Question 1

Why choose IMT?

Accepted Answer

There are many companies that will take you to Nepal. There is only one IMT.
From our commitment to economic partnership with our Sherpa team, to our scientifically enriched itineraries, to the extraordinary personal access we provide to Sherpa culture and Buddhist traditions, IMT offers a Himalayan experience that no standard trekking company can replicate. We are small by design, personal by conviction, and driven by a genuine passion for Nepal's mountains, people, and biodiversity.
But don't take our word for it. Perhaps no one has captured the IMT difference better than one of our own clients:
"The IMT trek was so special and different in many ways from other 'package excursions' — primarily because of the small group size, we were able to make side trips to see and do things not actually on the itinerary. We were able to proceed at our pace — not that of the guides' or a rigid itinerary — and we got to have experiences with local people, customs, and festivals. We were invited into homes and monasteries on several occasions. Talk about off-the-beaten-path travel! The Sherpa guides and porters that work with IMT are hand-selected and have developed very close bonds with the organizer, Richard Silber."
— Britt Bunyard, Ph.D., Editor-in-Chief and Publisher, FUNGI Magazine
Britt's words speak to what we hear time and again from IMT clients: that the experience exceeded every expectation, not because of what was on the itinerary, but because of what wasn't — the spontaneous invitations, the unhurried pace, the genuine human connections that emerge when you travel with people who truly know and love the place they are showing you.
What Sets IMT Apart:
True partnership — our Sherpa and Nepali team members are business partners who share equally in expedition profits, not employees on a daily wage. This creates a depth of commitment and pride in every expedition that clients feel from the first day on the trail.
Small groups — we keep our expeditions intentionally small, ensuring a personalized experience and the flexibility to adapt the itinerary to your interests, pace, and the opportunities that present themselves along the way.
Scientific depth — from mycology to ornithology to climate science, IMT expeditions offer access to world-class expertise that transforms a remarkable journey into an intellectually enriching one.
Authentic access — through our deep and longstanding relationships with Sherpa families, monasteries, and local communities, IMT guests experience Nepal from the inside — welcomed as guests, not observed as tourists.
Experience and trust — IMT was co-founded by Richard Silber and Sonam Jangbu Sherpa, whose years of shared experience in Nepal's Himalayan communities are the foundation of everything IMT does.

Question 2

How is IMT different from other trekking companies?

Accepted Answer

Partnership, Not Employment
At IMT, we believe the people who make our expeditions possible deserve more than a daily wage — they deserve a stake in the outcome. While most Western trekking companies hire Sherpas as guides, IMT has built something fundamentally different: a true business partnership. Our Sherpa and Nepali team members share equally in the profits generated by every trek and climb. This isn't a gesture — it's the foundation of how we operate, and it sets IMT apart from every other guiding company working in Nepal.
This commitment to economic justice reflects our deepest conviction: that sustainable, meaningful adventure travel must benefit the communities that make it possible.
An Experience Like No Other
No two IMT expeditions are alike. Every itinerary is custom-designed around your interests, schedule, and expectations — built not from a catalog but from a conversation. And because our Sherpa partners are exactly that — partners — our guests enjoy access that no standard trekking company can offer. You'll be welcomed into the homes of our Sherpa families, taken behind the scenes of ancient Buddhist monasteries, and invited to join in the celebration of living Buddhist traditions and holidays.
This is Nepal as insiders experience it — not as tourists passing through.

Question 3

Who are IMT’s guides?

Accepted Answer

IMT's high-altitude guides are among the most experienced in the Himalayas. All are licensed Nepal National Guides, certified in first aid, and trained in altitude sickness prevention and mountain rescue protocols.

Leading our Himalayan operations is Sonam Jangbu Sherpa, IMT's Co-Founder and Head of Operations-Nepal, a three-time Everest summiteer from both the north and south faces whose expertise and deep roots in the Sherpa community are at the heart of everything IMT does in Nepal.

Our birding expeditions are led by Tek Bahadur Gharti Magar, one of Nepal's most accomplished field naturalists, whose 15 years of avian fieldwork spans the country's full ecological range — from the lowland Terai forests to the high Himalayas. And our scientific expeditions benefit from the involvement of Dr. Shiva Devkota, a leading Himalayan mycologist and Co-Chair of the HCSI Science Advisory Board, whose research on Nepal's extraordinary fungal and plant biodiversity brings rare scientific depth to every expedition he joins.

Whatever your destination or area of interest, IMT brings the right expertise to the field — and the right people to make the journey unforgettable.

Question 4

What’s the best way to travel to Nepal?

Accepted Answer

Travel to Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) is well-connected and straightforward, with several excellent international carriers serving the route. The most popular options include Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Air India, Korean Air, and Singapore Airlines, all of which offer reliable service with a single stopover en route.
From the United States — East Coast Travelers from Washington, DC, New York, and other East Coast cities will typically connect through Doha (Qatar Airways) or Dubai (Emirates), both of which offer convenient onward flights to Kathmandu. Total travel time is generally in the range of 18-22 hours including the layover.
From the United States — West Coast West Coast travelers from Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Seattle have some particularly attractive routing options. Korean Air offers excellent service through Seoul (Incheon), which is a natural geographic stopover from the West Coast and often competitively priced. Singapore Airlines routing through Singapore (Changi) — consistently rated among the world's best airports — is another outstanding option, offering a comfortable layover experience and excellent onward connections to Kathmandu. Cathay Pacific through Hong Kong and Thai Airways through Bangkok are also worth considering, as both cities serve as major Asian aviation hubs with strong Kathmandu connections. Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Turkish Airlines remain viable West Coast options as well, though they involve longer total travel times heading westward. Total travel times from the West Coast typically range from 20-26 hours depending on routing and layover length.
From Europe European travelers are particularly well served, with Turkish Airlines offering convenient connections through Istanbul from most major European cities, making it often the most direct and economical choice. Qatar Airways through Doha and Emirates through Dubai are excellent premium alternatives. Lufthansa connecting through Frankfurt or Munich to Delhi or Mumbai with onward service to Kathmandu is another solid option for travelers in Central Europe. Travel times from Western Europe typically run 12-16 hours.
A Few Practical Tips
Book flights well in advance, particularly for peak trekking seasons (March-May and October-November), when seats fill quickly.
Kathmandu is in the Nepal Standard Time zone (GMT+5:45) — a unique offset worth keeping in mind when calculating layover times and planning your arrival.
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan Airport, you can obtain a visa on arrival. Having US dollars in cash on hand will speed up the process considerably.
Consider using a longer layover in Seoul, Singapore, Hong Kong, or Bangkok as an opportunity for a day or two of exploration — these are world-class cities well worth a visit in their own right.
IMT recommends arriving in Kathmandu at least one day before your expedition begins to allow time to settle in, adjust to the time change, and begin the acclimatization process.

Question 5

Do I need to purchase insurance?

Accepted Answer

The answer is yes. IMT requires all our clients to purchase medical evacuation coverage that includes coverage for medical evacuation, repatriation and medical expenses for the duration of your trek. Please contact the Travel Insurance Center, +1-866-979-6753 and ask for Mark Reineke or Dan Drennen ext. 3621 as soon as you send us your application and let them know you are an IMT client as they are familiar with our insurance requirements. We recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance.

Question 6

What’s included in the fee for an IMT Expedition?

Accepted Answer

IMT believes that genuine adventure shouldn't come with hidden costs or unwelcome surprises. From the moment you land in Kathmandu to the moment you depart, we take care of the details so you can focus entirely on the experience.
Arrival & Kathmandu
Private airport pickup at Tribhuvan International Airport
3 nights at a 4-star Kathmandu hotel with complimentary breakfast
Guided cultural and architectural city tour of Kathmandu
Private tour of historic monasteries including a traditional Puja ceremony — a blessing ritual that has marked the start of Himalayan expeditions for generations
Transportation
Private Toyota Land Cruiser transportation from Kathmandu to expedition destinations as required by your itinerary
Domestic air travel within Nepal as required by your itinerary — which may include fixed-wing flights to destinations such as Lukla, Pokhara, or Koshi Tappu, depending on your expedition
Return transportation to Kathmandu by helicopter, weather permitting — one of the most spectacular ways to experience the Himalayas from the air*
On the Trail
Accommodations in well-appointed tea house lodges throughout the trek
All meals and beverages while on trek
Licensed, experienced Sherpa guides who are IMT business partners, not employees — sharing in the success of every expedition
For birding expeditions: the expert field guidance of Tek Bahadur Gharti Magar, one of Nepal's most accomplished avian naturalists, ensuring an unparalleled wildlife experience
For scientific and mycology expeditions: access to the expertise of Dr. Shiva Devkota, leading Himalayan mycologist and Co-Chair of the HCSI Science Advisory Board
Porters to carry expedition equipment and supplies
An IMT trekking duffel bag for each client
Permits & Fees
All national park entrance fees
All required trekking permits and documentation
Special Access
Invitations into the homes of our Sherpa partners for an authentic glimpse into Sherpa family life
Behind-the-scenes access to Buddhist monasteries and opportunities to participate in Buddhist holiday celebrations
*Helicopter return is subject to weather conditions. IMT will communicate any changes to this arrangement as early as possible and work with clients to identify the best available alternative.

Question 7

What is not included in the fee for an IMT Expedition?

Accepted Answer

To help you plan and budget accurately, the following items are not covered by your expedition fee:
Before You Go
International airfare to and from Kathmandu
Nepal 30-day tourist visa ($50 USD, obtainable on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport)
Medical rescue and evacuation insurance — required for all IMT expeditions; we strongly recommend purchasing this shortly after making your initial deposit
Trip cancellation insurance — while not required, we strongly encourage all clients to purchase trip cancellation insurance at the time of booking. Please note that IMT does not provide refunds for cancellations made within 90 days of the expedition start date
Personal Expenses
Items of a personal nature, including personal trekking gear, telephone calls, alcohol, and laundry
Non-scheduled meals and accommodations while in Kathmandu beyond what is included in your expedition package
On the Trail
Device charging fees and bottled water at tea house lodges
Gratuities for Sherpa guides and porters (recommended: $300 USD — an important and meaningful way to recognize the hard work and dedication of your Nepali team)
Optional Activities
Summit attempt of Lobuche Peak, including climbing fees and rental cost for climbing gear (available as an add-on — speak with IMT for current pricing)
Accommodation
Single room occupancy is available at an additional cost that varies by program — please inquire with IMT when booking

Question 8

How should I pack my bags for the trek?

Accepted Answer

We recommend using your daypack as a carry-on bag and checking one rolling suitcase. Upon arrival at your Kathmandu hotel, IMT will provide you with your own IMT duffel bag — your essential piece of gear for the expedition ahead, and yours to keep when you return home.
Pack a few changes of clothing in your carry-on daypack in case your checked luggage is delayed in transit. Always keep your passport, cash, and any medications you require during travel in your carry-on and within easy reach.

We also strongly recommend photographing your passport and saving the image to your phone — a simple precaution that can save considerable stress in the event of loss or theft.
When checking your luggage, request that it be checked all the way through to Kathmandu rather than requiring you to reclaim and recheck it at connecting airports. Use TSA-approved locks to secure your bags so that airport security can open them if necessary without damaging your luggage.

For a comprehensive list of recommended clothing, gear, and equipment for your specific IMT expedition, please visit our Clothing and Equipment page under Resources on the IMT website.

Question 9

How Should I Train for My IMT Expedition

Accepted Answer

A Himalayan expedition is one of the most rewarding physical challenges you will ever undertake — and the more prepared you are, the more you will enjoy every step of it. Whether you are trekking to Everest Base Camp or birding through Nepal's diverse ecological zones, building your fitness before departure will make a profound difference in your experience on the ground.
What to Focus On Training should target four key areas: cardiovascular fitness, leg strength, core stability, and flexibility. Altitude adds a dimension to physical exertion that even seasoned athletes can underestimate, so endurance is particularly important. On most expedition days, you can expect to be on your feet for five to seven hours, including breaks for lunch and rest.
The Best Way to Prepare The most effective preparation is to simulate what you'll actually be doing. Start hiking — hills, mountains, stairs, any terrain with sustained elevation gain and loss. Wear your hiking boots and carry a loaded daypack to get your body accustomed to the weight and footwear you'll be using in Nepal. If you can find trails with significant ups and downs, even better.
Beyond hiking, we recommend complementing your training with:
Swimming — excellent for building cardiovascular endurance with minimal joint impact
Cycling — great for leg strength and stamina
Stair climbing — one of the most direct ways to simulate Himalayan terrain in an urban environment
Yoga — invaluable for building the flexibility and mental focus that mountain travel demands
Gym work — focus on cardio machines, squats, lunges, and core exercises
Give Yourself Enough Time Don't leave your training to the last minute. We recommend beginning a dedicated fitness program at least three to four months before your departure date, gradually increasing intensity and duration as your expedition approaches.
On the Trail Rest assured that IMT itineraries are thoughtfully designed to include ample acclimatization time throughout. We have a proud and proven record of guiding trekkers of all ages and fitness levels — from young adventurers to seasoned travelers — successfully to Everest Base Camp and beyond. With the right preparation, you will be ready.
Start training, have fun getting fit, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

Question 10

Health Preparation: Immunizations, Medications & What to Bring

Accepted Answer

Your health and safety are IMT's highest priority. While IMT does not mandate specific vaccinations — that decision is entirely between you and your healthcare provider — we strongly encourage all clients to consult their physician well in advance of departure and to reference the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at www.cdc.gov for the most current travel health recommendations for Nepal.
Immunizations The following vaccinations are worth discussing with your healthcare provider in the context of travel to Nepal. Please consult your physician or the CDC website for current guidelines:
COVID-19 — vaccination and booster as currently recommended
Tetanus-Diphtheria — you should already have this; check whether a booster is due
Polio — you should already have this; check whether a booster is due
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) — you should already have this; check whether a booster is due
Meningitis — recommended; consult your physician
Hepatitis A — recommended; consult your physician
Hepatitis B — recommended; consult your physician
Typhoid — recommended; the tablet form (Vivotif) provides five years of protection
If you or your physician have any questions about travel vaccinations for Nepal, the CDC website at www.cdc.gov is the definitive reference.
Prescription Medications to Discuss With Your Doctor The following prescription medications are commonly recommended for Himalayan travel. Please consult your physician before departure — ideally at least six to eight weeks ahead of your departure date — to discuss whether these are appropriate for you:
Zithromax (Z-Pak) — antibiotic for upper respiratory infections
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and/or Z-Pak — antibiotic for gastrointestinal illness
Diamox (acetazolamide) — widely used to aid acclimatization at altitude; 125mg tablets are recommended, with enough supply for at least one week
Many experienced Himalayan trekkers — including members of the IMT team — have found that Ibuprofen (600-800mg daily) can be as effective as Diamox for acclimatization, with fewer side effects. That said, every individual is different, and we encourage you to discuss both options with your physician to determine what is right for you.
Sleep aids — helpful for managing jet lag during the first few days of travel
Nifedipine (30mg time-release, 2 tablets) — for pulmonary edema; consult your physician
Dexamethasone (4mg, 10 tablets) — for cerebral edema; consult your physician
Note: Altitude-related illness is a serious consideration on Himalayan expeditions. IMT guides are trained in altitude sickness prevention and rescue protocols, and our itineraries are designed with acclimatization built in — but carrying the appropriate medications as a precaution is strongly advised.
Over-the-Counter Medications & Personal Health Items We recommend packing the following non-prescription items:
Ibuprofen (600-800mg) — helpful for acclimatization and general aches
Imodium — for diarrhea
Pepto-Bismol — tablet form recommended for ease of travel
Throat lozenges
Wet wipes and personal body wipes
Hand sanitizer
Lip balm — essential at altitude where lips dry and crack quickly
Broad-spectrum sunscreen — SPF 30 or higher; UV exposure increases significantly at altitude
IMT strongly recommends scheduling a travel health consultation with your physician or a travel medicine specialist at least six to eight weeks before your departure date. This allows sufficient time to complete any vaccination series and obtain necessary prescriptions.

Question 11

Is Wi-Fi and Device Charging Available During My IMT Expedition

Accepted Answer

Staying connected in the Himalayas is more accessible than many first-time visitors expect — though it helps to plan ahead before leaving Kathmandu.
Device Charging Most tea house lodges along popular expedition routes offer solar-powered device charging, typically at a small fee of a few hundred Nepali rupees per hour. We recommend carrying a portable power bank as a backup, particularly on more remote stages of your expedition where solar charging may be less reliable or unavailable. A high-capacity power bank is one of the most useful pieces of technology you can bring.
Wi-Fi Wi-Fi availability has improved significantly in recent years along the major Himalayan trekking corridors. Many tea houses now offer Wi-Fi access, though connection speeds can vary considerably depending on location and weather conditions. In larger hub villages such as Namche Bazaar, internet scratch cards are available for purchase and can be used for Wi-Fi access on your smartphone.
SIM Cards and Data For the most reliable connectivity, we strongly recommend purchasing a local Nepali SIM card and data bundle in Kathmandu before your expedition begins. Nepal Telecom and Ncell are the two main providers, and both offer affordable prepaid data packages that provide surprisingly good coverage along most major expedition routes. A local SIM is far more cost-effective than international roaming and will serve you well for calls, messaging, and data throughout your time in Nepal.
A Friendly Reminder While we understand the desire to stay connected, many of our clients find that one of the unexpected gifts of a Himalayan expedition is the opportunity to unplug — even partially — from the demands of daily life back home. The mountains have a way of providing perspective that no screen can match.

Question 12

Do I Need Special Clothing, Eyewear and Equipment for My IMT Expedition

Accepted Answer

Every IMT expedition has its own specific gear requirements depending on altitude, season, and the nature of the journey. The complete, detailed list of recommended clothing and equipment for your expedition is available on our Clothing and Equipment page — we encourage you to review it carefully and begin assembling your kit well in advance of departure.
Clothing Layering is the fundamental principle of dressing for the Himalayas. Conditions can shift dramatically within a single day — from warm sunshine at midday to cold as the sun drops. A good base layer, insulating mid-layer, and waterproof outer shell will serve you well across most expedition scenarios. Please refer to our equipment list for specific recommendations by season and expedition type.
Eyewear For much of your expedition, particularly above tree line, you will be exposed to significantly higher levels of UV radiation and glare than at lower elevations — a factor that is easy to underestimate and important not to ignore. Quality eye protection is essential, not optional.
We recommend investing in high-quality sunglasses that offer full UV protection and glare reduction. For trekking and high-altitude expeditions, wraparound glacier glasses or mountaineering-style lenses provide the best protection. For birding expeditions, optics quality is equally critical — you will want eyewear that enhances rather than diminishes your ability to spot and identify birds in varied light conditions.
For those requiring prescription sport eyewear, we highly recommend contacting Opticus in Lyons, Colorado. They specialize in high-performance prescription eyewear and can either swap prescription lenses into your existing frames or provide frames and lenses tailored to your needs and the demands of your expedition.
Binoculars For birding expedition participants, a quality pair of binoculars is as essential as your boots. We recommend a magnification range of 8x42 or 10x42 for optimal performance in the varied lighting and terrain conditions of Nepal's ecological zones. Please refer to our equipment list for specific recommendations.

Question 13

How much cash should I bring?

Accepted Answer

How much spending money you bring beyond the essentials is ultimately a personal decision, but the following guidelines will help you plan and budget appropriately.
Upon Arrival
Nepal 30-day tourist visa: $50 USD — payable in cash upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Have this amount readily accessible in your carry-on.
Gratuities
Tip pool: $300 USD — at the conclusion of your expedition, IMT will collect $300 per person in U.S. currency to be distributed as a thank-you to the dedicated team that supported you throughout your journey, including Sherpa guides, porters, and drivers. This is one of the most meaningful contributions you can make to the people who work so hard to make your expedition a success.
You are of course welcome to provide additional personal gratuities to any individual guide, porter, or driver whose service you wish to recognize.
Spending Money
We recommend bringing a minimum of $500 USD in addition to the above for personal expenses, gifts, souvenirs, and any meals or activities outside of your included itinerary. Kathmandu offers wonderful shopping opportunities for handicrafts, textiles, thangka paintings, and other Himalayan treasures, and it is easy to find ways to spend more than you expect.
Currency & Banking
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Kathmandu, and ATMs are readily available throughout the city for withdrawing Nepali rupees.
We strongly recommend exchanging money or withdrawing rupees in Kathmandu before your expedition begins. Once you leave the city, access to banking and currency exchange becomes increasingly limited and eventually unavailable in more remote areas.
Keep a supply of small denomination Nepali rupees on hand for tea house charging fees, bottled water, and other incidental expenses on the trail.
It is always wise to carry a backup credit card stored separately from your primary wallet in case of loss or theft.

Question 14

What Birding Equipment Should I Bring?

Accepted Answer

Having the right equipment will significantly enhance your birding experience in Nepal's extraordinarily diverse ecological zones. The following is our recommended kit for the Wings of Nepal birding expedition:
Binoculars A quality pair of binoculars is the single most important piece of equipment you will bring. We recommend 8x42 or 10x42 magnification as the optimal range for Nepal's varied terrain and lighting conditions — powerful enough to pick out detail at distance, but with sufficient field of view for tracking birds in dense forest canopy. Invest in the best optics you can afford; it will make a meaningful difference in the field.
Field Guide The definitive reference for Nepal birding is the Helm Field Guide: Birds of Nepal, which covers the country's remarkable avian diversity comprehensively and is widely considered the essential companion for serious birders visiting the region. We strongly recommend obtaining a copy and familiarizing yourself with Nepal's key species before departure.
Birding Apps We recommend downloading the following apps before departure:
Merlin Bird ID (Cornell Lab of Ornithology) — excellent for species identification, including bird calls and songs
eBird (Cornell Lab of Ornithology) — the world's leading birding database, useful for logging sightings and accessing recent reports from Nepal's birding hotspots
Spotting Scope A portable spotting scope can be invaluable for observing raptors, waterbirds, and distant species. IMT recommends bringing your own if you have access to one, as availability in the field cannot be guaranteed.
Camera & Telephoto Lens For those wishing to photograph Nepal's birds, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens of at least 400mm is recommended. A lighter travel telephoto zoom is a practical compromise if weight is a concern — porters will carry your main duffel, but you will want your camera accessible in your daypack throughout the day.
Notebook & Checklist Many birders find that keeping a handwritten field journal adds immeasurably to the experience. Bring a small weatherproof notebook to record sightings, behaviors, and locations. A printed or digital checklist of Nepal's bird species is also a useful organizational tool.
Clothing Avoid bright colors and patterns in the field, which can disturb birds and make observation more difficult. Neutral tones — greens, browns, grays, and khakis — are ideal. Please refer to our full Clothing and Equipment page for complete expedition gear recommendations.

11 June - 28 June, 2024 | $6,600

Experience the grandeur of the Himalayan mountains and the hidden tapestry of mushrooms and medicinal herbs throughout the trek.

Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu

Day 2: Tour Kathmandu

Day 3: Overland Travel to Phaplu

Day 4: Beginning of Trek

Day 5: Trek to Shurke

Day 6: Trek to Phakding

Day 7: Trek to Namche Bazar - Experience the Dumji Festival

Day 8: Acclimatization Day - Visit Sagarmatha Next

Day 9: Trek to Tengboche - Tour Monastery

Day 10: Trek to Dingboche

Day 11: Acclimatization Hike to Nangharshang

Day 12: Trek to the Pyramid - Tour Research Lab

Day 13: Trek to Gorakshep and Everest Base Camp

Day 14: Climb Kala Patthar and Trek to Pheriche

Day 15: Trek to Phortse – Local Sherpa Dinner Experience

Day 16: Heli to Kathmandu - Contingency Day in Phortse

Day 17: Heli to Kathmandu

Day 18: Depart Kathmandu for Home