Nepal FAQ's

1. Where is Nepal?

Nepal is a landlocked country located in the Southern part of Asia sharing the border with China from the north and India from the south, east, and west. It is especially known for its multi-cultural, multi-racial, multi-linguistic, and multi-ethnic diversity in unity. It is a small country with many world's most beautiful mountain ranges, art, culture, and wildlife, no wonder it is a paradise for the trekkers from all around the world. Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal is also known for its unique culture and heritages which directly grabs the attention and takes you to the time of old civilization from the 12th century.

2. What is Nepal known for?

Nepal is mostly known for Mt.Everest, the highest peak in the world. It is also known as the birthplace of Lord Buddha, who was the pioneer of the Buddhist religion. Eight of the fourteen eight-thousanders are located in the country, either in whole or shared across a border with China or India. Besides that, it is also known as a multi-ethnic, multiracial, multicultural, multi-religious, and multilingual country. Overall, Nepal is known for its hospitality as there is a saying in Sanskrit  “Atithi Debo Bhaba”. (Guest are god).

3. How can I obtain a Visa?

All visitors are required to arrange a visa to enter Nepal. A Nepalese visa can be easily obtained upon arrival on arrival in Kathmandu at the airport or the Nepalese embassy abroad. But nationals from Afghanistan, Iraq, Cameroon, Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland, Palestine, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Liberia cannot secure the Nepalese Visa upon arrival. The Visa can also be secured at the entry point at Nepalese borders. A valid passport for at least six months, a recent digital photo (size: 1.5" x 1.5") will be required and the following fees either in USD dollars cash or the equivalent local currency:

4. How to enter Nepal?

By Air: 

Some of the major international airlines operating scheduled services to Nepal are Royal Nepal Airlines, Biman Bangladesh, China South West Airlines, Air China, Druk Air, Gulf Air, Indian Air, Thai Airways, Air Asia, Malindo Airlines, Qatar, Pakistan Air, Jet Air, and Singapore Airlines. By air, you will arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport (only one international airport) located in the heart of Kathmandu City.

By Road: 

There are several entry points by land route mainly from Nepal / Indian borders; and China/Tibet border.

Scheduled public, as well as tourist buses, run to and from Kathmandu. Traveling by bus is recommended if you can cope with 10 to 12 hours of a long drive in return for fascinating mountainous views and snail tail roads that meet above the clouds.

5. Is the country politically safe and stable?

Nepal is one of the newly democratic countries in the world with many active political parties, ideas, ideologies, and leaders. Now Nepal has a communist government elected with 2/3 of the majority, now it has a fully stable government it does not affect the daily life of the residents and the tourist. Life moves on, as usual, unperturbed.

6. When Is The Best Time To Travel?

Nepal offers diversified geographical regions and so the climatic condition differs from the Himalayas to the plains. The climate varies as per the season. Nepal generally offers 4 seasons amongst which autumn and spring are the two most favorable ones for visiting Nepal. It is always wise to know about the weather and climatic condition of the place you visit. The best time to travel depends on your destination, activities, and season of travel. Our destination specialists will recommend certain travel times after learning more about your preferences. The favorable months for trekking and climbing are usually September – November, and February – April. The monsoon season is June – August.

7. What kind of weather (how cold does it get) can we expect during trekking?

Weather in the mountains is pretty difficult to predict. Nights are generally cooler and days are warm. The months of winter (January and February) are a bit colder but the days can be quite beautiful and warm if the sun is out. It snows during January, February, and December in the Himalayan areas.

8. Are Vaccinations Required?

Immunizations are not required to visit Nepal. (Exception: if you are traveling from an area infected with Yellow Fever, you must have a certificate.) Depending on the season and region of travel, certain vaccinations and/ or medications are suggested and we will recommend preventative measures. We do encourage all travelers to be current on routine immunizations. Also, we recommend the vaccines for polio, Diphtheria, Tetanus, typhoid, yellow fever, hepatitis A/B, Influenza (Flu), Japanese encephalitis, and Tuberculosis. Meantime, it is better to consult your professional doctor about your travel and he/s might recommend you properly. You can also take the suggestion of local travelers who have traveled to Nepal before and know more about the required precautions. Please note that the protection that can be gained from vaccines varies from 50% to almost 100%. So remember that even if you have taken a vaccine you might still get the disease, although you will have greatly reduced your chances of getting ill.

9. How Can I Travel Around?

You can hire a taxi for moving around in the city. You can find one right from the time you arrive at the international airport. For the cheaper options, you can use the public buses and the microbus that leaves from the nearest bus stops. You can also take a rickshaw ride to travel short distances. Or you can hire bikes and motorbikes in some tourist areas like Thamel in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

10. How fit do I need to be for the trek?

You don’t have to be a super athletic person but despite the ages should be moderately fit. We recommend running, hiking on hills, and a long walk as preparation.

11. Are ATM booths easily available?

Yes, ATM booths are easily available around the major city area where you can use both credit and debit cards. But there are only a few ATM booths on the way to your trek, so you should withdraw your cash before the trek.

12. What type of food to expect during the trek? 

Nepal is rich in cultural diversity. Meal habits of the Nepalese vary with the ethnicity and the geographical differences. Normally, the local has a habit of taking milk/black tea in the morning, before noon taking lunch after mid-day taking light snacks such as Khaja, and Dinner in the evening. The lunch and dinner comprise Dhido (short of porridge), Dal, Bhat, Tarkari, and Achar (Lentil, Rice, Curry, and Pickles). However, you can have a choice of Indian/Continental/Italian/ Chinese food even in some trekking regions.

13. Is the drinking water safe while trekking? 

Drinking water should be treated by boiling and water purification with medicine or with filtered. We suggest carrying a water purifier while trekking to be on the safe side.

14. Is there any tourist police in Nepal?

Of course, there are tourist police located near the Nepal Tourism Development Board's Office. Also, there are complaint counters at the airport, Basantapur Durbar Square, Thamel, and so many other places. Tourist police are specially trained in English and have the detailed local knowledge to assist tourists. For security and travel-related assistance, you can reach any of the officers by telephone at 4-247041, and 4-4268969 from 11 am to 5 pm.

15. Is Nepal safe? Is a woman traveling alone safe with your company?

Nepal is safe for travelers. Firstly, Nepal is considered one of the most peaceful countries in the world (chances are it's safer here than in your home country). Secondly, while you're on one of our trips, we take personal responsibility for your well-being, a responsibility we commit very seriously.

16. What about Time in Nepal?

Nepal is +5 hours 45 minutes ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT: +0545). For example, when it is noon in Kathmandu, the standard time in London is 6.15 am, 4.15 am in Sydney, 1.15 am in New York, and 10.15 pm the previous night in San Francisco. The strange 15-minute difference is said to be a reflection of the exact time at the summit of Mt. Gaurishankar.

Weather Information

Weather in the mountains is pretty difficult to predict. Nights are generally cooler and days are warm. The months of winter (January and February) are a bit colder but the days can be quite beautiful and warm if the sun is out. It snows during January, February, and December in the Himalayan areas.

Average Temperatures in Nepal (in Degree Celsius)

Packing List

• Warm clothes like a thermal pair, fleece jacket /pullover, warm socks, scarf, and woolen hat.

• Comfortable clothes like t-shirts, lightweight bottoms, hiking shorts, and hiking boots.

• Hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

• First aid kit and medicine for common illnesses and height altitude sickness.

Best time to travel

Nepal offers diversified geographical regions and so the climatic condition differs from the Himalayas to the plains. The climate varies as per the season. Nepal generally offers 4 seasons amongst which autumn and spring are the two most favorable ones for visiting Nepal. It is always wise to know about the weather and climatic condition of the place you visit.

The various seasons of Nepal:

Spring (March to end of May):

During this time of year, trekking is highly recommended as you will see the amazing views of the Himalayas and the varied landscapes. The mornings are usually clear but there might be some occasional drizzle in the afternoon. It is one of the best times of year to pack up your bags and be in the mountains. The whole country is lush and abundant green during this season. This period instigates the second most popular and pleasant trekking season as you will get to see the beautiful and colorful flowers blooming along the trails. It is also a good time for climbing as the high passes are usually snow-free and the mountain views are still clear in April.

Monsoon (June to early September):

The monsoon season starts in June and lasts till early September. Trekking during this time of year is generally difficult and uncomfortable as the trail becomes muddy and slippery. There are often when the trails become leech-infested. However, if you wish to trek despite the rain then we would suggest you carry an umbrella, poncho, proper waterproof hiking boots, windproof jackets, baggage wrap, and raincoat as well as a required insect repellent. It rains almost every day with occasional thunderstorms. There are possibilities of trekking to the trans-Himalayan regions such as Mustang and Dolpo. These are the rain-shaded areas and are open to cater to all your needs.

Autumn (Mid-September to November):

The best seasons and the most popular time to trek in Nepal are autumn, from mid-September till November. Generally, the weather is clear with mild to warm days and cold nights. However, at a higher altitude, the nights drop to freezing temperature. During this season, the views of the mountains are astonishingly clear with pleasant weather a paradise for the trekkers as you can see the trails would be occupied by the fellow trekkers. The time is the busiest time for the people involved in the tourism industry.

Winter (December to February):

It is also possible to trek during winter, from December until the end of February as the temperature during days will be cooler; however, the nights will often be very cold. The days are generally clear. But in mid-winter (January through March), trekking is more challenging in the high altitudes with semi-regular snowfall followed by more winter storms, which break the long fine periods. Mid-December to mid-February is the coldest time. As the snow gets harder and wind condition remains stabilized in early winter, climbing some of the trekking peaks is possible. The high altitude lodges often get closed as people move to the lower elevation for warmth and due to the snow it is difficult to cross high altitude passes.

Altitude Information

Festivals and Holidays

Vaccination 

Routine vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

Hepatitis A

CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Nepal, regardless of where you are eating or staying.

Typhoid

You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Nepal. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.

Malaria

When traveling in Nepal, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, depending on your travel plans, such as where you are going, when you are traveling, and if you are spending a lot of time outdoors or sleeping outside. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling. For more information on malaria in Nepal, see malaria in Nepal.

Rabies

Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Nepal, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:

• Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.

• People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).

• People who are taking long trips or moving to Nepal

• Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their heads and neck.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever in Nepal. The government of Nepal requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. [Source: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/nepal]

Visa Information

All visitors are required to arrange a visa to enter Nepal. A Nepalese visa can be easily obtained upon arrival on arrival in Kathmandu at the airport or the Nepalese embassy abroad. But nationals from Afghanistan, Iraq, Cameroon, Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland, Palestine, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Liberia cannot secure the Nepalese Visa upon arrival. The Visa can also be secured at the entry point at Nepalese borders. A valid passport for at least six months, a recent digital photo (size: 1.5" x 1.5") will be required and the following fees either in USD dollars cash or the equivalent local currency:

Necessary Equipment

• Warm Clothes, windproof jackets, thermal wear, warm socks, scarf, and woolen cap.

• Proper hiking boots, running comfortable shoes, and a pair of flip-flops.

• T-shirts and hiking shorts

• Backpack and backpack cover (against rain and dust)

• Head torch, or small torch, plus spare batteries.

• A small lightweight and quick-drying towel.

• Water bottle and water purification tablets 

• Water purification tablets or a water filter

• Sleeping bag and silk liner

• Some Diamox pills against potential altitude sickness (if going beyond 4,000 m elevations)

Physical Fitness

Even though physical fitness plays an important role in trekking you don’t have to be a super athlete or a marathon runner to trek in Nepal. Many people of a good fit for their age can complete the trek. You can prepare yourself beforehand by doing some yoga which will prepare you for your breathing as you will be going to a higher altitude. Running or hiking on hills, going for a long walk will also help you. And if you live in an urban area running down the stairs of a tall building will also work better in keeping you fit for trekking. All though these preparations aren’t strictly compulsory, you can do well even when the preparations you do aren’t rigorous like that of some ultra-athletic person. Do these things at a moderate pace for two months or even less. And you are set to complete any trekking to Nepal.

Travel Insurance

Doing the insurance while trekking in Nepal is not compulsory but will surely help you a lot if you do one, as it covers any comprehensive expenses possible to acquire due to medical issues or accidents. Your travel insurance must protect air ambulance, treatment charges, rescue and evacuation, product cancellation and refundable charges, flight delays, and cancellations. We suggest you bring your travel insurance certificate or send us to scan copy and it must be issued from your homeland. We do not arrange or sell insurance so here is the list of travel insurance companies that can help you:

Safety Guidelines

• Do proper research about the company that you are planning to trek with and make sure they are a legally registered travel agency.

• You should be well acquainted with travel health and travel insurance before traveling.

• Have an idea about the climate, geography, temperature, and environment of Nepal before starting your trip.

• Using credit cards instead of cash is a wiser idea.

• The majority of the Nepalese people are nicer but there are a few scammers you will come meet on your way and need to avoid, for example, ‘holy men’ who will try to plant a tika (a red paste denoting a blessing) on your forehead demanding payment for it on streets. 

• Be careful while buying the medicinal herbs as some may be illegal for you to take home and also be aware of duplicate products.

• Never get yourself involved in doing drugs, trafficking, and sexual relations with children as there is a strict rule for these cases,s and might get you into a big problem.

• Take copies of your passport, visa, air ticket, and trekking permits and keep them separately from the originals.

• Prepare yourself for altitude sickness and be familiar with its symptoms so that you can follow the guidelines for safe acclimatization. 

Terms and Conditions 

Contract:

We are a flexible travel agency based on planning your adventure in Nepal. The itinerary mentioned in our packages is the only guideline. We cannot be responsible for any sort of delay caused by International or domestic flights, strikes, government regulations, weather, or any natural casualties. However, if an agreement cannot be made, we shall be only responsible for the refund after deducting expenses already incurred.

Booking Confirmation:

You will receive a confirmation invoice or confirmation emails from Tashi Delek Nepal after you book any package. The company reserves the right to increase or decrease the given brochure price or any legal contract that comes into force after the booking. You will have to deposit 20% of the total trip cost for the packages mentioned on the website along with a booking form as a confirmation from your side. If you are planning to travel in a group or with a partner only one of you can fill up the booking form on behave of all while all the members should be aware of the company policy. If you are planning to customize the itinerary/ packages higher deposit percent or full payment of the trip would be required which will be advised at the time of booking depending upon the packages. The full payment of the trip cost should be made 2 months before the trip date.

Payment Procedure:

Payments can be made using various ways such as bank/wire transfer or using a credit card (VISA/Master Card).

Cancellation made by the client:

Any cancellation made by the client must be in written form and acknowledged by Tashi Delek. On the date on which the cancellation request is received, we will determine the cancellation charge applicable. The cancellation charges are incurred as mentioned below:

Clients are strongly advised to take out cancellation insurance at the time of booking.

In case of the journey is broken off early return upon the client’s wish or causes, we shall not be liable for any refund of the days and service not utilized. Clients will have to pay for the hotel or any extra costs incurred after leaving the itinerary.

Cancellation made by Tashi Delek:

Tashi Delek reserve the right to cancel the trip during some unforeseeable circumstances (force majeure), such as a major natural disaster, major political unrest or war, government intervention, weather conditions, etc. If we cancel the tour we will promptly refund the trip cost. However, Tashi Delek Nepal Treks will not be liable for any incidental expenses or consequential losses that the Client may have incurred as a result of the booking such as visas, vaccinations, non-refundable flights or rail, non-refundable car parking or other fees, loss of earnings, or loss of enjoyment, etc.

In case of a no-show:

If you do not show up at the meeting point specified on the agreed date, we will assume you have been delayed and will wait for you to contact us with your new expected arrival date. If you do not contact us within 48 hours we will assume you have canceled the tour. There is no refund of any money paid.

Medical condition and special requirements:

We must be notified in writing at the time of booking of any medical conditions; physically or mentally challenged, which may prevent you from traveling. Failure to notify of such conditions may result in loss of payment/deposit, even up to 100% of the total trip cost. If there is any sort of dietary requirements and special services that need to be prepared, kindly mention them during the time of booking.