Frequently Ask Questions
Frequently Ask Questions

Frequently Ask Questions

When is the best time to visit Nepal?

The best time to visit Nepal is September-December and February-April. Monsoon in Nepal starts from around June and lasts till August. Starting September, the sky starts to clear out, the rain stops and festivities in Nepal begin. Two most important festivals of the Nepali people – Dashain and Tihar – fall during this period. Because of improved visibility, the Himalayan region presents a stunning view of the mountains. Pristine blue sky adds to the gloss. Starting December, winter begins. Because of high altitude, the upper reaches of the Himalayas receive heavy snowfall during winter. The plains of Nepal are also very foggy during this time – making activities like jungle safari a difficult exercise. Starting February, the winter lessens and the dawn of spring beckons. Verdant green forest, blooming rhododendron, animals coming out of their winter slumber and chirping birds make this season a bliss for trekking and other travel activities.

 

How challenging are the trekking circuits in Nepal?

This depends upon the choices you make and you have ample destinations to choose from. Trekking destinations range from difficult routes suiting seasoned campaigners to breezy destinations that are in the vicinity of the Capital, Kathmandu. There are enough destinations to choose from for all type of trekkers – novices to trek hardened pros.

 

Should I train myself before trekking in Nepal?

No. However, if you are going to high altitude places like Tilicho, Everest Region Treks etc. then having experienced acclimatization at high altitude before is an advantage. Even if you do not have any such prior experience, our itineraries are planned as such to give you enough time to acclimatize before moving to a higher terrain.

 

What equipment’s/gears shall I bring along?

We provide and arrange equipment’s like Sleeping Bag, Duffle Bag, Down Jacket for use, first aid etc. However you have to arrange clothes fitting the climate you will be in, shoes, specialized climbing equipment’s and customized gears. It is also expected of you to keep your travel papers and IDs with you all along your stay.

 

Can I customize my trek destinations and routes?

You can easily customize it. We will provide you a detail idea about the possible customizations and available alternative routes/places. However, we do not recommend and help plan customized treks that increases the risk level beyond acceptable.

 

Can I travel alone or in private groups?

You can but the cost of travelling scales down with increase in group members for obvious reasons. If you are travelling alone or are a team of few trekkers and you wish to join groups, we can easily arrange for you to do so.

 

Is getting Visa difficult?

It’s very easy. Nepal provides on arrival Visa at the airport for most visitors. Just make sure you have your passport and passport sized photographs with you while landing at the airport. For tourists coming to Nepal via India, you will easily get Visa at the border immigration office. Visa fee is USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, and USD 125 for 90 days.

 

What about my safety? How do you handle emergencies?

We make all preparations to avoid any untoward incident during the travel. All our guides and porters have thorough knowledge of basic and advanced first aid. Our team coordinates well with the local administration and communities all over Nepal. Therefore any rescue and emergency action, if ever necessary, is swift. Altitude sickness is rare. If and when it occurs, our team can handle basic difficulties on spot. If emergency hospital visit is necessary, we can arrange immediate airlift but you must pay for the helicopter charges.

 

Do I need insurance?

We recommend coming to Nepal with a travel insurance. The trekking routes are located in extreme places most often. If any incident occurs or trails are blocked due to natural consequences then helicopter rescue is the only option. Helicopter charges range from USD 3000 – 6000  depending upon the location. You will also require a guarantee of payment before takeoff. Insurance cover takes care of it all. And another hand, if you have any problem in Mountain or sick or Altitude sickness emergency there is only helicopter can bring you Hospital in Kathmandu. So make Insurance also include helicopter evacuation.

 

What currencies are accepted in Nepal?

Most major hotels and shops accept all major currencies. USD, Euro, Pound etc. are easily traded in all parts of Nepal. However, some small retailers and tea-houses on the way expect payment to be made in Nepali currency. Therefore, we request you to carry a small amount of Nepali currency with you while on trek. Currency exchange is easily available in Kathmandu and major thoroughfares of Nepal. Most ATMs in Nepal accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB and other major cards.

 

What about food and water?

We ensure hygienic food and clean water throughout your stay in Nepal. Rice, lentils and vegetables are the main food of the Nepalese. Wide range of international cuisine is available in all major abodes and stops on the way. In far flung places, options are limited but you will be served with hygienic, well cooked and fresh food all along. Most food you eat on your way will be organic local produce.

 

How can I communicate with my family back home during my travel?

Free internet is available in hotels in Kathmandu free. While on the trek, you might have to use mobile data or Most of the lodge or guest house they have WI-FI but you should pay to use. Local phone number is easily obtainable in minutes. We can help arrange that. Mobile phone service is available in most of Nepal. Satellite phones are also available for paid use in places on the trekking route. Solar power is used to charge your devices and accessories in places hydro-electricity is not available. However, we recommend extra batteries and power backups for emergencies.

 

How do you treat your crew? Are they insured?

All our guides and porters are insured. Team Ambition Himalaya is like family. Our team is what keeps us going forward as a business. All our staffs are well paid, their medical expenses taken care off and are provided with timely raises and bonuses. They also receive small incentives upon good client feedback.

 

Should I tip?

We do not recommend you to tip in hotels and restaurants in Kathmandu as you are already billed with 10% service charge. You can provide rewards for people who provide you good service – especially guide and porters and driver, helpers etc. If you do so, always give the reward after full completion of their services.

 

Should I bring any medication?

We carry first aid and basic medication with us all the time but you should bring your personal medicines and prescription drugs. Most medicines are also available in Kathmandu and major cities.

 

Will you pick me up at the airport?

Yes. We never let you be alone since the moment you land in Nepal to the time you depart.

 

Please if you have more questions you may contact us.