A FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION:
Security in Nepal:
Nepal is doubtlessly the safest destination to travel. Tourist or facility related to tourism has never been targeted or hindered even in times of emergency or strikes. After the 2006 peace treaty between the government and Maoist that ended the Nepalese civil war has shaped Nepal to be the safest place where now tourists can walk off to all destinations without any interference.
Is the effect of the 2015 earthquake still existent?
- Out of 75 districts, only 10 districts were affected by the 2015 earthquake. However, now all districts are safe to travel.
- As Nepal has 10 National Park only one (Langtang National Park) was badly affected which now is very functional.
- Out of 8 UNESCO world heritage sites of Nepal, only 3 were 40% affected which is under renovation and worth traveling.
- As for the connection of transportation, there was 0% damage in Highways and sub-ways. No Hospitals, Clinics, and communication facility was injured.
- Out of 35 trekking routes, only 2 trekking routes were affected (Manaslu in Gorkha and Langtang in Rasuwa) which are no 100% in operation. Our international airport and domestic airports are without any injuries and are functional.
Trekkers from around the world are traveling to paradise-like Nepal even after the 2015 earthquake. There may be rumors which are all fictitious so it’s always wise to ask your local operator. Risk assessment has been done and Nepal is fully functional.
Do I need a VISA to enter Nepal?
Besides Indians, all foreigners require a Nepalese Visa to enter Nepal. Most nationals can acquire Visa on arrival at the airport. It can also be obtained at the nearest Nepal Embassy or Nepal Diplomatic Mission. You can as well apply to Nepal Visa ONLINE. For more details please CLICK HERE.
Do you have airport transport facilities?
Yes, we do provide airport pick up and drop facility for all our travelers without any additional cost. All travelers will be accompanied by their Group Leaders or Company representatives on all transfers.
Who will come to receive us at the airport?
Your trekking Group Leader or our office representative will be there at the international airport to receive and transfer you to the Hotel. They won’t be hard to recognize as all our representatives mandatorily wear office T-shirts or Jackets with the company Logo and hold the company’s Placard.
Is it necessary to have guides and porters while trekking in Nepal?
For your security sake Yes. Besides, the Nepal Tourism Ministry is trying to pass a law that makes it mandatory for all foreign trekkers to be accompanied by a local guide or a porter while trekking in any parts of Nepal. However, having a Nepali friend by your side gives you a lot more than what a lonely planet guide book does. Besides sharing cultural knowledge he/she will always be there to assist you and support you in cases of emergency – coz they know the environment more than you do.
Who am I to contact during my stay in Nepal?
The moment you are transferred to the hotel by your group leader the Himalayan Dynasty representative or the Manager pays a visit to welcome you in our country. In the course of his/her visit, you will be provided with official contact details and of your Trekking Leader as well who you are to contact in need. However, we cater to you from your arrival until departure with much care and commitment.
What am I to do with my valuables and left luggage?
Before we depart all your leftover luggage is to be deposited in the safety store which is made available by the hotels itself, make sure you get a baggage tag from the hotel. The hotel has a safe deposit box for your valuables or you can give it away to Himalayan Dynasty office and can claim it effortlessly on your departure, though our group leaders will be there to assist you.
Do we need to have Trekking Permit?
Trekking in any parts of Nepal requires permits, especially Conservation or National Park Permit. Permits vary depending on the area of the region you are trekking. The most restricted area requires a special trekking permit. However, the Himalayan Dynasty takes up the hassles and will obtain all essential permits prior to your arrival in Kathmandu.
Is there any age limit for trekking in the Nepal Himalayas?
This actually depends on the choice of destination, as Nepal offers varied trekking packages from effortless to the extreme. As for most of the easy treks, kids over 10 years old can trek accompanied by their elders. And also depending on the level of fitness people to the age of early 80s have traveled to Nepal and have accomplished strenuous trekking destinations like Everest High Passes.
Is trekking in Nepal very challenging?
This too depends on the choice of trekking destination and the level of fitness. However, any trek destination in Nepal is achievable for anyone with reasonable fitness. Anyone with personal ailments, ankle problem, heart, lungs, and knee problems need to seek the consent of your doctor before signing up for any mountain adventure in Nepal.
What is Tea-House Trekking in Nepal? What are Tea-Houses like?
First, Tea-house is simply local lodges, now that are built almost in all trekking destinations of Nepal. In most cases, Tea-Houses are nothing but the extension of the local peoples’ private houses which in course of time under enormous demand transformed into a cozy lodge.
The quality and facility of Tea-Houses vary depending on the region you are traveling. However, all tea houses deliver private rooms, basic or Luxury, and serve all variety of meals.
What is the food variation while doing Tea-House Trekking?
You will be served freshly cooked food during trekking. In fact, you have a variety of food choices in these mountain lodges and most tea-houses are better than restaurants in Kathmandu. Most of the tea-house lodges provide western, continental, and Nepalese dishes.
Do I need to bring my own trekking equipment?
We have listed a convenient packing list of items that you need to pack for your Nepal trekking adventures. However, almost all tea houses in Nepal provides you with extra blankets to ward off cold weather. Besides, the Himalayan Dynasty provides you with a warm Sleeping bag that can take up to -21 degrees, Duvet Jackets, Rain Poncho, and Duffel Bag. On our climbing trips, we provide all climbing equipment including climbing boots.
Can I BUY/RENT trekking gears anywhere in Nepal?
Yes, you can buy or rent any trekking gears in Kathmandu or Pokhara. In fact, trekkers claim equipment to be cheaper in Nepal than in the international market. There is knock-off brand equipment and we call it genuinely-fake which is not genuine in reality but are of great quality. If you are trekking in the region of Everest, you can buy great equipment at Namche Bazaar.
What is the weight limitation on domestic flights?
The weight limitation on Nepal Domestic flight is 20 Kg / 44 pounds along with a small Hand Carry. However, if you are flying to any remote mountain airport like LUKLA & JOMSOM the maximum weight limit is 15 kilograms / 33 Pounds and that is including your Hand Carry - you will be charged extra per Kg in case if you go over the limit, most of the time they don't allow excess weight and may probably ask you to leave it behind.
What am I to carry on my day pack while trekking?
While trekking please make sure to make your day pack of reasonable weight containing your valuables and essential gear for the day (depending on the specific day weather forecast or the length of walk), whereas your entire gear goes into the company provided duffel bag to which you will have access only once you get to your destination.
What is the communication facility like while trekking in Nepal?
In most of the trekking regions of Nepal, there is mobile reception though not very reliable. Most settlements in these remote mountain areas have landline satellite phones through which you may connect with your friends and family. But then again, sometimes both mobile reception and landline may not be under operation under certain circumstances – in such cases, the Himalayan Dynasty provides you with the Satellite phone which is only to be used under absolute emergencies only.
Do I need to have any prior experience to trek in Nepal?
Though trekking in any part of Nepal involves a tremendous amount of up and downhill walking with gain or loss in the altitude yet no previous wide-ranging experience is needed. Without being a mountain enthusiast or mountain experts you can certainly enjoy trekking in Nepal. However, anyone with very weak ankles, knee, heart or lung problems, essential pre-check-up, and consent from your doctor is mandatory. Furthermore, we recommend a few weeks of pre-physical training prior to your arrival in Nepal.
What is the everyday walking duration?
Since we allow people a very relaxed pace with multiple breaks, the time duration varies. However, we usually walk 5/6 hours every day excluding Lunch. To make every day more memorable and relaxed we set up our own pace giving you ample time to enjoy the moment. We also start early so that we could reach the destination that in return contributes to more space to explore and enjoy the serenity of the place.
What are our leaders like?
Since we employ professional, qualified, and competent employees- all our group leaders are very well with English and medical knowledge who would be catering to you from the day of your arrival until your departure. In addition, they also hold a Guiding License certified by the Government of Nepal which makes them legitimately professional.
What are the common mountain ailments?
Each year thousands of trekkers come to Nepal and do Tea-House Trekking and at the end of the day they come up with horror stories regarding bad treks, food poisoning, stomach problems, and altitude sickness – and honestly most of which are true. In regards to precaution to all these ailments, your group leader will update you with preventive measures of choosing the right food, maintaining the precise pace while walking, etc.
Do I need to bring my personal First Aid Kit?
We provide First Aid medical kid on all our trip that includes almost all medication required for any mountain ailments from Paracetamol to antibiotics to wound care. Further, your leader is medically trained to deal with any mountain ailments, first aid, or emergency procedure. However, if you are under any personal Prescribed medication then we suggest to bring it with you and make sure to carry extras in cases of emergency. You may find Personal Medication Kit for trekking in Nepal HERE.
What if I am very slow in the group?
Besides professional Group Leader, we provide trained assistant guides on all our trips. Your leader will sort out assigning each of his assistants in the group systematically while he takes responsibility for the slow walking people being at the tail of the group making it utterly nonstrenuous. Nevertheless, your leader would be counseling everyone in the group to stay together and walk collectively as a team.
What is the best way to prevent Altitude Sickness?
Below are few precautionary measures that would surely guarantee a safe passage all the way to your destination if you are doing any High Altitude Destinations trekking.
- Walk very slow, give time for acclimatization.
- Do not make regular or quick Ascent.
- No Alcohol and Sleeping pills.
- Maintain your body with adequate fluids, at least 3 to 4 liters a day.
- Do not tend to miss any of your acclimatization excursions.
- Follow the advice of your group leader.
- Follow the convenient slow pace set by your leading Assistant Guide.
- Descend if you suspect any severe symptoms.
- Stay away from getting cold.
Is it safe drinking water straight away from the tap?
Nepal being the developing county water is out of hygiene in the cities. It is always safe to buy mineral water bottles while in the cities. Since there are too many brands it is always safe to get it from the departmental store as they are only sanctioned to procure water from the genuine mineral water suppliers. Besides boiled drinking water provided in your hotel rooms is out of harm's way. Though it is safe drinking water in the trekking regions of Nepal, yet we recommend not to make an effort with new water diets.
Are we to buy mineral water for drinking?
We very strongly oppose the use of plastic mineral water bottles for environmental concern. Instead, the group leader will be collecting kitty money to provide you with appropriately boiled water every morning and evening. We suggest you bring at least 2 metal or plastic Nalgene bottles so that you can have enough to last the duration of the day. Besides you can use the hot bottles in the night as a hot pack in your sleeping bag and can still drink it during the day when it's still warm. Water purifying tablets are highly recommended.
How much money should I carry while trekking?
The equivalent of US$ 35 per day per trekking for Food plus US$ 200 extra will generally be enough for the duration of your Everest trek, although for longer treks you could carry as much as US$ 300/400 as emergency cash. The amount required in Kathmandu for meals, sightseeing and transport would normally be covered by about US$ 40 per day. Shopping will vary greatly from person to person.
Are there any ATMs on the way to trekking routes?
There is no access to ATMs while trekking in the remote regions of Nepal. The only ATM that exists is in Namche and Lukla area if you are trekking the Everest region and Jomsom if you are doing Annapurna circuit or Mustang trek. You will have final access to ATM in Kathmandu and Pokhara and carry the necessary cash along with you if you are trekking to most of the trekking destination in Nepal.
Can I recharge my electronic devices while trekking in Nepal?
The charging privilege is possible in most of the trekking destinations of Nepal because not every destination has the privilege of hydroelectricity and whoever has it is only reliable during the post-monsoon season when the water level is high. Most have the solar charging facility that will provide you charging at a minimal cost. However, it is always wise to carry some extra batteries or the fully charged power bank batteries since your batteries run out pretty quickly in the cold.
Is there a Wi-Fi facility?
Not all but most lodges in almost all trekking regions provide you with Wi-Fi over some charges but not always reliable.
What is the domestic flight situation?
As Nepal air aviation is quite strict about small planes flying high into the remote mountain airstrips there are flight delays and sometimes cancellation. Whenever there is a slightest weather chaos or high winds these remote mountain airports would be momentarily closed down until they get a green signal. However, this isn’t the case forever and a day and we highly recommend anyone flying high to have spare days to keep up with your missed out days.
When is the best season to trek in Nepal?
The temperate climate in Nepal is affected by monsoon, which sweeps up from the Bay of Bengal every summer making mid-June to mid-September wet and humid. During the monsoon time, the Nepal Himalayan region is not ideal for trekking with an exception of a few remote valleys in high terrain. We operate delightful trips into the forbidden kingdom and the restricted province of Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpo in Monsoon season.
However, Autumn (Mid-September to November) - Winter (December to February) - Spring (March to Early June) – these are the best season to trek in Nepal. Winter may not be ideal for high altitude trekking that goes over 3000 m / 9842 feet.
Is Nepal SAFE for a solo traveler?
Honestly speaking, Nepal is safe for solo travelers. Every year thousands of solo FIT from around the world travel Nepal with absolutely no glitches. Besides Nepalese treat foreigners as special guests and always treat them with respect and have supported many in times of crisis. But there have been few circumstances in a few mountain regions where a solo traveler has been asked to take a considerable amount of cautiousness. Due to such issues that could be deemed as unsafe for solo travelers it is always wise to have local travel partner with you.
Do I need to have travel insurance for an emergency?
We strongly suggest you to have an all-inclusive travel insurance policy covering all the aspects of your adventure though we ensure you that there would be hardly any evacuations or any health catastrophe as your leader is always well equipped with wide range medical knowledge and has oxygen cylinders or oxygen chamber bag to deal with a life-threatening situation. But it's always wise to have insurance as your back up for just in any case.
What happens in case of an emergency?
All our group leaders are very well trained to deal with any case of emergency in the mountains. Furthermore, they are always in persistent contact with the company through any available communication means, be it a satellite phone. In cases of life-threatening, we take prompt action as required. Air evacuation will always be standby and will be organized in cases of absolute necessity.
Are all Himalayan Dynasty local trekking crew insured?
Yes, all our local trekking leaders, assistant guides and porters are duly insured with proper insurance in case of any accidents while trekking. Further, they are well-taken care by the company in terms of proper trekking gears and daily allowances.
What is the guideline for TIPPING guides and porters?
10% of the total trip cost per trekker is the guideline that is to be distributed among guides and porters.
What can I do other than trekking in Nepal?
Nepal is one of the best arenas for Extreme & Adventure Sport tourism such as mountaineering, cannoning, paragliding, zip-lining, rock climbing, canoeing, jungle safari, mountain biking, kayaking, rafting, bungee jumping, high altitude marathon, etc.
How many hours prior to the departure flight are we picked up from the hotel?
As for your Nepal Domestic flights you will be picked up from your hotel 1 ½ hour prior to your departure. For your international flight transportation will be provided 3 hours prior to your departure flights.
How do I book a trip with the Himalayan Dynasty?
You can simply select the desired trip and contact us in the given e-mail address to exchange any queries. We are very pleased to entertain you with any of your requirements and inquiries. Finally, all you have to do is finish our booking form and pay non-refundable US$ 200 per person as a confirmation deposit which will be deducted while paying the remaining trip cost in Kathmandu. After receiving your confirmation deposit you will receive a trip detail dossier in your email. Once your arrival details are confirmed our group leaders will be there to receive you at the international airport and transfer you to the hotel.
As the bank charges extras for credit cards which are quite high, we request you to pay your remaining payment in cash or Travellers Cheques.