Do I need a visa to enter Nepal?
Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after the last day of your trip as some countries may refuse entry if there is any less. All foreign nationals, except Indian citizens, are required to have a valid visa to enter Nepal. Visas can be obtained at your nearest Nepal Embassy or Diplomatic Mission. Most citizens can also be granted access on arrival at multiple border entry points. For up-to-date regulations, please check the link: Nepal Immigration
Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling to Nepal?
All passengers traveling with Travel Talk must have travel insurance before participating in the tour. Your travel insurance information will be noted by your leader before your tour. Travel insurance is particularly important as it protects what happens during travel against sudden and unforeseen events that occur during travel.
What is internet access like in Nepal?
Mobile coverage and internet connection are accessible, but not much in remote areas.
Can I use my mobile while in Nepal?
Using your Cell Phone in Nepal, especially if you're going to be using your cell phone a lot, the best solution is to have an unlocked GSM phone that will accept the SIM cards of other carriers and to put a local SIM card in it. Ensure that global roaming is enabled on your phone before you arrive. There might be some conditions you should be aware of, so check with your phone provider.
What is the Best Season for Trekking?
The best times for trekking in Nepal are from March to Early May and from September to November. Trekking is possible from December to February and it's a good time to avoid the crowds but you will need to be prepared for colder temperatures. June to August is the rainy season we have to suffer rain and sometimes can’t see the view but when opens it is amazing you can’t believe it.
WHO CAN GO?
Are there any age limits for Himalayan trekking?
There's no limit on our adventures, as long as participants are healthy and willing! We have had families with kids as young as 7 years do the Everest Base Camp Trek and our eldest trekkers have been in their late 70s. We generally suggest that families schedule a private trek and schedule a few extra days. Don't hesitate to ask us about arrangements.
Is previous trekking experience really necessary?
We get a lot of first-time trekkers in our groups so even if you don't have experience you will be in good company. Your fitness level should be such that you are comfortable walking all day. Previous, hiking or trekking experience is always a plus.
Are solo female travelers safe on Himalayan treks?
We ensure the travel safety of all our trekking guests, both male and female. Nepal, on the whole, is both very safe and welcoming of foreign visitors. We have long-standing, strong relationships with the lodges we frequent, and know them to be safe and reliable. In addition, our guides are consistently mindful of all guests' whereabouts while trekking. We travel in small groups, all the better to easily maintain continual contact.
PAYMENTS and EXTRA COSTS
When I pay the remainder of the money on arrival in Kathmandu, how do you take that money? US cash or credit card?
We accept all major currencies. You can pay the balance in cash or with a credit card. Please note we charge a 4% fee for credit card payments so it's much better to pay your balance in cash.
Can I use credit cards in the places I visit in trekking?
Generally, most places in Nepal don't take credit cards so they are of limited use. There are ATMs in Kathmandu and you can get a good exchange rate by withdrawing rupees. The ATMS in Kathmandu generally charges a $5 USD service fee in addition to any charges that you might incur from your bank. These ATMs also often have a limit of 25,000 rupees per day (about $215 USD).
What extra costs can I expect?
Our trekking packages are pretty much all-inclusive from the time you arrive in Nepal. We generally suggest you plan on about $300 or $600 for extra expenses including tips. Extra expenses include items such as Your Nepal Visa, sleeping bag or down jacket rental, showers, Wi-Fi, snacks, and charging electrical devices at tea houses along the way. We also suggest you plan on having extra funds available in cash or on a credit card in case your flight to Lukla is canceled and you decide to charter a helicopter Which is your personal. (Terms of Service – Extra Expenses)
What about extra hotel nights?
We can arrange extra hotel nights for you in Kathmandu before or after the trek at an additional cost. Please let us know before you arrive in Nepal so we can make the arrangements as required.
Can I drink tap water in Nepal?
It is not recommended to consume tap water in Nepal. Restaurants will offer purified drinking water, but visitors are always advised to drink bottled water.
Can I book pre or post-tour accommodation?
Depending on the dates and hotel availability, we may be able to arrange pre/post-tour accommodation in Kathmandu. Pre Accommodation includes breakfast & airport transfer and Post Tour Accommodation includes breakfast.
Do you rent sleeping bags or down jackets?
We can provide a -20C sleeping bag for a $20 rental fee during the trek and down jackets are $15 USD. These will be available at the briefing the night before your flight to Lukla and you can just let the team know that you need one.
What about the duffel bag for the porters?
We will provide a duffel bag for you in Kathmandu. The duffel bag will be carried by the porters on the trek and will be your luggage item on the flight. Often the porters get ahead on the trail and your duffel will not be available until you reach the tea house in the evening so you will need to carry a day pack while hiking with the items you need during the day.
How big should my day pack be?
Generally, we recommend a day pack of about 40 L, or roughly the size of a school backpack to hold your extra layers as well as essentials for the day.
What about weight limits?
The main limitation on the weight is the luggage limit on the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla which is 10kg (22 lbs) and another 5kg (11 lbs) for a carry-on for a total of 15 kg or 33 lbs.
What should I do with passports, medications, and valuables?
Make sure to keep all of the items in your carry-on during the flight. You don't want to be without important documents or medication if your luggage is delayed for some reason. You should carry these in your day pack on the trek as well.
Can I leave my luggage in Kathmandu during the trek?
Yes, you can leave any luggage at the hotel or our office in Kathmandu during the trek.
Can you accommodate vegetarian or other special diets?
This is not a problem and in fact, we recommend that everyone stick with a vegetarian diet on the trek as the local meat is not refrigerated properly. If you have special dietary requirements just let us know and we will make sure to assist with the proper menu.
Can I charge electric devices on the trek?
They have electricity at the tea houses in the common areas. They do charge an extra fee of $1 to $4 an hour for charging.
What type of adapter might I need?
A lot of the tea houses have power strips with American outlets. If not then either a C or D type outlet is good. You can check out all the details on the different outlets. If you have time in Kathmandu you can buy at least the common adapters for just a couple of dollars.
What about wifi or phone calls?
Some of the lower-elevation tea houses offer Wi-Fi for an extra charge of $3 to $10. Another option is to get a Nepalese SIM card in Kathmandu for both internet and calls. Even if you have a SIM card data use is mainly limited to lower-elevation tea houses. You can also use your guide’s phone for international calls as long as you reimburse him for the charges which tend to be fairly reasonable.
What are the Toilet facilities in the tea house/guesthouse?
Most of the tea houses have Western-style flush toilets and cold running water. In almost all cases the bathrooms are shared and not attached to the individual rooms. Some of the higher-elevation tea houses have Asian-style toilets which consist of a ceramic basin on the ground (Bathrooms on the Everest Trek.
What happens if I get sick or injured while trekking?
We take all possible precautions to proactively ensure the safety and wellness of our trekkers, but rest assured that our guides are trained and experienced in dealing with emergencies. If necessary, your guide will utilize your travel insurance information to call a rescue helicopter, and you will be flown to Kathmandu for medical attention.
What happens if I have symptoms of altitude sickness on the trek?
Having minor symptoms of altitude sickness such as a headache is quite common and you can continue trekking. However, if you develop additional symptoms it’s critical that you don't continue trekking to a higher elevation. We can often arrange to have you walk down to a lower elevation and wait several days for the symptoms to resolve before continuing with the next group. Note that additional charges apply for extra days on the trek.
If I am sick can I continue the trek the next day after a day of rest?
If you are sick and need to rest for a day we can often place you in the next trekking group coming up the mountain. We would rather see trekkers take extra time on the trail than risk altitude sickness by pushing themselves too fast. Please talk to your guide about this and we will do our best to accommodate you. Note, that extra charges will apply for additional days on the trek. Please see the complete details in our "Terms of Service".
Should I tip my guide? How about my porter?
While not mandatory, tipping is customary and always appreciated in Nepal and on our treks. Tipping is a great way to show your appreciation for the team's hard work and devoted attention to your happiness. We generally suggest a tip of roughly 10% of the cost of the trek divided between the guide and porter.
How much money should I bring along?
Our treks are all-inclusive and cover accommodation, food, park fees, permits, and many other costs, as a means of making your adventure as stress-free and convenient as possible.. Travelers generally bring a small amount of pocket money to cover bottled water, snacks, or tea beyond your included meals, souvenirs, tips, or donations to monasteries along the route (if you are inclined to give one). Trekkers find that around $15 to $20 USD a day is reasonable for these extras although if you’re on a tight budget you can get by with less.