Information

Useful Information for the package

At Hiking Nepal, our team is made up of passionate, experienced, and dedicated professionals who are committed to providing unforgettable trekking experiences in the Himalayas. From seasoned guides with extensive knowledge of Nepal's trekking routes to support staff who ensure your journey is smooth and comfortable, we work together to make every adventure a safe and memorable one. Our team's deep love for the mountains, combined with their expertise, ensures that you not only explore the breathtaking landscapes of Nepal but also immerse yourself in its rich culture and heritage.

Passport And Visa Requirements

All foreigners require a visa for entry into Nepal (except Indian nationals). It is your responsibility to obtain an entry visa. You can get it from a Nepalese embassy overseas or on arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal. Most people will obtain their visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport. You will need two passport photos and the following fees in US Dollar cash (this is payable in any major currency but NOT traveler's cheque) dependent upon the duration of the multiple entry visas:

1. Multiple entries 15 days US$ 30 or equivalent convertible currency
2. Multiple entries 30 days US$ 50 or equivalent convertible currency
3. Multiple entries 90 days US$ 125 or equivalent convertible currency

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is mandatory for booking any of Himalayas Nepal Vision's Adventure packages. Trekking in the Himalayas is full of fun and adventure but you have to be prepared for risk management. While you are in High Altitude region, there are higher risks of difficulties. You may suffer from various health problems, injuries, and illnesses. Even High altitude sickness can tear up your perfect itinerary. And that's where travel insurance can save you from distress or at least from some of the costs, depending on the policy you buy. For your adventure, Travel insurance is a safety net if things go wrong. At times, even a helicopter may be needed along with a rescue team, for ground evacuation, so, every traveler must have rescue insurance covered against personal accidents, medical expenses, emergency air ambulance/helicopter rescue service accidents, and personal liability. Start your trip with all the necessary health & traveling insurance for your safety. Having good travel insurance will not only guarantee you peace of mind while you travel with us but also provide you with complete cover for anything things that may go wrong.

Trip Meal Plan

Eating is a big part of traveling. With Nepal Vision, you will experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available in the Mountains. Nepal Vision will provide Traveling Mountains meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) that crews require on the trail. On this trip, you can enjoy both traditional Nepalese three-time served as Dal Bhat (rice and lentils), as well as a variety of different food items, such as vegetables, noodles, potatoes cuisine served and soup along with some, Nepali versions of western food such as pizza, pasta, and French fries. Breakfast and dinner will be served from the teahouse or lodge menu where we will spend the night. Lunch will be eaten at one of the trailside restaurants. A welcome dinner, a farewell dinner, and breakfasts will be served during our stay in Kathmandu. When an individual is allergic to some food products, requires a special diet, or has specific religious food needs, we will arrange it as per your requirements on request. Also, the crew will carry fresh, fruit supplies at a time along the trail. Our guides will carefully be checked for the quality and quantity of the food in every teahouse. Explicit cooking directions are indicated on each food for your convenience.

Trip Accommodation

During this trip, we will spend a few nights in Kathmandu at four-star standard hotels. We will spend the nights at standard mountain teahouses. A Tea House is a combination of a guesthouse, restaurant, and social hang-out. Private rooms are available in most tea houses. The lodges are fairly basic. The rooms are spare with twin beds and very little additional furniture. Blankets are generally provided. Most bathrooms are shared and toilets are the western version. Most of the Teahouses have running water facilities while some of them may also have hot water available for bathing at an additional cost. It is advisable to carry wet wipes as an alternative. There is a large dining room more like the lounge, warmed by an iron cylinder, fitted with a chimney duct, in which a log fire is lit. Most teahouses now also have electricity for charging small appliances, mobile phones, and cameras. Some might charge a small amount for this.

Best time to visit Nepal

Nepal is for all seasons! But because of the huge range in altitude and landscape, the climate of Nepal differs significantly throughout the country. The most recommended seasons for trekking are autumn (Sept, Oct, Nov) and spring (March, April, and May). In these seasons you will be rewarded with good weather, sunny and warm with clear skies and outstanding views. During monsoons (June, July, Aug) although there will be no problem with trekking, the issue could be less visibility and rain. For the student of botanicals, a monsoon is a blessing as the higher valleys, mountains, and meadows blossom with flowers and abundant vegetation. You can also trek in winter (Dec, Jan, and Feb). Only, the issue will be cold weather with snowfall at higher elevations. The trekking routes are filled with trekkers during spring and autumn but during monsoon and winter the routes are not packed and you could enjoy rather the best of nature. However, because of the effects of global warming, the climate is changing worldwide and there could always be the possibility of exceptions in these weather patterns. There could be a hoax of bad weather and sometimes even in adverse months during the best seasons too.

Leader(s) and Staff

The Trek Leader of your group has a role to ensure all aspects of the trip run smoothly. Our guides are intimately familiar with all local castes and customs along the trails and will share with you many cultural insights that are not covered in any guidebook. You will have a good chance to learn Nepali phrases, cultural things, and more on your trekking. Nepal Vision trained its guide/trekking staff on the following course:

1. Intensive Wilderness First Aid
2. Trekking Guide Training
3. Trekking Workshop and Adventure Meet
4. Eco Trekking Workshop and Adventure Meet
5. English Language
6. Conservation and biodiversity
7. Rock climbing, ice climbing and mountaineering (for expedition leaders)

Altitude Information

What is Altitude?

Altitude is known as elevation, and it is often used to refer to the height above sea level. Altitude is related to air pressure. Trekkers and mountaineers can measure their altitude by measuring the air pressure around them. As the altitude rises, air pressure drops. In other words, if the indicated altitude is high, the air pressure becomes low. The human body reacts to high altitudes. Decreased air pressure means that less oxygen is available for breathing. One normal effect of altitude is shortness of breath since the lungs have to work harder to deliver oxygen to the bloodstream. It can take days and even weeks for a body to adjust to high altitude and low air pressure. To prevent severe altitude sickness, mountaineers bring supplemental (extra) supplies of oxygen and limit their time in the 'high elevation'. Acclimatization We are experts at operating adventure trips at high-altitude destinations. Every trip we run has a realistic acclimatization program. Our treks are designed to allow gradual height gain, spread over several days. There is no way of predicting who will suffer from altitude but, for the vast majority of people, a slow ascent to height will produce minimal effects. Acclimatizing takes time and there are no safe shortcuts. All trips to altitudes over 3,000 meters carry medicines essential to the treatment of altitude illness, and our leaders are trained to administer them and to know the symptoms.

You land in Kathmandu and the air already feels different — thinner, sharper, laced with incense from the nearby stupa. Within a few days you could be walking through rhododendron forests at 3,500 metres, sleeping in a teahouse run by a Sherpa family who have been hosting trekkers for three generations. Nepal rewards preparation. The more you understand before you arrive, the more you can simply be present for the mountains. This page covers everything you need, in one place.

Getting to Nepal

International Flights into Kathmandu

Tribhuvan International Airport (IATA: KTM) in Kathmandu is Nepal's only international airport and your point of entry for almost every trek. Direct or single-connection flights operate from major hubs including Delhi, Dubai, Doha, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Singapore. Airlines including Qatar Airways, Emirates, IndiGo, Air India, and Nepal Airlines serve Kathmandu regularly. From Europe, you are typically looking at one connection; from the US or Australia, two.

Flight prices fluctuate considerably by season. Booking 3–4 months ahead for the autumn peak (September to November) is strongly advised, as seats fill quickly.

Domestic Flights to Trailheads

Many treks begin with a domestic flight that saves days of road travel:

• Lukla (IATA: LUA): The gateway to all Everest region treks. The airstrip at 2,845m is one of the most dramatic in the world. Flights depart from Kathmandu (30 minutes) and from Ramechhap airport (25 minutes) during peak season to manage KTM congestion.
• Pokhara (IATA: PKR): Serves as the launching point for Annapurna treks. A new international airport opened in 2023. Flights from Kathmandu take 25 minutes; the bus takes 6–7 hours.
• Tumlingtar / Bharatpur: Entry points for Makalu and Chitwan-adjacent itineraries.

Important: Lukla flights are weather-dependent, and cancellations are common, particularly in October and November. Always build a 2-day buffer into your itinerary before any international departure. This is not a precaution as it is a necessity.

Overland Entry

Nepal shares open land borders with India at several crossing points, including Sunauli (near Lumbini), Kakarbhitta (eastern Nepal), and Birgunj. Overland entry from Tibet via the Rasuwagadhi or Tatopani crossings is possible but subject to Chinese permit regulations, which change periodically. Check the current status before planning a Tibet–Nepal crossing.

Passport and Visa Requirements

All foreign nationals except Indian citizens require a visa to enter Nepal. The process is straightforward.

Visa on Arrival

The vast majority of visitors obtain their visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. You will need:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
• Two recent passport-sized photographs (bring printed copies; the machines at the airport are often queued)
• Payment in USD cash or equivalent major currency (not traveller's cheques)

Current fees (multiple-entry tourist visa):

For most trekkers, a 30-day visa covers the trip comfortably. If you plan to combine multiple regions or extend your stay, go for 90 days. Visa extensions are available through the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu (Dillibazar) at USD 3 per day.

Visa in Advance

You can also apply through a Nepalese embassy or consulate in your home country before travel. This saves time on arrival, which can be useful if you are landing on a busy October morning alongside multiple full charter flights.

Trekking Permits and Fees

This is one of the most commonly misunderstood parts of trekking in Nepal. Every major trekking area requires at least one permit, and some require two or three. Your guide or trekking company will typically arrange these in Kathmandu before departure, but it is important to know what you need and why.

TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)

The TIMS card is a safety and registration system managed jointly by the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Tourism Board. It applies to most standard trekking routes.

• Individual trekkers (FIT): NPR 2,000 (~USD 15)
• Trekkers booked through a registered agency: NPR 1,000 (~USD 7.50)

TIMS cards are issued at the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu (Bhrikutimandap) or Pokhara. Carry your TIMS card at all times — checkpoints along the trails will ask for it.

National Park and Conservation Area Permits

SAARC nationals pay lower rates. Permits are checked at entry gates and at multiple checkpoints within each area.

Restricted Area Permits

Several remote trekking zones require special restricted area permits on top of standard park permits. These must be arranged through a registered trekking company — solo trekking is not permitted in restricted areas.

Fees for restricted areas are set in USD and must be paid through official channels. Attempting to enter these zones without a valid permit results in a significant fine and early removal from the trail.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not optional for trekking in Nepal as it is a condition of booking with any reputable operator, and for good reason. A helicopter evacuation from the Everest region to Kathmandu can cost between USD 3,000 and USD 6,000. Without insurance, that comes entirely from your pocket.

What Your Policy Must Cover

Before purchasing, confirm your policy explicitly includes:

• High altitude trekking (most standard travel policies exclude trekking above 4,000m unless you add it)
• Emergency helicopter rescue and evacuation
• Medical expenses abroad (including hospital stay in Kathmandu)
• Trip cancellation and curtailment
• Personal accident cover

Policies from World Nomads, True Traveller, and Battleface are commonly used by Nepal trekkers and are understood by rescue coordination centres. Whichever insurer you choose, carry a printed copy of your policy and the emergency claims number, stored separately from your phone.

Altitude Coverage: Read the Fine Print

Some insurers cap altitude coverage at 4,000m or 5,000m unless you specifically select a mountaineering or high-altitude add-on. Everest Base Camp sits at 5,364m. Thorong La pass on the Annapurna Circuit is 5,416m. If your policy does not cover these altitudes, it is effectively useless for its primary purpose.

Best Time to Trek in Nepal

Nepal has four distinct trekking seasons, each with genuine advantages. The right season depends on which region you are visiting and what kind of experience you want.

Autumn: September to November (Peak Season)

This is the most popular window for a reason. The monsoon clears by mid-September, leaving skies at their sharpest, trails freshly washed, and the mountains in full clarity. Temperatures at altitude are cold but manageable — around -5°C to -10°C overnight above 4,000m in November and daytime walking is comfortable.

October is the busiest month on trails like the Everest Base Camp route and the Annapurna Circuit. Teahouses are full and popular rest stops like Namche Bazaar and Deurali have queues at mealtimes. Book accommodation in advance for October trekking.

November offers the same clear skies with noticeably fewer trekkers, though higher elevations get genuinely cold. A good sleeping bag (rated to -10°C) is essential from mid-November onwards.

Spring: March to May (Second Peak Season)

Spring is the second recommended season and the preferred window for mountaineering expeditions. Rhododendrons bloom from 2,000m to 3,500m in March and April, turning forests a vivid red and pink. Temperatures are warmer than autumn at altitude.

The downside is afternoon cloud build-up, which is more pronounced than in autumn. Mountain views are clearest in the early mornings. May brings the last clear weeks before the monsoon arrives, but lower-elevation trails can be hot and humid.

Monsoon: June to August (For Experienced Trekkers)

The monsoon does not make trekking impossible — it makes it wet, verdant, and far quieter. Rain falls heavily in the afternoons and evenings on most routes, and leeches appear below 2,500m. Visibility on the high peaks is often obscured.

However, the Mustang region, Dolpo, and parts of the Manaslu rain-shadow zone receive very little monsoon rain. These areas are actually best visited in July and August, when the restricted-area trails are at their most lush and the trails are almost empty.

Winter: December to February (Cold but Rewarding)

Lower elevation treks — the Ghorepani-Poon Hill circuit, the Langtang Valley approach, the Everest View Trek to Namche — are perfectly viable in winter. The crowds are gone, lodge prices drop, and the air is crystal clear.

Higher passes like Thorong La and the Three Passes on the Everest circuit are frequently snowbound and sometimes impassable in January and February. Treks to Everest Base Camp are possible but require proper winter gear and flexibility.

Month-by-Month Summary

Altitude, Acclimatisation, and Altitude Sickness

This section could save your life. Read it carefully.

Understanding Altitude in Nepal

Nepal's major trekking routes span an enormous elevation range. You will start a typical Everest region trek at Lukla (2,845m) and finish at base camp (5,364m). The Annapurna Circuit crosses Thorong La at 5,416m. The human body was not designed for rapid ascent to these elevations, and no amount of fitness makes you immune to altitude sickness.

At 5,000m, the air contains roughly half the oxygen of sea level. Your body needs time to compensate by producing more red blood cells and adjusting its breathing patterns. This process is called acclimatisation, and it cannot be rushed.

The Golden Rules of Acclimatisation

1. Ascend gradually. Above 3,000m, do not gain more than 300–500m of sleeping altitude per day.
2. Climb high, sleep low. It is fine to walk to a higher elevation during the day; what matters is where you sleep.
3. Take acclimatisation days. Every itinerary we run includes mandatory rest days at Namche Bazaar (3,440m), Dingboche (4,410m), or equivalent elevations. These are not optional.
4. Never ascend with symptoms. If you have a headache, nausea, dizziness, or unusual fatigue, rest where you are. If symptoms worsen, descend immediately.
5. Stay hydrated. Drink 3–4 litres of water daily at altitude. Avoid alcohol in the first days above 3,500m.

Recognising Altitude Illness

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is the most common form and presents as a headache combined with one or more of the following: nausea, fatigue, dizziness, or poor sleep. Mild AMS does not require immediate descent — rest, hydration, and paracetamol for the headache. Do not ascend until symptoms fully resolve.

High Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACE) is AMS that has escalated. Symptoms include confusion, loss of coordination, and altered consciousness. This is a medical emergency. Descend immediately, administer supplemental oxygen if available, and activate evacuation.

High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE) is fluid on the lungs. Symptoms include breathlessness at rest, a persistent cough (sometimes producing pink frothy sputum), and extreme fatigue. This is also a medical emergency requiring immediate descent and evacuation.

All Hiking Nepal guides carry portable altitude chambers (Gamow bags), supplemental oxygen, and a supply of Dexamethasone and Nifedipine for emergency treatment. They are trained in wilderness first aid and in recognising the early signs of altitude illness.

Diamox (Acetazolamide)

Diamox is a prescription medication that speeds acclimatisation by stimulating faster breathing. Many trekkers use it as a preventative measure, typically at 125mg twice daily from one day before ascending above 3,000m. Common side effects include increased urination and tingling in the hands and feet.

Diamox is not a substitute for proper acclimatisation schedules. Consult your doctor before travelling, as it is contraindicated in people with sulfa drug allergies.

Physical Fitness and Trek Difficulty

No trek in Nepal is a casual walk, but neither do you need to be a seasoned mountaineer. What you need is honest self-assessment and the right preparation.

Difficulty Ratings

Easy: Treks at lower elevations with modest daily distances (10–15km). Examples: Everest View Trek to Namche, Royal Trek in the Annapurna foothills, Ghorepani-Poon Hill (if done slowly). Suitable for reasonably fit adults with no trekking experience.

Moderate: Multi-day treks reaching 3,500–4,500m with longer daily distances (15–20km). Examples: Annapurna Base Camp, Langtang Valley, Everest Base Camp. Requires regular aerobic fitness — the equivalent of being able to hike 5–6 hours a day for multiple consecutive days.

Strenuous: High-altitude routes with significant elevation gain, demanding terrain, or multi-day sections above 4,500m. Examples: Everest Three High Passes, Manaslu Circuit, Annapurna Circuit with Thorong La crossing. Prior trekking experience and a solid fitness base are strongly recommended.

Technical / Peak Climbing: Island Peak, Lobuche Peak, Mera Peak. Requires basic crampon and ice axe skills or a pre-trip mountaineering course.

Preparing Before You Arrive

The most effective preparation for any Nepal trek is cardiovascular endurance training — specifically, sustained uphill walking with a loaded pack. In the 8–12 weeks before your trek:

• Walk or hike 3–4 times per week, progressively increasing distance and pack weight
• Incorporate stair climbing, cycling, or running to build aerobic capacity
• Do at least one full-day hike per week in the final month before departure

The Everest Base Camp trek involves around 130km of walking over 12–14 days, with roughly 8,800m of cumulative elevation gain. This is a significant physical undertaking, not a tourist excursion.

Trekking Gear and Packing List

The Layering System

Nepal's mountain weather changes fast. A morning that starts sunny at 15°C at Dingboche can turn to cloud, wind, and sub-zero temperatures by mid-afternoon. The layering system keeps you comfortable across these swings.

• Base layer: Moisture-wicking synthetic or merino wool (not cotton — it stays wet)
• Mid layer: Fleece jacket or down jacket for warmth
• Outer layer (shell): Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers

Essential Gear Checklist

Footwear

• Broken-in waterproof trekking boots with ankle support (the most critical item — do not arrive in new boots)
• Trekking sandals or camp shoes for evenings in teahouses
• Gaiters for higher altitude routes in autumn and winter

Clothing

• 3–4 moisture-wicking trekking shirts
• 2 pairs of trekking trousers (convertible zip-offs work well)
• Warm fleece or down mid-layer
• Waterproof shell jacket and trousers
• Thermal base layers (top and bottom) for above 4,000m
• Warm hat covering ears, sun hat, gloves, and neck gaiter or buff

Sleeping and Shelter

• Sleeping bag rated to -10°C minimum for Everest and Annapurna high routes
• Silk or fleece sleeping bag liner (adds warmth and keeps the bag clean)
• Small personal padlock for teahouse room doors

Health and Safety

• Diamox (if prescribed by your doctor)
• Water purification tablets or a Sawyer Squeeze / SteriPen
• Rehydration sachets (oral rehydration salts)
• Blister treatment (Compeed, medical tape)
• Ibuprofen and paracetamol
• Sunscreen SPF 50+ and UV-protection sunglasses (high altitude UV is intense)
• Lip balm with SPF
• Altitude sickness reference card

Navigation and Tech

• Offline maps downloaded to your phone (Maps.me or Gaia GPS)
• Portable power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh) — charging at teahouses costs money and is sometimes unavailable
• Head torch with spare batteries

Documents

• Passport
• Printed insurance policy and emergency claims number
• Copies of TIMS card and all permits (carry originals, keep photos on your phone)

What You Can Buy or Rent in Kathmandu

Thamel, Kathmandu's trekking hub, is lined with gear shops selling both genuine and replica equipment. Reputable brands including The North Face, Mammut, and Arc'teryx appear alongside convincing-looking fakes — inspect stitching, zips, and labels carefully. Prices are low but quality varies.

Gear available to rent in Thamel includes sleeping bags, down jackets, trekking poles, and crampons. If you are coming from a warm climate and do not own cold-weather gear, renting in Kathmandu is a cost-effective option. Trekking poles are worth having regardless of fitness level as they reduce knee strain on the steep descents.

Money, Budget, and Costs

Currency and Exchange

Nepal's currency is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). As of 2025, roughly NPR 133–136 = USD 1. Exchange rates at authorised money changers in Thamel are competitive; airport rates are significantly worse. Keep your exchange receipts, as you will need them to convert rupees back to foreign currency on departure.

ATMs and Cash on the Trail

Kathmandu and Pokhara have plentiful ATMs. On the trail, ATMs exist in larger villages including Namche Bazaar (Everest), Jomsom (Mustang), and Manang (Annapurna). However, machines frequently run out of cash during peak season, and daily withdrawal limits apply (typically NPR 30,000–40,000 per transaction). Carry enough cash before leaving Kathmandu to cover at least the first several days of your trek.

Above Namche on the Everest route, cash is required for almost everything — teahouse bills, hot showers, wifi, charging, and extra food. Do not underestimate how much you will spend.

Rough Daily Budgets on the Trail

These figures cover accommodation and meals on the trail. Factor in permit costs, equipment, flights, and guide fees separately.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and forms an important part of your guide's and porter's income. Suggested amounts per trek (total, not per day):

• Trekking guide: USD 8–12 per day of trekking
• Porter: USD 5–8 per day
• Cook (camping treks): USD 5–8 per day

Tips are given directly and in cash at the end of the trek. Group up if you are on a group departure.

Communication and Connectivity

SIM Cards

A local SIM card is the cheapest and most reliable way to stay connected. Nepal's two main networks are Ncell (private) and NTC (Nepal Telecom) (government). Both sell tourist SIM cards at Tribhuvan Airport and in Thamel, requiring your passport.

Ncell generally offers better coverage and faster data on the Annapurna and lower Everest routes. NTC has stronger coverage in remote areas including Manaslu and Dolpo. For the Everest region above Namche, both networks are patchy — calls and basic data work, but streaming does not.

A tourist SIM with a data pack costs around NPR 500–800 (USD 4–6) and can be topped up along most trekking routes.

WiFi at Teahouses

Most teahouses on the major routes offer WiFi, typically charged at NPR 100–300 per hour or per device. Above 4,500m, satellite internet is used and speeds are slow. Expect enough bandwidth for messaging apps and email, not video calls or uploads. Download any films, podcasts, or offline maps before you leave Kathmandu.

Staying in Touch on Remote Routes

For treks in restricted or very remote areas (Upper Mustang, Dolpo, Tsum Valley), phone connectivity is unreliable for extended stretches. Our guides carry satellite phones or SPOT devices on these itineraries. If you plan to trek independently in remote zones, a personal SPOT tracker or Garmin inReach device provides emergency communication capability.

Health, Vaccinations, and Water Safety

Recommended Vaccinations

Consult a travel health clinic 6–8 weeks before departure. Commonly recommended vaccinations for Nepal include:

• Hepatitis A and B
• Typhoid
• Tetanus / Diphtheria / Polio (ensure boosters are up to date)
• Rabies (recommended for longer trips or those trekking in remote areas away from quick medical care)
• Japanese Encephalitis (relevant for Terai/lowland areas and jungle safaris)

Malaria prophylaxis is not generally required for trekking routes above 2,000m, but is relevant if your itinerary includes Chitwan, Bardiya, or Terai lowland areas.

Water Safety on the Trail

Tap water and stream water in Nepal are not safe to drink untreated, even at altitude. Your options:

• Boiled water: Available at every teahouse, usually free or at minimal cost. The most reliable option.
• Purification tablets (iodine or chlorine dioxide): Lightweight and effective, though iodine leaves a taste.
• UV purification (SteriPen): Fast and effective for clear water; less reliable for turbid water.
• Filtration (Sawyer Squeeze, LifeStraw): Effective for bacteria and protozoa; does not remove viruses without a separate chemical treatment.

Buying single-use plastic water bottles is strongly discouraged and is actively banned in several national parks. Carry a 1-litre reusable bottle and a means to treat water.

Accommodation on the Trail

Teahouse Trekking

The vast majority of Nepal's popular trekking routes are teahouse treks, meaning you walk from village to village, staying in guesthouse-restaurants called teahouses. This is a fundamentally different experience from camping treks and is what makes Nepal's trail infrastructure unique in the world.

Rooms are typically simple — a wooden bed, a foam mattress, a blanket, and a pillow. On the main Everest and Annapurna routes, private rooms with attached bathrooms are available at the larger lodges. On less-frequented routes, shared squat toilets and cold-water sinks are the norm.

What matters most is the dining room: a warm communal space where you eat, dry your gear, charge your devices, and talk to other trekkers and your guides. The food served in teahouses is surprisingly good — see the meal section below.

Luxury Lodge Options

The Everest region and the Annapurna circuit both have a growing network of boutique and luxury lodges, designed as alternatives to standard teahouses. Properties including the Everest Summit Lodges chain and Ker & Downey's Annapurna luxury circuit offer en-suite rooms, hot showers, proper beds, and multi-course meals. These lodges must be pre-booked and form the basis of our Everest Luxury Trek and Annapurna Luxury packages.

Remote Trek Accommodation

On routes like the Manaslu Circuit, Tsum Valley, and Dolpo, teahouses are simpler and less predictable. Rooms may be uninsulated, bathrooms may be a hole in the ground, and hot water may not exist. Bringing a sleeping bag liner and a good attitude is more useful than expectations of comfort.

Food and Meals on the Trail

Dal Bhat: The Trek's Engine

Dal bhat is steamed rice served with lentil soup, vegetable curry, pickles, and sometimes a small amount of meat; is Nepal's national meal and the foundation of every trekker's diet. It is served twice daily, is almost always fresh, comes in large portions, and refills are free. It is also remarkably good fuel for sustained uphill walking.

At altitude, your appetite often decreases. Eating regularly and eating carbohydrate-rich food is important for maintaining energy and supporting acclimatisation. Force yourself to eat even when you do not feel hungry.

What's on the Teahouse Menu

Beyond dal bhat, teahouse menus typically offer:

• Noodle soups (thukpa) and fried noodles (chow mein)
• Tibetan bread, chapati, and porridge for breakfast
• Potato dishes — boiled, fried, or mashed (potatoes grow well at altitude)
• Pasta, fried rice, and basic pizza on the main Everest and Annapurna routes
• Soups, including garlic soup, which many trekkers drink daily as a supposed altitude remedy
• Eggs in multiple forms

Food quality generally decreases above 4,000m because ingredients are more expensive and harder to transport. Prices also rise. A meal at Everest Base Camp costs considerably more than the same dish in Namche.

Dietary Requirements

Vegetarian food is easy on every trekking route — Nepal's mountain cuisine is largely plant-based by tradition. Vegan trekkers need to specify requirements clearly, as butter and ghee feature heavily in cooking. Those with gluten intolerance will find rice-based dishes safe; wheat is common. Inform your guide before the trek begins and they will communicate requirements to each teahouse in advance.

Guides, Porters, and Staff

Why a Registered Guide Matters

Nepal now legally requires trekkers to use a licensed guide on several routes, including all restricted area treks. Beyond legality, a good guide transforms the experience. Our guides speak English, carry first aid training, know the trails intimately, and can read altitude illness symptoms before the trekker can.

A registered guide also provides a safety net for everything from bad weather decisions to navigating trail closures, organising emergency evacuations, and communicating with teahouse owners who may speak limited English.

What Our Guides Are Trained In

All Hiking Nepal guides complete:

• Trekking Guide Training certified by the Nepal Mountaineering Association
• Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) training
• English language proficiency
• High altitude medicine basics
• Eco-trekking and conservation practices
• Rock climbing and mountaineering (expedition and peak climbing leaders)

Porters

Porters carry loads so you can focus on walking, not weight. The standard trekking porter carries up to 25kg. We adhere to the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG) guidelines, meaning our porters are provided with:

• Appropriate clothing and footwear for the conditions they work in
• Insurance covering accidents and illness
• Accommodation and food on the trail
• Loads within safe limits

Please do not carry a pack heavier than necessary if you have a porter. The weight saved goes directly into your enjoyment of the trek.

Responsible Trekking and Sustainability

Plastic and Waste

Nepal's mountain trails face a serious waste problem. Single-use plastic water bottles are now officially prohibited within several national parks — rangers can turn trekkers back at entry gates. Bring a reusable bottle and water purification. Most teahouses will sell or provide boiled water.

Carry a small bag for your own rubbish and aim to leave campsites and teahouse areas in the state you found them. The "carry in, carry out" principle applies above any available waste collection points.

Cultural Respect on the Trail

Nepal's trekking routes pass through living communities with strong Sherpa, Tamang, Gurung, and Magar cultures. A few practices go a long way:

• Greet people with "Namaste" (press palms together slightly) — it is always appreciated
• Walk around stupas, mani walls, and chortens in a clockwise direction
• Ask before photographing people, particularly monks, elderly residents, and people at religious ceremonies
• Remove shoes before entering a monastery or temple
• Dressing modestly in villages — with shoulders and knees covered is the standard

Supporting the Local Economy

Eating at locally-owned teahouses, buying souvenirs directly from artisans rather than Kathmandu airport shops, and booking through operators who employ local guides all put more money where it matters. The mountain communities that host trekkers are also the primary stewards of the trail environment — their economic stake in your experience directly supports conservation.

Cultural Etiquette and Nepal Basics

Language

Nepali is the official language. In trekking areas, Sherpa (a Tibeto-Burman dialect) is widely spoken in the Everest region; Gurung and Tamang in the Annapurna and Langtang areas. English is spoken at most teahouses on the main routes. A few Nepali words make a real difference:

• Namaste — hello/greeting
• Dhanyabad — thank you
• Mitho chha — it's delicious
• Kati paisa? — How much?
• Bistaarai — slowly (very useful for negotiating pace on the trail)

Religion

Nepal is a majority-Hindu country with a substantial Buddhist population, particularly in the mountain regions. Religious life is woven into daily activity — temples, shrines, prayer flags, and mani stones appear constantly along trekking routes. Treat all religious sites with respect. Do not touch sacred objects, step over offerings, or point your feet at altars.

Electricity

Nepal uses 220V/50Hz power. Plug sockets in Kathmandu are commonly Types C, D, and M. Bring a universal travel adaptor. In teahouses at altitude, charging costs NPR 100–300 per device and may only be available for a few hours around mealtimes when solar or hydro power is sufficient. A fully charged power bank is more reliable.

Booking Your Trek: Practical Advice

When to Book

For autumn (October/November) treks, book at least 3–4 months in advance. October is Nepal's most popular trekking month and guided group departures fill well before that. Spring (April/May) treks should be booked by January at the latest. Off-season (monsoon and winter) bookings can be made closer to the date.

Lukla flight permits are issued by Nepal's Civil Aviation Authority and are limited. Confirming your trek and flights early is the most important booking decision you will make.

What to Expect on Arrival

Your Hiking Nepal representative meets you at Kathmandu airport and transfers you to your hotel. The day before your trek departs, you will have a full briefing covering permits, the route, safety procedures, and what to expect from the trail. This is the time to raise any questions, disclose any health conditions, and confirm your gear is appropriate.

Flexibility and Weather

Nepal's mountains operate on their own schedule. Delays from Lukla weather are common and should be budgeted for. Trails can close temporarily after heavy snowfall or landslides. Our guides are experienced at making real-time adjustments to itineraries that keep you safe while preserving the essence of the trek. The mountains are not going anywhere.

Ready to start planning your Nepal trek?

Our team of Kathmandu-based trekking specialists is available to answer questions, build custom itineraries, and help you choose the right route for your fitness and timeframe. Browse our guided Nepal trekking packages or book a free call with one of our experts today.