Frequently Asked Questions

MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BY OUR CUSTOMERS:

How can I enter in Nepal? 

Nepal is a popular tourist destination in south Asia. Several airlines have direct and non-stop flights from Middle East and Asia to Kathmandu, Capital of Nepal. 

There are direct flights from London, Paris, Frankfurt, Doha, Osaka, Shanghi, Mascow, Bangkok, Singapore, Hongkong, Karachi, Bombay, Delhi, Calcutta, Paro, Dhaka, Lhasa, and Varanasi.

Can I do trekking?

 Trek is suitable for any walker looking for something a little more challenging and energetic. It does not require that you have any previous trekking or mountaineering experience. Although, daily jugging or walking exercise is useful and you need to be in good physical condition and able to walk for 5-6 hours daily.

What kind of accommodation can I have in trekking? 

We provide you guest house which is called Tea house. 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 kind of meals I can have during the trip? 

All Meals on full board basis will be provided during trekking. Freshly cooked food is served at all times (western, continental and Nepalese, Chinese, Indian and Tibetan meals are available in all places). Three meals a day will be provided.

Do I have pre-departure meeting?

Yes, at first, our staff will receive you at the airport and transfer to the hotel and our tour leader will brief regarding about the trip. The briefing will cover the itinerary and introduced your trek Leader. 

In THE PRE-TRIP MEETING All passengers MUST bring:

1. Passport.

2. Four copies of Passport size photos each.

3. Travel Insurance Policy.

4. A writing pen

5. Notepad. 

Can I charge camera batteries along the trek?

Yes, Most of the places, you can charge batteries along the trek (per hour USD 2-3 for charging).

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 Nepal Spiritual Trekking company with your name on it. Airport transfer is included.

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 Sherpa's. 

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 between 11:30 am to 12:30 afternoons. 

A typical day's hike usually ends in the early afternoon about 3:30 pm to 4 pm. Time to read or nap before dinner. 

After dinner there is time to play cards, reflect on all the wondrous moments of your day and talk about tomorrow plan. 

What about water - are they available at each teahouse? I know we supposed to bring iodine tablets.

Regarding about the water, you can buy mineral water, boiled water or filter water during the trekking. If you are going to bring iodine tablets, it would be great.

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 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 Unique Path trekking 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. 

Are the Nepal Spiritual Trekking Agency's staffs insured?

Our company insures all our trekking staff, including guide, cook, Sherpa and porters are insured. (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.

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 traveler 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.

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. 

Does Nepal Spiritual trekking 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 up 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.

Do I need a visa to travel to Nepal? What do I need to get my visa?

All foreign nationals, except Indian Citizens, need visas to enter Nepal. You need a valid passport, two passport size photos and US$ 40 for 30 days.

The best way to apply for visa is from the Nepalese diplomatic missions in your home country or from Immigration office at the entry points 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 ( 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 elsewhere.

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 equipment should I bring?

FOOT WEAR

CLOTHING

OPTIONAL

Trekking boot : (one pairs), Thick socks ( 4 pairs)

Light socks ( 3 pairs)

Camp shoes (1 pair)

Sandals (1 pair)

OTHER EQUIPMENT

Sleeping bag (4seasons) 1

Down jacket -1

Daypack – 1

Water bottle – 1

Sun cream

Sunglasses

Flashlight with spare bulbs, batteries, lip salve, gaiters.

Down or fiber filled waterproof jacket and trousers (1)

Fleece jacket or pullover (1)

Warm cotton trousers (2 pairs)

Shirts and T-shirts (4 pieces)

Lightweight cotton long pants (3 pairs)

Long under wear (2 pieces)

Short under wear (4 pieces)

Sun hat or scarf (1) Woolen hat (1)

Sunglasses (1)

Lightweight gloves (1)

Rain coat (1)

Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof (1)   

Insect repellent, toilet articles, note book & pen, toilet roll, laundry soap, pocket knife, towel, sewing kit, plasters, binoculars, camera, film, cards and personal medical kit

Note: If you do not have Sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag and walking stick, we will provide you.