Do I need visa to enter Nepal?
All foreign nationals, except Indian citizens need visa to enter into Nepal.
What do I need to get my visa?
You need a valid Passport, two Passport size photos and visa fees.
Where can I apply to get my visa?
The best way to apply your visa is from Nepalese diplomatic missions in your home country. Another option is you can also get it from Immigration office at each entry point upon arrival.
When is the best time to visit Nepal? Can I go trekking in the months of June and July?
October and November are considered the best time of the year to trek in the Himalaya. The sky will remain clear with pleasant temperature. March - May are also good time for trekking, as you will see rhododendron in full bloom along most trails as well as more snow on the mountains to click photos. In spring days are warmer and longer but the air is hazy at lower elevations. It is not very good to do trekking during the monsoon season from June to August except treks in the Himalayan rain shadow area like Upper Mustang, Dolpo and Kailash, but natural scenery will be more vibrant. December and mid - February will be snowy and cold in the mountains but trip to lower elevation will be fine.
What will the weather be like in Nepal?
Nepal’s weather is generally pleasant. There are four climatic seasons: March – May (Spring), June – August (Summer), September – November (Autumn) and December – February (Winter). The monsoon starts approximately from the end of June to the middle of September. About 80 per cent of the rain falls during this period. Spring and Autumn are the most pleasant seasons; Winter temperatures drop down to freezing with a high level of snowfall in the mountains. Summer and late spring temperatures range from 15 to 28ºC in the hill regions to more than 40ºC in the Terai. In winter, average maximum and minimum temperatures in the Terai range from a brisk 7ºC to a mild 23ºC. The central valleys experience a minimum temperature often falling below freezing point and a chilly 15ºC maxium.
Much colder temperatures prevail at higher elevations. The Kathmandu Valley, at an altitude of 1310m (4297ft), has a mild climate, ranging from 19 - 32ºC in summer and 2 - 20ºC in winter.
Will someone come to the airport to pick me up upon my arrival?
Yes, Sherpa World Adventure will come to pick you up at Kathmandu Airport as per flight arrival time provided by you. We will be waiting outside the terminal hall displaying placard with your name on it. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. Therefore, we would request you to provide all your flight information correctly before you embark from your country.
What types of hotels do you use?
In city areas like, Kathmandu and Pokhara we provide different levels of accommodation ranging from 5 Star (World Class Standard Hotel) to Budget Type Hotels as per client requirements, or as specified in trip information provided to you. But on the mountain trip especially for teahouse trek, we use locally built lodges with basic facilities and provide tent accommodation for camping trek.
Can I have a single room / tent? OR do I have to share?
Yes, you can have a single room in cities by paying single supplementary charge but it is difficult to have a single room in the mountain lodges. Most of the lodges in the mountain have rooms with 2 beds for double occupancy. Therefore the chances are high of not getting a single room for a single person during the peak trekking season even you pay single supplementary cost, and should be mentally prepared for sharing a room incase you have to. But would be possible during the low season. On camping trek you can have a single tent if you pay a single supplementary charge.
When is the peak season?
October to November and March to May are the peak trekking season in Nepal.
Is the trip destination safe?
Security and safety of our clients are always our high priority; however, there is always little risks associated with adventure travel. Therefore, we cannot assure you that they are 100% safe but we constantly review every aspect of your adventure and our expert guides are fully conversant with the demands of traveling in remote regions. We cancel or re-route the trip if the destination is found unsafe due to any unavoidable circumstances or situation beyond our control. As risk is involved in every adventure travel, we strongly suggest our clients to have adequate travel insurance from their home country.
How difficult is the trip? Am I fit enough?
We have a wide variety of trips that require your active participation in a greater degree to lesser degree. Therefore, we can arrange trips for you according to your physical fitness that ranging from easy - moderate - strenuous to very strenuous grade. So, there is no worries even you think you cannot do the strenuous or very strenuous grade trips. We have easy and moderate grade trips option available for you. However, in general if you are physically sound then it is sure that you can enjoy any kind of trips more. So, pre-trip physical exercise is recommended but not mandatory for short trek. A positive mental attitude is as important as good health.
Is previous hiking experience required to go on a trek?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness. All our trips are graded, allowing you to choose a suitable trip according to your physical fitness. As long as you are in good physical shape, you do not require any hiking experience for short treks. However, if you are planning a trek longer than a week, some physical fitness programs such as running, swimming, and hiking is recommended before you embark on a trek.
Can I do trip on my own plan?
Yes, you can if any of ours trip are not suited for you, and we would be happy to propose a program to suit your travel interests. This service is available to any individual or group. Please visit our tailor made section in our website for further procedure. We would be happy to advise you on your plans.
Do I have to carry a backpack?
You have to only carry a light day-pack containing your water bottle, camera, an extra layer of clothing, sunglasses, a rain coat or wind breaker, and snacks. Our porters or pack animals will carry all your other gear.
What about backpack and shoes?
The backpack, with a capacity of about 25 litres, should fit comfortably. You need to carry only the daily neccessities such as water bottle (1litre), camera, personal toiletries, and extra clothing as dictated by the weather on trek.
What equipment should I bring?
We will help you in selection of equipment to bring. It highly depends on the season and the trip area you go. Therefore, we talk more via e-mail after the booking is made or visit our equipment section for more information.
How far do we walk each day?
The walking varies with each trip course. In the mountains we measure hikes in hours, rather than miles or km. On most treks, we hike 5 to 7 hours for each full day in hilly terrain with a lunch break of 1 to 2 hours. In the morning we usually walk from 8 to 11 am and in the afternoon from 1 to 4 pm. A full day for rest is planned for each trek over 8 days in length. We encourage you to walk on your own pace enjoying the nature beauty around you. There will always be a staff at the rear of the group to make sure that you arrive at the camp safely.
Can I walk by myself?
Yes. All we ask is that you stay behind the lead guide. Tell the trek leader if you wish to explore during the mid-day break or while at the evening campsite, and should be responsible yourself while walking by yourself.
If I need help on the trail can I get it?
Our staff is both your guides and helpers. Their first priority is your safety. Therefore, they are ready to extend any help that you may need on the trail on your request.
What will the trail be like?
Most of the trails in Nepal that we follow are centuries old so most of them are well maintained. Due to the rugged nature of the Himalaya, there is more exposure to heights and the grade is steeper than that of your country's mountains. Ups and downs every now and then are the inevitable parts of the most of trails.
What arrangements for drinking water are made while on trek?
You should bring a one-liter water bottle with you on the trek. We prefer that you purify water yourself using iodine in order to save scarce fuel on teahouse trek. On camping trek we provide boiled water so you can fill your water bottle in the evening, and water purifying chemical is optional.
What will the weather and temperature be like in mountain?
Weather in the mountains is notoriously difficult to predict. These are highest mountains in the world, and exceptions to the norm can happen. At night it is generally cold, and in autumn and winter the days can be quite beautiful if the sun is out. There can be snow or rain storms any time of the year. At elevations between 1000m to 3500m the temperature could range from 5º C to 35º C. At higher altitudes, the temperature ranges from -10º C to 20º C.
How should I dress during a trek?
While trekking during the day at lower altitudes, lightweight trekking trousers and T-shirts are recommended. It's always a good idea to carry a waterproof jacket and some warmer clothing with you as mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable. For the cold nights, thermal underwear, a warm fleece jacket and even a down jacket will help you to keep warm. Good shoes are of great importance as well.
What about security during trekking?
Security of our clients is the foremost important for us. All our guides and other support crew are carefully chosen for your trips. They are very honest and reliable. But we would also advise you to take care of your own personal belongings. If you are on ‘camping trek’ please do not leave your bags unattended at any time for your own safety. Take your main bag inside the tent once you reach campsite. At night, put all bags and belongings in the middle of the tent. Your guide assigns a staff on turn wise basis to guard the campsite throughout the night. If you are on teahouse trek, you will be sleeping in local tea house. You have to take sensible precautions yourself at all times. Never leave your baggage unattended and always padlock your room when you go out.
Why should I purchase travel insurance?
Trip in the Himalaya involve some risks therefore, travel insurance is essential to protect yourself against it. We always suggest you to protect yourself in the event that you need reimbursement for the costs of medical evacuation, trip cancellation, unexpected delays, lost of luggages or any medical services you needed while travelling. Otherwise, you are solely responsible for everything.
What happens if I get sick?
We always do our best to keep all trek members healthy and safe during the trip. Despite this, If you got sick, the most important thing is DON'T PANIC. Always ensure that you have a well-stocked and appropriate medical kit as well as sufficient insurance in case you should have to be evacuated. A slight case of diarrhea, cold or minor cough is common, as well as joint and muscle aches - all a part of walking in the hills and a change of diet. Altitude sickness is extremely dangerous but mostly avoidable if you follow a few simple rules: Just in case someone gets a minor sickness on trek, our staff will pay an extra attention to his or her health and will provide a basic first aid treatment as well if think necessary or will take him /her to the nearby health post if there is any. If the illness is too serious, he or she is being evacuated to a good hospital or back to Kathmandu. Therefore, we recommend every trekker to purchase trip health insurance that covers such events.
What happens in case of emergency?
In the case of a serious sickness or a casualty (which we believe will not happen) you will be rescued by a helicopter. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or be prepared to pay on your own after getting back in Kathmandu. While requesting the helicopter for evacuation, please send name of the sick person and give exact location from where helicopter can airlift him / her. Do not leave the place although you are getting better once you have ordered helicopter.
Is your trekking staff insured? What about their equipment?
All our staff including porters is well insured, and we provide sufficient equipment to them if it is necessary depending on the area they go. The salaries we pay them are above average. This means that you are paying slightly higher rate and supporting to create decent and equitable working conditions for all staffs.
Do you have any customer referrals?
Yes, we have and please visit our testimonials to check what they say.
Is communication possible while on a trek?
There are telephones and internet service available in many villages along the popular trekking routes from where you can make international calls or check your email. Now Cell Phone works as well along the many popular trekking routes.
What kind of money should I bring for the trek?
Upon arrival in Katmandu you can convert your currency into Nepalese rupees at the hotel or at the money exchange counter. If you need help we can assist you in this regard as well.
What about staff gratuity / tips?
It is traditional to award a gratuity to each of the staff at the end of the trip. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. Some trekkers give 10% of the total tour cost as tips. Extra clothing gifts are encouraged as well.
What is the weight limit on Domestic Flights?
The weight limit is 15 to 20 kg depending on the area you fly. The weight limit is 15 kg for Lukla and Phalu.
How many extra days should I allow in Kathmandu after the trek?
If you are flying from a remote mountain airstrip like; Lukla, Jomsom, Simikot, Tumlingtar and Dolpo, we advise you to keep at least two spare days in Kathmandu after the trek as the flights of that areas depend on weather. But for the other sectors, it is up to you.
How can I book the trip?
To book any of our trips, you are requested to fill our booking form or just send us an e-mail with your requirements for further procedures.