Above and Beyond: Trekking and Yoga At Everest’s Edge
October 29th - Nov 11, 2024
A 14-day guided Trek to Everest Basecamp (EBC), accommodation in historic village teahouses. Porters carry your luggage. Yoga, Stretching, Meditation and Breathwork with expert teachers
Take your life to a new level, surrounded by the majesty of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest! Join experienced Yoga teachers and Trekkers William Walsh and Suzanne Zuber, their local Nepali guides, and a group of like-minded adventurers, on one of the greatest adventures of your life.
This 14 day trek will take you from colorful Kathmandu through picturesque villages and breathtaking mountain ranges, from the foothills, to EBC, Everest Basecamp.
You will see some of the most beautiful sights in the world, and you will test and grow your physical and mental limits, surrounded by kind and skilled guides, and supported by mindfulness practices, targeted stretching, breathwork, and asana practice.
Adventure description
The Everest Base Camp Route is hailed as the most stunning trek in the world. This spectacular trail to the Edge of Everest leads you through mountain landscapes, ancient Buddhist monasteries and colorful Gurung villages where you can experience the fragrant food and warm hospitality of the local communities. The elevation gain is timed carefully along the way, with an extra night here and there to help adjust.
Hiking at the foot of Mount Everest (Everest Basecamp alt 17,598 ft) is not only one of the most spectacular treks on earth, it is also very accessible. We will be hiking with a day pack from historic teahouse to teahouse, for 4 to 7 hours a day (porters carry the large bags), with views of the most stunning mountains on the planet. Follow the scenic trail through picturesque Gurung villages and experience local Nepali/Tibetan food and culture, take part in a Tibetan Buddhist Puja ceremony at Tengboche monastery, and stop at exceptional outlook points with mesmerizing sunrise and sunset views enhanced by alpine glow and snow-capped peaks. After marveling at Mt. Ama-Dablam, you’ll summit Kala Patthar (18,519 ft) for the world’s best view of Mount Everest.
A celebration dinner awaits you on the last night in Kathmandu.
We are pleased to offer a tested and trustworthy service, sparing you last-minute hassles and unjustified costs. We have established a relationship with a reputable local guide who arranges permits and park fees and all accommodations in the cities and mountains. Knowing that you are in good hands makes for a truly enjoyable experience.
NOTE for Yoga & Meditation: although we have a rough plan, times and frequency of Yoga and Meditation vary widely and are subject to last-minute change, since we are depending on the mountain gods, the weather, and other factors.
The optional Yoga & Meditation sessions are planned as follows:
1) stretching before we leave teahouse in the morning
2) when possible, a flow session before lunch
3) restorative practice and yoga nidra after dinner/before bed
IS THIS TREK FOR YOU? Fitness and Mindset considerations
The Everest Base Camp trek is a challenging hike that requires a fair level of physical fitness and preparation. While the trek is not technically difficult or dangerous, it does involve several days of hiking at high altitudes, for hours at a time, over rugged terrain. To prepare for the trek, it is mandatory to engage in regular physical exercises, such
as running, cycling, or hiking, for several months prior to the trip at high elevation when possible. This will help build endurance and strength and improve cardiovascular fitness. Some of the physical requirements for the Everest Base Camp trek include:
- good overall fitness and endurance
- the ability to hike for numerous hours per day, carrying a light daypack (no heavy backpacking)
- the ability to hike on uneven terrain, including rocky paths and steep inclines
- acclimatization to high altitude, as the trail reaches elevations higher than 18,000 feet.
Attitude Matters:
In addition to physical fitness, it is also important to have a positive attitude and a sense of adventure, as well as a willingness to deal with unexpected weather conditions, limited resources, and other challenges that may arise during the trek. With proper preparation and a sense of determination, most people who are in good health can complete the trek to Everest Base Camp and enjoy a truly unforgettable experience.
The Yoga, Meditation and Breathwork provided by William and Suzanne during the trek will help you maintain the necessary mental balance and sense of ease.
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In Nepal: October 29th - Nov 11 (13 nights. Days on Trek: 11)
Including international travel: Recommended: leave the US by October 27. If you leave Kathmandu on Nov 11, you will arrive back in the US on Nov 12 or later).
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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 – Lukla - Phakding – Namche Bazaar- Tengboche Monastery-Tengboche—Thukla – Lobuche - Everest Basecamp (EBC), alt 17,592 ft. – Kala Patthar (18,519 ft) Namche Bazaar – Lukla – Kathmandu
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Easy to Medium, and we hike only with our daypack (Porters carry the large backpacks)
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Included:
2 nights in Kathmandu at Hotel Thamel, breakfast included
local flight to and from Kathmandu to Lukla, starting point of the trek.
- all accommodations on trek (teahouses)
- transportation of your luggage by porters on the trek
- all permits and national park entrance fees on Trek
- local transportation to/from hotel/airport
- breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea during trek
- special celebratory dinner & Nepali culture performance on last night in Kathmandu
- option to borrow down jacket & duffel bag during Trek
Not Included
Not included:
- flight to and from your home to Kathmandu
Nepal visa (30$)
- tips for your porters and guides ($150 - $250 in US cash)
- mandatory travel insurance (under $100)
- dinner on your first night in Kathmandu
- phone charging, wifi
- Sterilizing equipment for water
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$ 2,325 USD
No hidden costs
Non-refundable deposit: $500 by March 15th, 2024
Full Payment by Sept 15 (Monthly Installment payment options available - inquire with us directly)
Refund Policy: Non-refundable, but transferable to another person..
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During trek: teahouses w/double bedroom, rare occasion: shared with 3-4 members of your group
Before/after trek: Hotel
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Refund Policy: Non-refundable, but transferable to another person, and possible credit towards future trip.
Details at a glance
Scroll down for pictures and daily itinerary
Day 1 (Oct 29). welcome to nepal!
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Transfer from the airport to hotel Thamel in Kathmandu (alt. 4,265 ft), find your footing. At Kathmandu in Trivhuwan International airport you will receive a warm welcome by your Hosts, Yogis William and Suzanne, and by the local Guide team, who will drive you to your Hotel in Thamel, https://hotelthamel.com/. After check-in, we will gather for a brief orientation, overview, and welcome session by your climber/yoga teachers William and Suzanne, and the local Nepali trekking guide. Dinner is not included, but there are many restaurants, ranging from street food to fine dining available within walking distance of the hotel.
Recommended: book your arrival in Kathmandu for morning or midday on October 29th (Nepali time), no later, to give yourself time to get your bearings. Note: If you decide to come a few days earlier and extend your front-end stay in Kathmandu, we can connect you with our Nepal Guide an he can set you up at the well priced Hotel Thamel.
Day 2(Oct 30). INTO THE FOOTHiLLS
Day 3. Bridges, Villages, Peaks!
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Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (alt. 11,286 ft) 5-6 hrs
After breakfast, you will embark on your trek for the day with moderate uphill and downhill portions, crossing over DhudKoshi River and getting a first glimpse of Mount Everest. After a permit check at Monjo, gate way of Sagarmatha National Park, the trek continues through villages, over the awe-inspiring Hillary suspension bridge, ending in Namche Bazaar. On a clear afternoon you will have the opportunity to sip your chai while marveling at the magnificent panorama views of Mt. Everest and Lhotse and other ‘mountain gods’. We will spend 2 nights at this historic, colorful village, for acclimatization reasons. Yoga/Stretching, Breathwork, and Meditation when the time is right. (breakfast, lunch & dinner included)
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Early morning departure to the airport, for the flight to Lukla. Here you will get a first taste of our journey on a half-hour flight through magnificent green landscapes, as you approach the white hillsides and mountains peaks of the Everest region, landing in Lukla, the starting point of
our trek. (Airport: Tenzing Hillary Airport). After re-packing your belongings into standardized duffle bags provided by Nature Explore Trekking, the wonderful Porter staff will take this weight from your shoulders so you can trek lightly. Here,we will grab some snacks and our trek begins, from the vibrant village of Lukla to the village Phakding, arriving there midday. Optional excursion to a nearby ancient monastery. Overnight stay at your first teahouse, where your luggage awaits. (Lunch, dinner, and breakfast the next morning is included). Yoga/Stretching, Breathwork, and Meditation when the time is right.
Day 4. Reaching and Resting at new Heights
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After breakfast, a scenic day hike will take you to the Sherpa Museum, a memorial site for Climbers and the local monastery. On a clear day, we will have excellent views of the Mt. Everest range with its numerous mountain peaks.
Yoga/Stretching, Breathwork, and Meditation when the time is right
(breakfast, lunch & dinner included)
Day 5. Stunning Mt. Everest, Monastery & More
Day 6. Up, Up, and Away
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Today most of the trail is a gradual uphill. After the first two hours, you’ll reach Pangboche, where you get incredible views of Mt. Ama-Dablam framed by distant mountains and the Tenboche monastery. After a brisk 3 hour uphill climb we will arrive the teahouse in Dingboche and settle in for the evening. Yoga/Stretching, Breathwork, and Meditation when the time is right (breakfast, lunch & dinner included).
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After walking across the bridge from Namche, with incredible views of Everest, Lhotse and Amadablam, you will reach Kynjingma in 1.5 hours time, for a hot tea break. After a 1.5 hour descent, lunch will be served at Phungi Thanga. After Yoga (weather permitting) we will trek about 1,600 vertical feet to Tengboche monastery, where you will have the special opportunity to join the local monks in their daily Puja ceremony after they welcome you with warming chai and cookies.
Yoga/Stretching, Breathwork, and Meditation when the time is right.
Overnight stay at historic village tea house (breakfast, lunch & dinner included).
Day 7. Getting ready for it
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Half-day trek, half-day rest (alt 14,468 ft)
This will be another acclimatization day that will require you to
climb to Nagarjun Peak or Chhunkung right before lunch to train your body for the elevation gain. After lunch, there will be free time to rest and visit Dingboche village. Yoga/Stretching, Breathwork, and Meditation when the time is right. Overnight stay at historic village tea house (breakfast, lunch & dinner included).
Day 8. GETTING CLOSER & REMEMBERING
Day 9. You made it: Above and Beyond!
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This day is one of the crown jewels of the trip, you will reach Everest Base Camp.
After an early breakfast at Lobuche, you will trek to Gorakshep, 2.5 hours.
Gorekshep is the last tea house on the Everest base camp trek, where you can rest and have a hot lunch. After lunch, the hike continues to the one and only Everest Base Camp (3 hours) (alt 17,598 ft). After taking in the spectacular mountain range & celebrating the fulfillment of this dream, you’ll head back to GorakShep (1.5h) for dinner and your overnight stay.
Yoga/Stretching, Breathwork, and Meditation when the time is right.
Overnight stay at historic village tea house (breakfast, lunch & dinner included).
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After breakfast, you will hike an easy uphill to Thhukla (2.5 h). After an early lunch you’ll embark on a steep one-hour ascent to Thukla pass (alt 15,748 ft). This location is studded with memorials honoring the lives of climbers, both Sherpa and foreigners, who died during the Mount Everest climbing period. You will have breathtaking views of Mt Ama Dablam, Mt. Pumari and others. The final hour is an easy ascent to Lobuche. Yoga/Stretching, Breathwork, and Meditation when the time is right. Overnight stay at historic village tea house (breakfast, lunch & dinner included).
Day 10. WORLD’S BEST VIEW OF EVEREST
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Early Morning Sunrise Hike to Kala Patthar, the highest elevation point of our trek at 18,519 feet. This might be the BEST viewing spot of Mt Everest in the world. We will have a spectacular view of the entire mountain range and we start before dawn. The hike is 4 to 5 hours and because some of our trekkers understand this is a huge endeavor, the hike is optional. After summiting Kala Patthar, we head back to Gorakshep and then continue to Pheriche, 4-5 hrs.
Yoga/Stretching, Breathwork, and Meditation when the time is right
Overnight stay at historic village tea house (breakfast, lunch & dinner included)
Day 11. COMING BACK THE SAME WAY WE GOT HERE
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Trek back to Lukla (alt. 9,317 ft) 6-7 hours
Today will be an easy downhill hike to Lukla, descending through the Dudhkosi River,
crossing several suspension bridges on the way. Upon reaching Phagding we will have
lunch and the last final couple hours are a gradual ascent to Lukla.
Yoga/Stretching, Breathwork, and Meditation when the time is right
Overnight stay at historic village tea house (breakfast, lunch & dinner included)
Day 12. RELISH WHILE YOU CAN
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Initially it will be 2.5 hours of easy descent and short ascent to Tengboche monastery
where we will take a break and visit the monastery. Then descend for 1 hour to Phungi
Thanga and cross the suspension bridge over the Dudhkosi River, and then again
ascend for another 1.5hrs to Kyanjuma. The final hour will be an easy walk to Namche Bazzar.
Yoga/Stretching, Breathwork, and Meditation when the time is right
Overnight stay at historic village tea house (breakfast, lunch & dinner included)
Day 13 (NOV 10). MOUNT EVEREST HAS GOT YOUR BACK
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Included in the price of the trip is an amazing scenic 35 minute flight thru the Himalaya back to Kathmandu.
After an early breakfast, we catch a flight back to Kathmandu for our final night and goodbyes at Hotel Thamel. We will arrive in Kathmandu in the morning which will give us time to sightsee in the city and buy souvenirs. In the evening we do a Celebration Dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant, all included in the price of the trip!
Yoga/Stretching, Breathwork, and Meditation when the time is right.
(breakfast & dinner included).
DAY 14 (NOV 11): UNTIL NEXT TIME!
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Our NEPAL trip concludes. After breakfast, we head to the airport for home. If we have time, we plan on doing some yoga/Stretching, Breathwork, and Meditation.
Transfers to the airport are also included in the price of the trip.
About Your Hosts
Retreat hosted by William Walsh, RYT & Suzanne Zuber, RYT. William and Suzanne have a combined 45 years experience leading yoga and adventure retreats.
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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.
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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.
Sign Up Now
Registration for our 2024 adventure at Everest Basecamp is now open!
Dates: October 29th - Nov. 11th (Add 1 day before and after for travel & time difference)
Cost: $2,325. Deposit $500 by March 15 ** Optional payment in 6 installments over 6 months, to be paid in full by September 15th, 2024
Includes: Travel during Trek (incl. flight from Kathmandu into the Everest Region), meals, accommodation in historic mountain village teahouses, expert local guides, luggage porters, all permits, yoga, meditation & breathwork during trek. Not including flights from US to Kathmandu. For Details & Daily Itinerary see below or contact suzanne at info@suzannezuberyoga.com.
Destination: Mount Everest Region (Mount Everest Basecamp)
Duration: Total days 14
Max. Altitude: 17,592 ft (Everest Basecamp), optional 18,519 ft (Kala Patthar)
Overnight Accommodations: historic village tea houses
Start/end point: Kathmandu
Trek grade: Moderate/Difficult (requires pre-Trek conditioning)
Mode of Travel: Hiking, and 2 short local flights