In the main centres of Kathmandu and Pokhara Summit stays at 4.5star accommodation: Ramada Encore by Wyndham Kathmandu Thamel, and Hotel Barahi Pokhara. These are both high-end hotels for Nepal located perfectly to the restaurants, cafes and shops in each location.
During our hikes we stay in Guesthouses. The mountain accommodation is more simple, with a duvet and pillow, shared bathrooms (sometimes ensuites depending on availability), with a main dining room for meals. There are hot showers available at all times.
Eat
All meals are included in your tour cost (except for any stated free days in Pokhara where you will need to budget for lunch and dinner (approximately NZD$15 each meal).
There is a wide variety of food at all times offered on our tour. The food will not be cooked by you; meals are at restaurants and cafes (even in the mountains- the guest houses have kitchens and cooks). Everywhere we go, we order meals off menus - even on our trek. You can have anything from Pizzas to Mei Goring to Sizzling Chicken Plate. On our service days we may have a meal cooked by the school we visit - this will be determined closer to the time.
Dietary restrictions can easily be catered for.
Water purification tablets are included in your tour cost. Other beverages are not included in your tour cost. Fizzy drinks range from NZD$2-$4 depending if you are on the mountain or main centres. Bottled water in main centres are appoximately 30cents, but as you hike higher in the mountains they can be as costly at NZD$4 per litre.
Hike
We have porters who carry our luggage so you will only need a small backpack to carry the items you need for the day: water, camera, extra layer, rain jacket, sunglasses, sunblock, small first-aid kit etc.
Sleeping bags are provided; you don’t need to bring any bedding with you on your trip. Some people prefer to bring their own sleeping bag liner - these can be purchased in Thamel, Kathmandu for approx NZD$10.
There is always electricity. Sometimes there can be power cuts but they often don’t last long. On your hike you will be able to charge your phone or other items that needing charging, however there can often be queue to do so. Power banks are good idea.
Wifi is available in the main centres at no cost (hotels and cafes/ restaurants will provide codes). On your hike, guesthouses often charge for wifi access - approximately NZD$3-$5.
Sim cards can be purchased in Kathmandu with unlimited data for approx NZD$10
You will need a travel adapter or Type M or D socket. I have copied in an image. We are able to source these in Nepal.
Connect
There is no need to bring any cash to Nepal other than your USD for your Visa entry. There are ATMs everywhere and easily accessible after you have checked in to your hotel.
Advise your bank that you are going overseas, so they don’t cancel your cards.
The shopping in Nepal is so much fun! You’ll find puffer jackets, puffer vests, rain jackets, hats, caps, active wear, sunglasses, jewellery, all hiking gear, cashmere scarves and blankets, amazing artwork, and much more all for incredible pricing. Most our travellers are so surprised by how good the shopping is that they have to purchase an extra Northface bag to take it all home in.
Example costs (in NZD): puffer jacket$30-$50; kids puffer jackets $10, Northface thick wind/rain proof jacket $20-30; waterproof pants $15, cashmere blankets from our favourite and supported shop Women's Skills Development Organization NZD$60 and their beautiful thick scarves $30.
Spend
You must have travel insurance before landing in Nepal.
If you are on our Everest Base Camp tour, please ensure you have cover for hiking over 4,000m.
Adventure+ Cover: includes trekking (that doesn’t require specialist climbing equipment) that reaches an altitude between 4,000 metres and 6,000 metres above sea level, if the trek takes more than two days to complete. Our Adventure+ Cover will also insure your fully guided Mount Everest Base Camp trek or the Kokoda Trail.
Insure
It is your responsibility to ensure you have the essential vaccinations for Nepal. Here are two useful links with vaccination information when travelling to Nepal:
If you are on our Everest Base Camp Tour, altitude pills are highly recommended - a common one is called “Diamox” (Acetazolamide). There seem to be varying instructions provided on how often to take these, but we are happy to share our traveller experiences so to help you be comfortable with your plan.
Vaccinate
Visa
Tourist Visa for Nepal is paid for on arrival with USD. You can fill out your arrival form online prior to departure - this will last two weeks, so make sure you don’t do it too early. Print the form and ensure you have the correct amount of US Cash: up to 15-days in country USD$25, over 15-days in country USD$50.
You will need both a photo of your passport, and a passport sized photo that you can upload to the application form;
Entry point: Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA);
Address in Nepal: Ramada Encore by Wyndham Kathmandu Thamel.
There is no need to apply for trekking visas or permits as this will be arranged by Dil, our contact in-country.
We offer a Summit Deposit Guarantee - your $500 tour deposit is refundable for 14 days after booking.
50% of your tour cost is due 90 days prior to your tour start date.
Your tour balance is due 60 days prior to tour start date (unless prior arrangement with part-payments being made).
Make sure you are aware of our cancellation policy by reading our Terms and Conditions, and ensure you have travel insurance in case you need to claim anything.
