General FAQs
If you plan to visit Nepal, you can obtain a visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or at various land border crossings. This visa is available to citizens of most countries, and the fee depends on the length of your stay.
The visa is valid for up to 90 days and can be extended for up to 150 days at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or other immigration offices.
Please note that some nationalities (including Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iraq, Liberia, Nigeria, Palestine, Somalia, Swaziland, Syria, and Zimbabwe) are not eligible for a visa upon arrival. Citizens from these countries must apply for a visa in advance at a Nepalese embassy or consulate.
Recommended vaccinations for travelers to Nepal include Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, and Diphtheria. If you're coming from a country where Yellow Fever is prevalent, you might need a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. There is no malaria risk in the mountain regions, but it is worth considering anti-malarial medication for Kathmandu (the city has been getting periodic cases during the monsoon and post-monsoon.
As of the latest travel advisories, COVID-19 vaccination is not required to enter Nepal. However, we recommend getting the standard travel vaccinations before your trip to minimize the risk of illness during your trek. This includes vaccines for diseases like Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Diphtheria. Always consult with your doctor or travel clinic well in advance of your trip.
Visa fees can be paid in US Dollars (USD), Euros, or other foreign currencies. It is recommended to carry US Dollars in cash for convenience.
The processing time for a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport can vary, typically taking anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. The time can be affected by factors such as the volume of travelers and the completeness of your application. For a faster process, you can consider applying for a visa before traveling.
To skip the lines at Tribhuvan International Airport, you can apply for a visa at a Nepalese embassy or consulate before your trip. This allows you to complete the process in advance and avoid the wait at the airport. Be sure to check the specific requirements of the embassy or consulate to which you're applying.
Children under the age of 10 are exempt from visa fees, except for citizens of the United States. To apply for a free visa for your child, you will need to provide their passport, birth certificate, or other proof of age. The free visa allows your child to stay in Nepal for the same duration as your visa.
Both tourist visas issued at Nepalese diplomatic missions and those obtained upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport come with multiple re-entry (MRE) facilities, allowing you to enter and exit Nepal multiple times during your stay.
Citizens from countries that do not qualify for a visa on arrival can apply for a visa through a Nepalese embassy or consulate. You'll need to submit a completed visa application form, a valid passport with at least six months of validity, a recent passport-sized photo, and any additional documents required by the embassy. Processing times and fees may vary depending on the location and type of visa.
Yes, travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation is mandatory for all our trips. This ensures that when crises do happen, you will get the best possible medical attention without having to worry about the financial burden.
For participants with pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes or asthma, we require full disclosure and a doctor's approval to trek. Our guides are trained in first aid and altitude sickness management but cannot administer medication. You must be able to manage your condition independently, including administering any necessary medications.
Diabetes: Type 1 diabetics are not permitted to trek without a companion who can assist with medication, as our guides are not equipped to provide injections.
Asthma: Asthma sufferers can trek in Nepal, but should be mindful of triggers such as cold air or dust. Consult your doctor and ensure you carry your necessary medication.
Other Conditions: If you have other medical concerns, consult with your doctor before booking. A doctor's letter and insurance confirmation may be required to join the trek.
If a member of your group experiences altitude sickness, an assistant guide will accompany them for medical evacuation and descent to Lukla for a flight back to Kathmandu. Other members of the group can continue the trek with the main guide.
We have decades of experience guiding trekkers in the Himalayan Belt and base camps of the highest peaks in the world. This is how we ensure trekker safety and optimum success rate on our trips:
- We serve expertly curated itineraries with appropriate acclimatization days (spend extra nights at higher altitudes).
- All our trek guides follow the "climb high, sleep low" principle.
- Our professional trek guides take regular health checks at the end of each day to gauge the health condition of trekkers and the probability of getting altitude-related complications.
- All our trek guides are trained in fundamental mountain adventure medical safety precautions, including reminding the trekkers to hydrate well, set the right pace, avoid alcohol on the trail, and carry medications like Diamox if necessary.
Most trekking routes have tea houses (lodges) with basic rooms and meals. In remote areas, food choices are limited. However, major trekking regions (Everest, main Annapurna trail) now have greatly improved accommodation options and cuisines, including a mix of local and international options like Dal Bhat, noodles, soups, pizzas, and pancakes.
Yes, all major trekking regions require permits. You need a national park/conservation area permit for the Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang regions. The Manaslu region also requires a special restricted area permit.
The best seasons for trekking in Nepal are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-December) when the weather is stable, the skies are clear, and the temperatures are comfortable.
Yes, climbing permits are required from the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), and we handle all permit arrangements.
Climbing peaks like Imja Tse or Mera Peak requires strong fitness, endurance, and acclimatization. Training with cardio, strength exercises, and altitude hikes helps prepare.
Essential gear includes crampons, harnesses, helmets, ice axes, and ropes. We provide the necessary equipment or help with rentals.
Basic mountaineering skills are recommended but not always required. We provide pre-climb training for beginners.
The most popular peaks are:
- Imja Tse (Island Peak) – 6,189m
- Mera Peak – 6,476m (Nepal’s highest trekking peak)
- Lobuche East Peak – 6,119m
Langtang offers beautiful alpine scenery, rich Tamang culture, and fewer crowds compared to Everest and Annapurna regions.
Yes, the Langtang Valley Trek is relatively short but involves some steep climbs. It’s great for beginners who want stunning mountain views without extreme altitude.
The Manaslu Circuit is a challenging trek, crossing Larke Pass (5,106m) with long hiking days and remote conditions. The trail is far more rugged, and tea houses are more basic than those in the Everest and Annapurna regions. This is why the Manaslu region trek is best suited for adventurous travelers who want to witness the raw, rugged part of Nepal’s beauty.
Manaslu is a restricted area to preserve its culture and environment, so a special permit is required. Trekking here must be done with a registered guide and in a group of at least two trekkers.
Besides variations of the Everest trail trek, you can also consider the Gokyo Lakes Trek, Three Passes Trek, or Everest View Trek for different experiences.
Flights to Lukla are operated by experienced pilots and government-licensed private companies. While Lukla has been notoriously famed as the world’s most dangerous airport, flights to and from Lukla follow standard aviation safety protocols. Pilots in the Kathmandu/Ramechhap to Lukla route often have decades of experience flying in the same route. Weather is closely monitored and operators choose to delay or postpone a flight rather than fly in unsafe conditions.