We offer treks in Nepal ranging from 4 days up to 28 days so that however long you have, we can offer you a route that will fit into your schedule. Two key factors you need to consider in deciding on how many days to plan for our acclimatisation and the risk of delays on internal flights.
Acclimatisation
When we put our itineraries together, we have to look for the fine balance between the necessity to acclimatise well and the wishes of our clients to fit as much trekking as possible into their limited time in Nepal. In our experience, a healthy person with even an average level of fitness can comfortably complete one of our treks within the set time. In the Khumbu region, we specifically offer as open groups both 12 and 13-day options for the classic Everest base camp with the extra day allowing for a more relaxed descent to Lukla.
If you are very confident in your fitness and ability to acclimatise we will look at operating a private trek for you on a shortened itinerary. Conversely, if you are uncertain of your fitness or have never done a long-distance trek we will happily make a custom itinerary for you with extra rest days added.
Delays on internal flights in Nepal
Fitness levels aside, one factor that you do need to bear in mind is that during the past year there has been an increase in the number of times that fog has closed Lukla airport, some time for several days in a row. Similarly, Jomsom airport which is used on the Annapurna circuit can be shut because of strong winds.
Airport closures for weather-related factors can mean delays when you begin your trek or a late return to Kathmandu. Our standard trek itineraries incorporate days for acclimatisation but do not allow for flight delays.
We, therefore, suggest that when you plan your trip, you look at including as much flexibility as you can into your overall schedule to try and avoid your trip being ruined by a flight delay. One consideration would be to include one or two sight-seeing days in Kathmandu after the trek. Or make sure when you book the flights that you are able to change your return travel plans if necessary. Always check that your travel insurance policy provides cover should you incur any extra costs as the result of a flight delay.
If a delay does occur in your domestic flight for any reason, we will provide as much assistance as we can, but due to the nature of the risk, we would not pay compensation for any change or loss to your trip resulting from the weather, and any additional costs incurred are for your account and must be paid locally.