A visa is required for all nationalities, apart from India . These can be applied for before you travel from the appropriate Nepalese Embassy or consulate in your country;it is valid for six months from the date of issue and valid in Nepal for sixty days. Alternatively you can purchase a visa on arrival (2 passport photos required) valid for thirty days/extendable. The total time of stay allowed in one calendar year is one hundred and fifty days. We recommend your passport is at least six months from expiry. The cost of a visa at present is $30 U.S.

Customs;

Personal effects are exempt from duty including a camera and video camera binoculars film stock and tape recorder. On departure souvenirs can be exported freely but antiques and art objects over a hundred years old need a certificate of clearance from The Department of Archeology. Travelers who smoke are allowed to carry 200 cigarettes and 20 cigars, one bottle of spirits is also free of duty.

Health;

No vaccinations are required, however immunistion against cholera tetanus diphtheria typhoid and hepatitis should be seriously considered, please check with your G.P. There are a number of private hospitals and international clinics in Kathmandu that provide good treatment as well as many pharmaceutical outlets where often a prescription is not required. Drugs are made under license either in India or Nepal and are cheaper than comparative drugs in the West.

Electricity;

Nepal runs on a 220-vault system; adapter plugs are required in most cases, these can be bought cheaply in Kathmandu

Money;

Automatic Transfer Machines are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara, there are also many Government authorised moneychangers. Credit cards are accepted in a large number of places nowadays.

We suggest if you are not planning to withdraw from A.T.M's you travel either in Pounds Sterling American dollars or Euro's (cash or traveler cheques). There are a range of banks including Standard Charter and Grindleys; inter bank money transfer normally takes around seven days. Fast computer cash can be transferred via Western Union Money Transfer or Moneygram. Currency is the Nepali Rupee.

Postal Services;

Letters generally take around seven days to reach most developed countries, three day computer tracking door to door postal/parcel services are also available i.e. Fed Ex and Sky Net. Normal sea (via Calcutta) and air cargo facilities are common.

Dining Out;

Dining out in Kathmandu has become an art nowadays with the opportunity to sample most of the world's best cuisine as well as some fascinating local dishes. Restaurants range from five star service to simple roadside cafes with a huge range of choice in between.

Shopping;

Nepal has many fine handicrafts, some of the favourite buys are hand knotted woolen carpets, jewelry, woolen knitwear, pashmina shawls, religious paintings, rice paper products, woodcarving and metal work.

Something to consider;

Many of the items you may be considering bringing with you, especially if you are considering a trekking holiday, can be purchased here at more favourable rates. Please contact us beforehand if you need advice.

Time;

5 hrs 45 mins + G.M.T.

Security;

Nepal remains a very safe country, with theft not common. However, like anywhere, it pays to make sure you are aware of your bag and belongings. Trying to obtain a police report for insurance purposes can be frustrating.

Frequently asked questions

Is trekking for me?

If you are reasonably fit there is always a trek to suit you. Normally shorter treks of three to ten days tend to be easier with longer ones requiring more stamina and a better level of fitness.

Where to stay on trek? Mountain lodges

On the more popular trails there are well-established lodges providing good accommodation and meals. In the main they have solar shower facilities for washing or hot water source.

Camping

You can of course opt for a camping trek in these regions. However, as many campsites are connected to the lodges, it is debatable wether there is a real benefit. Camping however does provide the outdoor closeness and perhaps better camaraderie within a group. If you are traveling to more remote regions, camping is necessary.

Is the food/water safe?

Hygiene has improved considerably over the past few years with the majority of lodge owners having participated in food preparation courses organised by the Nepal Tourist Board.

If you are camping all food is prepared to a high standard with fruits and vegetables soaked in iodine beforehand. Drinking water is boiled and filtered, an iodine based solution which is not too pungent is also available.

What equipment should I bring?

It is about getting the balance right, this often depends on the time of year.

You need to have enough gear to be warm and comfortable for the particular trek you are venturing on. Most treks to around 3000 mtrs (10,000') are really quite comfortable especially in springtime. We will send you a suggested list of what to bring beforehand. It is worth remembering if you do not posses the appropriate gear, you can buy or hire a lot of what you will need in Kathmandu at a favourable price.

What is altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness in general may appear when people ascend rapidly at altitude's exceeding 3,000 mtrs (10,000'); it involves severe headache, sickness and loss of awareness. In almost every potential case there are warning signs long in advance, a descent of around 500 mtrs will cure the problem. At Active Eye, treks above 3000 mtrs are designed in a way to minimise any risk.

What happens in an emergency?

Unless you are in a remote area emergencies are extremely rare, there are health posts on the more frequented trails plus our guides are trained to deal with first aid situations. If in the unlikely event you require airlifting out of the region; Active Eye will cover the initial expenses, these will need to recovered from you. It is very important that you are adequately insured for such an event.