General FAQs
You can visit Nepal any time of the year, as Nepal is not only made up of mountains, contrary to what most people believe. Only about 25% of the nation's geography can be classified as mountainous – the rest consists of beautiful hills and lush plains. There are plenty of things to do and many attractions to visit in Nepal year-round.
For trekking, however, it's wise to avoid the harsh winters and heavy monsoon. Lack of proper preparation can hinder your plans and cause safety risks during your experience. The period from March to early April (spring) and September to early December (autumn) is ideal for trekking in the Himalayas.
Yes, a visa is mandatory for visitors from any country other than India to enter and explore any region of Nepal. Acquiring a Travel visa is pretty straightforward. You can easily get a Visa on Arrival (VOA) from Tribhuwan International Airport, if traveling by air, or at border immigration offices if you’re traveling by land.
You must have a valid passport, two passport-size photos, and the required visa fees.
Nepal is one of the safest places to visit in the world. Although the cities are fairly modernized, Nepalese people respect the traditions and values. 'Atithi Devo Bhawa' is a common saying throughout the country. Through generations, we have been taught to treat guests on par with the gods themselves.
So, even if you are a solo female traveler or a person of any age, Nepal is one place where you can explore to your heart's content without any fear. Nepalese people are friendly! Accept a warm and humble 'Namaste' from locals.
Going from one destination to another can be a new experience in Nepal. Furthermore, you may need additional time to get used to local transport. Domestic flights connect most parts of Nepal with the capital and major cities. Hiring private vehicles is easy. Your local travel agent/operator can assist you in booking one at a reasonable/local price.
Taxis are available across the main cities, and you can also catch a public bus at fixed times. All in all, traveling in Nepal is fairly easy, apart from the high Himalayan destinations.
Money exchanges and ATMs are easily accessible in major cities across the country. The exchange rates and service fees may vary from place to place. While the airport is the most accessible, we recommend visiting money exchanges in Thamel as they provide better exchange rates.
ATM facilities are sparse, and mostly non-existent in the Himalayas. Most transactions are done in cash.
Food (the staple, dal-bhat) and drinking water are available in local teahouses and rest houses along the trails. You will also find water taps on most trails. However, we recommend carrying purification pills to avoid getting sick in the Himalayas.
You can choose your destination based on your fitness level. High passes or long treks require trekkers to have good cardiovascular health and endurance. However, most trekking days can be completed within 5-6 hours of walking. People with average fitness and general experience can complete almost 90% of the trekking routes in the Himalayas.
Our itineraries are prepared by some of the best professionals in this business. However, we understand that no two people are the same. Depending on your preferences, you can customize your itinerary.
Changes to the itinerary are subject to price adjustments. For personalized quotes, consult with our travel experts.
Tipping is not compulsory but customary and highly encouraged. Tipping is a way to show gratitude to your guide and porter for their hard work and support in making your Himalayan dream a reality.
While most gear and equipment are available for rent in Kathmandu, you are always welcome to bring your own. If you are renting your gear in Kathmandu, consult with your expert guide.
Emergency decisions are made based on the specific situation. While we usually try to adjust the itinerary or use a buffer day, there may be cases where we must cancel the remainder of your Himalayan journey. We rely on our experienced guides to assess the situation on the ground and make the final decision.
In the event of an evacuation, our team back in Kathmandu will maintain constant communication with the field officers to ensure a safe rescue mission.
No travel insurance fees are included in the original cost of the tour. It is up to you to decide and purchase the best insurance policy for your Himalayan trek. Our travel experts can also guide you in this process.
Make sure it covers the air evacuation (helicopter rescue) fees to be on the safe side.
Pack in layers. You will typically need warm clothes, a jacket, a raincoat, socks, gloves, and dry-insulated clothes.
If you choose to cancel a confirmed booking, your 20% deposit is non-refundable and acts as the cancellation fee.
If you have already paid more than the initial 20% deposit at the time of cancellation, we will refund the extra amount to your original payment method.
Guides are often mandatory, especially in protected or restricted regions of Nepal. Taking a porter depends entirely on your preference. While guides ensure you miss nothing during the trek, the porters allow you to focus solely on the Himalayan trails.
Altitude sickness is an important consideration when trekking at higher altitudes. Mild symptoms, often referred to as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), typically present as a minor headache or nausea. These can generally be prevented or managed through proper hydration, steady pacing, and gradual acclimatization.
More severe conditions, such as HAPE (high-altitude pulmonary edema) and HACE (high-altitude cerebral edema), are serious and require immediate action, including descent. Fortunately, these severe cases are rare and typically occur only at extreme elevations, making them highly unlikely on standard trekking routes.