Preparation
Is it safe to trek in Nepal?
Title FAQ 1
What are your guidelines for tipping?
Tipping is a personal matter and there is no requirement to tip at the end of your trek. However, tipping is expected, and most clients do choose to do so and frequently ask for guidance. We hope the following notes will be useful.
How Much to Tip?
Below, we have provided guidelines for how much is reasonable to tip, should you be in doubt.
| Service | USD per day | Rupees per day |
| Trekking Guide/Cook | $10 to $15 USD | 1000-1500 NPR |
| Porter | $5 to $10 USD | 500-1000 NPR |
| Tour Guide | $10 to $15 USD | 1000-1500 NPR |
| Driver | $5 to $10 USD | 500-1000 NPR |
Please note: These amounts apply to what your group gives communally, not individually.
If you decide to tip, we suggest that you make your tips on the last night of the trek. We recommend that, before your presentation, you designate the amounts for the guide, cook, support Sherpas and porters and give your gratuity directly and personally to each individual. This also ensures that all are getting what you intend them to receive.
Passport information
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your expected date of departure from Nepal. You will also require an entry visa for Nepal.
Passport copies of your details and photographs come in handy when you need to get permits, visas, sim card, etc.
How much baggage can I bring on trek?
Domestic flights allow 15-20kg of check-in baggage (depending on the route) and a maximum of 5kg as hand carry. Your porter will carry up to 25kg and carries two people’s baggage.
Do I need insurance?
We require that all our guests arrange their own comprehensive travel insurance with an international insurance provider. Make sure that the policy will cover the maximum altitude of your trek.
General country information
Formerly a Himalayan Kingdom, today Nepal is officially recognised as a Federal Democratic Republic. Positioned between China and India, Nepal is divided geographically into three belts: the mountains, the hills and the flat-land terai.
Nepal is home to eight of the world's ten tallest mountains, including the highest point on Earth, Mount Everest, known as 'Sagarmatha' in Nepali.
With a population of approximately 30 million, Nepal is the world's 93rd largest country by land mass and the 41st most populous country.
Kathmandu is the nation's capital and the country's largest metropolis. Kathmandu Valley itself has estimated population of 5 million and has grown considerably from the days of its three 'mini kingdoms' : Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Although the valley has sprawled in recent years, these three areas remain alive with a world-class artistic and architectural heritage.
The Nepalese have a multi-cultural heritage of Indian, Tibetan and North Burmese descent. Both Hindu and Buddhist religions are practiced across the country and in harmony with each other.
Do you cater to vegetarians and vegans?
Yes. Do let us know about any dietary restrictions (allergies, intolerances, etc.) in advance so that we can adapt the menu accordingly.
What is Best Time to Trek & Hike in Nepal?
How does it work with electricity and recharging electric devices?
Will I have internet connection & mobile phone signal on trek?
At the most popular trekking destinations such as the Annapurnas and Khumbu (the Everest Region) you will find WiFi these days, but be patient as you will be sharing it with many other trekkers.
In more remote areas of Nepal and on camping treks do not expect to find any WiFi. Mobile phone signal and data reception is increasingly good even in many remote parts of the country, and you will occasionally be able to use the data on your phone. We recommend getting a local sim-card from Ncell or Nepal Telecom in Kathmandu prior to your trek if you need to stay connected on trek.
Tell me About your Guides
Title FAQ 2
Do I need a visa to enter Nepal?
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your expected date of departure from Nepal. You will also require an entry visa for Nepal.
All foreigners (except Indian nationals) must have a visa for entry into Nepal. The visa can be obtained upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. A single-entry visa valid for 15/30/90 days costs US$25/40/100.You can pay for your visa in any major currency or with your credit card (note that there is a small extra fee to pay for using credit card).
At the airport in Kathmandu the fee is payable in any major currency, but at land borders officials require payment in cash US dollars; bring small bills. SAARC countries can get a 30-day visa for free on arrival. If you wish to avoid the lines for visa at the airport you can contact the Nepal Embassy in your country and get the visa prior to arrival.
Why We Should Book Our Trip with IHSA
Title FAQ 3
How long have you been in business?
Title FAQ 4
How Can I reach IHSA?
Title FAQ 5
What “stuff” I need to bring with me?
Title FAQ 6
Where Will I sleep During the Trek?
Title FAQ 7
What are your emergency procedures?
Title FAQ 8
Tell me about the bathroom facilities.
Title FAQ 9
Do I need to bring toilet paper?
Title FAQ 10
Will we encounter wild animals?
Title FAQ 11
What's Included in the Trip Cost?
Title FAQ 12
Where I should leave my luggage?
Title FAQ 13
What is your cancellation Policy?
Title FAQ 14
What Equipment/Clothing will I need?
Title FAQ 15
What's the weather going to be like?
Title FAQ 16
Where should I stay before and after my trip?
Title FAQ 17
Will my guide know about natural and cultural history?
Title FAQ 18
What first-aid and safety precautions do you take?
Title FAQ 19
Is it OK if I've never trek/hike or backpacked before?
Title FAQ 20
What is the age limit for children to go on a trip?
Title FAQ 21
Do I deposit the entire trip when I book this trip?
Title FAQ 22
How do I make a Payment ?
Title FAQ 23
Can I do volunteer too along with the trip?
Title FAQ 24
How long have you been in business?
Title FAQ 25
What kinds of trips are offered?
Title FAQ 26
What is your maximum group size?
Title FAQ 27
What if I'm traveling alone?
Title FAQ 28
What if I'm traveling alone?
Title FAQ 29
Do you offer private departures for small groups?
Title FAQ 30
What do I need to bring?
Title FAQ 31
When are payments due?
Title FAQ 32
What forms of payment do you accept?
Title FAQ 35
Do I need a visa or passport?
Title FAQ 36
What if I need to cancel my trip?
Title FAQ 37
Should I purchase trip cancellation insurance?
Title FAQ 38
What if my trip doesn't have enough participants?
Title FAQ 39
What if I don't need every hotel/activity/etc. on my trip?
Title FAQ 40
Is airfare included in the trip price?
Title FAQ 41
Can I give a trip as a gift?
Title FAQ 42
Reservation
How long far I need to book this trip?
In order to secure your places on internal flights and accommodation and to book the best of the guides available, we always recommend you for the early booking.
What is and isn’t included in the trip price?
Title FAQ 25
Weather
How's the weather? Best times to travel in Nepal?
Title FAQ 2
What about tipping?
Title FAQ 3
How do I make a reservation?
Title FAQ 4
What type of discounts do you offer?
Title FAQ 5
