Arrival & Departure Information

Upon arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), please proceed to immigration to obtain a Visa On Arrival (VOA), clear customs, and then collect your luggage. Outside the arrival hall, our staff will be waiting for you, holding a placard with “Vertical Himalaya Treks – [Your Name]”. You will then be escorted to your hotel for check-in.

For your departure, your trip leader will escort you to the airport, if possible, depending on the time of your flight. You are advised to check in at least three (3) hours prior to your flight departure. Please note that you are not required to pay any departure taxes at the airport as these taxes are typically included in your ticket fare.

Visa and Passport Information

All foreign nationals, except Indian nationals, are required to have a valid passport and visa to enter Nepal. Visas can be obtained from Nepalese diplomatic missions and consulates abroad or upon arrival at TIA or other land entry points. Children under 10 years of age are not required to pay the visa fee.

To expedite the VOA process, you can fill out an online visa application form before your arrival. You will be required to print out the submission receipt with a barcode to present at the airport. You can find the online application at: http://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa.

Visa Costs:

• Gratis visa: Available for 30 days only for tourists from SAARC countries (except Afghanistan).⁴

• Multiple entry 15 days: US$ 25 or equivalent convertible currency.

• Multiple entry 30 days: US$ 40 or equivalent convertible currency.

• Multiple entry 90 days: US$ 100 or equivalent convertible currency.

To minimize waiting time, please have two passport-sized photos and the exact amount in USD or local currency.

Tourist Visa Extension:

If you wish to extend your stay, you can do so at the Department of Immigration in Kalikasthan, Kathmandu.5

• Extension fee: US$ 30 for 15 days or less.

• US$ 2 per day for more than 15 days.

• You can extend your tourist visa for a maximum of 150 days in a single visa year (January to December).

Getting to Nepal

Nepal’s only international airport is TIA in Kathmandu. We recommend booking your flight tickets at least three months in advance, especially if you are traveling during the peak season, to avoid cancellations and secure a good price. Some airlines that operate flights to Nepal include Nepal Airlines, Qatar Airways, Fly Dubai, and Turkish Air.

You can also enter Nepal by land from China (in the north) or India (on the east, west, and south). Please check the visa formalities of the respective country from which you will be entering.

How to Book

We accept provisional bookings for two weeks, giving you time to collect deposits. To confirm your booking, please submit the Booking Form along with your initial deposit. The final payment can be made either before or after your arrival in Kathmandu.

Travel Insurance and Rescue

Travel insurance is mandatory and highly recommended for all our adventure trips. Your policy should cover emergency helicopter evacuation, which may be necessary in case of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or other serious medical emergencies in high-altitude areas. We also advise that your insurance covers medical expenses, baggage loss, death, and repatriation.

In the event of a serious sickness or casualty, we will do our best to transfer you to the nearest medical facility. As you are responsible for all evacuation expenses, please ensure your insurance fully covers these costs.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

AMS can affect anyone at altitudes of 2,500m (8,202ft) or higher. It is caused by ascending too quickly, which does not allow your body enough time to acclimatize to the lower oxygen levels. Symptoms can be mild, but if ignored, AMS can be fatal. Our itineraries are designed with proper acclimatization days to minimize this risk.

Best Time to Visit Nepal

Nepal is a year-round travel destination, but the best time to visit depends on your planned activities.

• Trekking: The best seasons for trekking are Autumn (mid-September to late November) and Spring (mid-March to May).¹¹ The weather is generally clear, with sunny days and cool nights.

• Other activities: Any time of the year is suitable for tours, paragliding, or jungle safaris in the lower regions.

Health, Safety, and Vaccinations

We recommend consulting your doctor at least two months before your trip to discuss any necessary vaccinations. Common recommendations include protection against malaria, tetanus, typhoid, and hepatitis.

Accommodation

We partner with a range of hotels, from 5-star to standard, based on our clients’ preferences. However, we primarily use 3-4 star hotels that are centrally located in popular tourist areas.

Trek Crew

We offer different leadership options to match your requirements, including a trained Nepali trek leader and a Sherpa guide.

• For trekking trips, the staff-to-client ratio is 1 senior leader, 1 assistant guide for every 4 participants, and 1 porter for every 2 participants.

• For camping treks, a full crew, including a cook and porters, is provided. We provide one tent for every two persons.

Teahouse Trek vs. Camping Trek

Teahouse treks are a popular and less expensive option, where you stay in lodges run by local families. Most lodges in popular trekking regions like Everest and Annapurna offer modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, hot showers, and electricity.

Camping treks involve a full crew, including a cook who prepares fresh, delicious meals. This option is suitable for remote areas where teahouses are not available.

Join a Group or Private Trip

You can either join one of our fixed departure group trips or book a private trip for yourself, your family, or your friends. We can also tailor a custom itinerary to suit your preferences and requirements. Private trips can accommodate a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 12 people.

Important Note:

Our liability is limited to the services specified in the itinerary. If you choose to end your trip early, we are not responsible for providing a refund for the unused days or services. In such cases, you will be responsible for any additional costs incurred for hotels or other services in Kathmandu or elsewhere.