WHY TRAVEL WITH US - THE AUSWALK DIFFERENCE
Travel without stress or delays
- Most visitors travel to Lukla via aeroplane, however, flights are often subject to weather-related delays or cancellations. Hence we use helicopters which are far less susceptible to such issues, helping to deliver your trip as per the carefully planned itinerary
- Returning from the peak via helicopter also eliminates walking all the same way back down to the trailhead in Lukla – your knees will be very grateful! This saves up to 3 days of repeat walking and in addition to this, eliminates having to travel for 5 hours to and from Ramechhap for Lukla flights
- Built-in contingency day in case the weather delays departure from the mountains. This rarely happens with helicopters but we know you wouldn’t want to miss your international flight in the unusual event that it did!
- Priority use of our team’s 4 helicopters in case of an emergency
The best possible food and accommodation
- Staying in a 4-star hotel in the quietest part of the bustling Thamel area in Kathmandu, where you can enjoy all of the tourist spots but are insulated from the crowds
- Enjoying the best accommodation options available on the trek. Note: accommodation levels vary and, where possible, rooms have ensuites. Accommodations at a few high altitude locations are less luxurious but still comfortable
- Since food plays a significant role in hiking at higher elevations, we strive to serve our guests fresh and healthy meals every time
Be well guided and looked after
- Sufficient time to visit Kathmandu’s unmissable 7 World Heritage sites with our guided tour
- Highly experienced fun-loving guides with fluent English
- Guide to hiker ratio of 1 to 4 passengers so you will be very well looked after
- Our professional safety-focused team on the ground ensure the best possible experience
We support the region and the environment
- We support the Himalayan Sherpa Hospital at Phakding through the Himalayan Sherpa Foundation
- We support the organisation KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project). KEEP provides valuable training programs for guides, including language training, map reading, and a porter welfare program
- We offset our carbon emissions, raise money and donate to Odonata, an environmental charity committed to supporting biodiversity
- Auswalk has earned Advanced Eco Tourism Certification
AVAILABILITY
This walk is available in March, April, May, September, October and November.
Please contact us if the departure dates displayed do not suit you as we can easily arrange another date suitable for you.
If you have your own small group, we can lock away your departure date from your group at 4 or more pax.
THE WALKING
Strenuous: the distance walked on this trip is not great each day, and at low altitudes, the walks are not that difficult. However, as we ascend and at higher altitudes, fitness level becomes a factor, which is why this trip is rated as Strenuous. Tracks and trails on this tour will have prolonged ascents along mainly well-travelled tracks (we avoid the long sections of descent with helicopter flight). There are a few long sections of elevation and some sections of steps. At the end of the track, there is a rocky section on your way to EBC. There are FOUR high altitude walks above 5000m which adds to the difficulty. Distance walked each day is an average of 12km with approx 500m of ascent. Having an active lifestyle and preparing or being an experienced walker will make this journey more enjoyable. The real challenge comes toward the end of the walk altitude. Please be assured that we take acclimatisation seriously and we factor in extra days and take extra care not to ascend too quickly.
Importantly, your guide is an expert mountaineer and is local with expert knowledge of the track.
TIPPING
Tipping is customary in Nepal and is a way to show appreciation for the hard work of your trekking team. The price of your Auswalk walking holiday does not include tips. To help you plan, we suggest the following tipping amounts per hiker per day:
- 1000NPR (head guide) per hiker per day
- 500NPR (assistant guide) per hiker per day
- 500NPR (per porter) per hiker per day
You will have the opportunity to present your tips to your guide and porters at the farewell dinner as a token of your gratitude for their invaluable support throughout your trek.
HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY
This walk starts and ends at Kathmandu Airport.
Kathmandu Airport
The trip starts with a transfer from Kathmandu Airport to your accommodation. You will be met at the airport by one of our representatives. Please let us know your travel plans so we can arrange your private transfer. If you are already in Nepal then the walk starts at your hotel.
At the end of the trip, we transfer you back to the airport for your international flight.
A useful planning tool for travel is Rome2Rio should you be travelling from or to other destinations.
LUGGAGE
When you arrive in Kathmandu you will receive a duffle bag to pack all of your items for your trek. As each porter will carry two duffle bags each, the maximum weight per duffle bag is 12.5kg.
Each morning it will be up to you to pack your bag and place your luggage outside your room. Your guide will let you know what to do.
Any excess kilos can be stored at the hotel in Kathmandu.
INSURANCE
We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.
For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.
For all walks in Nepal you will need insurance that covers trekking above 5000m and helicopter evacuation. Please note: If you are evacuated via helicopter you are required to pay the helicopter company prior to your departure from Nepal (and pay any additional costs as a result of the evacuation). Upon returning home you will need to personally make any insurance claims.
We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred by our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.
HELICOPTER EVACUATION
We want to bring to your attention some important information regarding helicopter evacuation and associated costs, which are not included in your current Auswalk package.
In the event that a helicopter evacuation becomes necessary, please be aware that there will be additional charges. For this reason, it is essential to ensure that your travel insurance policy provides adequate coverage for emergency evacuation. Should you have any questions about this, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
Please also note that the helicopter services included within your Auswalk package cannot be used or reimbursed in the event of an evacuation. Unfortunately, these pre-booked helicopter costs are forfeited and non-refundable, as they are secured months in advance and are a component of the overall package price. An evacuation is an unforeseen event that incurs separate costs, supplementary to the Auswalk package you have purchased. A helicopter evacuation, regardless of the severity is not the same as a transport helicopter ride. The amount charged for evacuation is standard in Nepal and is outside of Auswalk’s control.
Furthermore, it is important to understand that you will be required to pay for the evacuation services before departing Nepal and then claim the expenses through your insurance provider. The helicopter company is unable to process claims on your behalf. Direct claims by you to your insurance company typically result in a faster reimbursement process.
POWER SUPPLY
The Everest region is powered by hydro electricity. In peak season, supply is limited and power outages may occur so we advise bringing a powerbank/ back up batteries for your phones, cameras, and electronics.
Hot showers are mostly powered by solar panels or a gas-fired water heater. On very rare occasions hot showers may not be available.
GROUP GUIDED
17 DAYS 
Strenuous 
GROUP GUIDED
17 DAYS 
Strenuous 
Hettiarachchige DG
Fantastic walking experience. We had wonderful guides and porters. They made sure I reach my goals in a safe manner.
Helicopter on the way back to avoid trekking down was great. It saved my knees .
Thank you Auswalk for organising a wonderful experience