Why Canadian Trekkers Are Booking Direct with a Nepali Family Company
If you're a Canadian planning a Nepal trek, you've probably seen packages from Vancouver or Toronto-based adventure companies quoting $4,000–$8,000 CAD for Everest Base Camp. Here's what most Canadians don't realise: those companies subcontract to local Nepali operators like us. You're paying a middleman in Canada, and the people actually guiding you on the mountain work for companies like The Everest Holiday.
Book directly with us and you'll pay 40–60% less for the same trails, the same teahouses, and better guides — because we are the source. No markup. No middleman. Just a three-generation Himalayan family that's been doing this since the 1960s.
Price Comparison: Canadian Adventure Company vs Booking Direct
| Trek | Canadian Operator (CAD) | The Everest Holiday (CAD) | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| Everest Base Camp 12 Days | $4,500–$7,500 | $910–$2,519 | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Annapurna Base Camp 10 Days | $3,200–$5,800 | $630–$1,750 | $2,500–$4,000 |
| Poon Hill 5 Days | $1,800–$3,200 | $301–$805 | $1,500–$2,400 |
| Langtang Valley 8 Days | $2,800–$5,000 | $532–$1,470 | $2,200–$3,500 |
| Manaslu Circuit 12 Days | $5,000–$8,000 | $910–$2,799 | $4,000–$5,200 |
| Mardi Himal 6 Days | $2,000–$3,500 | $364–$979 | $1,600–$2,500 |
All our prices include permits, licensed guide, porter, accommodation, meals (Standard and Luxury tiers), and ground transport from Kathmandu. We offer three tiers — Budget, Standard, and Luxury, so you choose exactly how you want to trek.
The Everest Holiday Advantage for Canadian Trekkers
- Pay a fraction of Canadian operator prices — Same mountains, same trails, same teahouses. The only difference is you're not paying a Canadian markup.
- Secure online payment — We are the only Nepal trekking company with a direct bank payment gateway through Himalayan Bank Limited. Your money goes straight to Nepal's most trusted commercial bank.
- English-speaking guides — All our guides are fluent in English. Communication is never a problem.
- Private treks, your dates: Every trek is private. You don't join a group of strangers. Pick your dates, set your pace.
- 10% deposit to book: Reserve your spot with just 10% down. Balance due 60 days before departure.
- Three generations of mountain expertise: Our grandfather arranged logistics for Himalayan expeditions in the 1960s. Our father held senior positions at the Nepal Tourism Board and Nepal Mountaineering Association. This is our family's life.
Getting to Kathmandu from Canada
Flights from Major Canadian Cities
| From | Common Routes | Travel Time | Approx. Cost (CAD Return) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto (YYZ) | Via Doha (Qatar Airways), Dubai (Emirates), Delhi (Air Canada + connecting) | 18–22 hrs | $1,200–$2,200 |
| Vancouver (YVR) | Via Delhi (Air Canada), Doha (Qatar Airways), Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific + connecting) | 20–24 hrs | $1,300–$2,400 |
| Calgary (YYC) | Via Toronto or Vancouver, then connecting | 22–26 hrs | $1,400–$2,500 |
| Montreal (YUL) | Via Doha (Qatar Airways), Dubai (Emirates) | 18–22 hrs | $1,200–$2,200 |
Pro tip: Book 2–3 months ahead. Qatar Airways via Doha is usually the best value and has excellent service. Air Canada flies direct to Delhi, and from there it's a short hop to Kathmandu on several airlines. Shoulder season (late September, early December) flights are cheapest.
Visa for Canadian Passport Holders
Canadians get a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. No need to apply in advance. Bring a passport-size photo and cash in USD.
- 15 days: $30 USD
- 30 days: $50 USD
- 90 days: $125 USD
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. The process takes 15–30 minutes at the airport.
Best Months to Trek from Canada
- October–November (Canadian Thanksgiving onwards): The absolute best. Clear skies, stable weather, stunning mountain views. Peak trekking season. Book early: especially for EBC and Annapurna. Canadian Thanksgiving (mid-October) is a brilliant time to start a trek.
- March–May (Spring): Warmer temperatures, rhododendrons in full bloom. Slightly more cloud cover than autumn but fewer crowds. Perfect for Langtang, Poon Hill, and Mardi Himal.
- December–February (Canadian Winter): Cold at altitude but clear skies at lower elevations. Excellent for Poon Hill and Mardi Himal. Not recommended for EBC or Manaslu unless you're experienced with winter conditions. Many Canadians actually handle the cold better than most: your Rockies experience helps.
- June–September (Monsoon): Avoid for most treks. Exception: Upper Mustang and Dolpo sit in a rain shadow and are trekable year-round.
For working Canadians: Use Thanksgiving (October) or Christmas/New Year holidays combined with a week or two of leave. A 12-day trek like EBC fits perfectly into a 2-week holiday window.
Our Most Popular Treks for Canadian Trekkers
Everest Base Camp Trek — 12 Days
The dream trek. Stand at 5,364m in the shadow of the world's tallest mountain. From the Rockies to the Himalayas: this is the next level. Budget $910 CAD | Standard $1,501 CAD | Luxury $2,519 CAD per person. All permits, guide, porter, meals (Standard/Luxury), and transport included.
View full itinerary and book →
Annapurna Base Camp Trek — 10 Days
Walk through rice paddies, rhododendron forests, and hot springs to the amphitheatre of Annapurna (8,091m). A stunning alternative to EBC with lower altitude and warmer trails. Budget $630 CAD | Standard $1,092 CAD | Luxury $1,750 CAD per person.
View full itinerary and book →
Poon Hill Trek — 5 Days
The perfect first Himalayan trek. Sunrise over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri from 3,210m. If you've done the West Coast Trail or hiked in the Rockies, this is your Himalayan introduction: and it only takes 5 days. Budget $301 CAD | Standard $497 CAD | Luxury $805 CAD per person.
View full itinerary and book →
Langtang Valley Trek — 8 Days
The closest major trek to Kathmandu. Tamang culture, cheese factories, and views of Langtang Lirung (7,227m). Quieter than EBC and Annapurna with a raw, authentic feel. Budget $532 CAD | Standard $910 CAD | Luxury $1,470 CAD per person.
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Manaslu Circuit Trek — 12 Days
The quieter alternative to Annapurna Circuit. Cross the Larkya La Pass at 5,160m through restricted territory. This is for trekkers who want solitude, challenge, and raw Himalayan beauty. Budget $910 CAD | Standard $1,379 CAD | Luxury $2,799 CAD per person.
View full itinerary and book →
Mardi Himal Trek — 6 Days
Nepal's newest trekking trail. Quiet ridgeline walking with close-up Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) views. Short enough to fit into a week off work, rewarding enough to remember for a lifetime. Budget $364 CAD | Standard $588 CAD | Luxury $979 CAD per person.
View full itinerary and book →
What Canadian Trekkers Need to Know
Healthcare Coverage Abroad
This is critical: your provincial health insurance does NOT cover you in Nepal. Not OHIP, not MSP, not RAMQ: none of them. You must buy separate travel insurance with adventure sports coverage and helicopter evacuation cover above 3,000m. Without it, a helicopter rescue from Everest region could cost you $5,000–$10,000 USD out of pocket.
Canadian providers to check: Manulife CoverMe, World Nomads, Allianz Global Assistance, Blue Cross. Make sure the policy explicitly covers trekking above 5,000m and helicopter evacuation. We require insurance confirmation before departure.
DFAIT Travel Advisory
Global Affairs Canada (formerly DFAIT) typically rates Nepal as "Exercise a high degree of caution": the same rating as dozens of popular destinations including Mexico, India, and Thailand. This is standard for developing countries. Nepal's trekking trails are well-established and safe. Political instability, when it occurs, rarely affects trekking regions. Check travel.gc.ca before booking for the latest advisory.
Currency
Nepal uses Nepali Rupees (NPR). As of 2026, 1 CAD is roughly 100 NPR. ATMs in Kathmandu and Pokhara accept Canadian bank cards (Visa/Mastercard). Carry cash for the trail: there are no ATMs above Namche Bazaar (Everest) or Chame (Annapurna). We recommend bringing $200–$300 USD as backup cash.
Permits
All trekking permits are included in our package price. You need: TIMS card (Trekkers' Information Management System) + National Park/Conservation Area entry permit. For restricted areas (Manaslu, Upper Mustang, Dolpo), a special restricted area permit is required: we handle everything.
Food on the Trail
Dal bhat, rice, lentils, vegetables, pickle, is the staple on every trail. Unlimited refills at most teahouses. You'll also find noodles, fried rice, momos (Nepali dumplings), Tibetan bread, soups, and egg dishes. Vegetarian options are available everywhere. If you have dietary requirements, let us know in advance and we'll brief your guide. The food is hearty, filling, and most Canadians love it. Avoid salads and uncooked food above 3,000m.
Altitude Sickness
This is the biggest risk for all trekkers, regardless of fitness. Calgary sits at 1,045m. Vancouver is at sea level. Everest Base Camp is 5,364m. Your body needs time to adjust, and fitness alone won't protect you. Our guides carry pulse oximeters and monitor your oxygen levels daily. We build acclimatisation days into every itinerary. If symptoms appear, we descend immediately: no argument, no delay.
Mobile and Internet
Buy an NCell SIM at Kathmandu airport (about $5 CAD for a data pack). It works on most of the trail up to Namche/Dingboche. Your Canadian phone will not work without an international roaming plan (and roaming charges are brutal). Wi-Fi is available at most teahouses for a small fee. Don't expect reliable internet above 4,000m.
Tipping Culture
Tipping your guide and porter is customary and appreciated. General guideline: $10–$15 USD per day for guides, $5–$8 USD per day for porters. This is not included in the package price. Many Canadian trekkers tell us the personal connection with their guide was the highlight of the trip.
About The Everest Holiday
We are a three-generation Himalayan family company. Our grandfather Hari Lal Simkhada arranged logistics for Himalayan expeditions in the 1960s and 70s. Our father Ganesh Prasad Simkhada has held senior positions at the Nepal Tourism Board and Nepal Mountaineering Association. Today, Shreejan Simkhada and Shamjhana Basukala run The Everest Holiday with 80+ guides and staff.
- TAAN Member #1586: Nepal's official trekking agency association
- Tourism License 2838/072: Government of Nepal
- 320+ verified reviews across TripAdvisor (4.9★), Google (4.9★), and Trustpilot (5★)
- TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice 2024
- Selected by Nepal Tourism Board to represent Nepal at MATKA 2026 Helsinki
- Secure online payment through Himalayan Bank Limited: the only Nepal trekking company with direct bank payment
Our Charity — Nagarjun Learning Center
A portion of every booking supports the Nagarjun Learning Center, founded by our family in 2019. We provide free education and hot meals to 70 children across 7 learning centres in rural Nepal, free medical care to 600+ people, and empowerment programmes for 275+ women. The centre is verified and listed on the UN Partner Portal.
Your trek doesn't just change your life: it changes theirs.
Frequently Asked Questions — Canadian Trekkers
Do Canadian citizens need a visa for Nepal?
Yes, but it's simple. You get a visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport. Bring a passport-size photo and $50 USD cash for a 30-day visa. No advance application needed.
Does my provincial health insurance cover me in Nepal?
No. OHIP, MSP, RAMQ, and all other provincial health plans do not cover medical treatment or evacuation in Nepal. You must purchase separate travel insurance with helicopter evacuation coverage. This is mandatory for trekking with us.
Do I need a guide to trek in Nepal?
Yes. Since 2023, Nepal law requires all trekkers to have a licensed guide. Our guides are Nepal government trained and licensed, and several hold Bachelor's degrees in Mountaineering.
How fit do I need to be?
You should be able to walk 5–7 hours daily on hilly terrain. If you can hike in the Rockies, Grouse Grind, or do the West Coast Trail comfortably, you're in good shape. Start training 8–12 weeks before your trek with regular hiking, stair climbing, and cardio. No mountaineering skills are needed for standard treks.
What's the best time to go?
October–November for the clearest skies. March–May for warmer weather and rhododendrons. Canadian Thanksgiving (mid-October) is an excellent time to start: the weather in Nepal is at its absolute best.
Can I trek solo or do I need a group?
All our treks are private. You don't join a group: it's just you, your guide, and your porter. Solo trekkers, couples, families, and friend groups all welcome. Minimum 1 person, maximum 20.
What if I get altitude sickness?
Our guides are trained in altitude sickness prevention and carry pulse oximeters. We monitor your oxygen levels twice daily above 3,000m. If serious symptoms appear, we descend immediately and coordinate helicopter evacuation if needed. Travel insurance with helicopter cover is mandatory.
Can I pay in Canadian dollars?
Our prices are listed in CAD for your convenience, but payment is processed in USD through our secure Himalayan Bank Limited gateway. The conversion is automatic on your credit card. We also accept bank transfers via Wise.
What's included in the price?
All permits (TIMS, national park, conservation area, restricted area if applicable), licensed guide, porter (1 porter per 2 trekkers), accommodation throughout, meals (Standard and Luxury tiers), ground transportation from Kathmandu, and airport transfers. International flights, visa, insurance, and personal expenses are not included.
How do I book?
Choose your trek, pick your tier (Budget/Standard/Luxury), and pay a 10% deposit online through our secure Himalayan Bank payment gateway. The remaining balance is due before your trek starts. Or simply WhatsApp Shreejan directly: we'll plan everything together.
Plan Your Nepal Trek Today
Whether it's your first time beyond the Rockies or you've trekked on every continent, we'll make your Nepal experience personal, safe, and unforgettable. Every detail is your choice: dates, pace, tier, route.
WhatsApp:+977 9810351300 (Shreejan responds within 30 minutes during Nepal business hours)
Email:info@theeverestholiday.com
Website:theeverestholiday.com
Three generations. One family. Your Himalayas.
