When is the best time of year to visit Nepal?
There are two main trekking seasons in Nepal: Spring and Autumn. It is also possible to trek in Nepal during Winter as well. Read Full
What is the difference between camping and the teahouse lodge trek?
In Nepal, there are three regions of the country (Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang) where there is an extensive network of lodges known as teahouses. Read Full
What is a luxury lodge and how does this differ from a standard teahouse lodge?
The luxury lodges are at a far higher standard than standard teahouse lodges as they have landscaped gardens often in superb locations with mountain views; comfortable dining rooms and bedrooms with attached bathrooms including hot showers and western toilets.
How fit do I need to be to trek in Nepal?
Of course overall the fitter you are the better you more likely to enjoy your trek however the fitness level required will differ for each trek. Read Full
What clothes and personal kit should I bring on my trek in Nepal?
To help you get ready and prepared for your trek we have written detailed kit lists in the Appendix of the Trip Dossiers downloadable from our website. These kit lists have been carefully tailored based on the conditions and terrain you might encounter on your trip.
What are the options for renting trekking and mountaineering gear for a trip?
If you do not already have the personal gear and equipment included in our kit list within the Appendix of Trip Dossier then you could consider renting to save the cost of purchasing
Can I purchase trekking equipment/toiletries/snacks/ etc in Kathmandu before a trip to save bringing from home?
You can purchase trekking clothes and equipment in Kathmandu, we recommend Shonas Store in Thamel
How do I keep myself and my personal kit dry while on a trek if we get rainy weather?
For every trek in Nepal, you need to be prepared for precipitation i.e rain at lower altitudes and snow higher up.
What are the facilities for washing on a trek, is it possible to take a shower and wash my hair?
Yes, there are some opportunities for washing on trek however these depend on whether you are booked on a camping, lodge, or luxury lodge-based trek.
What type of toilet facilities will there be available on a trek in Nepal?
The toilet facilities will depend on the type of trek you are joining. For a lodge-based trek you can use the toilets in the lodges however the type, condition, and cleanliness will vary depending on the region of Nepal you are walking in and also the altitude of the lodge
Will it be possible to recharge camera batteries while on a trek?
For teahouse lodge-based treks (Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang) it is possible in most lodges to recharge batteries, this will cost approx. 300 rupees (US$4 or GBP2) per hour of charging.
Do mobile/ cell phones work while on the trek?
Can I buy a Nepal SIM card and which is the best network?
Over the last few years, the mobile/ cell phone network has improved significantly in more remote areas of Nepal. There are now cell phone masts installed at Gorakshep so it is possible to get 3G connectivity throughout the entire Everest Base Camp trek.
Do I need travel (and trekking) insurance for a trip to Nepal?
Having travel insurance is a condition of booking a holiday with The Mountain Company
Can children trek at high altitudes? If so, which trek would you recommend?
Yes it is possible to trek in Nepal with children however it is important to choose the right objective and carefully plan & organize the trip
Is it safe to visit Nepal and its capital city of Kathmandu?
We strongly suggest anyone thinking of visiting Nepal carefully read the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth (“FCO”) travel advice to find information on the current situation in this country. At present FCO have no travel restrictions in place for Nepal.
What happens if I get sick in Nepal?
On the vast majority of our trips, there are no issues with sickness as we allow sufficient time for acclimatization to the high altitude and people follow our guidelines regarding health and hygiene.
I have already done one trek in Nepal (i.e Everest Base Camp) and I would now like to do something more challenging, what do you suggest and any ideas?
We offer a wide range of treks and expeditions that allow you to challenge yourself whether that be undertaking a ‘camping trek rather than lodge’, undertaking a trekking peak to 6,500 meters or undertaking a trek to a very remote area
I heard people say that everyone should undertake a trek to Nepal during their lifetime why is this?
Nepal is like no other place that you will ever visit due to this country’s richness in beauty, culture, and diversity. Undertaking a trek within Nepal has the potential to be a life-changing experience.
We want to do something ‘different’ for our honeymoon what can you suggest and do we have to join a group or can you arrange our own honeymoon package?
We would be delighted to help arrange your honeymoon which we will design with you to ensure that we deliver the perfect package for your memorable occasion
Do I need to take malarial medicine as a prophylactic when traveling in Nepal?
We strongly recommend you visit your local doctor or travel clinic before departure to get their latest advice.
Do you have any words of advice or suggestions to ensure that I really get the most from my upcoming adventure in Nepal?
We understand that a trip is a large investment in terms of your money and time so make sure that you really embrace this adventure to ensure you get the most from it.
Do I need a travel adaptor for the plug sockets in the hotel in Kathmandu?
The electrical sockets in Nepal are one of two types: the most common being the European two-pin plug and also in some places the Indian three-pin plugs are also used
Are the trekking guides certified?
Our guides are well-trained, certified guides, have many years of experience in providing customized services, and speak very good English. They are trained in First Aid procedures and carry a comprehensive First Aid kit as well.
What is the lodges like? If I am single, Can I book my own room?
Yes, you can. Basic but the best available in the area.
Is there hot Shower and washing facilities available on the trek?
Yes, some places heated by solar energy, will charge minimum
How long do I need to trek every day?
A cup of tea is served in your tent/lodge room in the morning. This is followed by a bowl of water to wash. Pack your kit bag before you head for breakfast. The porters will take it to be carried to the next camp. The walk after breakfast is usually a 3-4 hours stop.
for lunch and take a rest and then walk another 2-3 hours to the campsite/lodge. Tea and biscuits are provided while the camp is established/lodge room is arranged and prepared for dinner begins, while you have leisure time. We encourage members to walk at their own pace. There will usually be a guide to bring up the rear. On average you walk for about 6 to 7 hours on a trek per day.
How is the meal on the Lodge trek?
Basic but neat and clean
How is the meal on camping/tented trek?
Freshly cooked
Is safe drinking water available on the trek?
Please carry a water bottle and fill them up with boiled water from local lodges and use purifying tablets just to make sure that you have safe drinking water.
Are the trekking crews being taken care of?
Yes, their wages, insurance, and equipment
How fit do I need to be to trek?
The better your physical condition, the more you will enjoy the trek. You do not have to undergo a rigorous training program, just do as much walking as you can up and down hills, up (and down) stairs in your office. Take weekend hikes in the mountains. Walk to work. Jogging and cycling are useful training for a trek. Whenever possible, make your hikes in the same shoes that you will use for the trek. You carry a day pack, camera, water bottle, pullover, and whatever you think you may need during the day. What is most important however is to have a positive mental attitude.
What is the booking procedure?
Booking is done by filling up the online form. We will then correspond via phone, email, Skype, and Whatsapp.
Are there any hidden or other costs?
There is no hidden cost involved. All itineraries have a list of include and exclude.
Can I pay for a trek by credit/debit cards?
Yes, you can use Credit and Debit cards, mainly Master, American Express, and Visa cards to make your payments. Please read Terms and Conditions
Do I need travel insurance covered while trekking/traveling in Nepal?
Yes, Travel Insurance is a must on all programs for air/surface evacuation, medical, and lost baggage (especially cameras).
What happens in case of an emergency?
The guide discusses clients’ health issues with all accompanying trekkers and staff and highlights the need for particular assistance. Then the guide calls the office to inform the situation immediately. The office advises the best action to take and if needed, the client has to get approval from the insurance company to use a helicopter, once approval is done, we try out best to send a helicopter as soon as possible for rescue but need to cover this either by insurance or patient by him/herself.
What is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)?
Our bodies have the ability to adjust to high altitudes but need time. This illness occurs as the result of failure to adapt to a higher altitude, normally while you go beyond 2000 meters rapidly, which is called Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Fluid accumulates in between the cells in the body especially – in the LUNGS and BRAIN. The early symptoms are headache, extreme fatigue, and loss of appetite. When mild symptoms develop, you must stay at the altitude until symptoms have gone away. Trek up gently about 300 meters in a day beyond 3000 meters to adjust your body system with altitude. Please refer to the link to learn more about AMS
What Safety arrangement is being prepared for the trek?
Trained guide, Comprehensive first aid kit,
How much weight do I carry on the trek?
Domestic airlines flying to STOL airports like Lukla, Jomsom, Jumla, Dunai allow you to take only 15 kgs including your handbags.
What is the best way to travel to Nepal? When should I book my flight?
Thai International, Cathy Pacific, Turkis air, China Southern Airlines, Korean Air, Malaysian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Etihad Air, Emirates Air, and Jet Airways are the main International carriers that fly to Kathmandu. Earlier the better to book them.
Can I use my cell/mobile phone while trekking in Nepal?
Yes, most of the trekking regions are covered by cell phones. It is better to use local SIMs which are very reasonable. You will need one passport picture and a passport copy to get them. Roaming would be very expensive to use.
Can I recharge phone/camera batteries on the trek?
Yes, you can recharge them while staying at lodges along the way at minimum cost. It is however advised to carry extra batteries and a power bank. While trekking into off-the-beaten areas with camping/tented accommodation, you can’t recharge batteries. You may carry a portable solar panel for charging.
Do I need to take trekking poles?
They would be very helpful
Can I get some of the trekking and mountaineering gear in Kathmandu?
There are few branded shops like Mountain hardware and North Face where you can buy trekking gear while there are many rental shops that sell and rent used gear at a reasonable price. We however suggest you bring your footwear – trekking boots, well broken-in.
When is the best time to trek?
There are four seasons in Nepal. Each season has its distinct attraction to offer. The seasons are classified as follows:
Autumn: September through November. This season offers excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views.
Winter: December through February. This season is noted for occasional snowfall only at higher elevations. Hence it is ideal for trekking at the lower elevation, generally below 3000 meters.
Spring: March through May. Different varieties of wildflowers, especially the rhododendrons make the hillside above 5,000 meters a haunting paradise during the season. It is mildly warm at lower elevations and at the higher elevation over 4,000 meters the mountain views are excellent and the temperature is quite moderate.
Monsoon: June through August. Summer months continue up to mid-September making travel wet and warm. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher
valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. It is recommended to carry insect repellent when trekking during the summer months. Trekking into the rain shadow region, behind the high mountains, and a tour to Tibet would wonderful.
How much tipping should I budget?
Tipping is a nice way of saying thank you and appreciating crew members (leader, guide, cooks, porter) who will play a vital role in your trekking experience. We will suggest and encourage you to be generous about the tipping they have done for you.
What are Trekking Peaks?
For people wishing to climb trekking peaks (minor 33 peaks up to 6,654m) which are open for Alpine climbing, access to which is controlled by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), and other high mountains for major mountaineering are open to the expedition but under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, we liaise with the different department of the government on behalf of the expedition team to organize and arrange both kinds of mountain climbing in Nepal’s Himalaya from small mountains to Mt. Everest, providing expert service with experienced Sherpa Mountain Guide, cook and supporting staff. Examples may be found in our descriptions for two climbing trips to Mera & Island Peaks.
Where do I get my Nepal Visa?
All nationals must hold a valid passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your expected date of departure from Nepal.
An entry visa for all Nationals except Indians for Nepal is required. You need to arrange these prior to departure with the relevant embassy/consulate or you even get a visa on arrival. If you plan to obtain it in Nepal be sure to bring one passport size photo with you for this purpose as well as the current visa fee in cash. Please refer to the link for visa information.
Can I stay longer after my trek?
The most extensive range of Eco-friendly treks and tours available through Nepal Sanctuary Treks. You can find treks and tours suitable for first-timers, Families, and Students on Adventurous, Cultural, Historical, Religious, and Pilgrimage sites, with mild to tough ratings from day to a couple of weeks. You can extend for White Water Rafting, Wildlife Safaris, Tours to Tibet and Bhutan, Sightseeing, Cycling, Mountain flight, Para Gliding, Power Gliding, Heli-hike or short hike before and /or after your program.
