Expedition Meets in: Kathmandu, Nepal
Continent: Asia
Currency: Nepalese Rupee
Population: 28 million
Official Language: Nepali
Seasons to climb: Himalayan Fall: September to December

Things You Need to Know:

Meeting Location:
The first day of your itinerary is your arrival day, meaning you can arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport at any time on that first day. You can spend this day settling in, relaxing, and shaking off the jet lag. Our hotel in Kathmandu provides very comfortable accommodations.

You will formally meet the team on Day 2 for Gear Checks and a Guide Briefing. On this day, your guides will conduct a compulsory briefing to review all the specifics of your expedition and climbing schedules, weight limits for porters, packing instructions for the upcoming week, and any updated logistics. If you have any questions, this is a great time to ask them.

Tourist Visas:
Nepal’s visa policy is relatively relaxed and straightforward. Citizens of almost any country can obtain a visa on arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport or at any land border. You can also get a visa at the Nepal embassy or consulate in your home country.

For most of our expeditions, you will need a 30-day visa or a 90-day visa.

Tourist visa can be extended for a maximum period of 150 days in a single visa year (January – December)

Visa requirements can change at any time, so it is advisable to check with your travel agent or the nearest embassy for the most up-to-date information.

Getting There:
You will need to fly into Kathmandu on or before the official arrival day of your expedition. A CTSS representative will pick you up at the airport. Please advise us of your arrival time and flight number well in advance. If you experience a delay travelling, let us know immediately.

Domestic Transportation:
Your domestic transportation in Nepal is included in the cost of your expedition.

Money:
In Kathmandu, there is good access to ATMs and credit card facilities at most shops and restaurants; however, it is advisable also to have adequate Nepalese rupees and carry small denominations. Once you are in the Khumbu, access to ATMs is minimal, and while they can be found in the bigger hubs like Lukla and Namche, outages can be common, so it’s best not to rely exclusively on being able to access cash as you go. Responsibly carry adequate amounts of local currency for your needs and reserves for emergencies. We advise our clients in our team emails as to how much cash they should bring. USD is also selectively accepted..

Tipping:
Tipping has become increasingly common in Nepal in recent years, primarily due to the rise in tourism.

It is customary for your guides, porters, and Sherpa staff to receive a tip. To make this process easier, CTSS will collect and distribute the Sherpa Tip Pool fairly and advise you on the current amounts. In major tourist areas, hotels and restaurants often include a 10% service charge, which typically serves as a tip. In smaller, local eateries, it’s rare to see this, and then it is up to your discretion.

Adapters:
Nepal actually uses three plug types: C (two round pins), D (three round pins in a triangular pattern) & M (three round pins). Therefore, consider purchasing a reliable universal adapter that provides all the necessary options. Additionally, it’s essential to note that Nepal operates on a 230V supply with a frequency of 50Hz. If this differs from your home’s voltage, consider purchasing a voltage converter to prevent damage to your devices. For instance, the standard voltage in the US is 120V, and some older devices won’t handle a 230V supply.

Tap Water:
The tap water and river water in Nepal are unsafe to drink, so please use bottled water, purification tablets, or boiled water for drinking and brushing your teeth. Make sure you drink plenty of water. Your body requires more at altitude.

Personal Safety:
Despite perceptions, Nepal is a relatively safe destination for travelers, with a low rate of serious crime. However, you should still take sensible precautions.

Watch out for pick-pockets and bag-snatching, particularly in airports, on buses, and in popular tourist areas like Thamel, Sanepa, and Kupondol in Kathmandu. Avoid walking alone and refrain from carrying or displaying large sums of cash. Keep valuables in a hotel safe if possible. Behave in Nepal as you would at home, err on the conservative side in terms of dress and behaviour. Be respectful and always let your Guide know if you’re going to venture out and what your plan is. Generally, we prefer to travel and stay together as a team.

Vaccinations:
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic in your home country for the most up-to-date information on immunizations for Nepal and China. The recommended vaccinations are typically Diphtheria-tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, meningitis, hepatitis A and B, cholera, typhoid, and rabies. Malaria shouldn’t be a problem in Kathmandu or on the climb. If you plan to travel to lower-elevation areas before or after the climb, you should consider malaria chemoprophylaxis.