• Himalayan Eco-Culture Treks & Research Expeditions

FAQs


  • How to enter Nepal?

Nepal can be entered in two ways:

By Air
Thirty international airlines connect Nepal with the rest of the world. We can find direct flights to Nepal from many countries, like Netherlands, UK, and America, but are limited to only certain airports. The most popular option is through connecting flights from either Dubai or Qatar. Qatar Airlines, Dubai Airlines (Emirates), Indi Go, Turkish Airlines, Air China, etc., are some popular airlines that serve all-year-round flights to Nepal.

By Road
Being landlocked, Nepal has access from all sides to enter through the road. You can enter through the Indian or Chinese border per your trip plan. During the hippie era, Nepal used to be very popular, and tourists used to enter Nepal via India to enjoy cultural and religious rejuvenation. Entry Points:
Kodari

Kakarvita
Birgunj
Bhairahawa
Nepalganj
Dhangadhi
Mahendranagar

  • What is Nepal known for?

Himalayas: More than 1300 peaks above 6000m, including the world’s 8 out of 10 highest mountains and world-renowned Mount Everest.
Religious Harmony: The birthplace of Gautama Buddha (founder of Buddhism) was born in Kapilvastu, Nepal. We can see the beautiful co-existence between Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam and the great myths and legends surrounding Nepal.
Cultural Diversity: 34 ethnic groups residing with their language, norms and values, fashion, and lifestyle make Nepal unique and a wanderlust. Those amazing community has also brought many gallant history and heritage sites that charms tourists.
Natural Beauty: With more than 6000 rivers, 25.4% of forest area, and astonishing geographical diversity that habitat more than 284 varieties of flora and 160 varieties of fauna, Nepal is a paradise for nature lovers. Scenic views and astounding discoveries make Nepal fan-favorite among the travel community.
Locals: With the matra “Atithi Deva Bhawa,” which means, “Guests are god,” Nepalese people are known for their warm hearts and unparalleled hospitality. Nepalese will charm its wanderers, and Nepal will make them fall in love.

  • What is the best season to trek in Nepal?

The post-storm period from September to November and the pre-rainstorm season from March to May are the best time for trekking in Nepal. The skyscraper is outstandingly incredible in winter, December till February, and generous snowfalls may hinder the convergence of high passes. Yet, trekking in low statures underneath 3000m is accessible throughout the year. In summer, June till August is a rainstorm season, and trekking is to a great degree wet; at any rate, in rain shadow districts, for instance, Upper Steed trekking in the tempest season is conceivable and beguiling.

  • Is the country politically shielded and stable?

The Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal follows the principle of mutual respect, non-interference, non-aggression, cooperation, and equality as its international political policy to ensure a neutral position. One of 420 political parties governs the country through the regular election every five years. Despite the democratic contradictions between parties in parliament, there isn’t any political, military, or guerilla warfare, making Nepal safe for its citizens and tourists.

  • Do I require travel insurance?

Travel insurance is a must if you plan to trek in the Himalayan region of Nepal. Many trekking routes of Nepal fall under the adventure trek, so you must buy the insurance that covers alpinism and emergency helicopter rescue. But if you are only planning to do city tours and short hikes, Travel insurance is entirely optional.

  • What will I have to bring while in the meantime trekking in Nepal?

Everything depends upon the time and stature of your trek. You may require Down Coat, warm wool coat, warm attire, trekking pants and shorts, a resting pack, trekking boots and a rucksack, a camera, and your medication.

  • How can I get a visa for Nepal?

You can get a Nepal visa on arrival. But if you want to acquire it before your trip, you must visit Nepal’s embassies and consulate in your country. You must bring two 35mm X 45mm size visa photos and a passport with t least six months of validity to apply for the visa on arrival.  

  • Do you help with Visas?

Himalayan Eco-Culture Treks and Research Expeditions will send you the visa form you can print and fill up beforehand. Once you land in Kathmandu, you can provide the filled-up form at the visa counter, making the process easier and quicker.

  • Does your association help to organize international flights?

Yes, we can help you with arranging and booking the international flights.

  • Will I be able to trek in the Himalayas without any previous experience?

Yes. We have many beginner-friendly Himalayan treks that can work as training grounds for the first-timer introducing the Himalayan trail identity to them. Though we suggest trying an easier trekking route, it is possible if you are reluctant about commencing a more adventurous trek on the first try. Still, it will ultimately depend upon your physical fitness. You must follow the guide’s leadership and our suggestions strictly for the trip’s success.  

  • What to wear in Nepal?

You can wear any dress according to your comfort. In the higher altitude, we suggest warm clothes, while cotton clothes will work fine in the lower altitudes. In remote places, especially religious centers like temples and monasteries, the communities can be a little conservative, so we may ask you to be respectful towards it by wearing non-revealing clothes.

  • What kind of food can we get in Nepal?

Nepali cuisine is famous for being straightforward and fulfilling. Despite the Indian and Chinese influences in many dishes, we can find that Nepali dishes are much healthier and appetent for all kinds of clients due to our species and cooking techniques. You can also try many local delicacies with a subtle and unique tastes. There are many specialty restaurants in the cities, such as French, Italian, Korean, Japanese, Indian, Chinese, etc. Still, during the trek, the menu limits simple Nepali dishes and famous international options, such as pasta, Chowmein, steak, etc. but with the local taste. We strongly suggest avoiding street foods unless you have an impeccable digestive system.

  • Is Nepal safe? Is a woman voyaging alone safe with your association?

Nepal is one of the safest travel destinations in the world. The humble and kind-hearted nature of the Nepalese is the reason for the warm hospitality and security for tourists in Nepal. Regardless of gender and age, tourists are respected and cherished in all parts of Nepal.

  • Would it be advisable for me to bring my very own prescription?

We encourage you to get your physician’s medical advice on prescriptions of the drugs and vaccines before traveling to Nepal, especially if you are already on any medications. However, we strongly suggest you do not take any medicines for altitude to develop tolerance.

  • What exactly degree will we walk around a typical day’s trekking?

Consistently you can envision five to seven hours of walking, covering 10 to 14 km. After 3500m, the events will be identical, yet you’ll cover 8 to 9 km. All our timetables are versatile and prone to change by atmosphere, land, and physical condition of the individual part.

  • What kind of accommodations can we expect during our trip?

Kathmandu
In Kathmandu, we will be using a 3-star hotel on twin sharing basis. You can choose to have a single room by paying a supplement. The rooms will be comfy with an attached bathroom and AC available. If you want to upgrade, we can provide you with more luxury accommodations in the 4-star or 5-star hotel category. You will be charged the difference accordingly.

Treks
During the trek, we will be using local tea-houses (also known as guesthouse/mountain accommodation). The simple rooms will be on a twin-sharing basis and typically consist of only two-bed, a hanger for clothes and sometimes a table. In remote and high-altitude places with only a few guest houses, one might have to share a dorm room (only during the high season and late booking conditions). Due to religious and cultural reasons, many tea houses have toilets/bathrooms outside the room and sometimes even a little away from the main building. We will try to provide you with an attached bathroom wherever possible.

  • Where and what should I buy souvenirs?

One can buy some souvenirs from their trekking destinations (which will be costly) or return to Kathmandu, where there is a whole section for souvenir shops in Thamel, Patan, and Bhaktapur. Clothes made of Pashmina, stationery and decorations made from Nepali papers, the National weapon of Nepal-Khukuri, Buddhist paintings-Mandala, local artists’ paintings, ornaments made from beads, and other materials, etc. are some of the most popular souvenirs in Nepal.

  • How much extra money should I bring for the trip?

Our trip packages include almost all the expenses for the trip. But if you want to bring extra money for your expenses and emergencies, we suggest an equivalent of USD 20 per day. Cards are accepted in the big cities like Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, Chitwan, etc. however; you may not get the same access in other towns. Especially on the trekking routes, you can only pay by cash.