Trekking the Himalayas

At a Glance

Kathmandu, Nepal

Nov 7 - Nov 21, 2026

14 Nights

5

11-13 Travelers

!What's Included?

Starting At

$4,499

Deposit: $500

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EARLY BIRD PRICE: Once in a Lifetime Trek Through the Himalayas

The Himalayas. A place for dreamers and doers. Where fearlessness and endurance are rewarded with achingly beautiful scenery and a local culture unlike any other. So much rugged, natural beauty—snow-capped mountains as jagged and sharp as a Yeti’s jawbone. Columned monasteries clinging to the cliffs. Buddhist stupas and prayer flags scattered randomly (or so it seems) along the trails. Crystalline skies, views for miles, raging rivers.

To learn more about this trip, you can watch a recording of our Trip Preview here.

NextTribe is thrilled to offer our travelers a chance to experience the land of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. We’ll spend 10 days trekking in the Khumbu region of Nepal, the area that Everest climbers must pass through to begin their ascent. We’ll stay in Sherpa tea houses along the way—no tent camping for us—with porters carrying our gear on the trails.

REMEMBER: We offer easy interest-free monthly payments to make our trips more accessible.

We’ll reach a maximum altitude of 14,000 feet, where we’ll find the famous and fabulous Tengboche Monastery. We’ll be guided by an all-women trekking company, and by NextTribe founder, Jeannie Ralston, who spent five weeks hiking throughout the region when she was younger, single, and in love!

Jeannie is eager to return, to share the astounding mountain scenery and Sherpa culture with a small group of adventurous souls.

NextTribe members get a $100 discount. Become a member here.

View and download the brochure here

5 Things We Love About This Trip

The mountain views and air. These are the highest mountains on Earth, and they make you feel small yet blessed to be in their presence.
The Sherpa culture. “Sherpa” has become a synonym for porter. But there is so much more to these people. They are warm and welcoming, hard-working and cheery.
Walking in great footsteps. For anyone who has read about the attempts to summit Everest throughout history, this is a chance to view the storied mountain and get a first-hand experience of its powerful allure.
Kathmandu. Our trip starts and ends in this legendary city—with its exquisite blend of Hindu temples, Buddhist monuments and prayer wheels.
Personal growth. Walking for 10 days at altitude will be a challenge that will focus your mind and expand your confidence. Doing so with a group of fellow trekkers is sure to create enduring friendships.

Meet Your Trip Leaders: Jeannie Ralston and Three Sisters Adventure Trekking

In 1991, Jeannie Ralston had the chance to accompany her then-fiance to Nepal as he photographed a story for National Geographic on the first all-Sherpa ascent of Everest. They stayed mainly in the Buddhist chapel of a traditional Sherpa home in the town of Khunde and once at the weirdly wonderful Everest View Hotel. They attended colorful ceremonies and festivals at monasteries across the region. They met Sir Edmund Hillary at one of the schools he founded in the area.

The experience had such a profound impact on her life that Jeannie has long dreamt about going back. She feels very fortunate that this opportunity has come up and hopes that any woman who has ever been enthralled by the stories of Everest and Sherpas will join her.

We’re very proud to be partnering with Three Sisters Adventure Trekking, an outfitter owned by women that trains women to be guides and porters so that they can improve their lives and feed their families. Their mission is to “combine practical skill-based training programs with gainful employment opportunities.Their goal is to encourage fellow Nepali sisters to become self-supportive, independent, decision-making women.”

Travel Insurance

Next Tribe requires all international travelers to purchase travel insurance.

Travel insurance can be a helpful and valuable resource to pack! It can protect the investment of your trip and you while traveling.

We partner with Wanderwell, a Certified B Corporation travel insurance provider that makes it as simple as possible by not overwhelming you with options.

They offer just a few modern, benefit-packed trip protection plans that can cover the most common travel perils related to trip cancellation, trip interruption, trip delay, travel Medical Expenses, baggage & personal effects, Emergency Medical Evacuation, and more.

Click Here to create quotes and purchase a plan through Wanderwell from our partner page.

If you prefer to talk to someone, please email support@gowanderwell.com. They will set up a phone call with you and can answer your questions.

On this trip, we require evacuation insurance. We are also an affiliate of Global Rescue. They offer comprehensive evacuation insurance if you feel you need more than what your standard policy will cover. This is extra coverage, in addition to your travel insurance.

Photos

Map

Sample Itinerary

SATURDAY, November 7th Welcome to Kathmandu

You will arrive in Kathmandu at Tribhuvan International Airport. From there, you will be met and transferred to our hotel.

This evening we’ll get to know each other over a welcome dinner at our hotel.

SUNDAY, November 8th: Sightseeing Kathmandu

Today we’ll enjoy a full day guided exploration of the vibrant Kathmandu Valley including the Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world.

Other highlights include: Monkey temple, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Patan Durbar Square and a women’s artisan souvenir shop.

After lunch, we’ll have time to relax before a trekking orientation and dinner in Thamel.

MONDAY, November 9th: Kathmandu to Ramechaap

After breakfast at the hotel we will travel to Ramechaap, about a 4-5 hour drive. We’ll stop along the way for lunch and enjoy dinner at our hotel in Ramechhap.

TUESDAY, November 10th: Lukla - Phakding

Today we travel via a small plane to Lukla, a 45 minute flight, before beginning our trek.

We start the trek with a descent to Ghat in the valley of the Dudh Kosi (Milk River). Then we continue to Phakding, our first night’s stop.

Hiking time: 4 Hours

WEDNESDAY, November 11th:Phakding - Namche Bazaar

Today we will climb about 900 meters (3,000 feet) to reach Namche Bazaar.

At Monjo, we enter the Sagarmatha National Park, where Thamserku (6608m) towers above us. Following the Dudh Kosi for the fifth and final time, we face a challenging ascent high above the river to Namche Bazaar.

With clear skies, we can see Mount Everest and Lhotse in the distance. We will stay in a comfortable lodge in Namche Bazaar (3500m). From here, we may be able to catch a glimpse of Everest and Ama Dablam.

Namche Bazaar is a vibrant commercial hub, and on Saturdays, a bustling market fills the streets as lodge owners stock up on supplies.

Hiking hours: 5.5

THURSDAY, November 12th: Explore Namche Bazaar

We stay one day in Namche Bazaar for acclimatization, during which we will take a short hike with stunning views of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Everest. We venture around the corner towards Kenjoma, where we enjoy lunch and adjust to the altitude.

This acclimatization is essential, as the following days will involve continuous uphill trekking.

FRIDAY, November 13th:Namche Bazaar - Thame

Today, we stroll at a leisurely pace through Thamo to the village of Thame (3800m). We take our time, as the altitude will be noticeable. Enjoy breathtaking views across the valley, with the majestic peaks of Nupla, Shar, and Lho Nup towering above us as we walk along the Bhote Kosi river.

In Thame, a visit to the monastery is highly recommended. East of Thame lies the stunning Rolwaling area, featuring beautiful high peaks with captivating names like Bigphera Go Shar, Panayo Tippa, and Tengi Rai Tau.

Hiking hours: 5

SATURDAY, November 14th: Thame - Khumjung

We walk nearly the same route back to Namche Bazaar, enjoying views of Kangtaiga and Thamserku. Beyond Phurte, we travel through Syangboche to the charming village of Khumjung (3800m). However, from the junction, there’s an hour of climbing before reaching the top of Syangboche village.

From the nearby hill, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Ama Dablam and the surrounding mountains. In Khumjung, a delightful German bakery awaits, offering delicious oven-fresh bread and authentic coffee. The village boasts excellent educational facilities, thanks to the efforts of the renowned Sir Edmund Hillary. A visit to the upper village of Khunde, complete with its hospital, is a fantastic option for an extra side trip.

Hiking hours: 5

SUNDAY, November 15th: Khumjung - Tengboche

From Khumjung, we descend for less than one hour to Phunki Tenga (3250m). After this, we face a long climb of 600 meters to Tengboche. On the other side of the valley, the towering Thamserku (6608m) and Kangtega (6685m) loom high above.

The Tengboche Monastery, the largest in the region, was destroyed by a fire in 1989 but has been lovingly rebuilt in its former style with help and donations. While enjoying delicious treats from the bakery, we can take in breathtaking views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse. Here, we can also visit the monastery and the museum.

Hiking hours: 7/8

MONDAY, November 16th: Visit Tengboche Monastery

Tengboche village is home to the renowned Tengboche Monastery, the largest monastery in the Everest region. Nestled within the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku.

If time allows, we will be able to witness a captivating Buddhist ceremony at the Monastery.

TUESDAY, November 17th: Tengboche - Namche Bazaar

This is a long but rewarding day of trekking, mostly following a dusty trail that winds its way down, up, and around various mountain sections, passing multiple villages.

The wide trail from Phunki Tenga to the junction to Kyangjuma/Khumjung features forested slopes of Rhododendron, Pine, and Birch, alongside open panoramas of various peaks.

You may spot Himalayan deer (Tahr), pheasants, and Danphe, the national animal of Nepal, which boasts colors similar to those of a peacock.

Hiking hours: 8/9

WEDNESDAY, November 18th: Namche Bazaar - Lukla

The trail from Namche Bazaar to Lukla follows the stunning Dudhkoshi River. The initial section to Larja Dobhan is relatively flat, with some gentle ups and downs. After crossing the Hillary suspension bridge at Larja Dobhan, prepare for a steep uphill trek to Namche Bazaar.

This walking experience from Namche Bazaar to Lukla offers breathtaking views of pine forests, charming hamlets, and vibrant crop fields, along with majestic mountain sights, including Ama Dablam, Kusum Kangru, Khumbila, Tawoche, and Thamserku.

Hiking hours: 8/9

THURSDAY, November 19th: Lukla - Ramechhap Airport - Kathmandu

We will take a morning flight from Lukla to Ramechhap Airport, followed by a drive to Kathmandu, where we will check in at Hotel Manaslu in Lazimpat.

FRIDAY, November 20th: Kathmandu

Today is yours to enjoy and explore and we’ll share a final dinner together.

SATURDAY, November 21st: Farewell!

You will be transported to the airport today for your journey home.

Logistics

All of our trips are rated for activitiy level 1-5. This trip is a solid 5 with daily trekking at elevation so you must train and be in good physical condition for this adventure.

Getting There: You will need to arrive in Kathmandu on or before Saturday, Nov. 7th. Your flight from the US will depart the day before, so please double check your arrival date when booking.

Fly into and out of Kathmandu (KTM) Tribhuvan Intl. Airport. You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. Our first activity is dinner together, so please arrive by 3:00 pm so you will have time for some R & R before dinner.

Your departure flight may leave at any time on Saturday, Nov. 21st.

Passport & Visa: Please make sure your passport is valid for 6 months after the last day of the trip. A visa is required for entry into Nepal. There a couple of ways to get a visa. We will walk you through the process closer to the trip.

Insurance: We require all of our international travelers to purchase travel insurance. This protects you, the traveler, while outside of the US. We strongly encourage you to get trip protection insurance as well. This protects your financial investment should you have to miss the trip due to unforseen circumstances.

Arrival

Fly into Kathmandu

Departure

Fly Out of Kathmandu

What's Included

Airport Transfers
14 Nights Lodging
14 Dinners
14 Lunches
14 Breakfasts
Afternoon Tea & Snacks
Private Ground Transportation
Internal Flights
Hiking Permits and Fees
Porters on the Trek
Backpack & Sleeping Bag

Entry fees to monastery, temples and other cultural sites are not included.

What's Not Included

Roundtrip Airfare
Travel and Trip Insurance
Alcohol and Soft Drinks
Desserts
Tips and Gratuities
Entry Fees to Cultural Attractions

Gratuities to local guides, drivers, maids and hotel staff, travel insurance, round trip airfare, passport and visa fees, personal items such as phone calls, laundry, baggage fees and items not expressly listed as included.

Additional Add-Ons

Hotels

Hotel Manaslu

Kathmandu

View Hotel

Hotel Ramechhap

Ramechhap

Typical Tea House

Along the Way

Our travelers love us (yay!)

Colleen M., California

“

What I love about the NextTribe trips is that there is so much camaraderie of other women that are like you, and then the fabulous things that the organizers puts together to give you that viewpoint, it’s awesome.

”

Courtney M., Texas

“

What I love about NextTribe trips is that you get the experience from an insider’s perspective—someone that has ties to the community and focused on building relationships from the start. I’ve been on a trip with another women’s travel group that dropped a guide in, not personally knowing anything about the locale, traditions, or culture. She was there to make sure you showed up on time, got on the bus, etc. With NextTribe, you feel like you’re having a personalized experience with your best girlfriends.

”

Donna B., Washington

“

I didn't know anyone going on the trip but that didn't stop me from signing up. I have learned that some of my life's greatest adventures have come from taking a risk and jumping in feet first. So glad I did with NextTribe! I may not have known anybody at the start, but now I feel like I know everybody.

”

Connie B., Pennsylvania

“

I love to meet and interact with strong, mature women from across the country as we learn together.

”

Leslie M., Georgia

“

I always come by myself on NextTribe trips because I like to meet super fun and interesting women. We're always doing fun and interesting things in great cities that you couldn't do on your own because you wouldn't know the people or places or the insiders.

”

Teresa S., Kentucky

“

NextTribe fills the need I have to travel with older interesting women who are curious about the world and want to share the journey.

”

We write articles about all our trips. Read about these special experiences.

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$4,499

Did you know we have easy payment plans for our trips, interest free? Think of this as a layaway plan to feed your soul.

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What to Expect Traveling with NextTribe

You’ll be embraced by a tribe of travelers, starting with smart, fun women who lead our trips. We even have a code of community for both travelers and guides.

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Terms & Conditions

Here’s the boring stuff we encourage you to read so there are no surprises.

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Travel Insurance – Do You Need it?

Short Answer: Yes, we require trip protection insurance for all international trips. For domestic trips, we strongly suggest it. Protect your investment if things go wrong.

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Frequently asked questions

What’s different about your trips?

We curate trips specifically for curious, engaged women over 45. You’re pretty well assured that your fellow travelers will be a lot like you–since you’ve all responded to the idea of “aging boldly.”. That means built-in compatibility in your small group, including the woman who is leading the adventure.. In addition to specializing in group travel for people who don’t normally like group travel, we also pride ourselves on creating experiences that allow you to interact with local women or get deeper into the culture than you would if you planned the trip yourself.

Where do you go?

We have a wide range of weekend jaunts here in the U.S. for those who want a quick getaway. We also love taking women to Mexico, where founder Jeannie Ralston used to live. We’re always talking about pushing boundaries, and we’re doing that in the geographic sense too. For those with more time, we offer trips all over Europe, to India, Vietnam, Peru (for a hike on the inca Trail to Machu Picchu). Soon, our travelers will be getting passport stamps in even more countries on six continents. Be saving those frequent flier miles!

What do you mean by transformational travel?

NextTribe is affiliated with the Transformational Travel Council, an international group of travel professionals dedicated to making the world a better place, one trip and one traveler at a time. We recognize that travelers, especially post-pandemic, are looking for more than just a date and a destination. They can shop for that anywhere online. Our community honors the intention behind a traveler’s investment in a trip. Our travelers want to have fun (we do too!) and to travel with a sense of purpose and belonging. That’s why we go to great lengths to provide ways for women to self-select by reading the articles in our magazine and the content of our website. If you like what you see, you’re likely to be a NextTribe traveler, and we look forward to seeing you on a trip soon!

What if I travel solo?

If you really prefer to book your travel yourself and go it alone, we applaud you. That’s brave and bold and we would never try to talk you out of it. But our trips are designed so that even a woman who’s used to traveling alone, or someone shy about meeting new people, will feel comfortable in our group. Our trip leaders are there to “read the room” and make sure everyone feels included and respected.

What if I don’t like group travel?

We don’t either! Not the way most groups do it. If you feel like doing what the group is doing, great! Join us for dinner or just some of the activities. All the benefits of solo travel and the comfort of being with a group. Our groups are small (normally around 12 to 14 women) and in most situations, you are free to opt out of an activity. We figure you’re grown-ass women who know what’s best for you.

What’s the price range of your trips?

We are committed to providing what we call “affordable-luxury” travel. Don’t expect
the Four Seasons, but who wants to stay in a gilded bubble anyhow? We always look for good value and offer wonderful hotels and memorable experiences that won’t break the bank and will get you closer to how locals live. Our prices depend on the length of the
trip and the destination. We offer domestic trips for under $2,000 for a shared room, which we encourage. If you don’t have a roommate we will match you with someone. Sometimes this has resulted in lasting friendships with new travel buddies., Some of
our longer trips–two weeks in India or Vietnam, for example–will cost between
$4,800 and $6,000.

What’s included in the price?

Our trips cover most everything you’ll need to dive into a destination. Hotels and most meals, plus special experiences such as hands-on classes and sessions with local artists, writers or entrepreneurs are almost always included, but each trip is different so please be sure to read The Experience and the itinerary. We occasionally have an add-on for an extra price, but those are clearly designated. What’s not covered as a rule are airfare, alcohol and tips.

Do you have payment plans?

We sure do. It’s easy to pay for our trips by setting up automatic credit card charges at regular intervals, interest free. Think of it as the layaway plan to feed your soul.

How do I get trip discounts?

Our NextTribe members get a discount on every trip. Plus, members are the first to hear about new trips and receive upgrades on rooms if they’re available. Check out our three different membership levels here.

What’s the average age of women on the trips?

We welcome all women over 45, but most of our travelers are in the 50 to 65 age range. More important than age is the spirit of the traveler–her curiosity about the world, and her eagerness to embrace new opportunities. We’ve found women of any age with those qualities fit in well with our groups.

What’s the activity level of the trips?

Most of our trips are geared for active travelers who like to walk–a rating of 3 on our 1-5 rating scale. Here are some examples of how we rate. A designation of 1 would be our beach trips, where it’s up to you if you’d like to stroll down the beach, or play in the waves or walk around the small town. Trips where we have dedicated transportation for much of the time (such as India) are a 2; Paris is a 3 because we believe the best way to appreciate a city is to view it on foot. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, is a 4, because you’ll be walking up some hills (at 6,000 feet altitude) and occasionally on cobblestone sidewalks. Our Inca trail trip is a 5, as are our more adventurous outdoor trips.