Pikey Peak Trek - 13 Days from Kathmandu

Yes. Citizens of the U.S., U.K., EU, Australia, Canada, and most countries can get a visa on arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport. 

A 30-day tourist visa costs US$40 and the process takes about 20–30 minutes. 

Nepal introduced the on-arrival system in 1975, and today more than 1.5 million travelers use it every year.

Acclimatization is the key. Our itinerary includes rest days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche, following the rule: “climb high, sleep low.” 

Hydration, steady pacing, and avoiding alcohol help, too. Sherpa guides’ pacing is proven to reduce AMS risk. 

Studies show proper acclimatization lowers altitude sickness cases by 60–70%.

Yes. Alpine Ramble offers private departures year-round. 

Whether you want to start on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Day, or during Europe’s summer holidays, we can arrange it. Many families, solo trekkers, and corporate groups book customized dates.

On average, 5–7 hours per day, covering 8–15 km (5–9 miles). Imagine a long walk through Central Park, Hyde Park, or a day hike in the Swiss Alps but with suspension bridges, monasteries, and Everest as your backdrop.

You’ll need three permits, all included in our package:

• Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit (US$30)
• Pasang Lhamu Municipality Fee (US$20)
• TIMS Card (US$20)

These support conservation in Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site (1979).

Yes. Each year, trekkers aged 6 to 75 complete EBC. 

It’s about determination, not extreme fitness. If you can walk 5–6 hours at sea level, you can prepare. 

Families, students, and even retirees have succeeded with Alpine Ramble’s pacing and support.

Yes. Alpine Ramble only employs licensed, insured local guides and porters. This is a legal requirement in Nepal and an ethical practice that protects those who make trekking possible. Many of our guides are second-generation Sherpas.

Kala Patthar (5,545 m / 18,192 ft) — higher than Everest Base Camp itself. It’s the best viewpoint of Everest at sunrise, often listed by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s top “bucket list” sunrises.

Base Camp stands at 5,364 m (17,598 ft). In April and May, it becomes a colorful tented city, hosting over 1,000 climbers and Sherpa staff preparing for summit expeditions.

Yes. Nepal is one of the safest trekking destinations in Asia. Alpine Ramble has guided many solo female trekkers, offering female guides on request. Trails are lively but respectful, and teahouses are family-run.

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for trekking to the Everest region. -your travel insurance must cover medical and emergency repatriation inclusive of helicopter rescue and evacuation expenses at high altitude for individual trekking members, please kindly provide us your insurance to us at the time of booking your trip or later - before your trip get started. Alpine Ramble will help and assist you to buy travel insurance for potential unforeseen events or altitude sickness during the trek.

Yes. Alpine Ramble staff greet you personally at Kathmandu airport, assist with luggage, and provide a private transfer to your hotel. This warm welcome is often a highlight for first-time visitors.

Yes. Wi-Fi is available through Everest Link cards (US$5–10 per session). Hot showers cost US$3–5 in lodges. It’s not luxury — but it’s enough to stay connected and comfortable.

Yes. ATMs and exchange counters in Kathmandu are easy to find. On the trail, cash is essential. Bring U.S. dollars, euros, or pounds to exchange. Small NPR notes are best for daily expenses.

Yes, in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. Beyond that, cold air makes drying clothes difficult. Many trekkers bring enough base layers to last the trek.

Yes. Alpine Ramble offers free luggage storage in Kathmandu, so you only carry what you need on the trek.

• Spring (Mar–May): Clear skies + rhododendron blooms.
   
• Autumn (Sep–Nov): Crisp, stable weather post-monsoon.
   
• Winter (Dec–Feb): Quiet trails, clear skies, colder temps.
   
• Summer (Jun–Aug): Lush landscapes, but rainy.

Spring and autumn are the most popular.

Yes. Kathmandu’s Thamel district is full of gear shops. Renting down jackets and sleeping bags can save US$300–500 compared to buying abroad.

Reserve your trek with a deposit via card or bank transfer. The balance is payable in Kathmandu before departure.

• In Kathmandu:

– Credit/debit cards widely accepted (Visa, Mastercard).
– ATMs available almost everywhere.
– Currency exchange easy for USD, EUR, GBP, AUD.

• On the trail (Lukla to Namche):

– Namche Bazaar has ATMs and some digital payments, but not always reliable.
– Lodges, bakeries, and shops usually prefer cash.

Above Namche (remote villages):
– Only cash in Nepalese Rupees (NPR) accepted for extras (Wi-Fi, hot showers, snacks).

• How much to carry?

– Plan US$20–30 per day in NPR for personal expenses.
– Carry small NPR notes (100s and 500s).

Pro Tip: Exchange currency in Kathmandu for the best rates before your trek.

Yes. Three meals daily: from traditional Nepali dal bhat to pastas, soups, pancakes, and even apple pie in Namche. Meals are simple but hearty.

Yes. Pharmacies exist in Lukla and Namche, but supply is limited. Bring personal meds, ibuprofen, rehydration salts, and Diamox (if prescribed). Guides carry first-aid kits.

Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) is a summit climb in 6–8 days. Everest Base Camp is a 14-day cultural and scenic journey, with monasteries, Sherpa villages, and UNESCO-protected trails. Many adventurers do both: Kilimanjaro for the summit badge, EBC for the cultural depth.

Namche has been the trading hub of the Khumbu for centuries. Sherpas once bartered salt with Tibetans here. Today, it’s home to markets, bakeries, museums, and even the world’s highest Irish pub. Around 90% of trekkers pass through Namche.

Built in 1964 with hand tools, Lukla’s runway is just 527 m long and sits on a mountainside. Renamed in 2008 for Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary, it’s ranked one of the world’s most thrilling airports. Over 30,000 trekkers fly here annually.

Yes. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, survivalist Bear Grylls, Bollywood stars, and even astronauts have trekked to Base Camp. 

The trail itself is historic, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay passed many of these same villages before their 1953 summit.

Tengboche Monastery is the largest in Khumbu, rebuilt after a fire in 1989. It hosts the Mani Rimdu Festival each autumn, where monks perform sacred masked dances. For trekkers, attending evening prayers here offers a moving connection to Himalayan Buddhism.