Why French Trekkers Are Booking Direct with a Nepali Family Company
France has one of the strongest mountain cultures in the world. You've walked the Tour du Mont Blanc, maybe tackled the GR20 in Corsica, perhaps hiked the Pyrenees end to end. Now you're looking at Nepal — the Himalayas, the real thing, the 8,000m peaks.
If you've been quoted €3,500–€7,000 by French adventure operators like Allibert Trekking, Terres d'Aventure, or Atalante, here's what they don't tell you: those companies subcontract to Nepali operators like us. You're paying a French middleman. The guides who actually walk with 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.
Price Comparison: French Operator vs Booking Direct
| Trek | French Operator (€) | The Everest Holiday (€) | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| Everest Base Camp 12 Days | €3,500–€6,500 | €598–€1,655 | €2,500–€4,800 |
| Annapurna Base Camp 10 Days | €2,500–€4,800 | €414–€1,150 | €2,000–€3,600 |
| Poon Hill 5 Days | €1,500–€2,800 | €198–€529 | €1,300–€2,300 |
| Langtang Valley 8 Days | €2,200–€4,200 | €350–€966 | €1,800–€3,200 |
| Manaslu Circuit 12 Days | €4,000–€7,000 | €598–€1,839 | €3,400–€5,200 |
| Mardi Himal 6 Days | €1,600–€3,000 | €239–€643 | €1,400–€2,400 |
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 French Trekkers
- 40–60% cheaper than Allibert or Terres d'Aventure — Same mountains, same lodges, same trails. No European agency markup.
- Secure bank payment — We are the only Nepal trekking company with a direct payment gateway through Himalayan Bank Limited. Your money is protected by Nepal's most trusted commercial bank.
- Private treks, your dates: You don't join a fixed-date group of 15 people. Choose your dates, set your pace, trek with your own dedicated guide.
- English-speaking guides: All our guides speak fluent English. Some have basic French from years of guiding French groups, but English is the working language on the trail.
- 10% deposit to book: Reserve your place with just 10% down. Balance due 60 days before departure.
- Three generations of Himalayan expertise. Our family has been in the mountains since the 1960s. This is not a startup, it's a legacy.
Getting to Kathmandu from France
Flights from French Cities
| From | Common Routes | Travel Time | Approx. Cost (€ Return) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris CDG | Via Doha (Qatar Airways), Dubai (Emirates), Delhi (Air France + connecting), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) | 12–16 hrs | €500–€1,100 |
| Lyon (LYS) | Via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Doha (Qatar Airways) | 14–18 hrs | €600–€1,200 |
| Nice (NCE) | Via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Dubai (Emirates) | 14–18 hrs | €600–€1,200 |
| Marseille (MRS) | Via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Doha (Qatar Airways) | 14–18 hrs | €600–€1,200 |
Pro tip: Paris CDG has the best connections and prices. Qatar Airways via Doha and Turkish Airlines via Istanbul are the most reliable. Book 2–3 months ahead. Air France flies direct to Delhi, and from there it's a quick connection to Kathmandu. Cheapest flights are in late September and early December.
Visa for French Passport Holders
French citizens get a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. No advance application needed. Bring a passport-size photo and cash in USD or EUR.
- 15 days: $30 USD (~€28)
- 30 days: $50 USD (~€46)
- 90 days: $125 USD (~€115)
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. The process takes 15–30 minutes.
Best Months to Trek — Aligned with French Holiday Periods
- October–November (Toussaint + automne): This is the golden window. Nepal's weather is at its absolute best: clear skies, stable temperatures, perfect visibility. The Toussaint holidays (late October to early November) overlap exactly with Nepal's peak trekking season. Two weeks off school? That's enough for Everest Base Camp.
- March–May (Vacances de printemps): Warmer temperatures, rhododendrons blooming across the trails. Spring school holidays (April) are a good window. Fewer crowds than autumn. Excellent for Annapurna, Langtang, Poon Hill, and Mardi Himal.
- December–February (Vacances de Noel): Cold at altitude but clear skies at lower elevations. Christmas/New Year holidays work for shorter treks like Poon Hill (5 days) or Mardi Himal (6 days). Not recommended for EBC or Manaslu in deep winter.
- June–August (Grandes vacances): Unfortunately, French summer holidays coincide with Nepal's monsoon. Avoid for most treks. The exceptions are Upper Mustang and Dolpo: rain shadow areas that remain dry through summer.
For working professionals: Toussaint (late October) is the single best French holiday for Nepal trekking. Combine it with a few jours de RTT and you have a perfect 2-week window for EBC or Annapurna.
Our Most Popular Treks for French Trekkers
Everest Base Camp Trek — 12 Days
The iconic Himalayan trek. Stand at 5,364m at the foot of the world's highest peak. You've seen Mont Blanc up close: now imagine peaks nearly twice that height surrounding you. Budget €598 | Standard €986 | Luxury €1,655 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). The French have a special history here: Maurice Herzog's 1950 expedition made Annapurna the first 8,000m peak ever climbed. Budget €414 | Standard €718 | Luxury €1,150 per person.
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Poon Hill Trek — 5 Days
The perfect first Himalayan trek. Sunrise over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri from 3,210m. If you've done the TMB or the GR20, this is your gentle Himalayan introduction: similar effort, infinitely bigger scenery. Budget €198 | Standard €327 | Luxury €529 per person.
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Langtang Valley Trek — 8 Days
The closest major trek to Kathmandu. Tamang culture, cheese factories, and views of Langtang Lirung (7,227m). Quieter than the Annapurna region, with a raw, authentic atmosphere. Budget €350 | Standard €598 | Luxury €966 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. For experienced randonneurs who want solitude and a proper mountain challenge. Budget €598 | Standard €906 | Luxury €1,839 per person.
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Mardi Himal Trek — 6 Days
Nepal's newest trekking trail. Quiet ridgeline walking with close-up Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) views. Short enough for a week's holiday, rewarding enough to rival longer treks. Budget €239 | Standard €386 | Luxury €643 per person.
View full itinerary and book →
What French Trekkers Need to Know
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.
Insurance — Assurance Rapatriement
Your French Securite Sociale and mutuelle do not cover medical treatment or helicopter evacuation in Nepal. You must buy separate travel insurance with specific adventure sports coverage, including helicopter rescue above 3,000m. Without insurance, a helicopter rescue from Everest region could cost you €5,000–€10,000.
French providers to check: Chapka Assurance, ACS (Assurance Conseil Service), Allianz Travel, Europ Assistance. Your Carte Bancaire (Visa Premier or Mastercard Gold) may include some travel insurance: check if it covers trekking above 5,000m and helicopter evacuation. We require insurance confirmation before departure.
Currency
Nepal uses Nepali Rupees (NPR). As of 2026, €1 is roughly 145 NPR. ATMs in Kathmandu and Pokhara accept French 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 in USD as backup cash.
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. It's not a French gastronomic experience, but it's hearty, flavourful, and keeps you fuelled for the mountains. Vegetarian options everywhere. Avoid salads and uncooked food above 3,000m.
Altitude Sickness
This is the biggest risk for all trekkers, regardless of fitness. Mont Blanc's summit is 4,808m. Everest Base Camp is 5,364m, and you're sleeping at altitude, not just passing through. Your body needs time to adjust. 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 for a data pack). Your French SIM will not work without expensive international roaming. 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 in Nepal (unlike France). General guideline: $10–$15 USD per day for guides, $5–$8 USD per day for porters. This is not included in the package price.
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 — French Trekkers
Do French citizens need a visa for Nepal?
Yes, but it's straightforward. Visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport. Bring a passport-size photo and $50 USD (or equivalent in EUR) for a 30-day visa. No advance application needed.
Does my Securite Sociale or mutuelle cover Nepal?
No. French social security and mutuelle do not cover medical treatment or helicopter evacuation in Nepal. You must buy separate travel insurance. Check if your Carte Bancaire (Visa Premier, Mastercard Gold) offers coverage: but verify it includes trekking above 5,000m and helicopter rescue.
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 mountain terrain. If you've done the Tour du Mont Blanc, the GR20, or regularly hike in the Alps or Pyrenees, you have the right foundation. Start specific training 8–12 weeks before your trek. No mountaineering skills needed for standard treks.
Is Toussaint a good time to go?
It's the perfect time. Toussaint holidays (late October to early November) overlap exactly with Nepal's peak trekking season: the clearest skies and best mountain views of the year. Book early, as this is also when the trails are busiest.
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.
Can I pay in EUR?
Our prices are listed in EUR 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 you're a veteran of the GR20 or planning your first big mountain adventure beyond the Alps, 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.
