What an American actually needs to plan a Nepal trek in 2026

Industry & Tourism No visa in advance, no nonstop flight, and an insurance limit most US policies hide. Flights, costs, days off work and the CDC list, for American… By Anjali Shrestha · Jun 23, 2026 Read the full story

Nepal is one of the most rewarding — and best-value — big trips an American can take. The trekking is the best on Earth and the visa is easy; what actually trips people up is the logistics: the long-haul routing, the realistic budget, and how many days to… Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

Getting there: flights from the USA

There are no nonstop flights from the US to Kathmandu (KTM); you connect through a single hub. Two main routings work well. Via the Gulf / Istanbul — Qatar Airways (Doha), Emirates or flydubai (Dubai), Etihad (Abu Dhabi), or Turkish (Istanbul); this is… Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

What a Nepal trek costs from the US (2026)

The guided trek itself is superb value — your biggest variable is the airfare. Here's a realistic all-in estimate for a 2–3 week trip. Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

Which trek — and a sample itinerary

Two classics suit most first-time US trekkers: Everest Base Camp (12 days): fly to Lukla → Phakding → Namche Bazaar (acclimatize) → Tengboche → Dingboche (acclimatize) → Lobuche → Gorak Shep → Everest Base Camp → sunrise at Kala Patthar (5,545m) → descend to… Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

Insurance is the part Americans get wrong

A US policy that covers "hiking" often stops at an altitude below Everest Base Camp, and almost none of them say so on the marketing page. Base Camp is 5,364m and Kala Patthar, where you go for the view, is 5,545m. Your policy has to cover trekking to that… Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

Shots and health, per the CDC

Nothing is required to enter Nepal, but the CDC recommends a short list, and none of it is exotic. Its Nepal page asks travelers to be up to date on routine vaccines, including measles and COVID-19, and recommends hepatitis A and typhoid for most travelers… Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

How many days off work you actually need

Count two travel days each way and one buffer day for the Lukla flight, then add the trek. This is the table to take to your manager. The prices are the solo rate for our guided trip; they fall in a group. Two weeks of vacation covers Annapurna Base Camp… Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

When to go & what to know

Autumn (Sep–Nov) brings the clearest skies and is peak season — book 2–3 months ahead. Spring (Mar–May) is warm with rhododendron blooms and is the main climbing season. Build in a buffer day or two for the weather-dependent Lukla flight. A licensed guide is… Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

Everest Base Camp Trek — 12 Days

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Free guide Permits, costs, seasons and routes — the essentials we send every traveller, plus a free, no-obligation trip quote. ↑ Swipe up Read the full report and grab the free Nepal Trek Insider Guide — or ask our Pokhara team for a tailored, no-obligation quote. Read more & get the free guide Plan my trip — free quote Browse Everest Base Camp Trek — 12 Days