Common Questions

A few of the questions we are asked most often. If yours is not here, get in touch — a real person will answer.

When is the best time to trek in Nepal?

The two main seasons are autumn (roughly October to November) and spring (March to April). Autumn brings the clearest, most stable weather and the sharpest mountain views, and the popular trails are busy. Spring is a little warmer, the rhododendron forests are in bloom, and the air is slightly hazier. Winter (December to February) is cold and the high passes can be blocked by snow, but lower-altitude treks are quiet and often crystal clear. The monsoon (June to September) is wet, humid and cloudy, with leeches on forested trails — though the rain-shadow regions such as Mustang and Dolpo stay dry and are excellent at that time.

How worried should I be about altitude sickness?

It is worth taking seriously but not worth being frightened of. Mild symptoms like headache and poor sleep are common as you go above about 3,000 m and usually pass with rest and a slower ascent. It only becomes dangerous if it is ignored. The safeguards are simple: ascend gradually, take the acclimatisation days built into the itinerary, stay hydrated, tell your guide how you feel, and be willing to descend if symptoms get worse. Our routes are planned around acclimatisation rather than speed. There is more detail on our Insurance & Safety page.

What is included in a package price?

It varies by trip, and every package page lists its own inclusions and exclusions, but as a general guide a trek price usually covers:

• Airport pick-up and drop-off
• A licensed, English-speaking guide, and porters where the itinerary needs them
• Teahouse or lodge accommodation during the trek
• Most meals while you are on the trail
• All trekking permits and national-park or conservation-area entry fees
• Ground transport between the city and the trailhead

What is normally not included: international flights, your Nepal visa, travel insurance, personal trekking gear, drinks and snacks beyond your meals, tips for the crew, and any extra nights or meals in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Always check the specific package page for the exact list.

How do booking and enquiries work on this site?

On any package page you can use Enquire to ask questions or Book Now to start a booking request. Both go straight to our team, who reply within about a day with current availability, a full day-by-day itinerary and the next steps, including the deposit. Nothing is charged automatically through the website — you are always talking to a person before any money changes hands.

Do I tip guides and porters, and how much?

Tipping is customary in Nepal and forms a meaningful part of a trekking crew's income. There is no fixed rule. A common approach is for the group to pool a tip and hand it over together on the last day, with a larger amount for a longer or harder trek. Your guide can advise on local norms, and you are welcome to ask us for a rough per-person guideline for your particular trip before you leave.

What should I pack?

A broad checklist, tailored to your specific trek once it is confirmed:

• Broken-in trekking boots and comfortable socks
• Layers: base layers, an insulating fleece or down jacket, and a waterproof, windproof shell
• A warm hat, sun hat, and gloves
• A sleeping bag rated for the altitude you are reaching — you can rent a good one in Kathmandu if you would rather not carry your own
• A daypack for the things you need during the day
• Sun protection: high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm, and proper sunglasses
• A headlamp with spare batteries
• A water bottle or bladder plus a purification method
• A small personal first-aid kit and any medication you take regularly
• Enough cash in small notes for snacks, drinks, charging and tips

Porters carry a weight limit, so pack light and leave anything you will not need on the trek at your hotel in the city. We send a full, trip-specific packing list once your booking is confirmed.