Essential Trekking Info
The four things every Nepal trekker should read before booking.
Kathmandu Essentials
Navigate Nepal's capital like a pro — arrival, sightseeing, hotels, and gear.
Pokhara Essentials
Your lakeside gateway to Annapurna — hotels, restaurants, activities, and transport.
Culture & Customs
Sherpa traditions, temple etiquette, festivals, and cultural insights for respectful travel.
Food & Cuisine
Dal bhat, momos, teahouse menus, food safety, and the best places to eat.
Before You Go
Practical information to help you prepare for your Nepal adventure.
Nepal Visa Info
- 30-day tourist visa on arrival ($50 USD)
- Passport photo required at immigration
- 15-day ($30) and 90-day ($125) options available
- Passport must be valid for 6+ months
Currency & Budget
- Nepali Rupee (NPR) is the local currency
- ATMs available in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Namche
- Budget: $30-50/day (trekking with operator)
- Carry cash on remote treks — no ATMs on trails
Health & Vaccinations
- Recommended: Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Tetanus
- Bring Diamox for altitude sickness prevention
- Water purification tablets or SteriPen essential
- Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory
Getting There
- Fly into Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)
- Direct flights from Delhi, Doha, Bangkok, Istanbul
- Internal flights to Lukla, Pokhara, Jomsom
- Tourist buses for overland travel between cities
Internet & Communication
- Ncell or NTC SIM cards available at airport
- WiFi in most Kathmandu/Pokhara hotels
- Teahouse WiFi available but slow (Rs 200-500)
- Download offline maps before heading to trails
Culture & Etiquette
- Remove shoes before entering temples and homes
- Dress modestly — cover shoulders and knees
- Ask permission before photographing locals
- Tipping guides (10-15%) and porters is customary
Trekking Seasons at a Glance
Nepal has four distinct seasons. Here's what to expect from each.
Spring
Mar - May
Pros
- Rhododendron blooms
- Warm temperatures
- Clear mornings
- Long daylight hours
Cons
- Afternoon haze possible
- Pre-monsoon heat at lower elevations
Monsoon
Jun - Aug
Pros
- Lush green landscapes
- Fewer crowds
- Rain-shadow treks (Mustang, Dolpo)
Cons
- Heavy rainfall in most regions
- Trail leeches
- Flight delays common
Autumn
Sep - Nov
Pros
- Crystal clear skies
- Best mountain views
- Stable weather
- Festival season
Cons
- Peak crowds on popular routes
- Higher prices
- Book well in advance
Winter
Dec - Feb
Pros
- Solitude on trails
- Lower prices
- Clear views at lower elevations
Cons
- Extreme cold above 4000m
- Some high passes closed
- Shorter daylight hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about trekking in Nepal.
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Ask Us DirectlyFurther Reading
Dive deeper into specific topics with our comprehensive guides.
Kathmandu Essentials
Arrival guides, Thamel, heritage sites, hotels, restaurants, and gear shopping.
Pokhara Essentials
Lakeside hotels, day trips, gear rental, Phewa Lake, and Annapurna transport.
Culture & Customs
Sherpa traditions, monastery etiquette, prayer flags, temples, and festivals.
Food & Cuisine
Dal bhat, momos, teahouse menus, food safety, and restaurant guides.
Route Guides
Detailed trail descriptions, maps, and day-by-day itineraries for every major route.
Gear & Packing
Complete packing lists and gear recommendations for every season and trek type.
Safety Guides
Altitude sickness, emergency protocols, insurance requirements, and risk management.
Season Guides
In-depth guides for trekking in each season with region-specific weather data.
Permits Info
TIMS cards, conservation permits, restricted area permits — all explained clearly.
Planning Guides
Step-by-step planning resources from booking to arrival to your first trail day.
We're Here to Help
Still have questions?
Our team of Nepal experts has been guiding trekkers since 2010. Reach out anytime — we typically respond within a few hours.