FAQS

How long do we trek per day and how high ?

Up to a maximum of 5-6 hours a day with lunch breaks along the trail. The maximum latitude reached during the trek will be 7,000 feet or 2,100 meters. Altitude sickness will not affect you at these heights as it is only a concern above 10,000 feet or 3,000 meters. However, everyone suffers shortness of breath on some uphill sections.

What kind of footwear will I need ?

You will require a lightweight pair of boots that have rubber soles with thick tread and good ankle support. Hi-Tech and Nike produce good walking shoes.
What kind of food will be served while on trek ?
A general idea will be:
Breakfast : Cereal/Muesli/Porridge/Eggs/Tomatoes/Toast/Jam/Honey/Tea/Coffee.
Lunch : Salad/Spring Rolls/Pizza/Quiche.
Dinner : Soup/Curry/Pasta/Dumplings/Vegetables/Cake/Fruit Fritters.

What kind of food will be served while on trek ?

A general idea will be:
Breakfast : Cereal/Muesli/Porridge/Eggs/Tomatoes/Toast/Jam/Honey/Tea/Coffee.
Lunch : Salad/Spring Rolls/Pizza/Quiche.
Dinner : Soup/Curry/Pasta/Dumplings/Vegetables/Cake/Fruit Fritters.

Will I need to be inoculated ?

Consult your local doctor who will have an updated list. However, most important are Gamma Globulin (for Hepatitis) and Tetanus. Do not go over the top otherwise you will end up cholera, rabies, malaria tablets and many others. In this case, it is always worth talking to two doctors and then using you own judgment.

What happens in the event of an emergency ?

On trek, a helicopter will be summoned which will take a maximum of 6 hours to reach you. You will then be flown with your guide to Kathmandu where you will be met by our office staff and taken to the International Hospital. If necessary, an onward international medical flight will be arranged. Anywhere else on the trip, you will be taken by road to Kathmandu where the same process will occur. Ensure that you insurance policy covers you for such unlike eventualities.

How hot/cold does it get ?

As general rule, it is hot enough during the day to wear an open-neck shirt with shorts and you will not be cold. During the evening, it gets cold so, long trousers and a warm jersey are essential.

What are the seasons in Nepal ?

Mid-October/November:
Very clear skies, flowers in bloom, hot during the day and cold evenings. Temperatures steadily decrease during these months. October high and low temperatures about 80/55 F, 26/13 C. November highs and lows are about 66/37F, 19/3 C. In the Terai, October high and low temperatures are 88/72 F, 31/22 C; November high and low temperatures are about 83/72 F, 28/22 C.

December/January/February:
Clear skies, frosty mornings, warm days but cold at night. Day time highs in the mid 60’s F, 18 C, and lows dip into the mid 30’s F, 2 C, throughout the country, except for the Terai Plain, where average daily high and low temperatures are about 10 degrees F, 5 degrees C, warmer.

March/April:
Sometimes hazy skies, flowers in bloom, hot during the day, warm at night. Daytime temperature reach the low to mid 80’s F, 28 C, an lows range from about 50 F to 60 F, 10 to 15 C. The terai plain is very hot at this time, with daytime temperatures are consistently in the 90’s F, 32 C, and the low in the mid 70’s F, 23 C.

June/July/August:
This is Nepal’s rainy season, although fascinating for those interested in the flora and fauna of the country. Daytime temperatures are consistently in the mid to upper 80’s F, 30 C, through out Nepal during these months, with low around 70’s F, 21C.

May/September/Early October:
These are the transition months between the wet and dry season. The rain is not as frequent as the summer months; however, it is unpredictable. The temperatures, flora and fauna are the same as the summer month.
Note: The Terai Plain, where the Royal Chitwan National Park is locate, is about 400 feet, 120 meters, lower in altitude than Kathmandu, and is consistently warmer than the rest of Nepal.

Should I bring my own medicine ?

Please consult your local doctor and follow his advice. However, if you are taking any particular medicines, it would be best to bring these with you.

Baggage ?

We suggest that you bring a suitcase to Nepal in which you have a zip-down duffel bag and small duffel overnight bag. The suitcase can be left in Kathmandu with you town cloths. The duffel bags travel with you to your trek/rafting and jungle clothes. The small overnight bag is used for the rafting.

What do I need to pack for the trek ?

Walking boots tennis shoes for evening, 3 T-shirts or short sleeved shirt, 2 pairs of shots made from strong cotton, (women can wear shorts in Nepal or skirts if they prefer), 2 long sleeved shirts for evenings, 1 long pair of trousers, one track suit, one extra sweat shirt or sweater for evenings, windbreaker, warm sleeping wear for Dec./Jan/Feb.; 5 pairs of thick walking socks (Thor-lo make good socks with reinforced toes and heals), underwear, personal toiletries including a small face towel, sun cream, sunglasses camera with approximately 20 rolls of film, binos if you’d like, walking sticks, sun hats, cotton scarves, rain ponchos, umbrellas, and gear bags which the porters carry. You can leave any town clothes at your hotel in Kathmandu and a set of clean clothes, as well as rafting/safari clothes in Pokhara.
For rafting : Flip-flops, sandals, or booties while rafting (barefoot is OK too), tennis shoes with socks for evening during Dec./Jan/Feb, otherwise flip-flops or sandal are warm enough, T-shirt bathing suit, and light-weight shorts during the day (they will get wet so nylon shorts dry the fastest); track suit or trousers and a sweat-shirt for the evening (warm sweater or jacket during the winter months); an overnight bag to bring these clothes to the campsite, Note: all your belongings will be transferred from Pokhara/Kathmandu to rafting and on the Chitwan. What ever you don’t need at the campsite will be kept in our vehicle which is guarded at all times.
For Chitwan : Your walking boots and evening shoes; light-weight long trousers and long sleeved shirt for safaris; short sleeved shirt and shorts for daytime in between safaris; casual clothes for the evenings.

About the river.

It is an excellent introduction to rafting. There is only I grade III rapid and about 5 to 6 grade II rapids. For those who are already experienced, they can try guiding or our guide can aim to get you wet.

How much currency will I need ?

You will need very little during the activity phases of the holiday: says US $ 200. This should be carried in small denominations as change is hard to come by in the villages. There are good deals to be found in the hills, on jewellery especially. However, when shopping in Kathmandu, there are many items to buy (wall hangings, carvings, artifacts, clothes, etc.) Credit cards are accepted in most of the shops.

Electricity

The current is 220V/50 cycles and is available in most of the places. Sockets have either three round pains or two thick round pains. If you are travelling with electrical appliance, an international converter kit and a set of adapter plugs will be required. Alternatively, it is more practical to travel with battery-operated appliances, where possible. While on trek, you can recharge your batteries in some lodges as they use generators. However, no electricity is available on the river or in Chitwan.

Can I drink the water ?

Do not drink tap water or steam water. All lodge/hotel water has been boiled and filtered and is safe. Local mineral is also provided and is perfectly safe to drink.

What alcoholic beverages are available in Nepal ?

Nepal produces different types of bottled beers which are excellent. They are very much like a lager. Some lodges have a good supply of local as well as foreign Whisky, Gin, Vodka, Rum and Soft Drinks. A local “Wine” is produced in the hills which is served hot and resembles sake. If you have a special preference, buy it at a duty free shop on your way to Kathmandu.

Can I phone, fax or E-mail in Nepal ?

A good standard telephone system is readily available in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan. Fax, E-mail, Internet are also available in Kathmandu, Pokhara. If you have your own Laptop you can get Internet Start Kit CDs provided by local ISP’s, available on most of the departmental stores of Kathmandu and Pokhara. Neither phone nor fax is available while rafting or on trek.

Can I get a visa on arrival ?

Foreigner who intends to visit Nepal must hold valid passport or any travel document equivalent to passport issued by the Govt. for visiting a foreign country prior to apply for visa.
a) Entry:- No foreigner is entitled to enter into and stay in the Kingdom of Nepal without valid visa. Tourist entry visa can be obtained for the following duration from Royal Nepalese Embassy or Consulate or other mission offices or immigration offices located on entry points in Nepal.
b) Chinese citizen are requested to apply in Royal Nepalese Embassy or other Nepalese diplomatic missions as there is no provision of on arrival visa for them.

1.Visitors who are entering Nepal for the first time in a visa year (Jan-Dec):

Facilities Duration Fee
Single entry 60 days from the date of entry US$ 30 or equivalent convertible forein currency
Multiple entry* do US$ 80 or equivalent convertible foreign currency

* Multiple entry will be valid for a visa year (150 days in a visa year).

2. For Shrilankan Pilgrims visiting to Lumbini can get single entry visa for 15 days in US$ 10 or equivalent convertible currency.

c) Tourist Visa Extension : A tourist visa can be extended upto 120 days from the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu and Pokhara Immigration Office on request. Then after an additional 30 days can be extended from Department of Immigration on reasonable ground, which ensures one's departure from the country within 150 days in one visa year.

Tourist visa extension fee and additional late fee are as follows :-

- Visa extension without re-entry facility for 30 days : US$ 30 in equivalent Nepalese currency.
- Visa extension with multiple entry facility for 30 days : US$ 80 in equivalent Nepalese currency.
One who has previously taken multiple re-entry facility in the same visa year will have to pay US$ 30 only.
Late fee for regularizing tourist visa

- US$2 in equivalent Nepalese currency per day for the first 30 days.
- US$3 in equivalent Nepalese currency per day for the next 31 to 90 days.
- US$5 in equivalent Nepalese currency per day for more than 90 days.
Fee exemption of tourist visa

- Children below 10 yrs.
- Descendant's upto the age of 16 years, holding foreign passports, of Nepalese parents or either of their parent
is a Nepalese citizen.
- Citizen of Nepali origin, after having obtained passport for the first time from a Nepal based foreign mission,
until the period of his departure to a foreign country.
Some Important information to tourist : Don't or Do's
- A tourist may stay in Nepal upto 150 days in a visa year (Jan-Dec).
- A tourist must extend his/her visa before expiry of the visa validity period.
- A tourist who does not comply with these regulations may be liable of fine and other prosecution as provided
in Immigration Act and Rules.
- A Foreigner having obtained tourist visa shall not allowed to work with or without receiving remuneration.
- A foreigner shall not be allowed to carry out any work other than that for which purpose s/he has
obtained the visa.

Will my tickets be reconfirmed while I am on trek ?

For guests on full itineraries (Kathmandu, Rafting, Chitwan Trekking), your international tickets will be collected from you for re-confirmation on arrival at your hotel in Kathmandu by our staff. Your tickets will be returned to you upon arrival from Chitwan, Trek or Rafting.

What is the policy on excess baggage ?

Even if your originating ticket states you are allowed 2 bags at any weight, the airports in Asia have their own regulations which are strictly enforced. For international flights, you are allowed 44 lb. (20 kilos) per person anything after that is charged. For domestic flights 33 lb. (15 kilos) is the limit. Excess baggage is permissible but is charged.

Do's and Dont's ?

NAMASTE is the formal form of Greeting during meeting & parting for which you join both your palms & say NAMASTE!. Another important word DHANYABAD is used for Thanks.

Normally traditional women do not shake hands.

While visiting temple & shrines mind your head & foot. Walking path is uneven. Temple courtyards have low entrance doors. Do not step on places, where flower & vermilion - powder has been offered.

Street beggars must be discouraged so as the street hawkers. They are not aggressive but hard to get away, politely refuse them. Do not give anything to the street children as well. We can better help them in organized way than spoiling giving them in streets.

Always consume bottled water. Make sure seal is not broken.

Photography is easy in Nepal. Some places are exception. In touristic places people may expect a BAKSHIS for being taken. Keep small money (Rs 10).

Beware of Pick - pocketing during the walk through the narrow alley of Kathmandu.

While traveling take spare Film rolls & camera batteries with you. That saves time & you wouldn't miss your favorite scene due to lack of these things.

To exchange local currency you need your passport details to fill out. ATM cash machines are available in city center only. Besides paying your bill Credit Cards can be cashed only in few banks. 15% of the total money exchanged can be changed back to US$ before departure at the airport bank counter on presenting the total encashment receipt.

Deposit your valuable in safe available in hotels without extra cost. In Hyatt Regency, in the built in electronic safe in your wardrobe.

Postage stamps to any country in Europe costs Rs 15/- for open post cards.

Take sun hat, sun goggles while going out.

Responsibilities

Shiva Treks & Expeditions, Shiva Holidays, it’s Associated Companies and Agents, disclaim all liability for injury, resulting in death while engaged in a trip.

We also reserve the right to alter, or restyle, reprice of cancel any trek or itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, such as, treks to restricted areas, cancellation of scheduled flights, weather conditions or other changes. Should the tour be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, like flight cancellations and bad weather conditions, the company will charge, after consulting The Tourism Authority of Bhutan. In the case of Tibet, Nepal and India, the company will charge 50% of the daily tour cost. In the event that you exceed your total duration, due to reasons beyond our control, the company will charge as per guidelines of the Tourism Authority of Bhutan, and at a fair price in the case of Nepal, India and Tibet until you reach your final destination.

There will be cancellation fees depending on the proximity to the departure date, if a trip was already been confirmed. There will be no refunds once the trip has begun. If the trip is cancelled due to reasons beyond our control, refunds will be made after deducting costs for services already provided.

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