Above and Beyond: Trekking and Yoga at Everest’s Edge
October 29th - Nov 13th, 2024
Registration for our 2024 adventure at Everest Basecamp is now open! Details coming soon.
Dates: October 29th - Nov. 13th (Leaving US 11/29, arriving back in US on 11/13)
Cost: $2296. Includes: Travel during Trek (incl. flight into the Everest Region), Meals, Accomodation, Expert Local Guides & Permits, Yoga, Meditation & Breathwork during Trek. Not including flights from US to Kathmandu.
Interested in applying to join this adventure? Contact us at info@suzannezuberyoga.com
Give your heart and soul a creative boost: adventure-trek to Annapurna Basecamp, surrounded by the most spectacular mountain landscapes on earth. Join a small group of like-minded folks, led by experienced guides and yoga teachers from the US and Kathmandu. This two-week trip, trekking from teahouse to teahouse with a day-pack, offers mesmerizing views culminating in the world-famous Everest Basecamp. Includes expert instruction in yoga for hikers and a meditation and breathwork practice to ignite your own life-giving routine, inspired by the ancient fusion of Buddhist/Hindu philosophy in this region.
Above and Beyond: Trekking and Yoga at Everest’s Edge
October 12th - 24th (starting / ending point Kathmandu, Nepal)
Registration for our 2024 adventure at Everest Basecamp is now open! Details will be posted shortly.
Interested in applying to join this adventure? Contact us at info@suzannezuberyoga.com
Give your heart and soul a creative boost: leisure-trek to Annapurna Basecamp, surrounded by the most spectacular mountain landscapes on earth. Join a small group of like-minded folks, led by experienced guides and yoga teachers from the US and Kathmandu. This two-week trip offers mesmerizing views culminating in the world-famous Poonhill viewpoint, as we hike through picturesque villages and from teahouse to teahouse. Includes expert instruction in yoga for hikers and a daily meditation practice to ignite your own life-giving routine, inspired by the ancient fusion of Buddhist/Hindu philosophy in this region.
Vibrant heart: Yoga, Trekking, and Meditation in the High Himalayas
Come with us to the world’s most beautiful mountain range: the High Himalayas, Annapurna Basecamp, Nepal
October 12-24, 2023 (Nepal time)
Retreat description
The Annapurna Base Camp Route is hailed as the most beautiful trek in the world. This spectacular trail leads you through forests, mountain landscapes, and terraced fields with vibrant flora and fauna, with stops at natural hot springs, and colorful Gurung villages where you can experience the warm hospitality of the local communities.
This trek is not only stunning but also very accessible, grade Easy to Moderate. We will be hiking with a day pack from 4 to 7 hours a day (porters carry the large bags) , with views of some of the most stunning mountains on the planet like Annapurna I (8091 m), Annapurna South (7219 m), and Machapuchhre (6993 m), also known as Fishtail. The trail leads to several exceptional outlook points with mesmerizing sunrise and sunset views enhanced by alpine glow and snow-capped peaks. During our last night in Kathmandu, we'll also witness the year's most important festival, when Nepali families come together to celebrate the goddess Durga who symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.
We are especially pleased to guarantee high quality service that is tested and trustworthy, sparing you last-minute permit hassles and unjustified costs. William 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. Knowing that we are in good hands makes for a much more enjoyable experience.
-
On the ground: October 12th - October 24th (12 days, 13 nights)
Including international travel: October 10th to 25th (to/from US)
-
Meeting point: Kathmandu Airport (we will be picked up from and driven back to this airiport by our guides)
Route: Kathmandu – Pokhara - Ghorepani – world famous Poonhill viewpoint- Chhomrong – Annapurna Basecamp (ABC) – Jhinu Dada – Return Pokhara – Kathmandu
-
Easy to Medium, and we hike only with our daypack (Porters carry the large backpacks)
-
Included:
Prior to trip: Consultation, meet & greet your small-groupies, & training session
13 nights accommodation
9 nights in teahouses, 4 in Hotel
3 meals daily during trek, tea & water
Experienced local Himalaya guide
Fees for sherpa who will carry all of your belongings (not included: tip)
Custom Yoga sessions for Hikers (antidote to sore muscles and tired feet)
13-day meditation practice
Government fees, licenses, permits
Transportation to & from trek route
3 hour Nepali Cooking Class & Culture immersion (provided by Two Sisters Cooking School, a local womens’ initiative).
Celebration dinner on last day of trip
Not included:
Travel SF to Kathmandu Oct 10, leave Kathmandu Oct 24, arrive SFO Oct 25
Mandatory Travel Insurance (We recommend the company Nomad
Tip for your Porter (100 $ recommended)
Soda / Alcohol
Snacks, internet usage, laundry, fees for charging batteries (some teahouses charge a fee for loading your phone batteries)
-
1,896 USD
No hidden costs
Non-refundable deposit: $500 by March 15th
Full Payment by July 1 (Monthly Installment payment options available - inquire with us directly)
Refund Policy: Non-refundable, but transferable to another person, and possible credit towards future trip.
-
During trek: teahouses w/double bedroom
Before/after trek: Hotels
-
Refund Policy: Non-refundable, but transferable to another person, and possible credit towards future trip.
Details at a glance
Scroll down for daily itinerary
Day 1 (Oct 12). welcome to nepal!
-
Transfer from the airport to hotel in Kathmandu (alt. 1300m), find your footing.
At Kathmandu in Trivhuwan international airport you will receive a warm welcome by the local Nature Explore Trekking team, who will drive you to your Hotel in Thamel. 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.
Day 2. Kathmandu & culture
Day 3. to the mountains
-
On the third day, we will have an early breakfast and prepare for our departure to Pokhara. The journey to Pokhara via mini-bus is a scenic drive through the pastoral landscape of Nepal. We will see rolling hills and distant mountain views, rural villages, terraced farms, and rapid rivers, arriving in Pokhara, city of lakes and mountain scenery, mid-to late afternoon. After check-in at the hotel in Pokhara, you’ll have time to saunter through the ‘city on the lake’ (Fewa lake), browse the souvenir shops, and enjoy your first views of the Annapurna mountains.
-
After a delicious breakfast at the Hotel we’ll spend the morning visiting the market, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and world heritage sites including the Showyambhunath Buddhist temple.
During the early afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to check your equipment for the trek and buy anything you might still be missing for our journey.
From 5-8pm, we have booked a cooking and culture class for everyone, where we will coached on how to make a traditional four-course Nepali meal and learn more about the local culture from the staff of Two Sisters Nepal Cooking School, a local collective supporting women.
Day 4. the Trek begins
-
Drive from Pokhara to Ulleri (ca. 3 h), and trek to Ghorepani (4 h/7km walking, to alt. 2800m)
After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive by private Scorpio jeep through fields, rolling hills, and local villages, to Ulleri. After everyone gets ready we will start walking! This first hike is to Ghorepani, where we will stay over night. The trek-time from Ulleri to Ghorepani is 3 to 4 hours (leisurely pace): we will climb gently uphill to Nagethati about 2 hours, and here we will stop for lunch. After lunch break we will continue on to Ghorepano. Today’s landscape is highlighted by rhododendrons and bamboo forest. All through the hike today you will surrounded by beautiful mountain views. We will spend our first night in a teahouse, in the ancient village of Ghorepani (all meals provided).
Day 5. Highlight Poonhill vista
Day 6. flora, villages, vistas
-
Hike via Chomrong village towards lower Sinwa. From Tadapani, the path to lower Sinuwa is a gradual descent, with some short rises including crossing suspension bridges, passing through a rhododendron forest and hiking alongside crop fields. Because the trail mostly follows through lush jungles, birds become your companion and a source of fascination. It's a rewarding sight to see their colorful wings flap as they leap from one tree to another. After admiring these creatures, you will arrive in Chomrong, where we will stop for lunch, and after lunch we will trek another 1.5 h to lower Sinuwa. We will descend 2500 stone steps and cross the Chhomrong River via a suspension bridge. After that, we will ascend a rocky trekking route to Sinuwa village. Overnight stay at tea house (all meals provided).
-
After a delicious breakfast at the Hotel we’ll spend the morning visiting the market, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and world heritage sites including the Showyambhunath Buddhist temple.
During the early afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to check your equipment for the trek and buy anything you might still be missing for our journey.
From 5-8pm, we have booked a cooking and culture class for everyone, where we will coached on how to make a traditional four-course Nepali meal and learn more about the local culture from the staff of Two Sisters Nepal Cooking School, a local collective supporting women.
Day 7. Forests & Prayer Flags
-
After a warm breakfast at tea house, we will continue trekking to our next destination in the morning, beginning of the trail we will ascend to upper Sinwa , and continue trek to Dovan through the bamboo. In Dovan we will have lunch break, after lunch we will walk about two hours to reach Himalayan hotel where we will spend the night. Following a serene, emerald-green forest of bamboo and rhododendron route towards Himalaya, the trekking path is dotted with prayer flags, which add a vibrant flair to the scenery. Overnight stay at tea house (all meals provided).
Day 8. Epic Annapurna
Day 9. sunrise spectacular
-
Option to get up early to witness the beautiful sunrise view and explore the area around the basecamp. After collecting unforgettable memories seeing the magnificent mountains in ‘ABC’, we will trek back 6 to 7 hours to Bamboo. Today’s trail drops 1700m through the Modi Khola River to Bamboo, a beautiful town surrounded by bamboo forests and rocky mountains. Overnight stay at tea house (all meals provided).
-
After breakfast we will start the portion of our trek that takes us to Annapurna base camp. The forest quickly disappears, leaving behind a barren landscape strewn with boulders. You’ll know you're getting close to your destination when you pass by the Himalayan Hotel. Climb past this landmark to Hinku Cave, which served as a shelter and overnight stop for historical Annapurna expeditions. This is the most anticipated day of our long journey. Today you will arrive at Annapurna Base Camp. The day's journey begins with a riverbed climb and a hike up to Annapurna Sanctuary. Today's elevation gain is significant, so proceed with caution and don't rush. The trek route also follows the Modi Khola trail and eventually leads to Macchapuchre Base Camp. Take a break at Machhapurchhre Base Camp to admire the surrounding Himalayas. After a while, leave the splendors of MBC behind and hike for a further 2 hours to Annapurna Base Camp. Annapurna basecamp is surrounded by beautiful Annapurna mountains range. Overnight stay at tea house (all meals provided).
Day 10. beauty & hot springs
-
Downhill trek to Jhinu Danda Hot Spring. The path to Jhinu Danda descends through forested slopes to Chomrong via Khuldighar. Stop by the experimental sheep farm to see a glimpse of herder life in Nepal's mountains, arriving at Jhinu Danda in the afternoon. A natural hot spring is about a half-hour hike downhill from here. This is an excellent place to unwind and let the stress of the day wash over you. Overnight stay at tea house (all meals provided).
Day 11. Himalaya has your back
-
The trek is completed, we will return back to Kathmandu by private tourist bus.
If you prefer to skip the long drive, there is the option of flying to Kathmandu for an extra $100 one way per person. This evening we will be invited for a dinner program at Nepali traditional restaurant with cultural dance show program.
Day 12. Scenic drive home
-
Your trekking trip is almost over now that the Himalayan views are behind you. We cross the suspension bridge and then drive to Pokhara by jeep which takes about 2 -3 hours.
The trek ends here and we will drive back to Kathmandu tomorrow.
Overnight stay at Hotel.
Additional options: if anyone wants to make few days longer holiday after the trek you can visit more side trips to Pokhara, take a Chitwan jungle safari, visit the Lumbini Buddha birth place, and take a Bandipur village tour. If you need any help arranging side trips, the local agency is available to arrange them for you.
Day 13 (Oct 24). farewell till next time
-
You will be driven to the airport to catch your international flight or continue your journey.
Additional options: if anyone wants to make few days longer holiday after the trek you can visit more side trips to Pokhara, take a Chitwan jungle safari, visit the Lumbini Buddha birth place, and take a Bandipur village tour. If you need any help arranging side trips, the local agency is available to arrange them for you.
Our expert Himalaya guide
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.
-
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.
-
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.
