Getting into Nepal is straightforward for most travellers. Climb in Nepal works with clients from across the world, and almost all nationalities can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. The fees are: 15 days for USD 30, 30 days for USD 50, and 90 days for USD 125. We strongly recommend paying in cash USD as card payments can be unreliable at the immigration counter.

Before you fly, complete the online arrival form at nepaliport.immigration.gov.np.  it saves time in the queue. Bring two passport-sized photos just in case the kiosk runs out of paper. Nationals from a small number of countries including Nigeria, Afghanistan, Syria, and a few others are required to apply for a visa at a Nepali embassy in their home country before travelling. If you are unsure, send us a message and the Climb in Nepal team will check your nationality and let you know exactly what you need.

Yes, you can extend your visa at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or in Pokhara. Extensions are available at USD 45 per 15 days. Climb in Nepal can guide you through the process if needed just let us know before your original visa expires.

Climb in Nepal runs expeditions year-round, but the two peak seasons give the best conditions by far. Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) both offer clear skies, settled weather, and the highest summit success rates on routes like Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Manaslu, and Ama Dablam. These are the seasons we recommend for most clients.

Monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rainfall, leeches on lower trails, and poor visibility. It is generally not suitable for first-time trekkers or technical climbs. Winter (December to February) is possible on lower routes but temperatures at altitude can be extremely harsh. Experienced trekkers looking for quieter trails sometimes choose winter, and Climb in Nepal can tailor trips for those conditions too.

Both seasons are excellent for Everest Base Camp. Spring offers the unique experience of rhododendron forests in full bloom and is also the Everest summit season, so you may see expedition teams at Base Camp, something many of our clients find inspiring. Autumn tends to have slightly clearer post-monsoon skies and cooler temperatures that many trekkers prefer. The Climb in Nepal team is happy to advise based on your exact travel dates.

Yes. Since April 2023, the Nepal government requires all international trekkers to be accompanied by a licensed Nepali guide from a government-registered trekking agency. Solo trekking on major routes is no longer permitted by law. This regulation exists to protect trekkers. The mountains here demand respect, and having an experienced local guide with you genuinely improves your safety and your experience.

At Climb in Nepal, all of our guides are fully licensed, Nepal government-certified, and trained in first aid and high-altitude rescue. When you book with us, this is all taken care of.

The permits required depend on which route you are doing. Here is a general breakdown:

• Everest Base Camp (Khumbu region): Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee.
• Annapurna Circuit or Annapurna Base Camp: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card.
• Manaslu Circuit: Special Restricted Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit.
• Upper Mustang: Restricted Area Permit (currently USD 50 per days).
• Climbing permits for peaks: Issued by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) for trekking peaks and the Department of Tourism for expedition peaks.

Climb in Nepal handles 100% of your permit arrangements. You do not need to visit any government office yourself, we take care of all paperwork before your trek begins.

Trekking peaks are mountains classified by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) at elevations between roughly 5,000 m and 6,500 m that can typically be summited in a single push from high camp. Popular trekking peaks that Climb in Nepal frequently guides include Island Peak (6,189 m), Mera Peak (6,476 m), and Lobuche East (6,119 m).

Island Peak and Mera Peak are considered beginner-friendly for people who are physically strong and motivated, even without prior climbing experience. You will need to be comfortable with crampons and an ice axe. Climb in Nepal provides on-the-ground training at base camp for clients who are new to these skills. Other trekking peaks such as Lobuche East and Pokalde require more technical confidence. Our team will assess your background and recommend the right peak for your level.

Travel insurance is absolutely mandatory when you trek or climb with Climb in Nepal, no exceptions. The mountains here are remote and unpredictable, and the cost of a helicopter evacuation alone can run into thousands of dollars. Your policy must cover:

• High-altitude trekking or climbing at the elevation of your specific route
• Emergency helicopter evacuation (minimum USD 100,000 medical coverage recommended)
• Medical expenses and hospitalisation
• Trip cancellation and curtailment
• Repatriation to your home country

Please send Climb in Nepal a copy of your insurance certificate before your departure date. If your current policy does not cover high-altitude activities, most travel insurers offer extensions. We are happy to advise on what to look for.

It is technically possible to purchase some travel insurance in Kathmandu, but Climb in Nepal strongly advises against relying on this. Policies bought in Nepal often have lower coverage limits and can be harder to claim on from abroad. Buy your insurance in your home country before you travel, where your consumer rights are stronger and your insurer is easier to reach.

For standard treks like Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit, you need to be moderately fit and comfortable walking 5 to 7 hours a day on mixed terrain with some ascent and descent. You do not need to be a runner or an athlete, but regular exercise in the months before your trip will make a real difference to your enjoyment.

The Climb in Nepal team recommends building a base of hiking, stair climbing, and light pack training in the 8 to 12 weeks before your arrival. For technical climbs or peaks above 7,000 m, we will share a specific training guide after you book.

Altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness or AMS) is a genuine risk above 3,000 m and affects trekkers of all fitness levels. It has nothing to do with how strong or experienced you are. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Above 4,500 m, more serious conditions like High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) can develop rapidly if ignored.

Climb in Nepal manages altitude risk through careful, gradual itinerary design, and we never rush acclimatisation. Our guides conduct daily health checks, carry supplemental oxygen and a comprehensive medical kit including Diamox and dexamethasone, and are trained to recognise early warning signs. The golden rule is simple: if you are not acclimatising well, we descend. No summit is worth your life, and our team will always prioritise your safety over the schedule.

Every Climb in Nepal guide is certified in Wilderness First Aid and carries a full emergency medical kit at all times. In the event of a serious medical situation, our response is:

• Immediate first aid assessment and stabilisation on the trail.
• Radio or satellite phone contact with the Climb in Nepal base office in Kathmandu.
• Helicopter evacuation arranged through your travel insurance, we coordinate directly with the insurer and rescue operators.
• Transfer to a specialist altitude or trauma hospital in Kathmandu if required.

We have strong relationships with helicopter rescue companies operating in Nepal and can have a rescue helicopter in the air within hours in most situations. This is exactly why travel insurance with evacuation cover is non-negotiable.

Nepal has no upper age limit for trekking. Climb in Nepal has guided clients well into their 70s on Everest Base Camp and Annapurna. If you are medically fit, well-prepared, and have the right mindset, age is not a barrier. For peak climbing, the Nepal government requires climbers to be at least 16 years old for most major summits. Older clients are advised to provide a recent medical certificate confirming cardiovascular fitness, and we are happy to advise on what to include.

On the most popular trekking routes, Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, and Langtang Valley, you will stay in teahouses and lodges that are locally owned and operated. Rooms are twin-share where possible, with clean bedding. Bathrooms are typically shared. The higher you go, the more basic the accommodation becomes. This is part of the genuine mountain experience.

On remote or off-the-beaten-path treks such as Kanchenjunga, Dolpo, or certain Manaslu variants, Climb in Nepal uses full camping setups with quality mountain tents, sleeping mats, and a dedicated kitchen team. On climbing expeditions, we use the same camp systems used by professional expedition teams proven equipment in extreme conditions.

Teahouse menus along major routes are surprisingly varied. Breakfast options usually include porridge, eggs, toast, pancakes, and Tibetan bread. Lunch and dinner menus feature dal bhat (the classic Nepali lentil and rice meal), pasta, noodle soups, fried rice, momo dumplings, and vegetable dishes. Dal bhat is actually our personal recommendation; it is nutritious, filling, and genuinely delicious at altitude.

Climb in Nepal ensures all food is prepared hygienically and we brief teahouse owners on our clients’ dietary requirements in advance. If you are vegetarian, vegan, or have food allergies, let us know when you book and we will plan accordingly throughout your route. We also recommend bringing personal snacks and energy bars for summit days and long sections between lodges.

Yes, on most popular routes. Teahouses along Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, and Langtang offer charging points for USD 2 to 5 per charge. WiFi is available in most teahouses, though speeds are slow at higher elevations and can be unreliable. On expedition climbs, Climb in Nepal provides satellite communication equipment at base camp. Mobile network coverage (NTC and Ncell) exists on many well-travelled routes. We recommend purchasing a local SIM card in Kathmandu on arrival for the best coverage.

You do not need to bring everything from home. Kathmandu’s Thamel has a well-developed gear rental market where you can hire quality down jackets, sleeping bags rated to -20°C, trekking boots, crampons, ice axes, and other technical equipment at reasonable daily rates. Climb in Nepal can arrange trusted rental on your behalf and inspect the condition of gear before your trek.

That said, we recommend bringing your own trekking boots (well broken-in), base layers, trekking poles, and any personal medical items. For technical climbs, your personal gear list will be detailed and specific. Climb in Nepal sends a comprehensive packing list and gear guide to all clients after booking.

Your porter carries your main duffel bag (max 15 kg on most routes). Your daypack should be light and contain:

• Water (2 litres minimum, we use purification tablets or filters rather than buying plastic bottles).
• Rain jacket and a warm mid-layer (mountain weather changes fast).
• Sunscreen SPF 50+ and sunglasses (UV is intense at altitude).
• Personal medications and a small first aid kit.
• Snacks and energy bars.
• Camera and power bank.
• Toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and a small waste bag.

Climb in Nepal provides all group equipment including ropes, tents, cooking gear, and rescue equipment. You do not need to carry these.

Yes, always. A Climb in Nepal representative will be waiting at the arrivals gate at Tribhuvan International Airport holding a sign with your name. Airport transfers are included in all our packages. If your flight is delayed, do not worry, our team monitors arrival times and will wait for you. We will have you safely at your hotel in Kathmandu with no stress.

We ask for a deposit to confirm your booking, with the balance due on arrival in Kathmandu. Cash payments in USD, EUR, or AUD are preferred cash avoids the 3.5% to 4% bank card surcharge that applies to card transactions. Some clients also bank transfer the balance before flying; we can arrange this. Bring some Nepali Rupees (NPR) for small personal purchases along the trail. We advise withdrawing these in Kathmandu before departure, as ATMs on the trail are limited.

ATMs are available in main hubs like Namche Bazaar (on the Everest trail) and Pokhara (Annapurna gateway), but they often run out of cash during peak season, and withdrawal limits can be low. Climb in Nepal strongly recommends withdrawing sufficient Nepali Rupees in Kathmandu before your trek begins and carrying enough cash for personal expenses, chai stops, souvenirs, phone charging, and tips.

We understand that life happens. Climb in Nepal’s cancellation policy is tiered based on how far in advance you cancel. Cancellations more than 60 days before departure receive a full deposit refund minus any non-recoverable permit costs already paid. Cancellations between 30 and 60 days forfeit 50% of the deposit. Cancellations within 30 days of departure are generally non-refundable, as permits, staff, and logistics have already been committed. We strongly recommend travel insurance that includes trip cancellation cover, which will reimburse you in most situations including illness or family emergency.

Absolutely, this is one of the main advantages of booking with a Nepal-based operator rather than a foreign travel company. Climb in Nepal builds bespoke itineraries for every client. Want a shorter version of the Annapurna Circuit? Want to combine Everest Base Camp with Island Peak? Want to add a cultural day in Kathmandu or a white-water rafting section? Tell us your time, budget, fitness level, and what kind of experience you are after, and we will build something around you.

Nepal is one of the safest trekking destinations in the world, and Climb in Nepal takes that responsibility seriously. Our guides are trained in first aid, altitude medicine, and emergency response. We carry satellite communication devices on all expeditions and maintain constant contact with our Kathmandu office. Every itinerary includes buffer days for weather, health, or unexpected delays. We never push a client beyond their limits. Your safety is always the first conversation, not an afterthought.

Nepal’s trekking trails are genuinely welcoming for women, and Climb in Nepal takes additional care to ensure every female client feels safe and comfortable. We keep group sizes small, arrange private rooms wherever available on the route, and select guides and support staff who understand and respect our clients’ needs. Many of our clients are solo female travellers from Europe, North America, and Australia, and their feedback consistently rates safety and comfort highly.

We also have female guides on our team and can request one specifically upon booking if that would make you more comfortable. If you are a solo female traveller considering Nepal, please reach out. We are happy to talk through the specifics of your trip.

Trip lengths vary significantly depending on the route and objective. Here is a general guide:

• Everest Base Camp Trek: 12 to 16 days from Kathmandu return.
• Annapurna Circuit: 14 to 18 days.
• Annapurna Base Camp: 10 to 13 days.
• Langtang Valley: 8 to 11 days.
• Manaslu Circuit: 14 to 17 days.
• Trekking peaks (Island Peak, Mera Peak): 18 to 22 days, including approach trek and acclimatisation.
• 7,000 m peaks (e.g., Baruntse, Himlung): 25 to 35 days.
• 8,000 m expeditions (Everest, Manaslu, Lhotse): 55 to 70 days including acclimatisation rotations.

All Climb in Nepal itineraries include 2 to 3 buffer days built in for weather, flight delays (particularly Lukla), and acclimatisation needs. Shorter or longer variants are available on most routes, just ask.

Mountain weather in Nepal is dynamic, and Climb in Nepal plans for it. Every itinerary includes built-in buffer days. For Lukla flights, a notorious bottleneck due to fog, we have contingency plans including helicopter transfers from Kathmandu when time is critical. For summit attempts on technical peaks, we build extended weather windows into the schedule so our guides can wait for the right conditions. We monitor mountain forecasts daily through professional meteorological services and brief clients every evening on the next day’s plan.

Yes. On popular routes like Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit, teahouse WiFi and mobile network coverage (NTC and Ncell) are available in most villages. A local SIM card purchased in Kathmandu for around USD 3 to 5 gives you data access on most lower and mid-altitude sections of the trail.

On higher or more remote sections above Gorak Shep on the Everest trail, for example, connectivity becomes limited. For climbing expeditions, Climb in Nepal provides satellite phone and radio communication at base camp, and we send regular updates to your emergency contact at home. You will not be completely cut off, but you should prepare your family for days when messages may be delayed.

All Climb in Nepal guides speak English fluently. Many of our senior guides also speak additional languages including French, German, Spanish, and Japanese at a conversational level. If you have a specific language requirement, let us know when you enquire and we will do our best to match you with the right guide.

A standard Climb in Nepal expedition package includes:

• All climbing and trekking permits and liaison officer fees.
• Experienced, certified climbing guide(s) and high-altitude support staff.
• All meals and accommodation during the expedition (teahouses on approach, expedition tents at high camps).
• Group climbing equipment, including fixed ropes, ice screws, snow pickets, expedition tents, and cooking equipment.
• Airport transfers in Kathmandu.
• Base camp services including a dedicated cook, dining tent, and kitchen equipment.
• Climb in Nepal pre-expedition briefing and permit documentation.

Not included in standard packages: international flights to and from Nepal, Nepal visa fees, personal climbing gear (harness, helmet, crampons, ice axe, boots), travel insurance, tips for guides and porters, and personal expenses. A detailed inclusions and exclusions list is provided with every quote.

Arriving well-prepared is the single biggest factor in your summit success and your enjoyment of the expedition. Climb in Nepal recommends focusing training on three areas:

• Cardiovascular endurance: Running, cycling, rowing, and long mountain hikes with a loaded pack. Build to 2 to 3 hours of sustained aerobic activity.
• Leg and core strength: Uphill hiking, weighted lunges, squats, step-ups, and planks. Your legs carry you every step, train them seriously.
• Altitude simulation where possible: Altitude training masks and high-altitude hikes at home help, but nothing replaces the acclimatisation rotations built into your Climb in Nepal itinerary.

After booking, the Climb in Nepal team sends every client a detailed training guide tailored to their specific peak, timeline, and starting fitness level. We also offer pre-expedition video calls to answer questions and check in on preparation progress.

Tips are not required. Climb in Nepal pays our guides and porters fair, above-market wages and all government-mandated benefits. That said, tipping is a deeply appreciated gesture in Nepal’s trekking culture and is a meaningful supplement to local incomes. If your guide or porter has gone above and beyond, a tip at the end of the trip is warmly welcomed.

As a rough guide, for a group trek: USD 80 to 150 for the lead guide, USD 50 to 100 for an assistant guide, and USD 30 to 60 per porter is considered generous. For expedition climbs, tips are higher given the length and risk of the work. Climb in Nepal can advise on appropriate amounts for your specific trip.

As a Nepali company, we have a deep personal stake in the health of these mountains. Climb in Nepal operates a strict Leave No Trace policy; all non-biodegradable waste, including expedition trash, batteries, and packaging, is carried back down and disposed of responsibly. We use refillable water bottles and filters rather than single-use plastic on all treks. We pay porters fair wages and ensure they have adequate clothing, insurance, and rest days as required by Nepal’s porter welfare guidelines.

We also actively support local teahouse owners, employ local guides and staff from the communities we trek through, and contribute to trail maintenance and local school projects in the Khumbu and Annapurna regions. When you trek with Climb in Nepal, your money stays in Nepal.