The Basic Things you must know before Trekking in Nepal; Nepal is a country of eternal beauty and attractions. Nepal is very rich land of interesting cultures, ancient history and indigenous people, picturesque scenery and some of the greatest walking on earth. It is universally known for the highest mountain peak of the world, Mount Everest that stands tall at 8,848 meters. Nepal tourism notifies about places to visit in Nepal, Lumbini, famous for the birthplace of Gautam Buddha who laid the foundation of Buddhism in the country.

Well, having rich traditions of arts, historical places, customs, and culture and heritage sites in Kathmandu. The capital city of Nepal is a treasure house of ancient art and culture. From deep gorges Kali Gandaki, to towering highest mountains, various vibrant culture and charismatic people, Nepal is the ideal travel destination for adventurers and relaxation-seekers alike. But as with any journey, it‘s important to be prepared before you go.

1) You Must Obtain Nepal Visa

As per as Nepalese visa policy, except Indian citizens all foreign nationals need have valid visa to enter Nepal. For your kind information, Nepali embassies and consulates overseas also issue visa with no fuss. You can have your visa your arrival in Nepal at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan international Airport. You can also get visa from road borders at Nepalganj, Birganj / Raxaul Bazaar, Sunauli, Kakarbhitta, Mahendranagar, Dhangadhi. Similarly, even the other places like: Rasuwagadhi checkpoint at the China/Tibetan border Outside of Nepal. The people from 12 countries of world. Like, Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan and Syria should take visa from the nearby Embassy of Nepal accredited to their respective countries.

Regarding to extend your Visa you can go to the Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan Kathmandu. A valid passport and one passport -size photo with light backgrounds needed. You can obtain visa only through payment of cash. If you’re thinking about alternative method to pay visa fee, let us tell you payment through Indian currency, Nepali currency and credit cards are declined. Also, you can get visa by paying the following currencies: Euro, Swiss Franc, and Pound Sterling, US Dollar, Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Hong Kong Dollar, Singapore Dollar and Japanese Yen. Credit card, Indian currency and Nepali currency are not accepted as payment of visa fee. Please visit the information page on the Nepal Tourism Board website:http://tourism.gov.np for more Visa-Information Center.

2) Do Research on where you are going to trek?

Please do some research on the Internet regarding specific topics? Like, safety for women in Nepal, relevant past incidents etc? One of the more convenient and effective ways is to search for any past incidents that might be relevant to any given area of the chosen itinerary.

Of Course, one needs to put any positive or negative stats into the correct perspective, especially if you are an independent trekker. Whether solo trekking can be done on a particular route is easy to find out. A place with a high number of tourists and numerous lodges, tea-houses, etc will always be more suitable for solo trekking than other trails. There are excellent sources of information available today that make doing such research extremely easy and relatively quick; for instance TripAdvisor.com, thorn tree forum, etc.

3) Buy Travel Insurance

Inside the basic things you must know before Trekking in Nepal. While trekking in Nepal you might need to walk through jungles, hills, narrow path and crossing rivers etc. And sometimes walking through this kind of way you might sprain your ankle or even broke your bone. Moreover, you might get altitude sickness, food poisoning, hypothermia, appendix ruptures, skin infections and respiratory infections too.

If encase these kind of above infection happens to you at 4,900 feet’s up in a mountains then there’s a big chances you won’t to be continue your trek. Sometimes if you get this kind infection or symptoms you need to go back to Kathmandu to a hospital. You’ll need a helicopter in an emergency case to get you down. You will need to pay a helicopter evacuation costs, hospital treatment or in-flight change, medical services which are now mandatory. For in this situation your travel insurance will beneficial for you and to make your trip safety.

4) Book Your Flight Tickets

Most important thinks on the basic things you must know before Trekking in Nepal. For example, Just like finding a hidden cheap deal , finding the right destination, the right tour company, the right backpack, or the right place to stay are important part of your trekking process. Also flights can represent would be the biggest part of your trip expenses.

After all, you need is a cheapest flight because if a flight is too expensive, you aren’t going anywhere. There is lots of chance to get cheapest flight if you issue your air ticket on time or an advance. But before that you have to decide the length of your holiday because many cheapest flight cost you too much on postpone and propone.

5) Do Research best time to visit in Nepal

Doing research before you travel is the most important aspects. Especially, when you are travelling to somewhere unfamiliar and that is so different from what you are used to back home. When you are planning your trip you’ll have so many questions. Among them what is the best time to visit in Nepal is very important topic. Its climates are tropical monsoon type as it lies in the temperature of the world where sun rays are moderate.

Considering the best time to visit in Nepal all seasons around is good. But autumn and spring season is the best and preferable to visit. The autumn season is of festival as the main festivals of Dashain and Tihar (greatest Hindu’s festivals) fall during these months. During this season the sky will remain clear and the temperature is pleasant. Moreover, December and mid-February is known as the coldest months as these are the months of snow falls. Also can be blocked trail passes are a constant threat but it is possible to do some of the trekking in mountains.

Similarly, February to May, is another best months for travel in Nepal. As you will have chances to observe the Rhododendrons national flower in mid hills. Also many others beautiful flowers blooming in the mountains and hilly regions while you are on trek. Obviously, amazing views of bright high Himalaya’s snow covered peaks around.

6) Clothing

The Basic Things you must know before Trekking in Nepal. Very important, Nepalese women dress modestly and such dressing sense are respected and admired here, in Nepali culture. Don’t be center of attraction due to your different attire. Dress decently and you will be respected which will be very helpful to start up a conversation and keep going. In remote areas it is better to put on long skirts, loose pants and decent shirts and t-shirts, as too much skin exposure is not taken in a good way.

Consequently, tight pants, trendy t-shirts, fashionable shirts, half-pants and even shorts are cool in city areas but bikini is a no-no in Nepal. During your trekking, you will not decide what to wear; the weather will do that for you. Pairs of trekking trousers with full sleeves trekking shirts is ok for trekking. When the temperature is extremely low you will need warmer options. You have to decide what to wear according to the time you are traveling. Dress yourself comfortably because your comfort is the first priority but make sure that the dress you choose is not tight and too short and too revealing.

7) Don’t Forget to Carry Important Medicines

The basic things you must know before Trekking in Nepal. It is important to get a physical examination at least 4-6 weeks, or longer, in advance of your trip. This is important, so you may identify and correct any problems which might be uncovered yourself. This will also allow sufficient time for your immunizations. The physical treatment should be done by a physician who has knowledge of altitude illness and travel medicine.

The physical should evaluate your general health and screen for illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes mellifluous, anemia, ulcer disease, and cardiovascular disease and lung problems such as asthma. You need to consult your Doctor or physicians before you develop your medical kit. As pointed out earlier, high altitude is not the place you want to have a drug or allergic reaction. You should have an ample supply of your regular prescription medicines such as blood pressure or diabetic medications etc.

8) Possibility to Buy and Hire

The basic things you must know before Trekking in Nepal, if you are planning to bring lease equipments and planning to buy and hire in Nepal? You can find here are almost all kind of equipments (Fake and Branded!). You can hired and buy in Kathmandu capital of Nepal.
Also there are and will get some possibilities in higher in Mountain area. Like, for example; if you are going to Everest regions you can buy in Namche Bazaar.

Similarly, for the Annapurna region, which treks are goes through Pokhara, you will get chances in Pokhara. If any things you may need in terms of equipments, food snacks, medicines and obviously the Souvenirs. But if you are going to some other areas or off the beaten tracks or beside these two regions then you most have to prepare in Kathmandu.

9) Baggage Allowance on Domestic flight

One of the most important in the basic things you must know before Trekking in Nepal. Please note down that standard Baggage limits in domestic airlines are 10kg and with hold in the hand bag 5Kg. so total luggage will be 15Kg. In other hand don’t think that you need to take the cloths and luggage needs to take with you on the mountain. Of course you can live your extra Travel bags or city clothes Hotel in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Of course, we have good Tip for you and can be very helpful too. Which is you can wear your heavy things like; Jackets, trekking boots and some other things you can hold on your hands. Obvious, will help cut down on the weights of your bag and we will tell you before your trip starts. In the other hands, if you have extra heavy baggage. Then need to pay an extra cost for airplane and you need to get more porters too. Therefore it will charge you an excess cost for the trip to be paid in cash.

10) Social Etiquette

The basic things you must know before Trekking in Nepal; No kissing, hugging or display of affections in the public. Smoking is strongly prohibited when you are entering temples or religious sites. You need to take your shoes off every time before you enter to temples, religious sites, or when you are invited into a Nepalese home. Nepalese people use their hand to eat. They can provide spoons for you but if you’re going to use your hand as them always remember to use right hand as left hand is considered as unclean. And also remember to use your right hand when you are giving, taking, shaking hands and etc.

While receiving or giving money or anything, at this time also you must use your right hand. The feet are considered unclean. Don’t kick someone; put your feet up on a chair or table, point your feet at someone or something revered or to touch someone else’s feet. To point your feet at religious shines causes’ offense so be careful where you point your feet when sitting in a Nepali home. Walk clockwise around any religious building or monuments like Stupa’s and Temples to pay yours respects and have your wishes granted.

The Basic Things You Must Know Before Trekking in Nepal

Likewise, local people leave a small donation when visiting a temple or monastery; so if possible, you can also do the same. You have greeted the local people with word: Namaste, where at the same time, you lift your hands in front of your chest like in a prayer position. Nepalese people tend not to shake hands (other than in formal office or work situations).Don’t throw rubbish onto a fire used for cooking. Fire is considered sacred. Taking picture is strictly prohibited in some of the temples, monasteries. And religious place. There is no harm to take picture of locals.

Moreover, It is good to take permission before taking photos of young ladies if you are a male because they might misunderstand you. However, children will often line up and pose for photos without being asked. Later, they will crowd around your camera to see the picture but better ask with parents or with their relatives, who are close to you.

11) Food to avoid in Nepal
Nepal is a country with high risk for gastrointestinal illness. Poor food hygiene and lack of adequate sanitary infrastructure are responsible for the high rates of diarrhea illness in the country. Try avoiding eating at the streets, especially any uncooked food items. The good restaurants soak their salad, vegetables in iodine or other disinfectants that makes them safe to eat. Otherwise, it is best to avoid any raw vegetable or fruit that cannot be peeled at the places where you cannot fully trust. Avoid dairy products from any unreliable shops and do not eat brightly colored food as it may have used low quality food coloring.

12) Drinking water while in Nepal

While trekking in Nepal if you are trying to remain healthy, clean drinking water is very important. Water is one of the most common causes for illness in Nepal, but there are a number of ways to make sure your water is clean. All tap or ground water you should never be consume without being purifing in Nepal. Bottled water is reasonably safe to drink but discarded bottles add to the country’s growing problem with pollution. You can always carry a SteriPen or purification drops, like liquid iodine (Lugol’s solution) to purify your water. Although it is very important to drink clean water, it is equally important to make sure that you are well hydrated.

Water is essential for the metabolism processes in our bodies that give us energy to move. When one drinks water the impurities present in water go inside the body. Dirty water may contain viruses, bacteria, harmful diseases that causes some viral infection such as diarrhea, typhoid etc. If during your trip you got ill it will be very unfortunate for you.

So drinking clean water is very important if you want to remain healthy. Water is one of the most common causes for illness in Nepal, but there are a number of ways to make sure your water is clean. All tap or ground water in Nepal should never be consumed without being purified. Bottled water is reasonably safe to drink but discarded bottles add to the country’s growing problem with pollution. You can always carry a SteriPen or purification drops, like liquid iodine (Lugol’s solution) to purify your water. Although it is very important to drink clean water, it is equally important to make sure that you are well hydrated.

13) Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

Nepal is famous and popular for its spectacular high mountains and superb trekking routes. The Basic Things you must know before Trekking in Nepal. If you are planning to enjoy these higher parts of Nepal and travelling to high altitude, it is very important to keep oneself safe from getting Acute Mountain Sickness.

Watch out for any symptoms of altitude sickness and act promptly if any of the symptoms appear. Do not rush to the higher altitude and let your body acclimatize well by letting your body adapt to the increasing altitude. You can use the acetazolamide tablets with some medical consultation to avoid the sickness while enjoying your hiking. And most important thing is consult with your trekking guide if any kind of symptoms appear because altitude sickness is very dangerous sometimes almost end your life.

14) Do not give money to beggars that you see on the streets.
Street beggars are a common social phenomenon in many parts of Nepal. Do not give money to beggars that you see on the streets. Even though they look pitiful and innocent, your giving away of money encourages them only to beg for more. If you really care about them you can support one of many charity organizations working in Nepal.

Many tourists might find themselves showing love and support to the beggars but some are faker and some beggars use drugs there for they spend your money on drugs and do you think that it is right. The amount of beggars in Nepal is breathtaking. Some are professionals which can be laughable but it’s true. Others are pretty genuine but the decision is completely yours. If you’re kindhearted, do help those in needs. But it shouldn’t be of any pressure. And also don’t give money or sealed food to street children because they will end up selling back the food and use the money to buy drugs.

15) Be Sure to Exchange back all the Nepalese currencies before you leave.

The Nepali Rupee (NPR) is the official currency of Nepal. The Nepal Rastra Bank controls the issuing of currency. It is very essay to exchanges money in Nepal which follows the same standard to elsewhere in Asia. Exchange money in Kathmandu or Pokhara before trekking. USD, EURO, Sterling, Chinese Yen and Indian rupees are generally accepted to exchange in Nepal. Due to some security reason and some difficulties, there are no ATMs on most of the trails and the few that exist don’t always work.

You will get charged about $5 USD (or similar) from the Nepal ATM, and probably from your bank as well. So, don’t take out just 1000 NPR at one time, take out 15000 (normal max. limit) at a time to save on all those charges. You can exchange Currency at banks, airports, authorized money changers and some hotels. If you are traveler from India, Banks don’t accept Indian currency of denomination of Rs. 500 and 1000 because of fake notes going around in the market. You can always consult your guide or representative before exchange the cash and using ATM.

16) Limited Internet Access
Internet system is booming and struggling at the same time. Over the past few years mobile base stations are spreading out across the country, new telecom providers are starting and WiFi options are growing. But sometimes Nepal’s chronic electricity shortages and bad infrastructure hamper internet connectivity.

Nowadays every hotel restaurant and café in big cities like Kathmandu & Pokhara provides free wife service but the internet is kind of slow. In localities like Lukla, Phakding, Dole and Namche Bazaar, you can pay a certain amount (around $ 5 U.S) to get unlimited WIFI coverage. If you forget to buy your share of unlimited WIFI in those villages, you can always do so at Thangnak and Dzongla which are villages located at a higher altitude and closer to the Everest. I bet you did not know that.

17) Put a Face Mask in City Area
Despite being known for its pristine landscapes and mountain ranges, sadly Nepal’s air quality is some of the worst in the world. This is particularly true for Kathmandu, which was named as the 7th most polluted city in the world in 2017. Here, you’ll find streets crowded with traffic, smoke, dust, potholes, and sadly, a growing level of plastic pollution although many local organizations like Clean Up Nepal are working to address it. If you’re sensitive to irritants in the air, it might be worth grabbing a face mask for particularly hazy days. Masks are no longer an option but have become compulsory in current day Kathmandu, Thankfully though, once you head out of the city and into the mountains the air quality improves drastically.