Frequently asked Questions

How to enter Nepal:
By air
Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport is the only international airport in Nepal. Nepal Airlines the national flag carrier of Nepal and other international airlines operate flights to Kathmandu. Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Jet Airways, Biman Airlines, Indian Airlines, Thai Airways, Dragonair and other airlines.
By land
At present there are six points of entry to Nepal from India and one point to Nepal from China. The entry points at Nepal-India boarder are; (1) Kakarvitta, (2) Birguni, (3) Sunauli, (4) Nepalguni, (5) Dhangadhi, (6) Mahendra Nagar. The only entry point between Nepal and China is at Kodari for further information visit Department of Nepal Immigration.
 
Visa:
Visas for entering Nepal can be obtained from the Nepalese embassies and Consulate offices abroad. Tourist visas can also be obtained at the point of entry from the immigration office at the Tribhuvan International airport or at any road border. However if you have bought your visa through the Nepal Embassy in your country (for the UK you can apply for a visa at the Nepalese Embassy in London http://www.nepembassy.org.uk) you will definitely avoid unnecessary delays at the Immigration Office on arrival. For more information on visa rules, please visit Nepal Immigration (At the airport the current Tourist visa fee is US$ 40 for 30 days).
 
For the most accurate information and to obtain the correct visa, we recommend you contact your own embassy or consulate Foreign & Commonwealth Office. For more general information about the types of visa available visit Nepal Immigration.

Embarkation and Disembarkation:
Tourists are required to complete a disembarkation and embarkation card upon their arrival and departure to Nepal.

Departure taxes:
Currently there are no Departure Taxes payable when departing Nepal.

Return flights:
Return flights should be confirmed at least three days before departure. We can do this for you.

Medical / Immunisation before travelling to Nepal:
Before travelling to Nepal it is recommended that you seek professional medical advice, this can be provided by your GP or travel clinic. It is advisable to have the necessary immunisations before you leave your country; it is recommended that you are covered for TB, tetanus, polio, typhoid, diphtheria, hepatitis B, malaria and MMR. We also advise that you pay a visit to your dentist before departure.

Clinic for travellers to Kathmandu:
CIWEC Clinic – travel medicine centre. Lazimpat near British Embassy, PO Box 12895, Kathmandu, Nepal. Tel: (977) (1) 442 4111. Fax: (977) (1) 441 2570. They have comprehensive information from immunisation to High Altitude sickness. http://www.ciwec-clinic.com

High altitude:
Travel at High Altitude, this booklet is written to help you understand some of the ways your body may change as it has to cope with high altitude and the 'thin air'. It is full of information, tips and stories to help you enjoy your trip and stay healthy. Most importantly, it also covers the serious altitude illnesses. Click here to download the booklet.

Communication Equipment:
We use the very latest satellite phones and walkie-talkies.

Tents:
We use top quality British Force 10 Vango expedition tents.

Essential documents:
A valid passport, ensure that it is valid for up to six months at return date
Travel insurance and emergency rescue insurance
Fight tickets / flight details
Cash and travellers cheque – keep a record of travel cheque numbers separate
Valid visa
Emergency contact numbers
Keep a copy of all documents with you and leave a copy of all documents with someone at home.

UK website for advice on travelling abroad:
Foreign and Commonwealth Office www.fco.gov.uk/travel.

Consulate registration:
It is advisable to register with your respective diplomatic office in Kathmandu. If you are a British citizen you can register on line with the British Embassy at www.britishembassy.gov.uk/nepal and follow the links for Consular Registration. Please remember to include your insurance details when completing the registration form.
 
Money transactions:
Kathmandu has ATM’s and banks where most major credit cards are accepted; there are also numerous money exchanges in the tourist areas. However when travelling in the mountains foreign currencies and credit cards are not accepted and it is recommended that the equivalent of US$10 per day in local currency is taken to cover personal expenses

Climate in Nepal:
Nepal has four major seasons; Winter, December - February, Spring, March - May, Summer, June -August and Autumn, September - November. Nepal can be visited the whole year round. The monsoon season commences in June through to September.

Between May and September Kathmandu can reach 30°C particularly just before the monsoon starts. The temperature in Kathmandu during winter can drop to 20°C, the days are sunny but the nights drop much colder. In the mountains altitude has a significant impact on temperature. When trekking in the Everest and Annapurna regions around Christmas time you should be equipped with a down jacket and down sleeping bag as night-time temperatures can fall to about -8°C. After the monsoon, October to November is regarded especially good for high altitude trekkers as the skies become clearer, February to April finds the countryside at its most colourful as the rhododendron forests start to bloom and the weather becomes warmer.

Level of fitness:
Treks that range from easy to medium are suitable for people who are moderately fit, no previous experience essential. Medium-hard treks are for people with previous mountain walking experience. Hard treks should only be undertaken by real adventure seek ers as ropes may be required. A fitness regime which includes hill walking, running and swimming is recommended a few months before you set out on your trek. Persons suffering from pre-existing medical conditions or disease must seek medical advice before considering trekking. It is common to feel some discomfort during acclimatisation.

Protecting the environment:
It is very important that during the trek all precautions are taken to ensure the environment is protected and this can be done by conserving water, supporting the use of renewable resources and minimising the use of plastic bottles, canned food and other waste products. Your guide will give you advice on the best means of disposal.

Shower facilities on the trek:
In some of the major places teahouse/lodges do have showers but otherwise it is a water bucket provided for a shower. All showers cost extra about US$3-4 per shower. Showers are not to Western standard. (Please consider the conservation of water and fuel - is a shower really necessary?)
 
Food on the trek:
Most tea-houses/lodges cook a delicious range of mostly vegetarian food although Nepal's staple, Dhal bhat is always available. Noodles, pasta, potatoes, eggs, bread, soups, fresh vegetables (seasonal), rice pudding, and apple pie, are just some of the choices. At altitude dishes are limited to locally grown produce.
 
Charging digital cameras etc on the trek:
Facilities are available at most of the places for a small fee. You will need an adaptor.
 
How to communicate whilst on the trek:
There are telephones in some villages and in the major places you can access the internet. Mobile phones can be used but you have to have the correct sim card and these cannot be totally relied upon.
 
First aid kit:
It is advisable to take your own personal first aid kit.

Emergencies and rescue:
Himalayan Rescue Association Nepal - http://www.himalayanrescue.org/hra/index.php 

Equipment required for trekking:
To see our suggested equipment list please click here.

Where can I purchase the equipment I will need?
gear4climb is our dedicated mountain gear and equipment website where you can purchase mountain gear that has been proven to perform in the highest mountain regions of the world, especially the Himalayas. We also offer free professional advice from experts.

Equipment hire:
There are many places in Kathmandu where a wide range of equipment can be hired. We also offer an equipment hire service please click here for details.

Travelling by road in Nepal:
The main tourist centres like Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini are connected by good roads and all main routes are well serviced by tourist buses. Roads to other destinations such as Jiri and Dhunche are steep and narrow and we advise that you hire a private 4WD although local buses are available. In general tourist buses are driven with more care than local buses.
 
Dress code in Nepal:
There are no strict cultural codes of dress however a conservative dress code is appreciated and it is worth remembering that long sleeves are worn by most people in Nepal especially women.
 
Tipping:
Tipping is widely accepted and most appreciated, 10% is around the usual amount to tip in teahouse/lodges and restaurants. It is up to you what to tip your guides and porters.
 
Internet cafes:
Kathmandu has many internet cafés.There are also internet cafés in the larger villages on the main trekking routes such as Everest and Annapurna Region.

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