Warum deutsche Trekker direkt bei einer nepalesischen Familie buchen — Why German Trekkers Book Direct
Germany is the single largest European market for Nepal trekking. Every autumn, thousands of German hikers swap the Alps for the Himalayas. If you're one of them, you've probably seen packages from German adventure operators like Hauser Exkursionen, DAV Summit Club, or Wikinger Reisen — quoting €3,500–€7,000 for Everest Base Camp.
Here's what they don't mention: those companies subcontract to Nepali operators like us. You're paying a German middleman. 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.
Price Comparison: German Operator vs Booking Direct
| Trek | German 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. German thoroughness meets Himalayan value.
The Everest Holiday Advantage for German Trekkers
- 40–60% cheaper than DAV Summit Club or Hauser — Same mountains, same lodges. No European 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.
- German-level detail in planning: Every itinerary is precise: daily altitudes, walking hours, meal plans, acclimatisation schedules. No vague descriptions.
- Private treks, your dates: You don't join a fixed-date group. Choose your dates, set your pace, trek with your own guide.
- English-speaking guides: All our guides are fluent in English. Several have guided German groups before and understand what German trekkers expect.
- 10% deposit to book: Reserve your place with just 10% down. Balance due 60 days before departure.
Getting to Kathmandu from Germany
Flights from German Cities
| From | Common Routes | Travel Time | Approx. Cost (€ Return) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frankfurt (FRA) | Via Doha (Qatar Airways), Dubai (Emirates), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) | 12–16 hrs | €550–€1,100 |
| Munich (MUC) | Via Doha (Qatar Airways), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Dubai (Emirates) | 12–16 hrs | €550–€1,100 |
| Berlin (BER) | Via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Doha (Qatar Airways) | 14–18 hrs | €600–€1,200 |
| Dusseldorf (DUS) | Via Dubai (Emirates), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) | 14–18 hrs | €600–€1,200 |
| Hamburg (HAM) | Via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Doha (Qatar Airways) | 14–18 hrs | €600–€1,200 |
Pro tip: Turkish Airlines via Istanbul and Qatar Airways via Doha consistently offer the best prices and service from Germany. Book 2–3 months ahead. Frankfurt and Munich have the most frequent connections. Flights are cheapest in late September and early December.
Visa for German Passport Holders
German 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 at the airport.
Best Months to Trek — Aligned with German Holiday Periods
- October–November (Herbstferien + Bruckentage): The absolute best trekking weather in Nepal. Clear skies, stable temperatures, mountain views at their finest. German autumn school holidays (Herbstferien) in October are perfectly timed. Combine with a couple of Bruckentage around Tag der Deutschen Einheit (3 October) for a 2-week trek.
- March–May (Ostern + Spring): Warmer temperatures, rhododendrons in full bloom. Easter holidays offer a natural 2-week window. Fewer crowds than autumn. Excellent for Langtang, Poon Hill, and Mardi Himal.
- December–February (Weihnachtsferien): Cold at altitude but crystal clear skies at lower elevations. Christmas/New Year holidays can work for shorter treks like Poon Hill (5 days) or Mardi Himal (6 days). Not recommended for EBC or Manaslu unless you're experienced.
- June–September (Summer holidays): Monsoon season: avoid for most treks. Exception: Upper Mustang and Dolpo (rain shadow areas). German summer holidays don't align well with Nepal trekking, unfortunately.
For working professionals: The best strategy is Herbstferien in October combined with a week of annual leave. A 12-day EBC trek fits perfectly. Alternatively, Easter holidays in spring give you a solid 2-week window.
Our Most Popular Treks for German Trekkers
Everest Base Camp Trek — 12 Days
The classic Himalayan trek. Stand at 5,364m in the shadow of the world's tallest mountain. If you've walked the Zugspitze or the E5, this is the ultimate next step. 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). Lower altitude than EBC, warmer trails, equally stunning. Budget €414 | Standard €718 | Luxury €1,150 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. Think of it as Nepal's Panoramaweg: but with 8,000m peaks. Budget €198 | Standard €327 | Luxury €529 per person.
View full itinerary and book →
Langtang Valley Trek — 8 Days
The closest major trek to Kathmandu. Tamang culture, cheese factories (yes, Swiss-trained cheesemakers in Nepal), and views of Langtang Lirung (7,227m). Quieter than EBC and Annapurna. Budget €350 | Standard €598 | Luxury €966 per person.
View full itinerary and book →
Manaslu Circuit Trek — 12 Days
The quieter alternative to Annapurna Circuit. Cross the Larkya La Pass at 5,160m through restricted territory. For experienced Wanderer who want solitude and a real challenge. Budget €598 | Standard €906 | Luxury €1,839 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 for a week's holiday, rewarding enough for seasoned hikers. Budget €239 | Standard €386 | Luxury €643 per person.
View full itinerary and book →
What German 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 — Auslandskrankenversicherung
Your German Krankenversicherung (GKV or PKV) does not cover medical treatment or helicopter evacuation in Nepal. You must buy an Auslandskrankenversicherung with specific adventure sports coverage, including helicopter rescue above 3,000m. Without it, a helicopter rescue from Everest region could cost you €5,000–€10,000 out of pocket.
German providers to check: ADAC Auslandskrankenschutz, Allianz Travel, HanseMerkur, ERV. Make sure the policy explicitly 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 German bank cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro). 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, similar to Maultaschen but steamed), Tibetan bread, soups, and egg dishes. Vegetarian options everywhere. The food is hearty, filling, and most German trekkers enjoy it. Avoid salads and uncooked food above 3,000m.
Altitude Sickness
This is the biggest risk for all trekkers, regardless of fitness. Even if you've summited the Zugspitze (2,962m), Everest Base Camp at 5,364m is a completely different challenge. 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.
DAV Membership
Your Deutscher Alpenverein (DAV) membership does not provide insurance coverage for Nepal treks. The DAV alpine rescue cover only applies within Europe. You need separate travel insurance as described above. However, your DAV training and experience will serve you well on Himalayan trails.
Mobile and Internet
Buy an NCell SIM at Kathmandu airport (about €5 for a data pack). Your German 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. 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 — German Trekkers
Do German citizens need a visa for Nepal?
Yes, but it's simple. 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 German health insurance cover Nepal?
No. Neither gesetzliche (GKV) nor private (PKV) Krankenversicherung covers Nepal medical treatment or helicopter evacuation. You must buy separate Auslandskrankenversicherung with adventure sports and helicopter rescue coverage. This is mandatory for trekking with us.
Does my DAV insurance cover me?
No. DAV alpine rescue insurance only covers Europe. You need separate international travel insurance for Nepal.
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 regularly hike in the Alps or are active in the DAV, you have the right foundation. Start specific training 8–12 weeks before your trek. No mountaineering skills needed for standard treks.
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: very popular with German trekkers.
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 seasoned Alpenvereins-Wanderer or planning your first big mountain adventure, 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.
