Frequently asked questions Nepal

After booking, you will first receive an email confirming that we have received your reservation correctly. We will then start arranging and reserving everything for your journey. Once this is completed, you will receive an invoice for 20% of the trip cost.

You will also receive a detailed online magazine with information about travelling or trekking in Nepal. About three weeks before departure, we will send you another email with the latest travel information and our phone numbers.

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory when booking a trip with us. Please make sure that emergency evacuation by air ambulance or helicopter rescue is included in your policy. These costs can become very high if you are not insured.

We also strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance.

Yes, you need a tourist visa for Nepal. The easiest option is to arrange the visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport. You can complete the online application form in advance via https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np, print the form or save the QR code, and pay upon arrival.

You will need a passport photo, and your passport must be valid for at least six months. We recommend bringing cash in US dollars or a credit card to make the payment process smoother.

Alternatively, you can arrange the visa fully in advance through the Nepalese Embassy in Brussels or the Consulate in the Netherlands. Since 2024, this process can also be completed entirely online.

There are no mandatory vaccinations for Nepal unless you are travelling from a yellow fever risk country. However, vaccinations against DTP (diphtheria, tetanus and polio), hepatitis A, and typhoid are recommended.

For longer stays or more adventurous trips, vaccinations against rabies and hepatitis B may also be advised. We recommend consulting a travel doctor or vaccination center in your area well in advance, ideally at least six weeks before departure.

Don’t forget to bring a small personal first-aid kit as well.

We work as digitally as possible. Your travel itinerary is created in our software, and after booking you can download your itinerary as a PDF or use the app, allowing you to consult your trip details easily during your journey.

Hotel vouchers, flight tickets, and any other travel documents will be handed over to you after your arrival in Kathmandu during a short meet & greet session.

Nepal has a variety of climate zones, so layering is essential. For a tour, comfortable hiking and travel clothing, a fleece or sweater, a rain jacket, good hiking boots, and possibly a scarf or buff for dust and temperature changes will suffice. If you’re going hiking in the mountains, you’ll need additional gear such as thermal underwear, a sleeping bag (which you can rent from us), hiking poles, sun protection, and a good backpack. We’ll provide you with a detailed packing list tailored to your trip.

Nepalese cuisine is simple yet flavorful. The national dish is “dal bhat” (rice with lentil soup and vegetables), but in tourist areas you’ll also find Western dishes, pasta, curries, and vegetarian options. Tap water is not safe to drink. We recommend buying bottled water or using a water filter or purification tablets. During our treks, we provide hygienically prepared meals and plenty of drinking water.

Yes, but roaming charges are high. Upon arrival, you can purchase a local SIM card (Ncell or NTC) that allows you to make calls and browse the internet at low cost. You’ll need a copy of your passport and a passport photo. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafés, and popular hiking areas, though the speed can sometimes be limited. We’re happy to help you activate your SIM card upon arrival.

Tipping is customary and constitutes a significant portion of the income for guides, drivers, and porters. As a general guideline, our clients typically give 3 euros per day, per person to guides, and slightly less to porters or drivers, depending on the length of the trip and their satisfaction. Of course, this is entirely optional, but it is greatly appreciated. In restaurants, a 5–10% tip is customary if no service charge has been added.

Certainly. Be sure to bring an adequate supply of your prescription medications, in their original packaging and accompanied by a doctor’s prescription. It’s also helpful to carry a medical summary in English. For emergencies, there is access to good private clinics in Kathmandu, and in tourist areas there are usually small medical posts. On treks, our guides carry a basic first-aid kit, and we always have a backup plan in case of medical issues.

Absolutely! Nepal is a child-friendly destination with plenty to offer: wildlife spotting in Chitwan, rowing on Phewa Lake in Pokhara, visiting colorful markets in Kathmandu, and even taking easy, kid-friendly hikes. We tailor the itinerary to the pace and interests of children and ensure plenty of rest breaks. Nepal is also ideal for multigenerational trips, as there is something for everyone.

Yes, Nepal is generally a safe destination, especially for organized tours like ours. Crime targeting tourists is rare. Of course, it’s still important to stay vigilant: keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places and leave valuable documents in the hotel safe. In terms of health, food hygiene and safe water consumption are important. We provide all practical tips and ensure you are well-prepared before departure. During treks, we are always in contact with your guide and have emergency procedures in place if necessary.

The official currency in Nepal is the Nepalese rupee (NPR). Banknotes are available in denominations of 1,000 NPR, 500 NPR, 100 NPR, 50 NPR, 20 NPR, 10 NPR, and 5 NPR. It is not possible to purchase Nepalese rupees at banks in Europe; this can only be done in Nepal itself. There are ATMs and currency exchange offices at the airport, but you can also take care of this later in Thamel. We always recommend bringing cash in euros and a working debit card (make sure to activate your card for use outside Europe before you leave).

No, the voltage here is 220 V, and the outlets are designed for two-prong plugs. An adapter can sometimes be helpful if the plug doesn’t fit snugly in the outlet.

Nepal is 4 hours and 45 minutes ahead of Belgium and the Netherlands during our standard time, and 3 hours and 45 minutes ahead during daylight saving time. This results in a significant time difference due to the “quarter-hour time zone.” Keep this in mind when planning communications or adjusting to jet lag after arrival.

Nepal has three distinct seasons that are ideal for travelers:
1. Spring (March–May): pleasant temperatures, blooming rhododendrons, great for trekking and sightseeing.
2. Fall (October–November): clear weather, the most popular time to visit.
3. Winter (December–February): cool to cold, especially in the mountains, but suitable for lower-altitude treks and cultural tours.
4. Summer (June–September) is monsoon season: heavy rain makes trekking less appealing, but cultural tours and treks on well-maintained trails can still take place.

Three weeks before departure, we’ll email you the latest travel information, including our phone numbers. You can also share our contact information with your loved ones back home in case of an emergency. Of course, we’ll remain easily reachable via email as well. A few days before your arrival, we’ll create a WhatsApp group. During the trip, we’ll mainly communicate via WhatsApp and by phone.

We provide safe, private transportation with reliable drivers. Our vehicles are comfortable and suited to the size of your group. In some cases, we use domestic flights, for example from Pokhara to Kathmandu or to the starting point of a trek. Here, too, we prioritize comfort, safety, and accessibility for all ages. Our drivers usually speak limited English, but they are friendly and experienced.

That depends on your personal expenses. Breakfast, lodging, and transportation are included in our tours. For tips, drinks, snacks, souvenirs, and meals not included in the tour, you can expect to spend about €20 per person per day. During treks, everything is usually included except for drinks, desserts, and personal expenses. Payment options are limited in remote areas, so we recommend bringing enough cash, preferably in Nepalese rupees.

Yes, most hotels offer laundry service. On guided tours, you can usually have your clothes washed every few days. On treks, it depends on the route: on popular teahouse trails, there are often basic laundry facilities, though clothes can take a while to dry. We recommend bringing a few quick-drying items of clothing and, if possible, a clothesline.

All Nepalese airlines are on a list of airlines that are not permitted to fly in the EU because they do not meet the required EU safety standards. This means they are not allowed to fly in European airspace. Of course, Nepalese airlines must comply with Nepalese safety requirements, but these are not as strict as European ones.

We have had good experiences with the following airlines: Buddha Air, Tara Airlines, Yeti Airlines, Summit Air, Simrik Airlines, or Sita Air. We usually use these airlines for longer distances or hard-to-reach destinations within Nepal.

In Nepal, domestic flights are operated by small propeller planes that typically fly using radar. This means that if it is too cloudy or if the weather is bad, these flights may be unable to depart or may experience significant delays. This is for the safety of the passengers.

When taking a domestic flight in Nepal, you need to be flexible and keep in mind that your itinerary may change. In some cases, you may have to wait several hours at the airport. In other cases, your flight may be canceled that same day.

Stomach problems are common, especially in the first few days. Be sure to bring OR S-salt, anti-diarrheal medication (such as Imodium), and, if necessary, a course of antibiotics after consulting your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids and eat easily digestible foods. Our staff is always available to help and knows where to find the nearest medical assistance. In the event of severe or persistent symptoms, we will arrange for professional medical care.

Although Nepal is generally safe, natural disasters (such as earthquakes or heavy rain) or political unrest may occur. We monitor the situation closely and are in direct contact with our guides and local partners. In case of an emergency, we will arrange alternative routes or evacuations and will remain in constant contact with you and your family.

We only offer treks led by an experienced, English-speaking guide. This means you cannot book a trek with us without a guide. There are several reasons for this: your safety, the fact that we cannot handle the logistics without a guide, and the need to support the local economy. However, you can choose to go on the trek without a porter and carry your own luggage.

Not every trek takes place in high-altitude areas, but when it does, we always ensure there is sufficient time for acclimatization. Our treks are structured so that your body can adjust gradually. We deliberately choose itineraries that build up gradually, and our guides are trained to quickly recognize symptoms of altitude sickness. For people over 55 or families with children, we select hikes at lower or moderate altitudes if desired.

Altitude sickness can occur at elevations above 2,500 meters. We deliberately structure the itinerary to allow for a gradual ascent, with plenty of acclimatization days. Listen to your body, stay well-hydrated, and get extra rest if you experience mild symptoms. We provide detailed information in advance, and your guide is trained to recognize symptoms. In case of an emergency, we can respond quickly.

Most teahouses offer phone charging, but this often comes at a cost and isn’t guaranteed everywhere. To be on the safe side, bring a power bank and set your device to battery-saving mode. In some remote areas, there’s no electricity at all, or the solar panel only works in good weather.

In many villages, cell service is limited, especially along popular routes such as Annapurna or Langtang. Wi-Fi is sometimes available in the lodges (for a fee), but it’s slow and unreliable. In remote areas such as Tsum or Nar Phu, there’s often no service at all. So be sure to let your family know in advance that you’ll be offline for a few days at a time.

Teahouses usually have simple, Western-style, or squat toilets, but hygiene standards vary. Be sure to bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer. When hiking, you’ll be using the outdoors—so be sure to bring a small shovel or biodegradable bags.

The food in the mountains is simple but nutritious: plenty of rice, lentils (dal bhat), potatoes, noodles, vegetables, and sometimes eggs. Meat is rarely recommended due to limited refrigeration options. On popular routes, the menu is often surprisingly varied. We’ll provide information in advance about what to expect, even if you’re vegetarian or have other dietary preferences.

No, never drink tap water directly. You can use a water filter bottle, water purification tablets, or boiled water (often available at lodges). Avoid plastic bottles, especially during treks, to minimize waste in the mountains. Your guide will always advise you on the safest way to use water during your trek.

You’ll only be carrying a daypack with water, sunscreen, rain gear, a camera, and some snacks. The rest of your luggage will be carried by a porter. We recommend a daypack with a capacity of 20 to 30 liters. Make sure it’s comfortable, especially on longer hikes. Every evening, your guide will give you a briefing on what you should pack in your daypack for the next day.

We provide dust- and waterproof duffel bags for transporting your luggage. It’s best if you pack your own luggage into a flexible bag or suitcase and then place that inside the duffel bag. That way, you can immediately take your own bag out of the duffel upon arrival. Since two people will be sharing the duffel, the total luggage you bring can weigh a maximum of 18 kg (so 9 kg per person).

That depends on the season and the altitude. In the spring and fall, temperatures in higher-altitude villages can drop below freezing at night. The lodges provide blankets, but we recommend bringing a warm sleeping bag (rated for temperatures down to -10°C) or renting one from us. During the day, it’s often pleasantly warm in the sun.

For most treks, you’ll need to bring your own sleeping bag. If you don’t have a good sleeping bag, you can rent or buy one in Kathmandu. If you’re trekking in the summer or in lower-altitude areas, blankets are usually available. However, we strongly recommend bringing a liner (sheet bag) for hygiene reasons.

Our guides are trained in first aid and know how to handle fatigue, altitude sickness, stomach problems, or injuries. They will arrange for medical assistance or adjust the itinerary as needed. In serious cases, we can organize assistance such as a descent or evacuation. So you’re in good hands, and we always take your physical limits into account.

We always have a Plan B ready. In case of fatigue, altitude issues, or an injury, we can take a shorter route or arrange transportation to the next village. Our guides are experienced in adjusting the itinerary so that everyone can enjoy the trip at their own pace. For private tours, we can even completely reschedule the entire program. If this incurs additional costs, you can pay them on-site.

A trek in the Everest region always carries a risk: domestic flights are often canceled. This is because these small planes fly by visual reference, so if the weather is bad and there are too many clouds, they cannot take off. In that case, they wait to see if a flight might be possible later in the day. If not, the tickets are rescheduled for the next day. You can then choose to pay extra to fly to Lukla by helicopter, or possibly rebook your trek to another, more accessible region. This will be discussed and arranged with you on-site.

Tipping is customary in Nepal and is greatly appreciated. As a general guideline, many travelers (couples) give about €5 to €10 per day for a guide and €3 to €6 per day for a porter, per traveler. On group tours, a collective amount is often collected. We’ll provide you with clear guidelines on appropriate tips before departure, so you don’t have to worry about this.

Yes, please! We encourage our travelers to leave a review on platforms like Google, Facebook, or TripAdvisor. It’s a huge help to future travelers, and it means a lot to us as a small, locally-based travel agency. You’re also always welcome to email us a report or feedback directly.

We take your feedback seriously. We discuss both positive comments and areas for improvement with our team. After each trek, we also evaluate the guides and porters based on your experiences. The guides come to the office after every trek for a debriefing, during which they also provide their feedback. This allows us to continuously monitor and improve our quality.

Absolutely! Many travelers form a close bond with their guide or porter. Feel free to send them a message via WhatsApp or social media if you have their contact details. If you’ve lost them, we’ll be happy to help.

Yes, that’s possible. Some travelers would like to contribute to projects or families they met during their trip. We can help you make a donation or support a project in a responsible way, for example through our network of local partners.

We’d love that! We enjoy receiving photos, videos, and stories from our travelers. With your permission, we can use them on our website or social media to inspire future travelers. You can email them to us or tag us on Instagram or Facebook.

Absolutely! Many of our travelers return for a second or even third trip, sometimes with different family members or friends. Since we tailor everything to your needs, we can create a completely new itinerary for your next trip—with or without trekking.

Yes. You can sign up for our newsletter, where we share new travel ideas, updates about Nepal, and tips. Follow us on social media for photos, stories, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of Kathmandu.