FAQs

Here is the list of top 50 Nepal Trekking & Tour FAQs. Get information about Nepal Trekking questions answers on travel booking.

1. What is Trekking & Hiking? Is it same as peak climbing?

Trekking is walking on trail for multiple days. These trails are on hilly / Himalayan landscape, forests, glaciers, villages, rivers and lakes. Final destinations on this outdoor activity are base camps of mountains, lake, hilltop and villages. Hiking is usually a day activity. Hike route is short.

Peak Climbing is different. It is about summit of snow capped mountains. For example, Island, Lobuche, Mera, Pisang, Yala climbing etc. are peak climbing activities. However, Expedition is completely different. It is the climbing activity on mountains above 7000 m altitude.

2. Do I need a Trekking Guide? Can I Trek Solo?

Yes, you can trek solo in most of the trekking routes of Nepal. This country is safe for tourists. However, terrain and climate on the trekking routes are unpredictable. In some restricted regions, you must get guide and travel on group of at least 2 trekkers.

You are on a trekking vacation. Do you really want to waste your time searching for the lodge and eatery? I wouldn’t. It is best to leave all these logistics to a reliable trekking agency. There won’t be any price differences. Moreover, your overall trip experience becomes better. Get an agency. Hire a guide.

3. How Difficult is Trekking? Is there an age Limit?

Difficulty level in Nepal Trekking depends on trail. There are easy, moderate and difficult course where you can trek. Therefore, know your body and decide which type of trekking to do. However, years of experience in the field of Nepal Trekking has taught me that first time trekkers can also complete almost every trekking trails of Nepal.

Age is not a factor. Every age group can trek in Nepal. You need to be aware that kids below age 5 are not suitable for high altitude trekking. Therefore, difficulty and age related questions depend upon your own capability. Choose wisely or consult your agency. If you want to take your kid, hire extra porter. For senior citizens too inform in advance and follow the relax itinerary.

4. When is the best time to trek in Nepal?

Seasons in Nepal is very pleasing. The country experiences 4 seasons (3 month each). Best trekking seasons are spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November). However, every season is okay to do trekking in Nepal. Choose trekking trails suitable for the season. If you want to do trekking in monsoon or winter season, choose low altitude trekking trails.

5. Do i need previous trek experience? Can first time trekkers trek in Nepal?

Previous Trek experience is not an issue for Nepal Trekking. Everyone can trek in Nepal. Even if you are a first time trekker, there will not be any problem walking on the trails of Nepal.

6. Are any Permits & Park Entrance Fees Required?

Yes, you need permits and park entrance fees. You need to get TIMS registration and National Park permits. In some trails you need rural municipality permits too. For example, Everest Base Camp Trek requires municipality permit and Sagarmatha National Park permit. Annapurna region trekking requires TIMS & ACAP.

7. What are requirements for Restricted Region Trekking in Nepal?

Upper Mustang, Dolpo, Kanchenjunga and Manaslu region of Nepal are restricted regions. Therefore, you need special immigration permits in addition to regular TIMS & Entry fees.

Solo trekker is not allowed. You must be in a group of at least two people. Nepal Government License Holder guide is compulsory.

8. Is Travel Insurance Compulsory?

Travel Insurance is compulsory for all trekkers. Get valid insurance from reliable company. Your insurance must cover medical and evacuation too. Weather condition is very unpredictable. You need to feel safe all the time. Insurance does help. Secure and enjoy the trekking freely.

9. What is normal Walking Hours a Day?

Normally, you need to walk for about 4-6 hours. However, during pass crossing, you need to walk for about 7 hours.

10. What kind of accommodations we will use?

Accommodation during the trek is in either lodge or tents. Nowadays, almost every trekking trails of Nepal have teahouses / lodges. Only in handful of places you have to use tents. Major trekking routes of Nepal have full service lodges.

11. What about Drinking Water & Food during Nepal Trekking?

Drinking water is still debatable. For locals, natural springs are major source. However, foreigners will get sick if they drink natural springs water. Therefore, get purifying pills. You can get drinking water taps in the trail and fill in your bottle. Fill in your bottle in your teahouse as well.

As for the food, Nepal Trekking Trails is well equipped. You can get wide range of menus on the trail. There are small shops to quality restaurants. My recommendation is trying local Dal, Bhat and Tarkari. If you are walking on trails of Nepal, act like locals. It is less expensive as well as provide good energy to walk. This question is common among Top 50 Nepal Trekking Tour FAQs.

12. Is there any Physical Fitness Criteria for Nepal Trekking?

No, there is no criteria on physical fitness. We need to walk for days. Therefore, before trekking in Nepal, do some light exercises. Prepare your body for the continuous walking uphill and downhill.

Person who does gentle exercises everyday can complete trekking routes of Nepal. Therefore, one month prior to trekking in Nepal, do cardio routines. Walk, cycle and eat fresh.

13. How can i avoid Altitude Sickness?

Altitude sickness is common in high altitude trekking in Nepal. However, proper acclimatization and planning help you to reduce chances of altitude sickness.

14. What happens if i get sick or injured during trekking?

Precautions and pro-activeness are key things to do during Nepal Trekking. Trekking Guide knows basic first aid. In case of such accident or illness, guide gives first aid. According to the situation, you will be taken to lower altitude. If necessary, guide will use your travel insurance to call a evacuation helicopter. You will be flown to nearest health center.

15. Are Solo Female Trekkers safe?

Absolutely! Nepal is very safe place for any kinds of tourists. People are friendly. You are safe to travel anywhere in Nepal either solo or in a group. There is no issue for solo female trekker, LGBTI trekkers or any such.

16. How can i communicate? Do i get my own language guide?

Communication is all about exchanging ideas and needs. There won’t be any problem in communication. General guiding language is ENGLISH. However, you can get any language guides for the trekking. Famous non English language guides available in Nepal are of Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Malaysian, Russian etc.

17. Do i need Porter? How much weight does a porter carry?

It depends whether you need a porter or not. If you are carrying heavy, hire a porter. Two trekkers can share a porter. They carry up to 30 kilograms.

18. What do we do for Acclimatization?

“Trek higher and rest at low altitude” is the basic formula of acclimatization. You need to take an extra day rest. During rest day, hike high altitude and explore. However, for overnight stay, you must descend.

19. Should i Tip my Guide and Porter?

Tipping is not compulsory in Nepal. However, it is expected.

20. Do i get refund if i don’t finish the trek?

Refund depends upon the case. In normal scenario, trekkers end the trek early for health or personal reasons. Some also finish the trek ahead of itinerary. Please note that you will not get refunds for any unused itinerary days. The costs are the same. Agency needs to pay porters and guides for full itinerary.

21. What should i Wear? Footwear & Clothes

Footwear must be suitable for walking. Trekking shoes are the best. If you don’t have shoes, you can hire in Thamel. Wear warm clothes. Down Jackets and Trekking Pants are ideal.

22. Is it expensive to do trekking in Nepal?

Trekking in Nepal has options. Choose trekking packages of your budget. There are luxury as well as budget trekking packages. Book according to your preferences.

23. Can i store my unnecessary luggage in Kathmandu?

Yes, you can store your luggage either in a Hotel or in Trekking Agency Office.

24. Are there options to buy or rent gears in Kathmandu?

You can either buy or rent gears in Kathmandu. There are shops in the trekking routes as well. For example, you can buy gears in Pokhara during Annapurna Trekking while in Namche Bazaar during Everest Trekking.

25. Is there internet and electricity available during trek?

Yes, you get internet and electricity during trek. It depends. In some places you need to pay extra for internet. High in the mountains, you have to pay extra for charging battery as well.

26. How do i get Trekking Permits?

Permits are easy to get. You can get these permits at TAAN Offices and NTB offices. However, you can submit your passports to your agency. The agency will arrange all your permits.

27. What is typical day during trekking?

Wake up – Simple Physical Exercise – Breakfast – Briefing- Walking – Lunch – Tea/Coffee break – Teahouse Check in – Dinner – Briefing

28. Will somebody pick me up at airport?

Agency representative will pick you up at airport and transfer you to the hotel in Thamel.

29. What are the things that i mustn’t do during trek?

Nepal is probably the very few countries where you can walk freely. However, you must obey and respect cultural aspects. Don’t promise and talk with locals unnecessarily. They will probably smile at you and wave you. Limit the conversation.

Don’t distribute stationery or chocolates to children. Ask permission before clicking pictures. You mustn’t disrespect temples, gumbas and monasteries.

30. Is there a Tourists Police?

Tourists Police and volunteers are there for the help of tourists.

31. How do i get Nepal Visa?

Visa to Nepal is easy to obtain. You can get it from any consular / embassies overseas. Or Nepal has provision of providing VISA on Arrival at Nepal Airport.

32. Is it possible to trek in Monsoon & Winter Season in Nepal?

It is possible to trek in Monsoon and Winter season in Nepal. In northern region of Nepal there is less rainfall during monsoon because of Himalayas. Therefore, you can trek on these trails. For example, Mustang Trek, Dolpo trek etc.

Highlights of this season are high volume of water in river, waterfalls, flora & fauna.

Winter season is also okay to trek in low altitude trails. For example, Poon Hill Trek, Mardi Himal Trek etc.

This question is common for Top 50 Nepal Trekking Tour FAQs. I hope you decide to trek on right time. In case of confusion contact our travel planners.

33. How can i travel to Nepal?

Traveling to Nepal is possible via Land and Air but not via Sea. The country is landlocked. By land you can travel to Nepal from India. You can take major international flights to Kathmandu international airport.

34. What is the normal Trekking period?

Period of trekking depends on the type of trekking that you do. Usually, trekking in Nepal starts from 2 nights 3 days to months of trekking. For example, Chisapani Nagarkot Trek lasts for 3 days but Great Himalayan Trail lasts for months.

35. Which Currency is accepted in Nepal?

We advise you to bring US dollars. However, major currencies of the world are accepted. You will get change in local Nepalese currencies though.

36. Can i change the itinerary during the trek?

Normally, you can not change the itinerary. However, your guide will decide according to the situation. During mountains and high altitude trails you must heed the instructions of guide and follow the itinerary to ensure successful trek.

37. Do mobile networks work during the trek?

Mobile networks on the trekking trail is reachable as well as non reachable. Not all places have mobile networks.

38. Is it possible to trek in Nepal with children?

Yes, you can trek in Nepal with children. Choose suitable low trekking routes for the trekking.

39. Do i get to use ATMs to withdraw money during trek?

There are very few places in trekking routes of Nepal where you can use atms. For example, during EBC Trek last place where you can withdraw money is Namche Bazaar.

40. What do i have to take on a trek?

Pack very less. Recommended weight of your baggage must not be more than 12 kg. Carry only basic clothes and gears. You can keep unnecessary luggage in Kathmandu.

41. What is the current condition of trekking trail?

Trekking trails of Nepal are well organized with proper signage. However, in some sections of the route because of landslide trails are confusing. Therefore, heed the instructions of the guide. If you are traveling solo, talk with locals about the condition. Also, don’t push and stay on the teahouse before dark.

42. Are Vaccinations required?

Yes, you must be vaccinated to travel Nepal. Get jabs before traveling to Nepal.

43. It is my first time, Where should i Trek?

There are many trekking routes which you can trek if you are a first time trekker. Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Langtang Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek are long trekking routes suitable for first timers. You can try short trekking routes as well.

44. Is Nepal a safe country?

Yes, Nepal is safe country to travel. There are no active vandal groups. Politically and socially, Nepal is safest place to travel.

45. Can I visit typical Nepalese villages during Trek?

Almost every trekking routes of Nepal consists of typical villages. Most of the villages on the trail of high altitude have Sherpa, Tibetan, Lama & Tamang people. Low altitude consists of villages of Gurung, Magar, Brahmins, Chhetris and Dalits.

46. What are the modes of Transportation inside Nepal?

Transportation in Nepal for the trekking use two forms. You can either take flight (airplane & helicopter) and road. Most of the trekking trail head is accessible to road or airport. For example, Lukla is trail head for Everest region where only access is via flight.

47. Does Trekking Agency help to arrange for domestic and international flights?

Trekking agency will help you to arrange for the domestic flights but for the international flights you need to book yourself.

48. For Tourists, what can i buy to take back home?

Handicrafts, pashmina, dhaka clothes and legal herbs are things which you can buy and take back home as a souvenir.

49. What type of cards are accepted? What is the payment system?

Payment system in Nepal is easy. You can either pay by debit/credit card or by cash. Travelers’s cheque and personal cheque is not accepted.

50. Is Nepal Trekking worth doing?

Yes, Nepal Trekking is worth doing at least once in a lifetime. Mountains, diverse people, wide varieties of flora and fauna as well as cultural diversity make this country the ideal holiday destination. You can create the momentous travel tale here. Be it the adventure or cultural, any kinds of holiday activities are possible at very affordable rates.