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FAQ

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FAQ

What kind of weather can I expect in Nepal?

The weather in Nepal is variable from very hot to very cold. The higher you go the less it rains and possibility of snow increases. While the southern flat region (Terai) is very hot during summer. Please refer to the chart below for average temperatures in Nepal:

Month Minimum °C Maximum °C Rainfall (mm)
January 2.7 17.5 47
February 2.2 21.6 11
March 6.9 25.5 5
April 8.6 30.0 5
May 15.6 29.7 146
June 18.9 29.4 135
July 19.5 28.1 327
August 19.2 29.5 206
September 18.6 28.6 199
October 13.3 28.6 42
November 6.0 23.7 0
December 1.9 20.7 1

In what way can I make the payment?

We honour all major credit cards including MasterCard and Visa. You can make the payment by travellers' Cheque also. However, we advise you to have some cash in US Dollars as well.

Are there ATMs in Kathmandu?

Yes there are numerous ATMs in Kathmandu. The main tourist market Thamel has an easy access to ATMs run by different internationally collaborated banks. They accept all major credit cards including MasterCard and Visa. Please note that cash is dispensed in local currency only.

Can I pay in dollars/euros in the mountains?

No, you can't. You need to have local currency for your personal expenses in the mountains. Please note that foreign currencies are not accepted in the mountains.

Do people in Kathmandu understand English?

Yes, most people involved in tourism can speak and understand English. Nepalis can speak a variety of languages eg. French, German, Spanish, Italian, Chinese and Japanese. Given notice, we can provide you with a guide who can speak your own language during your tour in Nepal.

Does Nepali Culture dictate a dress code?

No. Of course you are free to wear any kind of clothes in Nepal. There are no strict cultural codes of dress sense. But a conservative dress code is respected. We don't have a cultural dress code for tourists. But we suggest you be aware of your dress sense. We kindly advise you to go through the book: Himalayan Adventure trekking Gear. The book advises on dressing and your equipment checklist for the entire trip in Nepal. The book has listed some sensible suggestions which can be found in bookstores around the world. Order the book.

Can I wear half-sleeve clothes in Nepal?

Yes, you can. Please keep in mind that you are among a society who mostly wear full sleeve clothing especially the women.

Is there malaria in Chitwan?

No, malaria has been eradicated totally in Chitwan and other southern flat wetland regions of Nepal.

Do I need immunization before I reach Nepal?

Yes, we advise you to get immunized in your country before you leave. For more information visit Lonely Planet/Health.

Is there any tax applicable in airports in Nepal?

Yes, there is. During your departure to domestic cities, a tax of NRS 200/person. Tax are included in the ticket for the international depature.

How can I help protect the cultural and natural environment?

The most simple way is to 'do as the locals do' and minimize the use of plastic bottles, canned food and rely on safe purified drinking water. Dispose of waste in the proper manner. Please discuss these methods with your guide during the trip. Note that we are aware that porters who do not work for trekking agencies also need environmental education - we are working on this too.

Is it safe to go into nightclubs in Kathmandu?

Yes. Nightclubs are safe places to visit.

When should I give a tip in Nepal?

Advice on Tips is always a sticky subject. Many of the workers you encounter on the mountain either in your lodge or in a tea-house survive on a tiny income, if at all. If you enjoyed a meal and the service was friendly a tip is a welcome reward. There's no need to be inflationary, but 10% would be regarded as a small meal tip. Your guides and porters will often work beyond the call of duty for the success of your trek. If you enjoyed yourself, then your guide and porter will have worked hard. Ask yourself if you would be satisfied with the price of a bottle of beer each day as reward?

Is it safe to travel by road in Nepal?

Yes. The main tourist centres like Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini are connected by good roads and all main routes are well serviced by tourist buses. However, roads to other towns for example Jiri and Dhunche are steep and narrow and only local buses are available. We advise you to hire a private jeep (4WD) to travel these roads safely. Typically tourist buses are driven with more care than local buses.

With regard to the Maoist insurgency, is it safe to visit Nepal?

Yes. To date the Maoists have announced that they will not attack foreign tourists. We firmly believe that there won't be any unpleasant incidents involving Maoists and tourists. Sometimes and only sometimes, on certain trekking routes, there have been reports of Maoists asking 'gate fees' from Tourists (usually 1000Rupees). But there have been no reports of tourists being injured, kidnapped or killed due to Maoist activities.

Can I buy travel Insurance in Nepal?

Yes you can. But we strongly advise you to buy your insurance in your home country before you leave. Insurance cover incorporating helicopter evacuation is a must!

Do I need to register my name at the embassy in Nepal?

Yes, we strongly advise you to register your name with your respective diplomatic office in Kathmandu. If you ask us for the form provided by your embassy and complete the necessary information, we will deliver it to your embassy in Kathmandu. Don't forget to mention your insurance details on this form.

Can I hire mountain equipment in Nepal?

Yes, you can. All kinds of equipment are available for hire in Kathmandu.

Do I need to organize visa for Nepal before I leave home?

No. You will be issued with a 2 month tourist visa upon arrival at the airport immigration counter. However if you have bought your visa through the Nepal Embassy in your country, you will definately avoid unnecessary delays at the Immigration Counter on arrival. For more information on visa rules, please visit Nepal Immigration (At the Airport the current Tourist visa fee is US$30 for  2 months.)

Will you reconfirm my return flight?

Yes. We reconfirm return flights free of charge.

Are reliable Internet Cafes available in Kathmandu?

Yes. There are numerous internet cafes in Thamel and around Kathmandu. Costs vary and typically reflect the service available. Budget around US$1 for 2 hours use.

What kind of food can I expect in the mountains?

Often menus are agreed by local Lodge Management Committees. They print common menus and the prices are the same in lodges in that locale. Often continental and Western options are available. We advise you to try local dishes as well. If you are provided with a menu in advance and order early, your dinner will usually arrive when promised. Sometimes at higher altitudes fare is limited to locally grown produce. Though Nepal's staple, Dal Bhaat is almost always available. Choosing the same dish as your companion will also help speed the delivery of your meal.

Is it safe to walk alone in the city streets?

Yes. But being aware of your surroundings and the people around you is always a must - Just be Streetwise! If you are carrying valuables; cameras, gifts or large amounts of money, we advise you to return to your hotel by early evening to deposit them, before going out for late meals and drinks.

What is A Tea-House/Lodge?

Tea-House: Very basic hut style shelter with limited comfort (heating stove, common sleeping platform, etc.), and reduced service (basic food, etc.) - for example, popular on the Mera Peak trail.
Lodge: Comfortable Alpine style inn with separate rooms and facilities (toilets, etc.), and service (varied menus, etc.) - for example, popular on the Everest Base Camp trail.

WHAT IS A TEA HOUSE TREK (TH)?

TH trek means a Tea House Trek. Some of the most popular trekking routes are served by lodges making it possible for you to stay at a local Tea house (a mountain thatched hut that's made of mud, brick and wood) during your trek. Tea house treks are less expensive then Camping treks and are largely suitable for small groups. Usually during busy seasons if private rooms in smaller villages are fully occupied you might have to sleep in a dormitory. Price includes accommodation in lodges, guide, porters and all meals. it would be wise not to expect it to be like the hotel u stay at in Kathmandu; but its reasonably cozy, warm & homely...u can call it luxury on a rugged trail & it can literally be a blessing in disguise because weather patterns can really be unpredictable sometimes.....especially at higher altitudes.

WHAT IS A ''FOT'' TREK?

On FOT or Fully Organized Treks your eating and sleeping arrangements will be fully organized by a support crew. FOTs are also known as CAMPING TREKS. On camping treks you will be sleeping in tents. A trekking crew consists of one sirdar, one cook and kitchen crew, Sherpa assistants and porters depending on the size of the group. Under the leadership of the sirdar (the local trek leader), the crew consists of several Sherpa assistants who will ensure you don't take the wrong path, a cook and kitchen crew to keep you well fed with delicious and nutritious meals and the porters to transport all the gear from camp to camp. Our main aim is to make the trek as hassle-free and enjoyable as possible. The ratio of both Sherpa guides and kitchen crew to group members is generally 1:4 and the ratio of porters to group members is around 3:1 at the beginning of the trek, but this decreases as food is eaten and loads become smaller. For bathroom facilities we carry a toilet tent. Your camping staffs dig a deep hole in the ground for excrement and cover the hole with soil after the business is done. Camping treks are generally organized for peak climbing or when trekking in extreme remote regions of Nepal....but then the choice is yours. You can camp out on any trek of your choice.

DO YOUR GUIDE/PORTERS SPEAK ENGLISH?

Our cultural tour guides are pretty proficient. The trekking guide (Sirdar) and his assistants speak a reasonable amount of English and are good enough to explain to you about the places, local culture or any sight that catches your eyes or is of interest to you.

HOW BIG ARE THE GROUPS?

We try to bring together a small group of likeminded people to give them a memorable and insightful adventurous experience, and this is an invaluable opportunity to interact with each other in a fun-filled environment. Our travel group generally comprises of a maximum 12 members. We need a minimum of 2 participants to run our trek programs. For private trips, no minimum or maximum numbers apply.

HOW LONG DO WE WALK FOR EACH DAY?

All our trekking programs are classified into THREE different categories according to the level of altitude & terrain of the trek. Soft Adventure treks are only about a week to 10 days in duration. They generally don't go above 4000 meters and each day, you can expect to be walking for around 4 - 5 hours. While moderate to fairly challenging treks are longer treks that go right into high mountain country. Physically quite tiring, these involve approx 6-8 hours trekking along rocky ridges of high Himalayan peaks. Strenuous treks are longer treks that go far beyond the normal haunts of trekkers and tourists. Physically challenging, these may involve 7-9 hours trekking and likely to include unfavorable weather conditions and strenuous activities. It's definitely not for beginners. Basically, any trek can be challenging...u need to know your body & probably take a medical examination before doing any trek above 5000 meters and/or before doing strenuous treks.

WHAT ABOUT SECURITY DURING TREKKING?

Security of our clients is of foremost & vital importance for us. All our guides and other support crew are carefully chosen for your trips. Our guides hold licenses issued by the Government of Nepal. They are very honest and reliable. But we would also advise you to take care of your own personal belongings. If you are on 'camping treks' please do not leave your bags unattended at any time for your own safety. Take your main bag inside the tent once you reach campsite. At night, put all bags and belongings in the middle of the tent. Your guide assigns a Sherpa on turn wise basis to guard the campsite throughout the night. If you are on a 'Tea house or GAP trek' arrangement, you will be sleeping in a local tea house. You have to take sensible precautions yourself at all times. Never leave your baggage unattended and keep your lodge room locked when you go out. Prevention is always the best kind of cure.

DO YOU PROVIDE ANY EQUIPMENT WHILE TREKKING?

On all our Camping treks we provide all the tents, sometimes dome tents, sometimes sturdy A frames and normally people share one tent between two; a foam mattress each; all the cutlery and utensils, cooking pots, stoves; candles/kerosene lantern, tables and stools, kitchen tent, a dining tent and toilet tent; and all the main meals while trekking but not snacks. On Tea house treks, there is no necessity to provide any equipment.

DO YOU ARRANGE DOMESTIC & INTERNATIONAL FLTS?

On the domestic front, we work with all domestic airlines operating in Nepal. Encounters Nepal employs IATA trained personnel who will assist and guide you in booking all your domestic or international flights. We are one of the largest air ticketing stockists in the country for all flight tickets.

WHAT HAPPENS IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY?

In the event of a serious sickness or a casualty, which we surely believe will not happen; you will be rescued by a helicopter. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in the event of your having to be evacuated; please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or u must be prepared to pay on your own after getting back to Kathmandu. Ask your guide to arrange a runner to the nearest communication point and inform our office about the requirements of a helicopter. While asking for the helicopter, please send a name of the sick person and always give the exact location from where the helicopter can airlift u {our guides will help u on this} do not leave your stationed point even if you are getting better once u have called in the helicopter.

CAN WE CHANGE THE ITINERARY?

Depending on any given situation, you can modify it to some extent after consulting with your guide. However, the date of your trek completion should always coincide with the original itinerary. You should keep in mind that this is an adventure trip into some of the most remote regions on earth, where any unforeseen events may compel you to go for a change in your itinerary. In such cases, we or your guide will suggest the best alternative similar to your original itinerary.

ARE YOU A LICENSED TREKKING AGENCY?

Yes, we are a licensed trekking agency. We have been organizing tours, treks and expeditions for our valued clients for more than a decade. We enjoy our work.

HOW DO I BOOK WITH YOU?

After choosing a trip of your choice, the first step is to fill up the form available here. A deposit has to be made in order to confirm the reservation. All details will be emailed to you to make it easy for you to book. The next step is to get on a plane and jet down to Asia, and then get ready for an adventure that will be a 'once-in-a-lifetime-experience'.

DO YOU ARRANGE PRIVATE TREKS?

Yes, we do. If you prefer to travel independently, or with your friends, families & colleagues you are invited to choose any of the trips at a timeframe suiting your convenience. The number could range from a group of people that could be (minimum 1 & maximum 100 at a time). Costs for private trips can be fixed on the basis of group size, trek area; duration and trek style, and is negotiable. We also arrange TREKS FOR a SINGLE WOMAN, if required. However, if none of our fixed group departure dates work for you and you do not have anyone to accompany you; you can still be able to make your preferred trip with us. There is absolutely nothing to worry about if you wish to do a solo trip. We can assign a local professional guide, porters etc whom you could trust with your life.

WHAT IS A ‘GAP’ TREK?

This is an abbreviation for 'Guide Accommodation and Porters' (GAP). This trek option is for those who only want basic support services from us. This is the most economical way to do trekking in Nepal. We provide an English speaking local Sherpa guide, book and pay for the accommodation in local lodges during trek and arrange required porters and trekkers who pay for their meals directly to the local lodge owner. This option works only on certain routes in the Everest, Langtang and Annapurna regions where trekking routes are served by the local folks in their tea house or lodges. You pay for your own meals. We take care of all the expenses of our staff.

WHAT TYPE OF FOOD IS SERVED DURING A TREK?

On a CAMPING TREK we provide three tasty, plentiful and nutritious meals daily with a variety of local and western dishes. Your first meal of the day starts with a king size breakfast that consists of a choice of porridge, muesli or a cereal followed by eggs done to your style; it can be an omelet, fried or scrambled eggs with chapattis or bread. Lunch is generally a selection of salad, cooked vegetable dishes, pasta and traditional breads. Dinner is a hearty 3 course meal - soup, followed by a variety of vegetable, meat, rice and pasta dishes and completed with a simple dessert. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate is also provided at all meals. We use as much fresh produce as possible and special diets are regularly catered for. The cooking crew leaders are able to maintain very tight controls on health and hygiene in the kitchen with respect to general cleanliness and food preparation. The head cook makes sure that all food is prepared with respect to personal hygiene. All foods are well cooked and vegetables are treated by potassium permanganate or iodine. Boiled water is served for drinking. Antiseptic soaps and potassium or iodine treated water are provided for washing. Special dietary requirements can also be catered for.

On the Tea House treks we provide standard breakfast, lunch and a three course dinner. Tea or coffee will also be included with each meal. Your guide will help you with the menu selection and ensure that you get the best value meals possible. Although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, you should be aware that the menu is not normally extensive. Most teahouses offer a variety of rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. A variety of cereals, bread and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast. There will also be plenty of snacks available such as biscuits, chocolate and soft drinks and in some areas you will find fresh fruit in season. You can buy packaged water (bottled mineral water) from local lodge and shop en route or you can also ask your guide to fill your water bottle with boiled water and treat with water purification pills.

HOW DO WE GET SAFE DRINKING WATER ON A TREK?

On camping treks, our staff will boil and cook meals treated by potassium permanganate or iodine. On GAP treks, you will be able to buy safe hot drinks in the tea house. We recommend that you to bring water purification pills. On the trail, water from the streams is safe if away from settlements.

WHAT IS THE OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION LIKE?

In cities like Kathmandu or Lhasa, accommodation will be in hotels of your preference. We have a pool of hotels that range from luxury deluxe to budget hotels. While on a trek, accommodation will depend on the trek style. If you are deciding for a camping trek, then you will be sleeping in tents. Whilst we endeavor to stay in the best possible accommodation along the way, you should be aware that most teahouses, particularly in the smaller villages, are quite basic. The bedrooms are usually very small, the shared bathroom facilities are often outside and meals are served in a communal dining hall. Although simple, the teahouses do provide shelter and warmth and are normally run by friendly local families. Tea house treks are less expensive than Camping treks and are largely suitable for small groups. Usually during peak or busy seasons if private rooms in smaller villages are fully occupied you might have to sleep in a dormitory; however, the feel of adventure is always there.

HOW FIT MUST I BE TO TREK IN THE HIMALAYAS?

You should be moderately fit, used to some regular exercise and enjoy walking in high altitude conditions. Living up to a physical challenge is always good for you, no matter what. Trekking once a year is always the best regimen for your body's needs; as per recommendations from most health journals throughout the world.

IS TIPPING INCLUDED? IF NOT, HOW MUCH BUDGET SHOULD I HAVE FOR THE TRIP?

Tips are appreciated by your support team after the trip. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. Some trekkers give 10% of the total tour cost as tips. This is absolutely your choice, make the best of it. Only you can decide this.

HOW SHOULD I DRESS DURING A TREK?

The clothing you bring will need to allow for both the warmth of the days and the chill of the nights. While trekking during the day at lower altitudes, lightweight trekking trousers and T-shirts are recommended. It's always a good idea to carry a waterproof jacket and some warmer clothing with you though as mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable. For the cold nights, thermal underwear, a warm fleece jacket and even a down jacket will help to keep you warm. Good shoes are of great importance. They must be sturdy and comfortable. For higher altitude treks where you may have to tread snow for long hours, good boots are available for rent in Kathmandu. In view of local customs, try not to wear too skimpy or revealing clothes. Your reception by locals can vary greatly on the way you dress.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO CHANGE THE LODGE IF IT’S NOT IN ORDER OR TO MY CHOICE?

Yes, you can definitely change the lodge if you feel it is not in order by talking it over with your guide, (provided there are other lodges with good rooms in the vicinity).

DO YOU RESERVE ROOMS AT THE LODGES BEFORE OR DURING THE TREK?

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