Nepal

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

**Please check your own country's international travel advice as well as the airline requirements before travel.**

UK guests please see the UK Government Foreign Office Travel website for latest entry and exit advice; https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/nepal 

US guests please see Travel State website; https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Nepal.html 

Passports

Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the period of stay. It is advised to have 1 blank page in your passport. Please be sure to fill out the "Emergency Next of Kin" section in your passport.

Visas

A visa is required for all travelers to Nepal. While Nepal visas are issued upon arrival, they must be applied for in advance. We will handle the visa approval process for the entire tour group before departure. To apply for your visa, we’ll need the following documents:

• A clear copy of your passport (photo page and the page above it, with no part obscured)
• A digital passport photo
• A copy of your travel insurance certificate
• A copy of your COVID-19 vaccination certificate

Please send these documents to: info@thebigjourneycompany.com.

nts, regulations and restrictions can vary on a regular basis. Please ensure you check in good time prior to travel the current requirements applicable to you.

Travel Insurance
All passengers must have valid travel insurance before traveling, including health and cancellation insurance. Please ensure you have a copy of your insurer’s 24-hour emergency telephone number and your policy number.

Foothills of Everest Tour – This tour is designed for those who are seeking an adventure, those who want to get a taste of the high mountain experience and to be amongst the Sherpa community. This tour includes a moderate trek of around 4-8hrs per day (a couple of days are tougher than others with lots of undulating hills). You need to be fit and active to take part in this trip, but you do not need to be an experienced trekker to enjoy this trip. However, some training beforehand, walking/trekking before you travel would enhance your overall experience on this adventure.

Passengers with Disabilities or Reduced Mobility
The Bhutan and Nepal Tour is an Activity Level 3 tour and will require a high level of physical activity over an extended period. The Foothills of Everest Tour is a Physically Demanding tour and will require very high levels of physical activity. Neither are suitable if you have limited mobility. Please check our Activity Levels description page to see if this level is suitable to you or contact us if you require further information on the activities involved in the tour.
If you or any member of your party has any medical problem or disability which may affect your holiday, please provide us with full details before we confirm your booking, or as soon as possible at the time they occur, so that we can try to advise on the suitability of your chosen arrangements. Please note, we may require you to produce a doctor’s certificate certifying that you are fit to participate in the tour.

Medical Conditions and Personal Medication

Please advise us prior to travel if you have any medical conditions requiring special attention during your trip. If you have a specific medical condition, it is wise to carry the relevant doctor’s prescription with you.
Important:

• Pack a sufficient supply of any medications you are taking, copies of the prescriptions and the contact details of your doctor.
• Please note, some countries require that prescription drugs be carried in their original container, with the label clearly visible. In the event of you losing your medication, a qualified pharmacist should be able to source a replacement.

Travelling with CPAP or other Medical Machines

Please inform The Big Journey Company that you are travelling with such a device as early as possible, and well before you travel. Please note, if you require distilled or ionised water, you must inform The Big Journey Company of this at the time of booking, so we are able to make preparations with our ground agents. There may be an additional charge for this.

LUGGAGE

International airlines are often strict about the size and weight of checked in baggage and carry-on luggage. Prior to your departure for Nepal, please contact your airline or visit their website for specific luggage requirements, as size and weight limitations may vary according to the airline and destination.

Nepal & Bhutan Tour - Given the variable weather we’re likely to experience as we travel, you will need clothes for warmer weather as well as a warm, waterproof jacket. Pack light and remember the basic essentials: camera and attachments; a good pair of lightweight binoculars; adaptor plugs; toiletries including insect repellent and sunblock; medications and prescriptions; extra reading glasses; sunhat; and notebook or journal. Make sure you have comfortable, practical footwear for the treks and clothing that can be worn in layers.

For the flights between Kathmandu to Bharatpur and Pokhara to Kathmandu, travellers are permitted 1 piece of hold luggage per person, the weight of which should not exceed 23kgs. You are also permitted one piece of cabin baggage per person, which should not exceed the 5kg in weight and must be no more than the following dimensions: 55cm x 40cm x 20cm (20 x 14 x 9ins). There will be a charge for all excess luggage. Usual restrictions on prohibited items, including those on liquids, apply on these flights. Luggage handling is not included on this tour. It may be available at the hotel for a local charge. Laundry services will be limited as part of the tour, so please bring sufficient clothes with you.

Foothills of Everest Trek Tour - We strongly recommend traveling light because of the mobile and challenging nature of the trip. Limit your luggage to your trek bag (provided) and a 25l daypack to carry on the trail and to keep with you on tour.
You will be provided with 1 x trek /duffel bag on arrival in Kathmandu. Before departing on the trek, transfer your overnight and personal kit from your suitcases into the trek bag, so it can be comfortably carried by the porters along the trek. Maximum permitted weight of 15kg per person.
Any extra luggage can be left at the hotel in Kathmandu. We recommend leaving a clean set of clothes at the hotel - always nice to come back to at the end of a trek.
Please note, for the flights between Kathmandu and Lukla, we are limited to 10kg hold luggage and 5kg hand luggage.
SUGGESTED TREK / HIKING PACKING LIST
This list is provided as a simple guideline to help you plan your trip – it covers the basics and we realize you will probably have your own personal favourites to add to this.

• Pair of trekking boots with good ankle support and a VIBRAM sole, or similar. Wear your trekking boots on your flight to Nepal or place them in your hand luggage. It is impossible to replace well worn-in trekking boots if your hold luggage goes missing.
• Base layers of a light, wicking material (Long & Short sleeve); Mid layer shirt or light fleece; Mountain fleece / light primaloft or down jacket (often called a spring jacket); Three-quarter or full length trekking trousers (mid weight); Trekking Socks (2-3 pairs); Waterproof jacket and trousers (lightweight); Warm gloves and hat
• Good quality sunglasses (Factor 3); Sunblock and lip salve (Factor 50); Sunhat
• Small first aid kit e.g. plasters, paracetamol, antiseptic wipes, etc.; Wide necked, plastic water bottle e.g. Nalgene; Flashlight, with spare batteries
• Clothes and trainers/shoes for the evenings and village after daily trekking
• Trainers/approach shoes for Kathmandu sightseeing (uneven streets can be a challenge to walk on in city shoes, especially with heels

LANGUAGE
The main language of Nepal is Nepali, though a number of other languages are spoken widely across the country. English is spoken by some in the hospitality trade.

WEATHER

The weather and visibility in Nepal in the autumn season, from September-November, is perfect for touring and trekking. The temperature is moderate during the day, with cool mornings and evenings, getting cooler as you rise in altitude. The tour will mostly be at altitudes above 2,500m, so you should be prepared for cold weather.

ELECTRICITY
In Nepal, the standard voltage is 220V and the frequency is 50Hz. Nepal uses three types of plugs – Type C (European style 2 round prongs), Type D (mainly used in Indian countries and some African countries, with three round prongs) and Type M (like Type D but with larger prongs). Blackouts (‘load shedding’) are a fact of life across Nepal, especially in Kathmandu. Power surges are also likely, so bring a voltage guard with spike suppressor (automatic cut-off switch) for your laptop. Note that power supplies to some rural areas may still be disrupted because of earthquake damage.

MOBILES & INTERNET COMMUNICATION

Moblie coverage is widely avaliable across Nepal, be sure to check with your mobile provider for coverage and rates, as data roaming can be extremely expensive.

MONEY

• Currency

The currency of Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). Credit cards are widely accepted at mid-high range establishments, but it is advisable to carry money in cash with you as well. ATMs are widely available in cities, but not so in smaller villages. It is easy to change cash and access ATMs in Kathmandu and Pokhara but very difficult in other areas.

Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards however many places do not accept cards such as Diners Club or American Express. If you intend to use any of your debit or credit cards whilst away, please make sure that you contact your bank before you leave to inform them that you will be travelling in order not to cause any problems using your cards or whilst on the trip.

• Gratuities

After feedback from previous guests, we offer a group tipping package for this tour, more information on this will be shared in the 'Pre-Tour Emails'.

WATER

It is not advisable to drink the tap water in Nepal, nor that from any wells, streams or rivers unless it has been boiled or purified first. Bottled water can be bought at supermarkets, kiosks and many shops.

SAFETY & SECURITY
As visitors, tourists may be more vulnerable to petty crimes like pickpocketing and scams, so we recommend staying aware and taking simple precautions.

RELIGION

Nepal is famous as the world's only Hindu Kingdom. However, it is an intricate and beautiful tapestry formed by the interweaving of Hinduism, Buddhism and other beliefs. Religious tolerance and harmony such as is found in Nepal, is perhaps a unique example to the world.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Nepal offers photo opportunities one after another. You will return with many photos that can never be repeated. Remember to pack your camera, along with the charger, spare batteries and a spare memory card!

SPECIFIC INFORMATION FOR FOOTHILLS OF EVEREST TOUR
Walking Tips

The best preparation for trekking is… trekking! Get out for hikes and short walks in your home country. Even regular walks in the park if you can’t escape to the countryside much, are a good way to prepare. However, if you can manage some weekends away, walks in your local national park, low hills, high mountains, anywhere where you'll be on rough paths and doing some good ups and downs… it will all be good practice!
Get used to your personal equipment - feeling that your backpack fits snugly; enjoying the re-assuring strength of a familiar pair of hiking boots; knowing what layers work best for you; what little extras to carry in your pockets… all this will be invaluable!
What’s more, some additional fitness from running, swimming, the gym, yoga, spin classes, etc. is also a plus! A strong cardiovascular system is going to help you cope at altitude.

A Typical Day on the Trail
Wake up to a hot drink brought to your room by our lovely Sherpa team. Pack your bags and get ready for the day, before a leisurely breakfast. The porters will arrive whilst you eat to carry your trek bag up to our next overnight stop. We’ll walk for an hour or so before taking a break. We usually take a lunch along the route before continuing on the trail. Typically, we won't walk for more than 4-5 hours a day and there will of course be lots of wonderful views, people and interesting things along the way, as well as many photo opportunities. We reach our next lodge in time to relax for a while. In Namche, there is a masseur on hand for appointments. Alternatively, you might feel like exploring the local village and hills with your guide, or perhaps by yourself. Having a hot shower and many other creature comforts to look forward to makes each day’s trekking even more of a joy! We re-group again for drinks around the fire and finish the day with a three-course meal – local or Western style, there’s plenty of variety and lots of taste! We tend to drift off to bed fairly early. However, a quick peek at the night sky outside, particularly when higher up where the heavens really are ablaze with stars, can be a late-night treat before sleep.

Staying in the Best of Health on the Trail 
There are a number of things you should be vigilant about whilst on trail in the high mountains are: exposure to the weather - effects of sun and hypothermia; gastric upsets; coughs and colds; blisters and sores and managing the adjustment to higher altitudes. Our advice is simple: prevention is better than cure! Here are some tips to stay well and healthy:

1. Keep Hydrated. Drink Plenty of Safe Water - In the very dry air of the mountains, you lose moisture every time you breathe out, as well as through your skin at a higher rate than usual. Even whilst sleeping, we are dehydrating. When dehydrated, we feel weary and lethargic. More critically, we are stopping our bodies being able to adjust and acclimatize to altitude. Get hydrated, feel energized and acclimatize better and faster. How do you know when you’re hydrated? It is not what goes in, it is what comes out. At altitude, you will be urinating more frequently anyway, it’s a side effect of acclimatization. You should be urinating regularly, and urine should be clear or pale. If you haven’t urinated for a couple of hours or more, you are on the way to dehydration.
2. Clean Hands! - The most common way to get bugs (bacteria, protozoa) into your system is via your hands – picking up food, touching your face or unwrapping food with dirty hands can lead to stomach upsets. Use a hand sanitizer and/or soap and water. Clean your hands immediately before eating, though not when looking at menus or chatting pre-meal. Don’t use towels in public washrooms. Try to avoid touching your face. And always clean hands after using the toilet.
3. Wear A Buff/Scarf Over Your Mouth on High Trails - This traps moisture and helps reduce the dryness of air you breathe in. It also keeps the dust out! Protecting your airways will reduce the likelihood of coughs and colds, particularly the dreaded Khumbu Cough. Use cough sweets or sugar free gum to keep your throat moist.
4. Protect from the Sun – Sunblock and Hats - The sun is particularly strong at altitude, where the UVA and UVB rays will penetrate much more viciously in the thin air. Wear a good sunblock, particularly on lips. Keep covered up and watch out for friends getting red and sore – let them know. For the same reasons, a sun hat is essential in the high hills.
5. Stop and Sort It Out! - Socks rubbing a bit? Stop and prevent that blister forming. Getting a little chilly? Stop and put more clothes on before you get too cold. A problem on trail will stay with you for the trek. Notice it and stop it happening.

Trip Grading: Who is this Trip Suitable For? 
The Foothills of Everest Tour is designed for those who are seeking an adventure, want a taste of the high mountain experience and want to be amongst the Sherpa community.
This is a moderate trek, most days are 4-5 hours long, with a few a little longer. Altitude gain is usually 300-500m/day, the paths and tracks are generally wide and well-marked.
We ask that you have a reasonable level of fitness, but you do not need to be an experienced trekker to enjoy this trip. However, some trekking experience would enhance your overall experience on this adventure. Your trek guide will ensure we have a comfortable pace on the trail and you will have Sherpa support every step of the way. If you are comfortable going on day walks in the hills of your home country or maybe you swim, cycle or take a class a couple of times a week, then you should find this trek well within your abilities.

ARRIVAL IN NEPAL
Please note, standard hotel check-in is around 3pm, so should you arrive earlier than this, your room may not be available upon arrival. For those arriving early morning, we will do everything we can to work with the hotel to get you an earlier check-in subject to availability.

If you have any other questions that we have not covered here; then please send us an e-mail to: info@thebigjourneycompany.com

Disclaimer: The above information is provided as a guideline only. The Big Journey Company assumes no liability for any errors or omissions in this document.

Updated November 2024