Trekking in Nepal: your questions answered

The Annapurna Circuit typically takes 12 to 18 days depending on how much of the route is walked versus driven, and its high point, the Thorong La pass, is about 5,416 metres (17,769 ft). Because the pass is high and comes after several days of gradual climbing, most trekkers cross it from Manang side to Muktinath with an early start.

The Annapurna Base Camp trek typically takes 7 to 12 days, with Annapurna Base Camp at about 4,130 metres (13,550 ft). It suits reasonably fit first-time Himalayan trekkers because the route is well served by teahouses and stays lower than Everest Base Camp.

The Poon Hill trek is a short trek near Pokhara, typically 4 to 6 days, that climbs to a sunrise viewpoint at about 3,210 metres with wide views over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. It is one of the most popular first treks in Nepal because it is short, lower in altitude and well supplied with lodges.

Choose a package, pick a fixed departure or propose your own dates, and send a booking request or inquiry form on the trip page. Our team replies within 24 hours to confirm details.

Yes. We arrange private departures and custom itineraries for couples, families and groups. Send us your dates and ideas through the contact page and we will design a plan.

Each package page lists what is included and excluded. Typically this covers permits, guide, accommodation and meals on the trek, and ground transport. International flights, visas, insurance and personal expenses are usually excluded.

Refunds depend on how far before departure you cancel. See our Cancellation and Refund Policy for the exact terms.

Yes. Many operators run fixed-departure group treks on set dates, which can lower the cost per person and let you meet other trekkers. Check the departures listed on each package page, or ask about private dates if you prefer a private trek.

A private trek is arranged for your own party with your chosen dates and pace, while a group trek departs on fixed dates with other travellers. Group treks are often cheaper per person; private treks offer more flexibility.

For the peak seasons of March to May and October to November, booking a few months ahead is wise so that flights and lodges are available, though shorter notice is often possible. Book earlier for restricted-area permits and fixed departures.

Payment instructions, including any deposit and the due date for the balance, are sent with your booking confirmation. Payment options and refund terms are explained in our Cancellation and Refund Policy, and our team can answer questions before you commit.

Costs vary widely with route, length, season and service level. Guided teahouse treks are typically priced from a few hundred to a few thousand US dollars per person, and remote, restricted-area or luxury treks cost more. Check the package page for the exact price and inclusions.

Tipping is customary but not compulsory. As a rough guide, trekkers often tip a guide and porters a pooled amount at the end of the trek, commonly split by role and trip length. Ask your operator for current local norms, and tip according to service and your budget.

The price of a Nepal trek mainly depends on the length of the itinerary, the region and permits, group size, whether you use a guide only or a guide and porter, flights such as Lukla, and the standard of accommodation. Private trips cost more per person than joining a group departure.

International flights and visas are usually not included in a trek package. Domestic flights, such as Kathmandu to Lukla, may be included or listed separately, so always check the included and excluded list on the trip page or ask us before you book.

Nepalese rupees are needed for most purchases on the trail, such as tea, snacks, charging and hot showers, while trek packages are often quoted in US dollars. Carry enough rupees in small notes because ATMs and card payments become unreliable in remote villages.

The classic Everest Base Camp trek typically takes 12 to 14 days from Kathmandu, including the flights to and from Lukla, acclimatisation days at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche, and the walk up to Kala Patthar. Shorter itineraries exist but leave less time to acclimatise, which raises the risk of altitude sickness.

Everest Base Camp on the Khumbu Glacier sits at about 5,364 metres (17,598 ft), and Kala Patthar, the viewpoint most trekkers climb for the best view of Everest, reaches about 5,644 metres (18,519 ft). Both are well above the altitude where altitude sickness becomes a real concern, so a slow, staged ascent matters.

Flights to Lukla normally leave from Kathmandu, but in the busiest spring and autumn periods many Lukla flights operate from Manthali (Ramechhap) airport instead, which usually means an early road transfer from Kathmandu. Flights depend on weather, so we build a spare day into Everest itineraries where possible.

The Gokyo Lakes trek follows the Gokyo valley in the Everest region to a chain of turquoise glacial lakes, with a viewpoint at Gokyo Ri around 5,357 metres. It is usually quieter than the main Everest Base Camp trail and can be combined with Everest Base Camp through the Cho La pass, which adds difficulty and glacier crossing.

Yes, the Langtang Valley trek typically takes 7 to 10 days and starts with a road journey from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi, so it is one of the closest big-mountain treks to the capital. The route reaches Kyanjin Gompa at about 3,800 metres and is a good choice if you have limited time.

Yes, the Manaslu Circuit runs through a restricted area, so trekkers need a special restricted-area permit arranged through a registered trekking agency and must travel with a licensed guide, usually in a group of at least two. The route crosses the Larkya La pass at about 5,106 metres, and we arrange the permits for you.

The best time for Upper Mustang is usually from about March to November, and it is a strong choice in the monsoon because the region lies in the Himalayan rain shadow and receives far less rain than the rest of Nepal. Upper Mustang also requires a costly restricted-area permit and a licensed guide.

Bring layered clothing, waterproof outer layers, a warm sleeping bag, broken-in trekking boots, sun protection and a basic first-aid kit. Your booking confirmation includes a detailed packing list for your route.

On domestic flights such as Kathmandu to Lukla, the checked baggage limit is typically about 15 kg including hand luggage, with extra charged or delayed. Porters usually carry around 20 to 25 kg shared between two trekkers, so pack light. Leave spare items in your Kathmandu hotel.

Yes, Kathmandu, especially the Thamel area, has many shops that sell and rent trekking gear such as sleeping bags, down jackets and poles. Quality varies, so bring your own boots and any item that must fit you well, and check gear carefully before you rent.

Nepal uses 230 volt electricity with plug types C, D and M, so bring a universal adapter and a power bank. Charging is usually available in teahouses for a fee, and it is often limited or slower at higher altitude.

Yes. Most routes need national park or conservation area entry permits, and some need a TIMS card or a restricted-area permit. FairTrek Nepal arranges all required permits as part of your package.

It depends on the route. Common permits are the Sagarmatha National Park permit and local municipality permit (Everest region), the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), the Langtang National Park permit, and the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit plus MCAP and ACAP. Restricted areas such as Upper Mustang and Manaslu require a licensed guide and a minimum group size. Your trekking company normally arranges these for you.

Most nationalities can get a tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport or online in advance, with common durations of 15, 30 or 90 days, but rules and fees change, so check the official Nepal immigration website or your nearest embassy before you travel. A valid passport with at least six months validity and blank pages is required.

The Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card was introduced to register trekkers for safety and tracking, and requirements for TIMS and trekking permits have changed several times over the years. We confirm the current permit and TIMS requirements for your route when you book and arrange them for you.

Yes, flying a drone in Nepal generally needs permission from the authorities, and flying near national parks, airports or government sites can be restricted. If you plan to bring a drone, tell us early so we can advise on the current rules.

The two main trekking seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when skies are clearest and temperatures most stable. Winter suits lower-altitude routes, and the monsoon (June to August) suits rain-shadow regions such as Upper Mustang and Dolpo.

Difficulty ranges from easy lodge-to-lodge walks to strenuous high-altitude routes. Every package on this site shows its grade, duration and maximum altitude so you can pick a trek that fits your fitness.

October and November are generally the most popular months for clear skies and stable weather, followed by March to May, when rhododendrons bloom but haze can build at lower elevations. December to February is cold at altitude but quiet, and June to August is monsoon season.

Easy and moderate treks suit people with regular walking or cardio fitness. For higher routes, build stamina in the months before with hiking, running, cycling or stair climbing, plus leg-strengthening exercises, and practise walking several hours with a daypack. Fitness helps, but acclimatisation matters as much as strength.

Yes, helicopter return from places such as Gorak Shep or Lukla is possible on many Everest itineraries as an optional upgrade, subject to weather and availability. It is also used in emergencies. Ask when booking whether it is included or an extra.

Teahouses are simple mountain lodges offering twin rooms with basic beds, shared bathrooms and a communal dining room. Rooms are usually unheated at higher altitude, so a warm sleeping bag helps. Comfort and facilities generally become more basic the higher and more remote you go.

Many teahouses on popular routes offer paid Wi-Fi and phone charging, and mobile data is available in some areas, but both can be slow, unreliable or expensive and are weather dependent. Bring a power bank, and do not count on a connection at higher altitude.

ATMs are found in Kathmandu, Pokhara and some larger towns, but generally not on higher trails. Carry enough Nepalese rupees in cash for meals, drinks, charging, hot showers and tips, and exchange money before you leave the city. Ask your operator for a rough daily budget for your route.

Yes, but it is challenging on most routes: trails are wet and slippery, leeches and cloud are common, and flights can be delayed. Rain-shadow regions such as Upper Mustang and Dolpo receive much less rain and are popular in June to August.

Everest Base Camp is generally harder because it is longer and goes higher, reaching about 5,364 m at base camp and about 5,500 m at Kala Patthar, compared with about 4,130 m at Annapurna Base Camp. Annapurna Base Camp is shorter but has many stone steps. Both suit fit beginners with proper acclimatisation.

For a first trek, popular choices are the Poon Hill trek, the Langtang Valley trek and the Annapurna Base Camp trek, because they are shorter, have good teahouse infrastructure and stay lower than the highest Himalayan routes. Your dates, fitness and how much time you have decide the best fit, and our team can recommend one.

Everest treks head towards the world's highest mountain through Sherpa villages and usually reach higher altitudes, while Annapurna treks offer more varied scenery, from subtropical valleys to high desert, and often start near Pokhara. Everest trips generally involve a flight to Lukla, whereas Annapurna routes are reached mostly by road.

Start training 8 to 12 weeks before departure with cardio, such as brisk walking, hiking, cycling or stair climbing, and add long hikes with a loaded daypack and the boots you plan to wear. Building leg strength and stamina helps you walk comfortably day after day.

Teahouse menus usually include dal bhat (rice, lentils and vegetables), noodles, soups, fried rice, pasta, eggs and porridge, and vegetarian options are widely available. Dal bhat is a popular, filling choice that is often served with refills.

A typical trekking day is about 5 to 7 hours of walking at a steady pace, with breaks for lunch and views, though the length varies with the route and altitude. Days above 4,000 metres are often shorter to help your body adjust.

Dress modestly in villages, ask before photographing people or religious sites, and always pass prayer walls (mani walls) and stupas with your right shoulder towards them, walking clockwise. Greet locals with a friendly namaste and respect local customs and the environment.

A licensed guide is strongly recommended and is mandatory in restricted areas and for peak climbing. All FairTrek Nepal treks are led by experienced local guides who know the terrain, weather and altitude safety.

Our itineraries include acclimatisation days, and guides monitor every trekker daily. We recommend walking slowly, drinking plenty of water and telling your guide about any symptoms straight away. If symptoms worsen, the safest response is to descend.

Yes. Choose a policy that covers high-altitude trekking up to the maximum altitude of your trip, medical treatment and emergency evacuation, including helicopter rescue.

Altitude sickness (acute mountain sickness) can occur above about 2,500 m when you climb too fast. Typical prevention is a gradual ascent, acclimatisation days, drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol and reporting headaches, nausea or dizziness to your guide early. If symptoms worsen, descend; do not continue climbing.

Independent trekking is still possible on some popular routes, but rules have changed over the years and some areas and permits now require a licensed guide. Restricted areas always require a guide and group permit. Check current regulations before you go; a guide also adds safety and local knowledge.

Many women trek in Nepal safely, especially on popular teahouse routes, and most trekkers report friendly, respectful local communities. Sensible precautions apply as anywhere: dress modestly, avoid walking alone at night, share your itinerary and consider hiring a guide or joining a group. Women guides are available through some operators.

There is no single required list for most visitors, and advice depends on your home country and health. Travellers commonly discuss routine vaccinations plus typhoid, hepatitis A and tetanus with a travel clinic. Consult a doctor or travel health service several weeks before departure.

A widely used guideline is to increase your sleeping altitude by no more than about 300 to 500 metres per day above 3,000 metres, with a rest day every 1,000 metres or so of gain. Walk slowly, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, tell your guide about any headache or nausea straight away, and descend if symptoms get worse.

If you become unwell, your guide will assess you, arrange rest or descent, and organise transport or a helicopter evacuation if needed. This is why travel insurance that explicitly covers high-altitude trekking and helicopter rescue is essential, and you should keep your policy details with you.

Tap and stream water on Nepal treks is not safe to drink untreated. Use boiled water, purification tablets or a filter, or buy bottled or refilled water, and consider a reusable bottle with a purifier to reduce plastic waste.

Nepal is generally considered welcoming and safe for travellers, and trekking with a licensed guide adds a layer of safety on the trail. The main risks are altitude, weather, landslides in the monsoon and normal travel precautions, so check current travel advice for your country before you go.

Yes, families and older trekkers do trek in Nepal when the route, pace and altitude are chosen carefully. Shorter, lower-altitude treks are usually recommended, and anyone with health conditions should consult a doctor who knows altitude medicine before booking.