Safety
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
Many of our itineraries in Nepal go above 2,800 metres (9,200 feet) where it is quite common for travellers to experience some adverse effects on their health due to the altitude.
It has even been reported that it happened to Sir Edmund Hillary!
Whilst our leaders have basic first aid training and are aware of the closest medical facilities and familiar with the symptoms of altitude sickness, it is very important that you make yourself familiar with the effects and the causes of travelling at altitude, monitor your health and seek assistance accordingly.
Our experienced guides and leaders are equipped with first aid kits and safety items such as Portable Altitude Chambers (PAC’s) that can be used in the event of severe altitude sickness.
Please read this document carefully and utilise the table at the end on a daily basis to record the symptoms of your general health that you may be experiencing.
Please note this document is assembled from feedback and information provided from our group leaders and tour guides on the ground.
The following information is for general advice and guideline purposes only and is in no way intended to replace the advice of a trained medical professional.
As such You-in is unable to accept responsibility for any inconvenience, injury and/or loss sustained by any person, caused by errors and omissions, or as a result of the advice and information given here.
We recommend all travelling passengers to conduct their research before travelling.
For free and useful resource information please also visit –
http://medex.org.uk/medex_book/
Acute Mountain Sickness or more commonly known – Altitude sickness, is the reaction of the body adjusting to a lower amount of oxygen in the atmosphere.
Normally, the higher the altitude, the less oxygen is available for the body to absorb and carry on normal functions.
AMS most commonly occurs from above 2,800 metres (9,200 ft) but this varies for everyone – to put simply, there is no way of knowing your susceptibility being exposed to altitude, thus it is vital you monitor your health.
Symptoms may be mild and may subside or even go away after a day’s rest on one of your scheduled rest days, or if it is ignored and not treated it could lead to death in severe cases.
AMS Symptoms
Some symptoms can appear within 1-2 hours, although most often appear around 6-10 hours after ascent and generally subside in 1-2 days as your body adjusts to altitude.
They may reappear as you continue to go to a higher altitude.
Symptoms generally occur gradually and usually can be one or a combination of the following:
Loss of appetite
Headache
Disturbed sleep or drowsiness
Fatigue
Irritability
Nausea / Vomiting
Dizziness
Swelling of feet, face and hands
If the body is unable to adjust to altitude these symptoms will persist and, if they are left untreated, altitude sickness may progress to High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) or High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE). *** Both can be fatal if ignored ***
Symptoms of HAPE (fluid on the lungs):
Breathlessness
Severe fatigue, progressing to coma
Low fever up to 38°C/100°F
A dry cough, developing to a wet one with blood-tinged discharge or saliva.
Tightness in the chest & blueness/darkness of face, lips & tongue
HAPE can occasionally develop without the usual symptoms of AMS – a telltale sign is when at rest, breathing does not return to normal, it remains shallow, rapid and panting even after an extended period of inactivity, and is often accompanied by a cough.
Symptoms of HACE (fluid on the brain):
Severe headache symptoms not relieved by painkillers or lying down
Blurred or double vision/retinal haemorrhage
Confusion, disorientation & drowsiness
Nausea/vomiting
Loss of balance or coordination
Blurred or double vision/retinal haemorrhage
How To Avoid Altitude Sickness?
Certain medications (such as sleeping pills) or medical conditions (such as respiratory disease) can increase the risk of altitude sickness – you must inform your leader of any medical conditions or medications before ascending to altitude.
You can reduce symptoms and help your body to acclimatise and avoid altitude sickness by:
Drinking plenty of water – we recommend at least 4 litres per day on top of other forms of fluids such as tea or soups. Avoid alcohol, tobacco and substances that can interfere with sufficient delivery of oxygen to the body or cause dehydration.
Taking it easy or have a regular break. Walk at a slower pace than you would at sea level and avoid overexertion and eat small, more frequent meals high in carbohydrates.
Our experienced guides and leaders are equipped with first aid kits and safety items such as Portable Altitude Chambers (PAC’s) that can be used in the event of severe altitude sickness.
By following the previously mentioned guidelines, most travellers can successfully acclimatise. However, there are some instances where medical treatment is required.
Ultimately, the best treatment for acute altitude sickness is to descend to a lower altitude.
In the best interests of your health and well-being, there may be times when your leader makes the decision that you or a member of your group is at risk of serious altitude sickness and for safety insists that you/they cannot ascend further – please respect that they are within their rights to do so and are making that decision in the best interests for you.
By completing the below chart from the first day you experience any altitude sickness symptoms, this will help you to keep track and monitor any of the altitude-related symptoms you may experience.
We encourage you to discuss with your leader straight away if you are experiencing any altitude sickness symptoms, so you both can follow your acclimatisation progress.
However, should you rate the severity of any symptoms at 7 or more, or the symptoms continue/worsen after the initial 1-2 days, please inform your leader without delay, so that we can seek the advice of a trained medical professional if necessary.
The key is to personally assess whether your symptoms are improving or worsening, as everyone will have a different perception of the severity of their symptoms.
A rough guide would be:
1 = Very minor symptoms that are causing no discomfort
5 = Moderate discomfort
10 = Extreme discomfort
Many national governments provide a regular updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel.
Websites such as Smart Traveller – https://smartraveller.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx (run by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – DFAT) are a great resource for information, you can also register your trip.
Providing DFAT with your trip itinerary and contact details will help them contact you or your family in the event of an emergency, such as a cyclone or earthquake, but does not automatically guarantee you consular assistance.
We recommend that you check your own government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas you visit.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or a money belt while travelling and when in Kathmandu pre and post trek, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items.
We also recommend you leave your valuable jewellery at home – you won’t need it while travelling. Many hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A secure lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you’ll have some free time to spend as you wish and to relax and take it easy. While your leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your You-in itinerary, and You-in makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them.
Please use your own research and good judgement when selecting any activity in your free time. Please note that your Leader also has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it’s deemed necessary due to safety concerns.
STRIKES:
Protests and demonstrations are common in Nepal, with strikes regularly occurring that may result in curfews being set or roadblocks being enforced at short notice. At these times, businesses may close and vehicles may not be allowed on the roads. For your safety you should avoid any demonstrations or political gatherings and follow local advice, including that of your leader in the event of any disruptions.
PETTY THEFT & CRIME:
Like any major tourist destination pickpocketing and other petty theft is unfortunately common, especially in places where tourists or foreigners frequent in large numbers. Take care when walking around at night.
Avoid walking on your own and don’t carry large sums of cash. Keeping valuables in a hotel safe if possible is your best method of security.
As part of a government crackdown on illegal activities, bars and restaurants now close at midnight. There have been cases of foreigners remaining in bars and clubs after hours have being detained by the police. In an effort to reduce crime police have increased their presence in Thamel and Durbar Marg, most popular tourist districts in Kathmandu. You should seek out police assistance immediately if you have been robbed or affected by any crime.
ALTITUDE:
Altitude sickness is a risk, including on the Annapurna, Langtang and Everest Base Camp treks. Please make sure you familiarise yourself with signs and symptoms before you depart and monitor your own health during your trek.
Please see You-in’s AMS section of the website for more information.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Make sure your insurance policy covers you for all of your intended activities, including travel and trekking above 3000m if this is included on your itinerary, mountain rescue services and helicopter evacuation costs.
Please see You-ins Travel insurance section of the website for more information
NEPALESE FESTIVALS:
During Holi Festival, travelling in Nepal can at times be dangerous due to revellers consuming intoxicating substances. The day is often associated with physical violence and danger so we advise people to be more vigilant and aware of their surroundings.
Your leader will advise you and your group on what places to avoid on this day if necessary and in some rare occasions it may even be necessary for us to alter your itinerary for the day to avoid putting you or your group leader in high risk situation.
During the Hindu festival Diwali (27 October 2019, 14 November 2020) travelling can also be dangerous. During this time there are many displays of fireworks in the streets. There is also a lot of pollution caused by the fireworks and it can be very noisy for several days. As there are no restrictions on buying fireworks there are often injuries caused by people exploding them inappropriately.
Your leader may be required to alter your itinerary during this festival to avoid any dangerous areas to avoid putting the group at risk.
INTERNAL FLIGHTS:
There have been a number of air accidents in Nepal. We only use airlines that have passed strict safety audits for internal flights in Nepal such as – Buddha Air, Yeti Air & Tara Air.
Before Your Trip
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller(s).
Visa requirements can change at any time, so you must check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality.
Your You-in representative will also be happy to point you in the right direction with acquiring visas.
Visas can take several weeks to process, so familiarise yourself with any requirements as soon as you have considered your trip to allow for any delays in the processing time.
NEPAL:
Visas are obtainable on arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan Airport and from embassies abroad in your respective country.
All foreign nationals (except Indian passport holders) require a visa to enter Nepal.
Getting a visa at the airport or land border entry points can sometimes take time due to long queues. There have been instances where travellers are asked to show proof of exit from the country, ie flight tickets.
You may also need to provide two passport photos and the following fees in US dollars (subject to change, cash only).
Other currencies are also accepted although rates may differ.
The following costs were correct at time of writing:
– Multi entry visa valid for 15 days – US$30
– Multi entry visa valid for 30 days – US$50
– Multi entry visa valid for 90 days – US$125
Your visa application form may require you to state the dates on which you enter and exit that country.
Please note we suggest you list your date of entry to a few days before, and exit date a few days after your intended dates in case you encounter any delays or problems en route.
We would advise you obtain the correct visa before departure to ensure there are no processing issues at your point of entry.
NEPAL:
The official currency of Nepal is the Nepali rupee (NPR). Its symbol is often displayed as Rs. USD are also widely accepted in Nepal.
ATMs are limited and can only be found in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Bhaktapur so make sure you carry sufficient cash to cover your needs when travelling outside of these main cities.
Money exchange facilities are available in Kathmandu, Namche, Pokhara, Chitwan (only outside the park) and Bhaktapur.
International credit cards are not widely accepted and should not be relied on.
Please be aware that the government of Nepal has banned the use of 500 and 1000 Indian rupee notes in Nepal. Please ensure you are not carrying these notes on arrival in Nepal as they will be confiscated from you and you could be fined.
It is also worth noting that most establishments in Asia will not accept notes of foreign currency that are old, torn and/or faded and they can be very difficult to exchange or extra fees can be added when exchanging at banks. Please ensure that you have new, clean notes where possible to reduce any risks.
Before departing on a trek, make sure you have enough Nepalese currency for snacks and drinks etc you may wish to purchase, and in smaller denominations where possible, and as there are no ATMs and larger notes (such as 1000R / $13 AUD) can be difficult to receive change.
SPENDING MONEY:
Every traveller is a little different when it comes to spending money on any trip. You know your spending habits better than anyone, so please budget a sensible amount for things like meals and drinks that are not included, shopping, any optional activities and laundry, WIFI, electricity where required.
It’s always better to bring more than you think you’ll need and common sense should prevail. Please also make sure you’ve read your trip details thoroughly so you know what’s included in the trip price and what isn’t. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact one of our team members for clarification.
This should make budgeting a little easier for you. You’ll find this info in the Inclusions section of your Trip itinerary.
EMERGENCY FUNDS:
At You-in we try to plan for every eventuality, but like many things in life, there are still some things beyond our control. Please make sure you have access to an extra US$500 (minimum) for emergencies like severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest, airport closures or cancellations, strikes or any other events that would result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary.
Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips and must be shown on arrival to your tour leader. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation including includes helicopter rescue and air ambulance.
*** Please ensure that your travel insurance policy does cover you up to the maximum altitude on your trip, and includes helicopter rescue and ambulance evacuation. ***
We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
When travelling on a trip, you won’t be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company’s 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your leader.
If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank’s name and credit card details.
Please request your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.
Alternatively, please speak to your You-in representative who can advise on insurance companies who offer comprehensive insurance that will cover all aspects of your trip.
Cancellation insurance will not and does not cover you if you change your mind.
During Your Trip
Hotel/Guesthouse, Teahouse.
TEAHOUSES:
Accommodation at local lodges – better known as teahouses – are simple in comparison to western standards but still comfortable.
Toilets and washing facilities are shared and basic, and the food is plain and filling. In a teahouse, travellers are provided with small twin share rooms with twin beds, pillows and mattresses.
At times, in high seasons, and in remote places where there are limited number of teahouses available, travellers may have to stay in dormitories. In some places, teahouses don’t have access to electricity, and they depend on solar powered lighting.
In more remote regions, teahouses don’t have running water and toilets can mean just a hole in the ground, this is common throughout Asia.
Hot shower facilities are available in some teahouses for a price but occasionally a hot shower means a bucket of hot water, enough to wash your body after a long day walking.
There may also be an additional charge for electricity to charge devices as well as WiFi when available.
TEAHOUSE COSTS
The following costs are approximate guides only and were correct at time of writing, and will vary slightly from teahouse to teahouse and locations:
Shower – 300NPR / $4 AUD
WiFi – 500NPR / $6.60 AUD (for the duration of your stay)
Electricity – 250NPR / $3.30 (for the duration of your stay)
Soft Drink – 350NPR / $460 AUD
Mango Juice – 300NPR / $4 AUD
Porridge – 400NPR / $5.25 AUD
Daal Bhaat – 400 – 700NPR / $5.25 – $9.20
WIFI:
Generally hotels in Kathmandu have excellent WiFi connections. Most hotels offer free WiFi in public areas, with some also offering in room WIFI and sometimes for an additional fee.
During your trekking days, WiFi may be available in tea houses and lodges for a small cost. The higher in altitude you go, the cost to use WiFi and internet will increase, and likely the slower the speed.
Your local tour leader will be able to offer advice on communications while you are in remote areas of the country.
Please note that the majority of teahouses do not have electrical outlets in rooms to charge devices. These are shared in the main dining area for all trekkers, for an additional fee.
Portable solar chargers are found to be very useful during your trek for convenience.
All of You-ins group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible.
You-in strives to provide the services of an experienced leader, however due to the seasonality and popularity of travel, very rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders.
Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, things to see and do, the local customs and ethnicities in that region, plus recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends.
While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.
At You-in we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge and experience of the regions we visit.
If you choose to travel on a group trip, you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations that come with travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all parts of the world and will most likely vary in ranges of different age groups too.
We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group – patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone’s travel experience.
Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group and we ask all travellers to show respect. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, please ensure that you don’t keep the rest of the group waiting.
We have found over time again that the very best trips we have operated are those where the dynamics within the group work well – this takes just a little effort on your part.
Due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.
SINGLE TRAVELLERS:
Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and don’t include a compulsory single supplement. Single travellers share with people of the same gender in accommodation while on the tour.
On majority of our trips where available, you have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure that you have your own accommodation during your trek.
Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour, your pre-trip and post-trip accommodation will be booked on a single room basis.
FOOD IN NEPAL:
We include all meals during the days of the tour, for all tour groups with 6 and less persons we have the choice of full menu options at each teahouse allowing you to choose what you want to eat and when.
For groups larger than 7 we do limited the lunch menu to 4-5 items to ensure the service is speedy and efficient, as many teahouse kitchens are small in size with limited staff, this is also considerate for other tour groups who are on rest periods at the same venue and your rest periods are scheduled, please note that breakfast and dinner options are not affected by this and full menu options are available.
From experience, we know that the altitude and physical exercise can affect trekker’s appetites, this can differ quite widely from person to person.
The menus in teahouses are varied, ranging from western style pizza, hot chips and bread etc, to traditional Nepalese dhal bhat and apple pies.
Vegetarians are well catered for in Nepal too, and as the higher altitude you go the reliance on vegetation becomes more prominent.
Prices also tend to get higher the higher you go on the trek, and understandably so when you consider the difficulty of getting supplies to the tea houses by porters. With You-in you will be pleased with the knowledge that all main meals are included, any additional snacks and drinks will be at our own expense.
In Kathmandu and Pokhara there are plenty of choices of restaurants / cafes for all tastes and budgets.
ALCOHOL & CAFFEINE:
We do not recommend mixing alcohol and trekking. We highly recommend that you limit your alcohol consumption in Kathmandu prior to your trip, preferably please wait until you return from your trek to celebrate your achievements.
Alcohol and caffeine increases dehydration and this will have a negative impact on your body at high altitudes. We recommend you limit your intake of both when hiking at high altitudes.
Terms & Conditions
ITINERARY CHANGES:
Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the trekking season to reflect the current situation at each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip.
It is important that you print and review a final copy prior to travel so that you have the latest updated version. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once you are in country.
The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any changes once on tour.
Everyone has the right to feel safe when they travel. You-in does not tolerate any form of violence (verbal / physical) or sexual harassment of any kind, either between customers or involving our leaders, partners or local people.
Sexual relationships between a tour leader and a customer are strictly forbidden and any reported cases of incidents must be reported immediately.
The use and / or possession of illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Nepalese laws are very strict and offenders will be prosecuted, even possession of small amounts of Marijuana can lead to a prison sentence of over 5 years and an expensive legal process.
If you do choose to consume alcohol while travelling against our recommendations, we encourage responsible drinking, and expect that you’ll abide by the local laws regarding alcohol consumption.
Sex tourism industries are known to exploit vulnerable people and have a negative impact on communities, including undermining the development of sustainable tourism. For this reason, patronising sex workers will not be tolerated on our trips.
By travelling with You-in, you are agreeing to adhere to these rules. Your group leader has the right to remove any member of the group for breaking any of these rules, with no right of refund.
If you feel that someone is behaving inappropriately while travelling with us, please inform your tour leader or local guide immediately or contact your You-in representative.
General Information
1. Due to the demands of travelling at high altitudes, please ensure this is the correct option for you. You will be trekking on hilly terrain, generally on well-defined paths, walking anywhere between 2-7 hours per day, averaging about 5 hours a day.
Altitude may exceed 5,545 metres depending on your itinerary.
2. A Single Supplement to have your own room is available on your trip. Additional fees apply.
3. In case of weather conditions leading to cancellations or delays in flights, treks will operate on an alternate itinerary.
4. $500 USD in cash as an emergency fund must be brought with you on your trip, which you may need to use in case of delayed or cancelled flights.
5. We advise allowing extra days in Kathmandu at the end of your trip should your return flights be delayed due to weather conditions.
6. There is no actual minimum age for trekking in Nepal, however we recommend persons of 10 years old and above at time of travel, although there have been children as young as seven whom have completed Mt Everest Base Camp Trek.
7. Please note that while we endeavour to assist all our clients in achieving their goals, there may be times your leader makes the decision to either delay or stop your ascent based on your medical conditions and AMS symptoms.
Your health and safety is our number one priority during all trips and at You-in this is paramount to what we strive for on all tours.
Our experienced guides and leaders are equipped with first aid kits and safety items such as Portable Altitude Chambers (PAC’s) that can be used in the event of altitude sickness so you can trek with peace of mind.
You-in is committed to responsible travel and true sustainability. We strongly believe in positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimise the negative aspects of tourism on the environment and local cultures.
Our porters on trek are provided with a good working wage; all food; accommodation; work related clothing and equipment; income protection insurance and we also provide emergency helicopter evacuation if required.
ELEPHANT PERFORMANCES & ELEPHANT RIDING:
While we respect each individual’s decisions while travelling, You-in does not include elephant rides or unnatural performance activities on any itinerary, and we recommend you bypass these activities should they be offered to you during your stay.
Professional wildlife conservation and animal welfare organisations, including World Animal Protection advise that contrary to common belief, captive elephants remain wild animals and despite good intentions, unfortunately many venues are unable to provide the appropriate living conditions elephants require and this ultimately impacts their well-being.
While there is some merit in the argument that the money you pay for the activity goes towards keeping the elephants and their mahouts employed, we know that it also fuels demand for elephants to be captured in the wild or captive bred.
You-in thanks you for your support in improving the welfare of these majestic creatures.
PORTERS:
Our porters are valued members of our trekking teams. We operate our treks according to standards that provide respectful, safe and fair working conditions not only in Nepal, but on all of our trips.
Private vehicle, Plane
AIR TRAVEL:
Flights between Kathmandu and Lukla can often be delayed due to poor weather and there have been occasions (although not too often) when groups have had to have their treks rescheduled. Your local leader will give you the most up to date information regarding delays to flights.
Nepal’s only international airport, Tribhuvan International Airport, has a single runway that services both domestic and international flights. Cancellations and delays are frequent, especially during peak tourist seasons or in poor weather. Travellers have on occasion missed international connections as a result of this, particularly if flights from Lukla to Kathmandu are delayed.
Ensure you have adequate travel insurance and contact numbers for your airlines before departure.
DOMESTIC LUGGAGE LIMITS:
Domestic flights in Nepal have strict weight limits – 10kg of check-in luggage and 5kg of carry-on hand luggage per person is included with your flight ticket. Excess baggage (up to 5kg per person only) will be charged at your own expense.
However please be mindful that an additional luggage taken will have to be carried by you and / or the porter so we recommend carrying the essentials only during your treks. Hotels will have the option to store any remaining items until you return.
TRAVELING BETWEEN KATHMANDU & POKHARA:
You-ins policy is to travel this route by flight only, unless excessive flight delays occur and our last option is by road only.
Our competitors have itineraries that include road travel between these destinations, You-in have decided to fly this route to avoid the long overland journey (200km, approx 6+ hours) to limit and reduce fatigue for all of our travellers. The flight takes around 22 mins.
TRAVELLING BY ROAD:
Nepal’s investment into infrastructure to graduate from a least developed country to a recognised developed country by 2022 has meant major roadworks and infrastructure projects in Nepal can cause significant delays on major roads within cities and highways between destinations. Road travel can also be disrupted due to demonstrations and strikes without warning.
There are major roadworks currently ongoing in and around Kathmandu and to Chitwan National Park.
And unfortunately delays, heavy traffic, poor road conditions and road dust are a reality of road travel in Nepal and cannot be avoided.
SERVICE FEES
If you are happy with the services provided, a tip although not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, it inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many of You-in’s destinations.
We recommend that tips are given directly to the intended recipient by a member of your group, rather than collected and passed on by the group leader.
The following amounts are guidelines based on local considerations and feedback from our past travellers:
Group Leader: A guideline of US$4 per person, per day can be used. You are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip.
You should consider tipping your leader based on the service provided throughout your trip. Your chosen amount is entirely a personal preference.
Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Other Trekking crew (Assistant Guides and Porters):
Throughout your trip you will have a porter carrying your luggage and possibly even assistant guide/s in addition to your leader depending on your trip.
We would suggest US$4 each traveller per day which will be distributed among all porters and assistant guides.
The Group leader will not take responsibility for distributing the tipping to the trekking crew but can assist you and make appropriate recommendations after the trek where necessary.
Local guides:
Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide in addition to your leader. We suggest US$2 per person, per day for local guides. (Including city tour guides, jungle guides, rafting guides, assistant trek guides)
Drivers:
Depending on your itinerary you may possibly have a range of drivers on your trip. Some may be with you for a day sightseeing tour or on short airport collection / drop offs. We would suggest a higher tip for those more involved with the group however a base of US$2 per person, per day is generally appropriate but as before, it is not compulsory.
Hotel porters:
NPR50-100 ($0.66 – $1.20 AUD) is an adequate amount for porters that assist you with bags to / from your room.
Restaurants:
Please always check the bill before payment and if there’s an addition of 10% service charge, there’s no requirement for tipping.
Otherwise 5-10% of the total bill amount is appropriate.
NOTE: Please don’t tip with coins or notes of / or less than NPR50, or dirty and ripped notes. This is regarded culturally as an insult.
NEPAL DRESS CODES:
Dress codes are quite relaxed in tourist areas of Kathmandu and Pokhara, but much more conservative in other parts of the country.
Women should avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless tops where this might be seen as inappropriate, eg temples and other holy places.
Remove shoes before entering certain temples and holy places and be aware that non-Hindus may not be permitted at some religious sites.
Dress modestly, take care not to offend and ask your leader if you are unsure if something is appropriate.
SEASONAL INFORMATION:
Nepal’s climate varies greatly depending on the season:
June – September:
During this period the monsoon rains (mostly occur at night) can bring landslides in regional areas. Cloud cover often obscures mountain views with rain, with mud and leeches deterring most trekkers at this time of year.
Treks running in September can be quite hot and very humid at lower altitudes.
March – April:
Spring brings warm weather and spectacular rhododendron blooms. A very popular time to visit for tourists and one of the peak times to trek.
October – November:
Warm days and clear blue skies make autumn the peak season and the number one choice for many people.
December – February:
Winter brings cold temperatures and snow to the mountains. Good trekking, less crowds, and amazing photos but remember to dress appropriately.
MONSOON:
The monsoon season in Nepal is between June to September and can cause disruption to travel during this time due to flooding and landslides. Air travel disruption and airport closures are also possible. Be prepared that the itinerary may need to change at short notice.
When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully to assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. In order to participate fully and comfortably on treks, all travellers need to be in good physical health.
Please note that if, in the opinion of our group leader or local guide, any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, You-in reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information and for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements as they may not easily be obtained at the locations on your trip.
Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.
AIR POLLUTION:
Air quality in Nepal can be poor, especially in winter. Some towns, including Kathmandu, experience very high levels of seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution.
Seek medical advice if you’re concerned about the effects of air pollution.
ALTITUDE SICKNESS:
Travellers who trek to altitudes higher than 2,500m are at risk of altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS).
This can be life threatening if not monitored and treated and can affect anyone, even people who are very physically fit and are regularly active.
There is a higher risk for people who have had altitude sickness before, who exercise or drink alcohol before adjusting to the altitude, or who have health problems that affect breathing.
If your tour travels to high altitudes, please see your doctor for advice specific to you and your situation before you depart.
It is important to be aware of the normal altitude symptoms that you may experience BUT NOT worry about:
– Periods of sleeplessness
– Occasional loss of appetite
– Vivid, wild dreams at around 2500-3800m in altitude
– Unexpected momentary shortness of breath, both during day and night
– Periodic breathing that wakes you occasionally
– Blocked nose
– Dry cough
– Mild headache
If at any stage you are feeling nauseous, dizzy or experience other symptoms, please be sure to let your group leader know immediately so that we can monitor your condition, our tour guides are trained and experienced in these situations and will be watching closely for symptoms on you throughout your journey.
Please be aware that should your group leader deem it unsafe for you to continue trekking at any time, they will arrange for you to descend to a lower attitude.
Please read the AMS section of our website carefully and during your trip, utilise the guide provided to record your own perspective of your general health and any symptoms you may experience.
On some days your trip may ascend faster than commonly published recommended ascent rates at altitude. However, based upon an assessment by our experienced guides and advisors, and in conjunction with our own risk assessments we consider that the ascent rate is acceptable due to the additional safety measures that are in place for our customers.
If you have concerns about this, please speak to your booking representative.
All our leaders in the Himalayas are trained in the use of a PAC bag (Portable Altitude Chamber) and this is carried on all trips which go above 4,200m. The PAC bag is used in an emergency only to treat altitude sickness in the mountains.
A First Aid kit is carried with the group and all our leaders are First Aid trained. Please ensure that your travel insurance policy does cover you up to the maximum altitude on this trip, and includes helicopter rescue and ambulance evacuation.
Please take proof of this with you on the trip, as you will need to show it to the tour leader.
MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESSES:
Malaria is a risk in some areas of Nepal including Chitwan National Park. Dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis also occur, including on occasion in Kathmandu. Protect yourself against insect bites by wearing adequate protection, including repellent.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND TREATMENT:
Medical facilities in Nepal are very limited, particularly outside Kathmandu. In Kathmandu, treatment at international-standard clinics is expensive and up-front payment for services is generally required.
Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment, including evacuation by helicopter.