It has been great to talk and email with so many of you over the past several days! You want to go to Nepal this fall, but not sure you can pull it all together? While everyone’s situation is different, the short answer is yes. There is plenty of time if you begin now and we are here to help!
Fall 2021 Nepal Entry and Visa Requirements
Fall 2021: Nepal Health and Safety Protocols
Everest Base Camp Luxury Lodge Trek Confirmed for November 4 to 20, 2021
How do I get in shape?
If you are considering a trip in October or November, you are already in shape! Just keep on your daily exercise routine and you’ll be fine. Start wearing your loaded daypack on some of your walks and hikes to get your body used to carrying the weight. Adding in some more hills will also help. Remember, these are hikes. It’s not about strength, it’s about endurance.
How do I get there?
Right now the best fares and routings from the U.S. and Canada to Kathmandu are on Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines, two of the world’s top ten airlines offering easy stopovers in Doha (Qatar) and Istanbul (Turkey). You can check availability and book the entire flight directly on their websites.
What do I need to bring?
Don’t stress. Most likely you already have most if not all of what you need: day pack, hiking boots, pants, shirts, socks, fleece top, rain jacket, hats, gloves… What ever you need to pick up, there is probably a good outdoor gear store nearby, order online and there are also many fine outdoor shops in Kathmandu to pick up any last minute items. We have a suggested packing list on the last page of all of our trip itineraries. One extra item for an October/November trek is a lightweight (20 degree F) sleeping bag to supplement the bedding provided in the lodges at the higher villages. Remember, these are fully-supported treks with porters. You will only need to carry a day pack with the items needed during the day of walking.
What do I need for vaccination and testing?
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will need to show proof of receiving both Covid vaccinations (Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca) with your second shot being given at least 14 days before arrival in Nepal. You will also need to show proof of a negative PCR Covid test taken within 72 hours before you get on your flight to Nepal. On arrival in Kathmandu, everyone will be given a Rapid Antigen test.
What about passports, visas and permits?
Make sure your passport has at least 6 months remaining validity before your entry into Nepal. You can obtain your visa for Nepal upon arrival at the airport in Kathmandu and our office handles all the paperwork required to obtain your trip permits.
Is there good travel insurance?
Of course. We recommend AIG / Travel Guard, but there are dozens of trip insurance companies offering various products. At a minimum, all group members will need to obtain coverage for medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation. All trip insurance companies offer coverage for both products in varying amounts. And, yes, if you contract Covid while on the trip, you are covered.
How do I keep in touch back home?
Our group hotel in Kathmandu has great Wi-Fi. Most of the lodges in the Everest / Khumbu region will have great Wi-Fi and the entire Everest / Khumbu region has great cell service and pre-paid SIM cards are easy to get in Kathmandu.
Am I nuts to go now?
Absolutely, positively not. Nepal is fully open and the least crowed it has been in 25 years.
What am I forgetting to ask?
What ever it is, just email or call me to discuss.