FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQ) which will provide you proper information you may require before planning a trip to Nepal
Q.1. Does Nepal have shortage of electricity?
After suffering many years of power cut, Nepal has finally become a load shedding free country. Thanks to the regular operation of hydropower plants and investment and development of new power plants and alternative energies, today electricity is in regular supply all across the country. Locals and tourists can access 24 hours of power supply no matter which part of the country they are in.
Q.2. Will Strikes and Bandhs affect my travel plan in Nepal?
Political strikes, bandhs and agitation have long been a history in Nepal. Unlike previous years, Nepal today no longer faces strikes or bandhs. The election in November 2017 meant Nepal now has a stable government with much peace and political stability in the past few years. Strikes and bandhs have become a rare event in the streets of Nepal. This has led to the increase in tourist arrival as Nepal prepares to celebrate Visit Nepal 2020.
Q.3. How often do natural disasters occur in Nepal?
Flood and landslides occur occasionally, especially during monsoon or rainy season (June, July, August). Because of the hilly terrain, Nepal is prone to such landslides and floods on a regular basis.
Q.4. What equipments are required for trekking?
Here is a comprehensive of list of equipments and clothing you would require whilst trekking in Nepal:
- - Lightweight walking boots, spare laces, Sleeping bag and down jacket,
- - 2 Long shorts, A water proof jacket with hood or Poncho, Underwear
- - 2 cotton T-shirts, 2 trousers (loose and comfortable),
- - Thermal underwear(Top and bottom), Gloves, Sandal, Sun-hat, One pair of sandals, Woolen hat
- - Woolen socks, Waterproof pants, 2 pairs of thin and 2 pairs of thick woolen socks
- - Flash light, Toiletries with towels, Sunglasses, Sunscreen with a high SPF factor
- - Lip balm with a higher SPF factor, Water bottle, Purification equipment (Boiled drinking water will be provided but further purification with iodine or purification tablets are highly recommended), Iodine for the purification of drinking water, Daypack, Rucksack
Q.5. What personal medical supplies should I bring along?
Aspirin, Moleskin and blister kits, Diamox, Imodium for diarrhea, Knee support, Band- Aids for minor cuts and burns, Feminine hygiene materials, Insect repellant with DEET are some of the important items you need to include.
Q.6. What equipments are required for climbing?
Following is the list of important climbing equipments you need to acquire:
- - Seat Harness, Jumar, Helmet, Altimeter, Ice Axe, Crampons, Ice-screw Gaiters, Locked and unlocked carabineer, Climbing boots, Pocket knife
- - Woolen gloves, Gloves(gore tex fabrics), Woolen hat, Woolen socks
- - Windproof jacket, Windproof pant, Snow bar, Snow goggles(UV factor)
- - Sun cream(UV protection), Head lamp, Tent, Mattresses, Rope
- - Rain gearIce hammer
Note: You can bring the above mentioned equipments from your home country or you can also hire (rent) in Kathmandu. Our climbing guide will assist you to select necessary equipments.
Q.7. What is High Altitude Sickness (HAS)? How can I avoid suffering from HAS?
High Altitude Sickness or HAS is a mountain illness that occurs to trekkers and traveller due to acute exposure to low pressure of oxygen while trekking or hiking in high altitude Himalayas. The main causes of HAS are less availability of oxygen at high altitude, dehydration, and rapid ascent.
Following primary symptoms are visible in an affected person:
- - Lack of appetite, nausea or vomiting
- - Fatigue or weakness
- - Dizziness or light-headedness
- - Insomnia
- - Needles and Pins Sensation
- - Shortness of breath
- - Nose bleed
- - Persistent rapid pulse
- - Diarrhea
- - Peripheral edema (swelling of hands, feet and face)
You can avoid suffering from HAS by taking following precautionary:
- - Ascending slowly is the best way to avoid HAS
- - Avoiding alcohol consumption in the first 24-hours at a higher altitude
- - Make sure you have previous experience of trekking and/or climbing in high altitude regions
- - Increase the intake of water or liquid as you gain higher altitude
- - Take enough rest at lower level to acclimatize with the climate.
- - Cross check with your medical practitioner before trekking or climbing in high altitude and seek proper advice.
Q.8. What general permits are required for trekking/traveling in Nepal?
There are various permits such as trekking permits, national park permits, conservation area permits required for trekkers and tourists.
TIMS
TIMs is an abbreviation of ‘Trekkers’ Information Management Systems’. TIMs is kind of a permit card issued by Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) and Nepal Tourism Board. TIMs is mandatory for entering all normal trekking areas in Nepal.
In the TIMS Card, you will have to fill in information about the dates of your trip, the itinerary, and a contact number. These data will be inserted in the visitors’ database, where they can be accessed for park management purposes or for rescue missions in case of accidents and/or natural calamities.
Trekkers and tourists can avail the card at specific counters designated by TAAN and NTB including their own head offices in Kathmandu.
There are two types of TIM Cards:
a. Individual (Green coloured) TIMS
Free Individual Trekker (FIT) or Single trekkers who are planning to trek without the help of assistants (guides or porters) are required to obtain Green TIMS card. Green TIMS card can be obtained by paying Nepali currency equivalent to US$20 per person. The form can be filled out by the trekkers themselves by visiting the nearest TIMS Center. Such FIT trekkers will have to take full responsibility of the possible risks while trekking.
b. Group (Blue coloured) TIMS
Blue TIMS card is for those trekkers who are travelling in groups accompanied by assistants (guides and/or porters). Such groups of trekkers will be taking the service of government-authorized trekking agencies. The trekking agencies will help the groups to obtain Blue TIMS card by paying Nepali currency equivalent of US$20 per person.
Please note: Citizens of SAARC countries will have to pay NRs. 200. Nepali currency equivalent of US$ 10 per person
Restricted or Controlled Area Trekking permits
There are many remote and cultural and naturally sensitive areas in Nepal which are not fully opened for tourism. The government of Nepal has designated certain areas as ‘Restricted or Controlled Area’ to preserve the unique culture and nature of the area from the negative impact of mass tourism.
Dolpa, Taplejung, Upper Mustaing, Manaslu, Gauri Shankar, Humla, Rasuwa and Sankhuwasabha are some of the Restricted areas in Nepal.
‘Restricted or Controlled Area’ in trekking parlance means those areas where limited number of trekkers is allowed every year. Anyone who wishes to trek in Restricted or Controlled Area will have to travel in groups of at least two people and only after paying certain royalties to the government.
Such trips are usually organized by government registered trekking companies. As said before, the group size should comprise a minimum of two members. In additions, while trekking in such areas will require trekkers to be accompanied by guides and porters.
Please find below a list of Restricted/Controlled Areas and the corresponding fees required to obtain Trekking permit:
| S.No. |
District/Area |
Season |
Permit Fees |
| 1. |
Lower Dolpa Upper Dolpa |
Throughout the year |
US$10 per person per week US$500 per person for first 10 days and afterwards US$50 per person per day |
| 2. |
Kanchenjunga Region (Olangchungola, Lelep, Papung & Yamphudin) |
Throughout the year |
US$10 per person per week or equivalent convertible foreign currency |
| 3. |
Upper Mustang |
Throughout the year |
US$500 per person for first 10 days and afterwards US$50 per person per day |
| 4. |
Manaslu-Chhekampar & Chunchet |
Sep-Nov
Dec-Aug
Sep-Nov
Dec-Aug |
US$70 per person for first 7 days and afterwards US$10 per person per day
US$50 per person for first 7 days and afterwards US$7 per person per day
US$35 per person for first 8 days US$25 per person for first 8 days |
| 5. |
Dolakha District (Gauri Shankar & Lamabagar) |
|
US$10 per person per week and afterwards US$7 per person per day |
| 6. |
Humla District (Simikot, Yari, Limi, Muchu, Darma) |
|
US$50 per person for first 7 days and afterwards US$10 per person per week |
| 7. |
Rasuwa District (Thuman & Timure) and Sankhuwasabha District (Kimathanka, Chepuwa,Hatiya & Pewakhola) |
|
US$10 per person per week for first 4 weeks and afterwards US$20 per person per week |
National Park/Conservation Area permits
Nepal has a total of 10 national parks, 3 wildlife reserves, 6 conservation areas and 1 hunting reserve. To enter into these protected areas, tourists/trekkers will be required to obtain government permit.
Below is the list of entrance Fees applicable to tourists visiting National Parks/Conservation Areas:
| National Parks/Wildlife Reserves/Conservation Areas |
SAARC
Per person per entry (in NRs.) |
Foreigners
Per person per entry (in NRs.) |
Child Discount
Per person per entry (in NRs.) |
| Chitwan National Park |
750 |
1500 |
Below 10 yrs free |
| Langtang National Park |
1500 |
3000 |
Below 10 yrs free |
| Everest National Park |
1500 |
3000 |
Below 10 yrs free |
| Bardiya National Park |
500 |
1000 |
Below 10 yrs free |
| Rara National Park |
1500 |
3000 |
Below 10 yrs free |
| Shivapuri National Park |
500 |
500 |
Below 10 yrs free |
| Shey-Phoksundo National Park |
1500 |
3000 |
Below 10 yrs free |
| Makalu-Barun National Park |
1500 |
3000 |
Below 10 yrs free |
| Khaptad National Park |
1500 |
3000 |
Below 10 yrs free |
| |
| Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve |
500 |
1000 |
Below 10 yrs free |
| Parsa Widlife Reserve |
500 |
1000 |
Below 10 yrs free |
| Sukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve |
500 |
1000 |
Below 10 yrs free |
| Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve |
1500 |
3000 |
– |
| |
| Annapurna Conservation Area |
200 |
2000 |
Below 10 yrs free |
| Kanchenjunga Conservation Area |
200 |
2000 |
Below 10 yrs free |
| Manaslu Conservation Area |
200 |
2000 |
Below 10 yrs free |
| Gaurishankar Conservation Area |
200 |
2000 |
Below 10 yrs free |
The Filming (Documentary) fee in all Protected Areas of Nepal are as follows:
SAARC nationals: NRs. 25,000
Other foreign nationals: US $1,000 ( or Equivalent Nepali Rupees)
One liaison officer will be sent with each filming (documentary) team.
Note: Prices are subject to change without any prior notice.
Q.9. Could you list the names of trekking peaks opened for climbing in Nepal?
In Nepal 33 peaks with an elevation ranging from 5500m to 6600m have been designated as trekking peaks. Some of the trekking peaks are technically difficult and some are easy to climb. We organize trek and peak climbing on 27 peaks (please see the list below) which are located in the Khumbu, Langtang, Annapurna and Manang regions. We provide all necessary camping equipment, experienced climbing guides, Sherpas, porters and arrange for necessary climbing permits from NMA.
Trekking Peaks: Group A Peaks
| Name of the Peak |
Location |
Trip Type |
Duration |
Elevation |
Grade |
| Mt Cholatse Peak |
Khumbu Himal |
Lodge (teahouse)/Camping |
18 Days |
6440m. |
Challenging |
| Mt. Labuche West |
Khumbu Himal |
Lodge (teahouse)/Camping |
22 Days |
6145m. |
Challenging |
| Mt. Kyazo Ri |
Mahalangur |
Camping |
27 Days |
6186m. |
Challenging |
| Mt. Phari Lapcha |
Mahalangur |
Camping |
19 Days |
6017m. |
Challenging |
| Mt. Nirekha |
Mahalangur |
Camping |
25 Days |
6159m. |
Challenging |
| Mt. Ombigaichen Peak |
Mahalangur |
Camping |
16 Days |
6340m. |
Challenging |
| Mt. Abi Peak |
Mahalangur |
Camping |
24 Days |
6097m. |
Challenging |
| Mt. Langsisa Ri |
Jugal |
Camping |
20 days |
6427m. |
Challenging |
| Mt. Bokta |
Kanchenjunga |
Camping |
30 Days |
6143m. |
Challenging |
| Mt. Chekigo |
Gaurishankar |
Camping |
24 Days |
6257m. |
Challenging |
| Mt. Larkya Peak |
Manaslu |
Lodge (teahouse)/Camping |
15 Days |
6010m. |
Challenging |
| Mt. Yubra Himal |
Langtang |
Lodge (teahouse)/Camping |
14 Days |
6035m. |
Challenging |
Trekking Peaks: Group B Peaks
Q.10. How do I get Nepali visa?
Getting Visa to travel to Nepal is simple and easy.
You can apply for Nepali visa at your nearest Nepalese embassies and consulates in your own country. But then you can also get it on-arrival Nepali visa at Tribhuvan International Airport, the only international airport in Kathmandu.
If you are traveling to Nepal overland via Tibet or India, you are able to get visas at the following border points.
1) Kakarvitta, Jhapa (Eastern Nepal)
2) Immigration Office, Birganj, Parsa (Central Nepal)
3) Immigration Office, Kodari, Sindhupalchowk (Northern Border)
4) Immigration Office, Belahia, Bhairahawa (Rupandehi, Western Nepal)
5) Immigration Office, Jamunaha, Nepalgunj (Banke, Mid Western Nepal)
6) Immigration Office, Mohana, Dhangadhi (Kailali, Far Western Nepal)
7) Immigration Office, Gaddachauki, Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur, Far Western Nepal)
8) Immigration Office, Rashuwagadi, Rashuwa (Northern Border)
9) Immigration Office, Pokhara (not the entry point)
The following visa rules apply for tourists:
| Visa Facility |
Duration |
Fee |
| For 15 days Multiple entry,Visa, the visa fee is |
15 days |
US $30 or equivalent convertible currency |
| For 30 days Multiple Entry Visa, the visa fee is |
30 days |
US $ 50 or equivalent foreign currency. |
| For 100 days Multiple Entry Visa, the visa fee is |
90 days |
US $ 125 or equivalent foreign currency. |
According to the immigration regulations, a tourist is allowed to stay in Nepal only for 150 days in a year. You can extend the visa up to another 90 days.
US $ 5 or equivalent Nepalese currency per day for extension. Additional US $ 25 or equivalent Nepalese currency on visa fee, if Multiple Entry facility is required for the extended period
Recently, Nepal has also started offering Transit Visa for 3 days free of charge. Moreover, VAT amount are refunded to tourists at the time of their departure provided the latter submit the shopping receipts.
Transit visa for all tourists who visit Nepal for 3 days or less visa is not required.
SAARC Tourists
Tourists with passport from South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations aren’t required to pay visa fee for 30 days.
Chinese Tourists
New government regulation ensures on-arrival visa for all Chinese Citizens in Nepal.
Q.11. What facilities exist for currency exchange?
Payment in hotels, trekking/travel agencies, and airlines are made in foreign exchange. Credit cards like Visa Card, Master Card, JCB, Maestro, Americal Express etc are widely accepted at major hotels, shops, and restaurants. The receipts may be needed to change left-over Nepalese Rupees into hard currency before leaving the country. However, only 10 percent of the total amount may be converted by the bank. ATM and Debit cards are widely in use in major cities such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan. Lumbini etc.
Nepalese Rupees are found in denominations of 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. One rupee equals 100 paisa. The rate regularly fluctuates and is fixed and published by Nepal Rastra Bank every other day.
Q.12. What kind of climate/weather does Nepal have?
Nepal basically has four seasons: Spring (March-May), Summer (June-August), Autumn (September-November) and Winter (December-February).
However, owing to its varied geography, weather conditions of Nepal vary from one place to another. The higher you give up north, it tends to be cooler whereas the deeper the south you go the hotter it is comparatively.
In the hilly and Himalayan regions, summers are cool and balmy and winters are severe, while in tropical plains of the Terai in the south, summers are tropical and winters are mild. The temperatures in the valleys of Kathmandu and Pokhara tend to be pleasant with average summer and winter temperatures.
The temperature ranges from below zero to 25 degrees in the Hills and Himalayas where as it can reach up to 35 degrees in flat lands of Terai.
The monsoon rain fall occurs during the summer. The average annual rainfall is 1,600 mm, but it varies by eco-climatic zones. Travelling in Nepal is possible throughout the year.
There are multitudes of trekking areas you can visit in Nepal throughout the year. Nevertheless, the best time to do trekking are during spring and autumn. These are also the seasons when many of the biggest festivals of Nepal are observed.
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