Why Hong Kong Trekkers Are Booking Direct with a Nepali Family Company
Hong Kong has one of the most active hiking cultures in Asia. If you've walked Dragon's Back, climbed Lantau Peak, or completed the MacLehose Trail, you know the satisfaction of earning a view with your own two feet. Now imagine trading Victoria Harbour for the Khumbu Valley, Lion Rock for Ama Dablam, and the 100km MacLehose for the trail to Everest Base Camp.
Nepal is surprisingly close to Hong Kong. A single short flight puts you in Kathmandu, and from there the highest mountains on earth are within reach. But if you book through a Hong Kong travel agency or international operator, you'll pay a significant markup for a trek that's run entirely by a Nepali company on the ground.
Book directly with The Everest Holiday and you'll pay 40-60% less for the same trails, same lodges, and better guides. We are the source.
Trek Prices in Hong Kong Dollars
| Trek | Budget (HKD) | Standard (HKD) | Luxury (HKD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Everest Base Camp 12 Days | HKD 5,070 | HKD 8,362 | HKD 14,032 |
| Annapurna Base Camp 10 Days | HKD 3,510 | HKD 6,084 | HKD 9,750 |
| Poon Hill 5 Days | HKD 1,677 | HKD 2,769 | HKD 4,485 |
| Langtang Valley 8 Days | HKD 2,964 | HKD 5,070 | HKD 8,190 |
| Manaslu Circuit 12 Days | HKD 5,070 | HKD 7,683 | HKD 15,592 |
| Mardi Himal 6 Days | HKD 2,028 | HKD 3,276 | HKD 5,452 |
All prices include permits, licensed guide, porter, accommodation, meals (Standard and Luxury tiers), and ground transport from Kathmandu. We offer three tiers so you choose exactly how you want to trek.
The Everest Holiday Advantage for Hong Kong Trekkers
- Direct booking, no middleman — Hong Kong agencies and international operators mark up 40-60%. We are the company that actually runs your trek.
- Short flight from Hong Kong — Kathmandu is just 5 hours away with direct or single-stop connections. Closer than most people think.
- Pay securely online — We are the only Nepal trekking company with a direct bank payment gateway through Himalayan Bank Limited. Your money is protected.
- Private treks, your dates — Every trek is private. Pick your dates, your pace, your group. No joining strangers.
- WhatsApp planning — Shreejan responds within 30 minutes during Nepal business hours. Plan everything over WhatsApp.
Getting to Kathmandu from Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of the best-connected cities in Asia for reaching Nepal. Several airlines offer convenient routes with short connections, and the total journey time is among the shortest from any major Asian city outside of India.
| From | Via | Airlines | Total Time | Cost (Return, HKD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong (HKG) | Direct (seasonal) | Nepal Airlines / Himalaya Airlines | 5 hrs | HKD 3,500-6,000 |
| Hong Kong (HKG) | Bangkok (BKK) | Cathay Pacific/HK Express + Thai/Nepal Airlines | 7-9 hrs | HKD 3,000-5,500 |
| Hong Kong (HKG) | Kuala Lumpur (KUL) | Cathay/AirAsia + Malaysia Airlines | 8-10 hrs | HKD 3,200-5,800 |
| Hong Kong (HKG) | Singapore (SIN) | Cathay/Singapore Airlines | 8-10 hrs | HKD 3,500-6,500 |
| Hong Kong (HKG) | Delhi (DEL) | Cathay Pacific/Air India | 8-11 hrs | HKD 3,800-7,000 |
Pro tip: Check for direct seasonal flights on Nepal Airlines and Himalaya Airlines first. If unavailable, Bangkok is the fastest and cheapest connection point. Book 2-3 months ahead for the best fares. The Cathay Pacific + separate Bangkok-Kathmandu ticket combination often gives the best schedule flexibility.
Visa Information for Hong Kong SAR Passport Holders
Hong Kong SAR passport holders need a tourist visa to enter Nepal. The easiest option is the visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
- 15 days: USD 30 (approximately HKD 234)
- 30 days: USD 50 (approximately HKD 390)
- 90 days: USD 125 (approximately HKD 975)
Bring your Hong Kong SAR passport (valid for at least 6 months), one passport-size photo, and cash in USD. The process takes 15-30 minutes at the airport. You can also apply online at nepaliport.immigration.gov.np before your trip to save time on arrival.
BN(O) passport holders: Also eligible for visa on arrival under the same conditions.
Best Months to Trek from Hong Kong
- October-November: The best weather window. Clear skies, stable temperatures, spectacular mountain views. This is peak season, so book early. Perfect for Everest Base Camp and Annapurna.
- March-May: Spring brings warmer temperatures and rhododendron forests in full bloom. Slightly more cloud in the afternoons but excellent trekking conditions. Great for Langtang and Poon Hill.
- December-February: Cold but clear at lower altitudes. Fewer crowds, lower prices. Good for Poon Hill and Mardi Himal. Not recommended for Everest Base Camp or Manaslu unless experienced in cold conditions.
- June-September (Monsoon): Avoid for most treks. Exception: Upper Mustang and Dolpo, which sit in a rain shadow area.
For Hong Kong professionals: The October-November window aligns well with Chung Yeung Festival and short holiday breaks. Combine a public holiday with annual leave for a 10-14 day trek. The Easter break in March-April is ideal for spring treks.
From Dragon's Back to the Himalayas: What to Expect
Hong Kong's hiking culture is exceptional. If you regularly walk Dragon's Back, Lantau Peak, Sharp Peak, or the full MacLehose Trail, you already have strong fitness and trail experience. But Himalayan trekking is different in several key ways.
- Altitude is the big change. Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong's highest point, is 957m. Everest Base Camp is 5,364m. Above 3,000m your body reacts differently regardless of fitness, and our itineraries include acclimatisation days to keep you safe.
- Multi-day commitment. Most Hong Kong hikes are day trips. Nepal treks run 5-15 days, sleeping in teahouses each night. It's a different rhythm, and most trekkers find it deeply rewarding once they settle into it.
- Teahouse accommodation. Simple twin rooms, shared bathrooms, warm blankets. More basic than Hong Kong's country park campsites but with meals provided. Standard and Luxury tiers get you the best available rooms and private facilities where they exist.
- Porters carry your gear. Unlike Hong Kong hikes where you carry everything, in Nepal your porter carries up to 15kg. You walk with just a daypack.
- The food is hearty. Dal bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables) is the staple, with unlimited refills. Momos (similar to dim sum dumplings but steamed or fried Tibetan-style), noodle soups, and fried rice are also available. Vegetarian options everywhere.
- You have a licensed guide. Since 2023, Nepal law requires all trekkers to have a licensed guide. Our guides are government-trained, carry pulse oximeters, and know the trails intimately.
Our Most Popular Treks for Hong Kong Trekkers
Everest Base Camp Trek — 12 Days
The ultimate trek. Stand at 5,364m in the shadow of the world's tallest mountain. Walk through Sherpa villages, cross suspension bridges over glacial rivers, and watch sunrise from Kala Patthar. Three tiers: Budget HKD 5,070 | Standard HKD 8,362 | Luxury HKD 14,032 per person. All permits, guide, porter, meals (Standard/Luxury), and transport included.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek — 10 Days
Walk through rice terraces, bamboo forests, and hot springs to the amphitheatre of Annapurna (8,091m). Diverse scenery from subtropical lowlands to icy peaks. Budget HKD 3,510 | Standard HKD 6,084 | Luxury HKD 9,750 per person.
Poon Hill Trek — 5 Days
The perfect introduction to Himalayan trekking. A short, rewarding trek with a famous sunrise viewpoint at 3,210m. Ideal for a long weekend trip from Hong Kong. Budget HKD 1,677 | Standard HKD 2,769 | Luxury HKD 4,485 per person.
Langtang Valley Trek — 8 Days
The closest major trek to Kathmandu. Tamang culture, yak pastures, cheese factories, and views of Langtang Lirung (7,227m). Quieter and more authentic than the busy Annapurna trails. Budget HKD 2,964 | Standard HKD 5,070 | Luxury HKD 8,190 per person.
Manaslu Circuit Trek — 12 Days
The quieter alternative to the Annapurna Circuit. Cross the Larkya La Pass at 5,160m through a restricted area with limited trekker numbers. Wild, remote, and unforgettable. Budget HKD 5,070 | Standard HKD 7,683 | Luxury HKD 15,592 per person.
Mardi Himal Trek — 6 Days
Nepal's newest trail. Quiet ridgeline walking with close-up views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Perfect for trekkers who want beauty and solitude. Budget HKD 2,028 | Standard HKD 3,276 | Luxury HKD 5,452 per person.
What Hong Kong Trekkers Need to Know
Permits
All trekking permits are included in our package price. You need: TIMS card (Trekkers' Information Management System) plus National Park or Conservation Area entry permit. For restricted areas (Manaslu, Upper Mustang, Dolpo), a special restricted area permit is required. We handle everything.
Currency
Nepal uses Nepali Rupees (NPR). Exchange HKD or USD at the airport or in Kathmandu's Thamel district. ATMs in Kathmandu and Pokhara accept Visa and Mastercard (HSBC and Hang Seng cards work well). Carry cash for the trail as there are no ATMs above Namche Bazaar (Everest region) or Chame (Annapurna region). Budget approximately HKD 80-120 per day for personal expenses on the trail.
Mobile and Internet
Buy an NCell SIM card at Kathmandu airport (approximately HKD 40 with data pack). It works on most of the trail up to Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. Your Hong Kong SIM will work with roaming but the charges are steep. Wi-Fi is available at most teahouses for NPR 200-500 per session.
Weather Comparison
Hong Kong's subtropical humidity is very different from Nepal's mountain climate. Even in October (when Hong Kong is still warm), nights above 4,000m in Nepal drop to near freezing. Pack proper cold-weather layers. The dry, thin air at altitude also means stronger sun exposure, so bring good sunscreen and sunglasses.
Altitude Sickness
This is the biggest risk for all trekkers. Hong Kong is at sea level. Everest Base Camp is 5,364m. Your body needs time to adjust, and fitness alone does not prevent altitude sickness. Our guides carry pulse oximeters and monitor your oxygen levels daily. We build acclimatisation days into every itinerary. If symptoms appear, we descend immediately.
Insurance
Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation cover is mandatory for all trekkers. Hong Kong insurers like AXA, Zurich, and FWD offer travel policies, but check carefully that yours covers trekking above 5,000m and helicopter rescue. World Nomads is a reliable alternative. Cost: approximately HKD 400-800 for two weeks. We require confirmation before departure.
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 stars), Google (4.9 stars), and Trustpilot (5 stars)
- 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 — Hong Kong Trekkers
Do Hong Kong SAR passport holders need a visa for Nepal?
Yes. You can get a visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport. Bring your passport (valid 6+ months), one photo, and USD 30-50 in cash. The process takes 15-30 minutes. BN(O) passport holders are also eligible for visa on arrival.
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 close is Nepal from Hong Kong?
Closer than you think. Direct flights take about 5 hours. With a connection through Bangkok, total travel time is 7-9 hours. That's shorter than flying to Australia or Japan.
How fit do I need to be?
You should be able to walk 5-7 hours daily on hilly terrain. If you regularly hike Dragon's Back, Lantau Peak, or the MacLehose Trail, you have a strong base. The key difference is altitude. Start training 8-12 weeks before with stair climbing and cardio. 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.
Will there be familiar food?
The main trail food is dal bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables), with unlimited refills. Momos (Tibetan-style dumplings, similar to dim sum) are available everywhere and are a Hong Kong trekker favourite. Noodle soups, fried rice, and egg dishes round out the menu. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options at every stop.
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.
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 and we'll plan everything together.
Plan Your Nepal Trek Today
Hong Kong's hiking community is world-class, and the Himalayas are your natural next step. Whether you're looking for a week-long challenge or the trek of a lifetime, we'll make it 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.
