Trek booking opened for 2024/25 ! A notice for Lukla flight diversion through Manthali Airport from March, April and October and November 2024 !
Nepal Travel Information
Nepal is widely known for its mountains. The glorious Himalayas consist of breathtaking mountains, including the world’s tallest, the Mt. Everest (8848m). People find unparalleled adventures in these mountains. Thus, it earned the country the title for ‘trekker’s paradise. Moreover, the country surely is a natural phenomenon. Exotic and rare species of animals and plants are nestled in the dense jungles scattered throughout the country. Finally, cultural diversity is a significant aspect of the country’s beauty. Numerous cultural and religious heritages provide insight into the traditional history of the country. All such features together make Nepal an excellent place for travel.
Nepal Visa and Entry Procedure
Acquiring a Visa for Nepal is easy, and all foreigners except for Indian citizens require a Visa to enter Nepal. There are two ways you can obtain a visa for Nepal. You can either issue a Visa on arrival at the airport or submit an application at the consulate/embassy located in your country.
When you arrive at the Tribhuvan international airport in Kathmandu, you will have to check-in at the desk of the Department of Immigration. This desk will provide you with application forms that must be filled out to obtain a legal Visa to enter Nepal. The form is also available online. You may choose to fill it at the spot or submit it online and carry a reference ticket to provide at the desk.
The alternate method is to visit the Nepal Embassy and complete the application there. If you choose to do so, you must enter Nepal within six months of the issue date. For the first option, you must be aware that during peak tourism seasons, the desk providing Visa on arrival will have long queues. If you want to avoid the wait, make sure you try the latter method. Also, the costs of the visas are 30 USD for 15 days, 50 USD for 30 days, and 125 USD for 90 days.
You can find more information regarding Visa to Nepal at http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/
Popular Destinations to Visit
During your visit to Nepal, there are several popular destinations you must visit at least once. And, it can be difficult to manage schedules between the numerous destinations. However, here are some of the most popular destinations that are highly recommended to visit.
While you are inside the Kathmandu valley, there are several places you can visit. If you want to check out religious sites, you can visit famous places such as Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, Changunarayan, and Swayambhunath. If you are interested in historical sites, you can try visiting the ancient palaces and heritages in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur durbar square. Further away from the valley, various cities provide amazing attractions. Most cities offer fantastic landscape views, religious sites, and lively city atmospheres. Some famous destinations are Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini, Bhairawa, Hetauda, etc. If you want to take it up a notch, you can try on some famous trekking trails like the Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, Upper Mustang Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, etc.
Things to do in Nepal
Nepal is a land of adventure. But, one can find more than just adventure in this beautiful country. Most people indeed visit Nepal to get a taste of the Himalayas. The mountains in the north provide great adventures and fantastic experience. If you choose to do something other than trekking, you will still be surprised by the fantastic activities that can be done here.
There are various activities to do in Nepal. Without a doubt, the most popular activity to do here is trekking. Trekking unfolds the rugged persona along with the cultural beauty of Nepal to those who seek adventure. You can also witness rich flora and fauna of the dense jungles of Nepal. There are also other forms of adventure available here. If you have the skills and experience, you can also go for expeditions and peak climbing trips to conquer mountains. For those who desire adrenaline rushing levels of adventure, they can engage in adventure sports like rafting, bungee jumping, paragliding, zip-lining, etc. A more comfortable alternative to explore the Himalayas is Heli Tour. You can try Heli tours and mountain flights to get a good view of the Himalayas in the northern part of the country. Besides trekking, Jungle safaris also provide a great sense of adventure. The lush jungles of the Terai area are inhabited by a diverse array of rare species of animals and birds.
You can also tour around the beautiful cities of Nepal. Many cities here have cultural and religious heritage sites. You can explore the lives of the local people and learn about their culture and ancient traditions. Some various cities and locations hold rich historic cultural and religious heritages and are of high importance to the Nepalese community. A similar approach is to go for cultural treks in remote areas to explore the communities that are settled in isolated regions.
Trekking Seasons in Nepal
Nepal experiences four seasons through the year in which two seasons are highly recommended for trekking. These two seasons are spring and autumn. Spring and autumn occur from February to April and October and November, respectively. These months have the best weather conditions that lead to several benefits for trekking. During both months, the temperature is moderately warm and has a very low probability of precipitation. The skies are clear and accommodate views of the horizon with the grand view of the Himalayas. Clear weather also provides dry trails, which makes trekking easier and safer.
In contrast, the summer and winter seasons have harsh temperatures and weather conditions. Precipitation during these months is high, and trekking is challenging. Some areas are closed due to safety issues, and trekkers are suggested not to select these dates. However, treks to Upper Mustang can be done even during the summer/monsoon season as this region lies in the rain shadows of the Dhaulagiri Himalayas. Likewise, the short and easy treks across the nation can also be done during the winter season.
Altitude Sickness
If you are planning on traveling to high altitudes, one of the most important things to know about is altitude sickness. Altitude sickness is a dangerous threat while traveling at high altitudes. This is a condition where the body fails to adapt to the altitude and results in a lack of oxygen, which leads to various problems. The threat of altitude sickness begins from 3,000 meters and increases with elevation. Some common symptoms of altitude sickness include: shortness of breath, breathing irregularity Nausea and headache, vomiting, and loss of appetite, insomnia, dizziness and lightheadedness, confusion and disorientation, weakness, fatigue, lassitude, swelling hands, and face, etc.
There is no immediate cure for Altitude sickness. So, the best way to deal with it is to prevent it from happening. Thus, you must make sure how to keep your body safe from this condition. The best ways to stay safe is to regulate a proper pace while walking, hydrating the body, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, resting plenty, maintaining altitude coverage, etc. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above or feel uneasy in any way, stop trekking forward and inform your partners or the guide immediately. The only thing that can relieve you from altitude sickness is descending back to low altitudes. Medications such as Diamox pills can ease the symptoms temporarily.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a beneficial way to cover costs for unfortunate circumstances. Some of the common issues travelers face while traveling is theft, emergency medical services, trip cancelation costs, emergency evacuations, flight delays, etc. Getting travel insurance can help you cover the costs that can appear if you face the problems mentioned above during your travel. Thus, having travel insurance is highly recommended.
Meals and Accommodations
You can easily find plenty of hotels and lodges around the major cities. Hotels and lodges offer a wide range of prices, depending on the services they provide. If you desire, you can also stay in the finest luxury hotels or choose local homestays. Along with various modes of accommodation, you can also find numerous places to eat. Restaurants in urban areas provide a variety of cuisines. You might even find your local cuisine at these restaurants.
The availability of hotels and restaurants start decreasing as you go to rural areas. Some famous tourist destinations may have several hotels and small restaurants, but the options for meal choices start constricting. Regardless, trekkers and travelers will get to enjoy meals that will replenish their energy for the next part of the trip. As such, Dal Bhat Tarkari is the staple food of most of the communities across the country, including the majority of the locations on the trekking trails. During treks, you will be staying at lodges, rather known as Tea houses. These are small houses like places that offer small cozy rooms. They also provide a few choices of meals and are adequate for trekking accommodation. Alternatively, you can also stay at the homestays operated by the locals themselves.
During the peak trekking seasons, you might find it challenging to get a vacant room. In such cases, trekkers are encouraged to share rooms for a night. You can also stay at nearby villages upon requesting households to pay for the night.
Banking, ATM’s and Money
The official Nepalese currency is the Nepali Rupee (NPR). There are plenty of currency exchange centers around urban areas and fewer in rural areas. Banks also provide exchange services. Banks and ATMs are widely available in urban areas. Local ATMs will accept international cards but will have an additional charge for transactions. If you are planning to visit rural areas, it is recommended that you take enough cash and not depend on finding banks or ATMs.
Internet and Communication
With the improvement in technology, the Internet and Communication services are now widely available. However, some isolated parts of Nepal still lack connectivity. You can find free Wi-Fi at almost all restaurants and hotels/lodges. You can also use the internet and telephone services using local SIM cards. Travelers can quickly get a SIM card at local telecommunication stores and use cellular data or communication services with ease at a reasonable price. Apart from the Internet and SIM cards, there are various other communication mediums in Nepal. From newspapers and telephones to fax and postal services, communication can be done in numerous ways.
Internal Flight Delays
Due to the complicated geographical structure of Nepal, the climatic conditions bring unpredictable weather, especially in the Himalayan region. This often causes flight delays and cancellations. If you are planning to travel by domestic flight, you can expect your flight to get delayed or canceled. In such cases, you can either wait or travel by road. However, this creates a loss of time in your schedule. To prevent running short of time, it is recommended that you arrange flights one or two days ahead of your scheduled tour or trek. This gives you time for contingencies and eliminates the problems of running short on time. Likewise, it is also vital to have an extra day or two to complete the trip on schedule.
Health and Safety Including Traveling alone in Nepal
Nepal is known to be a safe and peaceful country. Nevertheless, you should always take care of your health and safety. Basic ways to follow through your health and safety is to keep in mind what you consume and where you travel. Some common health issues that can occur while traveling in Nepal are malaria, dengue, diarrhea, fever, etc. Most of these diseases take effect through food and water. Make sure you only consume the clean and hygienic drink and food.
Regarding safety, crime rates regarding tourism have been low in Nepal with exception of small pickpocketing, money fraud, and overpricing. In an overall view, Nepal is a safe place to travel.
The gear and equipment you require for the trek depend on the season you are trekking and number of the days. However, here is a list of probable items. Here, we have recommended a must-have list for hiking. You need to consider your options and preferences when packing for the hike.
Head Wear
- Sun hat or scarf
- Winter hat or insulating hat or a wide-brimmed hat
- Headlight with extra batteries
- Beanie
- Neck Gaiter
Face
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses with UC protection
- Face/body wipes
- Biodegradable bar soap
- Biodegradable washing liquid
- Throat lozenges, lip balm
- Hand sanitizer
Handwear
- Lightweight gloves
- Heavyweight winter gloves (During Oct – Feb)
- Inner gloves
Bodywear
- Breathable underwear
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Hooded rain jacket and waterproof pants ( The period of June – August)
- Fleece jacket
- Lightweight cotton pants
- Trekking t-shirts and trousers
- Down jacket ( -10 suffice on most treks)
- Sweater /thermal layer
Footwear
- Hiking boots
- Thick woolen socks ( During Oct – Feb)
- Sports shoes/sandals
- Fingers and toes warmer ( During Oct – Feb)
- Gaiter and crampons ( Winter months – December to February)
Toiletries
- Medium size drying towel
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant floss
- Biodegradable bar soap
- Nail clippers
- Small mirror
Backpack
- Duffel bag / Backpack ( 70 – 90 liter)
- Day pack/Rucksack (45-50 liter)
- Rain cover ( June – August)
Sleeping
- Tents ( Necessary for only camp treks – We provide it )
- Sleeping bag with liner ( -15 bag will suffice on most treks )
Personal accessories
- Money
- Watch
- Cell phone
- Camera
- Water purification ( Pump, tablets, or drops )
- Water bottle
- Hiking poles
- Journal and pens
- Camera with extra batteries
- Small alarm clock
- Credit card and cash
- Camp towel
- Garbage bags
- Insect repellent
- Packet knife
- Eye shade
- Ear plugs
- Book
- Cell phone in waterproof case
- Cell phone charging cable
- Local SIM card ( Namaste – NTC recommended )
Extra items
- First aid kit
- Extra passport size photos and photocopies of passport
- Notebook and pen
- Binoculars
- Energy /protein bar
Climbing Gears
- Climbing boot
- Crampons
- Ice axe/Ice hammer
- Harness, jumars
- Karabiners
- Finger eight/ATC guide
- Tap sling
- Fix/Main Rope
- Snow bar
- Ice Crew/Rock Piktung
- Oxygen cylinder & max regulator
- Gloves
- Helmet
- Hot bag
- Ski boards
- Walkie Talkie , satellite phone
Footwear
- High altitude boots
- Insulate camp boot
- Light hiking boot
- Gaiter
- Woolen socks
- Thermal socks
Body Wear
- Mid Suit
- Long sleeve sun shirt
- Trekking pants
- Base Layers top and bottoms
- Insulated synthetic pants
- Softshell and hard -shell pants
- Softshell and hard-shell jackets
- Mid – Layer top
- Sports bra – for female traveler
- Breathable underwear
Head Wear
- Softshell gloves
- Lightweight liner gloves
- Insulated shell gloves
- Expedition mittens
- Climbing helmet
- UV buff
- Balaclava system
- Sun hat
- Woolen hat
- Facemask
- Glacier glasses
- Nose guard
- Headlamp
- Ski goggles
Backpack
- Small 50 -60 liter
- Waterproof duffle bag
- Padlocks for the duffel bag
- Pack cover
Hygiene and Skin Care
- Toiletries and hygiene
- Hand sanitizer
- Sun cream
- Lip balm
- Toothbrush and paste
- Biodegradable soap and shampoo
- Quick-dry towel
- Nail clippers
- Wet Wipes
- Female hygiene products
First Aid Medical
- Anti – Diarrheal pill
- Anti – Headache medication
- Cough and cold medication
- Gauge pad
- Diamox
- Painkiller
- Antibiotics for chest and stomach infection
- Antiseptic cream
- Personal prescribed mediations
Personal Accessories
- Camera
- Small alarm clock
- Plastic bowl, spoon and coffee mug
- Pee funnel
- Trek map
- Reading materials
- Journal, card, games and pens
- Power bank
- Pocket knife
- Binoculars
- Insect repellent
- Flashlight
- Universal adapter