Nepal Travel Guide

Nepal

• How much does it cost to trek in Nepal?

  Nepal is generally a relatively cheap country to travel in, however, depending on the trek you choose to embark on, prices can increase due to safety measures or impact on the local communities. Trekking in Nepal requires permits for certain treks to cover these costs. Some areas are classed as 'restricted areas' to limit tourist impact, so a specific 'restricted area permit' must be acquired for these areas. We cover the cost of these permits in our trip costs. Travel insurance for Nepalese treks will also be higher than your average insurance as you will need it to cover the height you will be trekking to and possibly winter conditions (including use of ice axes and crampons for some trips).  
  

• How hard is trekking in Nepal?

  Generally the trekking in Nepal involves lots of undulating terrain. What makes trekking in Nepal challenging is the altitude - you will be at a high altitude for the majority of the trek. Maintaining a high altitude requires a slow, steady pace as you will find the lack of oxygen in the air has a range of effects on the human body, but the most obvious is breathlessness. At Everest base camp there is half the oxygen content in the air that there is at sea level. This makes any exertion a lot harder, so the most important thing you can to do is go slowly.  Exerting yourself too hard is a great way to bring on altitude sickness. In terms of distance walked, a day's trekking in Nepal will be no more difficult than a typical day's hiking at home, however the routes often have significant ups and downs with steeper stepped sections and uneven pathways underfoot. Hiking in this environment for upwards of 12 days consecutively and at altitude do combine though to make any trek a tough challenge and you will need to be really fit when you arrive. Finally, you should remember your porters are hiking the same route as you but are carrying up to 25kg, so do not be too aggrieved if travel is slow and it sometimes feels as though the trekking day has been a little short.  The higher you go up into the mountains the more your porters will be able to do compared to you so a little patience is more than justified.
  

• Which is the toughest trek route in Nepal?

  The toughest route we offer in Nepal is Island Peak. Standing at 6189m, the oxygen content of air on the peak is less than half of what it is at sea level - for this reason we would not recommend you take on Island Peak as your first high-altitude trek. The extreme altitude does mean that no matter how fit you are, Island Peak will be a tough challenge, and although no technical skills are required to complete the climb, you will be climbing a steep headwall using ascender and descender devices so we would recommend some experience using these.
  

• Which is harder - Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp trek?

  On our Everest Base Camp route you are pretty much trekking 5-6 hours a day for at least 12 days. You need to have hardened your body off to walking to cope with this. The effect of altitude will also mean that by the time you reach base camp you will have lost almost 50% of the oxygen in the air and this makes any exertion tough. In comparison, on Annapurna Circuit a good level of fitness is required, as you will be walking long distances each day for two consecutive weeks. However, the altitude will not be as intense and generally the maintenance of paths along the route is better making the trekking easier than on the Everest Base Camp trip. 
  

• How fit do I need to be?

  Our valley treks are designed for novice trekkers who are fit but have not necessarily trekked at high altitude before. Our trek to Everest Base Camp runs over 12 days, and the schedule incorporates two acclimatisation days to ensure you adjust to the altitude as you make you way up to Base Camp. There is no technical climbing on any part of the route; you just need to be prepared to spend 6-7 hours walking for one day after another. Stamina and determination are what you need most! The best way to prepare is to get out (on the hills if possible) and get yourself used to spending so much time on your feet. There’s useful information on our website here about getting yourself physically prepared.
  

• What vaccinations will I need to visit Nepal?

  Always check with your doctor or Travel Clinic, as they will have the most up to date information. Make sure you allow plenty of time, as some injections are required 4-6 weeks before travel.
  

   
  

  The recommended vaccinations are Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A and Diphtheria. Tetanus and Diphtheria are part of your childhood immunisations in the UK so you should be covered or may just need a booster.
  

  You are required to have a Yellow Fever certificate if you are arriving from a country where Yellow Fever is endemic. If you are flying directly from the UK or US (airport transfers in other countries are permitted up to 12 hours) then you will not require Yellow Fever.
  

   
  

  There is no risk of malaria in the mountain areas of Nepal, but there is a low risk if you are visiting Chitwan. Anti-malarial medication may be required depending on underlying health issues, so should be discussed with your doctor or travel clinic.
  

• What are the best months to trek in Nepal?

  Truth be told there's no straightforward answer. The best times to book your trekking trip are in either April-May or October-November. However, you have to keep in mind that those are the months in which most people visit the country, so it might be a little crowded.
  

  
  

  When it comes to the period between December and February, the temperatures drop significantly, so if you wish to visit the country during that time, you should focus more on exploring the regions settled lower, such as the Chitwan National Park, located close to the Indian border.
  

  
  

  The time between April and June is best for those who'd like to see the wildlife of the region. While sometimes it might be hazy, many of the Nepal trekking tracks are located above the haze, so you can trek normally.
  

  
  

  Visiting Nepal between June and September might not be the best idea if you want to engage in trekking and exploring Nepal treks, as this is when the monsoon rains are very common, which make the trails dangerous to complete due to risk of landslides and flooding. 
  

• Where should I visit in Nepal?

  We have mentioned some of the places above, but it won't hurt to repeat them, as they are truly worth visiting:
  

  
  

  • Everest Base Camp - The Everest Base Camp is an ideal trek for those who are just dipping their toes in trekking. It allows you to acclimatise properly so that you won't get altitude sickness (or at least have lower chances of getting it) and leads you through some of the most beautiful scenery we have ever seen. In the end, you are rewarded with an incredible view of the highest mountain in the world - Mount Everest.
    
  • Kathmandu - A bustling hub for tourists, trekkers and climbers from all over the world, spending time in Kathmandu is a must if you are visiting Nepal.
    
  • Chitwan National Park - the first national park in Nepal, known for its biodiversity.
    
  • Annapurna - Annapurna is a massif located in north-central Nepal. There are plenty of Nepal treks that either lead you to a location from which you can admire the Annapurna Range, or guide you straight into its heart.
    

• Which is the most scenic trekking route in Nepal?

  It is hard to find a route that isn't scenic in the Himalayas. Everywhere you go, incredible views greet you of towering, snow capped peaks. All of our trips guarantee you will be blown away by the views you encounter. These are some of our Kandoo favourites:
  

  • The Gokyo Lakes Trek is an amazingly scenic challenging trek, passing over the Cho La Pass and climbing to the summit of Gokyo Ri.
    
  • The classic Everest Basecamp trek will never disappoint on views, it's epic route through the world's tallest peaks will make even the most confident of us shrink into insignificance. 
    
  • The Annapurna Sanctuary, particularly during May offers beautiful views with native rhododendron bushes in full bloom lining the pathways. 

• What is the best way to get to Nepal?

  There are several ways to get to Nepal from Europe and the USA all of which involve an international flight to Tribhuvan International Airport which is the main airport in Kathmandu. There are a lot of flights that fly to Kathmandu through the Middle East. Qatar, Gulf and Air Emirates offer daily flights from Europe and the US to Kathmandu, with a stopover at their central hubs. You must be careful though, as some of these layovers are very long indeed. Check the schedules carefully, and consider using Qatar. They seem to have the shortest layovers (at Doha) by a substantial margin. The other alternative is to fly via Delhi, with BA, Air India or Jet and then catch a shorter flight up to Kathmandu. Again be careful of long layovers and be warned - some of the reviews for Air India are less than glowing!

• Can I trek without a guide?

  No. In 2023 Nepal introduced a new law requiring all foreign trekkers to be accompanied by  guide. This is aimed at providing more jobs for local people and also a greater level of safety for visitors enjoying the worlds highest mountain range. 
  

• Is it safe to travel solo in Nepal?

  The Nepalese people are world renowned for their friendly, welcoming attitudes. Nepal is considered a comfortable place to travel alone and although there are occasional occurrences of theft and other petty crimes, these are not common. In 2023, Nepal introduced a new law requiring all foreign trekkers to be accompanied by  guide. This means that you will never be entirely alone whilst trekking in Nepal as a guide must always be present on your trip. 
  

• What qualifications do your guides have?

  We are members of the Nepal Mountaineering Association and all our guides have passed the "Basic Mountaineering Course". All our guides also have annual first aid training and specialised training in managing altitude sickness.
  

  For peak climbs, our guides have as a minimum, passed the NMA's "Advanced Mountaineering Course" and most of them are qualified as members of the International Federation of Mountain Guides (IFMGA), this is the highest standard of guide qualification worldwide.
  

• What are toilets like on the treks?

  The toilet facilities in most lodges are basic but adequate. Generally they are all plumbed in toilets with water available for flushing probably in a tub with a jug. Take your own toilet paper though. There are now very few of the old fashioned "long drop" toilets and many toilets are Western sit down style rather than "squatties" particularly in the lower regions and on more popular treks. On the less popular routes expect to find more basic facilities. 
  

• What is the difference between an open group trek and a private trek?

  Whether you book an open group trek or private trek, Kandoo provide the same high standard of service. Where they differ is the flexibility they offer. Our open group treks run to scheduled itineraries and dates.  Private treks can be organised on any route or itinerary and on any dates. Also on private treks we are able to offer many tailor made options like camping overnight at Everest base camp, helicopter treks, hotel upgrades and safaris and cultural tours. 
  

• What happens if one of my group has to descend?

  If you are unable to continue the trek due to a minor ailment and are still able to walk, you will be accompanied back to Lukla by either an assistant guide or a senior porter. We will arrange the flight back to Kathmandu and one of our team will meet you there and assist you with making accommodation arrangements. For more serious injuries, it is possible to be evacuated by helicopter back to Kathmandu. Helicopter evacuation would need to be covered by your travel insurance.
  

• How will I be able to wash?

  Hot showers are sometimes available in lodges at extra cost and you can also pay at most lodges for a large bowl of hot water to take to your room. Other than this you should plan on a combination of cold water washes and using wet wipes. Please remember though that you must take a "rubbish bag" up with you as all the trash you create you will have to carry out.
  

• What travel insurance do I need?

  All trekkers must have proper insurance cover for any of our Nepal treks. The exact cover will depend on the trek being booked as most polices are linked to an altitude cap. Depending on the route you choose this may vary a lot.
  

   
  

  Any travel insurance you take out must cover you for trekking to the highest altitude on your trek, as well as the standard cover for medical evacuation, repatriation and cancellation. In particular you should make sure that you are covered for helicopter evacuation. Some policies include the trekking as standard as long as you aren’t using ropes (which you won’t be on many of the treks) or it may be an additional option under the extreme sport option. If you are climbing a Himalaya peak, you will need cover to trek up to 6500m, and fixed ropes will be used. It’s always worth checking if you already hold a travel insurance policy.
  

   
  

  We do not recommend any particular insurance as the level of cover can depend on individual circumstances, and what is acceptable for one trekker may not suit another person. You will need to check the wording on any policy to make sure you are happy with the level of cover it provides.
  

   
  

• How dangerous are the internal flights in Nepal?

  The majority of our trekking itineraries in Nepal involve a domestic flight. Airfields such as Lukla are among the most remote and difficult to land on in the world and are a challenge for even the most technically proficient pilots. It is not uncommon for bad weather to cause lengthy delays, as the airport will be closed if the cloud cover is too great. You should also be aware that flights in Nepal have a poor safety record compared to international flight standards. In 2013, all carriers from Nepal were put on an aviation banned list, preventing them from flying in EU airspace. This ban does not mean that these airlines are prevented from flying in Nepal, nor does it mean that an EU national cannot fly with one of these airlines. Since the ban, some airlines have been proactive and have retained an independent aviation safety expert to audit their operations. Wherever possible, we use one of these airlines.
  

• Can I catch a helicopter?

  There are no scheduled helicopter services in Nepal – to fly by helicopter you need to charter the aircraft. We do not offer the option to fly by helicopter on any of our open group treks, as we require the whole group to travel together. However, on our private treks, we can offer the option to take the helicopter from Pheriche back to Kathmandu, thus cutting out 2 days’ hiking from the end of your trek. The cost to charter the helicopter is around £3000 per helicopter. The helicopter is able to carry 5 passengers plus luggage, but it is our policy that one of our guides must travel with you. We do not offer helicopters on the way in to start the trek at a higher altitude, as it is important that you start the trek from Lukla in order to acclimatise well.
  

   
  

  You should be aware that the helicopter is not a luxury service – these aircraft are the workhorses of the Himalaya and the carriage of healthy passengers is quite low on their list of priorities. Emergency evacuations take precedence over all other journeys, so even though we will have booked a departure time for your flight, your helicopter may be re-directed to an emergency and you will have to wait until this situation has been dealt with before you can depart. Updates from the helicopter pilots are not always available, so you would need to wait at the airport and be prepared to board the helicopter with little notice. The knock-on effect of this is that we do not always have time to contact the team back in Kathmandu about your expected arrival time, which can mean a further delay in Kathmandu while we wait for your transfer vehicle.
  

• I have a medical condition can I go on the trek?

  Many people with medical conditions complete treks in Nepal. If you have a condition that you feel may affect you trekking at altitude, you must visit a doctor to discuss this in plenty of time before you travel. 

  
  

  
  

• Is there a doctor on the trek?

  We do not take any doctors or medics on our treks. All of our guides are qualified in Emergency First Aid, and are trained as Wilderness First Responders. We provide them with annual refresher training to keep their skills up to date. However, they do not have any specialist medical knowledge and are not permitted to administer any medication, so if you have a specific medical condition such as diabetes, you must be able to manage this yourself while you are on the trek.
  

   
  

  The biggest risk to your health when trekking in the Himalaya is Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS). We carry out twice daily health checks while you are on the trek to assess how you are acclimatising. We use pulse oxymeters to measure your pulse and blood oxygen saturation levels, supplemented by the Lake Louise Scoring System, a well-tested method for assessing the symptoms of altitude sickness. Our guides are trained to recognise the symptoms of AMs, and if they have any concerns about your health, they will arrange for you to descend back to Kathmandu.
  

• Do I need a visa to visit Nepal?

  Most visitors to Nepal (including nationals from the UK, Europe, USA and Australia) require a tourist visa to enter Nepal. Visa can be obtained at your local Nepalese Embassy or on arrival at Kathmandu International Airport. We highly recommend securing a visa before departure as this will ensure you have no problems passing immigration, as well as speed up the process of clearing immigration. You will need at least one blank visa page in your passport. Certain nationalities not mentioned above must apply for a visa in advance, so check with your local Nepalese Embassy.
  

   
  

  Most of our tours require a 30 day tourist visa which usually costs in the neighbourhood of $50 (around £40). Visas can be extended once you are in Nepal, but overstaying your visa is taken very seriously, and can result in your being detained or not allowed to leave the country without paying a fine. Please don't apply for your visa more than 15 days before your trip is due to depart as your information is only stored by the Nepalese government for a maximum of 15 days. 
  

• Do I have to pay tips to the crew? Are they included in the price?

  It is common practice to tip crews in Nepal. We do not include this in our prices as tips should always be discretionary, and there is also no debate about them reaching the people they were intended for. Our tip recommendations can be found is the tips section under 'Details' on our web page. 
  

• Do I need to use porters?

  Your trek price includes a team of porters who will carry your main equipment bag each day between teahouses. You will need to have a day sack with you, to carry everything you do need access to during the day, such as waterproofs, drinking water, spare fleece, sun cream, etc. We would expect you to carry your day sack yourself, but a personal porter option is available for a porter to walk with you each day and carry your daysack for you. A 35 litre day sack would be adequate, and you will be carrying around 5-8 kg (but getting lighter as you drink your water!)
  

  You do not have to use porters and if you really want to carry all your kit we can arrange this for you. With your day-sack and the rest of the kit you need though you are likely to have around 20kg to carry. Unless you are exceptionally fit and acclimatise very well, the effort in carrying this load at nearly 5000m will reduce the chance of you completing your trek successfully. Porters rely on work for tourists as their main source of income and all our crew are well-paid and well looked after.
  

• Is there gear rental?

  We recommend that wherever possible you use your own gear for your trek as this is the best way to ensure your comfort and enjoyment. Of course, this recommendation applies particularly to boots! We recognise though, that the cost of some items is very high, and this may not be possible.
  

   
  

  We do not have gear available for rental but there are places offering gear for rental in Kathmandu. The quality of rental gear in Nepal is very variable and there is no particular outlet we can recommend although we can provide a list of suggestions.  It is your responsibility to select rental items and to check carefully the condition of any item you rent. We accept no responsibility for the quality of equipment hired. An indication of the likely rental costs isnoted in your trip dossier.
  

   
  

  If you are climbing a peak you will need additional specialist equipment. This can be hired in Kathmandu and is also available to rent at lodges close to base camp. It is much cheaper to rent from these lodges as you only need to pay for 3-4 days hire. You should be aware though that the range of sizes and the quality of rental gear available at lodges is limited and you may not find something that is perfect for you.
  

   
  

  • High Altitude Climbing Boot
    
  • Crampons
    
  • Ice Axe
    
  • Climbing package (includes helmet, harness, carabiners, prusik loop, tape sling, ascender and descender)
    

   
  

  If you decide to rent sleeping bags, they weigh approximately 2kg each, so please bear this in mind when you are checking the weight of your kit before leaving home. These items are carried in your main equipment bag, which cannot weigh more than 10kg for your internal flight.
  

• What is food like on the treks?

  We have found over the years that our guests require different intakes of food to suffice their energy needs and where some are content with Dhal Bhat everyday, others wish to sample the menu. We therefore decided that rather than restrict the options available to our guests with a set menu, we have handed over the choice to you; you can choose what you want to eat at the lodges, and settle your own bill in the morning. While you can eat heartily for very little money at any lodge, we do recommend that you budget £30-35 ($40-45) per day for meals and drinks. This will ensure that you not only have plenty of food, but that you enjoy your trek a lot more. Please note that we prefer some of the more expensive lodges, so the prices are higher than they might be at more spartan facilities.
  

  
  

• What is the accommodation like on treks?

  On all our treks the accommodation is in teahouses for the whole of the trek. On peak climbs there are a number of days around summit day where you will be camping.
  

  
  

  The standard of accommodation still varies hugely but on the most popular routes there is generally plenty of clean, well kept accommodation. Lodges nearly all have inside toilets and for a modest fee you can even get a warm(ish) shower. Rooms are normally twin shares with two pretty hard wooden beds and a thin foam mattress. They may even provide blankets but we would certainly recommend bringing your own good quality 4 season sleeping bag unless you are used to sleeping rough in freezing conditions.
  

  Dining in the lodges will be in a large open room with tables round the outside. Our guides try to make sure we secure you a spot away from the door and nearer to the fire but can't always guarantee this.
  

  
  

  There are now a small but increasing number of "luxury lodges" - these are not on a par with a normal 3 star hotel but they will have heating, en-suite bathrooms and other home comforts. Upgraded accommodation can be provided on request and subject to availability on private treks only. 
  

• What’s the difference between Classic EBC and EBC with Gokyo Lakes?

  With the Gokyo Lakes trek, you follow the classic route up to Namche, but then leave the main Everest ‘tourist’ trail to follow a lesser used trail to the turquoise glacial lakes at Gokyo. It is a more challenging trek than the classic route, as it also includes the ascent of Gokyo Ri (5483m) and crossing the Cho La Pass (5420m) before you rejoin the main Everest trail and continue on to Base Camp. The return route is on the main Everest trail, so you don’t miss any of the villages and monasteries. Accommodation throughout is at tealodges.
  

• I’ve climbed Kilimanjaro. How does a peak climb compare?

  Trekking at altitude in the Himalaya is very different to what you would have experienced on Kilimanjaro. Kilimanjaro is a ‘stand-alone’ mountain, so you can get very close to it before you start trekking. Both Island Peak and Mera Peak have long walks in, and you would be gradually gaining height as you make your way through the mountain ranges. Although Kilimanjaro is 5895m, you don’t trek above 4600m until the day before your summit attempt, and then you go straight up and straight back down – you only spend a few hours above 4600m. With both of the Himalaya peak treks, you will spend 6-7 days above 4600m. You therefore need to spend more time reaching this altitude in order to acclimatise really well, as you are going to be spending more time actually at these higher altitudes.