The highest mountains on Earth - the Himalaya!

At Active Travel, our association with Nepal and the Himalaya goes back almost three decades. Way back in 1980, we ventured out from the lakeside village of Pokhara, to trek the Annapurna Circuit. We had little of the high tech gear you find today, indeed one us walked in nothing more than a pair of thongs (flip-flops to non-Australians!) - for the first few weeks! Today, this trek is one of the most famous extended walks in the whole of the Himalaya. Several years later, we organised the first ever Australian cycle expedition across the roof of the world, from Lhasa in Tibet, through to Kathmandu. In the decades since, we’ve arranged travel to Nepal for many hundreds of travellers, drawn by the irresistible lure of the highest mountains on earth, the wonderful people and the fascinating cultural and religious diversity that exist there. Active Travel and the Himalaya go back a very long way indeed!

A trek in Nepal is an immensely practical way to see Nepal. The mountains form formidable barriers to most forms of transportation and the mountains and valleys are criss-crossed with a myriad of ancient pathways and trails, linking the villages and towns that dot the rugged landscape.

We have teamed up with one of the most experienced trekking operators in Nepal, with over 30 years experience in organising and operating a wonderful range of walking holidays in this most enchanting of countries. We are able to offer easier, introductory grade treks at lower altitudes, right through to a serious climb to the summit of a towering Himalayan peak - and everything in between.

Traditionally, trekkers in Nepal have been drawn to either the culturally diverse and wonderfully scenic Annapurna region, to the west of Kathmandu. Or, to the jagged peaks of the Everest region to the east. A trek to the famous Base Camp of Mount Everest is an ever popular choice. In addition to these popular areas we offer treks in more remote parts of the country, including Manaslu, Langtang, Mustang, Kanchenjunga and Tamang.

Two different trekking styles::

Lodge trekking:: 
Since we first explored Nepal in 1980, enterprising locals along the more popular trekking routes have built a wonderful network of trekking lodges. Such places offer comfortable though simple accommodation for our groups. Twin share rooms, and a cosy common dining area offer welcome respite after a relaxing day of walking. Hearty, robust meals are prepared by our own cooking crew in conjunction with the lodge owners. All meals are provided and included in the price of your trek.

Camping treks and expeditions::
In the more remote regions of Nepal, we offer a range of camping expeditions. Many trekkers love this style of travel as it recalls the heroic era of early exploratory expeditions by figures such as Eric Shipton and Bill Tillman, and later the large expeditions that came to Nepal to conquer the peaks of the highest mountains on earth. You travel as an independent unit, with all camping gear and equipment provided. You sleep in large three person tents (two trekkers share one tent), while a cook and helpers look after all the cooking along the way.

On both styles of trek, a team of porters carry our baggage and equipment leaving you walk with nothing more than a day pack. You are accompanied by a highly experienced team, comprising of a Trek Leader, a team of supporting Sherpa guides, a Sirdar, who manages our team of porters and on camping expeditions, you will have cook team join the group with their portable field kitchen.

Kathmandu::

Once a collection of old mediaeval villages, Kathmandu is now the lively start and finish point for our treks. Without doubt, this is one of the most interesting and fascinating cities in all of Asia. We provide accommodation in one of the city’s comfortable four star hotels, include sightseeing and include your arrival and departure transfers from the airport. All of our treks include a welcome dinner at a famous Nepali restaurant - a great way to kick off your holiday!

 

 

More inclusions – Better value::

On ALL of our treks you can expect:

- Free use of a trek pack including quality sleeping bag and liner, warm down jacket and a poncho/rain jacket.
- Accommodation in one of Kathmandu’s best hotels on a twin share B&B basis
- Welcome dinner at a famous Kathmandu restaurant
- Half day guided tour of Kathmandu
- All transport by private bus or local flight to the start and finish points of your trek
- An orientation pack in Kathmandu including city maps and guides
- Accommodation in lodges on a twin share basis
- All meals while on trek
- All National Park entrance fees and Trek Permits
- Porters, mule or yaks to carry all of your gear (you carry a daypack)
- Highly experienced Nepali trek team to accompany you
- Comprehensive medical kit
- Portable Altitude Chambers and oxygen on all high altitude treks
- A large trekking duffel bag – yours to keep at the end of the trek and a souvenir gift t-shirt

Our camping treks include even more such as::

- two comfortable sleeping mats
- A team of cooks to prepare all meals while on trek in our field kitchen
- All camping equipment including 3-person ‘Vango’ tents (for use by two people)
- A mess tent and kitchen tent and a two ‘loo’ tents

Regular departures throughout the season::

Ever been planning the trip of a lifetime on a ‘small group’ tour, only that have the tour company cancel your holiday due to lack of numbers? Frustrating, annoying and very often costly. Our treks are all guaranteed to run with a minimum of just two trekkers. So you can book your trekking holiday in absolute confidence that it will run (subject to two people travelling on that specific departure date). We offer frequent departures throughout the trekking season which runs from October to May (June to September is the Monsoon season and we don’t operate during this time. It rains a lot, and clouds obscure the views of the mountains).

A huge range of treks::

In Nepal we offer a huge range of both lodge and camping based treks, as well as introductory mountaineering expeditions.  We have selected the most popular of these treks to showcase on our website. Call us and we will send you our 76 page Himalaya trekking brochure. If you can't find what you are looking for it is very easy to tailor make a trek for you - speak to us about your requirements.

A typical day while trekking in Nepal::

One of the great joys of trekking in Nepal is to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax with the simple day to day routine of life on the trail. There are no mobile phones, your Blackberry won't work, any newspapers you see in a local tea house are likely to be weeks old. And you won't hear the noises you are used to in the city – car horns, jets, sirens and bustle.

Each morning after packing our bags we enjoy hearty breakfast and shortly after set off on the day's walk. All you need to carry is a small day pack containing your water bottle, camera, sun block, hat, rain jacket and warm jacket, just in case. The porters will carry the rest of our gear for us. The porters typically go ahead of the group and will be at out lodge or camp well before trekkers meander in.

After walking for 3-4 hours we stop for lunch at around midday. The afternoon's walk is generally shorter and we usually arrive at our destination in time for afternoon tea. The remainder of the afternoon can be spent exploring the village, doing a bit of washing or simply relaxing with a good book. On some days we will arrive at our destination by lunchtime and the entire afternoon will be free. Sometimes we can go for short walks away from the lodge or campsite - perhaps to a small temple, a scenic spot with great views of the mountains or to a nearby village.

After dinner, the evening will often be spent playing cards, reading a good book, chatting to the guides and fellow trekkers, simply reliving the day's adventures, before heading off to bed for a well-earned sleep.

Our Most popular treks in Nepal:: (all prices are in $AUD)

:: Everest Base Camp – 16 days (lodge based trek)
Departs: (2010): 30JAN, 27FEB, 27MAR, 24APR, 22MAY, 02OCT, 30OCT, 27NOV, 25DEC
Departs: (2011): 22JAN, 19FEB, 19MAR, 16APR, 14MAY
Trek Price (ex Kathmandu): $1750 for departures to May 2010, then $1820 October 2010 onwards

:: Everest Experience – 11 days (lodge based trek)
Departs: (2010): 30JAN, 27FEB, 27MAR, 24APR, 22MAY, 25SEP, 23OCT, 20NOV, 18DEC
Departs: (2011): 15JAN, 12FEB, 12MAR, 09APR, 07MAY
Trek Price (ex Kathmandu): $1435 for departures to May 2010, then $1480 September 2010 onwards

:: The Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp – 20 days (lodge based trek) 
Departs: (2010): 30JAN, 27FEB, 27MAR, 24APR, 22MAY, 02OCT, 30OCT, 27NOV, 25DEC
Departs: (2011): 22JAN, 19FEB, 19MAR, 16APR, 14MAY
Trek Price (ex Kathmandu): $2015 for departures to May 2010, then $2095 October 2010 onwards

:: Original Everest – The original Everest Base Camp trek starting in Jiri – 24 days (lodge based trek)
Departs: (2010): 08FEB, 05APR, 22SEP, 20OCT, 17NOV, 15DEC
Departs: (2011): 12JAN, 09FEB, 09MAR, 06APR, 04MAY
Trek Price (ex Kathmandu): $2225 for departures to Apr 2010, then $2315 Sep 2010 onwards

:: Annapurna Foothills – 11 days (lodge based trek)
Departs: (2010): 18JAN, 15FEB, 15MAR, 12APR, 10MAY, 04OCT, 01NOV, 29NOV, 27DEC
Departs: (2011): 24JAN, 21FEB, 21MAR, 18APR, 16MAY
Trek Price (ex Kathmandu): $1260 for departures to May 2010, then $1310 October 2010 onwards

:: Annapurna Sanctuary – 15 days (lodge based trek)
Departs: (2010): 15MAR, 12APR, 10MAY, 04OCT, 01NOV, 29NOV, 27DEC
Departs: (2011): 24JAN, 21FEB, 21MAR, 18APR, 16MAY
Trek Price (ex Kathmandu): $1460 for departures to May 2010, then $1520 October 2010 onwards

:: Annapurna Circuit – 21 days (lodge based trek)
Departs: (2010): 01MAR, 12APR, 10MAY, 11OCT*, 08NOV*
Departs: (2011): 21FEB*, 28MAR*, 25APR*, 23MAY*
Trek Price (ex Kathmandu): $2060 for departures to May 2010, then $2080 October 2010 onwards
* Note: This trek will be shortened by two days from OCT 2010. Ask us for details.

:: Annapurna Dhaulagiri – 16 days (camping expedition)
Departs: (2010): 22MAR, 19APR, 10MAY, 18OCT*, 23DEC*
Departs: (2011): 14FEB*, 19APR*
Trek Price (ex Kathmandu): $1645 for departures to May 2010, then $1460 October 2010 onwards
* Note: Treks operating after OCT 2010 will be one day shorter and use lodges instead of camping. Ask us for details.

:: Around Dhaulagiri and the Hidden Valley – 21 days (camping expedition)
Departs: (2010): 03MAR, 07APR, 20SEP*
Departs: (2011): 07MAR*, 04APR*
Trek Price (ex Kathmandu): $2615 for departures to May 2010, then $2275 September 2010 onwards
* Note: Treks operating after SEP 2010 will be three days shorter. Ask us for details.

:: Kanchenjunga Base Camp – 28 days (camping expedition)
Departs: (2010): 01MAR, 20SEP, 18OCT
Departs: (2011): 07MAR
Trek Price (ex Kathmandu): $3775 for departures to Mar 2010, then $3925 September 2010 onwards.

:: Mera Peak – 24 days (expedition trek and climbing peak) 
Departs: (2010): 15MAR, 05APR, 11OCT*
Departs: (2011): 28MAR*, 25APR*
Trek Price (ex Kathmandu): $3370 for departures to May 2010, then $2600 OCT 2010 onwards
* Note: Treks operating after OCT 2010 will use lodges as far as Mera Base Camp then expediton camping while on the mountain. Ask us for details.

Island Peak, Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp - 22 days – (expedition trek and climbing peak)
Departs: (2010): 12APR, 10MAY, 16OCT*
Departs: (2011): 02APR*
Trek Price (ex Kathmandu): $3010 for departures to May 2010, then $2495 October 2010 onwards
* Note: Treks operating after OCT 2010 will be 14 nights lodges and 3 nights camping and will no longer include the Gokyo Lakes. Ask us for details.

Interested in any of these treks? Click here to enquire or Click here to download a low resolution brochure

Surprised at our prices? So are our more expensive and better known ‘big brand’ competitors.

The prices we offer are realistic for a trekking holiday in Nepal. In our opinion and based on 30 years of involvement with Nepal and the Himalaya, if you are paying more than the prices found here for your trek, you are paying too much. So why are we so much cheaper than the high profile trekking companies? It's simple really.

• For a start, we don’t have a huge network of offices around Australia (and internationally) and all the associated business, sales and marketing expenses.
• We work directly with our partners in Nepal – a reputable, Kathmandu-based outfit with 30 years experience. Our partners in Nepal are WHOLLY owned and operated by Nepalis, for Nepalis. There are no large international tour wholesalers involved, in any way, shape or form.
• Furthermore, we don’t spend vast amounts on expensive advertising campaigns and flash brochures. (We do have a brochure, which we can send out to you any time). We print these in house, as needed – and it’s better for all concerned if we can send you the email version of our brochure – it saves paper, postage, printing and ink, and ultimately, trees. All of these factors mean we can offer you treks of exceptional quality, which are highly inclusive - at realistic and affordable prices.

If you are comparing our treks with those of other operators, give us a call and we'll be pleased to point out the differences. You will also be happy to know, we offer a complete service and can access very competitive airfares to Kathmandu, comprehensive travel insurance (compulsory on all Nepal treks), as well as first hand, practical trekking advice from people who have travel widely in Nepal and the Himalaya. All of our trekkers have access to special rates on trekking equipment through Sydney's leading walking journey outfitter, Trek & Travel.

You can order our 2010/2011 Nepal trek brochure by clicking here. Or click the brochure icon on the left. Or download a low resolution version of the brochure by clicking here.