FAQs

Does Nepal have shortage of electricity?

After suffering many years of power cut, Nepal has finally become a load shedding free country. Thanks to the regular operation of hydropower plants and investment and development of new power plants and alternative energies, today electricity is in regular supply all across the country. Locals and tourists can access 24 hours of power supply no matter which part of the country they are in.

Will Strikes and Bandhs affect my travel plan in Nepal?

Political strikes, bandhs and agitation have long been a history in Nepal. Unlike previous years, Nepal today no longer faces strikes or bandhs. The election in November 2017 meant Nepal now has a stable government with much peace and political stability in the past few years. Strikes and bandhs have become a rare event in the streets of Nepal. This has led to the increase in tourist arrival as Nepal prepares to celebrate Visit Nepal 2020.

How often do natural disasters occur in Nepal?

Flood and landslides occur occasionally, especially during monsoon or rainy season (June, July, August). Because of the hilly terrain, Nepal is prone to such landslides and floods on a regular basis.

What equipments are required for trekking?

Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for trekking. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination of trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor. Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking.

	1.	General Items: Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)

	2.	Clothing Items: Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks, buff

	3.	Sun-worn Items: Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm

	4.	Gadgets: Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries),

	5.	Liquid/Snacks: Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks

	6.	Medical Essentials:
		First Aid Kit

	7.	Optional:
		Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc

	8.	Additional items for camping trek:
		Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses

		# Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price.

What personal medical supplies should I bring along?

Aspirin, Moleskin and blister kits, Diamox, Imodium for diarrhea, Knee support, Band- Aids for minor cuts and burns, Feminine hygiene materials, Insect repellant with DEET are some of the important items you need to include.

What equipments are required for climbing?

Following are important climbing gear / equipments you need to acquire:

	1.	Mountaineering Equipments: Crampons, Ice axe, Helmet, Harness, Lock and unlock Carabineers, Shovel, Climbing pack, Rope, Ski poles, Desender/abseil device, Jummer (Asender) , Tapes, Prusik Loops, Rappel device, Hand Warmer (if possible)

	2.	Clothing and Wears: Trekking shoes with spare laces, Mountaineering Boots, Plastic or leather for mountaineering boots, Gore-Tex pants, Long shorts, Insulated Parka, Jumper, Waterproof Jackets, Down Jacket, Fleece Vest, Wool cap, Neck Gaiter, Gloves, Climbing Socks, Thermal Underwear, Sandals, Snow Goggle

	3.	Essential Gears: Backpack, Duffle bag, Sleeping Bag, sleeping pad, Tents

	4.	Gadgets: Map, Compass, Camera, GPS, Two way radios, Binoculars, Head Lamp, Flashlight

	5.	Sun Protection Items: Sun glasses, sun scream, Lip balm

	6.	Medical: First aid Kit (Brufen / Ibuprofens, Antibiotic, Diamox, Paracetamol, Handy Plaster, Crack Bandage, Tincture Iodine, etc.)

	7.	Other Essentials: Energy Bars, Water bottle, Water Purification Tablets, Toiletries, Trekking poles, Pocket knife, raincoat, Satellite Phone, Altimeter

		# Note: You can bring the above mentioned equipments from your home country or you can also rent or buy in Kathmandu. Our climbing guide will assist you to select necessary equipments.

What is High Altitude Sickness (HAS)? How can I avoid suffering from HAS?

High Altitude Sickness or HAS is a mountain illness that occurs to trekkers and traveller due to acute exposure to low pressure of oxygen while trekking or hiking in high altitude Himalayas. The main causes of HAS are less availability of oxygen at high altitude, dehydration, and rapid ascent.

Following primary symptoms are visible in an affected person:

   - Lack of appetite, nausea or vomiting
   - Fatigue or weakness
   - Dizziness or light-headedness
   - Insomnia
   - Needles and Pins Sensation
   - Shortness of breath
   - Nose bleed
   - Persistent rapid pulse
   - Diarrhea
   - Peripheral edema (swelling of hands, feet and face)

You can avoid suffering from HAS by taking following precautionary:

   - Ascending slowly is the best way to avoid HAS
   - Avoiding alcohol consumption in the first 24-hours at a higher altitude
   - Make sure you have previous experience of trekking and/or climbing in high altitude regions
   - Increase the intake of water or liquid as you gain higher altitude
   - Take enough rest at lower level to acclimatize with the climate.
   - Cross check with your medical practitioner before trekking or climbing in high altitude and seek proper advice.

What general permits are required for trekking/travelling in Nepal?

There are various permits such as trekking permits, national park permits, conservation area permits required for trekkers and tourists.

TIMS : TIMs is an abbreviation of ‘Trekkers’ Information Management Systems’. TIMs is kind of a permit card issued by Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) and Nepal Tourism Board. TIMs is mandatory for entering all normal trekking areas in Nepal.

In the TIMS Card, you will have to fill in information about the dates of your trip, the itinerary, and a contact number. These data will be inserted in the visitors’ database, where they can be accessed for park management purposes or for rescue missions in case of accidents and/or natural calamities.

Trekkers and tourists can avail the card at specific counters designated by TAAN and NTB including their own head offices in Kathmandu.

There are two types of TIM Cards:

	a. Individual (Green coloured) TIMS:

	Free Individual Trekker (FIT) or Single trekkers who are planning to trek without the help of assistants (guides or porters) are required to obtain Green TIMS card. Green TIMS card can be obtained by paying Nepali currency equivalent to US$20 per person. The form can be filled out by the trekkers themselves by visiting the nearest TIMS Center. Such FIT trekkers will have to take full responsibility of the possible risks while trekking.

	b. Group (Blue coloured) TIMS:

	Blue TIMS card is for those trekkers who are travelling in groups accompanied by assistants (guides and/or porters). Such groups of trekkers will be taking the service of government-authorized trekking agencies. The trekking agencies will help the groups to obtain Blue TIMS card by paying Nepali currency equivalent of US$20 per person.

	# Note: Citizens of SAARC countries will have to pay NRs. 200. Nepali currency equivalent of US$ 10 per person

Restricted or Controlled Area Trekking permits

There are many remote and cultural and naturally sensitive areas in Nepal which are not fully opened for tourism. The government of Nepal has designated certain areas as ‘Restricted or Controlled Area’ to preserve the unique culture and nature of the area from the negative impact of mass tourism.

Dolpa, Taplejung, Upper Mustaing, Manaslu, Gauri Shankar, Humla, Rasuwa and Sankhuwasabha are some of the Restricted areas in Nepal.

‘Restricted or Controlled Area’ in trekking parlance means those areas where limited number of trekkers is allowed every year. Anyone who wishes to trek in Restricted or Controlled Area will have to travel in groups of at least two people and only after paying certain royalties to the government.

Such trips are usually organized by government registered trekking companies. As said before, the group size should comprise a minimum of two members. In additions, while trekking in such areas will require trekkers to be accompanied by guides and porters.

Please find below a list of Restricted/Controlled Areas and the corresponding fees required to obtain Trekking permit:

S.N.	District/Areas	Season	Permit Fees
1.	Lower Dolpa / Upper Dolpa	Throughout the year	US$10 per person per week. US$500 per person for first 10 days and afterwards US$50 per person per day.

2.	Kanchenjunga Region (Olangchungola, Lelep, Papung & Yamphudin)	Throughout the year	US$10 per person per week or equivalent convertible foreign currency

3.	Upper Mustang	Throughout the year	US$500 per person for first 10 days and afterwards US$50 per person per day

4.	Manaslu (Chhekampar & Chunchet)	Sep-Nov	US$70 per person for first 7 days and afterwards US$10 per person per day
		Dec-Aug	US$50 per person for first 7 days and afterwards US$7 per person per day
		Sep-Nov	US$35 per person for first 8 days
		Dec-Aug	US$25 per person for first 8 days

5.	Dolakha District (Gauri Shankar & Lamabagar)	Throughout the year	US$10 per person per week and afterwards US$7 per person per day

6.	Humla District (Simikot, Yari, Limi, Muchu, Darma)	Throughout the year	US$50 per person for first 7 days and afterwards US$10 per person per week

7.	Rasuwa District (Thuman & Timure)	Throughout the year	US$10 per person per week for first 4 weeks and afterwards US$20 per person per week
8.	Sankhuwasabha District (Kimathanka, Chepuwa, Hatiya & Pewakhola)	Throughout the year	US$10 per person per week for first 4 weeks and afterwards US$20 per person per week

National Park/Conservation Area permits:

Nepal has a total of 10 national parks, 3 wildlife reserves, 6 conservation areas and 1 hunting reserve. To enter into these protected areas, tourists/trekkers will be required to obtain government permit.

Below is the list of entrance Fees applicable to tourists visiting National Parks/Conservation Areas:

	National Parks/ Wildlife Reserves/ Conservation Areas	SAARC Per person per entry (in NRs.)	Foreigners Per person per entry (in NRs.)	Child Discount Per person per entry (in NRs.)

1.	Chitwan National Park	750	1500	Below 10 yrs free

2.	Langtang National Park	1500	3000	Below 10 yrs free

3.	Everest National Park	1500	3000	Below 10 yrs free

4.	Bardiya National Park	500	1000	Below 10 yrs free

5.	Rara National Park	1500	3000	Below 10 yrs free

6.	Shivapuri National Park	500	1000	Below 10 yrs free

7.	Shey-Phoksundo National Park	1500	3000	Below 10 yrs free

8.	Makalu-Barun National Park	1500	3000	Below 10 yrs free

9.	Khaptad National Park	1500	3000	Below 10 yrs free

10.	Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve	500	1000	Below 10 yrs free

11.	Parsa Widlife Reserve	500	1000	Below 10 yrs free

12.	Sukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve	500	1000	Below 10 yrs free

13.	Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve	1500	3000	Below 10 yrs free

14.	Annapurna Conservation Area	200	2000	Below 10 yrs free

15.	Kanchenjunga Conservation Area	200	2000	Below 10 yrs free

16.	Manaslu Conservation Area	200	2000	Below 10 yrs free

17.	Gaurishankar Conservation Area	200	2000	Below 10 yrs free

The Filming (Documentary) fee in all Protected Areas of Nepal are as follows:

SAARC nationals: NRs. 25,000
Other foreign nationals: US $1,000 ( or Equivalent Nepali Rupees)
One liaison officer will be sent with each filming (documentary) team.

# Note: Prices are subject to change without any prior notice.

Could you list the names of trekking peaks opened for climbing in Nepal?

In Nepal 33 peaks with an elevation ranging from 5500m to 6600m have been designated as trekking peaks. Some of the trekking peaks are technically difficult and some are easy to climb. We organize trek and peak climbing on 27 peaks (please see the list below) which are located in the Khumbu, Langtang, Annapurna and Manang regions. We provide all necessary camping equipment, experienced climbing guides, Sherpas, porters and arrange for necessary climbing permits from NMA.

::: Group A Peaks :::

S.N.	Name of the Peak	Location	Trip Type	Duration	Elevation	Grade
1.	Mt. Cholatse Peak	Khumbu Himal	Lodge (teahouse)/Camping	18 Days	6440m.	Challenging
2.	Mt. Labuche West	Khumbu Himal	Lodge (teahouse)/Camping	22 Days	6145m.	Challenging
3.	Mt. Kyazo Ri	Mahalangur	Camping	27 Days	6186m.	Challenging
4.	Mt. Phari Lapcha	Mahalangur	Camping	19 Days	6017m.	Challenging
5.	Mt. Nirekha	Mahalangur	Camping	25 Days	6159m.	Challenging
6.	Mt. Ombigaichen Peak	Mahalangur	Camping	16 Days	6340m.	Challenging
7.	Mt. Abi Peak	Mahalangur	Camping	24 Days	6097m.	Challenging
8.	Mt. Langsisa Ri	Jugal	Camping	20 days	6427m.	Challenging
9.	Mt. Bokta	Kanchenjunga	Camping	30 Days	6143m.	Challenging
10.	Mt. Chekigo	Gaurishankar	Camping	24 Days	6257m.	Challenging
11.	Mt. Larkya Peak	Manaslu	Lodge (teahouse)/Camping	15 Days	6010m.	Challenging
12.	Mt. Yubra Himal	Langtang	Lodge (teahouse)/Camping	14 Days	6035m.	Challenging

::: Group B Peaks :::

S.N.	Name of the Peak	Location	Trip Type	Duration	Elevation	Grade
1.	Mt. Hiuchuli	Annapurna Himal	Lodge (teahouse)/Camping	21 Days	6441m.	Challenging
2.	Mt. Singu Chuli (Fluted Peak)	Annapurna Himal	Lodge (teahouse)/Camping	23 Days	6501m.	Challenging
3.	Mt Mera Peak	Khumbu Himal	Lodge (teahouse)/Camping	25 Days	6654m.	Challenging
4.	Mt. Kusum Kangru	Khumbu Himal	Lodge (teahouse)/Camping	26 Days	6367m.	Challenging
5.	Mt. Kongde Ri	Khumbu Himal	Lodge (teahouse)/Camping	18 Days	6011m.	Challenging
6.	Mt. Imja Tse (sland Peak)	Khumbu Himal	Lodge (teahouse)/Camping	16 Days	6160m.	Challenging
7.	Mt. Lobuche East Peak	Khumbu Himal	Lodge (teahouse)/Camping	18 Days	6119m.	Challenging
8.	Mt. Khongmo Tse (Mehra Peak)	Khumbu Himal	Lodge (teahouse)/Camping	17 Days	5849m.	Challenging
9.	Mt. Chulu West	Manang District, Gandaki	Lodge (teahouse)/Camping	24 Days	6419m.	Challenging
10.	Mt. Chulu East	Manang District, Gandaki	Lodge (teahouse)/Camping	21 Days	6584m.	Challenging
11.	Mt. Pisang Peak	Manang District, Gandaki	Lodge (teahouse)/Camping	28 Days	6091m.	Challenging
12.	Mt. Pachermo Peak	Rolwaling Himal	Camping	21 Days	6187m.	Challenging
13.	Mt. Ramdung GO	Rolwaling Himal	Camping	24 Days	5925m.	Challenging
14.	Mt. Ganjala Chuli (Naya Kanga)	Langtang Himal	Lodge (teahouse)/Camping	14 Days	5844m.	Challenging
15.	Mt. Paldor Peak	Ganesh Himal	Camping	17 Days	5996m.	Challenging

How do I get Nepali visa?

Foreigner who intends to visit Nepal must hold valid passport (with at least 6 months validity from the expected date of arrival in Nepal) or any travel document equivalent to passport issued by their respective government.

A. Entry

No foreigner is entitled to enter into and stay in Nepal without valid visa.

Tourist entry visa can be obtained from Nepal Embassy/ Consulate or Mission offices abroad, or at the following immigration offices/points in Nepal:

   1. Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
   2. Kakarvitta, Jhapa (Eastern Nepal)
     3. Birganj, Parsa (Central Nepal)
     4. Kodari, Sindhupalchowk, (Northern Border)
     5. Kerung (Northern border)
     6. Belhiya, Bhairahawa (Rupandehi, Western Nepal)
     7. Jamuna, Nepalgunj (Banke, Mid Western Nepal)
     8. Mohana, Dhangadhi (Kailali, Far Western Nepal)
     9. Gaddachauki, Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur, Far Western Nepal)

B. Visa fee:

     Visa Facility      Duration Fee
     Multiple entry 15 days     US$30
     Multiple entry 30 days   US$50
     Multiple entry 90 days   US$125

C. Tourist Visa Extension

     1. Visa extension (within Valid Visa Period) US$3 per day.
     2. Visa Extension (with Multiple Entry) Additional US$25
     3. Visa Extension (After Visa Expiration) Late Fee US$5 per day

For Visa extension, you can go to the Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, Kathmandu.

Visa Requirements

A valid passport and one passport-size photo with a light background.

Visa can be obtained only through payment of cash in the following currency: Euro, Swiss Franc, Pound Sterling, US Dollar, Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Hong Kong Dollar, Singapore Dollar and Japanese Yen.

Credit Card, Nepali currency and Indian currency are not accepted as payment of visa fee.

Step by Step On-Arrival Visa Process:

Before you start the visa process, please be sure to have following documents with you:

     1. Passport (with at least 6 months validity from the expected date of arrival in Nepal)
     2. Two Photographs (1.5” * 1.5”)
     3. Cash to pay visa fees (in US Dollars or equivalent convertible currency)
         Note: Credit Card, Indian Currency and Nepali Currency are not accepted as payment of visa fee.
     4. A completed Online Tourist Visa form is available at http://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa.
         You can also fill it at the airport on your arrival.

i. First Step
- Fill in ' Arrival Card' on your arrival at the airport/immigration points
- A completed Online ‘Tourist Visa ‘form

ii. Second Step
- Make payment at the bank according to your visa requirement ( 15/30/90 Days) and get receipt. You are advised to carry some cash for making the payment (Cash could be in US Dollars or equivalent convertible currency)

iii. Third Step
- Hand in your form at Immigration Desk along with your receipt and passport

Gratis Visa (Free Visa)

Gratis Visa is issued free of cost for following foreign applicants:

i. Children below 10 years from SAARC region
Children who are below 10 years and from SAARC region (except Afghanistan) are offered free visa for up to 30 days provided they are visiting Nepal for the first time in a given visa Year. Afghan citizen are eligible for Gratis Visa on-arrival only upon the recommendation of Department of Immigration.
ii. Non Residential Nepalese(NRN) card holder ( issued by MoFA /Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad)
iii. Chinese Nationals

Chinese nationals can get free visas from the Nepal Embassy in Beijing, and the Nepal Consulate Office in Lhasa, Shanghai and Hong Kong. Chinese citizens can also get free on-arrival visa at Tribhuvan International Airport as well as at all the immigration points.

Other Visa Information

Nationals from Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine and Afghanistan do not get On-arrival visa at the immigration entry points of Nepal. They will need to obtain visa from Nepal embassies or Diplomatic mission from their respective countries.

(For further information, please look at the following link: http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/content/tourist-visa.html)

What facilities exist for currency exchange ?

Payment in hotels, trekking/travel agencies, and airlines are made in foreign exchange. Credit cards like Visa Card, Master Card, JCB, Maestro, Americal Express etc are widely accepted at major hotels, shops, and restaurants. The receipts may be needed to change left-over Nepalese Rupees into hard currency before leaving the country. However, only 10 percent of the total amount may be converted by the bank. ATM and Debit cards are widely in use in major cities such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan. Lumbini etc.

Nepalese Rupees are found in denominations of 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. One rupee equals 100 paisa. The rate regularly fluctuates and is fixed and published by Nepal Rastra Bank every other day.

For Current Exchange rate, Please Click Here (Official link).

What kind of climate/weather does Nepal have?

Nepal basically has four seasons: Spring (March-May), Summer (June-August), Autumn (September-November) and Winter (December-February).

However, owing to its varied geography, weather conditions of Nepal vary from one place to another. The higher you give up north, it tends to be cooler whereas the deeper the south you go the hotter it is comparatively.

In the hilly and Himalayan regions, summers are cool and balmy and winters are severe, while in tropical plains of the Terai in the south, summers are tropical and winters are mild. The temperatures in the valleys of Kathmandu and Pokhara tend to be pleasant with average summer and winter temperatures.

The temperature ranges from below zero to 25 degrees in the Hills and Himalayas where as it can reach up to 35 degrees in flat lands of Terai.

The monsoon rain fall occurs during the summer. The average annual rainfall is 1,600 mm, but it varies by eco-climatic zones. Travelling in Nepal is possible throughout the year.

There are multitudes of trekking areas you can visit in Nepal throughout the year. Nevertheless, the best time to do trekking are during spring and autumn. These are also the seasons when many of the biggest festivals of Nepal are observed.