What happens if I miss my flight to Kathmandu?
We stay for the first two nights in Kathmandu, so if you miss your original flight, you can always try and catch one of the following flights, and join the rest of the group before the beginning of the Nepal expedition!
Are any members of the group on the same flight as me?
We always try to suggest the same flights to reconcile group arrivals, however, as each traveller is responsible for their flight bookings, you may arrive on a different flight. No worries though, upon arrival in Kathmandu you will have a transfer waiting for you (on the specific dates of the program), to take you to the hotel where you will join the rest of the group.
Will I be given my tour leaders contact before travelling?
Before the start of the trip, your tour leader will contact all group members by email. Usually, we also create a WhatsApp group (if you agree too) so everyone can share their expectations or any questions one might have, and also it gets easier to know each other better before travelling together!
How will I know where to meet with the rest of the group?
Upon arrival, you’ll have a transfer waiting for you at Kathmandu airport (on the specific dates of the programme) to drive you to our hotel, where you will join the rest of the group.
When should I arrive at the destination where our tour starts?
We recommend you to arrive in Kathmandu on the first day of the programme, preferably during the morning, so you can enjoy the first day of this trip to get to know this city better!
How big is my group?
We travel in small groups, between five and 12 travellers, plus your tour leader.
What kind of luggage shall I bring?
Please, do not travel with trolleys! We strongly recommend you to pack two backpacks: a large one (35 to 50l), and a smaller one (15 to 20l). As soon as the tour is confirmed, we will send you a personalised e-book with all the tips and tricks for this specific tour, suggesting you on what to pack, what to bring, health and local tips, etc.
How do I know what do I do in my spare time? What if I get lost?
Whenever there is free time, we provide you with suggested activities. In case you would like to do something that is not planned nor proposed, you can ask for advice from your tour leader. We always recommend you to buy a local SIM card with data, to keep in touch with the rest of the group and your tour leader via WhatsApp. If you can not contact by message or call, you will always have the address of the accommodation as well as the local contact of your tour leader.
How can I get my laundry done?
In every city, you will find inexpensive express laundry facilities, with same day washing/drying services.
Shall I bring cash or card?
The most economical way is to bring with you euros or US dollars, and get your Nepalese rupees at the local exchange shops (there are lots in all cities, and most of them do not charge any commission fees). At the end of your trip, you can exchange the remaining rupees for euros or dollars, also without commission fees.
If you use a card, we recommend prepaid cards such as Revolut. You have to be aware that not all ATMs accept all types of cards, and there is a per-use withdrawal limit (but there is no limit to the number of withdrawals per day), and a per-use withdrawal fee as well.
What kind of travellers will be on my tour?
All our travellers share a passion for travelling and exploring! In this specific tour, travellers have a spirit of adventure, of cultural interest, and like to be challenged. Good mood is usually a common characteristic of our travellers as well!
How is the food?
Nepalese food is usually based on three dishes: fried rice, noodles and momos (dumplings). From here, it unfolds into countless variants. Meals are mostly vegetarian, or with chicken or buffalo meat. Cooking can be fried, steamed or in soups.
Spice is much appreciated in Nepal, but if you are intolerant or spicy foods it is really not your “cup of tea”, we strongly suggest you always specifically order or ask for non-spicy food.
All included breakfasts are mostly continental (coffee, bread, spreads).
I have a particular diet/allergy/ intolerance, what will I eat?
It is important to let your tour leader know in advance if you have any restrictions or allergies in your diet. We always do our best to accommodate all travellers as best as possible, so the sooner we know, the better we can help you.
What is my tour leaders role during the tour?
Before you arrive, your leader will already be at the destination waiting for you, making sure everything is ready for the great adventure awaiting! During the trip, your tour leader will always be available to assist you during the trip, to get you to meet people and local habits, organising activities and accompanying you during the tour.
Each programme is bespoke and designed by the tour leader based on her experiences in the country. Sometimes, the plan can be adapted last minute, due to unforeseen events that may occur during it, and your tour leader is key to these occurrences, making sure everything runs smoothly!
Should I tell if I have any physical restrictions or any chronicle diseases?
Yes, it is essential that you let us know promptly of any physical restrictions, medical care, special diets or other inconveniences you may have, that could affect your comfort and well-being while travelling, as well as the groups. We will do everything so that these conditions won’t be an issue during our travel, adapting (when necessary) so that you and the rest of the group enjoy this trip to the max!
Is trekking challenging? What if I don’t want to do it?
This trekking is moderate, however, if you are not at your top physical condition, or if you are not used to trekking / long walks, and if you have never been in altitude (above 2500m), you may experience some difficulties. Accompanying us will be a local guide/trekking expert, so if for some reason you have to descend, the tour leader will accompany you, and the local guide will carry on with the rest of the group.
In case you do not want or can not trek, you can follow the itinerary by jeep, at an additional cost (this can reach 200€, depending on fees and petrol costs at the time). In this case, your tour leader will not be able to accompany you. You will be meeting the rest of the group at the hotel, where we will be able to spend our free time altogether.
How long will we be on the road?
The Nepal tour is 15 days long, during five of which we will have long road trips (between six and 15h) between cities. On the mountain roads, we have the longest route: it can take us 15h to reach our destination, by bus, Despite the long travel time, this will be a unique experience that you will never forget 🙂
What is included on the price?
All accommodation (including breakfast), transfers to and from the airport (during the specific dates of the programme) and all activities mentioned in the program, including the necessary permits for trekking in the Himalayas, entrance to the Chitwan National Park, Annapurna National Park, Bakhtapur, Monkey Temple, Pashupatinath are included.
We also include all long distant buses and jeep travels, as well as a canoe tour in Chitwan and a boat ride in Phewa lake.
All local guides in Annapurna and Chitwan National parks are also paid for.
The movie night (€3) and the paragliding (€75) are optional, as well as any activities not mentioned in the program. Local transports and taxis, extra meals, souvenirs, communications or tips are not included either.
Will I need a visa for Nepal? How can I get one?
Yes, Nepal visa is required, except for Indian nationals.
The easiest and most economical way to do so is when you arrive at Kathmandu airport. A 15 day-visa is 25USD, and besides cash, you will also need to bring a passport-sized photo, as well as your passport with more than six months to expire.
If you are from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan or Sri Lanka, you still need a visa, but it will be free of charge.
However, if you are a Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine or Afghanistan national, you will need to obtain a visa from Nepal Embassies or Diplomatic Missions at the respective country.
How is the accommodation?
Accommodations are varied, from comfortable hotels to tree huts. All are comfortable and include breakfast. The rooms are twin or triple, or single in case you have booked supplement.
Do they have private bathrooms?
All accommodations have private bathrooms. In Chitwan, due to the limitation and design, some rooms do not have private showers (only showers), but the shared shower facilities are conveniently located.
What shall I bring?
On this particular tour, we recommend that you bring mountain trekking equipment, such as in layers, a down jacket, mountain trekking boots and trekking poles. Don’t worry though, if you don’t have any of this specific equipment, you can rent or buy it at a very reasonable price here in Nepal, where there are plenty of places providing this at very competitive prices.
Additionally, bring with you light and comfortable clothing for warm temperatures. A notebook for your travel notes, batteries for your camera, an extension lead to charge up multiple devices at once, a fast-drying towel, chronical meds plus a basic traveller’s pharmacy, and of course, good mood and spirit of adventure!
I will be travelling solo, but I didn’t book the single supplement. Who am I sharing my room with?
We never require our solo travellers to book the single supplement! We group our travellers in twin or triple rooms, so you will always be sharing your room with other members of the group.
Shall I tip my guides and drivers?
Yes, we cover all expenses, but we definitely recommend you to tip for services you are pleased with.
What if I want to stay longer after the tour is over, where shall I go?
If you want to stay in Nepal, there are several places you can visit, such as Nagarkot, Langtang or Lumbini. If you’re going to continue your trip through neighbouring countries, you can travel overland to Varanasi, in India, or to Lhasa in Tibet. For larger budgets, you can take a short flight to Paro, and explore the secret Kingdom of Bhutan.
How long is the trekking, any recommendations on how I should prepare for it beforehand?
The trekking is only four days long. Besides having proper clothing, we recommend that you are accustomed to long walks, preferably carrying your own backpack (a light backpack, obviously).
During trekking days, it is better if you ingest more liquid foods (soups), avoid smoking and alcoholic beverages, and listen to your body: don’t rush, take whatever breaks you need, and keep warm!
We also ask that about six weeks before travelling, book your tropicals disease appointment or a doctors appointment with your GP. To get the right prevention and advise, primarily to prevent AMS (altitude mountain sickness): your doctor will probably prescribe you some medication for prevention that can help you with some of the symptoms which are more common in altitude ( more than 2500m).
Do we go to basecamps?
No, we are not going to any basecamp. All the places of passage and overnight stay in Annapurna, are remote villages and temples. Although it is a trekking itinerary, the cultural component is the most crucial factor of this tour.
Is it easy to get in touch with my family and friends back home?
Yes, SIM cards are easy to get, and data packages are relatively inexpensive, so you can always communicate with your friends and family back home through your social networks, WhatsApp or Skype. You can also make international calls, but bare in mind that these costs will be substantially more expensive!
