Necessary Things for Trekking in Nepal 

Where do we get a Trekking permit?

Trekking in Nepal is one of the popular things to do. Most trekkers were here for trekking, and some were only for cities; I would say 70% of people are here for trekking and around 30% for municipalities. Nepal has two different areas for trekkers, exceptionally restricted areas and non-restricted areas. Nonregional places trekking permits you can get from the Nepal tourism board, and TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) can obtain from the TAAN office. But Nowadays, Some of the places you can buy your TIMS card the trekking starting points. Restricted areas permit you must have to issue from organized trekking company. The Nepal immigration office will give this kind of permit in Nepal.

 How do we start Trekking?

The trekking itself is an essential part. Trekking in Nepal is one of the popular things to do because of the Mountain trails and snowcapped mountains all over the northern region. Before your trek, you must be well prepared in terms of safety, culture, restricted zones, etc.

While coming by land, what are the entry points?

All travelers coming to Nepal by land can enter through any of these entry points on the India- Nepal Border side

• Pani Tanki/Kakarbhitta
• Raxual/Birgunj
• Sunauli/Belahiya
• Rupaidiya/ Nepalgunj
• Mohana/Dhangadi
• Banbasa/Mahendranagar, Gaddachauki 
• Khasa, Liping/ Tatopani on the Tibet, China-Nepal border, respectively.

Overland tourists entering the country with their vehicles must possess an international carnet or complete customs formalities.

What are the Air Accesses to Nepal?

Nepal Airlines is the national flag carrier of Nepal, with flights to/from Delhi, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Bangkok, Doha, and Hong Kong. Other international airlines operating from/ to Kathmandu are Air Arabia (Sharjah), Air China (Lhasa, Chengdu), Bahrain Air (Bahrain), Biman Bangladesh (Dhaka), Buddha Air (Paro, Lucknow), China Eastern Airlines (Kunming), China Southern Airlines (Guangzhou), Dragon Air (Hong Kong), Druk Air (Delhi, Paro), Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi), Fly Dubai (Dubai), GMG Airlines (Dhaka), Gulf Air (Bahrain), Indian Airlines (Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi), Indigo Airlines (Delhi), Jet Airways (Delhi, Mumbai), Jet Lite (Delhi), Kingfisher Airlines ( Delhi), Korean Air (Seoul), Oman Air (Muscat), Pakistan International Airlines (Karachi, Islamabad), Qatar Airways (Doha), Silk Air (Singapore), Spice jet (Delhi), Thai Airways (Bangkok) and United Airways (Dhaka).

how long is the distance between Kathmandu and other cities/towns from the border towns?

Is there an airport tax in Nepal?

You do not have to pay any taxes at the airport if you have only trekking equipment.

Do I need a visa to enter Nepal?

All foreign nationals, except Indians, need visas to enter Nepal. Multiple entry visas for 15 days (US$ 25 or equivalent convertible currency), 30 days (US$ 40), or 90 days (US$ 100) can be obtained from any Nepalese embassy or consulate. You can also get a visa on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, or at the Immigration Office at the entry points of Nepal.

Tourist visas can be extended for 120 days at the Immigration Department in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

However, nationals of the following countries will not get visas on arrival at the immigration entry points of Nepal: Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iraq, Liberia, Nigeria, Palestine, Somalia, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe. They need to obtain visas from Nepalese embassies or diplomatic missions in their respective countries before arriving in Nepal.

A Gratis (Free) Visa for 30 days is available only for nationals of South Asian countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka for the first visit in one visa year (January to December). However, a visa fee is required for its extension beyond 30 days.

Indian nationals do not require a visa to enter Nepal.

For more information, please click here.

What documents must Indian nationals present at the entry point?

As per the Nepalese Immigration rules, Indian Nationals Traveling to Nepal must possess any one of the following documents-

1. Passport
2. Driving License with photo
3. Photo Identity card issued by a Government Agency
4. Ration Card with Photo
5. Election Commission Card with Photo
6. Identity Card issued by Embassy of India in Kathmandu
7. Identity Card with Photo issued by Sub- Divisional Magistrate or any other officials above his rank

What is needed to get a visa?

1.  A valid passport 

2.  one passport size photo

Immigration Department has not specified the size of the passport-size photo.  Visa can be obtained only through cash payment in the following currency: Euro, Swiss Franc, Pound Sterling, US dollar, Australian dollar, Canadian dollar, Hong Kong dollar, Singapore dollar, and Japanese Yen.

Credit Cards, Indian currency, or Nepalese currency are not accepted for payment of Visa fees.

 What to wear?

 Light, loose garments are recommended in spring (March, April, and May) and summer (June, July, and August), while woolens and jackets or similar warm clothing is needed from November to February.

What is the currency of Nepal?

The Nepalese currency is the rupee which is divided into 100 paise. Banknotes come in denominations of Rest. 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000. Coins are of 1, 2, and 5-rupee denominations.

Where can I exchange my money?

 It is illegal to exchange foreign currency with persons and organizations other than those authorized, such as banks, hotels, and licensed money changers. Nepalese banks do not accept Indian coins of the denomination of Rs. 500 and 1000. You will find the exchange rates for different currencies in the Nepalese papers.

To exchange surplus rupees at your departure, please retain your encashment receipts.

 Is there ATMS in Nepal?

ATMs in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and other big cities in Nepal accept AMERICAN EXPRESS, VISA, and MASTERCARD.

Are credit cards accepted in Nepal?

 Major hotels, restaurants, and curio shops accept AMERICAN EXPRESS, VIS, A, and MASTERCARD. You can contact the banks for credit card services.

If I run out of money, how do I get access to more funds?

You can draw funds against your AMERICAN EXPRESS, VISA, and MASTERCARD cards in Kathmandu. The service premiums for doing this, however, could be high. You can also have money wired directly to Kathmandu through anysignificantificant bank within two to three days.

What is Acute Mountain Sickness, and how do you prevent it?

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is caused by thin air at high altitudes starting from 3000 meters upwards and may even lead to death. The main precaution that needs to be taken while trekking is not to go up too high too fast. So the body should be given enough time to acclimatize.

If you suffer from initial symptoms like headaches, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, inability to sleep, swelling of the face, hands, and feet, and loss of appetite, descend to a lower elevation immediately and seek medical help.

How safe is Nepal?

It is safe to round the city from morning to late evening until the shops are closed. But you are advised not to trek alone. Trekking with a guide from a registered agency is the best security. Do not display your cash or expensive items. Always lock your room and baggage.

The Tourist Police at Bhrikuti Mandap is there to help you with security and travel-related problems. If any valuable item is lost, you can contact the Tourist Police to prepare documents for theft to claim insurance.

Are there public toilets in Nepal?

 Public toilets can be used for a small fee. But visitors are advised to use the toilets at the shopping malls, stores, and restaurants, which are cleaner.

What is the time difference in Nepal?

 Nepali time is GMT plus 5 hours 45 minutes.

Electricity Voltage

Electricity in Nepal is 230 volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. A voltage converter is needed for a device that does not accept 230 volts at 50 MHz Sockets in Nepal accept only round three or two pins. So if your electrical device uses flat pins, please bring a universal electric plug adaptor.

What are some essential Nepali customs that I need to know?

• When visiting a temple, always circumambulate it in a clockwise direction.
• Take off your shoes before entering a temple or a Nepalese home.
• Entrance to some temples is forbidden, so look out for such notices.
• Seek permission to take photographs inside temples or of religious ceremonies.
• You can accept a handshake offered by either a male or a female but never offer your hand first.
• Show decency in dress and avoid any show of public affection.

How do I get around in the cities and to other destinations?

There are metered taxis, buses, battery-operated three-wheelers, and rickshaws served by buses. Nepal does not have a railway system connecting cities. The only other travel option is by plane, and Nepal is well connected by air.

There are Intercity Tourist Buses to popular tourist destinations like Pokhara, Chitwan, and Lumbini from Kantipath in Kathmandu. At the same time, you can board a bus to Jiri and Dhunche at the New Bus Park.

How reliable is the post office in Nepal?

The post office is reliable. Express Mail Service (EMS) is available at the General Post Office located at Sundhara near the Dharahara tower in Kathmandu and Thamel, Basantapur, and airport postal counters in the capital. Kathmandu has the only Post Restante in the country.

What are the communication facilities in Nepal?

Mobile Coverage is comprehensive in Nepal, even in rural areas. Internet facilities are available in hotels and cybercafes in all major cities. Apart from the urban centers, popular trekking destinations – the Annapurna and Everest region – also have modern communications facilities.

Accommodation

There is accommodation ranging from 5-star chain hotels, standard hotels, and resorts to comfortable lodges in Kathmandu and major tourist destinations. The hotels offer specialty restaurants, conference facilities, exclusive health clubs, and business centers. You also have the option of a homestay where you can stay in local houses with the local people and enjoy their traditional food.

What kind of food is available in Nepalese restaurants?

Kathmandu is a melting pot of international cuisine. Dining out is, therefore, a pleasure. The Nepali staple is rice, dal (lentils), and curry. Apart from Nepalese cuisine, restaurants serve Continental, Indian, Chinese, Mexican, Japanese, Italian, and Korean food. Fast foods like burgers and ps are found everywhere. There are two KFC outlets in Kathmandu.

What souvenirs can I take home?

Popular among visitors are handmade apparel like woolen sweaters, jackets, trousers, and caps. And the Pashmina shawl is a highly coveted item. Then there are ethnic and contemporary carpets, gems and jewelry, metal and wooden products, and Khukuri (the curved metal knife, music CDs, Nepali paper products, pottery, spices, te,  and Thangka painting take home.

There are exclusive showrooms at Durbar Marg, Asan, Thamel, Patan, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square area, specializing in these items.

What are the differences between organizing and Non-organizing (solo trekking)?

Yes, there is a difference between organizing and non-organizing trek. Organizing a trek organized by the trekking company will take the risk for their clients and crews. Guide and potters were with clients, and they will feel safe and secure—that kind of trekker gets a permit and TIMS card, which have blue colors. Now organizing treks are riskier because you do not have locals (guide and potters)—all the risks during the tour from the low to the high Himalayas you have to take.

What else do the Trekkers do?

Trekkers are only allowed to trek in the permitted zone with a permit and TIMS card. Rather than that, trekkers can enjoy flora and fauna; it does not allow the destruction of many things under conservation and national park areas.

What documents do I have to submit for Permit?

You must fill up the form with your details, a passport copy, and two passport-sized photographs for trekking. For the restricted zone, you have to show up your original passport.
How long does this permit work?

Most restricted zone permits have limited times, such as a week or ten days. Nonrestricted areas permit work for a month or so, but you have to mention it initially.

 How long will it take to get the permit?

You can get most of the permits for common areas every day from 10 am to 4 pm, but Saturday, you can get them  – 12 only. For the Restricted, zone, at least you need one working day and your original passport. Every Sunday to Friday, the office will be open, but some public holidays will be closed.

Do I have to pay any for the filming permit in trekking areas?

Yes, if you bring a camera only for pictures, it’s okay. But if you bring movies or documentaries, you have to inform the communication ministry and get permission from them. Even if you bring a camera for trekking, you have registered in the check post; what kind of camera do you have? If you are filming in trekking areas covered by national parks and conservation areas, you must have permission from the Ministry of Communication in Nepal.

 Are there any other expenses?

If you book trekking with us, you do not have to pay that extra expense instead of a beverage. If you are organizing treks with Mountain Rock treks and expeditions, do you have other?

Do I need to pay for the location fees?

Suppose you are doing a trek with us. You do not have to pay local fees.