| Immigration Requirements |
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A visa is required to enter Nepal. This can be obtained by application to the Nepalese Embassy in your own country. Alternatively a visa can be obtained upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport. You will need US$30 in cash and one passport sized photograph. Please ensure that you have enough cash in denominations of 10s and 5s since the Immigration Officers require the exact money.
| Insurance |
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We INSIST that an appropriate insurance policy is taken out which covers travel in isolated and mountainous areas, and which also includes helicopter rescue. We recommend that you consult a reputable travel agent or insurance specialist.
| Health Issues |
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We recommend that all clients consult their doctor to discuss the health issues associated with their trek. We also recommend that clients bring their own personal first aid kit to supplement the comprehensive first aid kit carried by the Trek Leader.
Vaccinations Required
Please ensure that you allow at least 1 month to complete a course of vaccinations. Whilst your personal doctor will be the final authority, we recommend the following :
- Poliomyelitis
- Tetanus
- Typhoid
- Rabies
- Meningococcal
- Immunoglobulin (for Hepatitis A)
Malaria
Nepal is listed as a country for which malaria prophylaxis is advised. We will not be visiting any malarial areas on the treks, however you may wish to consult your doctor about the need to take malaria pills. Trekkers who plan to do rafting and jungle excursions are advised to take the necessary medication to protect against malaria.
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| Money |
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The unit of currency in Nepal is the rupee. In June 2007 the exchange rate was
1 US Dollar = 65 rupees
1 UK Pound = 128 rupees
1 Euro = 87 rupees
Foreign currency can be exchanged in most hotels, banks and at money changing stalls, and all major currencies are accepted. Credit cards are also accepted in most tourist shops (at a 3-5% surcharge). Joint venture banks - Nepal Grindlays Bank, Nepal Arab Bank, and Himalayan Bank - will advance cash against credit cards. The ATM in The Kathmandu Guest House also advances local currency against a credit card.
We recommend that all trekkers carry some rupees, in small denominations, with them on the trek to cover their personal expenses. However the preferred currency in Nepal is the US dollar and this can be used to pay for personal expenses on most of the popular trekking trails. We recommend that you bring this currency in small denominations.
In order to help you budget for additional expenses that are not included in the trip price, the following list gives an indication of what is required:
- Visa - as already mentioned US$30 is required for the Nepalese Visa, if gained upon entry.
- Meals in Kathmandu - accommodation at the hotel is bed and breakfast. Allow a total of US$20 per day for meals whilst in Kathmandu.
- Sightseeing and transport in Kathmandu - an allowance of a further $10 per day will certainly cover transport costs in and around Kathmandu.
- Personal expenses on the trek - again $10 per day will cover items such as soft or alcoholic drinks and chocolate bars etc.
- Gifts - many visitors to Nepal like to take home gifts. Many wonderful momentoes can be purchased cheaply and usually paid for by credit card.
- Tips - this is entirely optional, but most clients will want to tip the local team of porters and other staff. The amount is a purely personal decision but on average is around $2.50 per trekker per trekking day. Note that there is usually a slighter higher tip given for a succesful ascent to the sherpa climbing guides.
- Kathmandu Departure Tax - on flying out of Nepal there is an airport departure tax of R1695.
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