Nepal: Walking in the Himalayas

Holidays take place in the dry season, when visibility is good and temperatures are at their best. November is after the summer monsoon and the countryside is lush and green, with excellent visibility and generally balmy temperatures. In March/April temperatures are similar, although the land is dryer and visibility may not be quite as good. However, at this time flowers are in bloom adding wonderful colour to the landscape. The temperature can change quickly at any time of year, it can be cold at night and when the sun goes behind a cloud.

Book your holiday ‘with flights’ and you can choose to depart from selected UK airports* to your destination. For latest flight times and prices please call us on 0203-974-8865 or email reservations@hfholidays.co.uk  

If you choose to book your flights with us, we automatically include return transfers between the destination airport and hotel.  

If you are booking on a land-only basis, you can join the group transfer at an additional cost. To do so, your arrival and departure times must be in line with the scheduled group flight timings. Guests travelling at different times will need to arrange their own transfers. Please contact us before booking to discuss the available options and costs.

Nepal is best visited in the spring and autumn. At both times of the year, you can expect warm, sunny days and cold nights, going down to freezing the higher you walk.  Layers, water proofs and warm clothing are essential.

Essentials  

• Walking boots with good ankle support and grip 
• Walking sandals – light for evening use
• Waterproof jacket 
• Waterproof trousers
• Lightweight t-shirts, trousers and shorts (below the knees)
• Walking trousers – lightweight – Zip offs are good
• Light tracksuit for evenings and/or sleeping  
• Insulated jacket & fleece 
• Neutral coloured clothes for Chitwan – grey, brown, green, black. No bright colours
• Walking socks (plus spares)  
• Sunhat 
• Gloves/mitts and warm hat
• Water bottle (2 x 1 litre – bladders not suitable)  
• Headtorch/flashlight
• High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)
• Lip balm with SPF  
• Sunglasses with a dark lens 
• Rucksack (15-30 litres)  
• Mobile phone 
• Camera
• Travel towel (for trail)
• Wash kit – travel size and eco-friendly
• Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.) 
• Passport 
• Visa (if applicable) 
• Copy of your travel insurance policy 

Recommended

• Collapsible walking poles – we suggest using them on the trail 
• Swimwear
• Snacks for on the trail
• Dry bags
• Rubbish bag & toilet roll
• Insect repellent

Optional extras

• Small mat for rest stops or picnics when walking

Please inform us of any medical situation which may affect your enjoyment of the holiday. This is important because our leaders must consider both group and individual safety at all times.

Whilst out with the group, we respectfully request that you:

• Please listen to any safety instructions and other directions from the leader
• Keep group members in view, especially if weather or visibility is poor
• Please stay where you are if you become separated from the group. The leader will retrace their steps to find you.

Each leader carries a first aid kit but is not allowed to supply any medication including aspirin, paracetamol, antihistamines and antiseptic cream. You may wish to bring these items with you in your own kit (see Suggested Kit List).

In the unlikely event that your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call emergency services.. Please then call our emergency number (sent in your final dispatch) and let us know there is a problem.

Please contact us as far in advance as possible if you have any specific dietary requirements and we will do our best to meet your needs.

If you require a specific meal on the flight, please let us know as soon as possible, and no later than 96 hours before travel.

Before booking, you should check with your doctor to see if any health precautions are needed.

The following websites provide a wealth of information on travelling and health: NaTHNaC - Home (travelhealthpro.org.uk); www.redplanet.travel/mdtravelhealth

Vaccines: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus & Polio vaccinations are recommended. Cholera, Malaria and Rabies are sometimes recommended too.

Passports

A full passport valid for a minimum period of six month from the date of entry.

Visas

Visas are required to enter Nepal by British Passport holders, as well as many other nationalities. They are best obtained in advance through the Nepali Department of Immigration online here: Online Services (immigration.gov.np)

You can only apply for this online 2 weeks before departure.

It is also possible to obtain visas on arrival at the airport in Kathmandu by filling out documentation in the arrivals hall, however it can take time completing the form and queueing. We recommend completing and printing the form out in advance here: Online Services (immigration.gov.np). One passport photo must be provided together with the completed application form. A single-entry visa currently costs US$30 or US$50 for 15 or 30 days respectively.

Travel insurance is a condition of booking. Therefore, if you have not already arranged insurance, it is imperative that you do so before you travel.

For more information about healthcare and its costs, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/

Ticks are tiny creatures that live in vegetation and can attach themselves to passing animals or walkers and may carry a risk of Lyme Disease. Please refer to NHS advice and guidelines for information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease/ 

On your trip we advise you to dress modestly and respectfully. Both men and women should aim to cover their shoulders and knees, especially if visiting religious sites or rural areas. Opt for loose-fitting and conservative clothing to show respect for local customs and traditions.

If your bag or its contents are damaged or lost while in the airline’s care, this should be reported to the baggage service agents at the airport on arrival. They will assess the damage; in some cases, the airline may decide to settle your claim immediately.

You will be given a reference to quote to your insurance company if an immediate settlement is not possible - in many cases, baggage claims can only be accepted in writing. A baggage claim form must be obtained from the airport.

Tea house sleeping equipment:

A 4-season sleeping bag will be provided whilst on tour to take with you during your stay in the tea houses.

Should you prefer to bring your own sleeping bag, you are welcome to do so. The pillows provided in tea houses can be hard textured, therefore we would advised you to bring a blow-up/camping pillow with you in addition.

Day pack:

It is advisable to bring a day bag (around 30 litre capacity) for your personal items that you will carry while trekking.

Additionally, you will be provided with a duffle bag for your personal items, to be carried by a porter (up to 10kg), when trekking between tea houses.

In Nepal the currency is the Nepalese Rupee (Rs). The import of local and Indian currency is prohibited. Away from major centres Rs500 & Rs1000 notes can be difficult to exchange, please carry some smaller notes. Credit cards are widely accepted in the towns, but cash will be required for any personal expenses during the trek.

Nepal GMT + 5.45 hrs

ATMs are available in Kathmandu & Pokhara.

Tips are included on this holiday.