Frequently Asked Questions

October-November: Peak season with perfect weather, clear mountain views, and major festivals like Dashain and Tihar. This is the busiest time, so book accommodations early.

March-May: Spring season with warming temperatures, blooming rhododendrons, and good trekking conditions. Slightly less crowded than autumn.

June-September (Monsoon): Heavy rain in most areas, but great for visiting rain-shadow regions like Upper Mustang. Lower prices and fewer tourists.

December-February: Cold at high altitudes, but Kathmandu and lowlands are pleasant. Good for cultural tours, though some high passes may be closed.

3-4 days: Quick Kathmandu Valley tour hitting the main UNESCO sites.

1 week: Kathmandu plus one other destination (Pokhara, Chitwan, or short trek).

10-14 days: Kathmandu, another city, and a moderate trek like Annapurna Base Camp.

2-3 weeks: Time for major treks like Everest Base Camp plus city exploration.

1 month+: Multiple treks, remote regions, and deep cultural immersion.

In Cities: Not required, but highly recommended for cultural sites. A good guide transforms temples from "old buildings" into stories that come alive. You'll understand context and history you'd never get alone.

For Trekking: Not legally required for most routes, but strongly advised. Guides handle logistics, help with altitude sickness, provide cultural insights, and solve problems. Solo trekking saves money but you miss out on local knowledge and safety support.

Our Philosophy: We're guides ourselves, so obviously biased - but we've seen countless travelers who tried to go it alone and wished they hadn't. The right guide doesn't just show you places; they open doors and create experiences impossible to have independently.

You can absolutely travel Nepal independently. Infrastructure is developed enough, locals are helpful, and many travelers do it successfully. However, consider:

• Language barriers: English is common in tourist areas but limited elsewhere
• Time efficiency: Guides know shortcuts, best times to visit, how to avoid crowds
• Cultural understanding: You'll see temples, but will you understand what you're seeing?
• Safety net: When things go wrong (and they sometimes do), having local support matters

We offer flexible options: full guided tours, day tours while you handle your own accommodations, or just consultations to plan your independent trip. Choose what fits your style and budget.

Most nationalities can get a tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport or land borders. You'll need:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months
• Passport photo (or pay for one there)
• Cash in USD for visa fee

Visa Fees: 15 days ($30), 30 days ($50), 90 days ($125)

You can also apply online in advance, which can save time at the airport. A few nationalities (mainly from neighboring countries with sensitivelations) need advance visas - check Nepal's immigration website if you're unsure.

Yes! You can extend your tourist visa at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Extensions cost $3 per day (up to 150 days total per calendar year). Bring passport photos, your passport, and cash. The process usually takes a few hours. Just don't overstay - the penalties are expensive ($10/day plus potential blacklisting).

Overall: Yes, Nepal is very safe. Violent crime against tourists is rare. Nepali people are genuinely warm and helpful. That said, use common sense:

• Petty theft: Watch your belongings in crowded areas
• Scams: Beware of taxi drivers without meters, gem scams, and fake charity workers
• Traffic: Chaotic and genuinely dangerous. Look both ways (twice) before crossing
• Trekking safety: Altitude sickness is real. Don't ignore symptoms. Trails can be slippery.

Solo female travelers: Nepal is generally safe, but dress modestly, avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and trust your instincts.

Let's be honest: Kathmandu has serious air quality issues, especially in winter months (November-February). On bad days, it ranks among the world's most polluted cities.

What you can do:

• Consider wearing an N95 mask on very polluted days
• Limit outdoor activities during worst pollution (usually morning/evening)
• If you have respiratory issues, visit during spring/summer when air is better
• Higher altitude areas have excellent air quality - another reason to trek!

The good news: Nepal is investing heavily in electric vehicles and clean energy. Change is happening, though it takes time.

No. Don't drink tap water in Nepal. Stick to:

• Bottled water (widely available)
• Filtered/purified water (many hotels provide this)
• Water purification tablets or filter bottles (eco-friendly option)

Also be cautious with ice in drinks, raw vegetables, and food from street vendors if you have a sensitive stomach. That said, dal bhat from busy local restaurants is almost always safe and delicious!

YES. Absolutely yes. Especially if trekking. Make sure your policy covers:

• High-altitude trekking (up to 6,000m if doing Everest region)
• Emergency helicopter evacuation (can cost $5,000-10,000)
• Medical treatment
• Trip cancellation/interruption

Helicopter rescues from high altitude happen regularly. Without insurance, you're looking at devastating costs. World Nomads and similar companies offer good coverage for Nepal.

Nepal can accommodate almost any budget:

Budget: $20-30/day

• Basic guesthouse: $5-10
• Local meals (dal bhat): $2-3
• Local buses: $1-5

Mid-range: $50-100/day

• Comfortable hotel: $20-40
• Tourist restaurants: $5-10 per meal
• Guided day tours: $30-50
• Tourist buses/taxis: $5-20

Luxury: $150+/day

• High-end hotels: $80-200+
• Fine dining: $15-30
• Private guides and transport
• Premium tours and experiences

Trekking costs: $30-50/day for teahouse treks (basic), $80-150/day for guided luxury treks with porters.

Cash is king in Nepal. While Kathmandu and major tourist areas accept cards, cash is essential for:

• Small restaurants and shops
• Taxis and local transport
• Trekking (no ATMs on trails)
• Entry fees and permits

Strategy: Bring USD or EUR (easy to exchange), withdraw NPR from ATMs in Kathmandu/Pokhara (limits: 35,000-50,000 NPR per transaction), and always carry enough cash before heading to remote areas.

Tipping isn't traditionally part of Nepali culture, but it's become expected in tourist areas:

• Restaurants: 5-10% for good service (check if service charge already included)
• Guides: $10-20/day for day tours, more for multi-day treks
• Porters: $5-10/day
• Drivers: $5-10/day for private drivers
• Taxis: Round up or add 10-20 NPR

Tips mean a lot to service workers in Nepal. If someone provided excellent service, be generous - it makes a real difference to their lives.

It depends on the trek:

Easy treks (Poon Hill, Ghorepani): Basic fitness is enough. If you can walk 4-5 hours at a comfortable pace, you're fine.

Moderate treks (Annapurna Base Camp, Langtang): Moderate cardio fitness needed. Start training 2-3 months before with regular hiking or walking.

Challenging treks (Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit): Good fitness essential. You'll be walking 5-8 hours daily at high altitude.

The real challenge isn't fitness - it's altitude. Even ultra-fit people can get altitude sickness. The key is acclimatization: ascend slowly, hydrate constantly, and listen to your body.

Altitude sickness (AMS) happens when you ascend too quickly and your body can't adjust to the lower oxygen levels. Symptoms include:

• Headache
• Nausea and loss of appetite
• Fatigue and dizziness
• Shortness of breath at rest

Prevention:

• Ascend slowly (no more than 300-500m elevation gain per day above 3,000m)
• Build in rest days for acclimatization
• Drink 3-4 liters of water daily
• Avoid alcohol and sleeping pills
• Listen to your body - never ignore symptoms

If symptoms appear: Stop ascending. If symptoms worsen, descend immediately. AMS can become life-threatening. Your guide will monitor you and make decisions about continuing or descending.

Essential items:

• Good hiking boots (broken in!)
• Warm sleeping bag (rated to -10°C for high altitude)
• Layered clothing (base layers, fleece, down jacket, waterproof shell)
• Trekking poles (your knees will thank you)
• Sunglasses and sunscreen (UV is intense at altitude)
• Water purification tablets or filter
• First aid kit with altitude sickness medication
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Power bank (charging is expensive on trails)

You can rent or buy most gear in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Quality varies, so inspect carefully before renting.

Popular routes like Annapurna Base Camp and Everest Base Camp can be done independently - trails are well-marked, teahouses are frequent, and you'll meet other trekkers.

Benefits of having a guide:

• Safety and emergency support
• Cultural insights and language help
• Navigation in bad weather
• Altitude sickness monitoring
• Handling logistics and permits
• Supporting local employment

Some remote treks (Manaslu, Upper Mustang) legally require guides. Even on popular routes, we strongly recommend guides - they enhance your experience immensely and provide crucial safety support.

Unlike big tour companies, we don't have account managers or sales teams. When you contact us, you communicate directly with the guide who will lead your tour.

This means:

• You can ask detailed questions about the itinerary
• Build a relationship before you even arrive
• No surprises - what we promise is what you get
• Direct communication via WhatsApp, email, or phone
• Flexibility to customize based on your preferences

We believe this creates better experiences and more authentic connections.

Peak season (October-November, March-April): Book 2-3 months in advance for treks, 2-4 weeks for day tours.

Off-season: 1-2 weeks advance booking is usually fine.

Last-minute bookings: We can often accommodate requests with just a few days notice, especially for day tours. Just message us and we'll see what's possible.

The earlier you book, the more options you have for accommodations and dates.

We're transparent about what's included. It varies by tour type, but generally:

Day tours typically include:

• Expert local guide
• Entrance fees to sites
• Transportation (if specified)
• Bottled water

Multi-day tours typically include:

• Accommodation (level specified in tour)
• Meals (specified which meals)
• All transport during tour
• Guide services throughout
• Permits and fees

Usually NOT included: International flights, visa fees, travel insurance, personal expenses, tips for guides/drivers, alcohol.

We clearly list what's included and excluded for each tour. No hidden fees, no surprises.

Day tours:

• 48+ hours notice: Full refund
• 24-48 hours: 50% refund
• Less than 24 hours: Non-refundable

Multi-day tours:

• 30+ days notice: Full refund minus processing fee
• 15-30 days: 50% refund
• Less than 15 days: Non-refundable (we've already booked accommodations)

Weather cancellations: Full refund or reschedule at no charge.

Emergency situations: We're human. If something serious happens (medical emergency, family crisis), we'll work with you to find a fair solution.

Absolutely! This is one of our strengths. Since you're working directly with guides, we can easily adjust itineraries to match your interests, fitness level, and time constraints.

Want to focus more on Buddhist sites than Hindu? Interested in local artisan workshops? Need to adjust for physical limitations? Want to avoid crowds? Just tell us, and we'll create something perfect for you.

Fill out our travel planning questionnaire and we'll design a custom itinerary.

Yes! Nepal actually handles dietary restrictions quite well:

• Vegetarian: Easy - Nepal has excellent vegetarian food
• Vegan: Possible, especially in cities. Dal bhat is often vegan
• Gluten-free: Challenging but manageable. Rice-based dishes are everywhere
• Allergies: Let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly

Just inform us when booking, and we'll ensure restaurants/teahouses are aware of your requirements.