FAQs

To book your trip, please fill out our trip booking form and send it to us along with a copy of your passport and the deposit. Your booking will be fully confirmed once we have received all these details. Learn more: How to book trip

We require 20% of the trip cost as a deposit at the time of booking.

We accept payments via bank/wire transfer or card payments. We accept all major cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex). Please note that card payments will incur an additional 3.5% processing fee.

For trekking and peak climbing trips, the balance can be paid upon your arrival in Kathmandu by card or cash. Please note that card payments will incur a 3.5% processing fee, so we recommend paying by cash after your arrival to avoid this fee.

For high-altitude expeditions, the balance payment must be made 30 days prior to the expedition start date.

At the time of booking the trip, we will need a completed booking form and a copy of your passport. Additional details, such as your flight information and insurance, can be sent anytime after the booking is made.

We offer both group joining and private trips based on your preferences. Simply select your desired trip and get in touch with us, and we’ll help tailor the experience to suit your needs.

A Nepal visa can be obtained on arrival at Kathmandu Airport or through Nepalese Embassies/Consulates near your location.

For visa processing requirements, please contact the Nepal Embassy or Consulate closest to you. If you plan to get a visa on arrival, it can be easily obtained at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.

For a detailed guide on Nepal Visa, please visit: Nepal Visa Guide

Gratis visa for 30 days available only for tourists of SAARC countries. For other nationals, following visa cost will be applied:

Multiple entry 15 days – US$ 30
Multiple entry 30 days – US$ 50
Multiple entry 90 days – US$ 125

Yes, we will arrange airport pickup based on your flight schedule. Please share your flight details (airline, flight number, date, and ETA) with us, and a member of our team will be there to receive you. Look for a placard with Highland Expeditions in the arrival area.

We would greatly appreciate it if you could reconfirm your flight details before arriving in Kathmandu.

For any assistance at the airport, please reach out to us at +9779708680019 / +9779708680018

Your meeting point or point of arrival is at Kathmandu’s airport, Tribhuvan International Airport. Upon arrival at Kathmandu’s Airport, Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), kindly proceed to immigration to apply for VOA (Visa On Arrival), customs clearing, and then collect your luggage. Outside the arrival hall, please look out for our staff holding a placard stating ‘Highland Expeditions’, and you will be escorted to the hotel for checking in.

We highly recommend obtaining travel insurance that is suitable for your trip before you embark on your journey. Travel insurance is especially important when trekking and climbing in the Himalayas above 3,000m/10,000ft. Please refer to this page for more information on insurance: Travel Insurance for Nepal

Kathmandu has a wide range of shops for trekking and climbing gear. Popular areas include Thamel, where you can find both international brands and locally made equipment. Arriving a day early or on the day of arrival (Day 01) gives you time to purchase anything you need before your trek. For climbing gear, you also have the option to hire equipment if you do not plan to use it again soon. Rental is only available for climbing gear, not trekking clothing.

You can get a SIM card at the airport or in the Thamel area. The two main providers are Nepal Telecom and Ncell. While SIM cards work well in the city, coverage becomes limited once you’re on the trail. We recommend choosing a Nepal Telecom SIM card, as it offers better coverage in the mountains.

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, we will provide you with a waterproof duffel bag to pack all your clothing and gear for the trip. This duffel bag will be carried by the porter or yak during the trek.

Additionally, you should bring a daypack or small rucksack, large enough to carry your valuables, water, energy bars, camera, waterproof jacket, and fleece.

Any luggage or items you don’t need for the trek or climb can be safely stored at your hotel in Kathmandu.

Tipping is entirely at your discretion. A suggested guideline is around 10% of your trip cost, but you may tip more or less based on your own assessment. The exact distribution will depend on your trip style and the size of your group. We recommend giving the tip on the final night of the trek, and it can be done in USD or local currency. You are also welcome to give additional tips directly to any staff member for exceptional service.

The amount of cash you should bring depends on your trip, but since meals and accommodation are included during our treks and climbs, cash is mainly needed for meals in Kathmandu, personal expenses, tipping, and shopping. In Kathmandu, only breakfast is included, so you should budget around USD 12–15 per meal with a drink. During the trek, budgeting around USD 25 per day is usually sufficient for items like bottled water, soft drinks, Wi-Fi, charging, and other small personal expenses.

It is also recommended to carry some emergency cash or a backup card in case of unexpected expenses. Keep these in a secure, accessible place separate from your daily cash.

Major foreign currencies such as USD, GBP, EUR, AUD, CHF, SGD, MYR, and HKD are widely accepted in Kathmandu and can be easily exchanged at money changers upon arrival. While some restaurants and shops may accept foreign currency, it is generally better to convert your money into Nepalese Rupees and use the local currency for spending, as the exchange rate may not be favorable when paying directly with foreign currency. The same applies to personal expenses during your trek.

Currency exchange is available at money changers in Thamel, at most hotels, and at Kathmandu Airport. While most major foreign currencies are accepted, USD, GBP, and EUR are the most convenient.

Card payments are also accepted at many businesses in the city, though cash is preferred for smaller shops and local markets.

You can withdraw cash from ATMs in Nepal, with a daily limit of approximately the equivalent of USD 750 in Nepalese Rupees. ATMs are available in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and other major cities, and in the Everest region, one is available in Namche Bazaar. Card payments are accepted at many businesses, though most charge a 3.5–4% fee. Withdrawals from ATMs are dispensed in Nepalese Rupees.

Cards are useful for emergencies, but ensure your card is unlocked for international use or notify your bank of your travel to avoid declined transactions.

It is still advisable to carry enough cash from Kathmandu for personal expenses during your trek or climb. Traveler’s cheques and other forms of payment are not recommended. Carrying extra cash for emergencies is always a good idea.

Walking distance/hour varies as per client’s fitness and also due to the altitude, terrain and gradient. In general trekking term, the walking distances are measured in hours rather than miles. On average, you will walk about 6 hours every day on our trekking trips in Himalayas. Morning walk, which is after breakfast till lunch will be 3-4 hours and after lunch couple of hours to reach our overnight place

If you are in good health and enjoy regular exercise such as jogging, tennis, or even long hikes then with proper itinerary and acclimatization you can embark on Himalayan adventure. Previous experience is not required to trek in the Himalayas although it will be beneficial to have some. Trekking to Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit don’t require previous experience but being physically fit are basic requirements as you will be walking 6 hours every day on average on ups and downs terrain over 5000m altitude above sea level.

For climbing trips, it is essential to have some previous experience. On our climbing trips we have a climbing course at the base camp before the actual climb, where the guides will teach you skills and techniques along with the demonstration of proper use of equipments.

If in the case of single by default then we will provide single room without extra charge. However, if someone wish to have single room then single supplement will be charged.

Rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow and blankets but with a wonderful view from your window. All the teahouses/lodges have a spacious warm dining room-lounge. We will arrange for you and your group to stay in local lodges daily. Please remember that some of them are very basic and a sense of adventure is necessary.

Meals are included in our package and you can choose your meals from the menu. Meals are served in Teahouses/Lodges located along the trail. You can find a wide variety of Nepali and Western food as well as drinks (coffee, tea, milk, soft drinks, and beer)

On our camping trip, for every 2 persons a tent is provided and beside that we will have a dining tent, kitchen tent and more for your comfort.

On our camping trips, we have an experienced chef to cater the group needs. Our Chef will prepare exceptional meals and ensure its quality preparation. He will be with us and is responsible for all meals during our trekking days. You can and is encouraged to bring along comfort food which you enjoy eating – chocolates, power bars, dry fruits, candies, other snacks etc.

Yes, Hot shower, washing facilities and battery charge are available on treks with an extra cost. Hot shower is available at the teahouses/lodges where you will stay at an extra cost of USD 1-2 per person. For battery/Phone charge we recommend you to bring a travel adapter with you. Batt charge will cost USD 1-2 depending upon the places. Along the way there are chances to do the laundry as some days are short duration walk and also, we have a rest day on all our trips.

Trekking poles are not essential but are beneficial especially on a long day’s trek where the terrain are ups and downs. If someone has knee problem then trekking poles are of a great help. Having trekking poles while walking downhill will reduce the stress on your knee and thus helps you in getting down easily.

We are known for providing the highest staff to client ratio on most of our trips. We provide 1 assistant guide to every 4 clients, 1 porter to every 2 clients and a local experienced trip leader and a Sirdar at camping trips.

If you have any special dietary requirements or allergies/intolerance with foods then kindly let us know and we will pass it to the trip leader. But kindly note that we are not able to provide special diets as it can be very difficult especially while travelling to high altitude areas.

Communication on trek especially in Everest/Annapurna region are fair with WIFI available on most of the teahouses/lodges, but please note that the connection may be disrupted at times. If you wish to get a local Sim card, then you can easily get it in Thamel and you will need to have 2 passport size photos along with a passport copy (Make sure that your phone is unlocked)

In the case of an emergency, they can contact Highland Expeditions directly and we will pass the message to your trip leader.

We strongly recommend packing as light as possible however the specific requirements for clothing depends on your trip mode and where you are travelling. Kindly refer to the trip dossier as it contains the equipment check list.

Yes, you can purchase nearly all trekking and climbing gear in Kathmandu. The city has a wide range of shops, from international brands to locally made options, so you can find everything you need. It is best to arrive a day early or earlier on the day of arrival (Day 01) if you need to buy more gear.

For climbing equipment, you also have the option to hire gear if you do not plan to use it again in the near future. Please note that rental is available only for climbing gear; trekking clothing and other personal gear cannot be rented.

You are allowed to carry up to 20 kg in total. For a more comfortable trekking experience, we recommend keeping your duffel bag under 15 kg and your backpack under 5 kg.

Your backpack should contain essentials you may need during the day while trekking. This typically includes a water bottle, snacks, personal medication, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a light jacket or fleece, a camera, and any valuables you want to keep with you. Keep the weight under 5 kg for comfort and ease while walking.

Your duffel bag will be carried by the porter and will only be available to you once you reach the lodge.