Nepal

ℹ️ Essentials

• Immigration:

  1. Fill in Visa On-arrival up to 15 days prior to your arrival and save the softcopy.

  2. Upon arrival at the airport, proceed to "Visa fee collection counter" to make payment. They accept USD, SGD, NPR, and other major currencies.

  3. Proceed to the Immigration Desk with your online form,  payment receipts and your passport.

  4. More information here https://immigration.gov.np/en/page/tourist-visa

• Tourist visa: 15 Days (30 USD), 30 Days (50 USD), 90 Days (125 USD).

• Power plug: Type C, D, M. Most of the places have universal power points.

• SIM card: SIM cards are generally budget-friendly and can be purchased from the airport upon arrival. Major mobile providers in Nepal are Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NTC).

• Messaging App: WhatsApp

• Cash vs Card: Cash (NPR) is preferred especially on treks.

• ATM charges: About USD 5 (NPR 625) per withdrawal. Withdrawal limit is NPR 20,000 per transaction and varies among different banks.

Kathmandu has a bunch of great areas that work well as a base for treks, depending on your vibe and budget. Here are the top neighborhoods and some recommended places to stay:

🥾 Trekking in Nepal

Engaging a trekking guide in Nepal offers many practical, cultural, and safety-related benefits, especially given the challenging terrain, high altitude, and local nuances. Here's why hiring a guide is highly recommended (and sometimes mandatory):

Navigation & Route Expertise

• Trails in Nepal, especially in the Himalayas, can be unmarked, confusing, or altered by landslides, snow, or seasonal changes.

• Guides know alternate routes, tea house locations, and trail conditions in real-time.

Cultural Insight & Local Knowledge

• A guide helps you understand the culture, religion, and customs of local communities (Gurung, Sherpa, Tamang, etc.).

• They act as a bridge for communication in villages where few people speak English.

Safety & Emergency Support

• If you face altitude sickness, injury, or bad weather, a guide can assess the situation, arrange evacuation, or assist in getting help quickly.

• They are trained in first aid and altitude-related issues.

Permit Handling & Regulations

• Certain trekking areas (e.g., Annapurna, Manaslu, Mustang) require TIMS cards, restricted area permits, and local entry passes, your guide arranges these.

• As of recent regulations (2023 onwards), solo trekking is banned in some regions, and a licensed guide is mandatory (especially for Annapurna and Manaslu).

Local Economy & Ethical Travel

• Hiring a local guide supports Nepal's tourism industry, especially after earthquakes and the pandemic.

• It promotes ethical tourism by directly benefiting local communities.

Logistics & Stress-Free Travel

• Guides help book teahouses, arrange porters, and often know the best places for food, rest, or sightseeing.

• They handle logistics, freeing you to focus on the experience.

Do You Have to Hire One?

• Yes - in many regions now (especially popular or restricted areas), a guide is mandatory for safety and regulation compliance.

• No - in some open regions like parts of the Everest region (if you're very experienced), but it's still highly advisable.

🙏 Basic Etiquette with a Guide

When hiking with a guide in Nepal, respecting the local culture, professional relationship, and Himalayan conditions is key. Here’s a breakdown of the basic etiquette to follow when engaging a trekking guide in Nepal:

Before the Trek

Choose a Licensed Guide

• Ensure your guide is registered with the Nepal Tourism Board or a reputable agency.

• Clarify what's included: fee, permits, accommodation, meals, porter services, etc.

Be Transparent

• Share your fitness level, trekking experience, medical concerns, and preferences early.

• If hiring independently (not through an agency), confirm all details in writing.

During the Trek

Be Respectful and Courteous

• Use polite language and treat your guide as a professional, not as a servant.

• In Nepalese culture, humility and respect go a long way.

Listen to Their Advice

• Guides know the terrain, weather, and how to spot altitude sickness. Follow their recommendations, especially regarding pace and rest.

Communicate Clearly

• Let them know if you feel unwell or need to adjust the plan. They appreciate honesty.

Mind the Group (if not private)

• Keep pace with the group, don’t rush ahead or lag behind without notifying the guide. Do not let the guide lose sight of you unless notified and agreed.

Don’t Skip the Cultural Respect

• Your guide may help you enter monasteries, homes, or villages. Follow local customs (e.g., removing shoes, not touching sacred items).

• Ask before photographing people or religious sites.

Avoid Overloading Your Guide

• If you’ve also hired a porter, let them carry the bulk. Guides typically only carry light gear unless agreed otherwise.

• Respect their working hours and don’t expect 24/7 service or meal prep unless included.

After the Trek

Tipping is Expected

Tipping is customary and important in Nepal:

• Guides: USD $5–10 per day (or more depending on the trek’s difficulty and service quality).

• Porters: USD $3–6 per day.

Say Thank You (Sincerely)

• A heartfelt thank-you, small gift, or group photo can mean a lot.

Leave a Review or Referral

• If your guide worked through an agency, leave a good review.

Hiring a guide in Nepal is more than just a service. It is often the start of a genuine human connection. Treat your guide with respect and warmth, and you’ll have a richer, safer, and more meaningful trek.

📝 Note to Self

❤️ Favourite accommodations:

• Thamel: 

• Boudha: ViaVia Boutique Hotel 

• Pokhara: Hotel Spring (Room 201)

(Try apartments for long term next time)

🧳 My Nepal Trips

(Click on link for itinerary)

1. 1 Apr 2025 to 7 Jun 2025 (68 days): EBC, ACT, Pooh Hill, ABC