Planning a trekking holiday in Nepal can raise a lot of questions, especially if it’s your first time trekking in the Nepal Himalayas. From logistics, weather, and gear to guides, porters, and permits, there’s a lot to consider before embarking on your adventure. Our guests often ask questions about everything from their trekking permits, Nepal visa requirements, insurance detail to bag handling, drinking water, hot showers, charging facilities, food options, laundry services, and more.
So, here we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions our guests ask before and after booking their trek. We hope this information will definitely help you prepare for a smooth and enjoyable trekking experience in the Nepal Himalaya.
FAQs
Q. Can I get a Nepal visa on arrival? And how much does it cost?
A. Yes, you can get Nepal Tourist Visa on Arrival, you can fill the visa form online from the link below:
http://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/
Visa Fees: Nepal visa fees are listed below as per the duration.
Multiple entry 15 days – US$ 30 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 30 days – US$ 50 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 90 days – US$ 125 or equivalent convertible currency
for more information about tourist visa: http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa
Q. How can I find my transportation after arriving at Nepal’s international airport? Who will pick us up when we get there?
A. After your visa and customs formalities are completed, you should come out of the arrival hall and you will see our driver and guide holding a placard with your name, and you should meet them by looking at the placard, then they will transfer you to hotel in Kathmandu.
Q. Can we meet our trekking or tour guide at the hotel? And is there any meeting before our trip?
A. After you reach the hotel, you will check in to the hotel and after about 15-20 minutes, you will meet your trip guide and related manager for a short tour briefing. If your flight arrives late in the evening, you will meet in the morning of the second day.
Q. How will trekking permits be arranged? Do you need any documents for trekking permits?
A. We take care of your trip permits and please bring your passport with 2 passport size photos for trip. We will collect them on trip permits with a guarantee of your trip.
Q. When can we make Payment for the trek? (Payment mode)
A. You can pay of the trip payment bank wire transfer or day of arrival in cash.
Q. Can we store extra luggage or our suitcase at the hotel? Is there any cost?
A. Of course, you can store your extra luggage or suitcase at the hotel, the hotel store manager will give you a luggage tag to keep with you, which you will have to present when you return from the trek to collect your luggage. The storage fee is free.
Q. For the trek, do we need a sleeping bag and a down jacket? Is that included or do we have to bring it? Can I rent it in Kathmandu? Can you help will rent it?
A. Yes, you should have a sleeping bag and a down jacket that should work down to -15 degrees Celsius. If it is included in our trip package, we will provide it to you, otherwise you have to bring it yourself or you can rent it in Kathmandu and it costs USD 1.5 per day per sleeping bag or down jacket. One of our staff will help you rent those items from the trekking shop in Kathmandu.
Q. Is there any weight limit for domestic flights? If my luggage is overweight, how does it work? Is any additional costs?
A. Domestic flights in any of the stall areas of Nepal allow a maximum of 15 kg per person including check-in and hand carry bags, this is 10 kg + 5 kg = 15 kg. If your Baggage weight is more than 15 kg, you have to pay an additional weight fee of approximately 1.5 rupees per kg in Nepali rupees at the counter. It is a good idea to limit your weight to a maximum of 15 kg. This is more hassle free and is also the best weight for the porter.
Q. What is the weight limit for the porter? Is one porter shared between two trekkers?
A. Yes, two trekkers share one porter and one porter carries a maximum of 25 kg. Your trip will be led by a qualified guide with 1 porter for every 2 participants and 1 assistant guide for every 4 participants.
Q. What is the general tipping system of Nepal himalayan trekking? Is it mandatory? Can we tip in US dollars or Nepali rupees? When do we tip?
A. Tipping is basically at our discretion after the trekking service to our guides and porters. However, for your budget estimate, it is advisable to tip 15 to 20 USD per day for the guide and 10 to15 USD per day for the porter, these tips are usually shared by your group. This is not mandatory, but expected, if your budget is less than our estimated tipping amount, you have the option to tip them more or less. You can tip in USD or Nepali currency, don’t worry, tip them on the last day with a big celebration of the trek.
Q. What is a typical day on the trek like? How long do we walk per day?
A. Depending on the itinerary and altitude, you will have to walk for 4 to 8 hours a day, your typical day starts at 6.30 to 7 am with breakfast, you will walk for about 3-4 hours in the morning and stop for a hot lunch at a tea shop or lodge. You have enough time to take photos, and lunch time is usually within 1 to 1.30 hours. After lunch you will have to walk for 2 to 3 hours or more depending on the itinerary, some days will even end during lunch time.
Q. What is the accommodation arrangement in tea houses in Nepal? Can I get a private room?
A. A typical tea house has two single beds or if you are sharing with 3 people, there will be 3 beds. If you have paid the supplement for a single room, you will also be provided with a single private room. But please be advised that, during high season, sometimes the rooms in the base camp or lodges at high points are full and in that case you will have to share a room with another person of the same gender.
Q. Can I take a hot shower in the tea houses? Do I have to payfor money?
A. If this cost is included in the package, you don’t need to worry, otherwise you have to pay around USD 3 to 5 for a hot bath in Nepali Rupees.
Q. What about battery charging on the teahouse trekking?
A. It is the same as the hot bath above, follow the information mentioned in number 13.
Q. Is there WiFi or cell phone facility on the trek? If yes, how much does it cost for WiFi?
A. Yes, most places have cell phone connection for phone calls and internet use, you can buy a data package with a SIM card in Kathmandu before the trek. And a WIFI card is also available for purchase on the way to Everest Base Camp trek. Each lodge will have WIFI charging available.
Q. How is foods like on trek?
A. normally serve with choices of eggs, potatoes, breads, Pancake, porridge, Muslim, Con-Flex tea coffee. Lunch and dinner can select items made from Rice, pasta, noodle-soup, Cowmen, potatoes etc, there are some good selections of meals like Nepalese meals- Dhal-bhat.
Q. How to porter carry our baggage? do you provide basket or duffel bag?
A. If this cost is included in the package, you don’t need to worry, we provide complimentry duffel bag on arrival in Kathmandu, we will be provide two duffel bag for two person to keep their cloths, sleeping bag etc.
Q. what about trekking insurance? do you offer this service?
A. It’s mandatory and highly recommended to get travel insurance before embarking on any adventurous trips in Nepal. We advise all our clients to get travel insurance that covers up emergency helicopter evacuation that may be needed in case of the occurrence of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) or any other reasons in high altitudes where there are no other means of transportation available. It is advisable to review carefully the insurance and its coverages before making the final decision. And you must ensure that your insurance provides an adequate level of protection and covers you for the activities involved.
Q. do I need raincoat during trek? Can we expect rain?
A. Yes it is better to carry a raincoat for trip. Rain is depend on season, but good to carry a light raincoat. we can expect rain sometime. (Sunny, Snow, Rain etc.)
Q. when is best time for trekking in Nepal?
A. The best months for trekking in Nepal are October to December in Fall season and March to May in spring. June and September is monsoon season and called low season. The finest and busy months are October, November, December, April and May
Q. do your guide have a good speaking english? Is he well experienced with local culture and places?
A. Yes, of course! AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions guides speak good English for two-way communication and are well-informed about the local culture and places.
Q. Is your guide and porters are insured?
A. Yes, It’s they are fully insured and incase of emergency, they will have full coverage of medical and evacuation.
Q. How can I get drinking water? Can I buy bottled water or boiled water? Is it included or have to pay?
A. While bottled water is available at lodges, prices may range from USD 1 to USD 3 as we ascend in altitude. Alternatively, you can bring water purification tablets or a filtration device for your convenience or can buy water purifying tablets or liquids in Kathmadu before your trek. If we have included it, we will provide it.
Q. does your guide carry first Aid-kit? do we need to bring some medicine?
A. Yes our guide carry basic first Aid-kit, but it is better to carry your first Aid yourself, like diamox, headache etc..
Q. what will happen incase of sick or AMS problem in trek?
A. It is guarantee that 95% trekkers can complete their trek in Nepal Himalayas, without any problem if they follow our itinerary and guide advice, in case of emergency, we coordinate with your insurance and arrange medical evacuation to hospital treatment.
Q. what will happen if I am sick and quit the trek early than fixed itinerary? can I get refund money?
A. In case of illness or for any reason you have to leave the trek early, no amount paid will be refunded, as there has already been an expense, as per the company’s standards, you will have to pay for the extra night’s hotel in Kathmandu yourself, and at that time we will assist you with hotel booking and we will take care of your health if you return early from the trek due to illness or any accident.
Q. How much I should carry extra for tips, hot shower, battery charges, bottled water etc? Can I carry USD or credit card accepted in lodges?
A. For example; if you have booked a 16 day trek, it is advisable to carry around USD 400 to 500 for tips, hot showers, battery charging, boiled water, extra snacks. Lodges only accept local currency, so you will takes need to exchange it in Kathmandu before your trek.
Q. How much roughly lunch or dinner cost in Kathmandu valley?
A. It depend on standard of restaurants and foods you have, roughly one lunch or dinner cost USD 6 to 10, you should prepare about USD 15 to 20 per day for Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu. its all depend on what you like to eat. let say, one Nepalese meals cost approx USD 5 and one pizza cost approx USD 7-10.
Q.How hard is Everest trek? do I need to be fit or have to do any workout before trek? I need should I have consult with doctor for physical check up?
A. Everest Base Camp trek is moderate to hard trek, the max altitude is Kalapattar hiking 5545m, as long as you are phycically fit, that helps you a lot for trekking. however all aged and average people can do this trek. it is advice to do some normal walking, running or cycleing, swiming everyday 1-2 months before you fly Nepal for any treks and if you have any physical problem you may consult with doctor or it is not necessary.
Note: The information we have provided above is frequently asked questions for trekking and these are the answers. If you are not satisfied with this information, please send us a message.
