Nepal Treks FAQs

Treks FAQ of Nepal is designed to answer many of the questions for people who are planning and preparing for a trekking trip to Nepal. The questions listed here, and their respective answers are meant only as a general guide to help you plan and organize your trip before the booking your trip.

How I enter to Nepal?
By Air: The major international airlines operating scheduled services to Nepal are Thai Airways, Gulf Air, Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Korean Air, Etihad Air, Silk Air, Air Arabia, Druk Air, Jet Lite, Dragon Air, Air China.  These airlines carry most of the foreign travelers to Kathmandu at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), only international airport in Nepal.
By Road: Mainly from Indian border side, there are several entry points to enter Nepal; Kakadvita, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalganj, Dhangadhi and Mahendranagar. Scheduled public buses run to and from Kathmandu.

Does someone pick me up from airport? 
Please provide us your flight details to pick you up from international airport. On arrival, after clearing customs as you come outside of the terminal building, you will see someone standing with a placard of “Nepal Adventure Point” with your name and our airport representative will welcome you with a garland and transfer you to the hotel.

Where trekking is done in Nepal? 
In Nepal, trekking is done few or many days up and down at your own pace along well-established pristine forest of juniper and rhododendron through isolated hamlets and picturesque small mountain village inhabited by diverse ethnic groups and encountering friendly people, walking along scenic river bank, enchanting valleys, rocky gorge, terraced fields viewing mountain peaks, graceful waterfalls, watching variety of birds, different types of animals, seeing monasteries, temples and breathtaking landscape.

Is permit required for trekking? 
Trek permit is not required to trek in normal route of Everest, Langtang and Annapurna region. However, you should pay park fees. Special trek permit is required to visit following special areas.

Lower Dolpo and Kanchenjunga treks US$ 10 per person for the first four weeks and US$ 20 per week thereafter.
Manaslu and Narphu valley treks US$ 90 per person per week for trekking during September - November and US$ 75 per week during December - August.
Humla trek US$ 90 per person for the first seven days and US$ 15 per day thereafter.
Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpo treks US$ 500 per person for the first 10 days and US$ 90 per person per day thereafter.  An entrance fee is levied for visits to all National Parks and Conservation Areas.

What types of trekking I can do in Nepal? 
There are mainly two ways in which trekking in Nepal can be done:
Camping Trek: If you do not want to be on the main trails and want to experience the joys of camping in wilderness Nepal, camping trek is suitable for you. As exploratory or mountaineering expeditions, camping trek is also organized in the same style. Camping trek includes a team of leader/guide, cook, Sherpa, and porters with high quality tents, foam and mattress etc. Our porters carry all camping equipments, food, fuel, and personal belongings. Nepal Adventure Point organizes every camping trek according to your interest considering your time limitations.
Teahouse/Lodge Trek: A teahouse mean a locally run guesthouse. Standards do vary enormously depending upon the area. Teahouse treks can be done in popular area such as Annapurna, Everest and Langtang region, where teahouses are more like hotels, with hot water, Western food and private rooms are spare with twin beds, except for high altitudes ones where it will be just dormitories, nice toilets and sweat dining rooms available. Blankets are generally provided. These types of treks service are the most common choice; it that’s why is known as teahouse style package trek, on the teahouse, the meals are prepared to a similar hygiene standard as on our tented treks in best available teahouses en-route and meals are often simple and may be repeated several times during the trek but are always hot, tasty and filling. In lodge you meet peoples from different corner of world, exchange the experience of traveling, business, about culture, peoples activities, and some places you may watch television program.
Service only: This is an abbreviation of guide accommodation and porters. This option of the trek is for those who only want basic support from us. This is the most economic way of trekking in Nepal. We provide an English speaking local Sherpa guide. You should book and pay for the accommodation in local lodges during trek yourself directly to the lodge owner. This option works only in certain routes in Everest, Langtang, Annapurna regions where trekking routes are served by local tea house or lodges. Entire arrangement is exactly same as Tea House except you pay for your own meals. We take care of all expenses of our staff.
How fit do I need to be a trekking in Nepal?
To enjoy trek in Nepal, you need to be physically fit and in good health. Each trek is different; some involve strenuous hikes over high passes and some are strolls along river valleys! However, to join a commercial trekking or mountaineering you will need to develop a high level of fitness at least 2/3 months prior to your trek; you should involve yourself in at least one hour of exercise three to four times per week. Walking, jogging and cycling are excellent forms of exercise, so long as you are strengthening leg muscles and building stamina that will be enough.

What is the range of ages to do trekking in Nepal?
Our trips are designed for travelers of all ages assuming you are fit and healthy. The applicant will however be asked to provide a clearance from their doctor if they have any pre existing medical conditions or are aged 70 or over. This is because the applicant requires a reasonable level of fitness to undertake the adventure trips we offer.

What is the range of group size?
Groups range in size from 2 up to 16, and typically comprise a range of nationalities and experience. So far, all of our groups have got along very well. One of the attractions of such a trip is the chance to meet people with different backgrounds and personalities.
I want to go on a trek. When and where can I do so?
There are numerous treks you can try when you are in Nepal depending on the time of the year, amount of time and money you have to spend, and the amount of experience you've had.

I am a single trekker, how does this work?
Normally single trekkers have no problems fitting in with a group. Normally single trekkers share rooms or lodges with other trekkers of the same sex, but if we have an odd-number we ensure that a room or lodge is organized accordingly.

What is single supplementary?
Though limited, single occupancy hotel rooms and tents are sometimes available upon request. We keep single supplement costs to a minimum, and will try to do whatever is possible to assist your with your specific need.

What do I need to carry on trek? 
You will just need to carry your day pack which should be a small, soft, light rucksack, comfortable enough to carry throughout the day. You should hold your warm or lightweight clothing, jacket, pullover, trousers or shorts. Also, a lightweight waterproof, water bottle, camera, notebook, map and other personal effects should be kept with you try to anticipate what you will need for the day as the rest of your luggage will be ahead or behind you with the porters.

Can I organize my own private group?
If the specified departure dates are not suitable, or you would like to vary the itinerary, we would be happy to devise a programmed to suit your travel interests. This service is available to any individual or group.  However, as a general rule, for a quote to match the brochure price we need a minimum of 4 people. We regularly organize tailor-made holidays for families, groups of friends, schools, clubs, charities and special interest groups and we’d be happy to advise you on your plans.

Can extend my trip?
There are lot options if you would like to extend your holiday. In addition to your trek, we can organize tour programs both within Nepal and other neighboring countries. You can try river rafting, jungle safari tour or you may as well take a trip to Tibet, India or Bhutan as your wish.

Who will guide or accompany my groups? 
Our trips are always accompanied by a senior Nepalese English speaking Leader/Guide minimum of 10 years of guiding experience. He or she will be experienced in group leadership and proverbial about the cultures and natural history you will encounter on your trek. Over the past 15 years as we have been doing Himalayan treks, we have developed a leadership capability among our Nepalese staffs that we believe exceeds the qualifications of leading international travel organizations.

What kind of dress does use?
We recommend loose fitting, long sleeved shirts and long shorts, skirts or pants when traveling Nepal. We respectfully suggest that you avoid very shorts/skirts when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites. Nepal Adventure Point is very firm on this policy, so please ensure you bring suitable clothing.

What are the personal expenses during the trekking?
On this trek all meals will be provided. You only need money for table drinks such as alcoholic or non alcoholic, beverages tips, souvenirs, hot shower etc.

When is the best time to trek in Nepal?
Springs and autumn seasons are no doubt best time to visit Nepal. Other seasons like summer, monsoon, and winter are equally good if purpose of visit is different.

Can I do treks in monsoon? 
During the monsoon (June/July) trekking is possible in the rain-shadow areas of north of the Himalaya like upper Mustang and upper Dolpo. These regions are out of reach of the rain clouds because of the high mountains and are unaffected by the monsoon. It is also possible to trek at low elevation around Pokhara and Kathmandu Valley.

Do I affect by altitude sickness? 

Anyone can be affected by altitude sickness, known as acute mountain sickness. However, our itineraries are specifically designed to minimize the risks associated with trekking to high altitudes by building in acclimatization and rest days. In the event of any symptoms we will ensure that the individual descends to a lower altitude to gain a quick recovery. The symptoms of altitude sickness are due to lower air pressure at high altitudes, which results in lower oxygen levels as you breathe the air in. The air is under less pressure and this makes it harder for your body to get the oxygen out of the air and into the circulation. It's this extra strain on the body that causes altitude sickness.

What happens if I get sick? 
In the event of illness or injury, your leader/guide with the approval of leader will arrange to send someone for assistance or transport the ill person to a nearest hospital, airstrip, or road head for evacuation to Kathmandu.

Does your company rescue the helicopter? 

For serious medical emergencies when a patient can't walk or be carried out, our leader/guide delivers the rescue message with full name, sex, passport number and nationality of the sick person then helicopter will be at the rescue spot within couple of hours which can be arranged by Nepal Adventure Point. Once you send for rescue request there is no way you can cancel it. You must wait for the helicopter at the place or point from where you have asked to be rescued. Once the helicopter takes off, you are liable for the costs even if it doesn't find you.

Is communication to home possible while on trek? 
While trekking you may not have an access to telephone facility for some days or weeks. However, in route there may be few places where telephone facilities may be available and likely to be working. If it is crucial for you to keep in contact with your family or others, Nepal Adventure Point can provide you a mobile satellite phone.

Do I have to expect troubles with general strikes?
Public demonstrations and strikes are trendy forms of political expression in Nepal, as in some of the other countries and they may occur on all of sudden with short notice. These demonstrations are usually nonviolent and not directed towards foreigners. During general strikes (called "Bandh" in Nepal), most of the businesses are closed, and transportation and city services may be interrupted. You can get airport downtown-airport shuttle service, Tourist buses, and rickshaws as only means of transportation during these strikes and bandhs.

Are there ATM facilities in Nepal?
There are many ATM machines in Kathmandu and in Pokhara. ATM machines are slowly being introduced to other city like Butwal and Dharhan.

What is the range of tipping in Nepal? 

Although tipping is not customary and is entirely optional, it is expected by people who will take care of you during your travels.. Our Leader/Guide will pass round a collection for tips for the local operator team as a way of saying thanks you for a job well done. The amount is a purely personal decision but on average is around for tipping drivers and local guides would range from US$ 1-2 per person per sightseeing day depending on the quality and length of the service, for porters during the trekking portion of your trip, the recommended amount is US$ 3-5 per person per day; ask your tour leader/Guide for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your Nepal Adventures Point tour leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. Even though the amount to tip is entirely a personal preference; as a guideline US$ 5-7 per person, per day can be used.

How to book the trip?
To book any of our trips, you are requested to fill our online booking form or just send us a simple e-mail with your requirements. We charge 20% of the total trip cost, which is non-refundable. Then we will send you a comprehensive trip itinerary after booking.

What is the Payment Method?
Method of payment could be travel check/visa/master card or cash while booking the trip with us. While you pay by credit card, certain bank charge is added.
Finally …….If you are looking for a trustworthy agent to support your group with travel in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India, we are here to serve you.  Just send us a short description of your planned trip, and we will send you information about our packages and rates. In addition, we would be more than happy to hear about any tour packages that you would like to endorse or trade through us. We look forward to work with you for mutual benefits