Question 1

Is Nepal safe for tourists?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Nepal is safe for tourists. The country has already recovered from the earthquake in 2015. Also, there is no burst of epidemics or viral diseases. The country is politically stable. However, sudden non-violent protests and occasional strikes are frequent. They usually do not have much impact on tourists, but it is better to avoid leaving hotels on such days. We also recommend you to keep yourself updated with the local news. The government and other respective bodies are continuously are trying to facilitate accessible communication, comfortable and safe internal travel, proper healthcare facility, and services of accommodation in different trekking trails for tourists.

Question 2

What are the physical fitness and other criteria required to trek in Nepal?

Accepted Answer

While all types of trek require good health condition with regular physical fitness and positive attitude, challenging treks and peak climbing requires physical fitness with some technical training. Most of the trails pass through the steep country lanes with climbs and ascents that can be demanding and tiresome, so it is beneficial for all travelers to exercise daily from a month before their trip. This helps the body get accustomed to the physical work required during the journey. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood disease should inform us before booking the trek and are advised to seek medical advice or consent from their doctors before the trek. We run different short and long trekking packages ranging from easy to extremely difficult and demanding. We can arrange any trips with an itinerary based on individual needs.

Question 3

When is the best season for trekking?

Accepted Answer

The best season to trek in Nepal is during autumn (September to November) as the weather is stable, dry, and clear. Also, the atmosphere is merry during these seasons, as autumn is the major festive season of the country. Another favorable season for trekking is during spring (March to May) as the trails become more vibrant and pleasing with the blooming of different wildflowers and Rhododendrons. The days are clear and perfect for trekking. December to February is the coldest time of the year. Most of the trekking paths lie in higher altitudes, so these areas even experience snowfall. From June to August, the country experiences summer season. Humidity increases along with the temperature. Hence, monsoon starts, which makes the skies cloudy, and the roads muddy and slippery. There are chances of flooding and landslides throughout the country as well.

Question 4

What is a TIMS card? What is the difference between TIMS and Trekkers’ Permit?

Accepted Answer

Trekker Information Management Systems (TIMS) card is compulsory for all foreign trekkers in Nepal to ensure the safety and security of trekkers in all trekking areas. TIMS card is necessary for all trekking areas in Nepal. At the same time, trekkers’ permit is specifically required to enter the conservation area, national parks, protected regions, wildlife reserve areas, and hunting areas that come in-between the routes. Nepal Alternative Treks will manage your TIMS, and all other required permits so that you can enjoy a hassle-free holiday.

Question 5

Do you have other dates available that match my timing??

Accepted Answer

Even though our trekking packages have pre-fixed group departure dates, we can tailor it to accommodate your specific requests and schedule. Please review our designated departure dates, and if they do not suit your timeframe, let us know your preferred timing so that we can manage your itinerary accordingly. We organize treks to different parts of Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet as per your wishes and convenience.

Question 6

Is Travel Insurance compulsorily required to trek in Nepal? Does your company pay for the Travel Insurance of guides and porters?

Accepted Answer

While booking a trek with us, we do require you to have travel insurance that must cover medical and emergency helicopter rescue with evacuation expenses at high altitudes for trekking members. You should provide the insurance documents before you depart for the trek. If you do not or cannot find an appropriate insurance policy, we will assist you with one. It will help you in potential altitude sickness and unforeseen events due to sudden weather change. Yes, we do pay for the insurance policy of our team members. Nepal Alternative Treks fund the expenses for insurance of all of its members along with their meals, salary, lodging, transportation, and other necessary equipment.

Question 7

Is there any difference between hiking, trekking, and Peak climbing?

Accepted Answer

Hiking, trekking, and peak climbing are all uphill journeys made on foot, but the duration and level of difficulty set them apart. Hiking is a short walk ranging from a few hours to 2-3 days, and the trails are quite comfortable. Trekking refers to the longer, relatively more difficult and tiring journey, which lasts for several days. Peak climbing means the adventurous activity of climbing mountain peaks of up to 6500 meters, which needs special gear and technical training. Nepal Alternative Treks arranges and runs all the mentioned activities in different parts of Nepal throughout the year.

Question 8

What is the role of your guides?

Accepted Answer

Our licensed guides speak fluent English, and most of them even speak additional foreign languages like Japanese or French. They are extensively trained in handling any crisis and accidents along with managing accommodation and have good experience in the safe operation of treks. Our guides have ample knowledge about the Himalayas, altitude sickness, geography, local culture, and customs, as well as the biodiversity of the area. Their primary concern is your safety and satisfaction throughout the trek. Therefore, they will make your journey easier, exciting, and enriching.

Question 9

What are the documents that we need to bring for trekking in Nepal?

Accepted Answer

You need to submit the following documents after the advance payment deposit, and all the documents should be sent via email. You will need the following documents: A copy of passport, Passport-sized photos, Flight details, Copy of travel insurance (it has to cover Heli rescue and medical evacuation) and other documents required to claim it.

Question 10

What are the accommodation arrangements during the trek?

Accepted Answer

In trekking trails, the accommodation options are teahouses and lodges only. Nepal Alternative Treks generally manages your accommodation in best available teahouses or lodges that provide single or double rooms, mostly in dormitory-style. The bed has a mattress, pillow, and blanket. Very few teahouses offer a room with a heater, and the blanket provided by the teahouse alone will not be enough to withstand the cold. So, it would be better to carry a warm sleeping bag. You can buy or hire one at the rental shops in Kathmandu.

Question 11

What kind of toilet facilities are there? Will we be able to take a shower in Mountain regions?

Accepted Answer

Lodges and teahouses on the lower altitude have excellent infrastructure and are likely to have western-style toilets, and sometimes even attached toilets. As you hike up, you are most likely to find an Indian squat-styled toilet. Finding toilet paper is almost impossible in these areas, so we advise you to carry plenty of your own. If you need to use the toilet while trekking, we will try to find the nearest lodge, if possible; otherwise, you will have to manage it somewhere in the forests. Please respect the environment by placing the used toilet paper in a plastic bag so that you can dispose of it later. Usually, Nepal Alternative Treks arranges accommodation with proper shower facilities. Please understand that it becomes difficult to arrange running shower and hot water facilities as the altitude increases. So, in remote mountainous regions, showers cost some extra money.

Question 12

Can we hire trekking gears in Kathmandu?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. There are plenty of shops around Thamel that sell as well as rent all the necessary gears for trekking, mountaineering, and peak climbing. These shops have great varieties of goods ranging based on their brand as well as price. We will help you with buying or hiring all the necessary equipment.

Question 13

How can we reach Nepal?

Accepted Answer

Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu is the only international airport in Nepal. TIA has direct air links with Osaka, Shanghai, London, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, Delhi, Dubai, Bombay, and Calcutta. If you are traveling from other cities, you can easily find a connecting flight to Kathmandu as many airlines such as Fly Dubai, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Royal Nepal Airlines (RNAC), Air India, Singapore Airlines, Thai Air, and Thai lion run daily flights to and from Nepal. You cannot use water transport since the country is landlocked, but there are land routes from different parts of India, Tibet, and China. Therefore, you can enter Nepal through the checkpoint on these land borders.

Question 14

Do we need to tip my porter and guide?

Accepted Answer

It is not mandatory to tip the porters and guides. It ultimately depends on your choice. As your porter and guide play a big role in the success of your trip, from guiding and carrying your necessities to being mindful of your safety, your tips reflect gratitude towards them. Hence, tipping is a recommended culture for porters and guides in Nepal as a gesture of thankfulness.

Question 15

Are alcoholic beverages available in Nepal?

Accepted Answer

You can easily find different types of alcoholic beverages of international as well as Nepalese brands. In villages, however, you can either find local (home-made) drinks like Chyang, Raksi, and Tongba or other packaged drinks of Nepalese brands. However, we do not suggest you consume alcoholic beverages often during treks as it causes difficulties in trekking the next day.

Question 16

Is it possible to recharge batteries and electronics during the trek?

Accepted Answer

Nowadays, all kinds of facilities, including recharging batteries and electronics, are available primarily in the more popular areas like Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang. Other areas like Dolpo and Kanchenjunga also have electricity and recharging facilities available for a minimal service charge. However, to be on a safer side, we do recommend you carry solar chargers. Also, note that the Nepalese plugs are of Type D, and the voltage is about 220-240 V. So, make sure that your devices are chargeable. Otherwise, you shall require adapters and voltage stabilizers.

Question 17

Is it possible to communicate with friends and family back home while on treks?

Accepted Answer

There are mobile networks, internet data, and Wi-Fi available in most of the trekking routes, and you can connect to your friends and family back home. For mobile network and internet data, you will require a Nepalese SIM-Card. If you wish to buy a Nepalese SIM-Card, we will assist you in getting it. You can buy a SIM-Card from local distributors easily with some fees.

Question 18

What is Acute Mountain Sickness? What happens if we fall sick?

Accepted Answer

As you ascend, the atmospheric pressure decreases. Hence, the amount of oxygen available also decreases. When your body is unable to acclimatize adequately to a rapid decrease in oxygen volume, altitude sickness occurs. Its symptoms are nausea, vomiting, headache, lack of appetite, exhaustion, muscle aches, rapid pulse even at rest (+/- 120 beats per minute), and insomnia. To avoid AMS, our itineraries include acclimatization days in between. You should walk at a slow and steady pace, eat enough carbohydrates, and drink plenty of water. You could eat chocolates and toffee while walking and avoid alcohol and smoking. Our guides are well-trained to handle emergencies like AMS and other sicknesses. They know how to use an oxygen meter to monitor blood oxygen saturation levels at high altitudes. They can facilitate you with other medical kits (First Aid) and health check-up as per necessity. If you happen to have symptoms of AMS or the feeling of being sick, you have to report it to your guide immediately. You must not ascend any further, take rest, and take medicines like acetazolamide or Diamox. If symptoms persist, you must descend to a lower altitude and visit a doctor immediately. If the condition seems to worsen, we shall coordinate with your insurance company for helicopter evacuation.

Question 19

As a single trekker, may I join one of Nepal Alternative Treks’ fixed departure Trekking package? Will it be possible to get a separate room?

Accepted Answer

Our group packages are designed in such a way that they suit single travelers too. It is a great way to get to know new people with similar interests, and most people find that group dynamics are very friendly and comforting. Single trekkers will share accommodation with other individual trekkers of the same gender on our group journeys. If you are a single traveler wishing for a private room, we can manage that as well, but you will have to inform us about it while booking the trip. Also, please note that you may have to pay some additional charges for single rooms.

Question 20

What is the booking method, and how can we make the payment for the trek?

Accepted Answer

Our booking procedure is secure and safe. We require you to fill up an online booking form and pay 10% of the total package cost as an initial deposit. You may make this payment through your credit card, or create a bank transfer, or use international money transfer services. Please do contact us before making your deposit, so that we can provide you with the required information. You have to pay the remaining amount after you arrive here in Kathmandu. You will have to complete your payment before departing for the trek. We accept credit cards and cash. We also accept all currencies.

Question 21

Where can we change money after arriving in Nepal?

Accepted Answer

After you arrive at Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport – TIA), you can exchange money at the exchange counter at the airport itself. We advise you to exchange only a small amount there as many other legal money exchange windows that provide the same service at a cheaper rate. You could use ATMs. However, they often limit the daily transaction amount. Also, only the ATMs of specific banks like Nabil, Investment, Himalaya, and Standard Chartered accept international cards. In most parts of the country except Kathmandu and other major cities like Pokhara, these machines are out of order most of the time. Alternatively, you can use the travelers’ cheque to withdraw Nepalese currency. These days, bigger shops, restaurants, and hotels even accept credit card payments.

Question 22

Can we get a visa upon arrival in Nepal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most of the foreign citizens qualify for an on-arrival visa. If you are entering Nepal by land, there are checkpoints on borders where you can obtain your on-arrival visa, and if you are flying to Tribhuvan International Airport, you can get your visa at the airport. However, do note that during peak tourist seasons (Spring and Autumn), there are long queues on the immigration counter at the airport. So, it will be easier if you obtain your visa from the Nepalese Embassy and Consulates on your country before travel. Please Note: To obtain your visa, you will need two photos (passport size) and hard currency. Choices of visas available on arrival and fees are: $ 25 (or equivalent foreign currency) for 15 days $ 40 for 30 days $ 100 for 90 days You can extend your visa at the Immigration Office in Kathmandu or Pokhara, starting with a minimum of fifteen days at a fee of $2 per day.

Question 23

What is the weight limit of the domestic flights and porters in Nepal?

Accepted Answer

The usual domestic flights allow luggage weighing up to 20 kilograms per passenger with some extra hand-carry. However, flights to Jomsom and Lukla allow only 10 kilograms per passenger. Usually, we arrange one porter for two trekkers, and one porter carries weights up to 20 kilograms. Hence, each trekker’s luggage should weigh only up to 10 kilograms. However, if your essentials weigh more than that, we can provide you a personal porter with some additional costs.

Question 24

What kind of food will be provided during the trek?

Accepted Answer

Our tour package includes three meals per day, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Dinner and lunch include the authentic Nepali Daal-Bhat (rice and lentils) along with seasonal vegetables, spinach, and pickle. If you do not like it, you can choose any item from the wide range of menu offered by the lodges. Teahouses and lodges serve Nepalese, Asian, and Continental food, and even pizzas. The food is prepared hygienically, but the taste of western food might not meet your expectations as there are minimal resources available. We usually suggest eating vegetarian food to avoid falling ill.

Question 25

How can drinking water be managed in the mountain?

Accepted Answer

Bottled plastic water is readily available in most of the trekking routes at USD 2 per liter. However, we recommend you carry your own water bottles. You can fill them up with filtered water wherever possible and purify it using chlorine or iodine. We shall provide water, purification drops, and tablets.

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