Why Thai Trekkers Are Booking Direct with a Nepali Family Company
Thailand and Nepal share something deeper than most travellers realise — a living Buddhist heritage that stretches back over two thousand years. Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, sits just across the Nepali border from India, and many Thai visitors come to Nepal for pilgrimage first and trekking second. But once they see the Himalayas, trekking becomes the reason to return.
If you're a Thai trekker looking at Everest Base Camp or Annapurna, you've probably been quoted high prices by Bangkok-based tour agencies. What they don't tell you: those companies subcontract to Nepali operators like us. You're paying a middleman. Book directly with The Everest Holiday and you'll pay 40-60% less for the same trails, same lodges, and better guides.
Trek Prices for Thai Trekkers
| Trek | Duration | Budget (THB) | Standard (THB) | Luxury (THB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everest Base Camp | 12 Days | ฿22,750 | ฿37,520 | ฿62,965 |
| Annapurna Base Camp | 10 Days | ฿15,750 | ฿27,300 | ฿43,750 |
| Poon Hill | 5 Days | ฿7,525 | ฿12,425 | ฿20,125 |
| Langtang Valley | 8 Days | ฿13,300 | ฿22,750 | ฿36,750 |
| Manaslu Circuit | 12 Days | ฿22,750 | ฿34,475 | ฿69,965 |
| Mardi Himal | 6 Days | ฿9,100 | ฿14,700 | ฿24,465 |
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = 35 THB. 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 Thai Trekkers
- Bangkok is the #1 gateway to Kathmandu — Thai Airways and Nepal Airlines fly direct from Suvarnabhumi. Multiple daily connections. Flight time just 3.5 hours.
- Buddhist connection — Nepal is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Combine your trek with a pilgrimage to Lumbini. Our guides understand the spiritual significance and can arrange temple visits throughout your journey.
- Visa on arrival — Thai citizens get visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport. 30 days costs USD $50. Quick and simple.
- Similar food culture: Nepal's dal bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables) will feel familiar to Thai palates. Spicy food is available. Momos (Nepali dumplings) are not far from Thai dim sum.
- Affordable from Thailand: Short, cheap flights plus Nepal's low trekking costs make this one of the most affordable Himalayan adventures you can do from Bangkok.
- 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 Thailand
Flight Routes from Bangkok
| Route | Airlines | Flight Time | Approx. Return (THB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok → Kathmandu (direct) | Thai Airways, Nepal Airlines | 3.5 hours | ฿8,000–฿18,000 |
| Bangkok → Kathmandu (direct budget) | Thai AirAsia X | 3.5 hours | ฿6,000–฿14,000 |
| Bangkok → Delhi → Kathmandu | IndiGo, Air India | 6-8 hours | ฿7,000–฿15,000 |
Pro tip: Bangkok to Kathmandu is one of the easiest connections in Asia. Thai Airways offers a comfortable direct service, and budget carriers make it very affordable. Book 2-3 months ahead for peak season (October-November). The direct flight is only 3.5 hours: shorter than Bangkok to Bali.
From Chiang Mai or Phuket
If you're based outside Bangkok, fly domestically to Suvarnabhumi first. Domestic Thai flights are cheap and frequent. From Chiang Mai, you can sometimes find routes via Delhi or KL, but Bangkok remains the simplest hub.
The Buddhist Connection — Trekking and Pilgrimage
Nepal holds a special place for Thai Buddhists. Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Nepal. The Thai temple at Lumbini (Royal Thai Monastery) is one of the most beautiful in the complex.
But Buddhism isn't just in Lumbini: it's woven into the Himalayan trails. On the Everest Base Camp trek, you'll visit Tengboche Monastery, the spiritual heart of the Khumbu region. On the Annapurna route, you'll pass through villages with prayer flags, mani walls, and chortens at every turn. In Langtang, Tamang Buddhist culture is alive in every village.
Many Thai trekkers combine their Himalayan trek with a Lumbini pilgrimage: we can arrange the full itinerary, including domestic flights or ground transport to Lumbini before or after your trek.
Best Months to Trek from Thailand
- October-November (post-monsoon): Best weather. Clear skies, stable temperatures. Peak season: book early. Perfect for Everest Base Camp and Annapurna. This is Thailand's cool season start, so you'll transition smoothly.
- March-May (spring): Warmer at lower altitudes, rhododendrons blooming. Great for Langtang, Poon Hill, and Mardi Himal. Thailand's hot season: a perfect excuse to escape to the cool mountains.
- 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 you're experienced: the cold at altitude is a significant step beyond anything in Thailand.
- June-September (monsoon): Avoid for most treks. Exception: Upper Mustang and Dolpo (rain shadow areas).
Thai holiday timing: Songkran (April) is a good window for spring treks. The long weekends around King's Birthday (December) and Constitution Day work for shorter treks like Poon Hill. October school holidays align perfectly with peak trekking season.
Our Most Popular Treks for Thai Trekkers
Everest Base Camp Trek — 12 Days
The ultimate mountain experience. Stand at 5,364m in the shadow of the world's tallest mountain. Visit Tengboche Monastery along the way: a deeply moving experience for Buddhist travellers. Budget ฿22,750 | Standard ฿37,520 | Luxury ฿62,965 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 Gurung villages along this trail have a warm, welcoming culture that Thai trekkers always connect with. Budget ฿15,750 | Standard ฿27,300 | Luxury ฿43,750 per person.
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Poon Hill Trek — 5 Days
The perfect first Himalayan trek. Sunrise over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri from 3,210m. At just 5 days, it fits easily into a Thai long weekend plus a few days of leave. Budget ฿7,525 | Standard ฿12,425 | Luxury ฿20,125 per person.
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Langtang Valley Trek — 8 Days
Closest major trek to Kathmandu. Tamang Buddhist culture, cheese factories, and views of Langtang Lirung (7,227m). The Buddhist heritage along this trail resonates strongly with Thai visitors. Budget ฿13,300 | Standard ฿22,750 | Luxury ฿36,750 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. Restricted area with special permit: fewer trekkers, wilder landscape. Budget ฿22,750 | Standard ฿34,475 | Luxury ฿69,965 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. A short, stunning trek that's growing in popularity with Thai hikers. Budget ฿9,100 | Standard ฿14,700 | Luxury ฿24,465 per person.
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What Thai Trekkers Need to Know
Visa
Thai 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 THB is approximately 3.8 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 ฿5,000-10,000 for personal trail spending (snacks, hot showers, device charging).
Food
Thai trekkers adapt well to Nepali food. Dal bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables, pickle) is the staple: not unlike a simple Thai rice meal. Portions are generous with unlimited refills. Momos (steamed dumplings) are everywhere. Noodle soups, fried rice, and egg dishes are familiar territory. The food isn't as spicy as Thai food, but chilli sauce is available at most teahouses. Fresh vegetables and salads are best avoided above 3,000m for food safety.
The Cold Factor
This is the biggest adjustment for Thai trekkers. Thailand's coolest temperatures, around 15°C in Chiang Mai in December, are warmer than most nights above 3,000m in Nepal. At Everest Base Camp in October, nighttime temperatures drop to -10°C to -15°C. Proper layering is essential: thermal base layer, fleece mid-layer, and a down jacket. All of this can be rented or bought cheaply in Kathmandu's Thamel district, no need to buy expensive gear in Bangkok.
Altitude Sickness
Thailand's highest point is Doi Inthanon at 2,565m: significantly lower than the altitudes you'll reach in Nepal. 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. Start training 8-12 weeks before with regular hiking and cardio.
Insurance
Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation cover is mandatory for all trekkers. Thai providers like Muang Thai Insurance, Bangkok Insurance, and AIA offer travel policies: check for adventure sports and helicopter rescue coverage above 4,000m. International providers like World Nomads also cover Thai travellers. Cost is typically ฿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 ฿200 equivalent with data). Works on most of the trail up to Namche/Dingboche. Thai SIMs (AIS, DTAC, TrueMove) won't work in Nepal. Wi-Fi is available at most teahouses for NPR 200-500 per session.
Language
English is the common language for trekking in Nepal. Our guides speak fluent English. If your English is limited, don't worry: our guides are patient, experienced with international trekkers, and can communicate through a mix of English and gestures. Some basic Nepali phrases go a long way: "Namaste" (hello), "Dhanyabad" (thank you), and "Mitho" (delicious).
Thailand's Growing Hiking Culture
Thailand's hiking scene has exploded in recent years. Doi Inthanon, Khao Sok, and the trails around Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai have built a generation of Thai hikers who want more. If you've hiked Doi Inthanon (2,565m), Doi Pha Hom Pok (2,285m), or Khao Luang (1,835m), you've got the fitness and the mindset for Nepal's trails.
The difference is scale. Nepal's treks are longer (5-14 days vs 1-2 days), higher (3,000-5,500m vs 1,800-2,500m), and more culturally immersive. But the fundamentals are the same: walk steadily, drink water, eat well, and respect the mountain.
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 — Thai Trekkers
Do Thai 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.
How long is the flight from Bangkok?
Direct flights from Bangkok to Kathmandu take 3.5 hours. Thai Airways, Nepal Airlines, and Thai AirAsia X fly this route. It's shorter than Bangkok to Bali.
Can I combine trekking with a Lumbini pilgrimage?
Absolutely. We arrange combined itineraries: trek first, then fly or drive to Lumbini (or the other way round). Lumbini is a 30-minute flight or 8-hour drive from Kathmandu. The Royal Thai Monastery at Lumbini is a highlight for Thai visitors. We'll plan the logistics so you don't waste a single day.
How cold does it get compared to Thailand?
Much colder. Thailand's coldest is around 10-15°C in the northern mountains. At Everest Base Camp in October, nighttime temperatures reach -10°C to -15°C. Even Poon Hill (3,210m) drops below freezing at night. Bring or rent proper cold-weather layers: this is the most important preparation for Thai trekkers.
How fit do I need to be?
You should be able to walk 5-7 hours daily on hilly terrain. Start training 8-12 weeks before with regular hiking, stair climbing, and cardio. No mountaineering skills needed. We have treks for every fitness level: Poon Hill (easy) to Manaslu (challenging).
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. Travel insurance with helicopter cover is mandatory.
Is Nepal safe for Thai travellers?
Very safe. Nepal is peaceful, friendly, and welcoming. Crime against tourists is extremely rare on trekking trails. Kathmandu can be hectic, similar to Bangkok's older areas, but it's not dangerous. Our guides are with you at all times during 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. Lumbini pilgrimage arrangements available.
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.
