FAQs
Find answers to your questions before booking a trip! If you have more questions, please feel free to contact and chat with us directly on WhatsApp.
General
At HikingYeti, we combine local expertise with genuine Himalayan hospitality. Our experienced Nepali guides know the trails, cultures, and hidden viewpoints that most travelers miss, ensuring a well-paced and rewarding journey. We focus on small groups, responsible trekking, and carefully planned itineraries so you can enjoy the mountains with confidence and comfort. From your first inquiry to the final descent, we’re here to make your trek smooth, meaningful, and truly Himalayan.
For trekking in Nepal, you’ll need a valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity and a Nepal tourist visa. Depending on your trekking route, additional permits such as the TIMS card, National Park or Conservation Area permits (like ACAP or MCAP), and restricted area permits may be required. If the trek falls in a restricted region, a licensed guide arranged by a registered trekking company is mandatory. We handle all permit paperwork for you—so you can focus on the adventure, not the admin.
When booking international flights to and from Nepal, we strongly recommend allowing at least one extra buffer day before and after your trek. Domestic flights—especially to popular trekking gateways like Lukla, Jomsom, or Jomsom—are often subject to weather-related delays or cancellations, particularly during the monsoon and winter seasons. Planning flexible travel dates and avoiding tight international connections will help reduce stress. If possible, book changeable or refundable tickets. We’ll always keep you informed and assist with alternative arrangements if delays occur—mountain travel runs on nature’s schedule, and a little flexibility goes a long way in the Himalayas.
Please be aware that HikingYeti is not responsible for any inconveniences or missed international flights resulting from unforeseen events like airport changes, flight delays or cancellations, etc.
Even if you have prior trekking experience, hiring a licensed guide in Nepal is highly recommended—and in some regions, mandatory. A guide ensures your safety, helps with navigation, manages permits and logistics, and provides valuable local knowledge about the culture, terrain, and changing weather conditions. In restricted areas, trekking with a registered guide is required by law. Having a guide also allows you to trek with confidence, respond quickly to unexpected situations, and fully enjoy the journey while we take care of the details.
Yes. All our guides are licensed professionals who speak good English and are experienced in working with international trekkers. They are trained to communicate clearly, explain routes and safety procedures, share local culture and history, and assist you throughout the trek. If you require a guide who speaks another language, please let us know in advance and we’ll do our best to arrange it.
Weather & Temperature
The best seasons for trekking in Nepal are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). During these months, the weather is generally stable, skies are clear, and mountain views are at their best. Spring offers blooming rhododendron forests, while autumn provides crisp air and excellent visibility after the monsoon. Winter treks are possible at lower elevations, and monsoon season is quieter and greener, though trails can be wet and views limited.
Weather and temperatures in Nepal vary by season, altitude, and trekking region. In general, days are mild and sunny during the main trekking seasons (spring and autumn), while nights can be cold at higher elevations. At lower altitudes, daytime temperatures range from 10–25°C, while higher mountain areas can drop to 0°C or below, especially in the early morning and at night.
Weather in the Himalayas can change quickly, so it’s important to be prepared for sunshine, wind, and occasional rain or snow. We provide detailed packing advice before your trek to help you stay comfortable in all conditions.
Arrival & Visas
Yes — most foreign travelers can get a tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or at several land border crossings. The process is straightforward: fill in the arrival and visa forms (online before you fly or at airport kiosks), pay the visa fee, and present your passport and receipts at the immigration desk for stamping.
Tourist Visa on Arrival Fees & Durations
15-day visa: USD 30
30-day visa: USD 50
90-day visa: USD 125
You can extend your stay later at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or other immigration offices. You should carry cash (USD) with you to pay your visa fees quickly and easily, as digital payments are frequently unavailable. To save time, we recommend filling out the online visa application form in advance. Applying online 2-3 weeks before your arrival will expedite the process at the airport.
If you’ve booked your trip which includes staying in Kathmandu, our staff will be waiting for you outside the airport terminal with our company signboard. You will then be swiftly accompanied to a hotel in a private tourist vehicle.
Payments & Extra Costs
On average, you should budget USD 20–30 per day for personal expenses during the trek. This typically covers meals not included in your package, snacks, hot drinks, charging devices, Wi-Fi, hot showers, and small tips. Costs may vary depending on the trekking route and altitude. If you plan to buy souvenirs or local goods, you may want to bring extra cash. Otherwise, most of your needs during the trek will already be taken care of!
Credit card use is very limited on trekking routes in Nepal. Most teahouses, lodges, and local shops accept cash only, especially in remote areas. We recommend carrying enough Nepalese rupees for the trek, as ATMs and card facilities are generally available only in major cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara.
When you book, you must pay a 30% deposit to secure your itinerary. The remaining balance can be paid upon your arrival at Kathmandu or before arrival. US Dollars cash and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express) are accepted once in Nepal. Please note a 4% transaction fee will be added for all credit card transactions.
Kathmandu has good ATM and money exchange facilities, especially in popular tourist areas like Thamel and the city center. Most ATMs accept international cards, and you can easily exchange major currencies at banks or licensed exchange counters. We recommend carrying some cash in Nepali Rupees for small purchases in remote areas where ATMs may not be available.
You can conveniently pay the remaining balance upon arrival at our office or at the start of your trek. We accept both USD cash and major credit cards. A 4% transaction fee is added if paying with a credit card. Thus, we encourage you to pay with USD cash if you are planning to pay upon your arrival in Kathmandu.
We prefer you pay with larger bills (USD 50 or 100). Please note that the cash should not be older than 2009 and in good condition, as banks do not accept worn, torn, or crumpled bills. Our team will provide a secure and smooth payment process, ensuring you can focus on enjoying your adventure!