Frequently Asked Questions

Most of our treks are suitable for moderately fit adults with no prior mountaineering experience. Treks like Poon Hill and Ghorepani are ideal for beginners, while Everest Base Camp and Manaslu Circuit require a good fitness base. We recommend 6–8 weeks of cardio and hiking preparation before any high-altitude trek.

There are two peak trekking seasons:

• Autumn (Sep–Nov) — crystal clear skies, best mountain views, most popular season
• Spring (Mar–May) — rhododendrons in bloom, good visibility, Everest climbing season

Winter (Dec–Feb) is quiet and clear at lower elevations but high passes may be closed. The monsoon (Jun–Aug) is suitable for rain-shadow regions like Upper Mustang.

Essential packing items include:

• Layered clothing — moisture-wicking base, fleece mid-layer, waterproof shell
• Quality waterproof trekking boots (broken in before the trip)
• Down jacket or sleeping bag rated to -10°C
• Trekking poles, head torch with spare batteries
• First aid kit including altitude medicine (Diamox)
• Water purification tablets or filter bottle
• Sunscreen SPF 50+, UV-blocking sunglasses and lip balm

Most gear can also be rented affordably in Thamel, Kathmandu before your trek.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) occurs when you ascend too fast above 2,500m. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness and fatigue. Prevention tips:

• Ascend no more than 300–500m per day above 3,000m
• Include acclimatisation rest days (e.g. Namche Bazaar, Dingboche)
• Stay well hydrated — drink 3–4 litres of water daily
• Avoid alcohol and sleeping pills at altitude
• Consider prophylactic Diamox (consult your doctor)

Most popular routes (Everest, Annapurna, Langtang) are serviced by teahouses — family-run guesthouses offering a private or shared room with meals included. At lower elevations teahouses are comfortable with hot showers and WiFi. At higher elevations (above 4,000m) rooms are more basic but always clean and warm. Luxury lodge options are available on select routes like EBC Luxury Trek.

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Nepal. The good news is it's available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) and land border crossings. Current fees:

• 15 days — USD 30
• 30 days — USD 50
• 90 days — USD 125

Indian nationals do not require a visa. Citizens of a few countries (e.g. China) must obtain a visa in advance. We recommend checking the Nepal Immigration website for the latest requirements.

Required permits vary by trek. Common ones include:

• TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System) — required for most routes
• Sagarmatha National Park Permit — for Everest region treks
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) — for Annapurna region
• Restricted Area Permits — for Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Dolpo (higher fee, guide required)

We arrange all permits on your behalf before the trek begins — no need to queue at government offices.

Bhutan requires all foreign visitors (except Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals) to book through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. A Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 per person per night is charged (as of 2024), which funds Bhutan's high-value, low-impact tourism model. This fee covers a royalty, free visa, basic sustainable tourism levy, and a green fund contribution.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended and required for all high-altitude treks above 4,000m. Your policy must cover:

• Emergency helicopter evacuation (can cost USD 3,000–6,000 without insurance)
• High-altitude trekking up to at least 5,500m (or 6,000m+ for EBC)
• Medical treatment and hospitalisation
• Trip cancellation and trip interruption

We recommend booking at least 4–8 weeks in advance, especially for peak season (October and April). Popular treks like Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit fill up quickly. For restricted area treks (Upper Mustang, Manaslu) we need a minimum of 4–6 weeks notice to arrange special permits. Last-minute bookings (1–2 weeks) may still be possible outside of peak season.

We accept the following payment methods:

• Bank transfer (USD, EUR, GBP, AUD)
• Credit / Debit Card (Visa, MasterCard) — 3.5% processing fee applies
• PayPal — 5% fee applies
• eSewa / IME Pay (for Nepal-based clients)
• Cash on arrival in Kathmandu (USD accepted)

A 20% non-refundable deposit secures your booking. The remaining balance is due 30 days before departure or on arrival.

Our cancellation policy is as follows:

• 30+ days before departure — full refund minus deposit and bank charges
• 15–29 days before departure — 50% refund
• 7–14 days before departure — 25% refund
• Less than 7 days — no refund

In cases of natural disaster, government-issued travel bans or major illness (with medical certificate), we offer date rescheduling at no extra charge.

Our trek packages typically include:

• Airport transfers in Kathmandu
• Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
• Experienced porter (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
• All trekking permits and national park entry fees
• Teahouse accommodation (twin sharing) throughout the trek
• Three meals per day on trail (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• First aid kit and emergency communication device
• Government taxes and service charges

International flights, personal travel insurance, personal gear, tips and extra beverages are not included.