Breathing in and out might seem like the simplest thing, but in Nepal, each breath is filled with excitement and wonder. Imagine the thrill of ascending the Himalayan Mountain passes and the awe-inspiring beauty of the landscapes that surround you. If your journey is about seeking spirituality and balance, Nepal embodies it in every way—through its sacred temples, the peaceful nature of its people, and the stunning mountains, lakes, and countryside.
**TRIP DISCLAIMER: A high level of fitness and previous hiking experience are a must for this adventure. The trek involves gaining over 84,000 feet in elevation under high-altitude conditions. If you're unsure whether this trip is suitable for you, we recommend consulting with a doctor before booking.
TRAVEL INSURANCE REQUIRED: Given the trek’s high elevations, our operator mandates travel insurance that covers high-altitude treks before departure. We suggest World Nomad’s Standard Policy, which covers treks up to 19,685 feet (6,000 meters): worldnomads.com
Capital City: Kathmandu
Population: 30.1 million (2022 est.)
Currency: Nepalese Rupee
Time Zone: Nepal Time - (GMT+5:45)
Emergency Number: 100
Outlet: Type C, D & M
Travel Guide
Nepal: Trip Preparation & Destination Information
Your complete travel guide to Nepal-climbing
Overview
Packing List
Waterproof Day Pack
We suggest using a 20L to 40L backpack for your daily adventures.
Shared Waterproof Duffel Bag or Backpack
For our adventurous trekkers, we suggest using a duffle bag ranging from 60L to 100L, which will be carried by a porter. Keep in mind that two trekkers will share one porter, with a maximum weight limit of 39 lbs per porter, which means each trekker should pack no more than 19 lbs. We highly recommend using packing cubes to organize your belongings, as you'll be sharing a single duffle bag with your trekking partner for the porter to carry. Non-essential items can be conveniently stored at your hotel or at the DWT store. If you and your partner don't have a shared duffle bag, don't worry—a used one will be provided for your convenience.
Sleeping Bag
Designed to keep us cozy in temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sturdy Hiking Shoes
We suggest choosing mid-weight boots that rise above the ankle and feature a robust sole, like a Vibram® sole, for optimal support. It's best if they're already broken in. Here's a handy tip: consider buying your boots half to a full size larger to accommodate foot swelling and thick socks during your adventures.
Trekking Poles
Perfect for tackling challenging paths and rugged trails.
Fleece Jacket or Insulated Coat
We suggest bringing along a cozy, lightweight fleece jacket or coat, insulated with synthetic material. It's perfect for keeping warm without adding bulk to your luggage.
Rain Shell and Rain Pants
Waterproof and breathable jacket and pants.
One or Two Breathable, Non-Cotton Hiking Shirts
To shield ourselves from the sun's rays, we suggest opting for light-colored clothing, as it's cooler than darker shades. Long sleeves can be a great choice too!
Warm Top
We suggest bringing a mid-weight shirt, sweater, or pullover, ideally made from wicking materials like merino wool, fleece, or polypropylene.
Long Pants
We suggest packing a pair of leggings or lightweight trousers to shield yourself from the sun during the day and provide a cozy layer of warmth when the temperature drops at night.
Long Underwear
We suggest packing a pair of lightweight to midweight wicking tops and bottoms. These are perfect for staying comfortable and dry, whether you're hiking through lush forests or exploring bustling city streets.
Shorts
We recommend packing a pair of nylon shorts, as they are lightweight and can double as a bathing suit. Perfect for those spontaneous swims or beach days!
Hiking Socks
We suggest packing one pair of socks for every two days of your adventure. Brands like Darn Tough® and Smartwool® are fantastic options, or you can choose similar high-quality socks. Some travelers find that a thin sock liner can really help prevent hot spots and blisters. Remember, steer clear of cotton socks!
Headgear
A headlamp, along with some spare batteries, is a must-have for any adventure. We also suggest packing a wide-brimmed hat and a bandana to keep the sun at bay. And for those chilly evenings, a cozy beanie will be your best friend.
Sunblock with SPF
We all know that nothing spoils a vacation quite like a lobster-red sunburn, especially since the sun's rays are even more intense at higher altitudes. So, let's make sure to slather on plenty of SPF to keep our skin safe from harm. And of course, a stylish pair of sunglasses is a must-have to shield our eyes from the bright sunshine.
Hand Sanitizer
Is there anything else to add?
Sunglasses
Opt for a model that offers UVA and UWB protection.
Toiletries
Biodegradable bar soaps and compact towels.
Active Shoes
Perfect for those extended adventures on foot and ensuring comfort while exploring trails.
Insulated Thermal Bottle
We suggest bringing a trusty thermos to keep your hot drinks steaming on those chilly mornings, and it doubles as a great water bottle for your hiking adventures. Don't worry about running out of water, as you'll have access to clean refills at all the hotels along the way.
Water purification tablets
In Nepal, it's important to purify tap and river water before drinking, as it's not safe to consume directly.
Energy bars
Keep your energy up by grabbing a snack between meals.
Travel Adapter
We highly recommend bringing a universal plug adapter. It's your best bet for keeping all your devices charged and ready to capture those unforgettable travel moments!
Portable Chargers
Keep your energy up, folks!
Ear Plugs
Are you a light sleeper? It's handy to have this just in case your roommate snores.
Call Your Bank!
Banks often keep a close eye on your account for any unusual activity, and they might temporarily freeze your card if something seems off. We suggest giving them a quick call to inform them about your travel plans. This way, you can enjoy your trip without any unexpected hiccups!
Always pack extra underwear!
Language Information
Language: There are approximately 123 different languages spoken in Nepal with only 44% of the population that speaks the national language, Nepali.If you have access to hiking trails and a schedule to accommodate it begin walking and hiking in hilly/steep terrain. Nothing prepares you for a backpacking trip better than the activity itself! Try to get out at least 3 days a week. Start with short hikes (1-hour in length) with a light daypack. From week to week build the length and difficulty of your hikes and gradually increase your pack weight until you’re comfortably able to hike 6-8 hours a day carrying the weight you’ll have on your trip (refer to your trip packet for exact pack weight). It is ideal to begin your training at least 12 weeks prior to your trip. Also, be sure to use the boots you’ll have on your trip to break them in. The following is how a moderate program may look:
Common Phrases
Hello
Namaskara
Goodbye
Alavida
Thank you
Dhan’yavada
Do you speak English?
Ke tapa im angreji bolnuhuncha
I (don’t) understand
Maile bujhina
How are you?
Timila i kasto cha
I’m fine, thank you
Ma arama chu dhan’yavada
What’s your name?
Timro nama ke ho
My name is…
Mero nama ...
Where is the bathroom
Kaham cha batharuma
First week of training
Tuesday: one-hour hike with a daypack Thursday: one-hour hike with a daypack Sunday: 2-hour hike with a daypack
Two weeks before the trip
Monday: 3.5-hour hike with a 20-pound pack Wednesday: 2-hour hike with a 20- pound daypack Thursday: 3.5-hour hike with a 20-pound pack Sunday: 7-hour hike with the weight you’ll have on your trip
Local Weather
Tipping Guide
Tipping Suggestions: Tips for Guides, drivers and restaurants are not included. Tips provide supplemental income, and, while not mandatory, are greatly appreciated. If the local teams have added to the experience, please reward them.
Lead Guide Up to $200 USD for the entire trek
Assistant Guide Up to $180 USD for the entire trek
Porter Up to $120 USD for the entire trek
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Visa?
Ensure your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your return date and contains at least two blank pages. Failing to do so might result in entry denial by certain countries.
Do you recommend travel insurance?
Although it's not mandatory, we strongly suggest that all travelers consider travel insurance to safeguard against unexpected events! Explore travel insurance options with our partner, worldnomads.com, or choose a provider that suits you best.
How much should I pack?
Since we'll be using shared transfers and spaces during our tour, we suggest all travelers pack as lightly as they can. Please take a look at our luggage restrictions below.
Training Information
If you have access to hiking trails and can fit it into your schedule, we suggest starting to walk and hike in hilly or steep terrain. There's no better way to prepare for a backpacking adventure than by diving right into the activity itself! Aim to get out at least three times a week. Begin with shorter hikes, about an hour long, with a light daypack. As the weeks go by, gradually increase both the length and difficulty of your hikes, and slowly add more weight to your pack until you're comfortable hiking for 6-8 hours a day with the weight you'll be carrying on your trip (check your trip packet for the exact pack weight). It's best to start your training at least 12 weeks before your trip. And don't forget to break in the boots you'll be wearing on your adventure. Here's an example of what a moderate training program might look like:
Training Schedules
First week of training
- Tuesday: one-hour hike with a daypack
- Thursday: one-hour hike with a daypack
- Sunday: 2-hour hike with a daypack
Two weeks before the trip
- Monday: 3.5-hour hike with a 20-pound pack
- Wednesday: 2-hour hike with a 20- pound daypack
- Thursday: 3.5-hour hike with a 20-pound pack
- Sunday: 7-hour hike with the weight you’ll have on your trip
Supplemental Ideas
- Tuesday: enjoy a one-hour hike with a daypack
- Thursday: a one-hour hike with a daypack
- Sunday: Enjoy a 2-hour hike with just a daypack
- Monday: Embark on a 3.5-hour hike while carrying a 20-pound pack
- Wednesday: Enjoy a 2-hour hike while carrying a 20-pound daypack.
- Thursday: Embark on a 3.5-hour hike while carrying a 20-pound pack
- Sunday: Embark on a 7-hour hike carrying the same weight you'll be taking on your trip
- We suggest taking on the stairs at your office, home, park, or neighborhood while wearing a backpack. It's a fantastic way to mimic the experience of backpacking through hilly or steep landscapes.
- Pedal your way to work or while running errands. Explore your town or hit the country roads just outside the city on your bike. Cycling is a fantastic way to boost endurance and strengthen your legs.
- Gym activities encompass a variety of options like step aerobics, treadmill workouts, cycling, and using elliptical trainers, just to name a few. We also suggest incorporating a modest weight training program that targets the muscles supporting your ankles, knees, back, and shoulders for added benefits.
- Swimming is an excellent way to boost endurance and improve cardiovascular health, all while being gentle on the joints.
- Opt for a stroll to the office instead of hopping in the car. Take care of your errands on foot and use a backpack to bring your groceries home.
- Taking yoga and/or Pilates classes is a fantastic way to strengthen your entire body and boost your flexibility at the same time.
- Intramural sports.
- Jogging is another great option, but if you're not used to running regularly, it can easily lead to injuries that backpacking might worsen. So, we suggest starting a jogging routine with caution.