UPPER DOLPO TREK

6,788 Reviews

Region

Dolpo Region

Duration

23 Days

Max Altitude

5490m

Best Season

Feb, Mar, April, May, June, Sep, Oct, Nov and Dec.

Activity Per Day

4-6 Hrs Walking

Transportation

Tourist Bus, Private Car Or Plane Flight (optional)

Grade

3 Strenous

Min Group Size

2 people

Overview

Dolpo region is the most remote and least developed district in Nepal. Although a few anthropologists and geographers had explored the region, the entire district was closed to trekkers until 1989 when the southern part of Dolpo was opened to organized trekking groups. Peter Matheson's book -  The Snow Leopard and Snell grove - Himalayan pilgrimage have contributed to the mystique and attraction of Dolpo.

Dolpo region situated between the Tibetan plateau and the Dhaulagiri Himalayan range is the highest inhabited land of Dolpo. Geographically a southern extension of Tibet, it lies within the borders of the state of Nepal, since 1984 has been the country's largest national park and conservation, the park sustains an abundance of wild life including Musk Deer, Himalayan Blue Sheep and the legendary elusive Snow Leopard, as well as being home to a fascinating race of Tibetan speaking people. The hardy highlanders of Dolpo are traders, exchanging barley for Tibetan rock salt and they take their yaks onto the Tibetan plateau during the summer for grazing. 

Nepal's first English subtitled movie on Dolpo -The Caravan- or -The Himalaya- was a huge success and was nominated for the Oscar Award in the best foreign-language film category. Boundaries of the park include within 3,500 square kilometres of land, mostly above 4,000 meters. Before 1989, when the southern regions were opened to trekking groups, very few explorers had visited the area. Two notable visits were the first mountaineering expedition by Dr Herbert Tichy in 1953 based in Saigon and the other visit by John Tyson in the early sixties. Dolpo is one of the most beautiful treks in the remote areas of Nepal, very rarely visited by an outsider.

Journey to the Upper Dolpo Region

First on the plains and then in the district of Dolpo, we go to Nepalgúnj.

Most people fly from Kathmandu or Pokhara to Nepalgunj. We ride to Juphal from Nepalgunj. (The most organized tours of the region are flying from Kathmandu. (It is not possible to fly directly from Kathmandu to Juphal, although expensive charter flights are available from Pokhara.) Remember that the Juphal airport is just a small mountain airfield, which often may cause bad weather to disrupt flights. Nepalgunj can be reached by lane, but from Kathmandu or Pokhara it is a long journey. Roads in Western Nepal develop, but Juphal is still on the nearest road for several days.

Highlights of Upper Dolpo Trek

  • The Dolpo region's main attraction is the captivating Shey Phoksundo Lake
  • Experience Nepal's extremly unusual cultural culture
  • Take the opportunity to see Snow Leopard in Shey Phoksundo National Park
  • Read about the 800 years old, Shey Gompa at Crystal Mountain Base
  • Starting with the legendary Yarsagumba hunt. Look at the Hunt for Yarsa.
  • Nepal 's largest lake, Rara Lake
  • It is worth skiing at a peak like the Mt. Putha.
  • The Tibetian Culture ethnic society has preserved in its primeval stage.

Trip Grade: Strenuous

From an altitude of 4000m to 5550m is considered a strenuous trek or grade 3. Most of the trekking of Nepal is in grade 3. You need some previous trekking experiences and have decent physical fitness. Walking in higher altitudes is more physically demanding than walking in lower altitudes, however, the pace of the trek will vary in compensation. If you are in excellent health with average physical fitness and have strong determination, you will complete a moderate trek successfully. Exercising, particularly jogging and climbing stairs regularly for some weeks prior to your arrival is recommended to enhance your strength and fitness. Past hiking experience would be an asset, but no technical skill is required. Climbing and descending are very usual experiences for these types of trekking and you may have to cross small glaciers as well.  This kind of trekking gives you an experience of a lifetime, has very beautiful walking surrounded by spectacular mountains. Above 4000m, there are many settlements in Nepal with a very different landscape. Yaks typically graze at this altitude.

Outline Itinerary ( 23 Days )

  • 1

    Arrival at Kathmandu Airport and Transfer to Hotel

    Arrive in Kathmandu at any time. Upon your arrival, representative will be picked up from airport then you will be transferred to a hotel for check in. Overnight stay at Himalayan Suite hotel. (B)

    Accommodation: Himalayan Suite Hotel
    Meal: Dinner
    Activity: Orientation Program

  • 2

    Kathmandu Sight Seeing and Prepare for Trekking

    After breakfast, our guide will take you to different attractions of Kathmandu Valley. Today, you will visit, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and Patan Durbar Square. (B) Overnight at Himalayan Suite Hotel. (B)

    Accommodation: Himalayan Suite Hotel
    Meal: Breakfast
    Activity: Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour

  • 3

    Kathmandu to Nepalgunj By flight/Land. Overnight at hotel

    We transport to the southwest region of Nepal to Nepalgunj. It is a long flight of around an hour and we arrive late afternoon or midday there. The weather is very hot in the south of Nepal. We will spend the remainder of the evening exploring the area, including the Bageshwori temple, one of Nepalese 's largest Hindu temples.

    Accommodation: Hotel
    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
    Activity: fly -1 Hour
    Altitude: 150m

  • 4

    Nepalgunj to Juphal (Dolpo) by flight and Trek to Dunai

    From Nepalgunj  it is about 35 minute Flight to Juphal then we begin to trek towards Dunai which is around 3 and a half hours away.

    Accommodation: Camping
    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
    Activity: 35 min flight and 3.5 hours trek
    Altitude: 2090m

  • 5

    Dunai to aankhe

    At Thuli Bheriand Suli Ghad's intersection we walk on the North Road. We wander along the river bank and corsican fields of buckwheat and potatoes and enter Hanke Village. We walk over a new suspension bridge to the west after a road past the recently constructed hospital. We visit Parela, Rahatgaon, and Ankhe, eventually. Overnight at camp

    Accommodation: Camping
    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
    Activity: Trek 4-5 Hours
    Altitude: 2660m

  • 6

    Aankhe to Ringmo

    We walk along the west side of the Pungmo Khola across a bridge. We cross the cedar forests and enter the village of Palam. Instead we hike to the ridges of the Phoksundo Lake and 300 m high waterfall, one of the highest waterfalls in Nepal, from which one can enjoy stunning views. When we rest for a look, we descend to the upper reaches of Phoksundo Khola through birch trees, then the picturesque Ringmo village with its mud-plastered chortens and manic walls.

    Accommodation: Camping
    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
    Activity: Trek 5-6 Hours
    Altitude: 3600m

  • 7

    Ringmo to Manda la

    Manda la is a quite and nice place to have the campsite at. Manda la lies just a downward of Mt, Kanjirowa (6883M) so in the morning time we wake up with the clear view of Mt. Kanjirowa.

    Accommodation: Camping
    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
    Activity: Trek 5-6 Hours
    Altitude: 4570m

  • 8

    Acclimatization Day

    Accommodation: Camping
    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
    Activity: Rest Day
    Altitude: 4570m

  • 9

    Manda la to Kang la Pass 5240m to Shey Gomba 4280m

    We begin by climbing on dusty way up to Kang La Pass (5350 m), which is also known as Nadra La. We get excellent views of the great valley, separated by the gushing water, from the peak of Kang-la Pass. After about 3 hours on foot you descend through the snow-covered steep pass to Shey Gompa, a small town only a few houses and Gompa also called the Dolpo Spiritual Centre. The Gompa is situated at the intersection of two rivers just under the crystal top.

    Accommodation: Camping
    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
    Activity: Trek 5-6 Hours
    Altitude: 5240m at Kang la pass and 4280 at Shey Gompa

  • 10

    Shey Gomba to Saldang Pass 5010m to Namgung 4380m. Overnight at camp

     

    The day starts by taking a wonderful path through a dark and steep gulch in the center of the juniper. The path then continues to cross bare rocks and terrain before you reach the highest point of Saldang-la (5200 m). So we go down north, which is very long and tiresome. But, we will enjoy the sight of mixed yaks and sheep and yak-haired tents. We proceed to Namduna Gaun 4 800 m. We are on foot. As Shey's, the Karma-pa sec is the Namgung Gompa. The red-stone monastery is founded at the north side of a gorge on the backdrop of a cliff.

    Accommodation: Camping
    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
    Activity: Trek 5-6 Hours
    Altitude: Saldang Pass 5010m to Namgung 4380m

  • 11

    Namgung to Yangze Gumba

    For much of the trek, we travel across Panzang River to the east and cross the river, and enter Yangze Gompa which has the old Bon-Po Monastery. We travel to the most explored area through hikers and trekkers.

    Accommodation: Camping
    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
    Activity: Trek 6-8 Hours
    Altitude: 3890m

  • 12

    Yangze Gumba to Musi gaun 4270m.

    It's the quick way to trek down the Yangze Gompa to Musi Gaon and it'll just be a 4 hours camp for lunch and it isn't long. And we're taking break, because tomorrow we've got to cross the "Lang La cross" big peak. And the Musigaon is the Northmost village of the frontier with Tibet and we will travel about 1 hour to see Tibet and Nepal border.

    Accommodation: Camping
    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
    Activity: Trek 4-6 Hours
    Altitude: 4270m

  • 13

    Musigaun to Lang la Pass 5002m.- Sime Gaun 3950m

    Shimen Gaun is the large village of Shimen Gaun from Musi Gaun Via Lang La (5,002 m) and Shimen Gaun, 7 hours walk away, and we camp at the local primary school.

    Accommodation: Camping
    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
    Activity: Trek 6-7 Hours
    Altitude: 3950m

  • 14

    Sime Gaun to Tinja 4150m

    7/8 hours walk from Simen Gaun to Tinje. Shimengaun to Tinje is the flat surface down, through Pinyan Khola we walk and there is small vegetation along the way.

    Accommodation: Camping
    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
    Activity: Trek 7-8 Hours
    Altitude: 4150m

  • 15

    Tinja to Kheng 4550m

    We have traveled for approx. 3 hours to reach our destination from Tinje ViA Nawal (4,550 m) to Kheng Khola, 7/8 hour walk from Nawal, and it is like a clear, windy desert.

    Accommodation: Camping
    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
    Activity: Trek 7-8 Hours
    Altitude: 4550m

  • 16

    Kheng to Chharka Pass 5036m to Chharka 4365m

    Charka Bhote is a spot where you can find all the simple necessities, the major village and the population of this area is a little more civilized so that night at Charka Bhote is the memorable site for hiking to the Upper Dolpo, and the region's inhabitants are a little more civilized. (Kheng Khola Through Charka pass)

    Accommodation: Camping
    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
    Activity: Trek 7-8 Hours
    Altitude: Chharka Pass 5036m to Chharka 4365m

  • 17

    Chharka to Yak Kharka 4780m.

    Yak Kharka is a large, green area, named Yak Kharka because it is named Yak Kharka, because people who came with their Yak for the business that they used to live.

    Accommodation: Camping
    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
    Activity: Trek 7-8 Hours
    Altitude: 1780m                                                               

  • 18

    Yak Kharka to Sangda Pass 5490m to Sangda Phedi 5110m

    Thujeng La Pass is one of Hardest Pass because it's near Mt. Tashiang (6,383 m), Tongu peak (6,197 m), Hongdae peak (6,556 m) and many more mountains near planing the surfaces of this mountain, which make us feel so difficult while we are on Thujeng La Pass.

    Accommodation: Camping
    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
    Activity: Trek 7-8 Hours
    Altitude: Sangda Pass 5490m to Sangda Phedi 5110m

  • 19

    Sangda Phedi to Sangda 3909m

    Sangdak Gaun is the last Tibetan vegetation and the last day of our Dolpo circuit.

    Accommodation: Camping
    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
    Activity: Trek 7-8 Hours
    Altitude: 3909m

  • 20

    Sangda to Jomsom 2670m.

    We climb the hill behind Sangda and spent most of the day making a high traverse, crossing nine ridges to a final crest at 4280m.We climb to a ridge at 3360m and make a final descent on a challenging trail of loose rocks to Jomsom at 2670m.

    Accommodation: Lodge
    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
    Activity: Trek 7-8 Hours
    Altitude: 2670m

  • 21

    Jomsom to Pokhara By Flight

    We take an early flight from Jomsom to Pokhara and fly right along the Kali Gandaki Gorge between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. If weather permits, we will take flight back to Kathmandu or drive back to Kathmandu same day if it is not cancelled. 

    Accommodation: Hotel
    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
    Activity: 40min Flight

  • 22

    Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus

    This is an extra day in the case the flight is cancelled the day prior. On this day, we will drive back to Kathmandu by private vehicle and for those who would rather take the flight, can take plane to Kathmandu instead of  7-8 hours long bus ride.

    Accommodation: Hotel
    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
    Activity: 40min Flight// 6-8 hours drive

  • 23

    Transfer to airport. Departure Farewell

    Today is your final day in Nepal. Our representative will come to pick you up for your transfer to the Airport. 

    Meal: Breakfast

Include

  • Airport pick up and drop
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu(Himalayan Suite Hotel) or similar category and Pokhara (Hotel Lake Star or similar category on twin sharing with breakfast
  • Fooding, lodging and other expenses of trekking crew
  • Fooding (3 meals a day ) and lodging for the clients in trek days
  • Necessary paper works for permit and national park fees
  • Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
  • All necessary equipments during the trek
  • Thirty minute massage in Himalayan Suite Spa

Exclude

  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Personal equipments and clothing
  • Airfare Kathmandu - Nepalgunj $158 , Nepaljung -Dunai $120 and Jomsom -Pokhara $120
  • Cold drinks and beverages
  • Special Permit fee $500 for first 10 days and $50 for additional day
  • City sightseeing monuments entry fee (NPR 250+400+1000)
  • Personal expenses and tips to the crew

Departures Dates

Trip Dates Trip Costs Actions

Travel and Transportation Modes

On Land: Touring to and from city destinations is done on a private vehicle such as a car, jeep or microbus. Luxury tourist buses, which are only hired by the company for the most part, make the long distance travel. You will may have to take a public bus on some trip, but you do not need to worry about your protection or comfort because you ride with our guides and support staff in a group.

By Air: Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu is available option for anyone who doesnt want to take 7-8 hours long drive back to Kathmandu. This option is however not included in the package and the cost would be extra USD 110 per person. Similarly the domestic flight to Nepalgunj and Dunai from Nepalgunj are excluded in the price.

This Tour with HSJ

Guides and Porters

Our local Nepali team is one of the most experienced, hospitable and respected trekking outfits in Nepal. The team is fully licensed and affiliated with the Trekking Agency's Association of Nepal (TAAN), Nepal Mountaineering Association, Nepal Tourism Board, Govt. of Nepal, Sustainable Tourism Network, Himalayan Rescue Association and Kathmandu Environmental Educational Project. You will be provided with the professional and an experienced English speaking trekking guide with the good knowledge of the place and the trek. The trekking crew is skilled with the experience of over 10 years, well-trained, friendly guide and, courteous and helpful porters, assured of a wonderfully memorable experience.

For the trek, we'll have one porter for two people as per group size. The porter will carry 12-15 kg per person luggage during the trek. You need to carry your day pack to keep your personal belongings such as wallet, camera, water bottle, dry snack, headlight, gadgets, etc. The safety and concerns of our porters is our collective responsibility. We take our responsibilities towards them and their safety concerns strictly. On your part, please carry only things that are of absolute necessities.

Other Programs and complimentary services with this trip

• Welcome and Farewell dinner

• Yoga Classes

• Spa services

How do we make sure you get the best experience of this trek?

We are your completely flexible travel partner. Want to follow different route? We have you covered. Have extra time in Nepal? Excellent! We have more add-on tours like Chitwan Jungle Safari, Cable Car ride to Chandragiri hills, Cooking and Yoga classes in Kathmandu and so on. Would like to customize the trip? Well, why not? Give us your ideas and we will prepare complete itinerary for you. Do you want to use different standard of accommodations than provided in the itineraries? Of course! You absolutely can. From your arrival until you departure, your wishes are our command. Feel free to make the request.

Last minute booking

It is best to book in advance but for those who cannot, for whatever reason, make a last minute reservation special arrangement for Himalayan Social Journey. In the case of last minute reservation, 100% tour payment will be approved within 24 hours. We try to operate a trek at any time but we are not liable for the delay in case of last-minute reservation, because of uncontrolled changes such as weather and the availability of accommodation.

Feedbacks

Throughout the years of business, we have always put the customers feedback as our inspiration towards making our company great travel partner. With many ups and downs, and good and not so good feedbacks we have reached where we are now. At the end of the trek, while you are with the crew during farewell dinner, we would appreciate if you give us your valuable feedback, account of good and bad experiences, recommendations and also your honest rating to our trip advisor page.

Important Information

The Upper Dolpa trek is one of Nepal 's longest treks, as it takes 32 days to complete. The highest elevation during this trek is 4,530 metres. Around 5,115 metres. And is one of Nepal's toughest treks.Therefore some degree of physical fitness is required. Good fitness should be enough for completing this trek. 

We ensure plenty of rest periods and good speed to prevent excessive strains. In the event that you suffer from some pre-existing medical condition, we recommend that you consult your doctor before you pick this trek. Likewise, we commend being physically involved in the months preceding this trek. This can be done in the form of activities such as biking, running, hiking, swimming etc.

Despite the absence of sufficient facilities and very few buildings. Only a few houses will provide the amenities for food and lodging. So most trekking groups will take full catering services to deliver food to them.

Still, the Dolpo region has to be considered to be limited to food. There are also several houses and tea shops about the accommodation services which will provide you with the accommodation facility. It is highly advised, however, that you don't rely on them and take your own tents and sleeping bags. HSJ will arrange for the tents and sleeping bags for its customers.

Just a few places in the Dolpo area have a mobile phone signal. However, some villages do have a satellite emergency telephone. Some lodges in the Dolpo region offer wireless Internet access only at Dunai at an additional fee. If you wish to bring a 4 G sim card with an Internet pack, we recommend Ncell. In Kathmandu, you can buy an internet package which is less than USD 10. Make sure you have one of these before departure.

Since this is not a common trek, all the villages aren't equipped with the amenities you may need. You 'd better bring your cameras and phones along with the solar charging.

This being entirely camping trek, sufficient amount of water would be needed to carried all the way. Filling up water is quick. Taps in, out or in guesthouses mean that there are plenty of places to fill your bottles and/or your water bladders.This could be where you stay, a lunch stop, or a shared public tap used by locals whereever possible. Use an efficient sterilization method to make sure your water is safe and not contaminated in anyway.

The Dolpo Trek is one of the restricted regions in Nepal. So, you must have a licensed guide or porters and permit via Nepal’s local agency. You’ll need three trekking permits. It also part of the upper Dolpo trek cost which always includes in the trip cost. HSJ will arrange these permits for you. Special permit ie UpperDolpo Restricted Area Permit, however is not included in your trip cost. 

Upper Dolpo Trekking Permit Cost  
Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit Cost NPR 3000
Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit US$ 20 Per Person/week
Minimum required for two weeks permit US$ 20×2 =40 Per Person
Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit US$ 500/Per Person for 10 days
Total Upper Dolpo Trek Permits Cost US$ 570 Per Person

Travel insurance & rescue when travelling to a remote destination like Nepal is strongly advised. It should provide adequate protection for the full duration of the tour. Your insurance policy must cover all the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal such as helicopter rescue, cancellation, air ambulance, injury, death, lost baggage, theft, liability, medical treatment, and cover repatriation and personal expenses. If a client becomes ill, all hospital expenses, doctors’ fees, and repatriation costs are the client’s responsibility. For the reliable travel insurance, we have the suggestion of some of the best insurance companies: Cover more or Europe assistance or Travel Direct- TID . We have an agreement with Helicopter Company to do the payment of Helicopter evacuation after we collect the payment with you once you have been rescued. And the reimbursement responsibility from your insurance company will go up to you. Be sure your policy specifically covers helicopter evacuation and does not exclude mountaineering or alpinism.

Often this depends on the trek and the maximum altitude gain. Each porter carries between 15 and 30 kg on average in the mountain region for trekking. There is up to 40 kg of a camping pack. We usually assign one porter to our two trekkers.  15 kg of luggage is allowed per person on the trek. The health of our porter crew is strictly guaranteed.

With an annual rainfall of less than 50 mm, Dolpo is the only trekking destination in Nepal which can be trekked from May until the end of October. Unlike Nepal's other Trekking Regions, which are not recommended for trekking from May to October, Dolpo has this benefit. June, July and August, the monsoon moths in Nepal, being in the rain-shadow of Dhaulagiri and Kanjiroba, the area receives either no or very little rainfall, while the rest of the country experiences significant rainfall.

Treks in Dolpo are closed from November to January because of the heavy snowfall in the region. The snowfall could happen until April and hence treks in Dolpo are recommended during this time of the year as well.

Clothing

·         Trekking boots

·         Short-sleeved Trekking shirts

·         Trekking pants and jackets

·         Thermals underwear

·         Long-sleeved Trekking shirts

·         Insulating down jackets

·         Woolen cap

·         Trekking Gloves

·         Raincoats

First Aid

·         Diamox tablets

·         Sanitary pads / Tampons

·         Anti-nausea Medicines

·         Band-aids

·         Mosquito and insect repellents

Toiletries

·         Soap

·         Toilet Paper

·         Shampoo

·         Sunscreen

·         Moisturizer

·         Hand sanitizer

Accessories

·         Sunglasses

·         Sleeping bag

·         Cameras

·         Batteries

·         Water Bottle

·         Solar Chargers

·         Hot water Thermos

Important Documents

·         Passport

·         Travel Permits

HSJ provides Duffel bags, Sleeping Bags, and tents for this trek. You will have to get trekking poles yourselves or our guide will assist you to buy them in Kathmandu.

FAQ's

There are three ways to get a visa for Nepal

  • Visa on arrival: You can get a visa on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or other designated entry points. The visa fee is USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, or USD 125 for 90 days.
  • Online application: You can apply for a visa online through the Nepal Immigration website. https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np .The visa fee is the same as for visa on arrival.
  • Nepalese Embassy or Consulate: You can also apply for a visa at a Nepalese Embassy or Consulate in your home country. The visa fee may be different, so check with the embassy or consulate.

Visa requirements

  • Passport valid for at least six months from your planned entry date into Nepal.
  • Visa application form.
  • Passport-sized photo (Bring 4 )

Gratis Visa (Visa for Free)

Gratis Visa is issued free of cost in case of following categories of Visa applicants:

  • Children below 10 years except US citizens
  • Up to 30 days for SAARC Citizen - Bangladesh , Bhutan, India , Maldives , Pakistan , Sri-Lanka  (except Afghanistan) visiting Nepal for the first time in a given visa Year. Afghan citizen are eligible for Gratis Visa on Arrival only upon the recommendation of Department of Immigration. If you are an Afghan citizen, you can request concerned institution inviting you to Nepal for necessary paperwork with Department of Immigration to get you Gratis Visa 'On Arrival'.
  • Non Residential Nepalese(NRN) card holder ( issued by MoFA /Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad)
  • Chinese Nationals for 150 days

Nationals of following countries are requested to acquire Visa prior their arrival from their nearby Diplomatic missions (Embassies/consulates) of Nepal Government.

  1. NigeriaGhana
  2. Zimbabwe
  3. Swaziland
  4. Cameroon
  5. Somalia
  6. Liberia
  7. Ethiopia
  8. Iraq
  9. Palestine
  10. Afghanistan
  11. Syria
  12. Refugees with travel document

If your passport is not valid for at least six months, you will need to renew your passport before you travel to Nepal. You can renew your passport at your local passport office. The process of renewing your passport can take several weeks, so it is important to start the process early.

By air:

Nepal has Three international airports: Kathmandu, Bhairawa, and Pokhara. Currently, Pokhara airport does not handle international flights. However, there are a few flights to Bhairawa from few countries. The main international airport in Nepal is Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), located in Kathmandu. You can search TIA airport to book your International flight.

By land: There are multiple land entry points along the borders of Nepal, India, and China. These entry points include Kakarvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalganj, Dhangadhi, Mahendranagar, and Kerung(china boarder)

If you've booked a multiday tour or trekking package with Himalayan Social Journey, we'll pick you up from the airport. Upon arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative will be there to greet you with a sign displaying your name and our company's name. We'll then take you to your pre-booked hotel.

To make the pick-up process smooth, kindly share your flight details, including flight number and arrival time. If there are any changes to your arrival plans, please inform us as soon as possible so we can arrange your pick-up accordingly. Travel with us for a hassle-free experience!

Please keep this thing in your mind that there are some airport touts and scam artists who take advantage of tourists. They might offer to carry your luggage and they want a large amount of money. Sometimes they intimidate our drivers and even take away their signs. Anyway...if you want someone to help you with your luggage you can give them NOT MORE THAN 1 - 2 DOLLARS. This is a small hassle that tourists sometimes face upon arrival at the airport. Do not stress about this but just be aware not to give more than a few dollars for their luggage handling if you choose to take someone's services. Nepalese in general are very kind and hospitable people.

The official currency of Nepal is the Nepalese rupee (NPR). Major foreign currencies such as USD, AUD, and EURO are accepted for VISA.

There are plenty of ATMs in these major cities, so you can easily withdraw cash from your foreign currency bank account. Credit cards are also accepted in some shops and restaurants, but they are not as widely accepted as cash.

On the trek, you will only need to use Nepali rupees. You can exchange your foreign currency for Nepali rupees at your hotel, money exchanges, or the airport. Himalayan Social Journey representatives will also be happy to help you exchange money.

If you have booked a trekking or multi-day tour with Himalayan Social Journey, the orientation meeting usually happens at your Kathmandu hotel around 4 or 5 pm. Our team will provide you with the specific details upon your arrival.

If you're arriving early or leaving late, please ensure to arrange extra hotel accommodations by contacting reser[email protected]. Let us know if you'll be extending your stay in Nepal, and we'll book your additional nights. Also, kindly share your flight details with us to facilitate a smooth pick-up and drop process.

When you book a trip with us, the standard accommodation arrangement is on a twin-sharing basis. This means two people will be staying in each room throughout the trip. However, if you prefer to have a room to yourself or if you're traveling alone, you can choose the "single supplement" option. By selecting this option, you'll have a private room during the trip, but please note that there will be an additional cost for the single room arrangement according to tour / trek.

For each tour date, there will be several separate groups, each with a maximum of 14 people and their own experienced English-speaking guide. During the trek, there will be a suitable number of porters available to carry your luggage. Additionally, if you prefer to do a private tour or trek with your own group, that is also possible. 

Nepal has five main seasons: summer, monsoon, spring, autumn, and winter. Each season offers unique experiences and weather conditions.

Winter (Late Dec - Feb): Cold temperatures, great for festival tours and special highlights.

Spring (Mar - May): Magical rhododendron blooms, ideal for trekking and peak climbing.

Monsoon (Jun - Aug): Low season with rain, but perfect for nature lovers and discounts on hotels.

Autumn (Sep - Nov): Peak season, clear weather, and popular trekking regions fill up fast.

You can check the live weather condition via this website https://www.accuweather.com

The hotel in Kathmandu where you'll stay during the trip offers complimentary storage services. You can leave your luggage and extra clothing that you won't need for the trekking / tour. Rest assured, you can collect them once the trek and tour are over.

Don't forget to bring both TWO and THREE-pin travel adapters! If you don't have them, you can purchase them at supermarkets or electronic shops in Kathmandu. Our guide will be there to assist you if needed. You can get information about plug and voltage in below link.

https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/nepal/

Most places in Nepal are covered by mobile network providers, especially Ncell and Nepal Telecom. You can use data services for communication. You can buy a SIM card at the airport counter. There are also free and paid Wi-Fi services in most tea houses in Nepal during trek.

Here are some tips for staying connected while you are in Nepal:

  • Buy a SIM card as soon as you arrive in Nepal. This will give you access to data services and allow you to make calls and send text messages.
  • Check the coverage map of your mobile network provider before you travel. This will help you to know where you can expect to have good reception.
  • If you are planning on visiting remote areas and need to be in connected on Internet , you may want to consider renting a satellite phone. This will give you access to communication even in areas with no mobile network coverage.
  • There are many free and paid Wi-Fi hotspots in Nepal. You can find these at hotels, tea houses, restaurants, cafes, and even some temples.

If you would like to book extra activities such as Paragliding, Bungy jump, Mountain flight, Heli Tour , Bhaktapur Sightseeing many more programs. You can find updated price and program detail in this link: https://hsj.com.np/tourtype/daytours. You can book by contacting us at [email protected] For longer excursions such as Bhutan, Tibet, India, and any other treks also, we can help but please contact us immediately at [email protected]

If you have purchased a voucher from any deal company, please come in contact with us with the voucher code (redemption code) so that the voucher can be redeemed on time. Since we need time to purchase your domestic air ticket and make other arrangements, kindly confirm your spot with your suitable date at-least 2 months prior to the commencement of the tour. Your booking on a particular tour date is subject to availability of spots. You can redeem you voucher through this link too : https://hsj.com.np/voucher-redemption

A typical suggestion for tipping is to allocate around USD 50-60 for the guide and porter if you're happy with their service. However, the amount you decide to tip is entirely up to you, and you can give whatever you feel is appropriate based on the excellent service they provided during your tour / trek

Packing List for Tour:

Pack appropriate clothing for the weather conditions during your visit. Include comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Don't forget essential travel documents, a camera, and any necessary medications.

Packing List for Trekking

Hiking

  • Trekking Poles - 1
  • Daypack - 1
  • Backpack - 1
  • Packcover
  • Water Reservoir - 1

Sleeping

  • Sleeping bag - HSJ will provide
  • sleeping bag liner

Clothes

  • Underwear - 3
  • Socks - 3
  • Bra - 3
  • base Layers pant - 1
  • Trekking Tshirt - 3
  • Trekking Pants - 2
  • Rain Pants - 1
  • Hiking Shoes/ Boots - 1
  • Gloves - 1
  • Hat - 1
  • Down Jacket - 1
  • Wind Breaker - 1
  • Sandles -1

Miscellaneous

  • Sunglasses - 1
  • Books or E-reader (optional)

Hygene/Saftey

  • Microfiber towel - 1
  • Toothbrush - 1
  • Toothpaste - 1
  • First aid kit - 1
  • Medicine kit -1
  • sunscreen -1
  • sewing kit -1
  • Soap/shampoo - 1
  • Comb or brush - 1
  • Period supplies - 1
  • Toilet paper - 1
  • sanitising gel - 1

Electronices

  • Camera
  • Phone
  • Extranel Hardrive (optional )
  • Head touch
  • Power bank for charging Phone

Packing List for Climbing:

Clothing

  • Trekking boots
  • Short-sleeved trekking shirts
  • Trekking pants and jackets
  • Thermals underwear
  • Long-sleeved Trekking shirts
  • Insulating down jackets
  • Woolen cap
  • Trekking Gloves
  • Raincoats

First Aid

  • Diamox tablets
  • Sanitary pads and tampons
  • Anti-nausea Medicines
  • Band-aids
  • Mosquito and insect repellents

Toiletries

  • Soap
  • Toilet Paper
  • Shampoo
  • Sunscreen
  • Hand sanitizer

Accessories

  • Sunglasses
  • Sleeping bag
  • Cameras
  • Batteries
  • Water Bottle
  • Solar Chargers
  • Hot water thermos

Important Documents

  • Passport
  • Travel Permits

Peak climbing gears (HSJ will provide)

  • Climbing Helmet: Choose a good-quality climbing helmet. Make sure your warm cap fits under your helmet.
  • Climbing Boots: High-altitude, insulated, stiff-soled climbing boots.
  • Crampons: C2 crampons that fit the climbing boots.
  • Climbing Harness: Good-quality climbing harness.
  • Ascending device or Jumar
  • Descending or belay device
  • Tape sling: UIAA tested a 220cm open tape sling or a 2 x 120 cm closed tape sling.
  • Carabiners: 2 x lockable carabiners. 2 x non-locking carabiners
  • Prusik loop: Best quality Prusik loop
  • Ice ax: An ice ax with a wrist strap for climbing

 

If you cancel the trip for any reason, the 20% deposit amount will not be refunded. If you have paid the full trip amount and need to cancel, you will receive your money back, but a cancellation charge of 20% will still apply.

For voucher holders who purchased vouchers from deal companies, we must adhere to their cancellation policy. However, under both circumstances, we are flexible and can reschedule your trip for a later date. To cancel any trip, please make sure to provide written notification of your cancellation.

Sometimes travellers are unable to finish the scheduled trek/tour due to the various reasons or they ended up not completing the trek/tour for health or personal reasons. In this case please realize that we cannot offer you any refunds for unused days on the tour. You have to understand that our costs are the same as we have an obligation to pay our guides , porters, drivers for the time they have committed.

Our commitment is to offer you an unforgettable journey with the best services. We take our responsibilities seriously and conduct all programs in Nepal according to the rules and regulations of Nepal Goverement. If needed, we can provide alternative itineraries for a delightful holiday experience. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns. We're here to help!