Plan Your Trek

Is it safe to trek in Nepal?

Nepal is generally a very safe destination for trekking as well as holidaying. The Nepali people are very accommodating and respectful towards tourists, and female travellers can feel safe in most places.

Trekking with a reputable company ensures that you have experienced guides who know the routes well and are trained in rescue procedures and first aid. The routes are adapted to altitude increases, making sure that ascending to high altitudes is done responsibly with minimum risk of altitude sickness.

Be aware of any signs of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) such as headaches, vomiting, tiredness, trouble sleeping, and dizziness. Most people only feel symptoms above 3000m. Should any symptoms appear, the best thing to do is to descend as quickly as possible. Medicine, such as Diamox, can help as a preventative measure. We recommend you speak with your GP prior to your travels regarding use of Diamox.

What are the different trekking grades?

Trekking in Nepal is graded accordingly on the basis of geographical location, altitude gain and duration of trekking time per day. Due to topographical diversity of Nepal, the altitude varies from just 60 meters above the sea level to top of the world at 8848 meters. There are numerous trekking sites from soft and easy to moderate, strenuous and challenging around the foothills of Nepal Himalayas.

It is recommended that you practice some cardio vascular exercises like skipping, jogging, walking, swimming and cycling to increase your stamina that will eventually be advantage while trekking in Nepal.

Trekking in Nepal grades are explained as follows:

Easy or Grade 1 (*)

Easy or grade 1 trekking can be embarked by any age group which usually involves less than 3000 meters of altitude gain and total duration not exceeding 10 days. Therefore it can be said as short and easy trekking trips in Nepal with no more than 5 hours of walking activity per day. You will witness more of culture and great Himalayan sunrise and sunset views from easy or grade 1 trekking.

Moderate or Grade 2 (**)

Moderate or Grade 2 trekking activity comprises around couple of weeks duration with an altitude gain ranging from 3000m to 5000m. Usually an individual will also be able to walk for around 5 to 7 hours of walk per day with mix of rough, steep and smooth walks. There would not be high chances of altitude sickness while joining moderate graded trekking adventure in Nepal.

Strenuous or Grade 3 (***)

Strenuous or Grade 3 types of trekking holiday involve an elevation around 5000meters above sea level; therefore one should be well prepared with physical fitness, health conditions and knowledge on acute mountain sickness too. Trekking activity would be usually around than 7 hours a day with more of steep ascends and mixture of rough/smooth walking on varied geographical locations.

Challenging or Grade 4 (****)

Challenging or grade 4 is very strenuous adventure which may require climbing and mountaineering skills to join in. The altitude gain would be till 6000 meters with more than 7 hours of walk per day which might be steep, rough and even at snow. Training and previous experience with high level of physical fitness and ability to use ice axe, ropes and crampons is required to embark for this type of challenging adventure in Nepal.

Extreme adventure or Grade 5 (*****)

Extreme adventure or grade 5 trekking activity is only for those who dare to conquer best of Himalayan expeditions with excellent physical fitness level, previous climbing experience at high altitudes and high tolerance levels. Altitude gain would be more than 6000 meters above sea level and trekking duration would be nearly for a month. Most often snow covered passes are needed to be tackled professionally in safe way and claim to be daredevil extreme adventure enthusiast.

Above grading system on trekking, peak climbing and expedition in Nepal is very subjective and therefore may vary while experiencing in real world. Various factors like individual fitness level and weather conditions affect the difficulty level of any trekking in Nepal. Therefore it should only be taken as a reference before embarking for adventure in Nepal.

Do you provide safe drinking water on trek?

Your guide and trekking staff will provide safe drinking water throughout your trek. The water will either be boiled or filtered water.

How does it work with electricity and recharging electric devices?

Most lodges and teahouses will have electricity but you may experience power cuts. Usually, you will be able to charge your devises in the common areas, but expect to pay a small fee for this in some places especially at high altitude.

On camping treks you must bring your own power bank and/or extra batteries for your electric devises. A portable solar panel may come in handy on longer treks.

Will I have internet connection & mobile phone signal on trek?

At the most popular trekking destinations such as the Annapurnas and Khumbu (the Everest Region) you will find WiFi these days, but be patient as you will be sharing it with many other trekkers.

In more remote areas of Nepal and on camping treks do not expect to find any WiFi. Mobile phone signal and data reception is increasingly good even in many remote parts of the country, and you will occasionally be able to use the data on your phone. We recommend getting a local sim-card from Ncell or Nepal Telecom in Kathmandu prior to your trek if you need to stay connected on trek.

Do I need a visa to enter Nepal?

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your expected date of departure from Nepal. You will also require an entry visa for Nepal.

All foreigners (except Indian nationals) must have a visa for entry into Nepal. The visa can be obtained upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. A single-entry visa valid for 15/30/90 days costs US$25/40/100.You can pay for your visa in any major currency or with your credit card (note that there is a small extra fee to pay for using credit card).

At the airport in Kathmandu the fee is payable in any major currency, but at land borders officials require payment in cash US dollars; bring small bills. SAARC countries can get a 30-day visa for free on arrival. If you wish to avoid the lines for visa at the airport you can contact the Nepal Embassy in your country and get the visa prior to arrival.

Do I need any vaccinations?

The main recommended vaccinations for Nepal are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Meningitis. Boosters are also recommended for Tetanus, Polio, Mumps, and Measles. Depending on your travel plans, you may also consider inoculations against Japanese Encephalitis, Hepatitis B, and Rabies.

Which currency can I use in Nepal?

The Nepalese rupee is the common currency, although US dollars and UK sterling are widely accepted, as are credit cards in Kathmandu.

What are your guidelines for tipping?

Tipping is a personal matter and there is no requirement to tip at the end of your trek. However, tipping is expected, and most clients do choose to do so and frequently ask for guidance. We hope the following notes will be useful.

How Much to Tip?

Below, we have provided guidelines for how much is reasonable to tip, should you be in doubt.

Please note: These amounts apply to what your group gives communally, not individually.

If you decide to tip, we suggest that you make your tips on the last night of the trek. We recommend that, before your presentation, you designate the amounts for the guide, cook, support Sherpas and porters and give your gratuity directly and personally to each individual. This also ensures that all are getting what you intend them to receive.

Passport information:

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your expected date of departure from Nepal. You will also require an entry visa for Nepal.

Passport copies of your details and photographs come in handy when you need to get permits, visas, sim card, etc.

How much baggage can I bring on trek?

Domestic flights allow 15-20kg of check-in baggage (depending on the route) and a maximum of 5kg as hand carry.

Your porter will carry up to 25kg and carries two people’s baggage. We ask you to kindly keep this in mind when packing for your trek.

Do I need insurance?

We require that all our guests arrange their own comprehensive travel insurance with an international insurance provider. Make sure that the policy will cover the maximum altitude of your trek.

Do you cater to vegetarians and vegans?

Yes. Do let us know about any dietary restrictions (allergies, intolerances, etc.) in advance so that we can adapt the menu accordingly.

General country information

Formerly a Himalayan Kingdom, today Nepal is officially recognised as a Federal Democratic Republic. Positioned between China and India, Nepal is divided geographically into three belts: the mountains, the hills and the flat-land terai.
Nepal is home to eight of the world's ten tallest mountains, including the highest point on Earth, Mount Everest, known as 'Sagarmatha' in Nepali.

With a population of approximately 30 million, Nepal is the world's 93rd largest country by land mass and the 41st most populous country.

Kathmandu is the nation's capital and the country's largest metropolis. Kathmandu Valley itself has estimated population of 5 million and has grown considerably from the days of its three 'mini kingdoms' : Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Although the valley has sprawled in recent years, these three areas remain alive with a world-class artistic and architectural heritage.

The Nepalese have a multi-cultural heritage of Indian, Tibetan and North Burmese descent. Both Hindu and Buddhist religions are practiced across the country and in harmony with each other.

• A Down Jacket

  If you do not have a down jacket, Mountain Travel can arrange for you to rent one, or you can purchase one for a reasonable price in Kathmandu’s tourist district Thamel.

• A Warm Fleece

• Long Sleeved T-shirts

  We would suggest either wool or synthetic material. Though cotton is very comfortable to wear, it gets wet and cold when you sweat in it, and it takes a long time to dry. Wool will stay warm even when it gets wet, and it does not start to smell bad as quickly as cotton or synthetic material – however, it does take a little longer to dry. Synthetic material is usually quite lightweight, and it efficiently transports the sweat away from your body, and dries quickly. On the downside, it starts smelling quickly and will need to be washed often.

• T-shirts and/or Vests

  Same suggestion as for long sleeved t-shirts.

• A pair of Shorts

  As an alternative to shorts a pair of zipp-off trousers.

• A pair of Lightweight Trousers

  Synthetic or a synthetic/cotton mix preferable.

• A pair of Long Johns

  These are nice to have for chilly evenings in the teahouse or outside the tent especially for altitudes above 4000 meters where it often gets very cold during the night

• A pair of good walking Boots and good Trekking Socks

  Make sure the boots are big enough – if the boots are too small, you will lose your toenails. It is important that your heel is fixed in the boot while at the same time you should have some space in front of your toes. Consider that your feet “grow” during the day. Consider whether you will use both inner socks (liners) and trekking socks or only one pair of socks.

• A pair of Sandals or Flip-flops

  It’s always a great feeling to take off your boots at the end of a long trekking day and walk around barefoot in your sandals around camp. They are also easier to get in and out of if you have to go to the loo during the night.

• Rainproof Jacket

  The weather can change rapidly in the Himalayas and a sunny day can quickly turn into a rainstorm or even a snow storm. A light jacket with low packing volume is preferable, since you carry the jacket in your day pack to be prepared for sudden changes in weather.

• A small and comfortable Day Pack with Rain Cover

  20-25 liters should suffice.

• A Sun Hat

• A Woolly Hat

• A pair of Gloves

• A Head Torch

• A Camera + extra Memory Cards 32–64 GB

• Personal Water Bottle

• Toiletries: Toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, wet wipes, a bit of extra toilet paper
• A small and comfortable Day Pack with Rain Cover

  20-25 liters should suffice.