Tarakeshwar, Kathmandu, Nepal
When you want to visit Nepal as a tourist, you need to get a special paper called a visa. It’s like a permission slip that allows you to enter and stay in Nepal for a certain period. Getting a visa is important because it shows that you have the government’s approval to visit the country.
To get a tourist visa for Nepal, there are different options depending on how long you plan to stay. If you want to stay for 15 days or less, you can get a multiple-entry visa for US$25 or an equivalent amount in another currency. If you want to stay for 30 days, it will cost you US$40, and if you want to stay for 90 days, it will cost you US$100.
You can get a visa in a few different ways. If you are flying into Nepal, you can get your visa at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. If you are entering Nepal overland from India, there are several entry points where you can get a visa, such as Kakarvitta, Birganj, Kodari, Belhiya, Jamuna, Mohana, or Gaddachauki. Each of these entry points has an immigration office where you can apply for a visa.
It’s important to note that if you want to stay in Nepal for more than the initial visa duration, you can extend your visa. If you need to extend your visa for 15 days or less, it will cost you US$30. For longer extensions, the fee is US$2 per day. However, keep in mind that the maximum period you can extend your visa in a single visa year is 150 days.
If you are from a South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) country like India, you can get a free visa for 30 days. Indian nationals do not require a visa to enter Nepal.
Note: Make sure to check the current visa requirements and fees before planning your trip to Nepal.
Nepal is a country where people believe in different religions. The two main religions practiced here are Hinduism and Buddhism. Let’s learn a little bit about each of them.
Hinduism is followed by many people in Nepal. They believe in a lot of gods and goddesses, and there are around 330 million gods and goddesses in Hinduism! Hindu temples can be found all over Nepal, and they are special places where people go to pray and show their devotion. Hindus celebrate many festivals throughout the year with colorful rituals, music, and dancing.
Buddhism is also important in Nepal. Buddhists follow the teachings of a wise man called Buddha, who lived a long time ago. They believe in peace, compassion, and living a good life. In Nepal, you can find beautiful monasteries and stupas, which are special structures where Buddhists go to meditate and learn about Buddhism. Many people visit these peaceful places to find inner calm and wisdom.
In addition to Hinduism and Buddhism, there are other religions practiced in Nepal as well. Some people follow Islam, Christianity, and traditional indigenous religions like Kirat. Each religion has its own beliefs, traditions, and places of worship.
It’s fascinating to see how people in Nepal embrace their religions and live harmoniously together. The religious diversity in Nepal adds to the cultural richness and makes it a unique and inclusive country.
Remember, it’s important to respect and appreciate different religions and their followers, as Nepal is a place where people from various faiths coexist peacefully.
When we go to places high up in the mountains, the air becomes thinner, and our bodies may not get enough oxygen. This can make us feel sick, like having the flu or a headache. It’s called altitude sickness. But don’t worry, most people can go up to 2,400 meters without any problems.
Symptoms of altitude sickness include things like not feeling hungry, feeling weak, having trouble sleeping, and having a headache. You might also feel dizzy, or have a fast heartbeat, or your hands, feet, and face may swell up.
To prevent altitude sickness, it’s important to go up slowly and let your body get used to the high altitude. Avoid doing too much activity in the first day or two.
If you’re trekking with guides and porters, like the ones from Himalayan Friendly, they know about altitude sickness and can help you. They are trained to recognize the symptoms and take care of you.
Remember, it’s important to take it easy and let your body adjust to the high altitude. Drink plenty of water, eat well, and listen to your body. If you start feeling sick, let someone know so they can help you.
Himalayan Friendly can assist you if you’re considering a journey through the Himalayas in Nepal. We provide entire trekking programs, but you can also just hire a guide from us if you’d rather handle things like permits yourself. If you want to reduce the cost of your trip, it’s a terrific option.
Experienced and reliable guides make up our staff at Himalayan Friendly. They can help you along the way because they are educated about the trekking routes. You can select a guide from our range of educational and professional backgrounds based on your needs.
An innovative idea that caters to individuals or groups looking for a more affordable trip with simply a guide is hiring a trekking guide from us. We have guides at various levels, from casual to extremely skilled. Depending on their level of experience and skill, the daily cost varies.
We also provide porter services in addition. It is advised to hire a second porter if your backpack weighs more than 20 kg. A porter can be hired for $22 per day.
Please take note that the rates listed above only apply to treks in Nepal and do not apply to Tibet or the Bhutan Himalayas.
With the highest mountains in the world and a latitude similar to the state of Florida, Nepal has tremendous variation in climates. The lowland plains are tropical, the midland hills are temperate, and the high mountains have sub-arctic and arctic conditions. For trekkers, the fall and the spring offer the best clarity (mountain views are a big reason why we travel to Nepal) and mild temperatures with the least precipitation. Below are Nepal’s trekking seasons:
In Nepal, the months of September to December are peak trekking season. Temperatures are mild, the weather is relatively stable, and the clear air makes for superb mountain views. The high mountains are still cold and lower elevations are still warm but the daytime walking temperatures are the most pleasant overall. Bad weather can hit any time of year but the fall has the most reliable conditions.
The fall season is also when Nepal receives the bulk of trekkers. The most popular trails, such as Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit, are bustling with trekkers and this is felt from the trails to the teahouses. The Thamel district of Kathmandu will be full of tourists and guides charge at their highest rates during the fall peak season (although hiring a guide is relatively cheap any time of year).
December is normally dry, stable, and clear, but also cold, especially at higher elevations. By mid-December elevation trekking becomes treacherous and many teahouses close. During the winter the mountain passes may require technical equipment and experience.
February to April is the second most popular time of the year for trekking in Nepal. The spring temperatures are similar to the fall and the trails are less crowded, but there is slightly more haze and precipitation. This means that in the spring you will need to reach higher elevations for clear mountain views, usually around 10,000 feet and above. Precipitation levels increase as the spring progresses.
Himalaya Friendly has always been keen on safety on the journey. We have prepared a Trekking Equipment List which the trekkers will need during their trek in Nepal. The following list should help you with your packing. Generally, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum.
Sometimes, flights in Nepal can be delayed or canceled. This happens because of the country’s special geography and changing weather. Let’s learn more about it.
Nepal has mountains, hills, and forests. When it’s rainy or foggy, it’s not safe to fly in some remote areas. Pilots want to keep everyone safe, so they don’t fly in bad weather.
In remote places with high airports, cancellations can happen because of strong winds and heavy rain.
The best time to fly in Nepal is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is usually better then. But in other seasons, flights may not be as reliable. During the rainy season (June to August), flights can be delayed or canceled because of rain and clouds. In winter, thick fog can also cause cancellations.
What can you do if your flight is canceled?
If your flight is canceled, there are other options:
You can travel by road if your destination has a road.
You might be able to take a helicopter to certain places like Lukla, Jomsom, Phaplu, and Juphal, but it depends on availability.
Remember: It’s a good idea to plan extra time in your schedule in case your flight gets canceled. That way, you won’t feel rushed or worried.
At Himalayan Friendly, we want to make your journey as smooth as possible. However, in the event of unforeseen flight cancellations or delays, please note that we will not be responsible for any accommodation or additional charges incurred.
For more information about our policies and liabilities, please visit our privacy policy section on our website. We recommend familiarising yourself with the details to understand your rights and responsibilities regarding flight cancellations and delays.
Your satisfaction and safety are important to us, and we strive to provide the best experience possible. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
When traveling to Nepal with the Nepal Hiking Team, having travel insurance is mandatory for all customers. Your insurance should cover medical expenses and emergency evacuation costs, with a recommended minimum coverage of USD 100,000.
The Himalayas are breathtaking, but they come with risks. It’s important to be prepared for any unexpected situations that may arise during your trip. Many insurance companies offer travel insurance online, providing a convenient way to choose the coverage that suits you. Trekking in Nepal carries a slight risk of minor health issues, injuries, and altitude sickness.
Make sure your insurance includes coverage for helicopter rescue in the mountains in case of accidents or acute mountain sickness. Helicopter evacuation may be necessary in emergencies when leaving the mountains safely. This coverage should also include a rescue team for ground evacuation. Your travel insurance needs to cover the cost of helicopter services and evacuation from the Himalayas.
Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Before planning your trip, ensure that your travel insurance, obtained from a reliable company, covers all the mentioned costs.
Recommended Travel Insurance Companies:
For Travellers from USA and CANADA:
For Travellers from England:
For Travellers from EUROPE and SLOVENIA:
For Travellers from AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND:
For Travellers from SOUTH AFRICA:
DECLARATION: The above companies have been recommended by previous travelers and are provided for reference purposes only.
Ensure that you obtain travel insurance from a reliable provider that meets your needs and offers adequate coverage. For more details, please refer to our privacy policy section on our website or contact us directly with any further questions.