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Before You Go...
Visas:
All visitors to Nepal require a Nepalese visa (except Indian citizens).
These are easily available upon entry into the country at Kathmandu’s
Tribhuvan’s airport. PLEASE note that your passport must be valid
for six months after your departure date from Nepal.
To obtain a visa on arrival you need a completed application form,
2 passport photos, a passport valid for 6 months after your departure
and the fee (~$45 Canadian for a 60 day single entry visa or $120 Canadian
for a 60 day multiple entry visa). These application forms are available
from www.treks.com.np/visa
To obtain a visa prior to arrival contact:
The Nepalese Consulate
120 Eglington Ave. E.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4P 1E2
1 416 975 0910.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Trekking?
Trekking is simply walking along established paths many used by local
people today and centuries ago. Your group ascends slowly into the mountains
in order for you to acclimatize gradually to the higher altitudes reached
each day. After 3000m it is recommended that one does not ascend higher
than 300m per day.
Why Trekking in Nepal?
In addition to Nepal being the birthplace of Yam Gurung, your group
leader, it is a magical and sacred place to visit with easily accessed
mountains, incredibly friendly people who are familiar with the needs
of travellers from all over the world. Nepal has a very old history
steeped in cultural, religion, art, language, world famous yet surprizing
landscapes as well as a modern and thriving tourist industry. It is
home to eight of the world’s fourteen highest peaks which are
enticing to trekkers as well as the high altitude climbers.
Why is the trip being offered in October - November?
After the infamous Monsoon season where it rains heavily each day from
mid- May to mid - August the humidity departs allowing for cooler weather,
blue skies and clear mountain views. Trekking during June, July and
early August is not easily managed or recommended for even seasoned
trekkers. October to mid-December is the best time for trekking with
respect to accessible trails, mountain views, observation of the harvest
and participation in the Nepali festival of Dasain. March - April is
the second most ideal time to trek in Nepal.
What will the weather be like?
The average temperature in Pokhara in October/November is 19 - 28 degrees
Celsius with less than 50 mm of rainfall. Kathmandu is similar. It can
be cooler in the mountains especially once the sun goes down.
What else will I do other than trekking?
In addition to trekking you will visit Buddhist and Hindu temples in
Kathmandu, enjoy a wildlife experience inside the Chitwan National Park,
have time for relaxing and even some shopping. Photography, journaling,
drawing and meditation can all be done during your time in Nepal if
you wish.
What type of currency should I have?
When in Nepal you will spend Nepalese rupee which are available through
the many ATMs and banks available in Nepal’s two major cities,
Pokhara and Kathmandu. Having some US dollars can be useful upon arrival
and departure. When trekking in the mountains Nepali rupees should be
carried in small denominations.
What will I spend my money on?
Costs not covered by The Trekking Yeti include: Nepalese VISA (which
is easily available on arrival at the airport in Kathmandu for ~$45
USD for a 60 day single entry visa), airport tax on departure from Kathmandu
(~$30 USD), Mandatory Travel/Health Insurance, side trips should you
extend your trip, souvenirs, personal effects, laundry, any alcoholic
beverages and soft drinks.
Why are alcoholic and carbonated beverages not covered?
Drinking alcoholic beverages is not typically conducive to the challenges
of trekking for numerous days at a time. Providing such beverages, especially
when on the trek, presents numerous environmental and work safety issues
for porters who carry these heavy products on their back. Water, tea,
coffee and hot chocolate will be included in your meals during this
adventure. You are able to purchase alcohol and carbonated beverages
on your own if you choose.
How can I contact home?
There are many Internet cafes available in Kathmandu and Pokhara; the
service is reasonably priced and typically reliable. International telephone
and fax services are also available for reasonable prices in the cities.
Until a certain altitude there is some telephone service available in
specific villages along the trek. These are typically for emergency
use.
What is the time difference between Nepal and my home?
Please check out the time difference with the help of the following
website: www.timezoneconverter.com
Where can I get my Laundry done?
Laundry services are available at the Guest Houses where we will be
staying in Pokhara and Kathmandu. The cost is reasonable. See the list
of what to bring with respect to clothing while trekking. Laundry is
not usually done while trekking but hand washing is always possible
especially on our rest day.
Arriving earlier Staying longer?
There is a great deal to do and see in Nepal. If you chose to arrive
earlier or stay later than our 20 day itinerary you may obviously do
so. We are happy to provide you with information as to additional side
trips such as the birthplace of Gautama Siddhartha Buddha (Buddha),
cultural centres such as Bhaktapur, or Patan, other treks, or other
outdoor adventures such as white water kayaking or rafting.
What Travel vaccines are required for Nepal?
There are no officially required vaccinations for entry into Nepal.
It is recommended that travellers contact a recognized travel clinic
6 - 8 weeks prior to departure in order to receive current and accurate
information for specific destinations. Quick links to travel clinics
in Canada as well as Travel Health Information is available at www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/index-eng.php
Similar information for the USA can be found at the Travellers Heath
link at www.cdc.gov
What are the accommodations like?
The Guest Houses used by The Trekking Yeti in Kathmandu and Pokhara
are well run, clean hospitable establishments geared towards international
travellers to Nepal. In addition to two beds there are usually dressers
or desks; each room has it own private washroom. Linens, blankets and
towels are provided by guest houses in the city. The guest houses used
during the trek are also clean but far more simple, they provide two
single beds with mattress, sheet and blanket, perhaps a simple bed side
table. See the list of what to bring for info on sleeping sheets or
bags. Most Guest Houses on the trek have electricity and all rooms during
this trek are double occupancy.
What will the food be like?
We will be having a traditional Nepalese meal know as “Dal Bhat”,
(translates to lentils and rice plus) upon your arrival to Kathmandu.
For other meals during our time in the cities you will have a wide variety
of choice including authentic Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Tibetan,“American”
foods as well as many Nepali choices. The Thamel area in Kathmandu has
some famous bakeries and some of the best apple pie can be found while
trekking in the mountains. Meals while trekking are nutritious and yet
far more simple than in the city. You will be able to order from a menu
for a hearty breakfast, a simple lunch and a filling evening meal.
Is the water safe to drink?
Bottled water can be purchased in the city. This is no longer the case
on the trek because of an outrageous amount of plastic, un-recycled
bottles left in the rural areas. The hotels are not allowed to sell
bottled water so they have installed the electrical sterilizing machines
and charge guests a small fee to fill their water bottle. It is also
possible to get boiled water or to use iodine tablets. Please bring
a study re-usable bottle that can be re-filled daily.
Why do I arrange my own travel?
Travellers to Nepal can come to this country by many different routes
and itineraries. Individuals usually have preferences for certain airlines
as well as departures dates and times. Some travelers will choose to
use air mile plans to cover or at least supplement a portion of their
flights. This is better arranged on an individual basis.
Visa & passport
Visas are required when entering Nepal and your passport MUST be valid
for SIX months AFTER your departure from Nepal. See our “before
you go” section for details.
Clothing/Gear List:
- Comfortable travel clothes for international flights, often >
24 hours
- An Alpine or Backpacking pack purchased and worked in prior to
trekking
adventure. Travel packs are acceptable if you plan on leaving them
in safe storage while trekking. Note: Remember to measure and weigh
your pack before you travel with it. Most airlines restrict carry
on luggage to 55cm high x 40cm wide x 23cm deep (21.5 x 15.5 x 9in.)
and to 10kg. An additional small personal bag is limited to 33 x 43
x 16cm and should weigh no more than 10kg. Your checked bags are usually
limited to two 23kg items.
- Comfortable hiking boots purchased and worked in prior to trekking
adventure
- Small Day Pack adequate for camera, water, hat, maps etc only
- Travel & trekking toiletries: tooth brush, soap, shampoo, small
wash cloth, hand cream etc
- Day time trekking clothes 1 or 2 sets which will become your "dirty"
clothes
- Night time or sleeping trek clothes 1 or 2 sets to be considered
your
"clean" clothes
- Sandals, running shoes or flip flops to change your footwear after
trekking.
- Bathing Suit, small towel or sarong (men too) The hot springs along
the route
are rejuvenating
- One warm fleece jacket or pullover. (mountain temperatures can
vary)
- A wind/rain jacket can help with warmth or protection
- A warm jacket (down or synthetic) can be rented or purchased in
Nepal
- Sleeping sheets or sleeping bags can be rented or purchased in
Nepal. Bringing your own will ensure choice and quality. Blankets
are available sleeping sheets ensure hygiene.
- Two pair of "day" trekking socks. These should not be
cotton as wash & drying at higher altitudes is not always possible.
- One or two pair of night time socks
- A good sun hat, bandana and sunglasses and sunscreen.
- A warm hat, gloves and bandana maybe useful in the cool mornings.
- Water bottle with clip-on for back pack.
- Maps, novel, journals pens etc. (Stay within weight limit) (Pokhara
and Kathmandu have many used books stores with a decent variety of
reading material for the traveller)
- Prescription Medications & Over the Counter (OTC) medications
- Have a physical examination with your physician prior to departure
and inform your doctor of your trekking plans. Carry extra prescriptions
and /or extra medications with you. Have a prescription for all medications
that you are carrying. Some OTC medications are available in Pokhara
or Kathmandu.
- Camera, film and batteries (35 mm film and digital camera batteries
are often available in urban areas).
- Extra passport photos are be useful. They can also be obtained
in Pokhara or Kathmandu.
- American dollar travellers cheques and a small amounts of US cash
are useful. International bank machines are common through out Pokhara
and Kathmandu. Small Nepali rupee notes are necessary when in remote
trekking areas.
Recommended Readings
Life - Style in Nepal by Bishnu Prasad Gurung
From Goddess to Mortal by Rashmila Shakya as told to Scott Berry
Thirty Years in Pokhara by Dorothy Mierow
Annapurna Circuit by Andrew Stevenson
Annapurna by Maurice Herzog
Annapurna: 50 Years of Expedition in the Death Zone by Reinhold
Messner
The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen
Trekking Gently In Himalayas by Wendy Lama Brewer
Cultural Heritage of Nepal Terai by Ram Dayal Rakesh
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