To ensure that you have the best possible holiday experience, we ask you to read the following information carefully. If you have any questions, please discuss them with us before you depart.
Insurance - Emergency evacuation insurance is essential, if trekking in Nepal.
Hand Luggage – pack essential items for a day or two in your hand luggage, in case your bags go astray and take a few days to catch up with you, especially if you have any tight connecting flights.
Baggage – if your itinerary includes a domestic flight, your luggage is often restricted to 15 or 20 kg, after which excess baggage charges apply.
Documents – take a copy of your travel insurance policy with you, and leave a copy of your passport with a reliable contact at home, in case the originals are lost or stolen.
Electronic Devices – ensure these are all fully charge before travel, as you may be required to switch them on at airport security, as any device that does not switch on cannot be check and may need to be surrendered.
Mobile Phones – make sure they are set up for international calls and if you plan to use travel apps such as Google Translate or Google Maps, ensure you check your data package with your provider in advance. Alternatively turn off date roaming to avoid large phone bills. Be aware that some rural areas may not have mobile or WiFi coverage.
Clothing – pack in layers according to the season and altitude. Light clothing is the most comfortable in the summer months, although warm clothing is essential in the mountains, where temperatures drop sharply at night even in the Kathmandu Valley. Mountain temperatures will be well below freezing in the winter and proper cold weather gear is essential. Pack proper walking shoes, a day pack, T-shirts, shorts, fleece, jeans, sunhat, sunglasses, swimming costume and biodegradable sunscreen. A head torch is very useful at night. For temple visits pack long sleeved tops or pashmina to cover your shoulders & long skirts or trousers to cover your knees. On safari wear lightweight but long sleeved shirts and long trousers to protect against mosquitos (safari clothing is ideal for this). Neutral colours are best – khaki, green & brown. Avoid white & bright colours, as these increase your visibility to the animals, and black which can get very hot. Take a generous supply of insect repellent to spray on your neck, wrists and ankles and avoid using perfume, as this attracts insects. Sanitising hand cleaner and eye drops can be handy, especially if you wear contact lenses & a 'shewee' is invaluable for ladies. Rain gear will be needed during the monsoon season.
Medicines - if you travel with prescription drugs, carry an adequate supply in their original bottles/packaging & keep them in your hand luggage, as if lost they may be difficult to replace.
Accessories – pack your phone (with charger and a spare battery pack), camera (with spare memory cards and batteries – a 200 mm zoom lens is good for wildlife photography), torch and binoculars (large 8x40 is best). We suggest one pair per person, as it can be frustrating to share.
Plugs – type D (small round 3-pin). Pack a universal adapter as well as a hand basin plug/stopper, as these are not always provided.
Books – pack a good travel guide, with information on the wildlife and birds of the region. Also a good supply of reading material for quiet evenings and when waiting for flights.
Water – be fastidious and only drink bottled water. Avoid washed salads, local yoghurt, ice cream and ice cubes outside your hotel, as tap water is not safe to drink. Peel all fruit before eating it and remember to brush your teeth with bottled water. Pack diarrhoea tablets and rehydration sachets for emergencies.
Food – Most food is vegetarian in this Buddhist country. Dal (lentils), bhat (rice) and tarkari (curried vegetables) are the staple diet.
Shopping – it is customary to negotiate prices aggressively. Be aware that your guide will earn a commission on any purchases you make. You need to tell him very firmly if you don’t want to be taken to any more shops, as he will continue to do this until you make it very clear this is not what you want.
Safety – take all sensible precautions. On arrival at Kathmandu airport, keep an eye on your luggage at all times and avoid touts who can be very insistent. Leave valuable jewellery/watches at home, wear a money belt and be alert when outside your hotel. In particular avoid taking out large wads of cash in public view and keep your spare cash, passport and a spare credit card in your hotel safe.
Respect Local Customs – this is a Hindu and Buddhist country, so respect religious images and dress modestly away from your hotel. Always cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples, and remove your shoes when entering houses and shrines. Avoid overt displays of affection and do not point at anything with your finger, as this is considered rude. Do not step over people's feet -always walk around - and never accept anything with the left hand. Always use the right hand or both hands.
At high altitude take precautions against altitude sickness (i.e. moderate alcohol, walk slowly and drink plenty of water).
Wild Animals – attacks by wild animals are rare, but we cannot guarantee that attacks will not occur so observe all sensible precautions. We cannot be held responsible for injuries caused during an incident with a wild animal.
Indemnities - please be aware it is likely you will be required to sign indemnities for safaris and any other potentially hazardous activities.
Pack for a Purpose - if you have a little space in your suitcase, local schools & communities always appreciate gifts of English reading books, pens & pencils, stationery, deflated footballs etc. Specific requests from communities can be seen on the 'Pack for a Purpose' website.
Tipping – this is expected for good service in Nepal, with "small but often” being a useful guide. We suggest the following per adult:
- guides: $10 or Rs 1,500 per day.
- drivers: $5 or Rs 750 per day.
- safari (shared tipping box): $10 or Rs 1,500 per day.
- trekking porters: $7 or Rs 1,000 per day.
- waiters: 10% (if not already added to your bill).
- porters: $1 or Rs 150 per bag.
- housekeeping: often a discretionary tipping box.
It is not necessary to tip drivers doing short transfers (eg to the airport).
FCO Travel Advice - consult the UK Foreign Office website for the latest travel advice www.fco.gov.uk.