🇳🇵 Gelje Sherpa +977 9841601325 🇺🇸 Mingma Sherpa (434) 485-6869 [email protected]

General FAQ

How do I obtain a visa to travel to Nepal?

Apply via a Nepali embassy in your home country or get it on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) or borders like Kakadvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Gaddachowki, or Kodari. As of November 2025, on-arrival fees are $30 USD (15 days), $50 USD (30 days), or $125 USD (90 days, multiple entries) payable in any major foreign currency or NPR (no USD cash required). SAARC citizens (except Afghans) get 30 free days on first entry per visa year. Passport needs 6+ months validity and one blank page; bring 2 passport photos.Foreign nationals (except officials/diplomatic passport holders) from the following 12 countries must apply in advance at a Nepali embassy: Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland (Eswatini), Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan, Syria. Refugees with travel documents are also prohibited from on-arrival visas.To proceed: Fill the online form at nepaliport.immigration.gov.np beforehand for quick processing, then pay fees on arrival. Extensions (min. 15 days, $45 USD + $3/day extra) are at Kathmandu’s Department of Immigration. For comprehensive visa procedures, fees, and updates, visit our dedicated Visa Guide page.

Will someone pick me up at the airport upon my arrival?

Yes, our Himalaya Sacred Treks and Expedition representative will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport with a sign displaying your name and our logo. We’ll escort you to your vehicle and transfer you to your hotel. Please share your flight details (including any delays) at least 48 hours in advance. Be cautious of unofficial outside arrivals who may offer unsolicited help stick with our staff to avoid scams.

Do I need travel insurance?

Absolutely—travel insurance is mandatory for all our treks and expeditions in Nepal, as per government regulations updated in 2025. It must cover emergency medical expenses (at least $50,000 USD), hospitalization, trip cancellation, personal liability, and helicopter evacuation (essential for high-altitude rescues, costing $5,000–$10,000 USD). We recommend purchasing comprehensive coverage from your home country at least one week before departure, including adventure activities like trekking and climbing. Provide us with your policy details upon booking. Basic policies often exclude high-risk activities, so verify coverage for altitudes above 3,000m.

Can I buy travel insurance in Nepal?

While possible through local providers in Kathmandu, we strongly advise buying it in your home country for broader coverage and easier claims. Local options may not include helicopter evacuation or meet international standards. For recommendations, visit our insurance resources page or consult providers like World Nomads or Allianz.

What is the payment process?

We require a 25% deposit via bank transfer (wire, PayPal, or credit cardnote a 4% fee for cards) to confirm your booking. The balance is due 30 days before departure or upon arrival for shorter trips. Full payment can be made in USD, EUR, GBP, or NPR in Kathmandu. We issue an invoice upon deposit. Cancellations within 60 days incur fees (e.g., 50% for 30–60 days, 100% within 30 days) to cover arrangements. All transactions are secure and receipted.

What currency should I bring, and where can I exchange money?

Bring USD, EUR, or GBP for the best rates they’re widely accepted for visas and major expenses. Exchange at authorized banks, hotels, or Thamel/Boudha shops in Kathmandu (rates are competitive). ATMs (Visa/Mastercard) are plentiful in cities but charge fees; withdraw NPR for treks. Carry small USD bills (under $100) for tips. Cryptocurrency isn’t accepted for payments.

What essential documents do I need?

  • Passport valid for 6+ months.
  • Nepal visa (on arrival or pre-applied).
  • Travel insurance policy (with emergency contact).
  • Printed flight itinerary and booking confirmation.
  • 2–4 passport photos.
  • For Indians: Voter ID or government-issued photo ID (no passport needed). Indian residents and Bhutanese can enter visa-free with valid ID.

What kind of luggage should I bring, and what’s the domestic flight limit?

Opt for a soft duffel bag or backpack (max 15–20kg total for domestic flights like Kathmandu–Pokhara, including 5–10kg hand luggage).Wheeled suitcases aren’t ideal for rugged trails. Pack efficiently: waterproof liners, hand sanitizer, and personal items. Excess baggage costs $1–2/kg. We provide a complimentary 120L duffel, sun cap, and buff for treks.

What’s the weather like in Nepal, and how should I prepare?

Nepal’s climate varies by elevation: subtropical lowlands (20–35°C, humid), temperate hills (10–25°C), subalpine (5–20°C), alpine (-10–10°C), and nival (below -20°C above 4,800m). Expect sudden changes pack layers (fleece, down jacket, rain gear). Best overall: clear skies and mild temps. Monsoon (June–Aug) brings rain; winter (Dec–Feb) snow at height.

Zone

Elevation

Temp Range

Rainfall

Key Prep

Subtropical

Up to 1,200m

20–35°C

Heavy (>2,000mm/yr)

Light clothing, insect repellent

Temperate

1,200–2,400m

5–25°C

Moderate

Layers, rain jacket

Sub-Alpine

2,400–3,600m

-5–20°C

Low

Fleece, hat, gloves

Alpine

3,600–4,800m

-10–10°C

Minimal

Down jacket, thermal base layers

Nival

>4,800m

-20–5°C

Very Low

Expedition gear, UV protection

For more detailed and up-to-date information on Nepal’s weather and climate, visit the official Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) website at https://dhm.gov.np/, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) climate guide at https://ntb.gov.np/plan-your-trip/about-nepal/climate, or the World Meteorological Organization’s Nepal page at https://worldweather.wmo.int/en/country.html?countryCode=31.

What should I do in case of a medical emergency?

Our guides are first-aid certified with basic medical kits and satellite phones for evacuation. For altitude issues or injuries, we’ll stabilize and arrange helicopter rescue (covered by insurance). Health posts dot trails; major hospitals are in Kathmandu. Carry personal meds (e.g., Diamox for AMS, ibuprofen). Pre-trip doctor visit recommended.

What is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), and how is it managed?

AMS occurs above 2,500m from low oxygen—symptoms: headache, nausea, dizziness. Prevent by acclimatizing (extra rest days), hydrating (4L/day), and pacing. We carry oxygen cylinders, Gamow bags, and meds. Severe cases trigger immediate descent or heli-evac. Start Diamox (125mg twice daily) 24 hours before 3,000m if prescribed.

Do I need vaccines or medications?

Consult your doctor for routine shots (hepatitis A/B, typhoid, rabies if rural). No mandatory vaccines, but tetanus/diphtheria boosters advised. Malaria risk is low in hills; use DEET. Carry rehydration salts, blister kits, and altitude meds.

How fit do I need to be?

Moderate fitness: 5–7 hours walking daily on uneven terrain. Train with cardio/hiking 3–6 months prior. No prior experience needed for most treks, but expeditions require climbing background.

Is communication possible during trips?

Yes—NTC/Ncell SIMs with WiFi in most teahouses (free or $1–2/hour). Satellite phones for remote areas ($3–5/min call). Charging: solar/universal plugs (Type C/D).

Are there ATMs or credit cards on routes?

ATMs in Kathmandu/Pokhara and major cities; carry NPR cash for trails (no cards). Major hotels/airlines accept Visa/Mastercard.

Can I customize my itinerary or cancel?

Yes, customize based on time/budget (extra fees for extensions). Cancellations: full refund >90 days; 50% 60–90 days; none <30 days.

Do I need to tip guides/porters?

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Nepal. it’s a customary way to show gratitude for excellent service, especially on treks and expeditions. We recommend pooling tips at the end of your trip (typically 10–15% of the total group cost) and distributing via the guide for fairness.
As of 2025 guidelines:

  • Head Guide: $15–35 per day (higher for challenging expeditions or large groups).
  • Assistant Guide: $10–20 per day.
  • Porter: $8–15 per day (based on load and terrain).

Adjust based on group size, trip length, and satisfaction—e.g., for a 10-day trek with 2 trekkers, aim for $150–300 total pooled. Our team won’t solicit tips, but your generosity supports local livelihoods.

What wildlife or hazards should I know?

Watch for monkeys, leopards, rhinos in lowlands; yaks in hills. Hazards: landslides (monsoon), earthquakes (seismic zone), avalanches (winter). Guides brief on safety; eco-friendly practices encouraged.