Nepal

The highest peaks permanently white; large, medium, small and tiny temples; difficult roads; small villages and farms perched in the mountains; prayer flags flowing in the wind, lush forests up to 4000 metres high; kites flying in search of the skies … or entangled in the wires; saffron-dressed Buddhist monks; rivers of milk-coloured water; … but, above all, smiles and glances between frank and shy.

To many people, Nepal is located at a high altitude in the middle of the highest mountains in the world, and this is partly true. But Nepal is a subtropical country, with a flat south with large jungle areas and crops. It has a north closed by the Himalayan mountains. A country that climbs from 70 metres in the south to 8848-metres in the north in just 180 kilometers. And in between, the vast majority of the country is rural areas of medium-sized hills and deep valleys, with an endless number of small villages, farms and terraced crops scattered here and there.

With Kathmandu and Pokhara as focal points, most trips focus on the triangle formed by these two cities and Chitwan National Park. In addition, trekking areas, especially the Annapurna and Khumbu (Everest) regions. Eastern and western extremes are out of reach for most travellers. While getting around Nepal can be challenging at times, you will enjoy its breathtaking scenery, its rich heritage, its experiences, and its friendly people.

Namaste

We have written this small set of information, observations, advice and curiosities that we believe will be useful for your trip to Nepal. It is intended to be read before arriving in Nepal.

At a glance

VISA. It is best to apply online.
MONEY. Nepal’s currency is the Nepali rupee. It is easy to change your euros or dollars in many small exchange offices in the cities.
ATM. ATM networks are growing and becoming more reliable. It may be that your card does not work in some of them.
SECURITY. Nepal is a safe country. Thefts are rare. We usually carry money without problems.
TIPS. The concept of “tips” is different here. Essential for some tourism jobs. Keep this in mind when planning your budget.
PHONE AND DATA CONNECTION. Cheap and effective. Data connection is always helpful when traveling.
ELECTRICITY. 220V. There are not as many power outages as before. There are few sockets.
ROADS. There is a basic network of paved roads in variable conditions that connect the main towns. Moving by car is slow and the average speed is about 30km/h.
INTERNAL FLIGHTS. There is an adequate network of internal flights at relatively affordable prices, but they are always very susceptible to delays or cancellations due to adverse weather conditions.
CLIMATE. Nepal is a subtropical country and it’s usually hot during the tourist season. In spring and autumn, mornings and evenings can be chilly. In winter, Kathmandu or Pokhara’s temperatures range between 5ºC to 15ºC. From June to September we have monsoons and rain. When it comes to trekking, it takes on another dimension.
CLOTHES. Short-sleeved shirts and light clothing. As you rise up in altitude or in winter, you will need warmer clothing.
ACCOMMODATION. Kathmandu, Pokhara and other popular destinations, have a wide range of accommodation, from international hotels to simple “guest-houses”. In rural areas, living conditions are basic.
HEALTH. No vaccination is required to enter Nepal. Sanitary conditions are correct. No malaria cases have been detected for years. Kathmandu has international hospitals. It is hard to find comparable tampons or pads.

Entry VISA in Nepal

Check the expiry date of your passport. To enter in Nepal your passport does not expire within 6 months from arrival.

The best way to request an entry VISA to Nepal is to go online. You can do it from fifteen days before your arrival.

You will need a jpg or png file of the passport and a photograph on hand
Open the website https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/
Click on “Visa On-arrival” and select Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) that’s probably your entry point.
Fill in the requested information.
- - In address, enter ours: Gongabu 3, Tokha Rd. Kathmandu
  - On the phone, enter Chandra’s: 985 110 55 16
When finished, save the pdf in your phone or print it.

You can find the official information at nepalimmigration.gov.np.

On arrival to Nepal

When you arrive at Kathmandu airport, as soon as you enter the immigration hall:

Proceed to the payment counter. As you enter, on your left. Bring:
- The visa application form you printed
- The passport
- The amount to pay
The price is set in US$, but you can pay in € and other currencies. Normally they will return your change in dollars or rupees.
- $30 for 15 days
- $50 for 30 days
- $125 for 90 days
Once paid, with the passport, papers and receipt, go to the counters where they will give you the entry visa.

Welcome to Nepal!

Money

In Nepal, the Nepalese rupee (NPR) is used in banknotes ranging from 5NPR to 1000NPR.

Always use the local currency. You will pay the real price and it is a sign of respect for the country.

Better to change at one of the countless small exchange offices in Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur and Pokhara.

ATMs

There are more and more ATMs and many are located in “ATM lounges”.

Your card may not work in some of them.

Do not entrust your trip to ATMs or your card exclusively.

Nepal is a safe country. You can carry a certain amount of cash with you without problems.

Electricity

The voltage is 220V.

Almost all are multi-format plugs, accepting different types in the same socket.

They usually have a switch. Turn them on. Check that your stuff charges.

There are usually a few plugs, or maybe just one. It is convenient to take a small power strip with you.

Phone, data and WIFI

Some telephone companies have counters at the airport.

The most representative are Ncell www.ncell.axiata.com and Nepal Telecom www.ntc.net.np.

There are various packs and the prices are affordable. An easy way to recharge is through classic cards where you scratch a code (follow the instructions).

They will ask for your passport and a passport photograph (a passport copy may be needed).

In most restaurants, cafes and accommodations they have free WIFI. The speed can be variable.

Many trekking routes lack data coverage, but they do have phone coverage. Most lodges offer paid WIFI access.

Climate

Nepal is a subtropical country, so the climate in the most inhabited areas is usually temperate to hot. The sun is strong at noon.

Summer is the rainy season and the monsoon visits Nepal from June to mid-September (in theory). Rain makes temperatures milder. It usually rains in the afternoon or at night. In general, it doesn’t cause severe damage, just occasionally.

Although it is cold in winter, it is not extremely cold in the cities, but remember that buildings are usually not insulated or heated. In Kathmandu it is very rare to see snow. Obviously in mountain areas we notice the difference and from 4000 or 4500 meters it is quite chilly at any time of the year and especially at night.

Packing my suitcase

Cool summer clothes, shorts and light, easy-to-remove shoes are the best. Early morning or evening, in countryside and mountain areas may be fresher. Add some warm outerwear.

In winter it will be necessary to bring clothes for colder temperatures, although during the day they will not be icy, with average temperatures between 2º and 15º.

You can take a rigid suitcase with wheels. Not on treks of course.

Clothing is at your discretion and depends on the season and your sensitivity to heat and cold. The ideal is to dress in layers: short-sleeved shirt / jersey / jacket / rain protection, adding and removing what is appropriate.
Comfortable shoes, open or closed. Sneakers or sandals that hold your foot well are sufficient for hiking routes.
A small backpack to carry what you need during your day out.
Toiletry bag as usual. It is convenient to bring shower gel and shampoo.
Basic first aid kit: plasters, antiseptic and some basic medicines: paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamines and antidiarrheal. If you anticipate your period coming, it is better to bring what you normally wear to be more comfortable.
Sunglasses, hats, and lip and skin protection.
A small umbrella or a raincoat.
The relevant chargers, spare batteries (if you use them) and a power strip to plug in several devices at the same time.
If your itinerary includes sleeping in a lodge or private house:
Do not expect sheets, although there will be a blanket. A fine cotton or silk sack can make you feel more comfortable.
Bring a travel towel (or a normal small towel).
Although you probably have one on your mobile, a small flashlight can be useful.
Think about bringing a swimsuit and a towel if you plan to go to a pool or hot springs.
A small sewing kit saves you trouble.

Clothing and behaviour

In general, you can dress as you want. Nepal is a country accustomed to receiving people from all over the world.

You can wear leggings, shorts, hold hands on the street, whatever type of couple you are, etc.

Nepalese are kind and understanding people. There are no rigid rules nor are they too strict and they can vary depending on the moment, on the situation.

However, that does not mean that, as travelers and as guests of the country that welcomes us, we should not try to be as respectful as possible. If you visit a monastery, temple, museum, or private house, make sure your clothes are not “extreme”. Observe how the locals act and act as your “common sense” dictates. That’s easy.

Food

Nepal has all kinds of food, especially in Kathmandu, Pokhara and other tourist centers. In roadside restaurants or in small towns the offer is much more restricted. In general, one plate is enough.

To give you an idea, eating can cost around 300NPR or 400NPR in a simple/normal restaurant. However, it can rise to 1000NPR and up in more charming places or specifically for tourists.

The national dish is dal-bhat (literally lentil-rice). You will find it everywhere. White rice accompanied by assorted vegetables (we call it “curry”) and lentil soup. In restaurants, this dish is identified as “Thali”.

You will normally see fried rice, fried noodles (chow mein), pasta, eggs, etc. In different variations on the same theme, and influences from Indian, Tibetan and Chinese cuisine. Many of the dishes come with variations such as veg/chicken/beef or similar.

Pizzas are usually good, but vary in quality.

Nepali food is usually spicy. But do not despair, for foreigners it usually comes out of the kitchen less spicy and you can ask for it to be even less. However, the heat is often in a sauce on the side of the dish or in a separate container, so it’s easy to avoid.

Nepal eats little meat. You can find meat in a more “western style” in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Theoretically no cow or veal, which is sacred, but you will find it in many restaurants and curiously it comes from India. Most common are chicken, pork and buffalo.

In Tibetan cuisine, you can find mo-mos, veggie/meat cooked either steamed (most common) or grilled, as well as their pasta soups thukpa and thentuk.

Takalí and Newar meals have a high reputation, with very tasty and refined dishes. They are usually more well-kept restaurants, in traditional buildings, with higher but reasonable prices.

Nepalis typically drink black tea, milk tea and Nepali tea (with milk and masala). There is also ginger tea, mint tea, honey tea, etc.

Much of the coffee you will find will be instant coffee, but it is becoming easier to find a real espresso machine. The term “black coffee” usually refers to an American breakfast cup. There is an extensive menu of hot and cold drinks in Kathmandu, Pokhara and the most visited places as well.

Beers are mostly in 600cc bottles, although cans are also available. Gorka, Nepal Ice and Everest are the most traditional local beers, but new brands are coming out.

Fruit is tasty and cheap. There are many bananas, mangoes and apples. Don’t expect it for dessert, although many restaurants offer enjoyable fruit salads. You can buy fruit from street vendors.

How much does it cost?

Take this list with flexibility. The prices vary, but it can help you calculate your daily budget. We have indicated a low / high range prices you can usually find, but you can find even lower prices (come on explorers!) or more expensive ones.

	Prices in Nepalese rupees
Lunch or dinner in a simple food establishment	300	600
Lunch or dinner in a medium level restaurant	500	1000
Lunch or dinner in the hotel or up-level restaurant	1000	3000
Thali / Dal-bhat (traditional dish in Nepal)	350	1000
Side dishes, soup, eggs, finger chips, …	150	600
Chapatis, rotis, papad…	50	150
Lassi (liquid yogurt)	150	300

American coffee (black coffee)	80	350
Coffee with milk	100	400
Black or Nepali tea	80	200
Ginger tea, lemon tea…	100	400
Croissant and pastries	100	400

Mineral water bottle	60	200
Soda, coke or similar	80	200
Beer (600cc bottle)	250	500
Beer (can, not have everywhere)	150	400
Alcoholic beverages (whisky, vodka, etc.)	300	1000

Kathmandu Average Taxi ride (ex: Thamel-Bouddha)	400	800
Long taxi ride to Patan or Bhaktapur	800	1500

Tip to the tour guide per person/day	400	600
Tip to the driver per person/day	100	300
Occasional tips, hotel boy, mahout, etc.	50	300
Tipping in restaurants	No need or rounding
Tipping in hotels	They usually have a tip box
Tipping in taxis	You will have already agreed a price

Tipping

The tip is understood more as an additional cost of service than an “extra” that we give if we are happy with the way we have been treated. It is considered part of the worker’s salary.

Check the reference tips in the price table below and adapt them to the degree of satisfaction you receive.

Health

There are currently no medical and vaccination requirements to enter Nepal. Nepal is a relatively safe country and has been malaria-free for many years. Although there is no zero risk, it is not something to obsess over.

Remember that many ailments are caused more by “traveler stress” than by taking something in poor condition.

There are pharmacies where you can find most of the basic medicines you may need on your trip, although you will need the generic names. They are safe, at a reasonable price and sold in “blister packs”, not in boxes.

Tampons are difficult to find in Nepal and when they are available, they are not exactly what you are used to. The compresses are more widespread, but perhaps you will have the same problem. Our recommendation is to bring them from home.

As in any trip, it is convenient to carry a small first-aid kit with the essentials. The most common problems that we are going to face will be small episodes of pain if we have taken a blow, a bad gesture, due to muscle overload or headache, the usual diarrhoea or if we get a small cut or scratch. It is better to take medicines in pills than in powder to make it easier taking them in any circumstance.

Paracetamol, ibuprofen or similar for pain
loperamide for diarrhoea
Iodine solution or alcohol to disinfect wounds
some gauze to clean
Some plasters, adhesive tape
Your usual medication if you take any

If you take any type of important regular medication, it is better to carry it in your cabin hand luggage in case the check-in suitcase is lost. Remember that for some type of medication you must carry a medical prescription.

Moving around

Almost all the routes have a lot of curves and quite a few potholes. Nepal’s average speed is quite low, at about 30km/h. In practice, we do not count journeys by kilometres, but by hours of travel.

Outside the main paved road network, there are many unpaved trail routes, under variable conditions. Keep in mind that to reach many destinations you need a 4×4 vehicle… and time.

During the monsoon, the route conditions can be affected by rain or landslides at specific times and places. Remember to have patience.

Bus lines are efficient. On the main routes there are those known as “Tourist Bus”, which are not for tourists, but buses that run the lines more or less directly. They are usually comfortable and seats are booked in advance.

One way to avoid long road journeys is by using domestic flights in twin-engine planes. But flying in Nepal is subject to weather and visibility conditions. Although it does not happen every day, flights may be delayed or cancelled if conditions are not good enough.

Getting around cities is usually easy by taxi. They are small taxis that work quite well. Agree on a price before boarding. Make sure it is for the journey, not per person.

Environmental and social responsibility

If you are concerned about the environment, try to act accordingly. Leave a minimal environmental footprint. In cities there is not much problem with waste management, but in rural and remote areas be more cautious.

Avoid plastic bags. Carrying one of these cloth shopping bags can be useful.

They are not as common as in other places, but sometimes we see children – or adults – begging. When we give to them, we perpetuate a profitable system of getting money. We must make it less profitable to send a child to beg than to send him to school.

You should act as you would at home: maybe you give candy to a child sometimes, but do it because you want to and not because they are “poor”.

If you want to help, there are many organizations that take donations seriously. They work well in both small and large projects. You can give material directly to schools, and you should choose public ones. Try to focus on projects that facilitate access to education, since it is the power engine of the future, or that improve access to medical services.

But one of the most effective ways to help Nepal is by making the economy run. As travelers, try to consume as locally as possible, pay correctly (be respectful when bargaining) and diversify as much as possible. Here people want to work, not receive alms.

Small things

Although night noise is not particularly loud, remember that windows usually lack double glazing. If you notice that dogs spend the day sleeping, it is because they spend the night barking. If you are very sensitive to noise, bring earplugs.
There may not be toilet paper in some restrooms, restaurants, or guest houses. In the hotels they use to have and for the treks we provide.
In most cases there is no shower tray. There are just the faucets and the spout on the wall and the drain on the floor, so remember that it will be wet.
Nepal’s time zone is GMT+5.45. This implies a time difference with Europe of 3.45h in summer and 4.45h in winter. It’s curious, but that’s the way it is.
In Nepal vehicles drive on the left, well…they should drive on the left.
The weekly holiday is Saturday. You are only affected by banks and offices are closed.
Nepalis live by sunlight. They usually get up around 6am and have tea or a light breakfast. School or work activity begins between 9am and 10am and a dal-bhat is usually eaten around 10am or 11am. Dinner (another dal-bhat) is eaten between 6pm and 8pm and between 9pm and 11pm is the normal time to sleep.
Tourist hours are different. You will usually wake up between 7am and 8am. Lunch is between 12pm and 2pm. Don’t expect dinner after 9pm in most places.
If you buy spices, do not ask for curry. Here, curry is a spicy vegetable dish. You have many types of masalas.

Trekking

Every trek is different. Some stand out for their proximity to the high mountains, others for the beauty of their landscape, others for the variation in the environment as we progress, others for the hardness of their route, others for their interest… but no trek should leave you indifferent if you travel with your eyes and heart open.

Trekking is not just walking. It is not just a physical challenge. It is an approach to a different reality and also to our own interior reality (no need for mystique).

Route and stages

The stages and overnight stays indicated in the itinerary described in our programs are designed for “normal” weather conditions, mountain safety and altitude sickness, suitable days for porters and a normal walking pace for most hikers, but they should not be taken as immovable. During and before departure, certain modifications can be made to the itineraries.

To trek, you first have to get to the starting point, and that is sometimes an adventure in itself. You must be ready to be flexible with your schedule, especially if there is a monsoon. Sometimes changes in conditions, for better or worse, happen quickly. A blocked road by a landslide, or a cancelled flight due to adverse weather. But it doesn’t happen every day.

Trail paths can be affected in specific sections as well. Sometimes you have to make a detour because you can’t use the normal path.

Normally the first stages of treks can present the most problems on the way, since they go through narrow valleys, between rivers and waterfalls. It is not uncommon to cross a river or a stream. For some treks it can be wise to start the first stages wearing open shoes that can get wet. As the route ascends, less water is present and, therefore, the impact on the path is less.

You will probably cross many hanging bridges. They are reliable and most are in good condition.

You will find many stairs. Made with stones in most cases, some are very well made and others gradually fall apart. Some are endless and very physically demanding.

You will share the route with mules and yaks that are about their business and will not consider you. Let them pass and never stand on the side of a precipice or fall.

In many of the valleys that enter the trekking areas, rough roads are under construction. It is a difficult issue to assess, but it implies a change in treks. Now, many people avoid the first stages and choose to drive by Jeep, saving two or three days of trekking. In a certain way it is a pity, since a significant part of the cultural and landscape diversity is lost. In addition, the money is more concentrated in the hands of a few than distributed among more valley inhabitants.

Trekking permits

To trek in Nepal, the TIMS card is always necessary. A card that allows you to do the trek detailed in it. Additionally, you need to obtain an entrance to the National Park and an access permit for the restricted area, if applicable. All these papers and permits must always be carried with you (usually the guide does). The checkpoints along your itinerary will stamp your permits.

We typically process permits with the photo of the passport copy, so it must looks clear enough.

Weather

Monsoon and season punctuality belong to the past and it is harder to know the weather in advance. Spring, from mid-February to May, or autumn, October and November, are the best times to trek in Nepal. However, we must remember that October is very crowded, so better go for November.

You can trek during the monsoon. It has “a plus” of adventure, especially in terms of road conditions. Naturally, clouds often cover mountains and views. It is normal to start raining at noon or afternoon, but mornings are usually fine.

Winter is also a relatively good season, but apart from the cold, the days are shorter and many lodges close.

As everywhere, high mountain weather conditions can change very quickly.

The treks usually start at low altitude and the first stages can be warm and humid, but as we gain altitude it gets cooler. Above 4000m or 4500m the nights are very cold.

Lodges

Most Nepal treks have a network of lodges, also called “Bhatis”, “tea-houses”, or “guest-houses”. They welcome hikers with lodging and food. In most cases, they are family businesses, some are almost like “homestays”, and others are owned by corporations.

They are buildings of variable quality depending on the area where we are. They are large or small, very basic or almost luxurious, but they all follow a similar pattern. Most of them are divided in double rooms. The beds have a foam or (slim and hard) wool mattress, covered with a kind of bed sheet. There are usually blankets. Naturally neither the blankets nor the sheets are washed often, but they are usually acceptable clean. If you are not carrying a sleeping bag because it is a short trek or it doesn’t runs in a hight altitude, it may be convenient for you to take a thin silk or cotton one.

They have a shared bathroom inside or outside the building, and surprisingly they are starting to make lodges with private bathrooms in some rooms.

You can shower in most lodges, western or Nepalese style (with a hot water bucket system). It is a service you must pay for. Prices may vary. Cold – or chilly – showers are free.

The lodge’s common part is the dining room. At a certain altitude, where it starts to get cold, it is the only room that has a stove to heat, which will burn firewood or dry yak or cow dung. At 4500m or so, the rooms freeze.

In general, they all have electricity. It can have normal power, or it can be weak if it comes from small solar panels or local small hydroelectric power plants.

The sockets are in the dining room and it’s also a service you must pay extra for. Prices can be per load or per hour. In fewer lodges, plugs are provided in the rooms, so it is free to use them. However, probably there is no power 24 hours, just evening and morning

The lodges are not reserved before the trek. Outside October, there are usually no problems with accommodation availability. Sometimes the guide will call the lodge where he wants to stay the same day or the day before.

Food on the trek

During a trek organized with an agency, the guide will agree with you the meal menu. More or less, you can eat everything and in sufficient quantity within reasonable limits for a “normal” person with the physical trek effort. At least in our case, our hikers have always seen their hunger and nutritional needs satisfied.

It’s usually better to have a lighter lunch if you are still on the journey, and take a more complete dinner to recover energy.

Dinner is usually ordered shortly after arriving at the lodge and breakfast after dinner.

Food is usually good and varied. Dal-bhat is always there, and you can usually take it twice… or more. There is also fried rice, chow-mien (literally fried noodles), soups, pasta, eggs, chapati, Tibetan bread, spring rolls… Many dishes have a veg, meat, egg, mushrooms version… You can even find pizzas and, naturally, mo-mos.

For breakfast there are different options, mainly chapatis, Tibetan bread, pancakes or toast. These can be served with jam, honey, cheese, an omelette, fried or hard-boiled eggs, etc. There will surely also be noodle soups and dal-bhat, although this is usually for guides and porters.

In the lodges there is instant coffee and different tea options. You can order a whole thermos, since it is cheaper.

Beer can be expensive.

If they have homemade alcoholic beverages and would like to serve them to you, you can encourage yourself to try them. “Chhang” is a milky-looking beer. “Raksi” covers all kinds of brandy. “Tongba” has a mild and peculiar flavor.

You can find “mars” type chocolates or similar, nuts, etc. Keep the empty packages in a bag designated for this use and take them back to Kathmandu.

Water purification during the trek

We urge you not to use plastic bottled water and opt for purification systems.

Iodine or chlorine tablets (or iodine + chlorine) are practical, cheap, do not take up space or weigh and work well. You have to wait about 30 minutes before drinking and they leave flavor in the water.
Ultraviolet lamps are safe, work immediately and do not leave any taste in the water. However, they need a canteen with a wide mouth (they must be inserted inside) and work with batteries.
There are other systems, but some are cumbersome, bulky or heavy. But everyone has their preferences. Choose the system that best suits you.

No system is 100% safe, but there are no dangers in every drop of water.

How much cash should I take on a trek?

There are some expenses you will pay during a normal trek. They are staff tips at the end of the trek, if you drink tea, beer, soft drink or some snacks. You will sure need to charge your devices, take a shower and maybe want WIFI at some point.

It is easy to find craft stores, stalls, t-shirts, etc.

During trek	Prices in Nepalese rupees
Coffee or tea	100	300
Ginger tea, honey tea…	100	400
Soft drinks	200	500
Beer	600	950
Local alcoholic drink type raksi or chang (if any)	150	300
Mineral water bottle	100	450
Boil 1 l of water	80	450
Snacks	150	350
Boiled egg, omelette	150	550
Chips	400	600

Hot shower	300	900
WIFI connection 1 hour	250	1000
Battery charge (it usually depends on the time)	250	900

Tip to the guide per person per day	400	600
Tipping the porter per person per day	300	400

Trekking gear

Trek bags and backpacks

To go trekking we use three different bags or backpacks.

The one you leave at the hotel with the things you do not need during the trek. It can be a suitcase you travel with or a bag. You will not leave anything valuable in it.
A small backpack with whatever you want on hand during the hike: camera, spare battery, some warm clothing, a poncho or rain jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, water, etc.
And finally, a larger backpack or soft bag (not a suitcase) where you will put what you do not need during the day and you will find in the lodge when you arrive: the sleeping bag, spare clothes, toiletry bag, etc. Remember that you will not be able to access the contents of this bag until you arrive at the lodge. Porters walk at their own pace and may not even do the same route as you. The bags are also tied to form a compact package.

IMPORTANT: IN OUR TREKS THE MAXIMUM LOAD IS 20Kg PER PORTER (~10Kg PER PERSON)

The treks usually start at low altitude and the first stages can be muggy, but as we gain altitude it gets cooler. Above 4000m or 4500m the nights are very cold.

The quantity and quality of clothing you wear depends a lot on the trek you do. It depends on the duration, the season and how sensitive you are to hot or cold. You should try to reduce the backpack’s stuff and weight. Generally, if the weather is good, you can do the laundry on a rest day.

Layering is the best and most common approach: thin short-sleeved shirts, long-sleeved shirts, fleece, down jackets, waterproof jackets. With all the possible variations, of course.

As for t-shirts, we recommend the fine merino wool ones, since they do not smell and can be worn for many days in a row before they ask for a washing.

For most treks, a down jacket will be very convenient, since it weighs and takes up barely any space relative to its warmth. However, it is not necessary to take one designed to climb an 8000 summit.

For rainy or snowy days, we recommend a “poncho”, since it also covers the backpack and allows better air circulation. A large umbrella is also an option.

Footwear is the most significant element of a trek. It is not necessary to wear a rigid boot. Many treks can be done perfectly with mountain sports shoes. It depends on the route, the season, and your preferences. A second light shoe to wear around the lodge will be fine and serve as spare shoes if you have any problems.As for pants, the typical ones with removable legs are practical, but not essential. Warmer pants for altitude stages and/or waterproof pants can also go well. Tights can be worn without a problem.

We list things to consider. Remove or add things to suit your taste.

“day” backpack
bag, duffel-bag or backpack for porters
Short sleeve T-shirt
Long sleeve T-shirt or light fleece
Fleece or similar
Down jacket or similar
Waterproof jacket / raincoat
Poncho or umbrella
Light pants, long/short
Warm pants and/or waterproof pants
Leggings (also useful to sleep)
Socks (watch out blisters)
Comfortable underwear
Sleeping clothes
Main walking shoes (mountain
shoes/boots)
Light shoes (lodge and spare shoes)
Flip flop
Pair of poles
Gaiters (?)Headlamp/flashlight and spare batteries
Sleeping bag (we can rent it for you in Kathmandu or Pokhara if you need it)
Thin silk (cotton sleeping bag
Towel (best fast dryer one)
Small towel
Swimsuit
First AID kit
Toiletry bag and shower gel/soap
Water bottle/flask/camel bag
Water purifying system
Laundry soap
Pocket knife
Sunglasses 3 / 4 level protection
Sun cream high level protection
Lips balm sun protection
Neckwear/balaclava/bandana/foulard
Hat/cap
Gloves
Spare batteries / power-bank
Chargers
Small power strip
Sewing kit
Book

Another thing that you should add is a small first-aid kit. Sprains, blows, muscle overload, headache, cold, diarrhoea, cuts and scratches will be the most common problems we will face.

At any time, we can suffer a bacterial infection of any kind. The problem is that during a trek we will not have many options to visit a doctor and we will generally be far from everything. Taking this into account, it is advisable to take a broad-spectrum antibiotic. If the trek takes place in a remote place, it is better that it be a powerful one (there are some single doses or 3 doses that are easy to carry). If taking an antibiotic in this way would never be recommended under normal circumstances, it is justified in a situation of semi-isolation for days to avoid an evolution that could worsen.

It is better to take medicines in pills than in powder to make it easier taking them in any circumstance.

Paracetamol, ibuprofen or similar for pain
loperamide for diarrhoea
Iodine solution or alcohol to disinfect wounds
some gauze to clean
Some plasters, adhesive tape
Your usual medication if you take any
Solutions for foot blisters (compeed)
Broad spectrum antibiotic

If you take any type of important regular medication, it is better to carry it in your cabin hand luggage in case the check-in suitcase is lost. Remember that for some type of medication you must carry a medical prescription.

Trekking staff

During the trek, a team of people will assist you. Some may or may not intervene. Sometimes there is confusion about their roles. We explain it to you:

Porters: They carry your bulky equipment on their backs. They usually don’t speak English. They are the components of the team we should care for most. We do not allow more than 20Kg per porter (~10Kg per person).
Guide assistant / Sherpa: With an elementary level of English, they help the guide in his work, normally in groups of more than 6/8 hikers. Although they are called Sherpas, they do not have to belong to this ethnic group.
“Guide-cum-porter” (Guide-porter): To reduce the cost for hikers who trek alone. Combine guide and porter at the same time, but he/she will not carry as much (~ 5Kg / 7Kg). The hiker himself will have to carry part of his equipment.
Mountain guide/Sirdar: They have a specific qualification and speak English. They know risk situations and how to deal with the client at the same time they lead the team. There is a lot of difference between a good guide and a “not so good guide”.
Tour-leader: Normally for large groups. Its main function is to coordinate and ensure that everything develops correctly and according to expectations.

Mountain accident & rescue insurance

Mountain is always unpredictable, especially when we move at high altitudes. It is not a question of significant technical difficulties or dangers, but a simple ankle twist may force us to give up our itinerary.

In Nepal, most treks are far away from roads and medical assistance. Rescue a person by land can be long, painful and even risky for the person. For this reason, for most treks, we consider it mandatory to have insurance including helicopter rescue in the high mountain in Nepal.

If you belong to a mountain federation, usually they have an insurance plan that covers helicopter rescue in the Himalaya. But it’s better to be sure before travelling. Also, some insurance companies have medical assistance policies for travellers to which you can add a supplement that includes mountaineering, trekking, and other adventure activities.

We will ask you for the policy number and emergency contact of your insurance company.

Altitude sickness

Altitude sickness is one of the concerns (it should never be an obsession) of everyone who treks above 3500m or 4000m.

In general, the trek stages are designed to gradually gain height. It is considered a reference value not sleeping above 400m or 500m the night before.

The first typical symptoms are: headache, nausea, listlessness and tiredness. As you can see, they may not be related to altitude sickness. However, if someone has it, they should be alert and, very important, alert their mates.

If at the next stage we see that the discomfort has got worse, then we must stop. If we stay one day it will be enough to acclimatize and we can continue. But if we really feel very ill and especially if we are getting sicker, we must go down to a lower level. You can see that it is actually quite simple.

The situation will become serious when the symptoms worsen, are persistent, we vomit, etc. We can be sure that altitude sickness is severe or very serious if we observe one of these points:

There is an obvious lack of coordination, such as we cannot walk straight on an imaginary line.
Our breathing keeps accelerated, like we are very fatigued, after 10 minutes of rest (even if one arrives puffing at the lodge, our breathing normalizes in less time).

In these cases, you have to go down as quickly as you can, whatever time it is.

Leeches

Leeches need a humid environment. They are more frequent in the rainy season, in July and August, with a significant difference from other seasons, where it is difficult to get them.

Most of the time we do not realise we have one or more of them, since they stuck to us, suck some blood, increasing its volume, and fall off. But since they have anticoagulant (and anesthetic) saliva, the blood continues to flow, and we will notice the blood stain on our clothes.

You don’t have to suffer if you catch them red-handed; the easiest thing is to use your fingernail or a razor to remove them.

Clockwise

Almost every day we will find many “stupas” (chortens in Tibetan), “manis” (walls or mounds of stones engraved with mantras), galleries of prayer wheels and other religious Buddhist elements.

When we come across one of these, we should try to pass on the left side of the monument, leaving it on our right side. Like rounding it clockwise.

Economic and environmental impact

With your trip to Nepal, you add substantial value to the economy, not only of the country in general, but directly for many families.

The more diversified you consume in the country, the more distributed your wealth will be.

Many of you have some concerns about porters. A porter is a worker who depends on this activity to ensure his and his family’s livelihood. It depends on us and you to ensure that he does it under decent conditions and receives an adequate salary.

In remote and not very frequented areas, trekking is a very beneficial contribution in all senses. Its environmental impact does not excessively multiply the impact of local inhabitants. In frequented areas, the sudden presence of thousands of hikers creates a very significant extra impact. We should be a bit concerned about our environmental footprint and what we leave behind.