What are the VISA requirements and how do I get one?
All foreign nationals (except Indians) require a visa to enter Nepal. Visas are obtainable from embassies abroad or on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and at some land borders (India and China).
Some queues during peak Tourist Season should be expected at the Visa Counter.
You will also need to provide two passport photos and the following fees in US dollars cash. The following costs were correct at time of writing (effective from 17 July 2019):
Your visa application form may require you to state the dates on which you enter and exit that country. We suggest you state your date of entry a few days before and date of exit a few days after your intended dates in case you encounter any delays or problems en route.
What is the Food and Drink scene like in Nepal?
International Cuisines are widely available in Kathmandu, Pokhara and scattered throughout the Trekking destinations. Kathmandu Valley also offers a local eclectic culinary variety for the adventurous foodie.
Dal Bhaat Tarkari, a platter of rice, dal (lentil soup) and vegetable curry, is the dominant choice across the country and especially during hikes. Sometimes, chutney and pickles are often used as condiments. Momos (Steamed Dumplings) are available across the country is a very popular dish.
Avoid street food when you arrive in Nepal as it would be risking your holiday with unnecessary stomach problems.
What food should I expect to eat during the trek?
Food along the trek is rich in carbohydrates and protein and the trek itself will involve major calorie burn. The staple diet along the trail is Rice and Lentils and non-vegetarian options are sometimes included. Other options may be available but we recommend you choose the best local options.
We will accommodate your dietary preferences and food allergies wherever possible during the trek.
What do Trekking Grades mean?
Trekking in Nepal can be graded as different levels according to route features and elevation varies from place to place. Some trekking routes are combined with a higher level of elevation which requires some different standard of physical fitness and acclimatization or rest day. Trekking in Nepal can be done by all levels of trekkers; if they think themselves fit and have a strong desire. People suffering from cardiac or respiratory problems should consult their personal doctor. It is essential to choose a trek that is fit to your capabilities and present health condition.
Grade A trekking can be ideal for any age group and this type of trekking involves bellow 3000m of elevation and duration will be about not more than 10 days. It is the easiest treks, tours and walking in a day is not exceeding more than 5 hours, but it depends upon your walking speed. These types of trek also allow plenty of opportunities to view the Himalayas and encounter local culture.
Moderate or Grade B level of trekking holiday involves about two weeks long covering elevation above 3000m to 5000m below. Generally, this type of trek also requires well fitness of physical conditions and about 6-7 hours of hiking capabilities. This type of trek also involves a mixture of some longer and shorter hike and trails can be rough, steep and have many ‘ups’ and ‘downs’ with some exposure.
Grade C types of trek involve a 5000m or few meters up level of trails with side trips to higher elevations. Considered to be harder, therefore, preparation for fitness and good health conditions are essential. However, you must be very fit for this sort of trip. Those who suffer from asthma, high blood pressure, heart disease or complicated medical conditions related hikers are not recommended.
Very Strenuous trekking grades is best described as Alpine and most strenuous, which require mountaineering skills and knowledge. The elevations range from 4000 m to 6000 m and approximately 7 hours walking a day for the trekking in Nepal. It covers very remote areas, traveling over snow-covered passes at an altitude of up to 6000 meters. You may need to axes and crampons to cross the pass when there is heavy snow
Challenging Trekking grade is limited to those with an excellent level of personal experience and fitness of an outstanding sense of humor and high tolerance levels. It is challenging trekking, which the most are fascinating and operating to the height of 6000 meters. It is the most exciting to observe them. This type of trek needs 16- 28 days more for going the trekking on the higher altitudes. During the trek, you may have to cross-snow – covered passes in very remote areas or climb up to 6000 meters in altitude.
Nevertheless, we want to warn our trekkers that the level of difficulty of a trek is very subjective. Weather conditions, your physical condition, possible health problems during the trek and other factors can have an important influence on the way you experience a trek.
What are the hotels like in major cities?
All major cities have hotels that are on par with any other hotel around the world, depending on their star category.
What kind of accommodations will I stay in during my Trek?
Accommodations are basic lodges along the trekking route are often known as tea houses. The accommodations along the lower sections of the trek may be of concrete structures with private rooms and attached bathrooms. However, the higher you go, the more basic it gets. Toilet choices vary from western style sit down to a more traditional squat toilet.
What kind of Toilets should I expect in Nepal?
Up-market Hotels have Western Style toilets. Squat Style is more common in rural areas. Recommended to carry soap and toilet paper as they aren’t always available everywhere.
Do I need any immunizations?
Some travelers choose to use prescriptions such as Diamox to treat altitude sickness. We recommend talking to your doctor about the use of any prescription medicine.
How much should I TIP in Nepal?
Tipping is common in Nepal, especially in Tourism. A general rule of thumb is about 10% of the bills in restaurants, and a few extra rupees for porters, guides and drivers
Do I need to worry about altitude?
Trekking at high altitudes can become a concern above 10,000 ft. Some travelers choose to use prescriptions such as Diamox to treat altitude sickness. We recommend talking to your doctor about the use of any prescription medicine. We always advise hiking at your own pace, drinking plenty of water, and the importance of self-care on the trail.
Will someone be carrying my luggage during the trek?
Due to the high altitude and length of daily travel, you will carry a daypack and a porter will carry your duffle bag up to 15 kgs. The weight limit for porter transport should include your sleeping bag. Your daypack should contain any clothes needed for that day and any personal belongings like your camera or passport.
Can I leave some of the luggage in the hotel for the duration of the trek?
You will be staying at the same hotel before and after your trek in Kathmandu/ Pokhara. Leaving an extra bag at the hotel during your trek is free of charge and we recommend it.
How should I train for my Trek?
Daily mileage can range from 3-11 miles and 4-8 trekking hours per day. No technical skills are required and first-time trekkers are welcome. We always recommend that travelers break in their hiking boots before the expedition. Taking training hikes that mimic the mileage and amount of time you will be trekking in Nepal is highly recommended.
What will the weather be like during the Trek?
Weather is always unpredictable which is why we recommend a comprehensive packing list. A sunny warm day can end in rain. It never hurts to prep for both!
What is the voltage for Electricity?
Power in Nepal is supplied at 220 volts and the most common socket types are for two round-prong plug type such as is found in Europe or three round-prong plugs such as that found in India.
And the Internet?
Internet is widely available in major cities but is very unreliable in smaller towns and rural areas.
Do Phones work all over Nepal?
Phones should work in all urban areas provided global roaming is activated. Else, local SIM cards are available at the Airport.
Is safe and clean drinking water available everywhere?
Bottled Water is available at most stores but we recommend you to bring a canteen to avoid harming the environment. Our guides should be able to help you gain access to filtered water or purification tablets. Safe drinking water will be provided to you along the trail. Our goal is to reduce the number of single-use plastic water bottles on our Treks.
What modes of payment are accepted in Nepal?
Credit Cards are widely accepted in most Tourism Centric places in Kathmandu and Pokhara but expect to pay cash while making local purchases.
What about ATMs?
ATMs are common in major cities. It is difficult to find an ATM in rural areas and smaller towns.
What about Travel Insurance?
Yes. It is recommended that you buy travel insurance prior to your travel to Nepal. You may send us these details or share it with your group leader if need be. For Trekking, it is absolutely recommended that you take insurance in the unlikely event of evacuation by helicopter.
How accessible is Nepal for travelers with disabilities?
TravelPal Nepal is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. However, Airports, most hotels, and streets are not accessible for travelers with disabilities, especially wheelchair users.
Nepal is keen to facilitate accessibility to all and an Annual Conference on Accessible Tourism is being held since 2014.
The first “accessible trekking trail” in the country was opened near Pokhara in 2018. It is possible to arrange custom treks and adventures in Nepal for travelers with disabilities, including on the popular Everest Base Camp route.
What kind of clothing and footwear should I bring?
The clothing you require depends on where and when you are trekking. A Trek to Everest Base Camp in the middle of winter will require down-filled gear with mittens and thermals. T-Shirt and fleece should be enough for a Short Low altitude Trek early of late in the season
Trekking requires Hiking Boots. It is essential that these boots are broken in and are comfortable.
For City traveling, we recommend comfortable sneakers or hiking boots. More Details are included in our Itineraries.
Can you teach me some Popular Nepali Phrases?
It is quite easy to get by in English in Nepal. The most essential phrase is Namaste and this greeting should be accompanied with the hands helps in a prayer-like position. This gesture is the Nepali equivalent of Westerners shaking hands.
| ENGLISH | NEPALI |
| Hello/ Goodbye | Na.ma.ste |
| Thank you | Dha.nya.bad |
| Yes (I have) | Cha |
| No (I don’t have) | Chhai.na |
| Excuse Me | haj.ur |
| I’m Sorry | Ma.lai Ma.af Gari.din.os |
| My Name is ……. | Mer.o Na.am ….. ho |
| What is your name? | Ta.pai ko na.am ke ho? |
| I don’t understand | Mai.le bu. Jhi.na |
| I’m lost | Ma har.aye chu |
| Beautiful | Soon.dar |
| Good | Ram.ro |
| Please (Give me) | di.nu.hos |
| I | Ma |
| OK | Theek.cha |
| What is this? | Yo ke ho? |
| You (Colloquial/ informal): | Ti.mi |
| You (with respect/ Formal | Ta.pai |
| Where is a ……. | ……. Ka.ha chha? |
What should I carry in my medical kit?
Kathmandu has the best medical facilities in the country, but the standards decline the further you get from the capital. Although we will be carrying a medical kit, we would still advise you to carry your specific medical kit in case of emergencies. A Medical kit comes in very handy while traveling. The following may be included in your checklist: (Consult your pharmacist for brands available in your country)
Is Nepal- an LGBTQI-friendly destination?
Many of our travelers are part of the LGBTQI community and we try to make them feel comfortable. Homosexuality was legalized in 2007 in Nepal. The constitution of 2015 also included a number of provisions for the LGBTQI Community. Nepal Tourism Board is keen to promote the country as an LGBTQI-friendly destination. For the LGBTQI visitor to Nepal it is unlikely you will experience any difficulties or hostility. However, due to the conservative nature of Nepali society, public display of affection is frowned upon.
What books can I read to know more about Nepal?
Any other tips?
We always ask that you stay safe on the trail by drinking plenty of water, eating well, and communicating openly with your guide about any issues that arise. Be sure to take care of your belongings, be respectful of your travel companions, practice your Nepali with people you meet along the way, and respect the natural landscape that you’re exploring.