Himalayan Hiking Nepal Trip 

Arrive in Kathmandu and begin your Himalayan adventure. After a long international journey, you’ll be met at the jetway and escorted smoothly through arrivals with a VIP airport service. A private transfer brings you to Dwarika’s Hotel, a serene boutique property adorned with intricate Newari wood carvings. Settle in and enjoy a restful night. 

Travel to Patan, a centuries-old city rich in art and history within the Kathmandu Valley. Follow your private guide as the city’s stories unfold—marvel at the wood carvings of Kumbheswara Temple, the golden pagoda of Hiranyavarna Mahavihara, and Durbar Square, a masterpiece of the Malla era. Continue to two of Nepal’s most sacred sites: Pashupatinath, Hinduism’s holiest temple complex, and Boudhanath Stupa, the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism. 

Begin with a gentle drive to Bhaktapur, a beautifully preserved red-brick medieval city of temples, squares, and artisan workshops. At Pottery Square, try your hand at traditional pottery-making before returning to Dwarika’s for a hands-on Nepali cooking class led by local chefs—steamed, spiced momo dumplings included. In the afternoon, visit Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), a sacred hilltop stupa watched over by its playful resident macaques. 

Transfer to the airport for a scenic helicopter flight into the mountains, arriving in Phaplu. A short drive brings you to The Happy House, a stone retreat built by the legendary Sir Edmund Hillary. After a home-grown lunch in the garden, enjoy a gentle village walk to acclimatize. Expect warm Nepali hospitality, crisp mountain air, and a sense of calm that settles in quickly. 

After breakfast, set out on a gentle acclimatization hike to Chiwong Monastery. Walk through rural villages where daily life unfolds against a Himalayan backdrop of terraced fields and forested slopes. At the monastery, share a simple lunch with resident monks before joining afternoon prayers and meditation. A Buddhist scholar introduces the life of the Buddha and the Four Noble Truths. Return to The Happy House on foot, by mountain bike, or by vehicle. 

Drive to Thupten Choeling Monastery, a vital center of Tibetan Buddhism and home to a resilient community of refugee nuns. Once Nepal’s largest monastery, it served as a sanctuary during Tibet’s occupation and was formerly the seat of Trulshik Rinpoche, a teacher of the Dalai Lama. Continue on foot to Junbesi, Nepal’s first Sherpa settlement and a revered beyul (hidden sacred valley). Whitewashed homes, terraced fields, and mythic landscapes paint a serene portrait of Sherpa heritage.

Your trekking adventure begins in earnest today. After a hearty breakfast, follow age-old trade routes into the Eastern Himalayan countryside. With yaks grazing nearby and ancient forests lining the trail, these quiet paths reveal a side of Nepal few travelers ever see. After approximately six hours of walking, arrive at your camp—already prepared—for a hot meal as dusk settles and the mountains fall silent. 

Set out for Pikey Khop, the base camp for Pikey Peak. This five-hour hike passes weathered yak shelters, stone walls, and rolling hillsides splashed with seasonal wildflowers. Take time to reflect—this was one of Sir Edmund Hillary’s favorite walks, prized for its solitude and sweeping views. 

Rise before dawn with tea or hot chocolate delivered to your tent. After a light breakfast, begin the ascent to the summit of Pikey Peak. Arrive just as the first light of day illuminates the surrounding giants—Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and, unmistakably, Mount Everest. It’s a moment of quiet awe and perspective, one that lingers long after the descent. 

Enjoy a leisurely morning walk to Salleri’s weekend market, where stalls brimming with produce and handmade goods offer insight into rural Nepali life. Return to The Happy House for a relaxed afternoon—choose yoga, sound healing, sauna or massage therapies, or simply read in the sun. In the evening, gather for a festive farewell dinner, sharing stories and reflections from your days on the trail.

Your extraordinary journey comes to a gentle close. A private transfer takes you to Phaplu Airport for your helicopter flight back to Kathmandu, where you will spend one final night before catching your flight home.