All Frequently Asked Questions by our clients are answered below. Please click on the respective Questions to get the answer.
Nepal tourist visa is available on arrival at Tribhuvan International airport of Kathmandu and it will be valid for up to 2 months. You can also buy your visa through the Nepal Embassy in your home country that will help you to avoid delays during your arrival in Nepal. For more information on visa rules, please visit the visa and entry process or Nepal Immigration
Nepal Immigration makes it easy for all tourists. To visit Nepal your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months. You will also need your travel insurance. If you are trekking in the mountain of Nepal then your travel insurance must cover medical evacuation including helicopter rescue. You should also always print a copy of the flight ticket and have to ready to show. For Indian residents, you can travel in Nepal with just an election card or government approved ID card except for a license.
To book your trek and tour please simply inquiry or email us. One of our staff will contact you by email to complete the process and advise you of the exact details of the terms of payment. Generally, we require 30% of the total tour cost as a deposit to be paid during the tour booking and the remainder to be paid 3 weeks prior to the tour commencement. For more Booking process
Himalayan Wander Walkers provides all kinds of payments like online payment, Swift machine, bank wire transfer, and cash payment. We accept all major credit cards including MasterCard and Visa. We advise you to bring some cash in US Dollars as well for the flights, permits, and hotels. Please click here to Make Payment.
Yes, there are numerous ATMs in cities like Pokhara, Kathmandu, and other major tourist hubs. Most of the ATMs are run by different internationally collaborated banks. They accept all major credit cards including MasterCard and Visa. Please note that withdrawal cash will be in local currency only.
Most of the tea houses prefer Nepali currency for food, lodging, and souvenirs. But in some cases, they also accept foreign currencies in the mountains.
Himalayan Wander Walkers will send our representative to greet you at the airport or Bus Station. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel by a private car/jeep/tourist coach.
Yes, our tour organizer and guide will meet you and brief you about the whole trek or tour before you embark on your trip.
Nepal has a diverse geography and most of the trekking destinations are in remote areas. Precaution is the best way to make your trip smooth and safer. So, while trekking or tour with Himalayan Wander Walkers, it is mandatory to have a valid travel insurance policy. Your travel insurance will also help to reimburse the costs of medical evacuation, trip cancellation or interruption, unexpected delays, lost luggage, or any medical services needed while traveling.
There are many travel insurance companies in the world such as Europe Assistance for Europeans, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance for Japanese,Insure and Go Travel Insurance for United Kingdom citizens, world nomads and trip mate for Americans, and Can assistance for Canadians.
Yes, we always advise all our guests to register your name with your respective diplomatic office in Kathmandu. To register your name, please visit respective embassy and complete the necessary information through online. Don't forget to mention your insurance details during your form fill up.
Yes, almost all the people who are involved in tourism can understand and speak English. Besides English, Some Nepalese do speak different foreign languages such as French, Germany, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese.
Yes, Himalayan Wander Walkers provide different language guides according to your request. We do have French, German, Chinese, English, Hindi, Tibetan, and Speaking Guides.
No, Nepalese culture doesn’t restrict dress code. You are allowed to wear a dress according to your choice and the comfort of the clothes. But the decent dress is respected by all Nepalese and we also kindly suggest you respect the local culture by wearing suitable attire especially female foreigners. Please keep in mind that mostly wear full sleeve clothing in Nepalese society.
Yes, we advise you to get immunized in your country before you leave. For more information visit Lonely Planet/Health.
Yes. Nightclubs are safe places to visit.
It is always a sticky subject to advise on Tips. Most of the people who work in the mountain region either in the lodge or in a tea-house survive on a small income. Tips are appreciated and expected by all the trekking and tour crew members after the trip. Tipping totally depends on how much you contribute and your appreciation of the crew work. Some trekkers give 10% of the total tour cost as tips. Tipping is absolutely your choice, make the best of it.
Yes. The major tourist spots like Pokhara, Chitwan, and Lumbini are connected by paved roads and all popular routes are well serviced by tourist buses. However, roads to other towns which are considered as trekking points such as Nayapul, Shyabru Bensi, Jomsom, Dharapani, Jiri, Jumla, Surkhet, Beni are steep and narrow, and only local buses available. We advise you to hire a private jeep (4WD) to travel these dirt roads safely. Typically tourist vehicles with green number plates are driven with more care than local buses.
Yes, you can. All kinds of equipment are available for both hire and buy in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Yes, wifi is available almost in all the hotels and restaurants in the city areas like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, and other cities. But in the mountain trekking area like Annapurna and Everest, you can use the rechargeable wifi that is called the Everest link. Now day telephone tower coverage is almost in the whole nation and it supports 3G internet on your cell phone in some places. So, don’t forget to get a Nepali sim card for your cell phone if you are a frequent internet user.
Yes, Nepali people are admired by many foreigners because of their honesty and friendly nature. But still, we suggest you be aware of your valuable things like mobile, camera and cash - Just be Streetwise!
If you are physically fit enough and do regular exercises then there is no need to worry about trekking in the Mountain of Nepal. Himalayan Wander walkers offer different categories of treks in Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan according to the interest and capacity of the individual trekker. All you need is a positive attitude. We have years of experience operating treks in high altitudes, so we know how to design a trek or climb itinerary.
Every person reacts to altitude in a different way. So, it is difficult to predict how you will overcome altitude sickness. But in general, with the careful pacing of our trips, allowing proper rest days for acclimatization, most people adapt well. The potential problems with altitude stem from people going too high too fast. We make sure that this does not happen.
All these are four different classifications of trekking based on the grading system.
Easy – Easy grade is especially for first-time trekkers who don’t have previous experience. Generally, easy treks are done in the hilly regions of Nepal and it takes a duration of 2 5 days. The maximum elevation of this type of trek reaches 3000 meters from the sea level. Recommend easy treks are Ghorepani Poonhill, Panchase, Chisapani Nagarkot circuit, Nagarkot Dhulikhel, Dampush Sarang Kot, Australian camp, and Shivapuri.
Moderate – This grade of the trek is more suitable for normal trekkers to experience the culture and Himalayan vistas of the remote area. Trekker requires 1-2 weeks time to do this trek. Most of the popular base camp treks are included in this kind of trek such as Annapurna Base Camp trekking, Gokyo Lake trekking, Tamang Heritage trekking, Mardi Himal, and Langtang Helambu trekking are the selected trekking trails at this grade.
Difficult – Those who are well experienced and adventure seekers can choose this grade trek. This kind of trek required good physical fitness and knowledge of trekking off the beaten route. Most of the high pass treks are categorized into difficulty grades. This grade trek required camping in some area where there is no facility of lodge and trekking duration per day are longer and harder than moderate one. Some of the examples of difficult grade trek are Annapurna Circuit, Everest three pass, Mesokando pass, Kang la Pass, Manaslu Larke Pass, Sele le pass in Kanchenjunga, and Makalu base camp.
Strenuous – This is more advanced than difficulty grade. Most of the treks need to cross above 5000m. Even some peaks climbing are falls under this grade. Because of the extreme adventure, it required technical support and knowledge for the whole team. Dhaulagiri Circuit trekking, Amphu Lapcha pass, Sherpani Col Pass trekking, and some regions of the great Himalayan trail are examples of strenuous grade treks.
Tea house trek is very popular in Nepal. In the tea house trek, you will have the facility to eat and sleep in local lodges while you are on trek. Actually, tea houses are lodges operated by locals in the Nepal Mountain. In most of the tea house you will see twin beds in a single room but in some places like Everest Base camp and Annapurna Base camp you even need to share the room with other trekkers due to the less capacity of the location and lodges. Rooms are basically provided with a pillow and blanket. You need to bring your own sleeping bag. Most of the tea house provides electricity that is generated from solar power. In some places, you may need to pay for charging your camera and other electric devices. Many trekkers love the delicacy of Nepali organic food that is found in the tea houses. Dhal Bhat is a national food available everywhere within Nepal. Other food items like rice, noodle dishes, a variety of potatoes, as well as soup, and seasonal vegetables. Local spirits like Rakshi are often available, but that will be at your own cost. And breakfast items like egg dishes, cereals, bread, and are generally available on order. Although snacks are available in the tea houses many take them from the city to save cost. Tea house trek covers all your food, lodging, guide, and porter costs.
Camping trek is also known for FOT trek which state as “Fully Organized Trek”. Himalayan Wander walkers provide camping trek in off the beaten routes such as Dolpo, Kanchenjunga, Humla, Dhaulagiri circuit, Makalu Base Camp, and other regions on request. Camping trek is considered a comfort trek where you are trekking with a team of camping crew like cook, Sherpa, kitchen staff, guide, and mules or porter to carry luggage. Camping trek is a hassle-free trip because we take care of every arrangement from ground transportation to sleeping. Even the toilet is managed properly by our staff in the mountains. Camping trek is especially popular for peak climbing and Mountain expedition.
Himalayan Wander Walkers also provide a service of Porter and Guide excluding food and lodging to our budget clients. This kind of service is called service trek.
If you are asking us that trekking without a guide is possible? Then an answer is yes, you can. But we always recommend you to take a guide while you trek in the Nepal Himalaya. Without the guide, your trek will not be easy as you expected, and will not interact with locals. Guide work as a liaison between the local and you. Guide also has enough information and knowledge of mountain areas which add colors to your whole trip. We provide Nepal government licensed guides who are trained in first aid, Acute Mountain Sickness, rescue methods, etc.
Our cultural or city tour guides are proficient not only in English. Some of them are fluent in other languages like French, Chinese, and German. Our Trekking guides speak good enough English and Porters understand English well but speak less than guides.
Well, we organize both small and big groups. Most of our groups are small ones like family, friends and couple which are totally a private tour. We organize fixed departure for those who like to travel in a group by gathering like-minded travelers to provide them memorable trips. Our fixed departure trek generally comprises 15 travelers as a maximum number. We also organized big group tours for students and elders with special care.
Yes, we do organize a private tour. If you are traveling with friends, family, or even single who prefer to travel independently then let us know. You will customize the tour according to your choice of destination and interest in activities. We also have experience of organizing trek and tours for a single woman. So, inquiry or mail us for treks and tours.
Safety is our first priority and it is vitally important for us. We organized all tours and treks carefully with the correct information about the destination that our clients are going to visit. All our crew members are well trained and reliable to ask for support during your trip. Our guide will brief you about safety security during the orientation program before your trip departs. Please note that if you are on a camping trek, do not leave your bags and luggage untie or outside the tent. When you are on a tea house trek please don’t forget to lock your room door. Even though your guide will take care of everything whole heartily but you should also be responsible to keep your valuable things safely.
The requirement of trekking equipment depends on which trek are you doing. For trekking gear detail visit our blog on the Equipment checklist.
Himalayan Wander Walkers provide equipment for camping treks such as a tent, mattress, all kitchen stuff; Sleeping Bag, and Duffle Bag. On the tea house trek, we provide a sleeping bag and a Duffle bag for your luggage. All your personal gears like gloves, trekking poles, sunglasses, and clothing can hire in Kathmandu than buying them. If you have your own used equipment then you can bring them.
We always believe that In the event of a serious sickness or a casualty, which we surely believe will not happen; you will be rescued by all possible means of transportation according to the location of the incident. Mostly in the mountain, we use a helicopter. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in the event of your having to be evacuated; please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or you must be prepared to pay on your own after getting back to Kathmandu. Ask your guide to arrange a runner to the nearest communication point and inform our office about the requirements of a helicopter. While asking for the helicopter, please send the name of the sick person and always give the exact location from where the helicopter can airlift u {our guides will help u on this} do not leave your stationed point even if you are getting better once u have called in the helicopter.
Yes, you can amend your tour itinerary but remember that confirmed tours and trek dates will remain as it is in the original itinerary. You can change overnight stay places during your trek by discussing with your guide. Regarding trekking, you should remember that your trek is a kind of adventure trip. So there may be unforeseen events which can be solved with the suggestion of your guide by providing the best alternative solutions.
Himalayan Wander Walkers (HWW) meets your dream tour hassle-free. We welcome all the tourists from worldwide. We understand that you have your own unique reason to travel; Himalayan Wander Walkers strive to build a community of holidaymakers by serving amazing travel experiences and the best planning advice. Our head office is based in Kathmandu Nepal and the branches offices in three different nations of Tibet, Bhutan, and Mongolia. Our veteran team has more than decades of experience in this travel industry. Read our happy clients’ reviews.
Yes, Himalayan Wander Walkers (HWW) is an accredited Trekking & Tour operator company in Nepal. We are legally registered with the Nepal Government Tourism Authority and committed to providing services for the extent of travelers, trekkers, mountain climbers, and adventure seekers with the essence of traveling in a secured and ecologically friendly way. We enjoy our work. Here is the link for our Legal Documents.
Nepal is one of the best countries for cuisines. In the cities, you can taste a variety of foods like continental foods, Chinese, Korean, Indian and Nepali dishes. There are many restaurants in the cities like Pokhara, Kathmandu, Chitwan, Daran, and other touristic cities. But when you are in the mountain for trek you will get western meal items like fried noodles, Spaghettis, Nepali Dhal Bhat, Tibetan Thukpa, Momos, and Potato items. Though the names of items are similar the taste is different and you will definitely miss it when you are back at your home.
During the camping trek, our staff will boil hot water and provide it to you. If it is a cold one then our staff will treat it with potassium permanganate or iodine. But in tea house trek you will get safe drinking water from the lodge with the payment. We advise you to bring your refillable bottle and purifying tablets for your personal use.
On the domestic flight, we work with all domestic airlines operating in Nepal. Himalayan Wander Walkers assist and guide you in booking all your domestic and international flights as we have professional ticketing staff.
There are a number of airlines flying directly to Kathmandu from Bangkok, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Singapore, Bombay, New Delhi, Doha, and Bahrain, Sharja, Lhasa, Chendu, and a number of other cities. The most convenient flights are with Thai Airways, Qatar airlines, Singapore, Dragon, Korean airlines. Often times if flying from America you should expect to have a connecting flight in the Middle East. To find competitive airfare try different on-line portals such as expedia.com or travelocity.com.
Yes. We reconfirm return flights free of charge on your request.
Yes, there is. During your departure to domestic cities, tax is included in your flight fare. Tax is included in the ticket for the international departure.
In general, Nepal is visited mainly during the spring (March, April & May) and autumn (September, October & November) seasons. But City tours are possible even in winter and summer. Visit our Blogs on the Best time to visit Nepal.