Is Nepal safe?
Nepal is certainly the safest destination to travel without worry. Tourist or facility related to tourism has never been targeted or hindered even in times of emergency or strikes. After the 2006 peace treaty between the government and Maoist that ended the Nepalese civil war has shaped Nepal to be the safest place for travel. Now tourists can walk off to any travel destination without any interference.
However, a few incidents have occurred, like individual travelers being lost in the wilderness. This relates to various factors since Nepal is a hilly country where the altitude ranges from 400 to 8848 meters.
What are the best trekking seasons in Nepal?
The best trekking seasons in Nepal are:
- Spring (March to May)
- Autumn (September to November), when the weather is clear and the trails are more comfortable.
- Winter (December to February), this season is getting trendy these days.
The highly considered ideal season for trekking in Nepal is the SPRING and AUTUMN seasons.
SPRING, which starts from March till May, offers pleasant weather with mild temperatures and clear skies. The days are longer, allowing travelers more time to explore the beautiful landscapes of Nepal.
AUTUMN, on the other hand, starts from September till November and is equally favorable for trekking and Climbing peaks in Nepal. The days are shorter than in Spring but the weather is stable, with clear skies and mild temperatures.
MONSOON: This season starts from June till August but these days there has been a change in the climate pattern due to which monsoon extends as far as late September. However, it is important to note that trekking in Nepal during the monsoon season is not recommended, as heavy rainfall can make the trails slippery and unsafe.
WINTER (December to February): These days due to Global Warming and Climate Change winter is becoming more favorable for trekking in Nepal. Despite extremely cold temperatures and snowfall at higher altitudes, winter is offering promising weather for trekkers to enjoy the wilderness and magical mountain views.
Can I trek during the monsoon season?
Trekking during the monsoon season can be both challenging and rewarding. It largely depends on the region you so choose to trek. Some regions like the west, experience heavy rainfall during the monsoon, which can lead to slippery trails, leeches, and landslides. All this will surely contritubute to making trekking more difficult and risky.
However, other regions, such as Upper Mustang and Dolpo, offer different experiences during the monsoon. Since these regions fall in the Rain Shadow Area, monsoon gives way to trekking in these regions.
Trekkers who are willing to take on the monsoon challenges and want to experience the serenity and solitude can still trek during the monsoon season in Nepal. We recommend prioritizing safety by checking the conditions of the roadway and trekking trails before booking your Monsoon Trek in Nepal.
What are some less-crowded trekking options?
Some Less-crowded trekking options are the Kanchenjunga region, Makalu Base Camp, Nar Phu Region in the Annapurna, Langtang, Rolwaling, and the Tsum Valley.
Is travel insurance necessary for trekking in Nepal?
Absolutely, having all-inclusive travel insurance is highly recommended when trekking or Climbing in Nepal. Trekking involves inherent risks such as altitude sickness, accidents, and unforeseen medical emergencies.
Travel insurance that would cover medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen equipment, and air evacuation is a must. Before purchasing insurance, carefully review the policy to ensure it covers trekking activities, especially at higher altitudes.
Additionally, check the coverage limits, exclusions, and any requirements regarding altitude and trek difficulty.
Can I obtain a Nepal visa on arrival or online?
Yes, you can obtain a Nepal tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu International Airport. We highly recommend filling out the 'ON ARRIVAL VISA FORM' and printing out the submission form to make it easy at the Kathmandu Airport Immigration. We strongly advise against making any online visa payments due to reports of fraudulent activities involving unauthorized websites that claim to process visa fees.
For your security and to ensure proper visa processing, please only use authorized official government channels or we contact the relevant embassy or your local company.
In fact, for some countries, a Nepal visa is to be prearranged from their country itself prior to their entry to Nepal. For more details please check ‘Visa Information’ on our website.
Do I need a permit for trekking in Nepal?
Yes, all foreign travelers require authorized permits to trek in most areas of Nepal. There are a few sections that are short and there are day hikes that don't require any permits or entrance fees.
Furthermore, the types of permits required depend on the specific region you so choose to trek - there are national parks, restricted areas, hunting reserves, etc. With the areas you so choose to trek, the cost of the permit is levied accordingly.
Any immunization required?
NO, any sort of vaccination is not mandatory while visiting Nepal. However, we strongly suggest obtaining the consent of your personal health assistant over the necessary medications required for your trip to Nepal. Furthermore, its always wise to carry prescribed medication if you have any pre-medical history.
Are trekking permits easily available?
Yes, trekking permits are usually available at various entry points and through registered trekking agencies. All National Park Entry Permits (for Everest, Langtang, Annapurna, etc) are issued by the Tourism Board of Nepal located in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Local Body Permits, if required, are always at the entry points. Restricted area permits are issued by the Department of Immigration of Nepal.
We, The Nepal Pyramids organize all essential permits before you arrive at Kathmandu Airport.
Is the pick-up and drop-off facility included in the package?
Yes, the Pick-Up and Drop facility on all our tours, trekking, and peak climbing packages on both International and Domestic flights are included. Your Team leader or our office representative will be present and available to assist you at the airport and transfer you to the Hotel.
What are some popular trekking destinations in Nepal?
Among the popular trekking destinations in Nepal, we have the iconic Everest Base Camp, the breathtaking Annapurna Circuit, the scenic Langtang Valley, the adventurous Manaslu Circuit, and the culturally rich Upper Mustang region. These world-famous trekking destinations offer magical mountain views, dramatic landscapes, and great cultural experiences.
Besides, Nepal also offers several hidden gems for a serene and more secluded trekking experience. Nepal offers numerous hidden gems. These off-the-beaten-track treks take you to untouched valleys and remote regions that are less traveled by tourists. The trending among these less-trodden destinations are Nar Phu Valley, Tsum Valley, Kori Danda Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, Hidden Lake Trek, etc.
How do I respect local customs and culture while trekking?
Research local customs, dress modestly, ask for permission before taking photos of locals, and be mindful of their way of life.
You can find more details about Respecting the Local Nepali Culture HERE HERE HERE
Is trekking tough?
Yes, trekking is tough, it is not a leisurely walk in the park. Trekking in Nepal's wild landscapes involves walking in diverse terrains from easy, and gradual to technical and challenging. Besides, there are ample treks where the elevation gain and loss is very undulating which basically means walking up and down the hill. Furthermore, you will experience a quick transformation in the temperature as you walk these terrains while gradually gaining elevation. The temperature might range from moderate to extreme chill factor.
To genuinely experience the beauty of trekking in Nepal a thoughtful approach to itinerary design and preparedness significantly shapes your memorable journey.
Is altitude sickness a concern while trekking in the Nepal Himalayas?
Absolutely yes, since altitude is reported over 2500 meters, altitude sickness is a genuine concern when trekking in Nepal. Even a short trek like the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek gets to the height of 3200 meters where the sleeping elevation is 2800 meters. So, it is very important to acclimatize and be careful of your early signs of Altitude pressure. To get more details on the Prevention of Altitude Sickness in Nepal CLICK HERE.
By understanding altitude sickness and its prevention, trekkers can significantly reduce the risk of Altitude Sickness.
How do I prepare for high-altitude trekking in Nepal?
Preparing for high-altitude trekking in Nepal involves several key considerations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:
- Physical Fitness: Focus on cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and endurance workouts to build overall fitness. Trekking at high altitudes demands stamina and strength.
- Training Hikes: Undertake practice hikes or treks in your local area or you may simply climb stairs up and down a few times a day.
- Plannin Itinerary: Gradual acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness. Plan your itinerary with gradual ascents and acclimatization days to allow your body to adapt to higher elevations.
- Proper Gear: Invest in quality trekking gear suitable for high altitudes.
- Altitude Sickness Awareness: Educate yourself about altitude sickness symptoms and prevention methods. Carry necessary medications like acetazolamide (Diamox) after consulting a healthcare professional. CLICK HERE for more info on medicine to carry while trekking in Nepal.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol. Carry energy-rich snacks and maintain a balanced diet to fuel your trek.
Focusing on the above-mentioned tips significantly enhances your readiness and overall experience in Nepal's breathtaking mountainous landscapes.
What physical preparation is needed for the Nepal trek?
Trekking in Nepal involves a tremendous amount of ups and downs walking and sometimes walking at high-altitude challenging terrain. So, to prepare for any trips in Nepal you need to train yourself with the everyday undulating walking with the amount of weight you are thinking of carrying while on your trek.
Besides should level of fitness is essential since trekking in Nepal. It is not appropriate for someone with very weak ankles, knee, heart, or lung problems. Consent from your personal doctor is obligatory.
However, the Nepal Pyramids itinerary is so designed that the walks are short and attainable. With us, even kids of early age to adults over 70 have walked to varied landscapes of Nepal.
Can I trek independently or do I need a guide?
You can trek independently in many areas, but as per the NEW regulation from the Government of Nepal hiring a guide or joining a guided group is recommended for safety and cultural insights.
Besides, Nepal has ample restricted areas and newly opened trekking destinations for which a professional trekking guide and affiliation with a local trekking company are mandatory.
What is teahouse trekking?
NOTE: Teahouse Trekking doesn’t necessarily include Luxury Comfort Glamping Lodge Accommodation.
Teahouse trekking means staying in local teahouses or lodges scattered along the trekking routes. In the departed years, these teahouses were nothing but private houses of the locals where they used to sell tea, potatoes, and other basic supplies to the camping groups. Gradually with the demands over accommodations, these private houses extended to now cozy lodges.
Now they offer basic yet comfortable accommodations, ranging from simple rooms with beds to shared dormitories, all reflecting the rustic charm of the region. Meals are typically prepared using local ingredients and offer a taste of Nepalese cuisine. Besides, now many teahouses offer luxury accommodations and all menu food items in commercial destinations like Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit Trek and many more.
How much does it cost to trek in Nepal?
Trekking costs vary depending on factors such as the trekking route, mode of transportation, trek duration, permits, and accommodations. A budget of around $35-50 per day per person for general teahouse trekking is recommended.
What are our leaders like?
At Nepal Pyramids, all our Group Leaders are professional, qualified, and proficient individuals. They possess good command over the English language and have great knowledge about the region and their culture. They will always go an extra mile providing you with assistance from your arrival till your departure. They are Local Experts and hold legitimate guiding licenses certified by the Government of Nepal which makes them legitimate professionals in their field.
Being genuine LOCAL, they possess good knowledge of the culture, history, and all the essential information about the region they lead. With pure dedication, they will offer great service to make your Nepal trip a memorable one.
What equipment do I need to bring for trekking?
You’ll need appropriate clothing, trekking boots, and a backpack. However, a sleeping bag, waterproof Duffel Bag, down jacket, rain poncho, and trekking poles, among other items are provided by Nepal Pyramids.
For more details CLICK HERE.
Are there any dangerous animals in the trekking areas?
Although the likelihood of encountering dangerous animals during treks in Nepal is low. Trekkers have encountered leeches, spiders, and snakes but for all these necessary precautions can be taken to ensure safety and reduce any potential risks.
Furthermore, trekkers have also encountered other wild animals like Himalayan Tahr, Musk Deer, Blue Sheep, Bears, and Langur Monkeys but they are generally harmless. But places like Chitwan National Park, Bardia National Park and a few other areas that fall in the south of Nepal which are basically for tours rather than trekking do have dangerous animals like tigers, cheetahs, panthers, wild elephants, wild boar, etc.
What if I am very slow in the group?
We firmly believe in allowing every individual to maintain their own comfortable pace without any pressure while trekking with us. Besides, your group leader and assistant guides will set the convenient walking pace and allocate assistant guides after analyzing into the situation. They will always ensure that everybody in the team will have a relaxed and stress-free journey.
At Nepal Pyramids, we ensure that all our trekkers enjoy their Nepal holiday without the worry of keeping up with the group's pace. Your Group Leader will always focus on guiding and supporting those walking at a slower pace. He will always guarantee that you have an effortless and enjoyable walk every day. However, unity, teamwork, walking together as a team, and fostering a collective spirit are very important while trekking in the wilderness.
What am I to do with my valuables and left luggage?
Before we depart all your leftover luggage is to be deposited in the safety store which is made available by the hotel itself. You will receive a deposit baggage tag from the hotel that is to be kept safely which is required for claiming. The hotel also has a safe deposit box for your valuables or you can give it away to the Nepal Pyramids office and can claim it effortlessly on your departure.
What is the weight limitation on domestic flights in Nepal?
Weight limitations on domestic flights in Nepal are 15 kilograms (33 pounds) if you are flying to high-altitude mountain airports like Lukla or Jomson. On the other hand, there is a weight limitation of 20 kilograms (44 pounds) per passenger if you are flying in a bigger plane to low-elevation airports like Pokhara, etc.
NOTE: This 15 kg and 20 kg is an overall weight count including both your Luggage and hand Carry (checked baggage and cabin baggage).
Additionally, your carry-on luggage or Cabin baggage should not exceed over 5 kilograms (11 pounds) per person.
It's advisable to PACK LIGHT and pack accordingly to avoid any issues or extra charges related to excess baggage.
What is the drinking water facility like?
Nepal, as a developing country, faces challenges with water hygiene in the cities. In the cities, we always recommend purchasing mineral water from authorized departmental stores or you may drink the water provided to you from the hotel. Moreover, the boiled drinking water provided in hotel rooms is a safe alternative.
However, while trekking, although water from natural sources is safe, we recommend avoiding those. You may either filter it or use Steri-Pens (UV light water purifier) or tablets if you really want to try it out from the natural mountain spring.
At Nepal Pyramids, we strongly deny the use of plastic mineral water bottles during treks due to environmental concerns. Instead, on all our trips our local team provides properly boiled water every morning and evening to all our trekkers. We suggest carrying at least two metal or plastic Nalgene bottles, or rehydration bladders ensuring an adequate water supply throughout the day.
Since we provide you with hot boiling water after dinner, it can also serve as hot packs at night in your sleeping bag, providing warmth, and still be used for drinking during the day when the water remains warm.
What is the food and accommodation like while on Nepal mountain trekking?
During every trek, Nepal Pyramids selects BEST family-oriented lodges featuring twin bed sharing rooms, complemented by well-maintained common toilets and occasionally rooms with attached bathrooms. These lodges prioritize comfort, providing a genuine local ambiance for an enriching experience. The level of hygiene is high in these family-oriented teahouses.
The Food options are diverse. We always allow you to choose from a variety of meals from the menu. Remarkably, most lodges prepare the meals better than many restaurants in Kathmandu. However, we cannot promise you quality food items at higher elevations due to the nature of its height, water availability, and chill factor.
Until now we have not received any complaints regarding the food and accommodation provided by our team in any of the trekking destinations we organize.
What am I to bring/carry with me?
Depending on the weight restriction on most international airlines and the limitation of 15kg or 20kg in our domestic airlines it’s always wise to minimize your weight limitation. However, you will receive a trip dossier with a specific detailed list of what you need to bring.
While on trek you will be carrying your day pack containing your valuables and essential gear for the day, whereas your entire gear goes into the company-provided duffel bag to which you will have access only once you get to your destination.
Is it possible to charge electronics during the trek?
Many teahouses along trekking routes offer charging facilities, typically available for an extra fee. The nominal cost for charging varies based on the trekking region and the availability of electricity. In certain regions, teahouses may provide charging services for FREE like many Annapurna Region whereas regions like Everest will charge extra for charging facilities. All this depends on the electricity infrastructure in the area.
Are there ATMs on the trekking routes in Nepal?
Some larger towns along popular routes have ATMs, but it’s advisable to carry enough cash, as they might not always be reliable.
What are common mountain ailments?
Annually, Nepal welcomes thousands of trekkers, yet many conclude their days with accounts of nightmarish experiences. There have been ample records of trekkers facing issues like food poisoning, stomach ailments, and altitude sickness, and all these are true.
To address these concerns, your group leader will actively guide you on preventive measures. This includes advice on selecting suitable food options and maintaining an appropriate pace during walks to mitigate these potential health challenges.
CLICK HERE to learn more about common medical issues while trekking in Nepal and their prevention.
What is the domestic flight situation like in Nepal?
As Nepal air aviation is quite strict about small planes flying high into the remote mountain airstrips there are flight delays and sometimes cancellation. Whenever there is the slightest weather chaos or high winds these remote mountain airports would be momentarily closed down until they get a green signal.
However, this isn’t the everyday case and we highly recommend anyone flying high to have contingency days to cushion your missed out days.
As for flying to Pokhara, there can be delays but there are hardly any cancellations unless the weather is really bad.
What is the tipping guideline for leaders and porters?
Tipping is an entirely personal matter. Extending gratitude and recognition to the efforts of your local staff is very generous but it is not a mandatory practice. However, this culture remains a meaningful way to appreciate the efforts of the staff who have worked really hard to make your trip a memorable one.
But again it is really hard to provide an appropriate guideline for the tipping but to ensure fair recognition, we recommend a guideline of 10% of your total trip cost. However, considering our service you can tip any amount you so please to your staff.
How do I book a trip to Nepal With Nepal Pyramids Trekking & Climbing?
You can simply select the desired trip and contact us at the given e-mail address to exchange any queries. Finally, all you have to do is finish our booking form and pay a non-refundable US$200 per person as a confirmation deposit which will be settled again while paying the remaining trip cost in Kathmandu.
Since the bank charges 3.5 / 4% extras over any bank card payments which is quite high, we request you to pay your remaining payment in cash.
Can I extend my trekking permit if I want to trek longer in Nepal?
In some cases, you can extend trekking permits, but it’s best to check with local authorities or trekking agencies for specific regulations.
Remember that the situation might change, so it’s always a good idea to double-check information before embarking on a trek in Nepal.
