Nepal Faqs
Nepal General FAQs
- 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?
There are ATMS in all the main major cities and towns and even in some of the villages along the trail to everest and Annapurna. However you cannot be dependent on the ATMS in smaller areas as they are subject to power and internet outrages. Cash is still a prefer mode in most places 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?
The dates of most festivals are fixed by famous astrologers after consulting the lunar calendar. The biggest and most popular festivals are: Dashain, a celebration of Goddess Bhagabati’s victory over evil Mahisashur; and Tihar, a celebration of lights dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi.
- 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?
It is illegal to export anything older than 100 years. Please do not take any religious objects away from sacred sites. Remember to get endorsed bill to be verified by custom at the time of exit.
- Do I need any Immunization in prior for the trip in Nepal?
Nepal does not require any specific immunization for visitors. It is however best to have vaccine before coming to Nepal. Your doctors can advise you on the type of vaccine to be taken to travel to third world countries like Nepal.
- Is taking Photos of Local people and ceremonies offensive?
Most Nepalese don’t mind being photographed, but some do. Ask first, especially if photographing ceremonies or older people. Try instead to establish a friendly relationship with a few words or gestures e.g Namaste (Formal greeting in Nepali
- 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.
Nepal Trekking FAQ FAQs
- 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?
A guide, a cook,, porters or horses/Yaks depending on the region will accompany you during the trek.
- Can I add extra days to my trekking trip?
Holiday should never be about making it to the final point quickly. Along your trek, we can add days at your request with additional costs to cover guides, porters, accommodation and food.
- Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is compulsory for all Wind Horse travelers and should be taken out at the time of booking. If you obtain travel insurance through us you acknowledge that you are satisfied with the level of insurance we have arranged. To find out more about travel insurance please refer below….
Travel Guard is one we use for travel insurance. Travel and Medical Insurance are available through Wind Horse at https://www.windhorsetours.com/travel-insurance/ or you may buy your own.
- Do you use porters/yaks on the trek or do we carry all of our gear?
Whilst on the trek, our porter will take care of your luggage. Ensure not to cross the limit of 13 -15 kg. All you need to carry is your small day bag for your personal belongings like camera, water bottle, sun cream, etc. only.
- Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?
Sleeping bags are required and these are generally trips that involve camping & trekking. When we use home stays, blankets are provided but some travelers feel more comfortable with their own sleeping bag or sleeping sheet.