Why Indonesian Trekkers Are Booking Direct with a Nepali Family Company
If you've stood on the summit of Rinjani at sunrise or pushed through the volcanic sand of Semeru, you already know what it feels like to earn a view. Now imagine that feeling multiplied — fourteen days of walking through Sherpa villages, across glacial rivers, and past 8,000-metre peaks that make Indonesia's volcanoes look like foothills. That's Nepal.
But here's what most Indonesian trekkers discover too late: the agencies selling Nepal treks from Jakarta or Bali are middlemen. They mark up prices by 40-60% and subcontract to local Nepali operators like us. Book directly with The Everest Holiday and you'll pay less for better service — because we are the source.
Trek Prices for Indonesian Trekkers
| Trek | Duration | Budget (IDR) | Standard (IDR) | Luxury (IDR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everest Base Camp | 12 Days | Rp 10.400.000 | Rp 17.152.000 | Rp 28.784.000 |
| Annapurna Base Camp | 10 Days | Rp 7.200.000 | Rp 12.480.000 | Rp 20.000.000 |
| Poon Hill | 5 Days | Rp 3.440.000 | Rp 5.680.000 | Rp 9.200.000 |
| Langtang Valley | 8 Days | Rp 6.080.000 | Rp 10.400.000 | Rp 16.800.000 |
| Manaslu Circuit | 12 Days | Rp 10.400.000 | Rp 15.760.000 | Rp 31.984.000 |
| Mardi Himal | 6 Days | Rp 4.160.000 | Rp 6.720.000 | Rp 11.184.000 |
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = 16,000 IDR. All prices are per person and 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 Indonesian Trekkers
- Halal food available throughout your trek — As the world's largest Muslim country, we understand this matters. Dal bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables) is naturally halal and served at every teahouse. We arrange halal meat options in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Read our full halal trekking guide.
- Flights via familiar hubs — Jakarta and Bali connect to Kathmandu through KL, Bangkok, and Singapore with airlines you already know.
- Visa on arrival: Indonesians get visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport. Simple, quick, and no advance application needed.
- Muslim-friendly arrangements: Prayer times respected. Dietary requirements understood. Our guides have experience with Indonesian and Malaysian trekkers.
- Affordable adventure: Nepal is one of the cheapest countries to trek in the Himalayas. A 12-day Everest Base Camp trek costs less than many 3-day Rinjani packages when you book direct.
- Secure online payment: We are the only Nepal trekking company with a direct bank payment gateway through Himalayan Bank Limited. Your money is protected.
Getting to Kathmandu from Indonesia
Flight Routes
| Route | Airlines | Total Travel Time | Approx. Return (IDR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jakarta → KL → Kathmandu | AirAsia/Batik Air + AirAsia X | 9-12 hours | Rp 5.500.000–Rp 9.000.000 |
| Jakarta → Bangkok → Kathmandu | Lion Air/AirAsia + Thai Airways/Nepal Airlines | 10-13 hours | Rp 6.000.000–Rp 10.000.000 |
| Jakarta → Singapore → Kathmandu | Various + Scoot/SilkAir | 10-12 hours | Rp 6.500.000–Rp 11.000.000 |
| Bali → KL → Kathmandu | AirAsia + AirAsia X | 10-13 hours | Rp 5.800.000–Rp 9.500.000 |
| Bali → Bangkok → Kathmandu | Thai Airways/AirAsia + Thai/Nepal Airlines | 10-12 hours | Rp 6.200.000–Rp 10.500.000 |
Pro tip: Book 2-3 months ahead. The KL transit route is usually cheapest from both Jakarta and Bali. Bangkok is the most reliable hub with the most daily connections to Kathmandu. Avoid booking separate tickets: if your first flight is delayed and you miss the connection, a single booking gives you rebooking rights.
Halal Food on Nepal Treks — What Indonesian Trekkers Need to Know
We know halal food is not optional: it's essential. Here's the honest picture of eating halal in Nepal.
- Dal bhat is your best friend: rice, lentils, vegetables, and pickle. Completely halal, served twice daily at every teahouse, with unlimited refills. It's the fuel that powers every trek in Nepal.
- Vegetarian options at every stop: fried rice, chow mein, momos (dumplings), Tibetan bread, pancakes, porridge, eggs, and soup. You won't go hungry.
- Halal meat in Kathmandu: the capital has halal restaurants and butchers, particularly around Thamel and New Road. We can arrange halal meals at your hotel.
- On the trail: teahouse food is mostly vegetarian. Chicken and yak meat are sometimes available but not certified halal in remote areas. We recommend vegetarian meals above the roadhead for peace of mind.
- Bring familiar snacks: pack Indomie, kacang, or energy bars from home. Trail shops in Nepal stock limited options and nothing specifically Indonesian.
- Ramadan trekking: we've had Indonesian trekkers who fasted on the trail. We don't recommend it above 4,000m because your body desperately needs fuel and hydration at altitude. If your dates fall during Ramadan, lower-altitude treks like Poon Hill are safer.
Best Months to Trek from Indonesia
- October-November (post-monsoon): Best weather. Clear skies, stable temperatures. Peak season: book early. Perfect for Everest Base Camp and Annapurna.
- March-May (spring): Warmer at lower altitudes, rhododendrons blooming. Great for Langtang, Poon Hill, and Mardi Himal.
- December-February (winter): Cold but clear at lower elevations. Fewer crowds. Good for Poon Hill and Mardi Himal. Not recommended for Everest or Manaslu unless experienced: the cold will be a shock if you're coming from tropical Indonesia.
- June-September (monsoon): Avoid for most treks. Exception: Upper Mustang and Dolpo (rain shadow areas).
Indonesian holiday timing: Lebaran (Eid al-Fitr) holidays, Natal (Christmas), and the June-July school break are popular windows. October is ideal: peak trekking season with the best Himalayan views.
Our Most Popular Treks for Indonesian Trekkers
Everest Base Camp Trek — 12 Days
The ultimate bucket-list trek. Stand at 5,364m at the foot of the world's tallest mountain. If you've summited Rinjani (3,726m) or Semeru (3,676m), you know what altitude feels like: now take it to the next level. Budget Rp 10.400.000 | Standard Rp 17.152.000 | Luxury Rp 28.784.000 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 terraces, rhododendron forests, and hot springs to the amphitheatre of Annapurna (8,091m). The cultural richness along this trail. Gurung and Magar villages with their own traditions, will remind you of Indonesia's diversity. Budget Rp 7.200.000 | Standard Rp 12.480.000 | Luxury Rp 20.000.000 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. Short enough to fit into a week off work. Budget Rp 3.440.000 | Standard Rp 5.680.000 | Luxury Rp 9.200.000 per person.
View full itinerary and book →
Langtang Valley Trek — 8 Days
Closest major trek to Kathmandu. Tamang culture, cheese factories, and views of Langtang Lirung (7,227m). Quieter and more intimate than the Annapurna and Everest regions. Budget Rp 6.080.000 | Standard Rp 10.400.000 | Luxury Rp 16.800.000 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. Fewer trekkers, wilder landscape. Budget Rp 10.400.000 | Standard Rp 15.760.000 | Luxury Rp 31.984.000 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. At 6 days, it fits perfectly into an Indonesian holiday week. Budget Rp 4.160.000 | Standard Rp 6.720.000 | Luxury Rp 11.184.000 per person.
View full itinerary and book →
What Indonesian Trekkers Need to Know
Visa
Indonesian citizens receive a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. 15 days costs USD $30, 30 days costs USD $50, 90 days costs USD $125. Bring one passport-size photo and cash in USD. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry. The process takes 15-30 minutes.
Permits
All trekking permits are included in our package price. You need a TIMS card (Trekkers' Information Management System) and a National Park or Conservation Area entry permit. For restricted areas like Manaslu or Upper Mustang, a special permit is required: we handle everything.
Currency
Nepal uses Nepali Rupees (NPR). 1 USD is approximately 134 NPR. Change money at Kathmandu airport or Thamel money changers (better rates). ATMs in Kathmandu and Pokhara accept Visa and Mastercard. Carry cash for the trail: no ATMs above Namche Bazaar (Everest) or Chame (Annapurna). Budget Rp 3.000.000-6.000.000 IDR equivalent for personal trail spending (snacks, hot showers, device charging).
From Volcanoes to the Himalayas — The Altitude Difference
Indonesia has incredible mountains, but the Himalayas play by different rules. Rinjani tops out at 3,726m and Semeru at 3,676m: both are fast ascents over 2-3 days. Everest Base Camp sits at 5,364m, but you get there gradually over 10-12 days, giving your body time to adjust.
The biggest challenge for Indonesian trekkers isn't fitness: it's cold. Nepal's trekking regions drop below freezing at night, even in October. If you've only ever trekked in tropical conditions, invest in proper cold-weather layers. Good gear can be rented cheaply in Kathmandu's Thamel district.
Altitude Sickness
Our guides carry pulse oximeters and monitor your oxygen levels daily above 3,000m. We build acclimatisation days into every itinerary. If symptoms appear, we descend immediately: no argument, no delay. The gradual approach of Himalayan trekking (unlike Indonesia's fast summit pushes) actually helps your body cope better.
Insurance
Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation cover is mandatory for all trekkers. Indonesian providers like Allianz, AXA Mandiri, and Zurich offer adventure travel policies. Make sure your policy specifically covers trekking above 4,000m and helicopter rescue. Cost is typically Rp 500.000-1.500.000 for 2-3 weeks. We require confirmation before departure.
Mobile and Internet
Buy an Ncell SIM card at Kathmandu airport (about Rp 50.000 equivalent with data). Works on most of the trail up to Namche/Dingboche. Indonesian SIMs won't work in Nepal. Wi-Fi is available at most teahouses for NPR 200-500 per session.
Language
English is widely spoken in Nepal's tourism industry. Our guides speak fluent English. Basic Nepali phrases are appreciated but not needed. If your English is limited, don't worry: our guides are patient and experienced with trekkers from across Asia.
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 — Indonesian Trekkers
Do Indonesians need a visa for Nepal?
Yes, but it's visa on arrival: no advance application. At Kathmandu airport, fill in the form, pay USD $50 for 30 days, and you're through. Bring one passport-size photo and USD cash.
Is halal food really available on the trail?
Yes. Dal bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables) is naturally halal and served at every teahouse. Vegetarian options, fried rice, noodles, momos, eggs, are available everywhere. In Kathmandu, halal restaurants are easy to find. On the trail above the roadhead, certified halal meat isn't available, so we recommend vegetarian meals. Read our full halal trekking guide.
I've done Rinjani — am I fit enough for Everest Base Camp?
If you've summited Rinjani, you have the fitness and mental toughness for EBC. The main difference is duration (12 days vs 2-3) and altitude (5,364m vs 3,726m). The gradual ascent actually makes it more manageable. Start cardio training 8-12 weeks before and you'll be well prepared.
How cold does it get?
At Everest Base Camp in October, nighttime temperatures drop to -10°C to -15°C. At Poon Hill, it's milder: around 0°C to 5°C at night. This is a genuine shock for Indonesian trekkers used to tropical warmth. Proper layering is essential, and good gear can be rented in Kathmandu for about Rp 500.000-1.000.000.
Can I trek during Ramadan?
We'd strongly advise against it for treks above 4,000m. At altitude, your body burns enormous energy and needs constant hydration. Fasting while trekking at high altitude is genuinely dangerous. Lower-altitude treks like Poon Hill (max 3,210m) are possible but still challenging while fasting. If your dates are fixed, talk to us and we'll find the safest option.
Can I trek solo?
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 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.
Is Nepal safe?
Very safe. Nepal is one of the friendliest countries in Asia for travellers. Crime against tourists is extremely rare on trekking trails. Kathmandu is busy and chaotic (like Jakarta, honestly) but not dangerous. Our guides are with you throughout the trek.
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 Himalayan trek or your tenth, we'll make it personal, safe, and unforgettable. Every detail is your choice: dates, pace, tier, route. Halal arrangements sorted from day one.
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.
