gifts or snacks as some shops struggle with the larger notes. Larger bills are best for tipping your guides at the end of the trek. Your lead guide will discuss how much should be taken with you before you travel.

    Food is crucial on the trek and we use locally sourced fresh produce to provide you with the highest quality meals. On our Everest Base Camp trek, you will stay in lodges locally known as tea houses. The food is cooked on big stoves and ovens fuelled mainly by propane gas although a small minority still burn wood or yak dung. A well balanced and nutritional diet can be a key factor in success and plenty of carbohydrates like pasta, rice and breads are the staples. The menu gets a little simpler the higher we trek as every ingredient is brought up by porters or Yak. For our lunchtime meals we normally eat at trailside restaurants. Coffee and tea are also provided at mealtimes. Additional snacks and drinks can be purchased from lodges, tea houses and small shops on the trail.

    If this happens for any reason don’t worry our Guide will make all the arrangements. If you need emergency attention you will be accompanied by one of our experienced Sherpas. You will be responsible though for any additional costs, such as transport, hotels, meals etc. so make sure you have appropriate insurance that covers you for the maximum altitude you will be trekking to. (please get in touch with us to confirm if you are not sure) and that it includes emergency evacuation and medical treatment.

    AMS is short for Acute Mountain Sickness, an illness caused by being in a high-altitude environment, where the body needs more time to adjust to the low levels of oxygen. Symptoms of AMS include headaches, nausea, loss of appetite and poor or disturbed sleep. Whilst we can’t promise you won’t experience these symptoms, we can promise that we will carry out checks twice per day (at breakfast and again at evening meal) to make sure we monitor your resting heart rate and blood/oxygen saturation levels, recognising any symptoms and taking action to help reduce the risks. AMS might sound scary but it is really easy to avoid. You can find out more about AMS and altitude sickness HERE.

    Please refer to our Booking Conditions which can be found here. Alternatively, please feel free to contact a member of the team.

    You need to look after your feet, after all it will be your feet that get you to the top. Making sure you choose the right footwear, preferably boots, and allowing time to break them in will help prevent injuries like blisters, which can be very painful and potentially prevent you from reaching the summit. When choosing suitable boots make sure they are waterproof, insulated, have a good sole and provide ankle support and above all, make sure they are comfortable. If you are looking to buy specifically for Kilimanjaro, then the best advice we can offer is to pop into your nearest outdoor gear shop and speak to a store assistant who should be able to help you choose the most suitable pair.

    Our base in Kathmandu is the Thamel Eco Resort.

    Nepal is a country in Asia. It lies along the southern slopes of the Himalayan mountain range. It is bordered by China to the North and India to the south, east and west. Nepal has a diverse landscape, including fertile plains and subalpine forested hills. It has eight of the world’s ten highest mountains, including Mount Everest which stands at 8848m, the highest point on Earth.

    Nepal’s capital city is Kathmandu, it is also the largest with around a 1 million multi-ethnic population with Hindu and Buddhist the majority. It is also known as the city of temples, it has been and remains the main city for arts, culture and history. Kathmandu holds many cultural and religious festivals, and this is a way of life for the people who reside in this area.

    “Tourism is a big part of the Nepalese economy and Kathmandu is considered the main gateway for exploring the great Himalayas and world heritage sites which attracts 1.5million visitors a year.”

    The Sherpa people are an ethnic group who have lived at high altitudes in the Himalayan mountains for generations. The main language is derived from Tibetan and the Sherpa people practice Nyingmapa which is an Ancient school of Buddhism, allegedly the oldest Buddhist sect in Tibet. In addition to Buddha the Sherpa believe in deities and demons who they believe inhabit every mountain. These beliefs are respected and are practices that have been woven into the Buddhist life. Sherpa’s consider the great Himalayan mountains sacred, and rituals and prayers on the mountains are part of their beliefs.

    Many Sherpa people are considered as elite mountaineers because of their experience in high altitude and expert knowledge of the area, because of this they became invaluable to the early explorers of the Himalayas. Today Sherpas are an integral part of high-altitude climbs on expeditions to the 8000m mountains, especially Mt Everest.

    Yes – A Monkey Mountaineering representative will meet you at the airport to begin your trip.

    Look for more

    Bespoke experiences

    Can’t see what you are looking for? All our trips can be customised to meet your needs so, if you need bespoke dates, want to add extra days, or modify the itinerary then please just let us know – we will be happy to help.