1) What should I bring on the plane, as carry-on?

Bring your daypack and carry inside your hiking boots, emergency clothing, camera and any prescription drugs as carry-on luggage. In the event that your luggage is lost, these items are the most important and hard to replace.

2) Can I get my Nepalese Visa upon arrival in Kathmandu and what is the airport situation going to be like?

Yes, once in Nepal at the Tribhuvan Airport, you’ll need to obtain a visa. You will be given a visa application on your final flight to Kathmandu that should be filled out and presented to Nepalese Immigration with a passport photo and the visa fee ($30 U.S. dollars for 60 days). If you are traveling to Tibet through Nepal, then you will need a multiple entry visa ($80 USD). All visas are to be paid in U.S. dollars, and exact change is a good idea because it’s very confusing at the visa counter and mix-ups do happen.

Once your passport is stamped, then it's on to baggage claim. Find a large cart for your luggage and proceed outside. We will be outside waiting for you, as no one is allowed inside the terminal except passengers. One of our friendly staff with be outside waiting and holding a sign with your name on it along with whoever else is being picked up.

3) What should I do about getting a visa for Tibet?

For all trips departing from Kathmandu to Tibet, you will be part of a Tibet/Chinese group visa, which will be arranged for you.

4) What can I expect after arrival in Kathmandu, or in other cities?

You are met at the airport by our staff and transferred to the hotel. Usually after getting settled in, we show you where to exchange money and get something to eat. After our meal, we give you a short tour of the area around the hotel, then that evening we have a welcome dinner.

5) Will I be able to call home during my trip?

Yes! While in any of the major cities, you will be able to call home, send e-mail, faxes and letters. We’ll show you how and where. You’ll even be able to give the hotel information to your family and they can call you.

6) Will I be able to call home while out trekking?

In some locations there are phones and even internet access, but the cost may be very high. Don’t plan on being able to contact anyone during your trek. Make sure your family understands that just because they don’t hear from you, that does not mean there is a problem.

7) Can I use my credit card in Nepal? How much American currency should I bring?

You will be able to use your credit card or ATM cash card while in Kathmandu at most places, but bring cash or travelers checks. There are also ATMs in Kathmandu that give you rupees at the current exchange rate, and cost what your bank may charge for an ATM fee. Since everything is paid for except your lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (and tipping local staff after the trip), you’ll need little money while in Nepal. Most people bring $500 in $50 and $100 bills. The people in Nepal are very untrusting of any money that is torn or old looking, so ask the bank at home for very current clean money.

8) Can I use my credit card or ATM card in Lhasa, Tibet? How much American currency should I bring to Tibet?

Only the Bank of China is set up to take foreign ATM cards. There is a Bank of China in Lhasa that has an ATM. You will be able to use a major credit card for many purchases within Lhasa, but don’t expect to use it in other Tibetan cities. You will be informed ahead of time how much cash you’ll need to bring to Tibet, as this will depend on variables such as the length of your trip and whether meals are included in the trip price.

9) Can I drink the water in my hotel?

Always remember: DO NOT drink the water from the tap in your hotel room, or any tap water for that matter. Try not to get any water in your mouth while in the shower, and brush your teeth with bottled water. You can purchase bottled water in the hotel restaurant. Always check that the seal at the top of the bottle hasn’t been tampered with. If there is any question, ask for another bottle. Never drink anything with ice in it.

10) What medical facilities can I expect during the actual trek?

Depending on your trek, most medical facilities will be a couple days’ walk away. You can be carried or flown out by helicopter in extreme cases. This is why medical and evacuation insurance is so important. Our staff does have medical training and can take care of most emergencies until we can get you to a hospital. If traveling in Nepal, Kathmandu has a medical clinic with doctors from Harvard Medical School on staff, so the care there is excellent!

11) Do I need to worry about theft during the trek?

The Nepalese and Tibetan people are very honest, but if you leave a camera sitting and walk away, it is a tempting treasure. Please remember to watch where you leave things. Anything you leave in your tent is generally safe, as a guard will be stationed to watch over things. While staying in teahouses or hotels in cities, don’t leave any valuables in your room.

Don’t be too fast to blame a Nepali or an ethnic local person for your lost item, as some of the other trekkers wandering the country are not of the best character. It wouldn’t be the first time a lone trekker has liberated some article of clothing and watched a poor local take the blame.

12) Will I need to worry about my safety while spending time in the arrival city?

Every big city has people that are ready to take advantage of tourists. Always use a travel wallet, the type that is fastened around the waist. Keep all valuable items like credit cards and your visa safely put away. Don’t walk the streets of any city alone late at night; and when changing money, make sure you’ve put all the money away before leaving the money exchange office. Try to be discreet when making purchases – don’t open your wallet so everyone can see exactly how much money you’re carrying around.

13) I’ve heard that its ok to bring pens and toys to give children. Is this correct?

It is NOT ok to bring items to give begging children. Some trekkers like to bring cigarettes, pens, toys, etc. to give to children and adults, but this has had a bad effect, as children now beg for these things. You might bring hard candy just for our porters and workers (no cigarettes). A good idea to break the ice with our staff is to bring games from home like cards, board games, and easy reading materials. Our Nepalese staff members love to play games to ease their boredom. Remember, we may be on the adventure of a lifetime; but they are working far from their families and may have hiked these trails hundreds of times.

14) Will I be able to shower during a trip that travels to a remote area?

Yes, a shower will be available each night of a teahouse trek and every other night during more remote trips. But it is a good idea to carry a pack of baby wipes in the event it’s too cold to shower or you just don’t feel like it.

15) What size tents are used during a trip that involves camping? Can I have my own tent?

Our tents are of the highest possible quality, and we only use 3 or 4 person tents for every two people. This gives you enough room to have some privacy. If you really value your “alone time,” a private tent can be arranged for an additional fee.

16) What is the toilet situation like? Do I need to bring my own toilet paper?

While staying in Kathmandu (or any city hotel during our trips), you’ll have access to a normal American style sit-down toilet. But once out of town, the norm will be Asian squat-style toilets. During camping trips, we carry a toilet tent with special toilet chair and seat. We also supply all the toilet paper you’ll need, but most people like to bring a roll of the softest toilet paper they can find, just in case of unexpected emergencies.

17) Should I bring tampons from home or can I purchase them abroad?

It is always a good idea to bring the tampons you’re used to from home. If you run out, sanitary pads and tampons are sold in Kathmandu regularly now, but we aren’t sure about their availability elsewhere.

18) I wear contact lenses. Will this be a problem?

Most people don’t have a problem with their contacts, but you should remember to bring your normal glasses with you in case an eye infection or other irritation was to develop. Also, bring along extra lens cleaner fluid, as this is very hard to find in other countries.

19) I’ve heard women should only wear skirts while trekking in Nepal, is this true?

The skirt thing is more myth than truth. Some books on travel to Nepal suggest it’s best to trek in a skirt, but no one really ever does – not even the local ethnic women (except for some Sherpa women) travel in skirts anymore. The truth is you should always dress modestly and not wear really short shorts or revealing tank tops. But as long as you’re not being rude in the way you dress, no one will take offense.

20) If an emergency was to occur at home while I’m in Nepal, what should my family do?

You will be given a contact phone number and e-mail address for our office in Kathmandu. Also, you’ll be registered at the American Embassy in Kathmandu with details on where you are and how to contact you. If it is urgent that you return home, remember it could possibly take up to a week before you can get there.

21) What will happen if my luggage is lost?

First a form will need to be filled out before leaving the airport terminal. A representative from the airline is usually waiting for each flight to finish unloading to help anyone with missing luggage. If your luggage isn’t on the flight, it’s important to fill out the needed form before leaving the terminal. Also, the airline is required to pay you some amount of money for purchasing necessities until the bags show up (usually the next day). If your luggage doesn’t show up before the start of your trip, we will assist you with shopping to replace the missing articles, along with renting others.

22) What is done about tipping the trekking staff in Nepal?

On the last day of any trek, our guides and porters will have a party to celebrate the end of another adventure. At this time, it’s customary to tip our workers. Each staff member usually gets what would amount to $7 for each porter, $10 for guides and cooking staff and $20 dollars for the head cook. The head “Sirdar” (who keeps it all together during each trip) gets $30 total. This amount is to be totaled up and divided by the number of clients traveling on the trip. When everyone is paid it will usually cost each client $50. So before we leave Kathmandu remember to set aside $50 USD in rupees to use for tips later. You can also give items of clothing as an extra tip, like a pair of boots or a pack to your favorite worker, but this is in addition to the money given.

23) What is the procedure for tipping staff in countries other then Nepal?

Unlike Nepal, the cost of tipping in other countries is much higher. You will be given guidelines for tipping for different types of trips.

24) Is it safe to walk alone in Kathmandu at night?

Kathmandu is a fairly safe city to walk around in, even at night. But even if things seem safe, always wear a money belt. The most important item you have is your passport. So either put your passport in a safety deposit box at the hotel or put it inside your money belt. When you go out, always carry a business card from the hotel – if you get lost, just show this to a taxi or rickshaw driver and they will bring you back safely.

25) Are prices set in Kathmandu, or can we expect to haggle? What about other countries?

Shopping in Kathmandu is an experience most American’s aren’t ready for. Haggling is part of the Nepali culture. Most prices can be haggled down at lease 15% below asking price. It becomes quite a challenge to get the best price; but if you don’t haggle, the prices will rise and the ordinary Nepali people won’t be able to keep up with the inflated costs. So enjoy the challenge, it’s part of the experience. Each country has its own way of selling, some countries have a “set price” and this information is available in the guidebooks.

26) What is the procedure on the day of departure for home?

On your last morning in Kathmandu or the departure city, we’ll all have breakfast together before we take everyone to the airport. For international flights, we need to be at the airport two hours before departure. Transportation is arranged for the short ride to the airport and a staff member will accompany the group, making sure everyone is aware of the procedure.

27) What is the departure procedure inside the terminal in Nepal?

There is a departure tax of 1600 rupees (which is about $20) that must be paid in rupees in the airport terminal at a booth marked “BANK.” You will then go through luggage x-ray check and on to departure check-in. During check-in, you will need your ticket, departure tax receipt and your passport. Once your luggage is checked in and your ticket is stamped, it’s time to say goodbye to your guide.

28) Since I plan to purchase gifts during my trip to bring home, how much baggage can I check-in for the return flight home? Or will I need to ship things home?

Everyone seems to love to shop on our trips, especially in Kathmandu (even people that usually hate shopping). Each traveler is allowed to check-in two bags weighing under 70-pounds each. Extra duffels can be purchased in major cities, so you don’t need to bring an extra one. If you exceed the check-in limit, there are Fed-Ex and DHL shipping services available in most countries.

29) I have special dietary needs. Can your cooking staff take care of them during a trek?

Yes, our cooking staff has years of experience and can change food to meet the needs of vegetarians and true vegans. If you have special dietary needs, remember to mention this to the head guide at the beginning of the trek (along with filling in the appropriate section on your application form).

If your trek requires eating off the teahouse menus, you will be able to customize your meals by directing the cook on what you need.

30) What airport procedure should I expect if traveling to one of the destinations other than Nepal?

No matter which country you visit with us, a staff member will be waiting outside the arrival terminal waiting to take you safely to your hotel.

31) Will our guide speak English?

No matter which country you visit, your guide will speak English. Most of our staff speaks English as a second language and are always willing to learn more, but we require our guides to have a very clear and advanced use of the English language.

32) Will I be expected to speak any of the foreign languages used in the country I’m visiting?

No, nothing is expected of you as far as knowing the language that is used in the country you’re visiting. But if you want to enhance your experience, try finding a tape or guide to the language spoken. Also if you ask the guide and workers to help teach you some of their language, this goes a long way toward getting more involved with the culture and people of the country you're visiting.

33) Where can I get travel books & maps on the country I’m traveling to?

The best place we’ve found to get information in the form of language tapes, maps and books on any country in the world is a bookstore in Vermont called The Adventurous Traveler Bookstore. They have a great web site :
www.AdventurousTraveler.com

34) I’m interested in joining a biking trip, but my significant other, or friend doesn’t enjoy bike touring for long hours each day. Can he/she still join the group and ride or not ride?

Yes, your significant other or friend can still join you on the trip and can either choose to ride or not ride. Since all cycling trips are totally supported with vehicles following the group, he or she can even choose to ride in the support vehicle, enjoy the view from the vehicle and visit with the group at the different sights of interest along the way.

35) During a trek or sightseeing trip, should women wear anything special when visiting Muslim countries like Pakistan?

Yes, unlike Nepal and other predominately Hindu and Buddhist countries, there are some restrictions to clothing worn while visiting mostly Muslim countries. All women should carry a scarf that is worn whenever visiting a Mosque or other holy place. Also women and men shouldn’t wear short pants or short skirts while visiting Pakistan.

36) What should my family do if they need to reach me while I’m traveling in destinations other than Nepal?

If you’re traveling to any of the other destinations we offer, an e-mail address will be given where (in the event of an emergency) information can be passed on to you. Also many of the US embassies in other countries can register your travel information from their website. If in the event of an emergency, your family can also reach the Embassy.

37) Can I bring clean used clothing from home to give away to porters while trekking in Nepal?

Yes, we encourage all of our clients to check their used clothing at home for shoes, jackets, pants, shirts, hats, gloves and socks. Generally medium size clothes and size 8-9 shoes work best. Since each client is allowed to check two bags weighting up to 70 pounds for their flight to Nepal, we encourage you to fill a second bag with used clothes. On your return trip home, you can use the second bag for all of your souvenirs.

38) What kind of food is served while on a trip that doesn’t involve teahouses? Are any arrangements made for special diets?

When our customers are asked about the food, they all agree that it’s GREAT!! Most people aren’t worried about the food until the first meal is actually being served. We are happy to say that our meals usually exceed expectations, and we can adjust any meal to accommodate your special diet.

Breakfast is a mix of fresh egg & cheese omelet, toast & jam, chapatti, pancakes, fruit, milk tea, coffee, cereal, and other tasty treats freshly baked. Lunch can consist of tuna, egg, or cheese sandwiches, fresh cooked vegetables, oranges, french fries, cookies, tea, juice, and different mixed pasta dishes. Each day before dinner and after getting changed, it’s “tea time.” This is a great time to bring a book to the dining tent and read while munching cookies and drinking Chai tea. This is a tradition left over from the British style of camping and a great idea!

It is the dinner meal that brings out the real talents of our cooking staff. Dinners usually include dishes like vegetable fried rice, a variety of soups, Chinese dumplings with sauce, vegetable dishes, chicken cooked in many different ways, local Nepali vegetarian dishes and a whole array of endless combinations. After dinner, dessert will be served along with special Nepali milk tea and other hot or cold drink favorites.

What type of food will be served in the teahouses?

The food served in the teahouses is pretty much the same, only we don’t have our own cooking staff, but instead the teahouse owners do the cooking. You will be able to order off a menu, and everything is cooked at the time you order it, so no meals are cooked ahead.

39) What will we do about washing clothes?

Each afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to wash your clothing, or you can pay our staff to wash them for you. Washing soap can be purchased in villages along the way; but if you are allergic to harsh soap, you should bring some from home.

40) What would happen if I couldn’t keep up with the group during a trek?

Every effort is made to accommodate each member’s fitness needs. Some things we can do include: have a guide carry your daypack, have the group take a break, allow everyone to regroup and if necessary reschedule our rest day. Our itineraries have been designed to give everyone from the fastest to slowest member adequate time to cover the distance each day. You need to judge your fitness level before signing up for any of our trips. If you’re on the right trip for your fitness level and you’re still having problems – or you just get sick, everything will be done to take care of your immediate needs. You may need to stay behind at a teahouse with a qualified staff member and porter, waiting until the group returns – or you might need to go down in altitude and a new itinerary will be figured out. You will be able to continue onward with your guide, possibly catching up or meeting the group from another direction.

41) I wear glasses that have bifocal lenses. Will this be a problem while trekking?

This is usually a big problem for people trying to hike while looking through their bifocals. Since hiking requires looking downward (like when you are reading), you only see through the lower edge of your lenses. This causes problems with depth perception, but many people don’t know this is a problem until it's too late. Once on the trail, hiking becomes a scary and uncertain proposition.

We suggest all trip participants bring corrective glasses that don’t have the bifocal. If you do need bifocals for reading, carry another pair of glasses for this.

Call 888-755-8735 / Contact Us