FAQs

New Travel Advisory: Visa on Arrival for Nepal

As per the latest travel advisory issued by the Immigration Office, travelers to Nepal can apply for a visa on arrival by following these steps:

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Steps to Apply for a Visa on Arrival in Nepal:

Step 1: Fill the Arrival Card and Online Tourist Visa Form

  • Arrival Card: Complete the Arrival Card on your flight to Nepal or upon arrival at the airport.
  • Online Tourist Visa Form:
    • You can fill this form prior to your arrival by visiting the official website of the Department of Immigration (DOI) of Nepal.
    • Alternatively, Kiosk machines are available at the airport to fill out the form upon your arrival.
    • If you fill the form online, you will receive a submission receipt with a barcode. Print this receipt and bring it along with you.
    • Note: The receipt is valid for 15 days from the date of submission. After 15 days, it becomes invalid, and you will need to fill out the form again.

Step 2: Make Payment for Visa Fee

  • Payment for Visa Fee:
    • You will need to make the payment at the bank according to the duration of your visa requirement:
      • 15 Days – USD 30
      • 30 Days – USD 50
      • 90 Days – USD 125
  • Payment Methods: While there are various methods of payment (including online options), it is advised to carry cash to the visa fee collection counter for safety and convenience.
  • After payment, you will receive a receipt. Keep it safe for the next step.

Step 3: Proceed to Immigration Desk

  • Documents to Submit:
    • Online tourist visa form (either filled online or at the airport kiosk)
    • Visa payment receipt
    • Your passport
  • Submit all documents to the Immigration Officer at the desk for visa processing. The officer will review your documents and issue your visa if all is in order.

Gratis (Free) Visa Categories:

Certain categories of travelers are eligible for Gratis Visa (Visa for Free):

  • Children below 10 years of age
  • SAARC Citizens (except Afghanistan): Up to 30 days visa once in a given visa year.
    • Afghan citizens can only receive a visa on arrival if they are recommended by the Department of Immigration. If you are an Afghan citizen, your inviting institution in Nepal must coordinate with the DOI to process your visa.
  • Non-Residential Nepalese (NRN) card holders: NRN cards are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) or Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad.
  • Chinese Nationals: Citizens of China are also eligible for a Gratis Visa on arrival.

Important Notes:

  • Ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Nepal.
  • If you’re traveling with family, children under 10 years are eligible for the Gratis Visa.
  • Visa extensions may be possible in Nepal, but it’s advised to check the latest rules and regulations at the Department of Immigration website.

For more details and updates on the visa process, please visit the official website of the Department of Immigration, Nepal.

During the winter months (December to February), snowfall at higher elevations can make trekking challenging. Therefore, it is recommended to hike at lower altitudes, particularly those below 3000 meters. These areas are more accessible and offer stunning views while avoiding harsh weather conditions.

Popular trekking and tour options during this season include:

  • Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek: A scenic hike offering panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
  • Royal Trek: A relatively easy trek near Pokhara, suitable for those looking for a short, relaxed hike with beautiful landscapes.
  • Chisapani-Nagarkot Hike: A short trek around the Kathmandu Valley, offering great views of the Himalayas and a chance to explore local villages.
  • Chandragiri Hike: A hike to Chandragiri Hill, which provides a stunning view of the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding mountains.
  • Kathmandu Valley Tour: Explore the rich cultural heritage of Kathmandu Valley with visits to historic temples, palaces, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
  • Chitwan Jungle Safari: Experience the natural beauty and wildlife of Chitwan National Park with a guided jungle safari, including chances to see rhinos, tigers, and elephants.
  • Lumbini Pilgrimage Tour: Visit the birthplace of Lord Buddha, a significant religious site for Buddhists from around the world.
  • Tansen Palpa Tour: Explore the historic town of Tansen, known for its beautiful architecture and views of the Himalayas.
  • Pokhara Tour: Discover the serene beauty of Pokhara, with activities such as boating on Phewa Lake, visiting caves, and enjoying the mountain views.

These destinations offer excellent opportunities for trekking, sightseeing, and cultural exploration in the winter season.

Nepal is located in the heart of the Himalayan Mountain Range, nestled between China to the north and India to the south. The country is world-renowned for being home to Mount Everest, the highest peak on Earth.

If you come by air, we, Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition will meet you at Tribhuvan Airport. (we will display a Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition welcome sign).  If you come by road, we will arrange with you an exact location and time to meet.

Nepal lies in the Himalayan Mountain Range between China and India. Nepal is famous for its access to Mount Everest.

Nepal is a stunningly beautiful country.  From the colorful rice-paddy landscapes of the Foothills laying in the lap of Himalayas, to the high altitude villages surrounded by Yak pastures and built at the foot of Tibetan-Buddhist monasteries, Nepal offers a truly unique experience.  From ancient temple cities in the Kathmandu Valley, to world-class paragliding in Pokhara, to Buddha’s birthplace in Lumbini, to trekking to Mt Everest Base Camp, to the genuine warmth of its peoples, Nepal is unparalleled.

We arrange all the needs of guests in Nepal, from booking tours, lodgings, travel to treks and high altitude climbs. See our trekking / hiking / waking booking information via info@hvtreks.com   or send an email to us with your needs and questions.

You can receive a single-entry visa valid for 15/30/90 days at a cost of US$25/40/100 upon arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan Airport.  The fee is payable preferably in US dollars, but also in major currencies (at land borders officials require payment in US dollars, bring small bills). For use of bank cards, an ATM is available in the airport immigration hall.

Citizens of SAARC countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan
and Sri Lanka) are not required to pay visa fees for a 30 day visa.

Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter into Nepal.

You can get an Entry Visa at the Immigration Department at Tribhuvan International Airport. For visa extensions and problems, you will need to visit the Immigration Department of Nepal in Kathmandu.

Yes, you can bring legally approved medicines according to doctor’s prescription.

No, Traveler’s Insurance Policies are not available here.  Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition requires appropriate insurance when you are our client.  Please ensure your coverage includes all emergency medical, accident, and rescue expenses. When you arrive, we will need a copy of your insurance policy.  As well, you should inform your insurance agent or company of your itinerary while in Nepal.

Nepal is a very safe place.  Crime and violence rarely occur, and are culturally unacceptable.  Nepal’s political situation is stable and highly accommodating to tourists.  Nepalese people are very friendly and welcoming to visitors.  Foreigners are treated with the highest respect.

Due to its remoteness, Nepal is famous for its natural greenness.  In the populated Foothills, expect some air pollution due to road dust and agricultural burning.  Air quality in Kathmandu has become problematic as dust from infrastructure construction and renovation, along with unregulated vehicle pollution on hot sunny days can reach high levels.  The Nepal government is concerned and is adopting remedies.

There is a complete range of accommodations. Hotels may be booked from economical to 5-star. Family-run Guest Houses and Backpacker Hostels abound.

Restaurants and cafes are generally open until 10 p.m. Bars and clubs are opened up to  2  am in Nepal.

Yes, in today’s Kathmandu and Nepal local restaurants and cafes prepare food with, and serve filtered, sanitized bottle water.  Today’s Nepalese are quite conscious of proper health and cleaning procedures.

 

You can drive in Kathmandu and all through Nepal if you have valid international driving license.

For sure.  Hotels, guest houses, restaurants, cafes and most home stays offer wifi without charge. also mountain Trekking region  few places

Lhosar festivity.
several indigenous  communities in hilly and mountain areas celerbate Lhosar as the New Year festival. Festive activities like singing, dancing and feasting are observed across the country. Lhosar is celebrated for 15 days, with the main celebrations on the first three days. On the first day of Lhosar, a beverage called changkol is made from chhaang (a Tibetan cousin of beer). The second day of Losar is known as King’s Lhosar (gyalpo losar). Losar is traditionally preceded by the five day practice of Vajrakilaya. Although it often falls on the same day as the Chinese New Year (sometimes with one day or occasionally with one lunar month difference), it is generally not thought to be culturally directly connected to that holiday. It is culturally more related to Tsagaan Sar in Mongolia than to the Chinese New Year festivity. Lhosar is also celebrated in Bhutan, although different regions in the country have their own respective new years. The Sonam Lhosar, is celebrated by the Sherpas it mostly falls in the month of February. Tamangs, Sherpas and Gurungs celebrate Lhosar on different dates.

Happy new year 2022

 

Yes, We are keen to explore new destinations, particularly in India, Bhutan, and Tibet.

Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expeditions provides experienced service for domestic and international fight tickets.

Yes, we are always willing to provide service to our valued guests at anytime they need.

Everest, Annapurna, Langtang , Manaslu , Mustang  ,Poon Hill and Tsum Valley are the most popular hiking and trekking destinations.

Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition is happy to provide all the information you wish.  If you will be trekking to a high-altitude destination, HV Trek leaders will ensure you understand and follow the proper procedures for altitude accommodation.

It is not necessary to bring equipment. A large selection of gear, apparel is available both in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Any number of people, from solo to dozens can trek.  8 to 12 members is a comfortable number for a trekking group.

If you are physically fit and take regular exercise, if you feel enthusiastic about the trek, your experience will be good and rewarding.

Yes, however many popular destinations are closed during the monsoon months of July and August due to the rainy conditions.  Also in the winter months, higher altitude treks are not available due to cold and snow.

Weather in the mountains is notoriously difficult to predict. At night it is generally cooler, however the days are warm. Winter (January and February) will be bit colder but the days can be quite beautiful and warm if the sun is out. There will be snow during December, January, and February. It is important to stay warm and dry in any and all conditions. Expect the unexpected!

Average Temperatures in Nepal ( in Degree Celsius )

Height Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May
Kathmandu 16/28 14/26 7/22 1/20 1/18 4/20 7/25 12/28 16/30
1000 m 20/28 16/25 11/22 6/20 5/19 8/20 11/25 15/29 17/30
2000 m 13/22 10/21 4/17 1/14 0/13 1/14 4/18 8/22 12/23
3000 m 11/19 6/18 1/15 -2/13 -3/12 -1/13 2/16 5/19 8/20
4000 m 1/13 -3/12 -8/8 -10/6 -12/4 -10/5 -6/9 -3/12 -1/13
5000 m -1/10 -6/8 -11/6 -13/4 -18/3 -14/5 -8/7 -4/11 -2/12

 

It depends upon the season.  In Spring, Autumn, and Summer light clothes such as half pants and light shirts are worn during the days.  Early morning and evenings can be chilly, so warmer layers are added. In the winter season, cold weather apparel for at least -10 degree C is necessary for treks.  There are now garments made especially for trekking, using fabrics which wick bodily moisture while maintaining dryness, and which give protection from wind and sun and are light in weight.

 

Mount Everest lies in the north east central part of Nepal on the border with Tibet.  It is called the Sagarmatha District.

Lumbini lies at the south central part of Nepal below the city of Pokhara.  It is within the Kapilbastu District and is in the Terai region which runs along the border of India.

In 1953, Sir Edmund Hilary and Tenzing Norkey Sherpa were first.  Sir Edmund Hilary became a great friend to Nepal and started several worthy NGO’s to educate and provide heath care.

Junko Tawei, a Japanese women climbed Mount Everest in 1975.

Somewhere around 123 native languages are spoken in Nepal.

A Caste is a grouping in a society, usually by hereditary, occupation, or ethnicity.  Hindu, Indian, and Nepali societies traditionally function as caste Systems.  In Nepali, ethnicity, tribal groupings are the basis for a caste.  There are four major castes in Nepal based upon the Indian system of grouping by hereditary occupation, and thirty-six ethnic sub-castes with different languages and cultures.

81.3% of Nepalese are Hindu, 9.0% Buddhist, 4.4% Muslim, 3.0% Kirant/Yumaist, 1.42% Christian, and 0.9% other.

Most are of Mongolian hereditary. The Sherpa, Tamang, Gurung, and Rai are the larger caste ethnicities.  The Sherpa and Tamang are members of the Tibetan diaspora.

Most of Nepal lives in villages or suburban areas.  The population of Nepal is  29,033,914. The population of Kathmandu is 985,000.  The median age for the population is 23.6 years, for males: 22.4 years, for females: 24.8 years (2016 est.)  Population growth rate is 1.24% (2016 est.)  Birth rate is 19.9 births/1,000 population.  Death rate is 5.7 deaths/1,000 population (2016 est.)

Tilicho Lake is the highest lake at 4,919 m (16,138 ft).  It is a glacial lake.

September thru November, March thru May are the best times to visit Bhutan.  During these months the weather is good weather and festivals fall in these months.

June, July, and August are best for visiting the Himalaya regions of India.   Leh Laddakh, a Buddhist area, is a popular destination for trekking.

Yes, culturally women are responsible for cooking, but in Nepal there are no taboos about who can cook, and most people can cook.

No you can’t get insurance here.  All the probable rescue expenses ( helicopter rescue, air ambulance and  other treatment cost   brone by the insurance company) . Furthermore, we are not insurance company and we neither  sell insurance  company nor buy it.

We, Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition strongly recommend  travel insurance regarding sickness, injury and accident while you are  visiting Nepal. Make sure that your insurance policy is  aware with the itinerary of Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition. You should be aware with another important fact that you insurance policy should cover all the medical , injury , accident and rescue expenses while your ore in hiking,walking, trekking , bunjee jumping  and travelling with us. We need to have your copy of insurance policy   before starting your hiking, walking , trekking and travel in Nepal.

Yes. It depends upon the area of trek. If electricity facility is available there, you can charge the battery . In camping trek battery charging is not available however it is available in lodge trek.

You may. The popular trekking areas are safe and in most cases navigation is relatively easy. However with a guide you will get more out of the experience. Having a professional Nepali with you who knows the local customs and language insures you interact positively with the people you will meet in remote villages.  It also shows that you respect their culture.

Wake up tea is served  with greetings  early in the morning at wake up time. After 10 minutes of wake up tea , cook managed washing water .  We do packing of baggage and tents before breakfast. After having breakfast ,we start walking according to the plan of  trek leader. We have lunch   according to the suitability of time and place. One to one and half hour rest is available for rest while preparing food. After having food , we again start walking and reach to the camp .  Cook served tea or coffed before having dinner. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition Cook prepares Nepali, Indian and continental cuisine for the dinner.

We  have a cook to prepare food in Camping Trek. Cook prepares food according to his recipe with available food stuffs like cereals rice vegetable , flour , potatoes , pals available locally. So it is complete organic and  healthy too. However, foreign cuisines are also prepared that are bought from city area.

Camping trek is the classic style of trekking in Nepal and can be conducted almost anywhere in Nepal.Camping trek is done  in those trekking routes in which lodge houses and man made shelters are  not available. These treks are away from the more frequented trails and provide a wilderness experience in both natural and cultural aspect. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges Food   equipments ( tents, dining tent, kitchen tent , toilet tent , porters’ tent , porters  carry ,gamow bag for altitude  )  and medicine are carried along with the trekkers in this type of trek.

This depends on which tour/trek you are taking. Most walking holiday/lodge tours featured in this site are easy and most people with a normal level of fitness will enjoy the tour. For trekking/camping treks in remote areas, you must be able to comfortably trek uphill and down for about 4-5 hours a day. For all our tours/treks listed on this site, we have given grades of difficulty.  Please look at the information listed on the first page of each trek to see its level of difficulty.

At High Camp ,generally climbers wake up at  1 a m  .Nepali climbing guide prepare for equipments .Tourch and snow glass should be arranged by the climbers themselves for climbing .  Climbing guide provides basic knowledge of climbing before starting your climb. We take breakfast prepared by cook (Nepali staff) and    Lunch Pack (can be taken on the way). We start climbing around 2 am. You should follow climbing guide according to his advice.

You will be served wake up tea and hot water for your face wash prepared by cook (Nepali staff) Likewise he prepares breakfast for morning and Lunch pack  on  the way.We  wake up at 3 a. m and start our walking at 4 a.m.Walking is easy and pleasant at morning time. We are lucky  if our walking is in full moon days as we can see nice view of Himalaya  But , it is risky to walk after  noon because the strong wind blows after 12 noon. We arrange  and check all the necessary equipments  before one day of starting walk for pass.Spectacle and tourch light are important for walking on this day.

You need original passport and it’s photocopy, 6 copies of photograph of standard size and  travel insurance paper to visit Uppor Dolpo, Mustang, Tsum Valley ,Manaslu , Rara Lake Narphu Valley  Shey Phoksindo

You need permit and TIMS card ( Tourist Information Management System),photocopy of passport,photocopy of travel insurance paper  and 4 photographs of standard size  to visit government reserved areas like  Annapurna Conservation Area,Sagarmatha National  Park, Langtang Wildlife reservation  , Rara  National Park, Manaslu  Conservation Area ,Kanchanjungha , Makalu Barun Valley Area, Shivapuri National Park.

Field Team Leader will review the whole trip  according to the collected information from the guest and  add the improvements according to them for the next trip.

Himalayan  Vacation , Treks and Expedition is in frequent contact with its’ trekking team  . First of all, Himalayan Vacation, Treks and Expedition search the place of accident by using available resources .Furthermore, we contact the family members of team members for further steps necessary for rescue and treatment.Likewise, we  support insurance companies to recover losses as far as possible.

September, November, March and May are the best time to visit Bhutan because the weather is clean during this time and most of the festivals falls in this month in Bhutan.

The best time to visit  India is June ,July  and  August. Leh Laddakh , the famous  tourist place of  India is choosen  for  Hiking ,walking and trekking.

Except July and August, trekking is possible  in all months of year in Nepal  . Due to rainy season in July and August trekking is almost impossible in Nepal.

Yes, we are standby to provide service to our valued guests at anytime they need.

Nepal is  famous for its clean ,neat  and healthy environment. However, Kathmandu city is  somehow  dusty  as  the work of infrastructure construction and renovation is going on. Now , Nepal government is trying to reduce it with taking many remadies.

About 84% of people in Nepal are Hindus , 9% Buddhist  ,4%  Chiristian and 3% other  religion.

In most of the popular lodge trekking, you can get this facility  but also in limited areas.

Most of the people in Nepal live in Villages and suburban areas.  The population of Nepal is  2.75  million The population of Kathmandu  Metropolitan City is 985000.

Most of the Mongolians like Sherpa , Tamang  ,Gurung  and Rai  live in the Himalayan mountain  region of Nepal.

Weather in the mountains is notoriously difficult to predict. At night it is generally cooler  however the days are warm. Winter (January and February) will be bit colder but the days can be quite beautiful and warm if the sun is out. There will be bit of snow during the month of January, February and December. It is also important to make sure that you can stay warm and dry in just about any conditions. Expect the unexpected!

Average Temperatures in Nepal ( in Degree Celsius )

Height Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May
Kathmandu 16/28 14/26 7/22 1/20 1/18 4/20 7/25 12/28 16/30
1000 m 20/28 16/25 11/22 6/20 5/19 8/20 11/25 15/29 17/30
2000 m 13/22 10/21 4/17 1/14 0/13 1/14 4/18 8/22 12/23
3000 m 11/19 6/18 1/15 -2/13 -3/12 -1/13 2/16 5/19 8/20
4000 m 1/13 -3/12 -8/8 -10/6 -12/4 -10/5 -6/9 -3/12 -1/13
5000 m -1/10 -6/8 -11/6 -13/4 -18/3 -14/5 -8/7 -4/11 -2/12

 

Yes, you can stay as social worker/ volunteer in Nepal but you must have valid visa for it.

Of course, you have religious visit in Nepal. Nepal is full of cultural diversity and famous for it’s cultural heritages. Furthermore, Kathmandu the capital city of Nepal is known as the city of temple in the world.

Your booking amount will be recovered by the insurance company from the travel insurance.

If your illness appears to be of the non-critical sort, a staff will remain with you until you can continue the trek.  If the illness is serious, you will be evacuated by vehicle or helicopter and you will be taken to a hospital in Kathmandu for evaluation and treatment. Our crew is versed in medical and emergency care and they carry a comprehensive first aid kit.

If it is serious (this has never happened),you will again be taken care of by our staff. If evacuation is required, a vehicle or helicopter will be arranged. It is recommended you purchase before your arrival travel insurance that includes medical and evacuation.  A copy of your travel insurance should be furnished to HV Treks and Expeditions.

The team leader of Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition explains all about the trekking activities of coming day with appropriate schedule.

You have to send information about your health to Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition takes further necessary steps.

After consulting with all the members of the team, trekking leader of Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition takes necessary step for the trek.

Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd rescue the guest and field team from accident and manage properly by utilizing available resources in the country. For example, rented helicopter, appropriate  means of road transport and equipments are used to rescue incase of accident.This is done according to the report of team leader.

You should bring a one-liter water bottle with you on the trek. We prefer that you purify water yourself using your own light-weight trekking water-filter, or that you bring and use your preference of chemical treatments such iodine.  Boiling personal drinking water is inefficient and uses scarce fuel. Along popular walking holiday and trekking routes (Annapurna, Everest, Mustang, and Langtang) bottled mineral water is available for purchase.

If you are physically fit and take regular exercise, if you feel enthusiastic to be trekking, experience is not required.