ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation will be provided in comfortable hotels, as mentioned in the itinerary, on a twin share basis with private facilities and daily breakfast.
FOOD
Daily breakfast daily is included. In Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan, restaurants catering to many styles and price range are available. A local Nepali lunch is included at Panauti
TRANSPORT
Private Car (1-2 pax)
Private Van (3-5 pax)
Private Hiace (6-9 pax)
Private Coster (10-20 pax)
LAUNDRY
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to/have to do your own laundry, so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
Travelling is as much about how you visit where you visit. Tourism does impact local communities and we strongly believe in the need to balance the welfare and conservation of all people and environments with the benefits of sustainable tourism. We endeavour to protect the people, cultures, environments and resources of the areas in which we work.
We are committed to 'putting back' into the communities and regions we visit by supporting development and conservation projects in these areas, and specifically by choosing to use local businesses that support such projects. That is why we work with the Community Homestay project, which was developed to support local communities, preserve their local culture and tradition, and erase gender inequality through tourism. The project raises awareness among the community about gender equality, health and the building of the local economy through the homestay. In return, guests/tourists will have an authentic experience of Nepali society.
Currently, we have an online platform, CommunityHomestay.Com, where other established community homestays can sign up. If a community comes with an idea to establish a homestay network but doesn't have the infrastructure to develop it, we help them to build it from scratch.
NEPAL VISA
Visas can be obtained from embassies abroad or on arrival at Kathmandu Airport. If getting the visa at the airport, be prepared for long queues. You will also need to provide one passport photo and the following fees in US dollars (or select other currencies) cash only: single entry visa valid for 15 days - US $25: Single Entry Visa for 30 days - US $40 and multiple entry visas valid for 90 days - US $100.
MONEY
It is best to bring a mixture of cash in major currencies - USD, CAD, EUR, AUD - and ensure you have a mixture of large and small denominations.
Everyone’s spending is different, but as a guide, we suggest USD 11 per meal in Kathmandu (if you drink or smoke this could be higher). Shopping is difficult to predict, but most people buy more than they intended!
There are many ATM machines in Nepal that accept both Visa and Mastercard, but these are limited to major cities. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee.
INSURANCE
It’s important to take out comprehensive travel insurance prior to your trip. This should provide cover against personal accident, medical expenses, emergency evacuation and repatriation (including helicopter evacuation) and personal liability. We also recommend that it cover cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
HEALTH
There are no specific health requirements for entry into Nepal. However, you should consult your doctor for up-to-date information regarding medications for any reasonably foreseeable illnesses whilst travel in Nepal, and immunisations for common diseases.
CLIMATE
Nepal has a generally temperate climate, but varying altitudes lead to distinct variations. The monsoon sweeps up from India each summer, making mid-June to mid-September humid and wet.
Winter (December-February) Winter is cold and you will need to be prepared, but the air is very clear providing the best mountain views.
Spring (March-May) Days are increasingly warm; mist and clouds are not uncommon.
Summer (June-August) The monsoon season. It will rain every day, although not all day.
Autumn (September-November) The most pleasant season, in which days are warm but not hot, and skies are clear.
WHAT TO WEAR?
Dress standards are conservative throughout Asia, especially outside major cities. To respect this, and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in areas with a predominantly hot climate. Singlets, tank tops and topless sun bathing are all unacceptable. When visiting religious sites, men often need to wear long trousers and women a long skirt or sarong.
DEPARTURE TAX
All departure taxes should be included in your international flight ticket.
PACKING (perhaps you could also link to an Inside Himalayas article on this topic? For mountain biking: https://www.insidehimalayas.com/essential-packing-list-mountain-biking-nepal/ and for trekking: https://www.insidehimalayas.com/essential-packing-list-trekking-nepal-trekking-equipments/)
A soft bag or pack is most suitable for travel in Nepal. You will need to bring a comfortable medium-sized daypack to carry the things you will need during the day. This should have a waist strap or (better) a padded waist belt. Other things to bring include:
– Rain jacket or poncho (Summer)
– Water bottle - minimum 1 litre, aluminium or Nalgene polypropylene are best.
– Walking shoes - lightweight, waterproof and well worn in.
– Socks
– Running shoes or sandals for evening and towns
– Lightweight wool sweater
– Fleece jacket
– T-shirts (2 or 3)
– Long-sleeved shirt
– Pants: lightweight long trousers (jeans are unsuitable)
– Hats - beanie with ear flaps or balaclava for nights / peaked ‘French Legionnaire’ style sun hat that will give neck protection during the day
– Underwear
– Sunglasses
– Money belt
– Toiletries, including sunscreen
