Why Taiwanese Trekkers Are Booking Direct with a Nepali Family Company
Taiwan has one of the strongest hiking cultures in Asia. If you've traversed the Yushan main peak at 3,952m, crossed the knife-edge ridges of Xueshan, or walked through the marble canyons of Taroko Gorge, you already know what it means to earn a mountain view. Nepal's Himalayas are the natural next chapter.
But here's what most Taiwanese trekkers discover too late: the travel agencies in Taipei selling Nepal treks are middlemen. They add 40-60% to the price and subcontract to local Nepali operators like us. Book directly with The Everest Holiday and you'll get the same trails, better guides, and significantly lower prices — because we are the source.
Trek Prices for Taiwanese Trekkers
| Trek | Duration | Budget (TWD) | Standard (TWD) | Luxury (TWD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everest Base Camp | 12 Days | NT$20,800 | NT$34,304 | NT$57,568 |
| Annapurna Base Camp | 10 Days | NT$14,400 | NT$24,960 | NT$40,000 |
| Poon Hill | 5 Days | NT$6,880 | NT$11,360 | NT$18,400 |
| Langtang Valley | 8 Days | NT$12,160 | NT$20,800 | NT$33,600 |
| Manaslu Circuit | 12 Days | NT$20,800 | NT$31,520 | NT$63,968 |
| Mardi Himal | 6 Days | NT$8,320 | NT$13,440 | NT$22,368 |
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = 32 TWD. 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 Taiwanese Trekkers
- Visa on arrival — Taiwanese passport holders receive visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport. 30 days costs USD $50. No advance application needed.
- Flights via convenient hubs — Taipei connects to Kathmandu through Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Singapore with airlines you already use.
- Strong hiking culture match — Taiwan's 百岳 (Baiyue / Hundred Peaks) tradition produces experienced mountain hikers. If you've done Yushan or Xueshan, you have the skills and altitude experience for Nepal.
- Affordable adventure: Nepal is one of the cheapest trekking destinations in the world. A 12-day Everest Base Camp trek costs less than many weekend mountaineering courses in Taiwan.
- Cool weather trekking: Taiwanese hikers are already accustomed to cold mountain conditions. The transition to Himalayan weather is smoother than for trekkers coming from tropical Southeast Asia.
- 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 Taiwan
Flight Routes from Taipei
| Route | Airlines | Total Travel Time | Approx. Return (TWD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taipei → Bangkok → Kathmandu | EVA Air/China Airlines + Thai Airways/Nepal Airlines | 8-11 hours | NT$18,000–NT$32,000 |
| Taipei → Hong Kong → Kathmandu | Cathay Pacific/EVA + Cathay Dragon/Nepal Airlines | 8-10 hours | NT$20,000–NT$35,000 |
| Taipei → Singapore → Kathmandu | Scoot/Singapore Airlines + Scoot/SilkAir | 10-13 hours | NT$19,000–NT$33,000 |
| Taipei → KL → Kathmandu | AirAsia/Malaysia Airlines + AirAsia X | 11-14 hours | NT$16,000–NT$28,000 |
| Taipei → Delhi → Kathmandu | China Airlines/IndiGo + IndiGo | 10-13 hours | NT$17,000–NT$30,000 |
Pro tip: Book 2-3 months ahead for peak season (October-November). Bangkok is the most popular and reliable transit hub: Thai Airways and Nepal Airlines both fly daily to Kathmandu. Hong Kong via Cathay is often the most comfortable option. KL transit via AirAsia is typically the cheapest.
From Yushan to the Himalayas — A Taiwanese Hiker's Perspective
Taiwan's mountaineering community is serious, disciplined, and well-prepared. The 百岳 challenge has created thousands of experienced hikers who can handle multi-day mountain treks in cold conditions. If you've completed several Baiyue peaks, you're better prepared for Nepal than most international trekkers.
Here's how Taiwan's mountains compare to Nepal's most popular treks:
| Factor | Taiwan (Yushan/Xueshan) | Nepal (Everest Base Camp) |
|---|---|---|
| Max altitude | 3,952m (Yushan) | 5,364m (EBC) |
| Duration | 2-3 days | 12 days |
| Daily walking | 6-10 hours | 5-7 hours |
| Accommodation | Mountain huts (limited) | Teahouses (private rooms, beds, meals) |
| Permit system | Lottery/application | All included in our package |
| Cold exposure | -5°C to -10°C winter | -10°C to -15°C at EBC |
| Cultural immersion | Indigenous trail culture | Sherpa/Tamang/Gurung village life |
| Food | Self-catered / hut meals | Full teahouse meals provided |
Taiwanese hikers often tell us they find Nepal's teahouse system a pleasant surprise: instead of carrying all your food and cooking gear (as on many Taiwan peaks), you walk into a warm teahouse at the end of each day, order a hot meal, and sleep in a real bed. It's harder in altitude but easier in logistics.
Best Months to Trek from Taiwan
- October-November (post-monsoon): Best weather. Clear skies, stable temperatures. Peak season: book early. Perfect for Everest Base Camp and Annapurna. Taiwan's autumn is mild, so the temperature transition is manageable.
- March-May (spring): Warmer at lower altitudes, rhododendrons blooming. Great for Langtang, Poon Hill, and Mardi Himal. Coincides with Taiwan's spring hiking season.
- December-February (winter): Cold but clear at lower elevations. Fewer crowds. Good for Poon Hill and Mardi Himal. Taiwanese hikers with winter Baiyue experience will handle this well. Not recommended for EBC or Manaslu unless experienced.
- June-September (monsoon): Avoid for most treks. Exception: Upper Mustang and Dolpo (rain shadow areas).
Taiwanese holiday timing: The National Day long weekend (October 10) falls in peak trekking season: combine it with annual leave for a 10-14 day trip. Chinese New Year (January/February) works for shorter winter treks. The Dragon Boat Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival long weekends are good for shorter treks like Poon Hill.
Our Most Popular Treks for Taiwanese Trekkers
Everest Base Camp Trek — 12 Days
The ultimate mountain experience. Stand at 5,364m at the foot of the world's tallest mountain. If you've done Yushan (3,952m), you've already experienced altitude: Everest Base Camp takes you 1,400m higher over a gradual 12-day ascent. Budget NT$20,800 | Standard NT$34,304 | Luxury NT$57,568 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 biodiversity along this trail, from subtropical to alpine in 10 days, rivals anything in Taiwan. Budget NT$14,400 | Standard NT$24,960 | Luxury NT$40,000 per person.
View full itinerary and book →
Poon Hill Trek — 5 Days
The perfect introduction to Himalayan trekking. Sunrise over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri from 3,210m. At just 5 days, it fits into a Taiwanese long weekend plus a few days of leave. The altitude is similar to Hehuan Shan: an easy transition. Budget NT$6,880 | Standard NT$11,360 | Luxury NT$18,400 per person.
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Langtang Valley Trek — 8 Days
Closest major trek to Kathmandu. Tamang culture, cheese factories, and views of Langtang Lirung (7,227m). A culturally rich, less crowded alternative to the Annapurna and Everest regions. Budget NT$12,160 | Standard NT$20,800 | Luxury NT$33,600 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. Remote, wild, and genuinely adventurous: this is for experienced Taiwanese hikers looking for something beyond the standard routes. Budget NT$20,800 | Standard NT$31,520 | Luxury NT$63,968 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, stunning, and uncrowded: perfect for a quick Himalayan escape. Budget NT$8,320 | Standard NT$13,440 | Luxury NT$22,368 per person.
View full itinerary and book →
What Taiwanese Trekkers Need to Know
Visa
Taiwanese passport holders (Republic of China passport) 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 (roughly 4.2 NPR per TWD). Change money at Kathmandu airport or Thamel money changers (better rates). ATMs in Kathmandu and Pokhara accept Visa, Mastercard, and most international cards. Carry cash for the trail: no ATMs above Namche Bazaar (Everest) or Chame (Annapurna). Budget NT$5,000-10,000 for personal trail spending (snacks, hot showers, device charging).
Altitude and Acclimatisation
Taiwanese hikers with Baiyue experience have a real advantage here. If you've been to 3,952m on Yushan, your body has some altitude memory. Everest Base Camp is 5,364m: significantly higher, but the 12-day gradual ascent gives your body time to adjust.
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. Taiwan's mountain permit system emphasises safety, and so do we: our approach will feel familiar.
Weather and Packing
Taiwanese hikers who've done winter Baiyue peaks already own proper cold-weather gear. If you have a good down jacket, thermal layers, and a warm sleeping bag, bring them. The conditions above 4,000m in Nepal (October) are comparable to winter peaks in Taiwan: around -10°C to -15°C at night.
If you need to supplement your gear, Kathmandu's Thamel district has dozens of shops selling and renting quality trekking equipment at very reasonable prices. Many are genuine brand overstock or well-made local products.
Food
Dal bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables, pickle) is the staple trail meal: served twice daily with unlimited refills. It's simple but filling. Other options include fried rice, noodle soup, momos (steamed dumplings similar to 小籠包), Tibetan bread, eggs, and pancakes. The food isn't spicy by default but chilli sauce is available. Tea and instant coffee are available at every teahouse. Fresh vegetables and salads are best avoided above 3,000m for food safety.
Insurance
Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation cover is mandatory for all trekkers. Taiwanese providers like Cathay Century Insurance, Fubon Insurance, and ShinKong Insurance offer travel policies: check for adventure sports and helicopter rescue coverage above 4,000m. International providers like World Nomads also cover Taiwanese travellers. Cost is typically NT$2,000-5,000 for 2-3 weeks. We require confirmation before departure.
Mobile and Internet
Buy an Ncell SIM card at Kathmandu airport (about NT$200 equivalent with data). Works on most of the trail up to Namche/Dingboche. Taiwanese SIMs won't roam in Nepal. Wi-Fi is available at most teahouses for NPR 200-500 per session. Bring a power bank: charging at teahouses can cost NPR 200-400 per device.
Language
English is the working language for trekking in Nepal. Our guides speak fluent English. Many Taiwanese trekkers speak good English: if yours is limited, don't worry. Our guides are patient and experienced with trekkers from across Asia. A few Nepali words go a long way: "Namaste" (hello), "Dhanyabad" (thank you), "Mitho" (delicious).
Taiwan's Outdoor Culture and Nepal
Taiwan punches well above its weight in mountain culture. With 268 peaks above 3,000m packed into a small island, Taiwanese hikers develop serious skills fast. The 百岳 system, the Yushan lottery, the trail maintenance culture, the mountain hut system: all of this creates disciplined, well-prepared trekkers.
Nepal offers something Taiwan's mountains can't: scale. Walking for 12 days through valleys that stretch to the horizon, sleeping in villages where the only light at night is starlight, and standing beneath peaks that are twice the height of Yushan: it's a different kind of mountain experience. Not better, not worse. Different. And deeply rewarding.
The Taiwanese hikers we've guided consistently say two things: "The teahouse system is so much easier than camping" and "I wasn't prepared for how kind the Nepali people are." Both are true.
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 — Taiwanese Trekkers
Do Taiwanese citizens 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 advance application needed. Use your Republic of China (Taiwan) passport.
I've done Yushan — am I ready for Everest Base Camp?
If you've summited Yushan (3,952m), you're well prepared. You already know what altitude feels like, and you understand cold-weather mountain conditions. Everest Base Camp is 1,400m higher, but you get there gradually over 12 days rather than in a 2-day push. The daily walking is actually less intense than many Taiwan peaks: 5-7 hours rather than 8-10. Start cardio training 8-12 weeks before and you'll be fine.
How does the teahouse system work?
Unlike Taiwan's mountain hut lottery system, Nepal's teahouses are walk-in. You arrive each afternoon, your guide arranges rooms, and you order meals from a menu. Private rooms with two beds are standard. Toilets are shared. Hot showers are sometimes available for an extra fee. It's more comfortable than Taiwan's mountain huts: but more basic than a hotel.
Can I bring my own gear from Taiwan?
Absolutely. If you already have a good down jacket, thermal layers, and trekking boots from your Baiyue experience, bring them. They'll work perfectly in Nepal. If you need to supplement, Kathmandu's Thamel district sells and rents everything at very reasonable prices.
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. If you've done winter peaks in Taiwan (Xueshan, Nanhu Dashan), you've experienced similar conditions. October/November trekking in Nepal is comparable to Taiwan's late autumn/early winter mountains.
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 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. Crime against tourists is extremely rare on trekking trails. Kathmandu is busy but not dangerous. Our guides are with you throughout the trek. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has Nepal rated as a safe travel destination.
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. From Yushan to the Himalayas, we'll get you there.
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.
