Your Complete Guide to Everything ,well almost everything... and updates for 2022
Please read this guide as it contains really helpful advice for your trip.
PASSPORT You will need a valid passport to travel As a rule, most countries require that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Your passport details are required to complete your booking, to make your park permits.
PHOTOS
You will need to bring a passport picture for your permit and if you have not done so already for your visa on arrival. Recommend X4 passport type pictures.
VISAS Visas are the responsibility for getting your visa either in advance or at the airport. It's very easy to do but may take some time in busy period's at the airport. Getting your visa in advance is also an option from your local Nepal embassy.
NEPAL ENTRY All foreign nationals require a visa to enter Nepal. Unless you are Indian.
We recommend getting your visa from the embassy or on arrival.
- Multi entry visa valid for 15 days - US$30 - Multi entry visa valid for 30 days - US$50 -Multi entry visa valid for 90 days - US$125
On arrival is payment in cash only in a major currency.
Please note that you'll also need to take a copy of a hotel confirmation to enter into Nepal.
Please seethe latest information from the Nepal Government website.
Nepal Covid-19 Entry Requirements For the latest update of what is required in order to enter Nepal, please check your government's foreign travel advice section.
Medical and health information
GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate in this trip.
You should consult your doctor for up to date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements for the duration of your trip
COVID-19 The safety and wellbeing of our travellers, leaders, crew, staff, and suppliers important to us please tell us if you are not well or test positive.
HEALTH SCREENING If you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us.
MANDATORY VACCINATION POLICY COVID-19. Follow entry guidelines for the country you will enter.
AIR POLLUTION AND QUALITY Air quality in Nepal can be very poor.. Some towns, including Kathmandu, experience very high levels of seasonal smog and heavy pollution, as Kathmandu sits in a giant bowl. We recommend you wear a filter mask.
ALTITUDE SICKNESS: Travellers to altitudes higher than 2,500m are at risk of altitude sickness. - Sleeplessness - Loss of appetite - Vivid dreams - Shortness of breath, day and night at rest. - Periodic breathing that wakes you occasionally from sleep this is common - Blocked nose and sinus issues - Dry cough - Headache very common. If you are feeling nauseous, dizzy, or experience other symptoms, please let your leader know.
Our leaders in the Himalayas are trained in the use of a PAC bag. Portable Altitude Chamber.
If you don't feel well at altitude please inform your guide as you have to descend.
You may also consider attitude medicine from your home country or when you arrive in Nepal.
Download Altitude Guide
MOSQUITOS
Malaria is a risk in some areas of Nepal including Chitwan National Park. Dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis also occur.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND TREATMENT: Medical facilities in Nepal are very limited, and basic and are not of the same standard as developed nations.
FOOD IN NEPAL: Trekkers can choose from local or international food. Common food is rice, potatoes, vegetables
ALCOHOL & CAFFEINE: Alcohol and trekking don't mix.
Accommodation Teahouses
TEAHOUSES: Accommodation or teahouses are simple but comfortable lodges. Toilets and washing facilities are shared and are basic. In a teahouse, travellers are provided with small twin share rooms with twin beds, mattresses and pillows. In some places, teahouses don't have access to electricity. In more remote regions, teahouses don't have running water and toilets can mean just a hole in the ground. Hot shower facilities are available in some teahouses for an additional fee . Electricity to charge devices as well as Wi-Fi is usually for an additional fee when available.
TRANSPORT
LUGGAGE LIMITS: Domestic flights in Nepal have strict weight limits 10kg of check in luggage and 5kg of carry on hand luggage per person is included with your flight ticket. Excess baggage (up to 5kg per person only) will be charged at your own expense.
TRAVEL BETWEEN KATHMANDU & POKHARA: On itineraries that include road travel between these destinations, eg Kathmandu to Pokhara you can of course choose to fly if this is not part of you tour for an additional price if you do not want to travel for long periods.
ROAD TRAVEL: Roadworks and infrastructure projects are poor in Nepal delays are common. Road conditions are poor. Rock falls are common.
MONSOON: The monsoon season is from June to September and weather conditions can disrupt travel and cause flooding
Money
NEPAL: The official currency of Nepal is the Nepali rupee
Before departing on a trek, make sure you have enough Nepalese currency to purchase meals and drinks
CONTINGENCY FUNDS Have some spare money for emergencies.
This photo shows a 100 Rupee notes, the 900 on the left is actually a ONE.
NEPAL: If you are happy with the services provided a tip, though not compulsory it is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels.
Suggestions per day etc.
Porters 150 ,Local guides: 150 to 200,Drivers: 150 a day, Local transport. For a city tour we suggest 150
Hotel porters: NPR50-100 room.
Packing items
The weight limit per person is 10kg each. Porters carry two bags each as well as a their own backpack. Porters weight limit is 25kg each.
Please keep the weight and bulk of your trek bag to a minimum by bringing clothes made from lightweight material. Don't pack too much clothing; one or two changes will be all you need. For the trek all of your gear should be packed into plastic bags to protect it from the weather either in zippy lock bags or a waterproof sack liner.
Your trek leader will assist you with what to bring, you can also leave items in the hotel and collect when you return
Day pack - Your day pack must have the capacity for the items you will be carrying on a day's walk: rain jacket, spare trousers, warm clothing, water bottles, camera equipment, washing items and other personal effects. A hip belt provides additional comfort. You should consider day packs of at least a 30 to 40 litre capacity. You only need to carry your day pack when trekking each day. Your main luggage will be carried or delivered to your teahouse.
SLEEPING BAG & INNER LINER A good quality, warm sleeping bag is essential while trekking as only blankets are provided at tea houses. Please note that sleeping bags, are readily available to buy or hire in both Kathmandu as well as anything else you might need.
WATER BOTTLES It is essential to bring a refillable water bottle with you. While trekking, boiled or safe drinking water is available to purchase in tea houses. However, you should also carry a water purification method. Example are tablets or a filter pen.
ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT Trekking Boots Waterproof jacket and trousers . Several pairs of high quality hiking socks wool is recommend. T-Shirts synthetic t-shirt that wick away moisture not cotton. Thermal underwear/layers Recommend wool or polyester. Down jacket for high altitude. Mid layers (fleece, micro fibre or wool jumper ) Trousers - lightweight, loose fitting, Shorts for summer dates. Warm hat beanie type
Sun hat wide brim Scarf/neck warmer or balaclava Gloves waterproof and warm. Sunglasses with UV protection min UVA/UVB 400 Head torch LED Sunscreen and lip balm min SPF 30 Light weight towel or microfibre towel Personal first aid kit small compact size. Body wipes Hand sanitizer gel Trail mix bars
CASH: Before departing on your trek, make sure you have enough Nepalese currency buy everything ATM's are available but are very hit and miss if they work..
Phone and data
WIFI: Hotels in Kathmandu have Wi-Fi which is normally free.
Teahouse may have internet for a fee.
2/3/4G in the city the connection is fine ,in the mountain there are long period with no signal
Climate and seasonal information
SEASONAL INFORMATION:
Peak Trekking March to May and September to Dec.
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Leader
All group trips but not solo are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to organise everything for you so you don’t have to.
Safety and security
Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please check the FOC or your local government advice.
STRIKES and PROTESTS
Demonstrations and protests are common in Nepal, with strikes regularly occurring that may result in curfews or roadblocks being enforced at short notice. You should avoid areas of protest.
CRIME Pickpocketing and other petty theft is common, especially in places where tourists or foreigners frequent. Take care when walking around at night. Avoid walking on your own and don’t carry large sums of cash. Keep valuables in a hotel safe if possible. And don’t put yourself at risk.
ALTITUDE: Altitude sickness is a risk, including on the Annapurna, and Everest Base Camp treks. Please ask for assistance if you do not feel well
INSURANCE: Make sure your insurance covers you for your intended activities, including travel and trekking above 2500/ 3000m if this is included on your itinerary, mountain rescue services and helicopter evacuation costs. Some insurance policies cover only 2500m.Its a requirement to have rescue insurance for the park permits.
Travelling during the festival times, during this time there will be many people and delays are likely
INTERNAL FLIGHTS: There have been a number of air accidents in Nepal. We only use airlines that have passed strict safety conditions for internal flights in Nepal, including Buddha Air, Yeti Air & Tara Air.
COVID
For additional Conditions of Carriage regarding COVID-19, see the guidelines from the FOC or your local government.
Travelling in a group
As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some frustration. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of ages We ask you to be understanding and have patience with your fellow travellers for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group.
SOLO TRAVELLERS This is the beauty of our style of travel: many of our travellers join because they are travelling solo and want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects.
Leave only footprints.
Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities. All our trip leaders, suppliers, and guides are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel.
PORTERS: Our porters are valued members of our trekking teams. We operate our treks according to standards that provide respectful, safe, and fair working conditions.
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