Passport and Visa Information

All visitors except Indian nationals must hold passport and valid visa. Visa can be obtained at the Nepalese diplomatic missions and consulates abroad. Visa is also issued at the entry points. It can be extended at the Department of Immigration, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. Children under 10 years need not pay any visa fee. People willing to get entry Visa at the air port or any of the land entry points are required to fill a visa form with passport photograph.

Gratis visa for 30 days available only for tourists of SAARC countries
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

Tourist Visa Extension

* Visa extension fee for 15 days or less is US $ 30 or equivalent convertible currency and visa extension fee for more than 15 days is US$ 2 per day
* Tourist visa can be extended for a maximum period of 150 days in a single visa year (January – December).

Arriving in Nepal

When you arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu there are two separate visa counters, one for visitors with a visa, and another for those without. You will need to go to the counter labeled for visitors without a visa. Debarkation forms and visa application forms are both available in the arrival hall. You will need 1 passport photo for your visa application. It is best that you have a few $10 notes and give the correct amount, rather than pass over $100 as the officials sometimes do not have the correct change. Your hand baggage will be checked through an x-ray machine upon arrival into the baggage claim area.  Sometimes your hold baggage will also be put through an x-ray machine as you leave the baggage claim area, but normally not.  Do not line up to do this unless you are instructed to do so.
Upon your arrival at the hotel you may be required to give your passport and air tickets to one of our office representatives. This is so that we can process any necessary paper work. We can reconfirm your flights, if you hand over your tickets to us.

Culture

At the mention of Nepal, most people will conjure up images of the Himalayan Mountains, trekking and little more. But, Nepal is also the confluence of two great religions – Hinduism and Buddhism. This is the land where Lord Buddha was born more than 2,500 years ago and it is also the birthplace of Sita, consort of God, Lord Ram. While eight of the world’s 14 tallest peaks are there in this tiny nation, wedged between Tibet and India, the country should not be solely judged for its high mountains and natural manifestations but also for its unique cultural and spiritual heritage and artistic monuments, which are reflected in the colorful life of 102 different ethnic groups and 93 dialects.

Climate

The cold, dry and clear winter season runs from October to March, and the warm, dry spring season from March to June. The wet season, or monsoon, lasts from roughly June to September, depending on the year. Mid-September to mid-October is the start of the dry season.

Health, Altitude and Acclimatizing Vaccination & Health

It is strongly recommended that you arrange a visit to your GP, or ideally a specialist travel clinic, prior to your trip. Although staff may point you in the right direction for your inoculations, we are unfortunately not qualified to advise you on specific medical requirements. Taking along a copy of your itinerary can be helpful for doctors to identify the areas you may visit.

Altitude Sickness/AMS

Altitude sickness is rare below 8,000 feet, and serious symptoms do not usually occur until over 12,000 feet. Even though, it is not the height that is important, rather the speed in which you ascend to that altitude. Most people can ascend to 2,500 meters (8,000 feet) with little or no effect. If you have been at that altitude before with no problem, you can probably return to that altitude quite easily.

Do bear in mind that because of the structure of your trek and the altitudes you are going to over measured timings, the various serious conditions of altitude sickness are extremely unlikely. We will be trekking slowly to the Drop Zone, giving your body enough time to acclimatize. By the time we are at Syangboche for jumping, we expect you all to be feeling ready to Everest Skydive! The equipment that is carried within your group is designed to instantly deal with high altitude conditions. You will all be made familiar with this equipment and the simplicity of using it.

Hospitals/ Pharmacies

Health concern becomes the first priority of all whoever comes to the Himalayas because of the soaring altitude and challenging landscape. In Kathmandu there are major government-run and private hospitals. Pharmacies are widely available in all places in big town & cities. Apart from this there are plenty of health care centres, including hospitals in Lukla and Khumjung (Khunde hospital), health post in Namche with doctors and clinic in Pheriche. Most of them are supported by Himalayan trust, established by Sir Edmund Hillary. Pheriche clinic is supported by Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA), with incessant support from Nepalese doctors as well as western medical practitioners during high season.

Drinking water

It is not advised to drink the tap water. It is easier to buy bottled water whilst in Kathmandu, which can be bought cheaply at approximately 50 pence. Whilst on trek you will be given drinking water each day. When ordering bottled water in a restaurant, be careful to check the cap is sealed.