Visas
Nepal: most nationalities can get a tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at the main land borders, or apply online in advance through the Department of Immigration. You need a passport valid for at least six months and a passport photo. Check the current fees and rules for your nationality on the official Department of Immigration website before you fly.
Tibet: foreigners need a Tibet Travel Permit, which can only be arranged through a licensed tour operator, and a Chinese visa. When you travel to Tibet from Nepal we arrange the paperwork with our partner in Lhasa. Allow several weeks.
Bhutan: all visitors except some neighbouring nationals need a visa arranged in advance through a licensed operator, together with the Sustainable Development Fee set by the Government of Bhutan. We handle this for you when you book a Bhutan trip.
When to go
- Autumn (September to November): clear skies and stable weather. The most popular season for trekking.
- Spring (March to May): warmer days and rhododendrons in flower. The main season for climbing expeditions.
- Winter (December to February): quiet, clear and cold. Good for lower treks; high passes may be closed by snow.
- Monsoon (June to August): rain and cloud in most regions, but a good time for rain-shadow areas such as Upper Mustang and Dolpo.
Permits and guides
Most treks need national park or conservation area permits, and some areas (for example Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo and Manaslu) are restricted areas with special permits and a minimum group size. Nepal also requires foreign trekkers in its national parks and conservation areas to walk with a licensed guide. We arrange every permit included in your trip.
Altitude
Many treks go above 3,000 m, where altitude sickness can affect anyone, however fit. Our itineraries include acclimatisation days. Walk slowly, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol at altitude, and tell your guide straight away if you have a headache, nausea or breathlessness. The only cure for serious symptoms is to go down.
Travel insurance
Insurance is required for all treks and expeditions. Make sure your policy covers trekking up to the maximum altitude of your trip, emergency helicopter evacuation and medical treatment, and trip cancellation.
Health
Visit a travel clinic six to eight weeks before departure for advice on vaccinations. Drink only treated or bottled water, and bring a small first-aid kit with any personal medicines.
Money
The currency is the Nepalese rupee (NPR). There are ATMs and money changers in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but very few on the trails, so carry enough cash in rupees for the trek. Card payments are accepted in many hotels and shops in the cities.
Electricity and connectivity
Nepal uses 230 V with plug types C, D and M. Most teahouses charge a small fee for charging devices and for Wi-Fi. A local SIM card works in many trekking areas, but signal is patchy at altitude. A power bank is very useful.
What to pack
- Comfortable, broken-in trekking boots and good socks
- Layers: base layers, a fleece, a warm down jacket and a waterproof shell
- Warm hat, gloves, sunglasses and sun cream
- A sleeping bag suitable for the season and altitude
- Reusable water bottle and purification tablets
- Headtorch, small daypack, and trekking poles if you use them
We send a detailed kit list for your trip with your booking confirmation, and most gear can be bought or hired in Kathmandu.