Visit Nepal for Trekking

If you are planning to visit Nepal for Trekking and it’s your first time, here are some helpful tips for first-time trekkers—a complete guide to trekking in Nepal. These tips are useful for all trekkers coming from around the world.

Nepal is one of the best countries for trekking, offering not only stunning Himalayan landscapes but also a variety of other adventure activities such as climbing, cultural tours, jungle safaris, white-water rafting, paragliding, and more. These exciting experiences attract thousands of trekkers and adventure seekers each year.

The country boasts a diverse range of trekking routes, from the world-famous Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang Regions to the less traveled but equally rewarding trails of Manaslu, Kanchenjunga, Upper Dolpo, and Upper Mustang.

Getting There in Nepal 

Nepal is a landlocked Himalayan nation situated between the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north and India to the south, east, and west. It is home to eight of the world's ten highest mountains, including Mount Everest, the tallest peak on Earth. For those traveling to Nepal by land, there are several entry points from both India and China. Tourist visas for Nepal are available on arrival at all major land border crossings with India and China.

For those arriving by air, numerous international airlines offer nonstop and connecting flights to Nepal. Notable airlines include Nepal Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Thai Airways, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, Jet Airways, Air India, Biman Bangladesh, Lufthansa, Oman Air, FlyDubai, Air Arabia, and Air China.

We recommend checking your flight details carefully and contacting us before your arrival in Nepal for trekking arrangements. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, obtaining a tourist visa on arrival is a straightforward and hassle-free process.

 

Visa and passport information

All foreign visitors to Nepal, except Indian passport holders, are required to obtain a visa. To apply for a tourist visa, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.

Tourist visas are available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, as well as at several land border entry points with India and China. The on-arrival visa process is generally quick and straightforward, although you may experience some queues during the peak tourist season. To avoid waiting in line, you also have the option of obtaining a visa in advance from a Nepalese diplomatic mission abroad. Please note that if you choose this option, you must enter Nepal within six months of the visa's issuance date. Your total stay in Nepal will be counted from the date of your entry.

If you are visiting Nepal for purposes other than tourism—such as business, study, volunteer work, or official visits—you must first enter on a tourist visa and then apply to change the visa category at the Department of Immigration by submitting the necessary documents.

The current visa fee for a 30-day stay is USD 50. Please bring cash in USD, EUR, or GBP to pay the visa fee, as Nepali Rupees are not accepted at immigration.

Tips for a First Time Trekker in Nepal

If you are planning to go trekking, climbing, or engage in other tourism-related activities in Nepal for the first time, careful preparation is essential to ensure a hassle-free experience—otherwise, you may miss out on many incredible things! Nepal is not only a beautiful trekking destination but also offers a breathtaking and unforgettable experience that leaves a lasting imprint on your mind.

Imagining the land of the Himalayas is never enough—you have to experience this natural paradise in real life. Nepal is an amazing country, rich in beauty, identity, and cultural values. From the remote corners of the Himalayas to the diverse landscapes, the cultural richness shines everywhere, showcasing its unique charm.

Trekking in Nepal is truly a remarkable experience you should not miss. Visiting ancient Himalayan villages makes you feel as though you're walking on Heaven's trail. You'll trek along rivers, through stunning valleys, breathe fresh mountain air, and explore diverse terrains. You’ll find yourself on rocky trails through alpine forests and past green yak and sheep pastures. Trekking in Nepal feels like a miracle—one that is profoundly moving and unforgettable.

You’ll also witness majestic peaks, including the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest, which draws adventurers from across the globe with its awe-inspiring beauty. But Nepal offers more than mountains—it’s a place where traditional tea houses, ancient monasteries, rich culture, and mouthwatering cuisine come together to create a truly unique experience.

Trekking is the best way to explore these wonders, but there are a few important things to know before setting off on your adventure. Let me guide you through everything you need to know before trekking in Nepal.

Money exchange rate and prices

Foreign travelers can conveniently withdraw Nepali currency from ATMs using Visa, MasterCard, or other debit cards. Additionally, most major foreign currencies—such as USD, Euro, Pound Sterling, Chinese Yuan, Swiss Franc, Singapore Dollar, Australian Dollar, and Canadian Dollar—can be exchanged in Nepal.

If you're looking for the best foreign exchange rates and locations, you can easily convert your currency at local banks or authorized money exchange centers in popular tourist destinations like Kathmandu and Pokhara. The exchange rates are regulated by the Nepal Rastra Bank, the central bank of Nepal, ensuring consistency across licensed facilities.

For convenience, you may also exchange smaller amounts at hotels, although rates may vary. Please note: Nepali banks do not accept old, torn, or dirty banknotes, so it is advisable to bring clean, crisp bills.

In Nepal, cash is generally preferred, even in hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls. For those using international debit or credit cards, ATMs are widely available in main cities and tourist areas. Most ATMs operate 24/7, with a maximum withdrawal limit typically between NPR 30,000 to 35,000 per transaction, and a processing fee of around NPR 500.

Before starting your trek, it is essential to exchange your currency in Kathmandu or Pokhara, as most trekking regions do not offer international money exchange services. You should also consult with your trekking operator or guide in advance to estimate how much money you'll need during your trek, as ATMs may not be available along remote trails.

Safety and security

When traveling in Nepal, safety is one of the most important aspects to consider, especially for those embarking on popular trekking adventures such as the Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Manaslu Circuit, or engaging in peak climbing like Island Peak. These high-altitude adventures demand physical preparedness and safety awareness.

At our company, your safety is our top priority, and we are committed to providing exceptional service to all our valued clients. Our professional guides are highly trained, licensed, and experienced in trekking in Nepal’s challenging terrains. They also have comprehensive knowledge of first aid and are equipped to respond effectively to any medical issues that may arise during the trek.

Trekking in Nepal often involves hiking above 4,000 meters, where altitude-related health risks such as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can occur. Our guides are trained to monitor symptoms, advise on appropriate medications, and make informed decisions about continuing or modifying the trek, including organizing emergency evacuations if necessary.

Caution is also required while walking on narrow trails, particularly those shared with porters, yaks, mules, and jokpe (yak-cow hybrids), especially during the peak trekking seasons. When you encounter these animals on bridges or narrow paths, always stay on the mountain side (the inner edge of the trail) to avoid the risk of being pushed off the edge.

By trekking with experienced guides and staying aware of your surroundings, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable journey through the breathtaking Himalayan landscapes of Nepal.

Drink a Safe drinking water

To maintain a healthy body while traveling in the Nepal Himalayas, travelers need to stay hydrated, and clean water is essential. Contaminated water is one of the main reasons trekkers fall ill and experience diarrhea, which can disrupt the entire Himalayan journey. Almost everywhere along the trekking routes in Nepal, especially on tea house treks, bottled water is available, except during camping treks. However, bottled water becomes increasingly expensive at higher altitudes.

Therefore, we highly recommend that all trekkers bring high-quality reusable water bottles suitable for boiling water, along with water purification tablets or filter bottles. Plastic bottles are harmful to the environment, so using reusable bottles helps protect the mountains. If you are concerned about finding places to refill your water bottles, don't worry — water sources such as taps, rivers, streams, and lodge supplies are easy to locate throughout the trekking regions of Nepal.

Travel insurance and insurance policy

The difficulty levels of trekking routes in Nepal range from easy to challenging due to the high altitude, rugged terrain, varying trek durations and rapidly changing weather conditions in the Himalayas. Therefore, there is always a risk of altitude-related illnesses and potential mishaps. Travel insurance is highly recommended for all trekkers planning to trek in Nepal.

Trekking in the Nepalese Himalayas requires practical experience at high altitudes, often above four thousand meters, making travel insurance essential. In the event of an accident that requires medical attention or emergency evacuation, the cost of transportation and treatment can be substantial. Your insurance must cover air ambulance services, medical expenses, and other potential travel-related risks such as delayed flights, and lost, stolen, or damaged baggage.

Your insurance policy should cover your entire itinerary in Nepal, including treks that reach elevations above five thousand five hundred meters, or the specific trekking route you choose. If not, you will be responsible for any unexpected expenses that may arise during your journey.

As part of the booking process for trekking and climbing adventures in Nepal, all trekkers are required to submit a copy of their comprehensive travel insurance certificate to High Pass Adventure.

How to Fit for Trekking in Nepal 

The key to successful trekking training is consistency and persistence. A step-by-step approach to training over the course of a month will help prepare you for your chosen trek in Nepal. According to feedback from past trekkers, ninety percent of those who trained with High Pass Adventure felt fit enough for their trek. However, some trekkers mentioned they were only just fit enough and wished they had done more exercise before the trek. Training that focuses on walking with a backpack, increasing ascents and descents, short runs (like jogging), and strength exercises can be particularly beneficial for trekking in the Nepal Himalayas.

We strongly recommend incorporating a variety of exercises into your training routine to prepare for your trek, and make regular physical activities part of your daily life to stay active. It is especially important to include outdoor trekking and climbing exercises in your training regimen. If you come from a flat area, start walking on flat terrain, but it’s also helpful to practice walking with a backpack weighing between five to fifteen kilograms. This type of training will help you become well-prepared and ensure an unforgettable trekking experience in Nepal.

Trekking in Nepal can vary greatly in terms of daily duration, ascent, descent, and altitude. It’s also important to consider the trekking packing list, food, and hydration, all of which play crucial roles during training. By preparing in advance, you can avoid common issues like fatigue, blisters, digestion problems, or sore legs and shoulders after the first day of trekking.

Best Time to Trekking in Nepal 

The first priority when planning your trek is to determine the date and gather the necessary trekking gear. Trekking in Nepal is possible year-round, but we recommend focusing on the best trekking destinations, especially for first-time trekkers. The two main trekking seasons in Nepal are the Autumn Trekking Season (September to November) and the Spring Trekking Season (March to May). It is important to consider the right time for trekking in Nepal, and these two seasons are considered the best times for trekking in the region.

Autumn season Trekking in Nepal (September, October, November)

Autumn is considered the best time of the year for trekking in Nepal and is also known as the post-monsoon period, as rainfall is minimal during this season. However, it's important to be cautious, as light rainfall can still occur in September. The temperature and weather are generally moderate and favorable for trekking. Daytime temperatures typically range from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius, and you will notice a decrease in temperature as you ascend to higher altitudes. Nights can be colder, but with proper warm gear, you will stay comfortable. Overall, autumn provides ideal weather and temperatures for trekking in Nepal.

Spring Season trekking in Nepal (March, April, May)

Spring is the second-best time of the year for trekking in Nepal. The natural beauty during this season is at its peak, as it is considered the pre-monsoon period when nature reveals its hidden charm. The landscape regenerates its lost vibrancy, and you’ll be surrounded by blooming rhododendron flowers while trekking in the Nepal Himalayas. The number of trekkers during spring is increasing due to the favorable weather, nature, and temperatures. Daytime temperatures typically range from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. While rainfall is generally uncommon, there may be occasional rain in mid-May, but with proper rain gear, you'll stay comfortable.

Off-season Trekking in Nepal (winter and summer)

Off-season treks in Nepal occur during the winter and monsoon seasons. Trekking during these times is less popular compared to the autumn and spring seasons. In the winter, temperatures in regions like Everest can drop below freezing, and the number of trekkers is significantly lower due to the cold. Many lodges and guesthouses remain closed, making it difficult to find accommodation. Walking on snow can also be challenging.

Similarly, the monsoon season, which spans from June to August, follows the spring season. During this time, the Everest region experiences heavy rainfall. The trekking trails become muddy, wet, and slippery, making walking difficult. As a result, very few trekkers venture to Nepal during the monsoon and winter seasons.

Trekking on Your Own or With a Guide

After you've set the date and time for your trek in Nepal, the next step is to consider the best time and weather for your solo trek or guided trek. However, hiring a guide can be more beneficial as it offers the opportunity to learn more about nature and local culture. An experienced trekking guide can also help you interact with local people and connect with other trekkers along the way, making your trip more enjoyable and rewarding.

Trained trekkers who are preparing for treks along famous routes of easy to moderate difficulty may do just fine without a guide. However, if you're new to trekking and planning to trek solo in Nepal, hiring a guide would greatly benefit you.

Famous trekking trails in the Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang regions attract trekkers of various experience levels, and some routes may not require a guide. You’ll need to plan your itinerary carefully, buy the necessary permits, and carry a trekking map and a comprehensive guidebook to assist you during your solo trek in Nepal.

On the other hand, if you're planning to trek in restricted areas like the Kanchenjunga Trek, Manaslu Region, Nar Phu Valley Trek, Upper Mustang Trek, Upper Dolpo Trek, and a few others, hiring a trained guide is mandatory, as trekking in these areas without a guide is not permitted.

Solo or Group Trekking in Nepal

There are both solo and Group Trekking options in Nepal, but some regions require trekking with a guide and in a group, while others do not. Trekking in Nepal is suitable for both solo and group treks, as each option has its benefits. It's important to consider these benefits before deciding on your trekking package, whether solo or group.

Generally, group treks are beneficial because the cost is usually lower, and the experience is more enjoyable. Trekking with a group allows you to share nature and culture with others, learn new things, and create lasting memories together. On the other hand, solo trekking may feel cheaper at first, but the costs can increase due to the difficulty of managing everything on your own. It can also lead to feelings of loneliness and boredom, making the trek less enjoyable.

Hiring a Guide or a Porter for Trekking in Nepal

We strongly recommend hiring a guide and porter for your trek in the Nepal Himalayas. A guide will be with you throughout the trip, helping you navigate easier routes and assisting with communication with local people. This is the best way to learn more about nature and culture during your trek. Additionally, hiring a porter is a great option as they will carry your bags and reduce the burden on you, making the trek more relaxed and enjoyable.

Overall, hiring both a guide and porter is the best choice for a stress-free trekking experience. Before booking your trekking package, let us clarify the costs for the guide, porter, or full board package. We will arrange your trip at a reasonable or budget-friendly cost, depending on your requirements.

If you're concerned about the cost of hiring a guide or porter, the rates can vary depending on the trekking route. Hiring a guide will typically cost around $25 to $30 per day, while a porter will cost about $20 to $25 per day. These costs include accommodation, food, daily salary, and trekking insurance for the duration of the trek.

Teahouse Trekking in Nepal 

The term "teahouse" can be confusing for trekkers from abroad, as it is often understood as a "hotel" or "lodge," where people eat and sleep during their trek in Nepal. Today, many local hotel businesses are run by educated and knowledgeable people, and they clarify that "teahouse" refers to accommodations and meals. Tea house trekking means you will spend the night and have meals at these teahouses during your trek in the Nepal Himalayas.

If you choose a teahouse trek in Nepal, these teahouses will provide services such as accommodation, food, showers, and even internet facilities, although they tend to be more basic compared to standard hotels. In essence, teahouse trekking is equivalent to lodge trekking.

Teahouse trekking routes are available in most trekking areas of Nepal, with the Everest, Langtang, Manaslu, and Annapurna regions being the most popular for teahouse trekking. These regions offer good accommodation and food, as confirmed by past trekkers and locals. Many trekking agencies offer teahouse treks, but we provide the best services at budget-friendly costs, with professional, English-speaking local guides.

In the past, trekkers used to do camping treks, carrying supplies such as tents, cooking utensils, cooking fuel, food, and other equipment. However, for teahouse trekking in Nepal, you only need to carry personal trekking gear and a sleeping bag. The itinerary can be adjusted depending on the region, culture, scenery, and the opportunity to experience the local lifestyle and culture.

The cost of staying in teahouses varies based on the region, remoteness, altitude, and services offered. Tentative costs range from $5 to $15 USD per night, depending on the area and the quality of services. Most teahouses are family-owned, providing a special opportunity to interact with local people and observe their culture.