General FAQs

The primary trekking seasons are Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is generally stable, skies are clear, and temperatures at high altitudes are manageable.

• Spring: Ideal for rhododendron blooms and warmer temperatures in the mornings and evenings.
• Autumn: Offers the crispest mountain views and the most stable weather following the monsoon.
• Winter (December–February): Possible for lower-altitude treks, but high passes like Thorong La or Cho La may be closed due to snow.
• Monsoon (June–August): Best suited for "rain-shadow" areas like Upper Mustang or Dolpo, as the rest of the country experiences heavy rain and leeches.

Yes, but it requires careful planning. Winter trekking offers solitude and clear skies, but you must be prepared for temperatures dropping below -20°C (-4°F) at night and potential trail closures. Monsoon trekking is challenging due to slippery trails and obscured views, but it is the best time for botanists and those visiting the arid trans-Himalayan regions. We recommend flexible itineraries during these periods to account for flight cancellations and weather-related delays.

Most travelers can obtain a Visa on Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu or at land border crossings. You can expedite the process by filling out the online "Pre-arrival" form on the official Nepal Immigration website within 15 days of your arrival.

Costs: $30 (15 days), $50 (30 days), or $125 (90 days).

Payment: Payable in major currencies (USD, EUR, GBP, etc.), though USD cash is often the most seamless.

Exemptions: Citizens of SAARC countries and China may be eligible for fee waivers.

As of April 1, 2023, the Nepal Tourism Board mandated that all trekkers in national parks and protected areas must hire a licensed trekking guide and obtain a Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) card through a registered agency. This regulation was implemented to improve traveler safety, reduce the number of missing persons, and support the local economy. While "free individual travelers" (FITs) are still allowed in certain urban areas and specific low-altitude regions, a guide is required for major routes like Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, and Manaslu.

Most treks require at least two permits: the TIMS card and a National Park or Conservation Area permit (e.g., ACAP for Annapurna, SNP for Everest). Restricted areas like Upper Mustang, Manaslu, and Dolpo require a specific Restricted Area Permit (RAP), which varies in price by season and duration. These permits must be processed by a registered Nepal trekking agency. You will need to provide passport copies and digital photos for these applications.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a serious consideration for any trek above 3,000 meters (9,842 ft). Our itineraries focus on "climb high, sleep low" principles and include mandatory acclimatization days.

• Hydration: Drink 3–4 liters of water daily.
• Pace: Walk slowly (bistari, bistari) and avoid overexertion.
• Medication: Many trekkers use Diamox (Acetazolamide) as a preventative measure; consult your doctor before travel.
• Action: If symptoms (headache, nausea, dizziness) persist or worsen, the only cure is immediate descent. Our guides are trained to monitor oxygen levels using oximeters daily.

Nepal is generally a very safe country for foreign travelers. Political strikes (bandhs) are rare compared to previous decades and typically do not target tourists. However, we monitor local news closely. The primary safety risks in Nepal are environmental, such as altitude, weather changes, and road conditions, rather than crime. We recommend registering with your embassy upon arrival and always trekking with a licensed professional who understands local terrain and weather patterns.

No, you should never drink tap water in Nepal. To minimize plastic waste, we discourage buying bottled water in the mountains. Instead, use a reusable bottle and treat your water using:

• Water purification tablets (Chlorine/Iodine).
• UV purifiers (like SteriPen).
• High-quality filtration bottles (like Grayl or Katadyn). Most teahouses also provide "boiled water" for a small fee, which is safe for consumption.

During the peak seasons (Spring and Autumn), the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal often diverts Lukla flights to Manthali Airport in Ramechhap to reduce air traffic congestion at Kathmandu’s international airport. Ramechhap is approximately a 4- to 5-hour drive from Kathmandu. We arrange private transport for our clients to ensure they reach the airport in time for their early morning flights.

For flights to Lukla and other mountain airstrips, the weight limit is strictly 15 kg (33 lbs) per person. This includes 10 kg of checked luggage and 5 kg for your carry-on. If your gear exceeds this, you may be able to pay for excess baggage, but it is not guaranteed due to aircraft weight restrictions at high altitudes. We recommend leaving non-essential items at your hotel in Kathmandu.

In Kathmandu and Pokhara, ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted at major hotels and restaurants. However, once you begin your trek, the economy is strictly cash-based. While some teahouses in the Everest region now accept cards (with a 3–5% surcharge), the connection is often unreliable. We recommend carrying enough Nepalese Rupees (NPR) to cover your daily expenses, such as snacks, hot showers, charging fees, and tips.

Tipping is not mandatory but is a deeply ingrained part of the trekking culture and is highly appreciated as a reflection of good service. While it is at your discretion, a general guideline is:

• Lead Guide: $15–$20 per day (per group).
• Assistant Guide: $10–$15 per day.
• Porters: $8–$12 per day. Usually, the group pools tips together and presents them to the staff on the final evening of the trek.

Most teahouses on popular routes (Everest, Annapurna) offer Wi-Fi for a fee ($3–$10). In the Everest region, "Airalo" or "Everest Link" prepaid cards are common. Electricity for charging phones and cameras is available at most lodges, but it usually costs $2–$5 per device.

• Pro Tip: Carry a high-capacity power bank.

• SIM Cards: We recommend getting a local Ncell or Nepal Telecom (NTC) SIM card at the airport for data in valleys, though coverage is spotty at high altitudes.

Standard travel insurance is insufficient for trekking in Nepal. You must ensure your policy specifically covers:

1. High-altitude trekking (up to 6,000m depending on your route).
2. Emergency Helicopter Evacuation. Verify that your insurer has a "direct pay" agreement with hospitals in Kathmandu; otherwise, you may need to pay upfront for a rescue (which can cost $3,000–$5,000) and claim it back later.

We are committed to preserving Nepal’s natural and cultural heritage. Our practices include:

• Fair Wages: Ensuring guides and porters are paid above industry standards and provided with proper gear and insurance.
• Waste Management: Following "Leave No Trace" principles and encouraging the use of water purification over plastic bottles.
• Local Support: Using locally-owned teahouses and supporting community projects.
• Porter Loads: Strictly adhering to a 20-25kg maximum load limit per porter.

All our guides are licensed by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal. They possess a minimum of five years of experience in the field and have undergone extensive training in first aid, high-altitude medicine, and crisis management. Beyond their technical skills, our guides act as cultural ambassadors, providing deep insights into the local traditions, flora, and fauna. They are fluent in English and are trained to monitor your health daily using pulse oximeters to ensure a safe and successful ascent.

We are committed to the welfare of our porters, who are the backbone of every Himalayan expedition. We strictly follow the guidelines set by the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG). Our porters are never required to carry more than 20 to 25 kg (44 to 55 lbs). We ensure they are provided with appropriate high-altitude clothing, footwear, and medical insurance. Additionally, we ensure our porters receive fair wages and have access to the same quality of food and accommodation as the rest of the crew. We encourage travelers to interact with their porters, as it enriches the trekking experience for both parties.

To ensure personalized service and safety, we maintain a high staff-to-guest ratio. For groups of two or more, we typically provide one lead guide. For groups larger than six, an assistant guide (Sirdar) is added to the team to ensure the group can remain flexible if someone needs to move at a different pace. Regarding porters, we generally assign one porter for every two trekkers. This ensures that the workload remains manageable and that your luggage is handled with care throughout the journey.

We offer a flexible booking policy to give our travelers peace of mind. If you need to cancel your trip for any reason, we provide a full refund of your deposit and any payments made, provided the cancellation request is received at least 20 days prior to your scheduled departure date. Please note that while we refund the full trip amount, any bank service charges, credit card processing fees, or wire transfer fees incurred during the transaction are non-refundable. For cancellations made less than 20 days before departure, specific cancellation fees apply to cover non-recoverable costs such as domestic flight tickets, government permit fees, and hotel commitments. We recommend all travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover last-minute cancellations.

To confirm your trek or tour, we require a completed booking form and a deposit (typically 15-20% of the total trip cost). This allows us to immediately secure your domestic flight seats and process necessary permits with the Nepal Tourism Board and Department of Immigration. The remaining balance can be paid upon your arrival in Kathmandu before the trek begins. We accept payments via bank transfer, major credit cards (subject to a processing fee), or cash (USD, EUR, GBP, or NPR).