Why Vietnamese Trekkers Are Booking Direct with a Nepali Family Company
If you've trekked the terraced hills around Sapa or climbed Fansipan, you already know the thrill of walking through mountains. Vietnam's northern highlands are beautiful, but they top out at 3,143m. Nepal starts where Sapa ends and keeps climbing to the roof of the world.
The Himalayas offer Vietnamese adventurers something no mountain in Southeast Asia can: trails above 5,000m, views of 8,000m peaks, and the raw scale of the highest mountains on earth. And as Vietnam's adventure travel market grows rapidly, more Vietnamese trekkers are discovering that booking directly with a Nepali company saves serious money.
Book directly with The Everest Holiday and you'll pay 40-60% less than booking through a Vietnamese tour operator or international agency. We are the company that actually runs your trek on the ground.
Trek Prices in Vietnamese Dong
| Trek | Budget (VND) | Standard (VND) | Luxury (VND) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Everest Base Camp 12 Days | 16,575,000 | 27,336,000 | 45,874,500 |
| Annapurna Base Camp 10 Days | 11,475,000 | 19,890,000 | 31,875,000 |
| Poon Hill 5 Days | 5,482,500 | 9,052,500 | 14,662,500 |
| Langtang Valley 8 Days | 9,690,000 | 16,575,000 | 26,775,000 |
| Manaslu Circuit 12 Days | 16,575,000 | 25,117,500 | 50,974,500 |
| Mardi Himal 6 Days | 6,630,000 | 10,710,000 | 17,824,500 |
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 Vietnamese Trekkers
- Direct booking, no middleman — Vietnamese agencies and international operators mark up 40-60%. We are the company that runs your trek.
- Closer than you think — Kathmandu is just one short connection from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City via Bangkok. Total travel time is under 8 hours.
- 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 or Zalo.
Getting to Kathmandu from Vietnam
There are no direct flights from Vietnam to Nepal, but the connection through Bangkok is quick and affordable. Several airlines offer convenient one-stop routes with short layovers.
| From | Via | Airlines | Total Time | Cost (Return, VND) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanoi (HAN) | Bangkok (BKK) | VietJet/Thai Airways + Nepal Airlines | 7-9 hrs | 8,000,000-15,000,000 |
| Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) | Bangkok (BKK) | VietJet/Thai Airways + Nepal Airlines | 7-10 hrs | 8,500,000-16,000,000 |
| Hanoi (HAN) | Kuala Lumpur (KUL) | AirAsia/Malaysia Airlines | 9-12 hrs | 9,000,000-17,000,000 |
| Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) | Singapore (SIN) | VietJet/Singapore Airlines | 9-12 hrs | 10,000,000-18,000,000 |
Pro tip: The Bangkok route is the fastest and cheapest. Book 2-3 months ahead. VietJet to Bangkok, then a separate ticket on Thai Airways or Nepal Airlines to Kathmandu, often works out cheaper than a single booking. Bangkok is also worth a night's stopover if you want to break the journey.
Visa Information for Vietnamese Citizens
Vietnamese citizens 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 765,000 VND)
- 30 days: USD 50 (approximately 1,275,000 VND)
- 90 days: USD 125 (approximately 3,187,500 VND)
Bring your 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.
Best Months to Trek from Vietnam
- October-November: The best weather window. Clear skies, stable temperatures, spectacular views. This is Nepal's 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 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 weather.
- June-September (Monsoon): Avoid for most treks. Exception: Upper Mustang and Dolpo, which sit in a rain shadow area.
For Vietnamese travellers: The Tet holiday period (January-February) can work for shorter treks like Poon Hill and Mardi Himal if you don't mind the cold. The September-October period after the rainy season is ideal for combining a Nepal trek with annual leave.
From Sapa to the Himalayas: What to Expect
If you've trekked in Sapa, Ha Giang, or climbed Fansipan, you have a good foundation. But there are important differences between trekking in Vietnam and trekking in Nepal.
- Altitude is the biggest difference. Fansipan is 3,143m. Everest Base Camp is 5,364m. Above 3,000m your body reacts differently, and fitness alone does not prevent altitude sickness. Our itineraries include acclimatisation days to keep you safe.
- Teahouse accommodation. Similar in concept to homestays in Sapa, but more basic at higher altitudes. Simple twin rooms, shared bathrooms, warm blankets. Standard and Luxury tiers get you the best available rooms.
- Porters carry your gear. Unlike Sapa where you carry your own bag, in Nepal your porter carries up to 15kg. You walk with just a daypack.
- The food is different but filling. Dal bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables) is the staple, with unlimited refills. Momos (similar to Vietnamese banh bao but steamed differently), 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 Vietnamese Trekkers
Everest Base Camp Trek — 12 Days
The dream trek. Stand at 5,364m in the shadow of the world's tallest mountain. Walk through Sherpa villages, cross suspension bridges, and watch sunrise from Kala Patthar. Three tiers: Budget 16,575,000 VND | Standard 27,336,000 VND | Luxury 45,874,500 VND 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). The terraced landscapes will feel familiar to Vietnamese trekkers. Budget 11,475,000 VND | Standard 19,890,000 VND | Luxury 31,875,000 VND per person.
Poon Hill Trek — 5 Days
The perfect introduction to Himalayan trekking. A short trek with a famous sunrise viewpoint at 3,210m. Ideal if you have limited annual leave. Budget 5,482,500 VND | Standard 9,052,500 VND | Luxury 14,662,500 VND 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). A quieter, more authentic experience. Budget 9,690,000 VND | Standard 16,575,000 VND | Luxury 26,775,000 VND 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 and remote. Budget 16,575,000 VND | Standard 25,117,500 VND | Luxury 50,974,500 VND 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 without the crowds. Budget 6,630,000 VND | Standard 10,710,000 VND | Luxury 17,824,500 VND per person.
What Vietnamese 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 USD at the airport or in Kathmandu (better rates than exchanging VND directly). ATMs in Kathmandu and Pokhara accept Visa and Mastercard. Carry cash for the trail as there are no ATMs above Namche Bazaar (Everest region) or Chame (Annapurna region). Budget approximately USD 10-15 per day for personal expenses on the trail.
Mobile and Internet
Buy an NCell SIM card at Kathmandu airport (approximately 50,000 VND equivalent with data pack). It works on most of the trail up to Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. Your Vietnamese SIM will not work without expensive international roaming. Wi-Fi is available at most teahouses for NPR 200-500 per session.
Weather Comparison
Vietnam and Nepal share a monsoon climate pattern, so the concept of wet and dry seasons will be familiar. Nepal's trekking seasons (October-November and March-May) correspond roughly to Vietnam's most pleasant weather periods. The key difference is temperature: expect near-freezing nights above 4,000m, even when Hanoi is warm.
Altitude Sickness
This is the biggest risk for all trekkers. Hanoi 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. Check that your policy covers trekking above 5,000m and helicopter rescue. International providers like World Nomads offer policies for Vietnamese passport holders. Cost: approximately USD 50-80 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 — Vietnamese Trekkers
Do Vietnamese citizens 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. You can also apply online before your trip.
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.
What is the cheapest way to get from Vietnam to Nepal?
Fly from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok on VietJet or AirAsia (often under 3,000,000 VND return), then take a separate flight from Bangkok to Kathmandu on Thai Airways or Nepal Airlines. Total cost typically 8,000,000-12,000,000 VND return if booked 2-3 months ahead.
How fit do I need to be?
You should be able to walk 5-7 hours daily on hilly terrain. If you've trekked Fansipan or done multi-day hikes in Sapa, you have a good base. Start altitude-specific training 8-12 weeks before your trek with stair climbing and cardio. No mountaineering skills needed.
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 food I recognise?
The main trail food is dal bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables), which is quite different from Vietnamese cuisine. However, noodle soups (thukpa) are common and somewhat similar to pho in concept. Momos (steamed dumplings) are available everywhere. Fried rice and egg dishes are also on most menus. 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
Vietnam's adventure community is growing fast, and more Vietnamese trekkers are discovering Nepal every year. Whether it's your first high-altitude trek or you're ready to go beyond Fansipan, we'll make it personal, safe, and unforgettable.
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.
