Where is Nepal?

Located in Southern Asia and landlocked between India, Tibet, China and close to Bhutan.

Nepal can be accessed via road or air.

When is the best time to visit Nepal?

High season trekking in Nepal is between March to May (spring), and September to November (autumn) which will offer the best chances of clear blue skies and superb mountain views.

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.

What's it like during the monsoon season?

During June to Aug in Monsoon season, the majority of Nepal experiences heavy rain for a few hours each day. It can be humid and wet, and the trails in the lower regions (Ghorepani, Ghandruk, Langtang, etc) can be quite muddy. 

If you don’t mind the rain — you’ll have the trails mostly to yourself and the skies often clear up for the morning.

Stone-paved trails that drain the rain make for easy trekking. Also, certain regions, like Mustang and the upper reaches of Everest, lie in the shadows of the Himalaya’s and receive little to no rain.

How do I get my visa for Nepal?

For most nationalities, you can get your visa on arrival in Kathmandu. It takes approximately 45 minutes and is the most convenient way to get your visa. 

You can also apply for a visa in advance from a local Nepali consulate in your country if you’d prefer to have everything arranged in advance.

How much luggage can I take on domestic flights?

For mountain flights, you’re allowed 5 kg for carry-on, and allowance is 10 kg for checked-in luggage. For non-mountain sector flights, the check-in allowance increases to 20-25 kg.

However please be mindful that any additional luggage taken will have to be carried by you and/or the porter so we recommend carrying the essentials only during your treks.

Are internal flights often delayed?

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. 

How many days should I spend in Nepal?

You can have a great experience in 5-7 days If you’re mainly looking to experience Nepal’s cultural and natural highlights and you can visit two regions (likely, Pokhara and Kathmandu) with ease. 

To get into the Himalaya on a multi-day trek and undertake one of the longer classic treks in Nepal or to combine multiple regions and activities into one visit, 14-20 days would be required.

Are there any extra expenses not include in my trip price?

If you’re going trekking, the only expenses you’ll need to pay for out of pocket are wifi and battery charging (where available), tips, telephone calls, donations, plus any extra meals outside of what’s included, alcohol, soft drinks and extra snacks, etc.

Are vaccinations required?

Depending on the season and region of travel certain vaccinations are suggested for typhoid, tetanus, malaria and hepatitis A amongst others.

We encourage all travellers to discuss with your GP prior to travelling and conduct your own research.

One available source of information is available on – https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/

Do Nepalese speak English?

Nepali is the offical language however English is understood by most people in cities.

In remote areas and villages each ethnic group will speak their own language.

Are women travelling alone safe?

Yes, absolutely. Nepal is safe for all travellers. Nepal is considered alone of the most peaceful countries in the world and is safer by comparison to most western civilisations.

Youin Travel also take your health and safety seriously and your care is our responsibility while on one of our trips.

Do I need travel insurance?

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 helicopter rescue and air ambulance. 

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.

Are ATM’s available 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.

What are 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 a 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.

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.

The menus in teahouses are varied, ranging from western-style pizza, hot chips and bread etc, to traditional Nepalese dhal bhat and apple pies.

Is WIFI generally available?

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. 

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.