Why Filipino Trekkers Are Booking Direct with a Nepali Family Company
If you've stood on the summit of Mount Pulag above the sea of clouds, or pushed through the grasslands of Mount Apo, you already know the feeling — that moment when the world opens up and everything below becomes small. Now imagine chasing that feeling for twelve straight days, through Sherpa villages, across glacial valleys, and past mountains that are more than twice the height of anything in the Philippines.
Nepal is where Filipino hikers go to level up. And here's the good news: it's more affordable than you think — if you book direct.
The travel agencies selling Nepal treks from Manila 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 get better guides, better service, and significantly lower prices — because we are the source.
Trek Prices for Filipino Trekkers
| Trek | Duration | Budget (PHP) | Standard (PHP) | Luxury (PHP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everest Base Camp | 12 Days | ₱37,050 | ₱61,104 | ₱102,543 |
| Annapurna Base Camp | 10 Days | ₱25,650 | ₱44,460 | ₱71,250 |
| Poon Hill | 5 Days | ₱12,255 | ₱20,235 | ₱32,775 |
| Langtang Valley | 8 Days | ₱21,660 | ₱37,050 | ₱59,850 |
| Manaslu Circuit | 12 Days | ₱37,050 | ₱56,145 | ₱113,943 |
| Mardi Himal | 6 Days | ₱14,820 | ₱23,940 | ₱39,843 |
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = 57 PHP. 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 Filipino Trekkers
- English-speaking country to English-speaking guides — The Philippines is one of the most English-fluent countries in Asia. Our guides speak fluent English too. No language barrier, no miscommunication, no awkward moments. You'll joke with your guide by Day 2.
- Budget-friendly adventure. Nepal is one of the most affordable trekking destinations in the world. A 5-day Poon Hill trek costs about the same as a weekend beach trip to Palawan, but the memories last a lifetime.
- Visa on arrival: Filipinos get visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport. 30 days costs USD $50. No embassy visit needed.
- Flights via familiar hubs: Manila connects to Kathmandu through Bangkok, KL, and Singapore. These are routes Filipino travellers already know.
- Strong hiking community: The Philippines has one of the most active hiking communities in Southeast Asia. If you're part of AMCI, the Hiking Society, or any trail group, Nepal is the natural next destination.
- 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 the Philippines
Flight Routes from Manila
| Route | Airlines | Total Travel Time | Approx. Return (PHP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manila → Bangkok → Kathmandu | Philippine Airlines/Cebu Pacific + Thai Airways/Nepal Airlines | 8-11 hours | ₱25,000–₱45,000 |
| Manila → KL → Kathmandu | Cebu Pacific/AirAsia + AirAsia X | 10-13 hours | ₱22,000–₱40,000 |
| Manila → Singapore → Kathmandu | Cebu Pacific/Scoot + Scoot/SilkAir | 10-12 hours | ₱25,000–₱42,000 |
| Manila → Delhi → Kathmandu | IndiGo, Cebu Pacific (seasonal) | 10-13 hours | ₱23,000–₱40,000 |
Pro tip: Book 2-3 months ahead for best fares. Bangkok is the most popular transit hub with the most daily Kathmandu connections. KL via AirAsia is often the cheapest option. Some Filipino trekkers combine Nepal with a Bangkok stopover: easy and adds no significant cost.
From Cebu or Davao
Fly domestically to Manila first, then connect internationally. Alternatively, Cebu Pacific flies direct from Cebu to Bangkok and KL: both are good transit hubs for Kathmandu.
Best Months to Trek from the Philippines
- October-November (post-monsoon): Best weather. Clear skies, stable temperatures. Peak season: book early. Perfect for Everest Base Camp and Annapurna. This falls during the Philippine school year, so working professionals and retirees have the advantage.
- March-May (spring): Warmer at lower altitudes, rhododendrons blooming. Great for Langtang, Poon Hill, and Mardi Himal. Coincides with Philippine summer break: popular with teachers and students.
- 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: coming from tropical Philippines, the cold at altitude is a genuine shock.
- June-September (monsoon): Avoid for most treks. Exception: Upper Mustang and Dolpo (rain shadow areas).
Filipino holiday timing: Holy Week (March/April) is a popular window for spring treks. The Christmas/New Year break works for shorter treks like Poon Hill. If you can take leave in October, that's the sweet spot: best weather, best views.
Our Most Popular Treks for Filipino 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. Filipino hikers who've done Pulag (2,922m) and Apo (2,954m) have the grit for this: the altitude is higher, but the ascent is gradual. Budget ₱37,050 | Standard ₱61,104 | Luxury ₱102,543 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 rice terraces will remind you of Banaue: except these ones lead to 8,000-metre peaks. Budget ₱25,650 | Standard ₱44,460 | Luxury ₱71,250 per person.
View full itinerary and book →
Poon Hill Trek — 5 Days
The perfect first Himalayan trek for Filipino hikers. Sunrise over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri from 3,210m. Think of it as a longer, higher version of the Pulag sea of clouds: except the clouds are below you and 8,000-metre peaks are above. Budget ₱12,255 | Standard ₱20,235 | Luxury ₱32,775 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). Fewer tourists, more authentic mountain experience. Budget ₱21,660 | Standard ₱37,050 | Luxury ₱59,850 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. If you want adventure without crowds, this is it. Budget ₱37,050 | Standard ₱56,145 | Luxury ₱113,943 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's doable within a one-week leave period. Budget ₱14,820 | Standard ₱23,940 | Luxury ₱39,843 per person.
View full itinerary and book →
What Filipino Trekkers Need to Know
Visa
Filipino 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 at the airport.
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 in Thamel). ATMs in Kathmandu and Pokhara accept Visa and Mastercard. Carry cash for the trail: no ATMs above Namche Bazaar (Everest) or Chame (Annapurna). Budget ₱7,000-15,000 for personal trail spending (snacks, hot showers, device charging, souvenirs).
From Philippine Mountains to the Himalayas
Filipino hikers are tougher than they realise. If you've done Pulag's Ambangeg trail in the rain, carried a full pack up Apo's boulder field, or survived the Akiki trail, you've already built the mental toughness that Himalayan trekking demands. The physical challenge is similar: long days on your feet, uneven terrain, steep ascents and descents.
The difference is altitude and cold. Pulag's summit is 2,922m. Everest Base Camp is 5,364m. Your body reacts differently above 3,500m, and our gradual itineraries give you time to adjust. The cold is the other big change: there's nothing in the Philippines that prepares you for -10°C nights. But proper layering solves this, and good gear can be rented cheaply in Kathmandu.
| Factor | Philippine Mountains | Nepal Treks |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1-3 days | 5-14 days |
| Max altitude | 2,954m (Mt Apo) | 5,364m (EBC) |
| Daily walking | 4-8 hours | 5-7 hours |
| Accommodation | Tents/basic shelters | Teahouses (private rooms, beds, meals) |
| Temperature | 10-25°C | -15°C to 20°C |
| Porters | Optional | Included in package |
| Food | Self-catered | Teahouse meals provided |
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 gives your body time to adjust, which is very different from the fast summit pushes common on Philippine mountains.
Food
Good news: you won't go hungry. Dal bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables, pickle) is the staple trail meal: unlimited refills at most teahouses. Filipino trekkers who are used to rice-based meals adapt quickly. Momos (dumplings), fried rice, noodle soups, eggs, pancakes, and Tibetan bread are also available. The food is milder than Filipino cooking, but hot sauce is available. Fresh meat and salads are best avoided above 3,000m.
Insurance
Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation cover is mandatory for all trekkers. Philippine providers like Pacific Cross, Malayan Insurance, and Pioneer Insurance offer travel policies: check that the policy covers adventure sports, trekking above 4,000m, and helicopter rescue. International providers like World Nomads also work well. Cost is typically ₱3,000-8,000 for 2-3 weeks. We require confirmation before departure.
Mobile and Internet
Buy an Ncell SIM card at Kathmandu airport (about ₱400 equivalent with data). Works on most of the trail up to Namche/Dingboche. Philippine SIMs (Globe, Smart) won't work in Nepal. Wi-Fi is available at most teahouses for NPR 200-500 per session. Don't expect fast internet: this is mountain country.
Budget Tips for Filipino Trekkers
- Fly via KL or Bangkok: cheapest transit hubs from Manila. Book well in advance.
- Choose Budget tier: our Budget packages include guide, porter, permits, and accommodation. You arrange your own meals but teahouse food is cheap (₱200-500 per meal).
- Rent gear in Kathmandu: Thamel has dozens of shops renting down jackets, sleeping bags, trekking poles, and boots. Much cheaper than buying in Manila.
- Bring snacks from home: trail snacks in Nepal are limited and overpriced at altitude. Pack your own trail mix, energy bars, and instant coffee.
- Total trip budget: a 12-day EBC trek including flights, visa, insurance, trek package (Budget), and personal spending can be done for under ₱80,000-100,000 total from Manila. That's competitive with premium Philippine multi-day treks.
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 — Filipino Trekkers
Do Filipinos need a visa for Nepal?
Yes, but it's visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport. 30 days costs USD $50. Bring one passport-size photo and USD cash. No embassy visit or advance application needed.
Is Nepal expensive for Filipinos?
Nepal is one of the cheapest trekking destinations in the world. A budget dal bhat meal costs about ₱150-300. A bed in a teahouse costs ₱100-300 per night. Our all-inclusive packages start from ₱12,255 for Poon Hill (5 days). When you factor in what's included, guide, porter, permits, accommodation, meals, it's remarkable value.
I've done Pulag and Apo — am I fit enough for EBC?
If you've summited Pulag or Apo with a full pack, you have the fitness base and mental toughness for Everest Base Camp. The main differences are duration (12 days vs 2-3) and altitude (5,364m vs 2,954m). Start cardio and stair training 8-12 weeks before, and the gradual ascent will give your body time to adjust.
How cold does it get?
This is the biggest shock for Filipino trekkers. At Everest Base Camp in October, nighttime temperatures drop to -10°C to -15°C. Even Poon Hill drops below freezing at night. There's nothing in the Philippines that prepares you for this: but proper layering (thermal base, fleece mid, down jacket) keeps you warm. All gear can be rented cheaply in Kathmandu.
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, barkada groups, and families all welcome. Minimum 1 person, maximum 20.
Is it safe for solo female Filipino travellers?
Yes. Nepal is one of the safest countries in Asia for women travellers. Our team includes female guides on request. Many women trek with us solo. The trails are well-used, teahouses are family-run, and your guide is with you throughout.
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.
Do I need trekking experience?
Not technically, but mountain experience helps. If you're a regular weekend hiker in the Philippines, you're ready for Poon Hill or Mardi Himal. For Everest Base Camp or Manaslu, we recommend having done at least one Philippine major peak (Pulag, Apo, or similar) and being comfortable with multi-day hiking.
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. English-speaking guides, Filipino-friendly service, honest pricing.
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.
