Frequently asked questions

Autumn (late September to November) and spring (March to May) are the main seasons, with stable weather and clear mountain views. Winter suits lower treks, and the monsoon (June to August) is best for rain-shadow areas like Upper Mustang and Dolpo.

Three to six months ahead for autumn and spring, especially for Everest, Manaslu and restricted-area treks where lodges and domestic flights fill up. Off-season trips can often be arranged in a few weeks.

A fixed departure runs on a set date with a small group of travellers who book separately, which keeps the price lower. A private trip runs on the dates you choose, only with your own group, and the itinerary can be adjusted.

Yes. You can join a fixed departure group or book a private trip with your own guide. Since April 2023, Nepal requires foreign trekkers in national parks and conservation areas to trek with a licensed guide, so fully independent trekking is no longer allowed on most routes.

Not for most teahouse treks. If you can walk 5–7 hours a day on uneven ground, you can do routes like Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp. Peak climbing and remote treks need prior multi-day or high-altitude experience.

Most nationalities can get a tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport or apply online in advance. Fees are 15, 30 or 90 days. Bring a passport valid for at least six months and cash in US dollars for the fee.

Most treks need a national park or conservation area permit (for example Sagarmatha National Park or ACAP). Restricted areas such as Upper Mustang, Manaslu and Dolpo need a special permit issued through a registered agency, with a minimum of two trekkers. We arrange every permit for you.

Yes. Tibet requires a group visa and a Tibet Travel Permit, arranged through an agency. Bhutan requires a licensed tour operator and a daily Sustainable Development Fee. Allow at least four weeks for either.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) happens when you climb faster than your body can adapt to lower oxygen. Prevention is a slow ascent: above 3,000 m, raise your sleeping altitude by no more than 300–500 m a day, take rest days and drink plenty of water.

Guides check your oxygen saturation and symptoms every evening. Mild symptoms mean resting or descending; serious cases are evacuated by helicopter to Kathmandu. That is why travel insurance with helicopter rescue is required.

No vaccinations are mandatory for Nepal, but travel doctors usually recommend hepatitis A and B, typhoid and tetanus. See a travel clinic six to eight weeks before you go.

Tap and stream water is not safe untreated. Use purification tablets, a filter bottle or buy boiled water at teahouses. Avoid single-use plastic bottles where you can.

Yes, Nepal is one of the safest adventure destinations in the world. The main risks are altitude, weather and trail conditions, which a licensed guide, a sensible itinerary and good insurance manage.

A policy that covers trekking up to the maximum altitude of your trip (often 6,000 m) and helicopter evacuation, plus medical treatment and trip cancellation. Check that the altitude limit is written in the policy.

Yes. Many women trek in Nepal every year. Trekking with a licensed guide and staying in established teahouses is the norm, and female guides are available on request.

A licensed guide leads the route, manages acclimatisation, handles lodges and permits, and makes safety decisions. A porter carries your main bag, usually up to 20–25 kg shared between two trekkers. You carry only a day pack.

Teahouses are family-run mountain lodges with twin rooms, shared bathrooms at higher altitude and a warm dining room. Rooms are basic but clean; hot showers, Wi-Fi and charging are usually available for a small fee.

Tipping is customary at the end of a trek. A common guideline is 10–15% of the trip cost shared between guide and porters, handed over at a farewell dinner.

Layers are the key: base layers, a fleece, a down jacket, a waterproof shell, broken-in trekking boots, a warm sleeping bag, a headlamp, sunglasses and sunscreen. Each trip page has a full packing list.

Yes. Down jackets, sleeping bags and trekking poles are easy to rent or buy in Thamel at reasonable prices. Bring your own boots so they are broken in.

Most teahouses charge a small fee for charging and Wi-Fi. A local SIM (Ncell or Nepal Telecom) works on many routes. Bring a power bank, as solar charging can be slow at altitude.

A deposit secures your booking and the balance is due before departure. We accept bank transfer and card payments. Bring some cash in Nepali rupees for snacks, hot showers and tips, as ATMs are rare on the trail.

Mountain flights are often delayed by weather, so we recommend one or two buffer days at the end of your trip. If flights are cancelled for several days, a helicopter transfer can usually be arranged at extra cost.

Cancellation charges depend on how close to departure you cancel. The full terms are sent with your booking confirmation. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers cancellation.

Carry out your rubbish, refill water instead of buying plastic bottles, respect local customs at monasteries and homes, and choose operators who pay and insure their porters fairly.

Ours are. We follow the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG) guidelines on load limits, clothing, shelter and insurance, and pay above the industry minimum.