FAQ

Here at Tourist Link Treks & Expeditions (P.) LTD. We realize the number of general questions that must flood the mind. So here we have answered a set of questions that hopefully cover everything. If there is anything we missed you can either contact us via phone or email us your query. You can also find out more with some of the travel guidebooks we offer, which are all up to date and very well resourced.. Anyway, the questions are as follows:

Where is Nepal?

Sandwiched between India and china, this south Asian country is beaming with positive energy and beautiful culture. Home to a world-class artistic and architectural heritage, Nepal is perhaps best known in the 21st century for its trekking and landscapes. The countries capital is Kathmandu.

What is Nepal known for?

Besides its culture, holidays/ festivals, cuisine and sports, nepal would also be most famous for it’s mountains (In particular mount Everest), and it’s religious connotations with Lord Buddah. With a span of over 14 eight thousand meter cross mountains, there is no other place on earth you can find such a display of continued mountain. The view is phenomenal. Overall though Nepal is known for its hospitality. Indigenous folk of these islands live by the mantra  Atithi Debo Bhaba’, which basically means ‘’Guest are god’’.

Can I get a Nepalese visa on arrival?

Obtaining a Nepalese visa on arrival is easy. You have the option of either buying a 15-day visa, 30 days, or a 90-day visa. The prices are as follows:

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

Is the country politically safe and stable?

As Nepal is one of the newly democratic countries in the world, with many active political parties’s and disturbances amongst the ideals of people in general, this does not, however, have an effect on the day to day functions of the country as a whole.

How to enter Nepal – unfortunately with there being no ferry service to and from the country, the main forms of transport getting there is via airplane or driving through from either the Indian or Chinese/Tibetan boarders.

Major international airlines operating schedule services to Nepal are Royal Nepal Airlines, British Airways, Biman Bangladesh, China South West Airlines, Druk Air, Gulf Air, India Air, Thai Airways, Qatar, Pakistan Air, Jet Air and Singapore Airlines. By air, you will arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport (only one international airport) located in the heart of Kathmandu City.

By Road: There are several entry points by land route mainly from Nepal / Indian borders; and China/Tibet Boarder.

-Kodari
-Kakarvita
-Birgunj
-Bhairahawa
-Nepalganj
-Dhangadhi
-Mahendranagar

Scheduled public, as well as tourist buses, run to and from Kathmandu. Traveling by bus is recommended if you can cope with 10 to 12 hours of a long drive in return for fascinating mountainous views and snail tail roads that meet above the clouds.

Do you have airport pickup facilities?

-Yes we have airport pickup facilities. If you just let us know a time and date you are going to arrive at the airport we will make sure that there is one of our staff there to pick you up. This will of course be free of charge as we aim to look after our customers throughout their stay here at Nepal.

I am going on teahouse trekking in Nepal, what can I expect?

– Teahouse trekking is a unique way to experience your adventure. Teahouses are normally wooden type cottages that are scattered amongst the mountains on various trekking routes to ensure a restful pit stop for those that need it. With them usually providing hot food and drink, occasionally they will have wifi access, but they are certainly few and far between.

How long will we walk on an average day’s trekking?

– On average your looking at steady paced walking for around 5-7 hours. Of course this does depend on the groups all round fitness levels, the weather etc. but on average, 5-7 hours is what we expect an average group to achieve.

Who will be our guide?

– Here at tourist link and treks we understand that the tour guide provided to the groups is probably the most important aspect of the company. As well as making sure there are no language barriers amongst one another tourist link and treks also aims to provide the most qualified, experienced tour guides which Nepal can offer. Each guide is trained in adequate knowledge about the culture, ecosystem, flora, fauna, geography, and history of Nepal.  have gone through special training package programmee like Intensive Wilderness First Aid, Trekking Guide Training, Eco Trekking Workshop & Adventure Meet, Rock climbing, Ice Climbing and Mountaineering (for expedition leaders) etc, which are certified and approved by government of Nepal.

To know more details about our guide visit below link:
http://www.touristlinktrek.com/our-team

What kind of weather can expect on our expedition?

Although the weather conditions of Nepal have been known to be temperamental throughout time, its generally cool nights and warm days. January, February and December will usually bring snow, but apart from that will usually remain consistent

Average Temperatures in Nepal ( in Degree Celsius )

What are the number requirements for your trip?

Although there are arrangements which can be made, in general we like to keep the groups down to less than 12. We find that this number is more easily manageable. Also whats worth mentioning is the fact that we provide one guide for every 5 people. This gives a much more intimate feel to the group and allows for one to one tuition in some cases.

Does your company help to arrange domestic flight, international flight, hotel bookings and other services?

We suggest that you arrange flights from your home countrys, but can assist however much we can in getting the safest, cheapest options. Anything within Nepal we can make sure you get the cheapest, best deals.

What type of incurrence should I need before coming to Nepal? Can I get insurance there?

Unfortunately, the insurance cannot be bought here. We do not arrange or sell insurance. It is crucial however that you make sure your insurance company is aware of the tourist link treks itinerary, so that it covers the costs of a rescue helicopter.

Is Nepal safe? Is a woman traveling alone safe with your company?

Absolutely, Nepal is considered very safe and peaceful. In fact it is seen as one of the most peaceful countries in the world. And also a high priority of ours is to make sure you are looked after, regardless.

What is the wilderness trek?

The wilderness trek is for the more gutsy/experienced travelers amongst you. Our guides will take you off track and into the wilderness where teahouses and lodges etc. Are few and far between. You can visit the link below anyway for more information about the wilderness trek.

How high can you get me?

Is a question often asked to us, and given the choice from our set destinations, trekking the summit of Mount Everest would be the highest point you will reach. But we will cater to your needs should you decide upon a route which we haven’t covered too. You can visit our climbing expedition page for ideas, or contact us via email or telephone for more information.

What equipment do you provide? What should I bring myself?

We cover the essentials like sleeping bags/jackets for the lodgers and tents, mattresses and kitchen equipment for the campers. However, we do not provide things such as climbing/personnel equipment, shoes etc. There is a full list we provide here.

What are the best times to go on an expedition?

-The answer to this question solely depends on the type of settings your wanting your adventure to be set in. If your wanting to cool down for example and have a light rainy experience then going certain areas of Nepal, Tibet and India are best to find ‘rain shadows’ as the monsoons tend  to be much lighter here. If however your looking for heat and flowers blossoming then spring season (March-May) would be the best time. Or you could do a jungle safari during the winter months (January-February).

Can I trek to the Himalayas even if I’ve never trek before?

-Regardless of fitness levels, as mentioned before, we can cater to your needs. We will advise you, based on your fitness levels and experience we will come up with a plan that will help those from the more experienced to those just starting out. There’s something for everyone.

I’ve heard stories from friends about hygiene standards in Asia. How careful do you need to be?

The level of hygiene in Nepal is very high. As tourism is a huge industry here, the locals are more than used to preparing food and meeting the western standards of health. The main concern when in eastern countries id the tap water of course. It is good to buy bottled water but not always the most ecological. On the expeditions you will be drinking a lot of boiled water which is then purified by a tablet, just for reassurance.

Is your company environmentally responsible?

Although the tourism industry has seen to increase environmental pollution over the years, companies such as our selves are actively trying to put an end to people mistreating nature. Not only is it our responsibility to make sure our clients do not litter, but it is our duty it inform and educate them (especially the younger generations), of the effects this can have on the eco system.

Can you assure me that your staffs are taken care of?

Here at tourist link treks we work in conjunction with Himalayan explores connections (a porters advocacy project) and the international porter protection group (IPPG), to assure we keep up to standards on our workers well being. We pay high wages, pay for insurance, make sure they have all the up to date equipment they need, and of course excellent medical treatment.

Are your staffs fully equipped?

What about there insurance? Yes. We recruit our staff from HGT which is an organization which looks after the rights of the workers and assures business that themselves as well as staff are covered by insurance to work and that their wages meet the highest standard. Here at tourist link trek we take our staffs well being very seriously, and want to see a change in the system of taking advantage of members of staff.

Electricity in Nepal?

Here in Nepal we use a 220-240 volts application system to power our everyday appliances. If you are travelling from the states or UK you will need a transformer to convert the amps of your appliance. You try using it without one you could run the risk of destroying the appliance as well as harming yourself.

What does grading (easy, moderate, difficult, strenuous), mean?

Obviously the treks we offer here at tourist link treks vary from most challenging to suitable for all. Now obviously we expect you to be able to estimate your own capabilities, and we of course will advise you along the way, based on personnel experience, fitness levels, drive etc.

We will come up with an adventure plan for you which will fall under one of the three categories:

Easy treks – These are the trips which requires the minimum fitness for clients. They are still expected to hold a passion for walking and on average will walk between 5-7 hours a day, reaching altitudes of up 3000 meters in some cases. As well it is worth mentioning that these treks are usually maintained on solid path ways and set routes, which makes things in general a lot easier.

Moderate treks – The moderate treks are obviously aimed at the more experienced people. On these expeditions the walking time increases to 7-8 hours. The altitude being reached will increase over 1000 meters, and the paths will be more unstable.

Difficult treks – These treks are certainly aimed at experienced trekkers, as there are far more risks at steak when partaking in them. The altitude will increase to 5000 meters and the path ways you need to walk through can be extremely unstable, requiring bouldering skills and the ability to climb up awkward spots.

Strenuous treks – These expeditions are certainly not for the weak hearted. They require participants to have a high level of fitness, strong/determined personality and experience in rock/ice climbing with knowledge and experience in using the essential equipment.

What is there to buy for tourists to take back home?

What are the most popular items? Around the thamel area will accommodate all your buying needs. From carpets to instruments, you will find the cheapest and most popular things to take back to friends and family.

What to wear in Nepal?

Since the Nepalese weather can vary greatly depending where you are geographically, both light and heavy garments are needed. What seems to be increasing in popularity here in Nepal is the hemp clothing. Not only is it great for the skin it is also extremely durable and warm. When increasing in altitude it is obviously advised that you were thick woolen garments, and in warmer parts the bamboo and cotton materials are very popular and will keep you cool.

Are there ATM facilities in Nepal?

Cash machines are slowly being introduced to the country.  You will find plenty in Kathmandu but will always charge for usage. The average charge is 5 USD per transaction. So its recommended that you take out more at a time rather than less as the cost of usage may be more than your willing spend.    VISA, MASTERCARD and American Express. Both Debit and Credit Cards are accepted here.

How to stay in good health when travelling to Nepal?

Like everywhere Nepal does have its dangers. It is greatly advised that you stick certain bottled water which is available from the shops in stead of running the risk of drinking contaminated water. It is also advised that you stick to food which has been thoughraly cooked and avoid raw foods such as salads etc. Fruits with skin are ok. It also recommended that you where a dust mask. There is a lot of dust, especially in the town areas. But lastly, we just recommend everyone quit things like smoking and drinking etc. and to start eating more healthy with added exercise.

Are there any tourist police in Nepal?

Of course, there is plenty of tourist police located at the Nepal tourism development board’s office. They are trained in English and have extensive knowledge of the area to help you out wherever needed. Please call  4-247041, 4-4268969 from 11 a.m to 5 p.m for any security or travel related assistance.

Can I bring my own medication with me?

Yes, but you will need to make sure that you have all your prescription letters and original boxings of the specified drugs.