FAQ's [Most Frequently Asked Questions)

Where is Nepal?

Nepal, a sovereign Independent Kingdom, lies between 80 degree 12' east
longitude and 26 degree 22' and 30 degree 27' north latitude. It is bounded on the north by the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China; on the east by Sikkim and West Bengal of the Indian Union on the south by Indian States of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh and on the west by Uttar Pradesh of Indian Union. The length of the Kingdom is 885 kilometers east-west and its breath varies from 145 to 241 kilometers north-south. Climatically, it lies in the temperate zone with the added advantage of altitude.


Why is Nepal such a fascinating country for many people?

The Himalayan kingdom of Nepal is a land of scenic mountains, time-worn
temples and some of the best walking trails on Earth. It's a small country, but it's rich in scenic splendor and exotic cultures. The people of Nepal are as diverse as their country and represent distinct cultures and races.
Though they speak a variety of tongues and practice different religions, they are the friendliest people that you would ever meet. The kingdom has long exerted a pull on the Western imagination and it's a difficult place to dislodge from your memory once you return. So, wait until you're actually here in Nepal.
As a traveller, there are endless number of surprises Nepal has to offer you. Kathmandu Valley with its thousands of Hindu temples, Buddhist stupas, stunning architecture and rich pageantry can be quite beyond words. If you are careful enough not to get entangled in the superficial facade of a fatly "modernizing" capital city, Kathmandu probably offers you as exotic and urban experience as you can get.
Beyond Kathmandu, it’s another world altogether. Most travelers to Nepal want to check out the truly spectacular Himalayas along with the higher hills. A few go there to scale the high mountains, but many are nature lovers who trek along landscapes filled with deep valleys, lush forests, snow trails, terraced fields, and above all, the most hospitable people.

Travelers to Nepal also love making a safari trip to one of the National Parks in Nepal. The most popular one is the Chitwan National Park in the southern plains which hosts a diverse wildlife reserves including the rare Asian one-horn rhino.


Do I need a visa to travel to Nepal?

All foreign nationals, except Indian Citizens, need visas to enter Nepal.


What do I need to get my visa?

You need a valid passport, two passport size photos and US$ 30.


Where do I apply to get my visa?

The best way to apply for visa is from the Nepalese diplomatic missions in your home country. The other choice is to get it from Immigration office at the entry points of Nepal.


What if I decided to stay more than 60 days in Nepal? Where and what should I do to extend my Tourist Visa?

There's no problem in it. The Immigration Department of Kathmandu or Pokhara can extend the visa for another 30 days and the charge for this is US$ 50. Indeed the visa can be extended for a total of 120 days, an additional 30 days visa may be granted on reasonable grounds from the Immigration Office. Nevertheless, a tourist cannot stay in Nepal under tourist-visa for more than 150 cumulative days.


How to Enter Nepal?

In order to fly directly to Nepal from your home country, Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu is the only international airport in Nepal. TIA has direct airlink with Osaka, Shanghai, London, Frankfurt, Hongkong, Singapore, Bangkok, Delhi, Dubai, Bombay and Calcutta. Lufthansa, Royal Nepal Airlines (RNAC), Air India, Singapore Airlines, Thai are the airlines that carry most of the foreign travelers into Kathmandu; and if you buy tickets from any other airlines, you will probably connect with one of these airlines for the final leg of your flight. Alternatively, if you have time and enthusiasm, traveling overland to Nepal via India is an option. British overland travel operators can take you from London to Kathmandu on a six to eighteen week trip for anywhere between $1200 to $ 2500 depending upon the nature of your trip. You will travel from continental Europe through Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India to Nepal. For specific details on traveling overland from India to Nepal, read below.


When is the best time to travel in Nepal?

The weather is probably the best guide for deciding when to plan your trip to Nepal. The best time to visit Nepal is between September to November and February to May.


What is the national language of Nepal?

Nepal's national language is called Nepali. It is written in Devnagri Script. This script is the same as the one used in Hindi language - the
national language of India. There are more than 72 different spoken languages in Nepal. It is also official language of Nepal.


What's the common form of greeting in Nepal?

It is called Namaste or Namaskar. You can say the greeting in words as well as do it using a gesture. Join your palms together and bring them close to your chest and about 5 to 7 inches below your chin. The word Namaste has many meanings such as Hello, How are you?, I am glad to see you, nice to meet you, good morning, etc.


What are some basic Nepali customs that I should know about?

* Take off your shoes before entering a temple or one's home
* Ask for permission before entering a Hindu temple
* Taking photographs inside the most temples are considered illegal
* Ask for permission before taking photographs of objects, and including Nepali people.
* Nepali people are friendly by nature. Have a genuine interest in them. Talk to them. Be friendly as you travel.


What time is it now in Nepal and what’s the phone code?

Nepali time is GMT/UTC plus 5 Hours 45 minutes. Area code for dialing to Nepal: Country Code: 977 Kathmandu City Code: 1 (e.g. 977 1 478111 First three digits is the country code, second is the area code, the last digits are telephone numbers.


What is the currency of Nepal?

Nepalese currency is spelled as Nepalese Rupees or Rupee (Rs) or Nepali Rupee, and in short it is written NRS or RS. 100 Paisa equals 1 Rs. Currently Notes of the following denominations are used: 1000, 500, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2, and 1 rupees. Coin hasn't been popular in Nepal and hence is almost always ignored in business. The coins of the following denominations can be found: 1 paisa, 5 paisa, 10 paisa, 50 paisa and 1 Rs, 2 Rs, and 5 Rs. It is recommended that you travel with smaller notes in less populated areas, while large notes are easily accepted else where.


Are there ATM facilities in Nepal?

Yes, in Kathmandu and Pokhara. International credit cards (Master Card, Visa Card etc) are also accepted in all leading hotels, shopping centers, bars and restaurants in Nepal.


Will my Cell phone (mobile phone) work in Nepal?

Please, Contact your service provider and check if Nepal country is included in their `Global roaming' package. Please note, not all parts of Nepal are covered by the GSM Network in Nepal.
 

What are health requirements to visit Nepal?

Nepal does not require any specific immunization for visitors. It is however best to have vaccine before coming to Nepal. Your doctors can advice you on the type of vaccine to be taken to travel to third world countries like Nepal.


What about getting to Nepal from Tibet?

The crossing between Nepal and Tibet via Kodari is only open to organized groups but not to individual travelers heading north. Be prepared with alternative plans if you're thinking about using this route, because landslides regularly make it impassable during the monsoon.

Is trekking for me?

If you are reasonably fit and enjoy walking you will find a trek in the brochure to suit you. Normally the shorter treks tend to be easier whilst the longer ones often require a better standard of fitness. All treks in the brochure have been graded. It is also worth remembering if we are tailoring your tour, you can choose the pace and direction of your experience.

When is the best season for trek?

The best seasons for trek are half of February to First week of June and September to early December.

Half of February to First week of June: From the half of February until the first part of June temperatures are relatively warm, 10° to 15° warmer than in the fall. Mornings are bright and clear with the air slowly becoming hazier as the day progresses. The rhododendron forests in springtime are spectacular, with color displays that are "Himalayan" in beauty. June is warm and green with many fewer people - the sense of solitude is much greater than other seasons.

September to half of December: September to early December is an ideal time for the best mountain views. The days are typically sunny and clear with moderate temperatures and the evenings are usually quite cold.

Note: July to August is the Monsoon period in Nepal. However, it is possible to do trekking in rain shadow area like Mustang, Rara, Dolpo, Annapurna circuit, Lantang valley, Jomsom Trek, Everest base camp and Gokyo valley respectively.


How can I trek?

There are two basic types of accommodation in trekking; Teahouse and Camping. All the treks are lead by our professional guides, who all are well trained and licensed by the Government.


CAMPING TREKKING (TENTED CAMP):

On a camping trek you will sleep in tents. The staff includes a guide, cook, Sherpa and sufficient porters to carry all trekking gear. Even if you have never camped before, there is no need to worry that you won’t enjoy the experience. The tents we provide are roomy, the sleeping pads/ mattresses are comfortable and international style food of a high standard is freshly prepared and served. On all of our treks a bathroom tent is provided as well as a dining tent with tables and camp stools, providing a cozy, comfortable atmosphere to eat and chat with fellow trekkers during the evening. How Camping trek is operated?

NEPAL TEA HOUSE/LOCAL LODGE TREKKING:

In Nepal on the more popular treks, enterprising villagers have built tea-house lodges.

In popular areas such as Annapurna, Everest and Langtang, Tea Houses are more like hotels, with hot showers, western food, and private rooms (twin sharing). In this arrangement overnight halts with dinner and breakfast will be in Tea-houses (Lodges) and lunches in local restaurants en-route.

Furthermore as you will be staying in locally owned lodges you will be benefiting and interacting with the local community. It will give you a true feel for the Nepalese people and their lives.
What kinds of meal do we get in tea house?

On trek you are guided by an English speaking local guide and all main baggage is carried by porters, yaks or horses.

Option C. GUIDE AND PORTER HIRING SERVICE

This is another way of doing trekking in Nepal. For economy treks, we provide a guide as well as a sufficient number of porters as per your demand so that our clients can be relieved of carrying the majority of their possessions and bask in the glory of this majestic environment.

Does the food / water safe to eat / drink?

Hygiene when trekking generally has improved considerably over the last ten years; our guides have the local knowledge to choose the lodges which maintain a high standard of hygiene. All meals are prepared to high standards, fruit and vegetables are soaked in iodine before preparation. Most lodges serve boiled and filtered water, which is generally safe, we suggest a drop of iodine to be totally sure. And as well as it is possible to buy of bottled.


WHAT KINDS OF MEAL DO WE GET IN TEA HOUSE?

While on trek you can expect to sample a variety of local foods including such items as Tibetan fried bread, soups, momos (steamed dumplings), daal bhat (lentils and rice), tarkari (steamed,fried, or curried vegetables), potatoes (prepared in dozens of ways), pastas and even a version of pizza. Meats are rarely eaten although you may have canned tuna or sardines and the occasional yak stew. Breakfasts typically consist of eggs (prepared in many ways), hot porridge, muesli, toast, peanut butter and honey. Hot tea is served at every meal. Although food is looked upon as "fuel" rather than a "culinary art", your cook will occasionally surprise you with such delights as banana fritters and apple crisps! You may want to bring your a few of your favorite trail snacks.

What is our daily routine while in trekking?

We wake-up call at 7 am an early morning. After a breakfast, we repack our duffel bag and leave it with our Sherpas.
We are normally on the trail before 8 a.m. Trek at your own pace; all you need carry is a daypack and camera. Sherpa guides hike along to point out interesting flora, fauna and sights. Along the trail are spots to relax, purchase a snack or soda, use toilet facilities and shop for souvenirs.
We will have lunch about 11:30 am to 12 :30 am.
A typical day's hike usually ends in the early afternoon. Time to read or nap before dinner. After dinner there is time to play cards, stargaze and reflect on all the wondrous moments of your day.
What about water - are they available at each teahouse? I know we supposed to bring iodine tablets.

Regarding about the water, we get mineral water, boiled water or filter water during the trekking. If you are going to bring iodine tablets, it would be great.ecessary to take Malaria prevention medicine unless you will be visiting a Jungle Lodge.


Is there electricity during the trekking?

Most of the areas like Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, Dhaulagiri, Mustang and Manaslu, we get electricity.


Is there any communication while we are on trekking?

There are telephones in many villages along the popular trekking routes from which you can make international calls.


What is altitude sickness?

Many people are concerned about altitude sickness. This problem, often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a particularly important medical consideration while trekking in Nepal and Tibet. Altitude illness rarely occurs lower than 2800 meters (9520ft ) and only minor symptoms occur below 3000 meters (9,800ft). AMS occurs when the body does not adapt well to less oxygen at higher altitudes. At 18,000 ft (5490m), there is one half the oxygen available as at sea level; on top of Mount Everest, only one third. The body tries to adapt to less oxygen by increasing the rate and depth of breathing, as well as the heart rate. Individual susceptibility to altitude sickness seems to be genetically determined.
What happens to the body during altitude illness? Fluids accumulate in between the cells in the brain and/or the lungs, creating mild or severe symptoms. Mild symptoms include headache, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, lack of sleep and dizziness. These symptoms usually resolve by spending one or two extra nights at the same altitude. If symptoms worsens descent to lower altitudes is warranted..

If you are resting at the same altitude and your symptoms are becoming worse, then it is also necessary to descend.
More serious symptoms of AMS include increased tiredness, severe headache, vomiting,, loss of coordination, shortness of breath, cough. These extremely dangerous symptoms are called High Altitude Cerebral Edema (or HACE). They can lead to unconsciousness and death within 12 hours.

Increasing shortness of breath, cough and tiredness may also be signs of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema or HAPE. HAPE can also be rapidly fatal if ignored.
Respiratory depression (the slowing down of breathing) can be caused by various medications, and may be a problem at altitude. The following substances can do this and should never be used by someone who has symptoms of altitude illness :
• Alcohol
• Sleeping pills (acetazolamide is the sleeping tablet of choice at altitude)
• Narcotic pain medications in more than modest doses

To prevent AMS and respiratory depression, drink at least three litres of liquids a day and avoid getting cold. Altitude sickness can to a certain extent be prevented by acetazolamide (Diamox SR), 750mg per day. Some experts suggest a two-day trial before the trip. Please seek the advice of your personal physician. Please note that taking Diamox SR does not mean that you can ignore advice about proper acclimatization.
To recap, serious symptoms of altitude sickness include:
• A severe, enduring headache, which is not cured by ordinary painkillers
• Marked nausea and repeated vomiting
• Irritating dizziness or actual difficulty with balance and direction
• Visual disturbances with flickering vision and problems judging distance
• Pressure in the chest, rapid breathing and pulse rate, crackles in breathing and shortness of breath
• Swelling beneath the skin (edema), typically around the eyes
• Swollen ankles and hands
• Confusion
• Convulsions
In the presence of these symptoms, medical attention must be sought immediately in conjunction with descent to the lowest possible height.


Prevention of Altitude Illness:

- What happens to the body in altitude illness? Fluid accumulates in between cells in the brain and/or the lungs. Symptoms can be mild or severe. Mild symptoms of acute mountain sickness or AMS are headache, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, lack of sleep and dizziness. These symptoms can resolve once someone is acclimatized e.g. by spending one or two extra nights at the same altitude or symptoms may worsen needing someone to descend to lower altitudes.
- When mild symptoms develop, it is a signal that you must stay at that altitude until symptoms have gone away. Usually within one or two days you will feel well and can continue your trek.
If you are resting at the same altitude and your symptoms are becoming worse, then it is necessary to descend. Worsening symptoms of AMS including increasing tiredness, severe headache, vomiting, and loss of coordination. These are signs of High Altitude Cerebral Edema (or HACE). HACE can lead to unconsciousness and death within 12 hours if progressive symptoms are ignored. Increasing shortness of breath, cough, and tiredness are signs of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema or HAPE. HAPE can also be rapidly fatal if ignored. Increasing shortness of breath, cough, and tiredness are signs of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema or HAPE. HAPE can also be rapidly fatal if ignored.
- Respiratory depression (the slowing down of breathing) can be caused by various medications, and may be a problem at altitude. The following medications can do this, and should never be used by someone who has symptoms of altitude illness (these may be safe in non-ill persons, although this remains controversial):
-Alcohol
-Sleeping pills (acetazolamide is the sleeping tablet of choice at altitude)
-Narcotic pain medications in more than modest doses
- Drink plenty of liquids (at least three litres a day)
- Avoid getting cold.
- Altitude sickness can, to a certain extent, be prevented by acetazolamide (Diamox SR), 750mg per day from one day before ascent until two days after reaching the maximum height. Some experts suggest that to get to know the possible drug side effects it is wise to give it a two-day trial before the trip. This is an unlicensed use of this medicine, which is also only available on prescription, so it should only be undertaken on the advice of a doctor. Possible side effects include nausea: taste disturbance, tingling hands and feet, frequent and copious urination, visual disturbances and skin rash. However, taking Diamox SR does not mean people can ignore advice about slow ascent.

Note: We have guides trained at the High Altitude Medical Training Center. Our staff is very experienced in dealing with the effects of higher altitudes. As they are natives of Nepal, they easily acclimatize and therefore can care for their clients. They are equipped with necessary medical supplies and will assist you with basic first aid treatment. We design our tours to ensure clients are ready for high altitude, and arrange alternative itineraries for those at risk


What type of insurance should I have? Can I get there?
Travel insurance is compulsory for all Clients undertaking any tour. It should provide adequate protection for the full duration of the tour to cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, helicopter evacuation, loss of luggage, etc.

If you wish to arrange your travel insurance from our Company; we will arrange travel insurance for you.

What equipment should I bring?
 

Note: If you do have Sleeping bag, down jacket and walking stick, we will provide you.


What type of insurance should I have? Can I get there?

Travel insurance is compulsory for all Clients undertaking any tour. It should provide adequate protection for the full duration of the tour to cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, helicopter evacuation, loss of luggage, etc.

If you wish to arrange your travel insurance from our Company; we will arrange travel insurance for you.


What happens if there is an emergency?

All of our guides are trained in basic first aid and can deal with the basic ailments that may occur on trek. In the event of an emergency Everest Dreamz will cover initial expenses of any rescue operation. It is a condition of booking that you are adequately insured for such an event as these expenses will need to be recovered from your insurance company. In the more frequented regions there are health posts, which have been established by foreign doctors and many are staffed by overseas personnel. Everest Dreamz is associated members of The Himalayan Rescue Association.

Are the Everest Dreamz's staffs insured?

Our company insures all our trekking staff, including guide, cook, sherpa and porters are insured. Please, click here (We take pride in the fact that every single porter and guide employed by us is not only well paid but also protected by a life insurance policy. They are provided with warm clothing and proper shelter on all high altitude treks. All our treks benefit the village economics by using local services (manpower, produce, lodges and other services). We ensure that all our staff is well paid, insured and properly equipped).


Could you give us some information about the guide?

All of our guides are highly skilled professionals who have been selected based on their technical proficiency, proven safety records, careful judgment, patient and supportive teaching styles and great personalities. Our guides are trained by the Nepal Mountaineering Association, the Ministry of Tourism and at the High Altitude Medical Training Center. Our guides are very experienced in dealing with the effects of higher altitudes and since they are natives of Nepal, they easily acclimatize and therefore can better care for their clients. They are equipped with necessary medical supplies and can assist you with basic first aid treatment.


Is trekking permit required?

The government of Nepal no longer requires a trekking permit for Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, and some other regions. However, conservation permit or National park permits are required for these regions. There are few restricted trekking areas in Nepal, where trekking permits are required.

Trekking permit is a special permission given to you by the Nepalese government to visit the restricted areas. Trekking permit is required for the following regions.
 

Fee for Visiting conservation/ national areas:

Annapurna Conservation Entrance Fee is a big 27 US$, National Parks about 14 US$ respectively.


What kinds of banking facilities in Nepal?

Nepal has modern banking facilities and some international banks even have offices in Kathmandu. Almost all foreign currencies along with credit cards such as American Express, Visa, and Master card are accepted in Nepal. Nepal has also ATM facilities as well.


How safe traveling alone women with your company?

We ensure all safety and security for individual woman traveller while with us, we are more confidence for this issues, believe us. We have train our guides, the way our clients want. We give you personal room on lodge trek and personal tent for camping (tented camp) trek.


What happens if I need to leave the trip early?

Communication is sometimes difficult in the mountains. However our guides and local staff will make the necessary efforts to obtain the necessary transportation and reservations to get you home as quickly as possible if for any reason you need to depart early.


If I arrive early or depart late? Can you arrange extra night lodging?

We are happy to make arrangements such as personalized tours, extra hotels rooms, airport pick ups and arrange for private rooms. Please indicate that you would like a private room on your application and we will contact you with information on single room supplement costs.


Does your company arrange domestic and international flight and other services?

We are Nepal based company. So we suggest you to arrange your destination International flight from your hometown. Domestic flight ticket is included in our packages tour.

Additional help will be provided for you different activities like river rafting, city guided tour, Mountain flight, jungle safari etc according to your requirements.

Is someone going to meet me at the airport? Are transfers included?

Yes, our Airport Representative will come to the airport to pick you up. We will be displaying a play card of Everest Dreamz company with your name on it. Airport transfer is included.


How much spending money should I bring?

This will depend on the destination and you're spending habits. However our trip dossiers will give you an idea of how to budget for additional meals, optional excursions, and extra expenses you might incur on any specific trip.


Does Everest Dreamz accept credit cards?

We accept American Express, Visa and Master cards. If you are paying in person in Nepal, we request that you pay in cash or Travelers cheques as the bank charges for credit cards are quite high.


What if I arrive early or depart late? Can you arrange extra night lodging? Is there a single room option?

We are happy to make arrangements such as personalized tours, extra hotels rooms, airport pick ups and arrange for private rooms. Please indicate that you would like a private room on your application and we will contact you with information on single room supplement costs.


Can I bring some food from home?

You may bring power bars, Gu, Power Gel, cereal bars or similar high energy foods, powder Gatorade is also recommended to fight dehydration.


Is it necessary to take precautions against Malaria?

It is not necessary to take Malaria prevention medicine.

What equipment should I bring?

What should I keep in mind when I contact with the Tibetans?

Tibetan people are very kind and hospitable; you can feel free to talk with them. But there are some rulers you should go by!
• Do not photo them without getting the permit, please show the respect to them!
• Don't talk the sensitive topics like the political and the religion matters!