Trekking in Nepal - FAQs

We offer exclusively private guided treks, no group tours. Every trek is just for you, or your group of friends or family, together with your own guide. This means we can adjust the pace, the stops and the itinerary to what suits you best.

The cost depends on the trek you choose, the number of people in your group, and the season. As a general guide, our day tours start at $25 per person, and our multi-day Annapurna treks typically cost $65 to $80 per person per day as a full package, including your guide, permits, all meals, transport, and accommodation. Please reach out to us with your travel dates and preferences, and we will be happy to put together a quote that fits your trip.

Our full package includes a pre-trekking meeting with your guide the day before the trek starts, pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Pokhara Lakeside, transportation to the trek's starting point and back, a professional English-speaking guide with full insurance, trekking permits and TIMS cards, all meals during the trek, morning tea or coffee, and accommodation in traditional teahouses along the route. Personal expenses, travel insurance, gear rental, and tips are not included.

No deposit is required. Payment is made in cash once you arrive in Pokhara. To confirm your booking, a simple email to us is all we need.

It depends on the type of trek. Short treks that do not need trekking permits can be cancelled up to 24 hours before the start with no extra cost. Longer treks that require trekking permits need 48 hours notice. If you are unsure which applies to your trek, we are happy to confirm.

Our favourite months are October and November — the skies are clear, the air is fresh, and the mountain views are truly breathtaking. March to May is also a wonderful time, with warmer temperatures and blooming rhododendrons along the trail.

The monsoon season from June to August brings heavy rain, which can make the trails quite muddy and slippery. The winter months from December to February can be cold, with snow at higher altitudes. That said, we are happy to make it work in any season — just reach out and we will advise you on the best option for your trip.

For more detailed information, please feel free to read our blog article Guide To Annapurna Trekking Weather.

Leeches can appear on lower altitude trails, especially in dense vegetation during and after the monsoon season. They look unpleasant, but they are rarely harmful, they take only a small amount of blood and do not transmit disease. Wearing long trousers, tucking them into your socks, and staying on the main trail all help reduce the chance of an encounter. Your guide is used to dealing with them and will help you stay comfortable throughout. For more tips, please read our blog post [How to Handle Leeches While Trekking in Nepal's Monsoon Season].

The difficulty of trekking in Nepal varies greatly from one route to another. It depends on factors such as altitude, duration, terrain, and the time of year. For example, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered quite strenuous, while the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is much more accessible for beginners.

If you are unsure which trek is right for you, please do not hesitate to ask us. We are always happy to help you find the perfect fit.

There is no single best trek, it really depends on your time, fitness, and what you want to experience. Poon Hill is a wonderful choice for beautiful sunrise views without needing much trekking experience. Mardi Himal offers a quieter trail with a dramatic close-up view of the mountains. The Annapurna Base Camp trek takes you deep into the heart of the Annapurna range, and the Annapurna Circuit is a longer journey through changing landscapes and cultures. Tell us what you are looking for, and we will help you find the trek that suits you best.

Physical fitness is an important consideration for trekking in Nepal. Most treks involve long walks, sometimes at high altitudes, and a good level of fitness can make a big difference to your overall experience. A combination of cardiovascular and strength training is recommended to prepare for the trek.

Yes, many of our guests travel alone. Since all our treks are private, you will have your own guide by your side the whole time, not a group of strangers. Solo travellers often tell us this made them feel safe and well looked after throughout the trek.

Yes, we regularly guide families with children. We choose the trek and pace together with you, depending on the age and fitness of your children. Since children under ten years do not need a trekking permit, their rate is lower than the standard price.

Since April 2023, it is mandatory to trek with a licensed guide in Nepal. Beyond the legal requirement, we believe that having a knowledgeable local guide by your side makes the experience so much richer — from navigating the trail safely to understanding the culture and communities you pass through.

For more information about our guides and helpers, please visit our Trekking Crew page.

Your guide leads the trek, speaks English, knows the route and the culture, and takes care of permits, accommodation, and your safety along the way. A helper supports with carrying your bags, up to fifteen kilograms, so you can enjoy the trek with a lighter load. Both are experienced local team members, and we make sure they are treated fairly, with fair pay and full insurance.

The most important items to bring are proper clothing, good hiking boots, a sleeping bag, and waterproof gear. Temperatures at higher altitudes can be quite cool, so warm layers are essential. A comfortable, well-fitting backpack will also make a significant difference on the trail.

For a full and detailed list, please visit our Trekking Equipment page.

Both are good options, it depends on your trip. If you plan to trek often, buying your own gear means a better fit and gear you already know well. If this is a one-time trip or you are travelling light, renting in Pokhara is easy and affordable, and saves you carrying bulky gear from home. For a closer look at the pros and cons, please read our blog post [Annapurna Trekking Gear: Should You Buy or Rent?].

Most of our guests stay in teahouses along the route — cosy, welcoming lodges run by local families. They offer basic but comfortable rooms and the chance to experience genuine Nepali hospitality. For more remote areas, camping is also an option.

We think the teahouses are one of the most special parts of the whole experience. For more details, please visit our Accommodation  page.

The teahouses along the trail offer a good mix of Nepali and international dishes. We recommend Dal Bhat, Nepal's national dish of rice, lentil soup, and curries, since you can refill it at no extra charge. Momos, steamed dumplings, are another favourite. Vegetarian and vegan options are available throughout the trek. Breakfast usually includes eggs, porridge, muesli, and pancakes. If you are on a package trek with us, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all included, along with a morning tea or coffee. For more details, please visit our Food and Beverages page.

Yes, drinking water is available almost everywhere along the trail. We recommend bringing a refillable water bottle, since water is sold from large tanks at the teahouses to reduce plastic waste. Prices for water, like other food and drinks, are generally a little higher the further up the mountain you go, which is normal and expected.

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Nepal. The good news is that it is easy to obtain — either through a Nepalese embassy or consulate before you travel, or upon arrival at Kathmandu airport. The cost and duration depend on your nationality and the type of visa you choose.

For the most up-to-date visa fees and rules, we recommend checking the official website of Nepal's Department of Immigration before you travel. And of course, if anything is unclear, just ask us.

There are a few ways to travel between Kathmandu and Pokhara. A domestic flight takes only about 25 to 30 minutes and is the most convenient option, though flights can occasionally be delayed by weather. By road, a private car or van takes around six to seven hours and offers more comfort and flexibility, while a local or tourist bus is the most budget-friendly choice. For more details, please read our blog post [How to Get from Kathmandu to Pokhara: A Complete Travel Guide].

For treks that require a trekking permit, we will ask you, around one week before your trek starts, for a copy of each traveller's passport and a passport photo. We use these to arrange your trekking permits and TIMS cards.

For treks of several days, we offer a meeting the day before your trek starts. This is not required, but if you would like to meet your guide and go through the details in person, we are happy to arrange it. We can welcome you at our office in the middle of Pokhara, or if your hotel is in Pokhara Lakeside, we are happy to come to you.

A warm "Namaste" with your palms together is the most common and appreciated greeting, both in the mountains and in the cities. Use your right hand when eating or giving something to someone, since the left hand is traditionally considered unclean. Dress modestly, especially in villages, temples, and other religious sites. Small courtesies like these go a long way and are always warmly received. For more tips, please read our blog post [Nepal Etiquette: A Guide to Local Customs and Culture].

Nepal is generally a very safe destination for trekking. The routes are well established and our guides are experienced, certified, and trained in first aid. As with any travel, we recommend following local advice and staying in touch with your guide throughout the trek.

For more information, please read our blog post Stay Safe on Trek in Nepal.

In case of any emergency, please keep these numbers handy:

Tourist Police: 1144

Police: 100

Traffic Police: 103

Ambulance: 102

Fire Department: 101

Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), can occur at elevations above 2,500 metres. It happens when the body struggles to adjust to the lower levels of oxygen at high altitude. Common symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

The best way to prevent it is to ascend slowly, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol. If symptoms become severe, descending to a lower altitude is always the right decision. Our guides are trained to recognise the signs and will always put your safety first.

Yes, we recommend that you arrange travel insurance from your home country before your trip. It is not included in our package. Please make sure your policy covers helicopter rescue, since this can be necessary at higher altitudes in case of an emergency.

We work exclusively with local guides, porters, teahouses, and small businesses along the trail. Through the Ohhee Khusi Nepal Foundation, we support children's education in remote communities. Our guide Deependra leads our Litter Free Himalaya campaign, organising clean-up efforts along the trails and in villages. We also make sure our porters are treated fairly, with proper pay, insurance, and a maximum load of fifteen kilograms.

Tipping is not mandatory, but it is a deeply appreciated gesture in Nepal's trekking community. It is a wonderful way to show gratitude for the care and effort your guide and porter put into your experience.

As a general guide: for a trekking guide, a tip of around 10–15% of the total trek cost is a kind gesture. For a porter, something in the range of 5–10% is greatly appreciated, depending on the weight carried and the level of service.

Of course, it is entirely up to you — whatever feels right from the heart. For more thoughts on this, please read our blog post Tipping Insights for Nepal Travellers.