Nepal

This self-launched version of the classic Everest Base Camp trek follows the same iconic 11-day route as Alpine Ramble Treks — Kathmandu to Lukla by scenic flight, through Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and all the way to Base Camp at 5,364m — without the guided group price tag. You'll hire a licensed independent guide and porter directly in Kathmandu (strongly recommended for safety and acclimatisation at altitude), book your own teahouse accommodation along the trail, and sort your own Lukla flights. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£480

Follow the same incredible route as Intrepid's Epic India to Nepal tour — from the chaos of Delhi to the serenity of the Annapurna foothills — but do it entirely independently at a fraction of the cost. You'll visit the Taj Mahal, cruise the Ganges at sunrise in Varanasi, cross into Nepal to see Buddha's birthplace, go on safari in Chitwan National Park, raft the Trisuli River, and trek through Annapurna villages — all using local transport, self-bookable activities, and budget accommodation. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current backpacker rates.

Travel Crew

~£680

This self-launched version of Tibet Vista's classic Lhasa-to-Kathmandu overland route covers the same jaw-dropping highlights — Potala Palace, Sera Monastery, Yamdrok Lake, Gyantse, Tashilunpo Monastery, and Everest Base Camp — at a fraction of the cost. Note: independent travel in Tibet is not permitted; all visitors must hold a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) and travel with a licensed Tibetan guide and registered vehicle. This itinerary therefore uses a small, locally-booked private or shared group tour arranged directly through a Tibet-licensed agency rather than a Western commercial operator, which dramatically cuts costs. Budget estimates are per person based on joining a shared group. Costs are approximate and for guidance only.

Travel Crew

~£380

Trek to Everest Base Camp independently — same iconic route through the Khumbu Valley, same teahouses, same jaw-dropping Himalayan scenery, but without the group tour premium. You'll hire your own licensed trekking guide and porter directly in Kathmandu (or via a local agency), book domestic flights yourself, and stay in the same teahouses used by guided groups. This route takes you from Lukla through Namche Bazaar, Phortse Gaon, Dingboche, Lobuche and Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp, with a sunrise detour to Kala Patthar before descending via Tengboche back to Lukla. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£750

Experience the very best of India and Nepal independently — from the chaos and colour of Delhi through Rajasthan's royal cities, the iconic Taj Mahal, sacred Varanasi, and across the Nepal border to Buddha's birthplace, Chitwan's wildlife, Pokhara's mountain lakes and the temples of Kathmandu. This self-launched route follows the same path as Gap360's group tour at a fraction of the price, using local trains, public buses, shared taxis and bookable tours. All cost estimates are approximate and per person, based on budget traveller rates as of mid-2026.

Travel Crew

~£581

Experience the very best of Nepal independently — from the sacred temples and chaotic energy of Kathmandu, to a two-night community homestay in ancient Panauti, a bicycle tour through rural villages, a jaw-dropping hike to Ramkot to meet the Magar Tribe, and lazy lakeside days in gorgeous Pokhara. This self-launched version follows the exact same route as Gap360's Nepal Express tour, swapping the group leader and private transfers for local buses, shared taxis, and direct-bookable experiences — saving you over £350 per person. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£245

This self-launched version of the Everest Panorama Trek follows the same iconic Khumbu Valley route — Lukla to Namche Bazaar to Tengboche and back — without the guided group tour price tag. You'll organise your own permits, book teahouses directly (or via platforms like Himalayan masters or local guesthouses on arrival), and hire a local Sherpa guide and porter independently in Kathmandu or Lukla at a fraction of the bundled cost. The scenery, culture and altitude challenge are identical; you simply cut out the operator margin. Estimated costs are approximate and based on current independent trekker rates.

Travel Crew

~£620

Trek to Everest Base Camp independently — one of the world's most iconic adventures, without the group tour price tag. This self-launched route follows the classic Khumbu Valley trail from Lukla to EBC and back, staying in the same local teahouses used by guided groups. You'll need to arrange your own trekking permits (TIMS card + Sagarmatha National Park permit), which are straightforward to obtain in Kathmandu or at checkpoints on the trail. Consider hiring a local independent guide or porter directly in Lukla or Namche — this supports the local economy, costs a fraction of a packaged tour, and is highly recommended for safety at altitude. All cost estimates are approximate and per person.

Travel Crew

~£480

Follow the same incredible route as Intrepid's Epic India to Nepal tour — from the chaos of Delhi to the serenity of the Annapurna foothills — but do it entirely independently at a fraction of the cost. You'll visit the Taj Mahal, cruise the Ganges at sunrise in Varanasi, cross into Nepal to see Buddha's birthplace, go on safari in Chitwan National Park, raft the Trisuli River, and trek through Annapurna villages — all using local transport, self-bookable activities, and budget accommodation. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current backpacker rates.

Travel Crew

~£680

This self-launched version of the classic Everest & Gokyo Lakes Circuit follows the same spectacular circular route as the Exodus guided tour — from Kathmandu to Lukla, through the Gokyo Valley, over the glaciated Cho La pass, to Everest Base Camp and up Kala Pattar — at a fraction of the price. You'll organise your own trekking permits, domestic flights, and teahouse bookings, hiring a local licensed guide and porter independently in Kathmandu or Namche Bazaar. Teahouses along the route are plentiful and bookable in advance during peak season. Costs below are approximate per-person estimates for a solo budget trekker.

Travel Crew

~£754

This self-launched itinerary mirrors Exodus's Discover Tibet group tour — from Beijing through the Tibetan Plateau to Kathmandu — at a fraction of the cost. You'll ride the legendary Sky Train, explore grand monasteries, gaze at Everest from Rongphu, and cross into Nepal via the Friendship Bridge, all under your own steam. Note: Tibet requires a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) and an organised Tibet tour permit — independent travel within the TAR is not permitted, so you'll need to book a licensed local Tibetan agency for in-region transport and a guide (mandatory by law). All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£840

The full Annapurna Circuit is one of the world's greatest treks — and you absolutely don't need a guided group operator to do it. Independent trekkers have been completing this iconic route for decades, staying in teahouses, hiring their own porter, and organising permits directly. This self-launched version follows the same 22-day itinerary as Exodus's guided group tour — Kathmandu arrival, the full circuit via Thorong La, Poon Hill sunrise, and a flight back from Pokhara — at a fraction of the cost. You'll need to purchase your TIMS card and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) independently, hire a licensed local porter/guide if desired, and book teahouses as you go (advance booking is rarely needed outside of peak season). Estimated costs are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£900