+1 612 869 4949Nepal Faqs
Nepal General
- Can I get Nepal visa on arrival?
Yes! Nepal visa is available upon arrival at the entry points such as the airports or border crossings.. To avoid long queue in entry port, you can download online and complete the application form, attach PP size photo and bring it with you to the immigration counter. Current Visa fees upon arrival as follows:
15 Days – 30 USD
30 Days – 50 USD
90 Days – 125 USD
Please note that if you are planning to stay longer, it is best to obtain visa at the airport rather than extending once you are there, as it costs a bit higher for extension and the process is lengthy having to spend half a day or more at the immigration office.
- Are there ATMS in Nepal?
- Can I use credit cards in the places I visit in trekking?
In the cities and towns, major restaurants, and larger shops will accept credit card but not by small establishment. Once you are out of the cities, you will need cash almost always. There may be few places along the popular trail that may accept credit cards but it is rare. However there are ATMS in many larger villages on the treks. It is best to change the currency in local Nepali Rupees before you go to the trekking in the mountain region, as ATMS are subject to network issues.
- Which festival is worth visiting when in Nepal?
- What is the common form of Greeting in Nepal? How to do it? What does it signify? What are the dos’ and don’ts in Nepali custom?
It is called Namaste or Namaskar. You can say the greeting in words as well as do it using a gesture. Join your palms together and bring them close to your chest and about 5 to 7 inches below your chin. The word Namaste has many meanings such as Hello, How are you ?, I am glad to see you, nice to meet you, good morning, etc.
• Take off your shoes before entering a temple or one’s home
• Ask for permission before entering a temple
• Taking photographs inside the most temples are mostly prohibited
• Ask for permission before taking photographs of objects, and including Nepali people.
• Nepali people are laid back and friendly by nature. Have a genuine interest in them. Talk to them. Be friendly as you travel.
- Can I buy Artifacts and Antiques from Curio Shop?
- Do I need any Immunization in prior for the trip in Nepal?
- Is taking Photos of Local people and ceremonies offensive?
- How can I leave the smallest environmental footprint when visiting Nepal?
Environmental degradation in term of litters, recyclable wastes poses a serious problem that is rampant and plaguing the ecological balance at high camp and plains alike in Nepal. Though, stringent measures are undertaken to improve it but sadly, there is still long way to go as littering is still widespread in Nepal and don’t be under the impression that your trash is getting hiked out from the mountains even if placed in a vessel. Make sure to bring a water purification system so that you don’t need to rely on plastic bottles. You will also notice that a small proportion of inconsiderate trekkers before you have left trash behind at high camps, a chronic problem in the Himalayas. It may be tempting to lighten your load before slogging over a 17,000-foot pass but resist the temptation and do your part in keeping the Himalayas beautiful.
- Do we have to follow any rules entering Holy places?
- What dietary or local culinary experiences should I expect during my trip to Nepal?
Many people with different travel need visit Nepal, these have given birth to many restaurants and hotel particularly in tourist’s hub like Kathmandu and Pokhara, it caters different international cuisine such as Italian, Chinese, Thai, Mexican, Indian and so on. There are adequate culinary options on offer if you visit Kathmandu and Pokhara, once you move away from these place, it might get limited with the option. It make much sense to try out local cuisine, and people can’t think beyond “Newari cuisine” by the original local Inhabitant of Kathmandu “ Newar”, they have rich culinary history,
The staple food of Nepalese people is “daal, bhaat,tarkari” (lentil soup, curried vegetables with rice). Tarkari or curried vegetables can be bit spicy, hot and oily to people who are not used to eating spicy, hot and oily food. To avoid any stomach problems in Nepal, I would suggest any guests to stick with their normal spiceless food. Daal and Bhaat are not spicy, so go ahead and taste them. For tarkari, I feel you should gradually try it in very less amount. Another thing that one should be aware of while arriving in Nepal is Drinking Water. Drink only bottled mineral water unless you are sure that the water is boiled and filtered. Since Nepal is a Hindu Kingdom, beef is strictly prohibited among both the Hindus and Buddhist. Hence it is little bit difficult to find restaurants that offer beef.
For drinking, Nepal produces over half a dozen of larger and light beers. Dark beer is available. An amazing variety of other hard liquor such as rum, whiskey, gin, vodka etc. is also produced in Nepal. Imported liquors are available at exorbitant prices. You will also come across a few types of Nepalese home brewed alcohol called “raksi” or “ayla” along your trekking routes. Bottled water is available everywhere, and should be the only water you drink. Coke, Pepsi and other major international brand name sodas are also available.
- How is the tipping system in Nepal in Hotel and Restaurant?
- What is Altitude Sickness?
Altitude sickness happens generally due to rapid gain in altitude, and failure to adapt to higher altitude. It can be kept at bay, if good planning and common sense are applied like giving more time to acclimatization and gradual growth in altitude. Sickness in high altitude is commonly called Acute Mountain Sickness. What really happen at the course of this sickness are Fluids accumulate in between the cells in the body and eventually collect where; unfortunately it can do the most harm in the lungs and brain. As the fluid collects in the lungs, you become breathless more easily while walking and eventually more breathless at rest. A cough begins, initially dry and irritative, but progressing, in its most severe form, to the production of pink, frothy sputum. The person ultimately drowns in this fluid if he/she doesn’t descend. This syndrome is referred to as High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE).
When fluid collects in the brain, you develop a headache, loss of appetite, nausea and sometimes vomiting. You become increasingly tired and want to lay down and do nothing. As you progress, you develop a problem with your balance and coordination (ataxia). Eventually you lie down and slip into coma. Death is inevitable if you do’ít descend. This syndrome is called High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE). HAPE and HACE can occur singly or in combination
- Is the country politically safe and stable?
Nepal is one of the newly democratic countries in the world with many active political parties, ideas, ideologies and leaders. As such there might be some disturbances in some parts of the country. But it does not and will not affect the daily life of the residents in the other regions. Life moves on as usual.
- How will I know about the political stability of the country?
Safety of our passengers is a major priority for Wind Horse. We are also in regular contact with our representative in case of any emergency. While we take all the precautions we can to make sure your belongings are safe, Travel insurance is a must and a lockable bag or money belt will always help too.
- Where is Nepal?
Nepal is landlocked country located in southern Asia sandwiched between two Asian giants India and China. Nepal is geographical, cultural and linguistically diverse. The capital is Kathmandu, commonly known as ‘city of temples’ where we can explore traditional artistic beauty. Also it is synonymous with mountainous landscapes. 8 out of 10 highest mountains are located in Nepal. The highest being Mt Everest 8848 m.
- Do I need medical and vaccination requirements before Traveling to Nepal?
- Will somebody come to pick me up at the airport upon my arrival?
- What if I get ill or injured on the trip and unable to continue?
Our guides are trained to deal with these situations and we will get you help as quickly as possible. If you must leave the trip early due to illness, our local offices will help you find appropriate medical care and ensure someone at home is aware of the situation. Your travel insurance, which is compulsory on all our trips, should cover any costs incurred if illness occurs.
- Who will be our guide?
Your guide will be a local Nepali fluent English speaker. Most of our guides come from the mountainous regions of Nepal. They are carefully selected by their appropriate experience, leadership skills and personal aptitude with an objective of sustaining local communities. We employ staffs from the different groups of Nepal’s diverse ethnic community, who have adequate knowledge about the culture, ecosystem, flora, fauna, geography, and history of Nepal. Moreover, we provide the guides who have gone through special training package programs such as Intensive Wilderness First Aid, Trekking Guide Training, which are certified and approved by the government of Nepal.
- Can I store excess luggage at the starting point hotel?
- What type of insurance should I need to have before coming to Nepal? Can I get insurance there?
No, It is not possible to get insurance in Nepal. It is a condition of joining any of our trips that be protected against full expenses potential to incur due to medical issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we don’t arrange or sell insurance.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for everyone who signs up with us. You are firmly recommend that be careful while choosing a policy as some make special exceptions for adventure travel. Before buying insurance make sure your insurance company is aware of the itinerary that you are going to undertake and is agreeable to cover all activities being undertaken in the trip. Such as if you are planning trekking in the Himalayas your insurance must cover emergency air ambulance/helicopter rescue including medical expenses. For group tours in urban areas, your insurance coverage of ambulance or helicopter rescue is not mandatory, however, better to have with them too. You need to send us your copy of your insurance policy (e.g. your insurance certificate) or carry it with you while you come on the trip.
- What time can I check in to the Hotel?
- What is the number of pax required for your trips?
- Will I be able to do any laundry?
- Is Nepal safe for a woman travelling alone safe with your company?
- Will I be able to charge my electrical appliances?
- Can I charge my digital camera, mobiles or other equipment on my trekking trip?
- What standards of hotels should I expect?
- Do you think I should bring some medicines with me when I come to Nepal?
As said, prevention is better than cure, it’s highly recommended that you bring medicines for a common illness like nausea, vomiting, cold and flu when you come to Nepal. Though there are many pharmacy shops in Kathmandu and Pokhara, it’s worth carrying some basic medicinal stuff like insect repellent, sunscreen, lip balm, eye drops, bandages, etc.
- What communication facilities will be available?
Many hotels and public places have Wi-Fi so it’s usually possible to keep in touch with home every couple of days, if you so desire. In remote places or on treks or home stays, you will not be able to communicate as readily.
Your guide will help to buy Mobil Sim cards just make sure your phone is unlocked before you travel. Or the cheapest way to make a phone call is at an internet cafe.
- What particular diseases do I have to watch when I am trekking in Nepal?
Malaria is under control in Nepal. The risk of catching it is small and only in the southern plains. Mosquito netting and repellent are advised when there, especially during the summer and monsoon seasons. Also, as a preventive measure, take chloroquine pills starting two weeks before and six weeks after your visit to the plains of Chitwan or Bardia National Park. Health problems due to severe air pollution are rising astronomically in Kathmandu. Old vehicles spewing out black smoke is, unfortunately, a normal scene on the roads of Kathmandu. Along the main roads travelled mainly by vehicles, the air gets a quite nasty especially during rush hour. Make a conscious effort to minimise your walking on these streets used mainly by vehicles during rush hour. Use the mask while you are walking in Kathmandu.
- How can friends and family contact you?
Nepal Trekking
- How does Wind Horse manage altitude sickness and safety on treks?
Your safety is our top priority on every trek. Wind Horse follows a layered and proactive approach to high-altitude safety:
- Trained guides: All of our trekking guides are trained in basic First Aid and are well-versed in recognizing, preventing, and managing Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
- Emergency altitude equipment: On most high-altitude treks in Bhutan, we carry a Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC)—a lightweight, inflatable hyperbaric chamber designed to treat severe altitude illness (HAPE/HACE) by simulating a descent of approximately 2,000 meters (6,000+ feet).
- Supplemental oxygen: Small portable oxygen canisters are available for purchase in Thimphu and Kathmandu. These can be helpful for temporary relief of shortness of breath, altitude acclimatization, or post-trek recovery, though they are not a substitute for proper acclimatization.
- Careful acclimatization planning: All of our itineraries are designed with built-in acclimatization days and gradual elevation gains to reduce the risk of altitude-related illness.
- Communication & evacuation support: Mobile phone reception is available in many trekking areas. In the event of a serious emergency, our local offices in Thimphu and Kathmandu maintain 24/7 support and can coordinate helicopter evacuation when required.
From our experience, safe and rewarding high-altitude trekking comes down to good planning and seasoned crews who have walked these routes year after year.
- Do I need a trekking permit?
Yes, you need trekking permit. It’s not covered in your visa; once in Kathmandu it has to be taken out separately which are issued by the Department of Immigration Office in Kathmandu and Pokhara. The criteria or requirement for the Trekking permit are Visa, trekking fee and two colored passport sized photos. However, Issuance of permits is categorized based into different areas and regions. For instance for trekking areas such as Everest, the Annapurna and Langtang one require permit altogether different from the permit issued if you are climbing mountain or peak, it falls under a whole different category, and will require a different permit. Note, however, that a trekking permit does not allow you to go anywhere in the country either.
- What does grading (Easy, Moderate, Difficult, Strenuous) mean?
Easy Treks:
No previous Trek experience and any physical preparation are required to attempt this trek. An interest in walking will be enough to take up such treks. Such treks usually vary from 2 days hike to 5 days trekking and can reach up to an altitude of 3000 m. Treks usually on well-maintained paths and passes through ridges and involve walking up 3 to 5 hours per day.Moderate Treks:
Moderate Treks will require at least 6-7 hours of walking every day, crossing 4000 m above high altitude passes, and long and exhausting walks through often rough trails, rocks and boulders. Therefore, you will require physical and mental fitness, positive attitude and interests and previous hiking or camping experience is preferred. You should prepare to face high altitude.Difficult Treks:
Prior trekking experience and technical knowledge are essential in Difficult Treks. Besides walking through rough trails for 6-7 hours and crossing high passes as high as 5000 m, you will also be glacier crossings on snow/ice. You will be facing high altitude air with a low level of oxygen and continuous walking over a huge stretch of Himalayan valleys. Positive attitude and perseverance are required.Strenuous Treks:
Strenuous Treks involve long days, long hours of challenging walks; high altitude passes above 5000 m, difficult terrains and glacier and snow walking. No doubt you need to be mentally and physically fit and in excellent health condition. As part of technical requirements, you will require having rock and ice climbing experience with the knowledge of the use of ice axe and crampons. You should consider joining one of the rock climbing and glacier walking classes before heading for Trek. - Is it possible to charge my batteries during trekking in?
It is possible most of the lodges are electrified or they use solar panel , the specification of Electric Plug that is commonly used is two or three round prongs, but not flat prongs as found in use in the United States or in other countries. If your electronic items use 110 Volt 60 MHZ electricity, you will need a voltage convert.
- Is there any communication while we are on trekking?
There are telephones in some villages along the trekking routes from which you can make international calls. All our guides are equipped with the local mobile phone. You may wish to pass the number of our guide to your family for the callback, or you can make a call from the guide’s mobile and pay him directly for the international call too.
- Who will accompany me during a trek/trekking peak program?
- Can I add extra days to my trekking trip?
- Do I need travel insurance for a Wind Horse trip to Bhutan, Nepal, Tibet, or India?
Travel insurance is not mandatory for trips operated by Wind Horse Tours to Bhutan, Nepal, Tibet, or India. However, we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance—especially if your itinerary includes trekking or travel to remote areas.
Your policy should include coverage for medical treatment, emergency evacuation, trip interruption, and unforeseen delays, as these can be costly without insurance.
- Do you use porters/yaks on the trek or do we carry all of our gear?
- Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?
- Will there be a place to store items/clothing not required for the trek?
- Can I opt out of certain activities if I want to?
If there are included or optional activities that you don’t wish to participate in, you can do your own thing instead. The exception to this is when we are trekking or travelling from one destination to the next. Please note that if you choose to opt out of an included activity, no reimbursement can be made by Wind Horse.
- How should I dress during the trek?
- What if I arrive late and miss part of the trip?
- What facilities are at the campsites?
- How do I obtain itinerary for full details of my trip?
- What sort of accommodation can I expect in Kathmandu and during the trek?
We use from 4-5 star hotels in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan and major tour places with breakfast included. Along the trekking routes, we uses upscale deluxe lodge, wherever available or slightly lower categories if not, but clean with attached bathroom. It is a good idea always to have your sleeping equipment. The lodges in trekking routes usually provide single and double rooms. At times when possible, dining will be around a bonfire.
- What Kind of food can I expect in trekking?
Most teahouses (lodges) in Everest Base Camp trails cook a delicious range of mostly vegetarian fare. Pasta, tuna bakes, noodles, potatoes, eggs, Daal Bhat (rice and lentils), bread, soup, fresh vegetables (variety depends on the season) and even some desserts like apple pies, pancakes, and some interesting attempts at custard. You will find a lot of garlic on the menu because it assists with acclimatisation. In many larger villages, you may find some meat items on the menu. You can always get hot chocolate, tea, and hot lemon drinks, as well as soft drinks, and treats like chocolate and crisps. Each day dinner and breakfast will be given in the lodge where you stay overnight, but lunch is usually provided somewhere along the route in a clean, hygienic local restaurants.
- How long will we walk on an average day’s trekking?
- What is a teahouse trek mean?
Tea Houses are local lodges where you get to eat and sleep during your trek. There are plenty of teahouses across all the trekking routes in Nepal. A teahouse trek means that you get to stop and rest each day at a teahouse during your trekking period. Unlike camping treks, you don’t have to carry food, tents and other items during a teahouse trek.
- What equipment do you provide? What should I bring myself?
- I want to go on a trek. When and where can I do so?
Nepal’s topography provide more than 250 peaks over 20,000 ft. (6,096 m) above sea level thus offer wide arrays of trekking options, it generally depend on your interest, amount of time at your disposal, and money you can spend, your physical shape and experience you had. For those with limited time , the best trekking routes would be Langthang- Helambu trek, north of Kathmandu and part of the Ananapurna region, north of Pokara. For those with adequate time, trek in Everest region or the full Annapurna circuit can be rewarding. A more difficult trek is the Kanchanjunga area trek in the far-eastern Nepal. A good trekking book is recommended if you want more details on treks.
- What are the best times to come on a trek/tour?
The best tourist’s season in Nepal is Autumn (mid-September-November). The weather is highly pleasant and mountain views and perfect photography. While Spring season (March-May) is also considered as a good season. The temperature is mildly warm in lowlands while moderate in higher altitudes with plenty of opportunities to have a tryst with the mountain views. It is also the time for flowers to blossom and the national flower of Nepal – rhododendron sweeps the ascending altitudes with its magnanimous colour and beauty. Winter season (January-February) is also recommended for tours, safari and low altitudes trek below 4000m.
- How many miles an hour do we walk per day while on trekking?
Standard practice is 5 to 7 hours walk in a day, maybe even less at the start, to ensure that guests are not stretched with their physical limitation. On other hand, it largely depends on the physical fitness level and interest of the guests. It is also in proportion to the altitude that they are trekking, and significantly taking into consideration the weather and other condition on the way. Basically, all our treks are designed to cover 9 to 16 kms per day based on above mentioned factors.
- Can I trek in the Himalayas even if I haven’t done any trekking before?