Travel FAQ

Where is Nepal?

Nepal is landlocked country located in southern Asia couched between two Asian giants India and China. Nepal is geographically, culturally and linguistically diverse. The capital city of the country is Kathmandu, commonly known as ‘city of temples’ where we can explore traditional artistic beauty. Draped along the greatest heights of the Himalaya, Nepal is where the ice-cold of the mountains meets the steamy heat of the Indian plains. Moreover, it’s a land of yaks and yetis, stupas and Sherpas and some of the best trekking on earth. The Himalaya’s most sophisticated urban cultures took shape here, in the three great mini kingdoms of the Kathmandu valley- Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur – home to a world-class artistic and architectural heritage.

What is Nepal famous for?

Nepal is Known for Mt. Everest, highest peak in the world and Lord Buddha, who was the pioneer of Buddhist religion. Besides, among 14 eight thousand meters cross mountains in the world, eight are located in this naturally beautiful country. Nepal has been the focus of outstanding achievements in the world of peak climbing expeditions with the identification of more than one thousand peaks above 6,000 meters .Trekking through the Everest region offers astounding mountain views, an opportunity to take a glimpse into the life of world heritage sites, discovering variety of Himalayan flora and faunas, and an opportunity to explore the highest Buddhist monasteries in the world. Overall, Nepal is known for its hospitality and the local people believes in the mantra ‘Atithi Debo Bhaba’ (Guest are god).

Is Nepal politically safe and stable?

Nepal is one of the new democratic countries in the world with many active political parties, ideas, ideologies and leaders. As such there might be some disturbances in some parts of the country. But it does not and will not affect the daily life of the residents in the other parts. Life moves on as usual, unperturbed.

How to enter Nepal?

Nepal can be enter by two ways,

By air: Some of the major international airlines operating schedule services to Nepal are Nepal Airlines, British Airways, Biman Bangladesh, China South West Airlines, Druk Air, Gulf Air, India Air, Thai Airways, Qatar, Pakistan Air, Jet Air and Singapore Airlines. By air, you will arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport (only one international airport) located in the heart of Kathmandu City.

By Road: There are several entry points by land route mainly from Nepal / Indian borders; and China/Tibet Boarder.

• Kodari
• Kakarvita
• Birgunj
• Bhairahawa
• Nepalganj
• Dhangadhi
• Mahendranagar

Scheduled public as well as tourist buses run to and from Kathmandu. Traveling by bus is recommended if you can cope with 10 to 12 hours of long drive in return for a fascinating mountainous views and snail tail roads that meet above the clouds.

How difficult are Treks in Nepal?

Nepal has it all, even if you are a greenhorn or a veteran hiker, there’s something for anyone with a love for adventure. This is just the place for you to wet your footfalls.We are experienced in determining what’s most suitable for you according to your choices and how far you would want to go. No matter what level of trek you choose, you will enjoy the journey of your life on Nepal’s mountains. In a summary, treks are surely not difficult. However for the higher altitudes if you enjoy hiking wherever you are then treks above 3000-4000 m are not a problem. I bet you will love the peaceful and beautiful Himalayas of Nepal.

What preparation is needed for a Trek in Nepal?

We provide sleeping bags, down jackets for the Lodge to Lodge trek and tents, mattresses, kitchen equipment during the Camping Treks. However, trekking shoes, personal equipment and climbing equipment is up to you. Feel free to email us for a specific list of equipment we provide.

What is the food and accommodation like on Treks in Nepal?

This question is frequently asked by our guest. Your food and water is safe while you are on a lodge and camp trek. We ensure the food is hygienically prepared in your lodge. Moreover, our guides are the cooks while you are on a lodge trek, they check the ingredients for your meals before it’s prepared in the kitchen & make sure everything is okay. Most of the cooks in the local tea-houses are simply trained but experience has made them perfect. You will get boiled water in the lodges or you can purify the water with tablets and bottled sealed water in case of insufficient supply even though we are conscious about current environmental issues. Our crews are a good combination of well-trained guides i.e. Sherpas, Cooks, Kitchen staffs and Porters. Guides and cooks are technically, practically and theoretically well trained where as kitchen staffs and porters are practically trained well. While on a camping trek our foods prepared for you are delicious and hygienic. You will find different menus for each day on the trails during your entire trek. Tea-house trekking is a popular method of trekking in Nepal and has almost replaced camping trips. This style of trekking involves resting in teahouses or lodges scattered throughout the trekking route. In most cases, tea-houses are established & run by local families with facilities like accommodation and food. Some tea-house may also provide you with internet facilities. Moreover we provide you best service we can by well trained trek expert.

Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS) and safety measures needed while doing the trek?

In the case of a serious sickness which we hope wont happen, you will be rescued by a helicopter. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or be prepared to pay on your own after getting back in Kathmandu. Ask your guide to arrange a runner to the nearest communication point and inform office about requirement of a helicopter. While asking for the helicopter, please send name of the sick person and give exact location from where helicopter can airlift you. Do not leave the place although you are getting better once you have ordered Helicopter. Altitude Mountain Sickness [AMS] does not generally occur except in rare cases. Our itineraries are planned in a way that gives you enough acclimatization so you get used to the thin air above 3000m. Our safety measures are always in place before we commence on any trek above 3000m.

Do I need travel insurance to join any Trek?

Insurance is not available here for tourists. It is really important before any of our trips that you be protected against comprehensive expenses that may incur due to medical issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we don’t arrange or sell insurance. Your trip is more enjoyed with good travel insurance. In the event of any sickness or injury, the cost of emergency treatment and evacuation is pretty high. Therefore, travel insurance is strongly recommended for everyone who signs up with Himganga Treks. We strongly advise that you be careful while choosing a policy as some insurance has exceptions for adventure travel. Before buying insurance make sure your insurance company is aware of the Himganga Treks adventure itinerary that you are going to undertake and is agreeable to cover all activities being undertaken in the trip. Such as if you are planning trekking or climbing/expedition in Himalayas your insurance must cover emergency air ambulance/helicopter rescue including medical expenses. For a group tours in urban areas, your insurance coverage of ambulance or helicopter rescue is not mandatory, however it’s better to have them too. You need to send us your copy of your insurance policy (e.g. your insurance certificate) or carry it with you while you come on the trip.

Is dry foods available to buy in Trek trails?

Yeah, dry foods or packed foods are available in most villages that we trek through, especially on popular treks that most trekkers make a choice for before the trek.

Of course, most trekkers generally do their shopping in Kathmandu before heading to the mountains, but in the event of your forgetting to purchase your needs, the above mentioned items are available most times in different villages we hike through or at tea-houses that we lodge in on the trip.

Can we customize a private Trek?

Depending on the prevailing situation, you can modify it to some extent after consulting with your guide. However, the date of trek completion should always coincide with the original itinerary. You should keep in mind that this is an adventure trip into the remotest regions within the Himalayas in Nepal where many unforeseen events may contribute to the need for a change in itinerary. In such cases, we or your senior guide will suggest the best alternative similar to your original itinerary after consulting with the group.

Do you reserve rooms at the lodges before or during Treks?

We accommodate trekking groups in local lodges available on trail. As it is not possible to book the room days in advance, we send porters few hours ahead of the group each day to book the rooms.

Why to choose experienced trek leaders and reputed company?

We are a licensed trekking agency. We have been organizing tours, treks and expeditions for our valued clients since 1995. Your guide will be a local Nepali but a fluent English speaker. Most of our guides come from the mountainous regions of Nepal, above 3000m. They are carefully selected on the basis of their appropriate experience, leadership skills and personal aptitude. With an objective of sustaining local communities Himganga Treks only employs staffs from the different groups of Nepal’s diverse ethnic community including Sherpas, Gurung, Magar, Rai and Brahmin who have adequate knowledge about the culture, ecosystem, flora, fauna, geography, and history of Nepal. Moreover, we provide the guides who have gone through special training package programs like Intensive Wilderness First Aid, Trekking Guide Training, Eco Trekking Workshop & Adventure Meet, Rock climbing, Ice Climbing and Mountaineering (for expedition leaders) etc, which are certified and approved by government of Nepal.

Which month or season is favorable to trek/tour/expedition in Nepal?

The best season for visitors heading to Nepal is autumn (mid September-November) & spring {March to June}. The weather is highly pleasant  so are the mountain views. While spring season (March-May) is also considered a good season, the temperature is mildly warm in the lowlands while moderate at higher altitudes with plenty of opportunities to revel in the mountain views. It is also the time for flowers to blossom and the national flower of Nepal i.e. Rhododendron sweeps the ascending altitudes with its magnanimous color and beauty. Winter season (January-February) is also recommended for tours, safari and low altitudes trek below 4000m. But for some areas of Nepal, Tibet and India, summer season (June- August) are the best months because these areas are ‘rain shadows’ and monsoon is much lighter here.

What altitude will I be taken up to?

Going through our trekking itineraries will tell you we go the mile above the timberline, we do expedition climbs up to the summit of 7000m, both from Nepal and Tibet side. If you’re new to climbing in the Himalayas, we can offer advice on a peak, or if you have a particular one in mind we can make it happen.

On the Environmental Front, will be your company responsible?

Since we run a company that’s linked to tourism, we are obligated to keeping the environment clean, at any cost, no matter what. We are very serious about our environmental obligations & ensure that firewood is never used to cook food. Its true that tourism is taking a toll on natural green landscapes, we believe that all should committed to being a part of the solution for preserving Nepal’s natural beauty.