Cost estimate
: from 4940 USD
WHO IS THIS FOR
Do you feel drawn to this mountain, but hesitate because of the masses, the mainstream push to this region? Do you wish for a deep and meaningful encounter, enabling you to engage more deeply with the space, its people and culture? We go in slightly after or before peak season to avoid too much of crowd. Along the main route there will be people – yet the tour is designed such that we take as much as possible the side routes, spending time in quiet space, off-time, off-beat tracks.
See it as a pilgrimage along with many others – like-minded people. Learn to take yourself out when you need it. Learn to listen well, single out the sparks of silence within the crowd. Learn to find those quiet places where you need them. Experience what lies there for you if you shift your orientation from the goal to the journey, and to the depth of every experience this journey holds.
This journey is for:
- those with desire to see the mountain of Everest, but as a conscious traveller, looking for meaning, depth, context to your journey.
- those at a place of transition in your life.
- those feeling void inside, discontented with your life, those in search for that something to bring more fulfilment and meaning into your life.
- those carrying a sense of "there must be something more/deeper/more meaningful to my life". How & what is this and how to unveil it?
- those hearing the call, this inner stir that follows you around, keeps you awake, reminds you, returns to poke you, until you say YES and take the step.
- those curious to experience a transformative journey, willing to explore the limits of your physical and mental comfort zone, to be rewarded with extraordinary experiences.
- those looking forward to enjoyment, new horizons, opportunities to connect with nature and people - and ultimately yourself.
- those wishing to tap in, immerse, discover, and be touched – with or without immediate questions.
- those willing to enjoy overnight stays at simple, comfortable, clean guesthouses – the level of simplicity increases with altitude (in higher spaces, everything needs to be carried there on backs of porters or yaks, or in modern days by helicopter).
Required fitness level
- You love/desire to hike and are curious to climb to greater heights, to experience the transformative power of high altitudes. You are physically ready to hike 3-8 hours per day at higher altitudes, yet always with sufficient periods of rest.
- You have a good health condition to be comfortable with the idea of trekking at higher altitudes. Max. trail altitude will be 5500 m asl., max. overnight altitude will be 4790 m asl.
- Careful attention is given to a good acclimatization – key to our sense of well-being in the higher spaces. Advantage of this route is the accessibility for medical support and rescue, in the outer-most case. We take care of the weakest member of the group as this person will determine our journey's pace.
- Hiking trails are well maintained, mostly moderate ascents/descents, with occasional steeper climbs and elevations of up to 1000 m per day on selected days.
Group Size
This is an intimate group sized journey. Group size min. 3 to max. 5 pers. This is to ensure an energy of calm to encourage inward reflection, yet to also allow a sense of companionship and mutual support as we share this unique journey.
Tour lead and guidance
The tour is designed, curated and lead by Monika Schaffner, based on her own extensive experience in this region, which included a series of solo tours during the past 5 years. Her tour guidance covers both the organisational and logistical aspects (here she collaborates closely with Bikesh Rana of Himalayan Ecological Trekking) as well as your 1:1 support and coaching as your inner and outer journey unfolds.
Languages
Monika speaks English, German, French and Nepali. Our porters and hosts speak Nepali, Sherpa and mostly also (some) English.
Dietary requirements
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets are easily accepted and enjoyed in Nepali cuisine.
COSTS
Receive a 20% discount on fixed cost for tour design (equivalent of USD 590) if you bring a second person along.
The Indicated Price is an estimation, composed of
- Fixed cost for tour design, organisation, tour lead and your 1:1 guidance/coaching during the tour
- All other travel costs will be invoiced as per actual expenses.
Fixed Cost INCLUDES
- Tour guided by Monika
- This includes the preparation and organisation of the trip (route planning, transportation, accommodations),
- an individual pre-trip preparation meeting,
- an introductory meeting with the group (online or physical, depending on the possibility),
- 1:1 guidance and coaching on your inner and outer journey during the tour,
- and an individual post-trip follow-through for your integration.
Cost estimation INCLUDES
- Complete local support by connecting spaces' local partner network in Kathmandu and the Everest Region.
- Accommodation (twin share basis) including breakfast: All overnight stays for the 18 days listed in the itinerary. We will stay in a variety of hotels ranging from simple guesthouses (on trek) to unique boutique hotels (in Kathmandu).
- All meals on trek, including basic drinks (drinking water & tea)
- Local transportation in Kathmandu
- Domestic flight to Lukla
- Porters (1 porter for two guests; you carry your own day pack) including their insurance.
- Trekking permit; entrance fees to Sagarmatha National Park as well as cultural sites.
Cost estimation EXCLUDES
- International flights: You will need to book your international flights, details and recommendations will be provided after you register.
- Insurance: You MUST have travel and medical rescue insurance. Instructions will be provided after you register.
- Personal travel and trekking equipment (hiking clothes, sleeping bag, etc.), details see section TOOLBOX.
- Meals (lunch & dinner) in Kathmandu.
- All drinks other than water and tea.
- Extra travel arrangements and activities not included in the itinerary.
- Single room supplement if desired.
- Hot showers on trek if desired.
- Personal expenses such as phone charging, wifi-charges (on trek) or souvenirs.
- Tips to porters.
Be aware of and ready for unexpected pogram changes, due to a variety of reasons (weather, flight schedule changes, accidents, group member's challenges with altitude, any other unexpected instances). Program changes are always also an invitation to accept, observe, trust, understand or learn - and be ready for whatever life has to offer to you in this specific circumstance.
REGISTER / BOOK
Please send me your binding registration via contact form or email. You will then receive a confirmation of your registration with details of the payment conditions, an invoice and an invitation to an individual pre-trip preparation meeting.
Terms of payment: A deposit of 800 USD is to be paid at the time of registration. The remaining amount is to be paid eight weeks before the tour.
By Paying the Deposit you are confirming you have read and agreed to the Terms and Conditions.
PAYMENT & POLICIES
Payment will be in three rates
- To pay at time of booking: Deposit of 800 USD; this is to secure your spot.
- To pay 60 days prior to trip departure: Balance Due of the Total Tour Cost Estimate (including both fixed cost and estimated costs).
- To pay after your trip: If actual trip expenses are higher than prior cost estimations: We bill this amount to you; if actual trip expenses were lower than prior cost estimations, we will reimburse the respective amount to you.
Cancellation policy
- Deposit is non-refundable
- Our full cancellation policy is available here.
Privacy Policy
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Photography credit
All photographs credit and copyright monika schaffner | connecting spaces