BBC Treks and Expeditions

09/11/2025

It had been two years since I had managed to visit Sirubari, the first model tourist village to be established in Nepal
We were instrumental in helping with the development of the tourist village concept which came into being in early 1997.
Since that time the idea has been adopted by a number of other villages in the region.
This short visit was with a group of nepali friends, most of whom had never experienced the concept previously. A special mention has to go to our host, Urmila Gurung.
If you want to see what Sirubari has to offer we will be happy to arrange everything for you.

30/01/2024

Two of the more well-known places to visit around the Kathmandu Valley are the hilltop settlements of Nagarkot and Dhulikhel. These places are famous for offering spectacular views of the Himalayan range.
The downside of both of these destinations is that they can become very crowded, especially during the main tourist seasons of Spring and Autumn.
What most people are not aware of is that there is an alternative destination that has equally great views and has the added bonus of being a far more tranquil place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
This place is the hilltop village of Kavre Palanchowk.
It is an easy two hour drive to Palanchowk from the centre of Kathmandu. This will soon be even faster when the current road widening project is complete.
The village is set in a ridge top overlooking the Sunkoshi river giving spectacular views of the snow-capped Himalayas, dominated by the high peaks of the Langtang range to the north. The centrepiece of the village is the Palanchowk Bhagwati Temple, a significant pilgrimage site for Hindu worshipers. The village is surrounded by mixed farming settlements populated mainly by Tamang and Brahmin people.
There are a few accommodation options available the nicest of which is the locally owned Sunkoshi Adventure Retreat, located a few hundred metres before the temple. This property is set in a parklike environment with bungalow style rooms dotted throughout the grounds. Meals are prepared on site using locally grown produce which may include pheasant from the property’s own farm and locally reared fish from one of the nearby fish farms.
Activities around Palanchowk can include hikes around the local villages, rafting on the Sunkoshi or mountain biking along some of the local trails. In the evenings culture programmes given by the villagers can be arranged. Alternatively it is just a great place to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings.

09/01/2024

So, you're planning a trek to the Everest region of Nepal and you're wondering what the best way of starting your adventure is?
Currently the options, during the peak tourist seasons, are as follows.
1. Take a fixed wing flight from Manthali to Lukla.
2. Take a helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.
3. Take a bus to Jiri and trek the original trail to the start of the EBC trail below Lukla.
4. Take a jeep to Salleri/Phaplu from Kathmandu and start your trek from there.
All of these options, except the expensive helicopter flight, involve rather uncomfortable, and lengthy road trips. Additionally, the flight option from Manthali needs to be done at night in order to take the early morning flight to Lukla. There is the risk, if flights are cancelled due to weather, of being stranded for possibly one or more days in limited, and less than ideal, accommodation.
Now we are offering an alternative.
A rafting trip at the start of your journey.
In conjunction with Mountain River Rafting, we have planned an itinerary that starts your adventure with a three day, two night rafting trip down the Sunkoshi River. It includes one night in a rverside resort and the second night camping on a secluded beach at the side of the river. On the third day the rafting will finish and you will take a short jeep ride up to Phaplu and the start of your trek.
This novel start to your adventure can be included in any of our itineraries in the region including Gokyo, Everest Base Camp or one of the lower altitude treks or tours in the southern part of the district.
Contact us for details if this sounds like something that you would consider.

04/10/2023

Welcome to our guests Graham and Jonathan who are about to start their Everest/Gokyo trekking adventure.

09/01/2023

After yesterdays' confusing post from the Government of Nepal the Nepal Tourism Board has now clarified the issue of the newly mandated entry conditions. You must have either a valid COVID-19 International Vaccination Certificate OR have evidence of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of boarding your flight to Nepal.

Updated Entry Protocol for International Visitors as of January 09, 2023

09/01/2023

This is the latest from the Government of Nepal. At the moment it is not entirely clear what the mandatory "COVID-19 International Certificate with Bar Code" actually is. Because a "COVID-19 negative PCR report" is offered as an alternative to this you could assume that they are talking about an International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate. Could somebody in the Government of Nepal please clarify this as soon as possible before the confusion results in a negative effect on tourist arrivals.

Passengers arriving in Nepal from the international sector should mandatorily present the Covid-19 vaccine certificate or Covid-19 PCR negative report.

22/08/2022

Our hotel of choice in Kathmandu. Comfortable, quiet, convenient location and a great friendly atmosphere.

Welcome to Hotel Yambu

17/03/2022

If you are arriving in Kathmandu and are looking for a nice place to stay then contact Hotel Yambu. It's in a quiet corner of Thamel, it has clean, comfortable en-suite rooms and you will get the best, friendly service. It is our regular base when we are in Kathmandu and highly recommend it for your stay. You won't be disappointed!

10/03/2022

Great news for fully vaccinated travellers to Nepal. PCR test no longer required provided your vaccination card shows that you have received at least two shots. There is still a need to complete and submit the CCMC form. This currently has not been updated but hopefully this will be done shortly.

The Himalayan republic has become the latest among a few nations to ease entry protocols by removing all pre-arrival testing requirements.

10/03/2022

There has never been a better time to visit Nepal.
The country is coping well with the COVID pandemic and tourists are being welcomed back. Flights to Nepal are also becoming more available as more and more carriers are restoring their flights.
One of the things that you will notice when you visit is that the number of tourists is still relatively low which means that if you go trekking, the trails will be far less crowded.
In a surprising move last week the Government of Nepal and the domestic airlines reached an agreement that airfares for foreign passengers would now be the same as those for Nepali passengers. This means that a significant saving can be made on your tour package.
If you want any information and help planning your trip don’t hesitate to call us. If you are already in Nepal, or will be there soon, and you need help with logistics then contact our Nepal based partner, Raj, at his office in Hotel Yambu in Kathmandu’s tourist area of Thamel.
Hope to see you there soon

From the exotic sights, sounds and smells of Kathmandu to the steamy jungle with its’ rhino and tiger; from traditional villages in the middle hills to the stunning beauty of the high Himalaya; Nepal has something for everyone.

29/12/2021

If you are heading to EBC or Gokyo be prepared and certainly don't go alone.

07/11/2021

If you are going to be in Kathmandu and are looking for somewhere nice to stay, then consider using Hotel Yambu. It's in a quiet part of Thamel and will give you the best service at a competitive rate. Speak to the owner, Raj, and he can help arrange any trek or tour that you want organised. Raj's number is 9841326314 or you can email us at [email protected] or [email protected].