Nepal

Before you go

A typical day on the trail

The day starts with a wakeup around 7:00 AM and a leisurely breakfast. We begin the day's trekking around 8:30, stoppingfor tea mid-morning and continuing our trekuntil our lunch stop around noon. There will be plenty of rest stops and spectacular viewpoints from which photos are usually taken along the way. We'll continue trekking through the afternoon, stopping for tea once more depending on the route, and arrive at our overnight stop around 5:00 pm. In the evening we'll join fellow trekkers for dinner. It's typical to spend the evenings reading books, conversing or playing cards around a wooden stove in a communal dining room.

Fitness and health requirements

Trekking and trail walking in Nepal generally involves 6-8 hours daily walking on terrain of varying grades and with many subsequent climbs and descents and long sections of uneven terrain or stone 'staircases.' Trekkers who experience knee pain may consider bringing along walking poles. Your level of physical fitness will have a great impact on your trekking experience, so it is wise to engage in a fitness regimen in preparation for your trek. Expect to be challenged, but know that you will be able to set your own comfortable pace and will have plenty of opportunities to rest and enjoy the scenery. It is recommended to see your physician for a full checkup before arriving in Nepal. Nepalese immigrations do not require any immunizations for entry into Nepal.

Passport and Insurance

Tourist visas are available on arrival at Tribhuvan Airport in Kathmandu for citizens of most countries. Check with your Consulate if you are unsure about your eligibility. You must have at least six months remaining validity until expiration on your passport in order to obtain an entry visa.

It is highly advisable to obtain travel/health insurance before trekking in Nepal. In the unlikely event of an emergency air evacuation (the standard procedure in cases of major illness or injury) you will be held liable for the cost of chartering a helicopter, which can cost around 3000 USD. Ensure that your insurance policy covers the cost of emergency medical evacuation.

Climate

Temperatures and conditions can change quickly in the mountains—it is advisable to pack clothes that will protect you from sun, wind, cold and rain. The monsoonal weather pattern in Nepal typically provides two prime trekking seasons during Spring (mid March to late May) and Autumn (mid August to early November). Temperatures in the mountains during these times vary greatly depending on elevation and conditions and range from highs of 25 C/82 F to freezing. The monsoon arrives in June and July with copious rainfall, and the winter months between December and February bring colder temperatures with snow in the mountains, making some higher altitude routes impassible.

Food and Drink

A variety of food can be found in mountain lodges and everything is safe to eat. While in Kathmandu it is advisable to steer clear of eating uncooked vegetables unless you are certain they have been cleaned in iodine solution. Any produce bought from local markets should have the skin removed before consumption.

It is not safe to drink or brush your teeth with untreated water in Nepal. Bottled or boiled water can be purchased for drinking during your trek. It is also possible to use your own purification means during your trek.