Answer below questions and let us tailor the perfect Himalayan experience for you.
All bookings are made in good faith. Once we have received your booking we will send you an invoice giving payment details. We will require an advance deposit of US$ 200 per person in order to hold your booking on a secure basis with the balance to be paid prior to your arrival in Nepal.
Travel/cancellation insurance is required for our treks. We will collect insurance contact and policy information for each trekker prior to the trek in case we need to contact your insurance company.
We recommend making your travel plans as early as possible. Airlines and hotels fill up quickly, especially during high season. We will be happy to help you with domestic flights and hotel bookings and recommendations. Plan to arrive at least two days before your trek starts in order to allow for any unforeseen circumstances or travel fatigue. Plan to depart no sooner than two days after of your trek’s planned end date (especially if your trek involves domestic flights).
Weather, airline connections and road conditions permitting, you will return from your trek on the last day of your trek’s planned end date. It is advisable to plan one or more extra days in the area following your return in case of delay. We will endeavor to make your domestic travel as smooth as possible, and we are always in contact with your guide and ready to change tickets and hotel bookings for you if necessary.
Relatives and employers should be made aware of the possibility of delays and someone at home should have the ability to re-organize your International travel and lodging should your delay require a change in plans for you.
We will meet you for a pre-trek briefing on the day before your trip or even two days before your trek if possible. This will give you enough time for any last minute preparations in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
The pre-trek briefing is a meet-and-greet with the staff, orientation about the trek, and Q&A session. The briefing takes 30 minutes to an hour.
We carry satellite phones for medical emergencies and for the safe conduct of every trek.
Kathmandu has a reasonable internet connection and most hotels in the city now have WIFI. At the most popular trekking destinations such as the Annapurna 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 like the Far East and Far West of Nepal do not expect to find any WiFi.
Mobile phone reception and data reception is improving rapidly even in many remote parts of the country.
You may want to leave airline tickets and valuables in your hotel safe while on the trek. Most hotels will store your extra gear. Alternately you can leave it in our vehicle with our office staff.
The Mountain Travel Nepal team will provide all practical equipment that you need to take part in our treks. All you will need to take care of is your personal equipment and clothing and we would suggest that you read our packing list closely.
Arrangements may be cancelled at any time but the cancellation should be communicated to us in writing. Since cancellation incurs administrative costs, we will retain any deposit paid and in addition will apply cancellation charges as follows.
Period before departure within which written cancellation is received, and sum of cancellation charge shown as a percentage of the package price:
More than 60 days: Deposit only
31-60 days: 50%
15-30 days: 75%
Less than 15 days: 100%
Any unforeseen cost increases beyond our control will be passed on directly to the guest, whenever such increases occur. This could include (but is not limited to) such items as airfares, fuel costs, government taxes, currency exchange variations, etc. In some cases, an increase might also be applicable if group numbers drop below the originally costed number.
We reserve the right to change or alter any itinerary at any time for reasons beyond our control. These could include but are not limited to adverse weather conditions, cancellation of flights or government restrictions in certain areas. Whenever we are forced to make such late changes, we will always endeavor to give guests as much advance notice as possible and to ensure that the alternate itinerary achieves, insofar as possible, the objectives of the original tour.
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.
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.
Your guide and trekking staff will provide safe drinking water throughout your trek. The water will either be boiled or filtered water.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Nepalese rupee is the common currency, although US dollars and UK sterling are widely accepted, as are credit cards in Kathmandu.
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.
Below, we have provided guidelines for how much is reasonable to tip, should you be in doubt.
Service | USD per day | Rupees per day |
Trekking Guide/Cook | $10 to $15 USD | 1000-1500 NPR |
Porter | $5 to $10 USD | 500-1000 NPR |
Tour Guide | $10 to $15 USD | 1000-1500 NPR |
Driver | $5 to $10 USD | 500-1000 NPR |
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes. Do let us know about any dietary restrictions (allergies, intolerances, etc.) in advance so that we can adapt the menu accordingly.
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.
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.
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.
Same suggestion as for long sleeved t-shirts.
As an alternative to shorts a pair of zipp-off trousers.
Synthetic or a synthetic/cotton mix preferable.
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
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.
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.
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.
20-25 liters should suffice.
20-25 liters should suffice.
Send us an e-mail or call us with any queries you may have. Alternatively click below on “Plan your adventure” to get started with your once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan journey.
We are ready to help you with any request you may have.
The Trek of a Lifetime (Milke Danda Trek - Makalu Region)-2023
We went on a 50th anniversary trek in the eastern region of Nepal's middle hills. The route was much discussed with Ashok Awal whose planning, pre-trek guidance and in-trek support was superb. He put together an excellent core team of Sherpas led by the excellent Chhong Kharma Sherpa supported by the tireless Rinji Sherpa and the utterly brilliant cook and cooks boy, Ongdi Sherpa and Mingma Sherpa (thanks to their efforts we reckon we may be the first trekkers to put on weight during our time in the hills). The weather turned against us so we made radical changes to the planned itinerary but the excellence of the preparation ensured this was accomplished with ease (at least for us) and some aplomb. This was trekking in a grand manner with considerable style, boundless care and as much comfort as its possible to achieve when camping in hot lower levels and damp cloudy middle levels. MTN's reputation preceded it but it was wonderful to see historic standards of excellence being maintained. Thank you for a trek of a lifetime.
James Humphery and Jayne Humphery
United Kingdom of Great Britian and Northern Ireland
The Sherpa Village Trek (Everest Region)-2023
I recently returned to visit Nepal for a month in March/April 23 after a gap of about 40 years and used Mountain Travel Nepal again through Ashok Awal and his team to make ALL the arrangements.
This included the Sherpa Village Trek in the Solukhumbu region in Sagamartha National Park, the Langtang Valley Trek in Langtang National Park and accommodation in Thamel, Shivapuri Heights and Bhaktapur while in the Kathmandu Valley.
The whole month was a wonderful experience. Advice and communication was professional and I always felt safe and looked after. This was commented on by others I met along the way and I think a tribute to the experience of Mountain Travel Nepal.
A big thank you to Sherpa Ngawang Namgel and Porter Pemba Nuru and the staff of the Mountain Lodges of Nepal in the Solukhumbu region for sharing their unique way of life. It was a privilege to have the Sherpas show me wild life and birds along the trails and for sharing their lives and experiences. Thank you.
Christine Silvester
Australia
Everest Trek with Gokyo Valley – Everest 2 passes Trek- 2023
We arrived well back in Switzerland after the most exciting trek in the Khumbu Everest area. We would like to thank you again for the perfect organization. We had a great time with Nima and Kancha our guide and porter. They were most helpful and wonderful companions.
Mr. 'Marcel Hungerbuehler' and Mr. 'Jüerg Hugi'
Switzerland
Khopra Danda Trek 2023
We enjoyed our trip a lot! And Surendra is a really professional and wonderful guide, and we would definitely recommend him to others!
We are really happy about the route that you planned. The scenery was just incredible!
Freja and Anna
Denmark
On arrival in Kathmandu, I knew from our very first meeting with Tamding Sherpa, our senior guide, that we were in good hands. Tamding paid attention in particular to a senior member of our group, and provided all the care needed for all of us to succeed. The service was second to none. The fact that he had worked with the company for so many years spoke volumes about his loyalty to the firm. Mountain Travel Nepal’s experience in the industry and the care they show their staff is in a class of its own. Happy staff makes for a happy trek – and ours certainly was!
Henrik Andersen
Denmark
Langtang Valley Trek
We used Mountain Travel Nepal on our most recent trip in April 2019 to organize a trek in the Langtang Valley and were so happy with the level of service they gave our group. The experienced staff add so much value to a trek, showing you secret spots along the trail, introducing you to cultural life in the mountains, and spotting elusive wildlife you might normally miss! I would thoroughly recommend Mountain Travel Nepal, particularly for families and others who have a commitment to ethical travel.
Craig Allen
Australia
Everest Base Camp Trek
If you are planning a trip to Nepal then "Mountain Travel Nepal" is your go-to agency. We had an amazing experience with the company and Mr. Ashok. We track the Everest Base Camp in 10 days.
The team was very helpful in providing us with detail, adjusting the route accordingly before and after due to weather changes where needed, provide insights into the culture and the people, and supporting us in any way they could to achieve and successfully complete the trek. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. We will come back.. I'm sure of it. Special thanks to our guide Loken and our two porters Dipak Rai and Bibek Rai who took very good care of us providing a positive and family atmosphere.
Alessandro, Daniele, Claudio & Luca
Italy & Germany
Sikles & Tara Hill Top Camping
Our guides were amazing. We felt perfectly safe and looked after.
Janet Rodgers
Italy & Germany
Mera Peak Climbing
We want to say a big thank you Ashok and Sonam at Mountain Travel, for a wonderful and unforgettable trip to Mera Peak.
Everything went very smooth and professional from planing the itinerary to the summit day. We first met both Sonam, our guide and Ashok, our agency contact and got a great feeling. Easy to talk to and discuss upon our trip details. All clear and great plan that fitted our thought of a Mera Peak expedition.
Mr. Andrei Andrianov
Switzerland
The Langtang Valley Trek-2023
A big thank you to Sherpa Sonam Ngima and Porter Phure Lema in the Langtang Valley and to the staff in the Langtang Tea Houses for making me feel so welcome and for sharing their unique way of life. It was a privilege to have the Sherpas show me wild life and birds along the trails and for sharing their lives and experiences. The whole month was a wonderful experience. Advice and communication was professional and I always felt safe and looked after. This was commented on by others I met along the way and I think a tribute to the experience of Mountain Travel Nepal.
Christine Silvester
Australia
Mountain Travel Nepal
House No : 309
Shree Marga 1,Khursanitar
Kathmandu, Nepal
© Mountain Travel Nepal (P.) Ltd. All Rights Reserved, Website by Curves n’ Colors