Best time to travel to Nepal:
Nepal, a land of breathtaking diversity, boasts towering mountain ranges, lush forests, and a vibrant cultural heritage. The best time to embark on your journey to Nepal is a decision that should be guided by your preferences and the type of excursions or events you wish to partake in. Nepal, with its four distinct seasons, each offering unique charms and challenges, is a destination that promises to leave you in awe.
Autumn Season: September to November is Nepal's best time for trekking and outdoor activities. Clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and festivals like Dashain Tihar and Chhat make this period ideal for experiencing Nepali culture.
Winter Season: Cold temperatures start in late November or early December, but clear skies suit budget travelers. Lower-elevation treks and skiing/snowboarding in ski resorts are popular activities.
Spring Season: From late February to May, warmer temperatures make it perfect for trekking. Rhododendrons bloom, adding to the scenic beauty. Celebrations like Holi and Buddha Jayanti occur during this time.
Summer Season: Monsoon rains from June to August make trekking challenging, but it's a great time to experience lush greenery and agriculture. Ideal for peace seekers and cultural tours of cities accessible by road.
Flights depend on weather conditions and are often postponed or canceled due to low visibility and weather conditions. The airport's location makes it one of the world's most dangerous, with a short runway on a steep slope that makes it challenging for pilots. Lukla Airport has a short runway on a steep slope, making it challenging for pilots due to the rugged terrain. Unpredictable weather can lead to flight delays or cancellations, adding a touch of adventure to your plans. Please prepare for the plan; we strongly recommend allocating an additional three days in case of unfavorable weather conditions. This will help avoid long-day waits in Ramechhap. However, Lukla flights depart from Ramechhap/Manthali during peak seasons in March, April, May, October, and November. Ramechhap/Manthali is approximately a 4-to 5-hour drive from Kathmandu. Conversely, flights operate from Kathmandu during non-peak seasons, such as January, February, June, July, August, September, and December. Flights from Kathmandu take about 35 minutes, while flights from Ramechhap take 15-20 minutes.
Alternatives like helicopter flights or ground transportation exist if your flight is canceled for over two days. We advise you to fly to Phaplu and start your trek from Phaplu or opt for a 4WD drive to Salleri and start your trekking or Annapurna Basecamp Trekking and begin your journey. This will help avoid long-day waits in Ramechhap. However, these options might extend your itinerary. We recommend booking your flights in advance, especially during peak seasons, to avoid such situations. This ensures you have a seat reserved and reduces the risk of last-minute changes to your itinerary.
Entry and exit requirements at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal:
Upon arrival at the entry point, all baggage undergoes declaration and clearance through customs. Passengers arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) without access to goods may proceed through the Green Channel for swift clearance without luggage checks.
Before departing Nepal, it is crucial to possess a valid visa and passport. If your Visa has expired, you must extend it before being permitted to leave. Please note that the Immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport is not authorized and allowed to extend visas.
Entry permit and requirements (About Visa)
On Arrival Visa Fee at Entry Points in Nepal:
15 Days – 30 USD
30 Days – 50 USD
90 Days – 125 USD
To visit Nepal, you need a valid passport and a visa. You can quickly get an arrival visa at entry points or Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport. However, some people need a permit before they come, so it's good to check with the nearest Nepalese embassy.
Some nationalities that don't get visas from immigration entry points in Nepal are Nigeria, Iraq, Ghana, Afghanistan, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Somalia, Palestine, and Ethiopia.
There are three types of visas, as in the table below:
Depending on how long you want to stay. You can pay in US $ dollars or other significant currencies, sometimes even Nepalese rupees.
If you're coming for business, you can get a suitable visa for up to 5 years. The fee depends on how much money you're investing. If you invest less than 10 million Nepalese rupees, it's $35 per month, $400 per year, or $1000 for five years. If you invest more, the fees are lower; if you invest more than 100 million Nepalese rupees, you don't have to pay any fees.
People from SAARC countries get a free 30-day visa. Indians don't need a visa, but they must show ID, like a passport or citizenship card. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months. And it's a good idea to have travel insurance which covers medical treatment and emergency evacuation.Some places in Nepal require a separate permit to visit.
TIMS and Permit:
When you planning to go the Everest Gokyo-Ri Trek, you need three different permits to enter Everest: the Khumbu Pasang Lamu Rural Municipality Permit, the Sagarmatha National Park Permit, and the TIMS card.
Khumbu Pasanglamu Rural municipality permit is necessary to enter the Khumbu region. It can obtained in Lukla or Monjo. For foreigners, it costs NPR 2000 (USD 17) per person for the first four weeks and NPR 2500 (USD 25) afterward. Remember, you can't get this permit in Kathmandu.
TIMS Card The TIMS card is essential for guides, porters, and clients in emergencies. It costs USD 20 and is issued by TAAN Nepal via a registered Trekking company.
Sagarmatha National Park entry permit, 3300Rs Per person, Rs 26 US$ in equivalent.
Travel Insurance:
Asiana Treks and Tours strongly advises our valuable clients to have travel insurance that protects adventurous activities at high altitudes above 6,000 m. This comprehensive coverage, which includes accidents and emergency help, will provide you with the peace of mind you need during your high-altitude adventure.
However, you can get this insurance online from different companies. Here are some popular choices for people who are trekking to Everest Base Camp.
USA and Canada: Tugo, United Health Care, World Nomad, Blue Cross
Australia and New Zealand: Fast Cover, Allianz Australia
Singapore: Ergo, World Nomad Explore plan level 3.
Europe: Europe Assistance, Austrian Alpine Club, Allianz Europe.
India: ICICI Lombard
But make sure the policy covers trekking up to 5985,000 m altitude. These are just suggestions, so the policies and what they cover might vary. It's best to contact these insurers directly to ask about what they offer before you buy anything.
Altitude Sickness and Acclimatisation:
Altitude sickness is common among hikers in Nepal's Himalayan Region. It happens when the body doesn't get enough oxygen at higher elevations, causing headaches and dizziness. Acclimatization is essential to prevent this. It means gradually getting used to higher altitudes by resting, drinking fluids, and ascending slowly. Spending an extra day at lower elevations before going higher is the best way to avoid altitude sickness. Hydration is the main issue during trekking to prevent dehydration, which can worsen altitude sickness. Drinking plenty of water, tea, and soup can help. Trekkers can also take medicines like acetazolamide or dexamethasone to relieve symptoms, but it's best to consult a doctor first. Proper acclimatization techniques, like "climb high, sleep low," and staying hydrated, that can be reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Booking with an experienced guide can ensure you get the right advice and help during your trek.
Fitness and Training:
Trekking and climbing in Nepal's high-altitude Himalayas demand a certain level of physical fitness and training for a safe and enjoyable journey. Trekking often involves walking long distances, sometimes for several hours a day, over various terrains and at high altitudes. To prepare your body and build endurance, it's advisable to start engaging in fitness activities a few months before your trip, including cardio, strength, and endurance training.
With the right physical fitness, training, and preparation, your journey to Nepal can be both safe and successful. We understand the risks and challenges that come with trekking in the high-terrain Himalayas, and we have taken necessary safety measures to ensure your trip is fun and secure. Your safety is our top priority, and we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Packing Checklist:
When planning a trip to Nepal, packing the right gear is crucial for a successful journey. This includes clothing, equipment, and accessories tailored to your trek and the time of year. If you're trekking, pack light unless you're hiring a porter. Consider renting or buying gear in Nepal to save space. Ensure your equipment is high-quality and in good condition to avoid problems in the mountains. Take our suggestions to prepare your baggage correctly. Lastly, double-check the weather forecast and ensure you have all the necessary items for a safe and comfortable trip.
History of Lukla Airport:
In 2008, Lukla Airport was bestowed with a new name: Tenzing-Hillary Airport, a tribute to the first people to conquer Mount Everest, Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary. This airport's runway, measuring 527 meters long and 30 meters wide, is a testament to human ingenuity and the spirit of adventure. Its unique uphill slope of almost 12% aids planes in slowing down during landing. The airport was established in 1964, and its runway was paved in 2001, marking a significant milestone in aviation history, situated at 2860 meters.
Each day of the Trek brings new experiences as you explore different places, enjoy breathtaking landscapes, and converse with locals to learn more about their customs and culture. Our guides will provide information about the places you visit.Trekking usually starts around 7-8 am, depending on the distance to cover and the terrain. We'll stop for lunch after about three hours of Trekking, usually on the way to our destination for the day. After lunch, you'll have an hour to rest before continuing the Trek. The afternoon trek is shorter, and once we reach our destination, you'll have time to explore until it gets dark. Dinner is served around 6-7 pm, followed by a briefing from your trek leader about the next day's plan. Afterward, you can relax and entertain yourself with games or learn Nepali words from our crew.
Your trip day starts today when you arrive to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Upon your arrival, you will be received by our representative at the airport. He will be carrying a signboard with our company’s name on it. Then you will be transferred to the tour hotel and checked in. A trip briefing will follow later today and the time will be notified to you by the representative who picks you up from the airport. We will come to meet and brief you about the trip at the fixed time. Until then just relax or explore a bit of surrounding.
We take you for a day tour of cultural heritage monuments in Kathmandu valley after breakfast. The tour will give you a mixed insight of history, culture, art, architecture and spirituality of Kathmandu valley. The sites include; Swoyambhunath aka Monkey Temple: The oldest of all sites in Kathmandu valley, Swoyambhunath is an important Buddhist spiritual site having the history over two thousand years old. This site has gained a popular name as monkey temple as this small forested hill is a good habitat for hundreds of monkeys. The visit there will heighten your spiritual and cultural experience. Patan City including Patan Durbar Square: A tour to medieval city of Patan gives you a great insight about ethnic Newari culture, Budhhist spirituality, religious harmony, art and architecture while you stroll around the charismatic alleys taking you to magnificent local community squares known as Bahal and eventually leading you to an incredible medieval palace square. The monuments and skill of the local artisans displayed on those monuments in the square will stun you with their unbelievable charm. Boudhanath Stupa: The largest of its kind in the world, this magnificent stupa is a very important center of faith for the people following Tibetan Buddhism. This place is nice Circular Square with the stunning stupa in the middle of it which spreads a lot of spiritual vibrations around the atmosphere.
Take an early morning flight from Kathmandu airport to Lukla. The flight is a scenic Himalayan panoramic flight to the gorgeous mountain town of Lukla, the gateway to Everest trekking. After landing at the Lukla airport, take some time to prepare for the walk of the day. Start the trek for the day today to Phakding, a beautiful town on the bank on Dudhkoshi River. Approximately four hours of gentle walking on the Everest trail takes you to Phakding to spend overnight at a tea house.
After taking breakfast at the tea house, you start the trek to astounding Sherpa town of Namche today. The walk today is mostly uphill making you cover a good distance of elevation. You will come across lots of yaks, Buddhist prayer flags, and many trekking adventurers like you and several other beautiful things. Once you arrive at Namche, you praise the charm of the town and the Himalayan view from there more. Check into a hotel and relax.
Already at the elevation of 3440 meters above sea level, you need to acclimatize with the high altitude atmosphere. Thus it is an extra day at Namche to acclimatize doing some uphill side hikes. Once you return back to Namche from the hike, you will have some time to explore the charming town of Namche as well.
Today, you are taking a route to Gokyo region, a different one from the usual route to Everest Base Camp. The stopover destination today is Doley situated amidst the mountains. Passing through scenic trails, the trek for the day comes to an end after about five hours at Doley.
From the 4050 m elevation of Doley, you are walking higher to the elevation of 4464 m at Macchermo, a village in the Gokyo region trekking trail. The trekking today, which starts after breakfast, will be of about four hours.
The walk today to Gokyo Lake is an epic one as it boasts some excellent views of mountains. The trek goes through diverse landscapes trailing up the mountain and a glacier. The view of the first of the Gokyo lakes and of the surrounding area brings such an incredible experience to you which remains with you forever. Stay at the small but beautifully settled Gokyo on the bank of a beautiful lake.
Today weak up early in the morning hike up to see the Gokyo-re at the elevation of 5360 meters which is just above the Gokyo village. Once at the top of Gokyo Ri, a spectacular view of the high mountains including Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse and Makalu enthralls you. The view of the Ngozumpo glacier, the longest one in Nepal, is another incredible thing that you see from there.