We are especially pleased to guarantee high quality service that is tested and trustworthy, sparing you last-minute permit hassles, unjustified, or hidden costs. Suzanne has established a relationship with a reputable guide service that will arrange all permits and park fees and all accommodations in the cities and mountains. On the trek, Dinesh and his team help monitor everyone’s physical wellbeing, making sure you are pacing yourself well. Knowing that you are in good hands makes for a much more enjoyable experience.

The highest elevation reached on this trek is 17,575 ft (5,357 m) at the summit of Gokyo Ri, a spectacular viewpoint overlooking Everest and several other Himalayan peaks. However, the highest overnight stop is lower, at Gokyo village (15,748 ft / 4,800 m). The journey begins in Kathmandu at 4,600 ft (1,400 m), followed by a short mountain flight to Lukla at 9,186 ft (2,800 m)—an elevation gain of about 4,600 ft (1,400 m) before the trekking begins. From Lukla, the trail gradually ascends over several days through Phakding and Namche Bazaar, allowing time for proper acclimatization with built-in rest days along the way. In total, trekkers gain approximately 8,400 ft (2,560 m) on foot from Lukla to the optional summit of Gokyo Ri, with the elevation increase spread out steadily to support a good high-altitude trekking experience.

• This high elevation (17.500 feet at the highest point) outdoor experience is suitable for the passionate walker who will be comfortable walking, including descending and ascending uneven terrain, inclines and stairs, around 6-max 8 hours a day with a light backpack <8kg. The trek is less physically demanding compared to the Everest Basecamp Trek. Preparation should include regular daily walks and conditioning leading up to this trip. You do need to be in good physical and mental health to complete the trip. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung and blood diseases please inform me before confirming your participation. I am highly conscious of your health and safety. I also recommend that you have a medical check-up with your GP.

• The yoga and meditation will be accessible yoga to all body types and abilities. All practices are invitational. There is no prior experience necessary to participate in your yoga practices, however you will be encouraged to do so as to enrich the overall connection, depth and experience of yourself and the group.  

• As for vaccinations, medication to prevent altitude sickness, gastro-intestinal problems or other illnesses, you must consult with your doctor at least six months before embarking on this trip.

• I will provide all who book with a detailed packing list and a detailed daily itinerary well in advance

• WHAT I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU:
  (Email your answer to me upon receiving your booking confirmation)

• Any allergies or diet requirements?

• Any pre-existing medical conditions or injuries

MANDATORY EMERGENCY INSURANCE: the local guide service requires proof of purchase of emergency insurance (coverage during trek) in order to hold your spot.

RECOMMENDED TRAVEL CANCELLATION INSURANCE: this insurance is not required but recommended, for the event that life gets in the way and you can’t come on the trip.

• This retreat is non-refundable, no exceptions. However, you may transfer it to another person. Additional travel-and-retreat-cancellation insurance is recommended.

• There is no refund in the case of cancellation of the retreat by any party, for any reason.

• Suzanne Zuber is not responsible for the cost of your international travel or any other extraneous costs.

Payment plans are available at the checkout.  Note that even the subscription/payment plan requires you to pay the entire amount in all six installments, even if you are not able to attend.

The local guide has decades of experience scanning hikers for signs of altitude sickness, and I keep close tabs as well. Some participants opt into taking Diamox for elevation sickness.

Our pace is slow to start with, and we have two acclimatization days on the trek, but Dinesh has enough staff in place that someone will be able to slow down more, with anyone who is feeling ill or is showing signs of altitude sickness. The first strategy is to hydrate, slow down exponentially, and take more breaks. If there is no improvement, the guide will accompany the member down to the next lower teahouse to spend the night there (the guide will sleep in the common room with other guides while the trekker will sleep in their own room), and the two of them will either catch up with the group later, wait in place until the group circles back, or return back to Lukla. The cost of staying at other teahouses than planned, is covered; the cost of staying in a hotel for extra nights in Lukla or Kathmandu is not covered. 

There are travel insurance plans that cover some or all of these costs, including return trips in the case of emergency. Emergency rescue insurance is required for this trip. General travel insurance is not required but recommended. Consult Suzanne for travel insurance recommendations.

As for vaccinations, medication to prevent altitude sickness, gastro-intestinal problems or other illnesses, you must consult with your doctor at least six months before embarking on this trip.

Every single teahouse had wifi, as well as opportunities to charge your devices (although I do recommend bringing a battery pack, since the charging stations are limited per teahouse). Wifi costs about 3-4$ per stay. 

If you have the time, do both. I like to arrive at least a day earlier than the official start of the trip, but come even earlier if you have the time. Diwali officially lasts until November 8th (Laxmi Puja), so if you have time, stay! There is an abundance of things to see in Kathmandu and surroundings, including two other nearby former kingdoms. 

This trip is classified as medium to challenging, and is doable for any individual who is ‘fit’ and is willing to prepare for this trip with regular exercise, regular hiking, and conditioning.

My training programs including Root to Rise are the perfect prep, and a great regular stomping ground are the Claremont canyon trails and the Berkeley and Oakland hills.  

In general, I do not recommend this trip for individuals with serious knee, hip, or foot injuries or who are not used to (and do not enjoy) long, slow hikes. The trek has less stairs than the Annapurna Basecamp Trek but there is a day of long descent that can be a challenge for the knees. The common challenges that come up will be addressed on the trek itself, we do alot of focused trouble shooting to optimize knee tracking, hip muscle engagement, and proper foot placement both going uphill and downhill, to prevent pain in the legs, the back, and the neck/shoulder region. Daypacks are light, so not too much stress from that end.