This guide covers all the practical details: flights, visas, insurance, money, health, and what to expect on the ground. Read it carefully and tick off items as you complete them.
Pre-Departure Timeline
Now
Pay deposit, start training, check passport validity (6+ months from return)
3+ months out
Book flights, arrange travel insurance, check vaccinations with your doctor
8 weeks out
Gather gear, break in boots, intensify training
4 weeks out
Send us insurance details and emergency contact info
28 Mar 2026
Final balance due
2 weeks out
Final packing, print documents, notify bank of travel
25 Apr 2026
Arrive Kathmandu!
Flights
Arrival: Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Kathmandu
Arrive by: Saturday 25 April 2026 (any time — transfers included)
Depart from: Sunday 10 May 2026 (book departure for afternoon or later)
✈️ Booking Tips
- Book after your deposit is confirmed and minimum group size is on track
- Common routes: via Singapore, Bangkok, Doha, Dubai, or Delhi
- Direct flights are rare — expect 1–2 connections
- Consider flexible tickets in case of changes
🛬 Airport Transfer
- We'll collect you from Kathmandu airport
- Share your flight details when you book
- Driver will have a sign with your name
- Transfer to hotel takes 30–60 minutes
Flight flexibility
We recommend waiting to book flights until your deposit is confirmed and we've notified you the trip is going ahead. If minimum numbers aren't reached, we'll let you know by early March 2026.
Visa
Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport. The process is straightforward but queues can be long.
📋 Visa Requirements
- Passport: Valid for 6+ months from entry date
- Photos: 1–2 passport photos (or use the machines at the airport)
- Fee: USD $50 for 30-day visa (cash preferred)
- Online option: Pre-apply at nepaliport.immigration.gov.np to save time
Visa tip
The online pre-application saves time at the airport. Fill it out 15 days before arrival, print the receipt, and head straight to the fee counter on arrival. Bring USD cash for the fee.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory. You cannot join the trip without valid insurance that meets our requirements.
Your insurance must cover:
- Trekking at altitude up to 4,500mCheck policy wording carefully
- Emergency helicopter evacuation in NepalEssential — this is expensive without insurance
- Medical expenses and hospitalisation
- Trip cancellation and interruption
- Personal belongings and baggage
- Repatriation
Recommended providers: World Nomads, Allianz, Cover-More, or specialist adventure insurers. Always read the policy details — some exclude trekking or altitude without an add-on.
Send us your details
Please email a copy of your insurance certificate (or photo of your policy) to info@compassandfootprints.com at least 4 weeks before departure. Include policy number and emergency contact number.
Health & Vaccinations
Consult your doctor or a travel health clinic at least 6–8 weeks before departure. Requirements vary by country.
💉 Commonly Recommended
- Hepatitis A & B
- Typhoid
- Tetanus/Diphtheria
- Polio booster
- Rabies (optional but recommended)
- Japanese Encephalitis (if staying longer)
💊 Medications to Discuss
- Diamox (Acetazolamide): For altitude sickness prevention — discuss with your doctor
- Antibiotics: For stomach bugs (e.g., Ciprofloxacin)
- Personal medications: Bring enough for the whole trip plus extra
Money
Nepal uses the Nepali Rupee (NPR). As of 2025, roughly 1 USD = 130–135 NPR.
💵 What to Bring
- USD cash ($200–300): For visa, emergency backup
- Debit/credit cards (2): ATMs in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Notify your bank: Tell them you're travelling to Nepal
🏧 ATMs & Cards
- ATMs available in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and some larger villages
- Max withdrawal usually NPR 35,000–50,000 per transaction
- Cards accepted at some hotels and restaurants in cities
- Trek is cash only — withdraw in Pokhara before starting
Budget for On-Trek Spending
| Item |
Typical Cost |
| Hot shower |
NPR 300–500 ($2–4) |
| Charging devices |
NPR 200–400 per device |
| Soft drinks / beer |
NPR 300–600 |
| Snacks (chocolate, chips) |
NPR 150–400 |
| Wifi (where available) |
NPR 300–500 |
Budget roughly $15–25 USD per day on trek for extras. Bring cash in small denominations.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in Nepal and greatly appreciated by local staff. Tips are not included in your trip price.
| Who |
Suggested Amount |
| Trek guide |
$5–8 USD per day (pooled from group) |
| Porters |
$3–5 USD per day each (pooled from group) |
| Drivers |
$2–3 USD per day |
We'll collect tips as a group and distribute at the end of the trek. Budget approximately $100–150 USD total for tips.
Communication
📱 Phone & Data
- Local SIM: Buy a Ncell or NTC SIM in Kathmandu — cheap and easy with your passport
- Data packages: Around $5–10 for several GB
- Coverage: Good in cities and most of the trek route; patchy at higher altitudes
📶 Wifi on Trek
- Many teahouses offer wifi (for a fee)
- Speed varies from slow to unusable
- Don't rely on wifi for anything urgent
- Good opportunity to disconnect!
What to Expect on the Ground
🏨 Accommodation
Kathmandu & Pokhara: Comfortable guesthouses or boutique hotels. Private rooms, hot showers, wifi.
On trek: Teahouses — simple lodges with twin rooms, shared bathrooms, basic beds. Clean but rustic. Sleeping bag recommended.
🍛 Food
Dal bhat: The classic Nepali meal — rice, lentils, vegetables, pickles. Unlimited refills!
On trek: Teahouse menus include pasta, fried rice, noodles, eggs, and snacks. Vegetarian-friendly.
Water: Don't drink tap water. Boiled/filtered water or purification tablets.
🌡️ Weather
Late April / May: Pre-monsoon season. Generally clear mornings, possible afternoon clouds. Warm at lower altitudes (20–25°C), cold at high altitude (0–10°C at night).
Pack layers for all conditions.
🔌 Electricity
Plug types: Nepal uses Type C/D/M (Indian-style). Bring a universal adapter.
On trek: Charging available at teahouses for a fee (NPR 200–400). Bring a power bank.
Pre-Departure Checklist
- Pay 20% depositTo secure your spot
- Check passport validity (6+ months)
- Arrange travel insuranceSend us details 4 weeks before
- Visit travel health clinic6–8 weeks before departure
- Book flightsAfter trip confirmation
- Send us flight details
- Pay final balanceBy 28 March 2026
- Get passport photos (4)For visa and permits
- Notify bank of travel dates
- Apply for Nepal visa online (optional)Up to 15 days before arrival
- Get USD cash for visa ($50) + backup
- Print travel documentsInsurance, itinerary, emergency contacts
- Pack! (see packing list)
Emergency Contacts
- Kaylie (Trip Leader): Provided before departure
- Local emergency (Nepal): 100 (Police), 102 (Ambulance)
- Australian Embassy Kathmandu: +977 1 4371678
- UK Embassy Kathmandu: +977 1 4237100
- US Embassy Kathmandu: +977 1 4234000
Save these numbers in your phone before departure. We'll share a full emergency contact card closer to the trip.