PLAN YOUR TREK
Before you go.
The questions trekkers ask me most often, answered in one place.
When to go
What is the best season for trekking in Nepal?
Autumn (October to early December) brings the clearest skies and stable weather. Spring (March to May) is warmer, with rhododendrons in flower and some afternoon cloud. Both are the main trekking seasons.
Can I trek in winter or during the monsoon?
Lower treks such as Poon Hill and Ghandruk are good in winter (December to February), with cold nights and quiet trails. High passes may close after snow. From June to September the monsoon brings rain, leeches and flight delays, though rain-shadow areas such as upper Mustang stay drier.
Fitness and altitude
How fit do I need to be?
If you can walk 5 to 7 hours a day with a light pack, several days in a row, you can do most treks. Easy treks need general fitness; challenging treks such as the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp reward a few months of regular hiking or stair training beforehand.
What about altitude sickness?
Above about 2,500 metres everyone needs time to acclimatise. My itineraries climb gradually and include rest days on higher routes. Tell me about headaches, nausea or unusual tiredness straight away: the safe response is always to stop climbing or descend.
Permits and rules
Which permits do I need?
Most treks need a conservation area or national park permit, and some need a TIMS card. Restricted areas such as Manaslu and Kanchenjunga need special permits arranged through a registered agency. Each trek page lists the permits for that route, and I arrange them for you.
Do I need a guide?
Since 2023, foreign trekkers in most of Nepal’s national parks and conservation areas must walk with a licensed guide. Rules change, so check the latest guidance before you travel.
What travel insurance do I need?
Choose a policy that covers trekking up to the highest altitude on your route and includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation. Bring the policy number and emergency phone number with you.
Arriving and on the trail
How do I get to Pokhara?
Most visitors fly into Kathmandu, where tourist visas are available on arrival. Pokhara is a 25-minute flight or a 6 to 8 hour bus ride away. Treks in the Everest and Langtang regions start from Kathmandu.
What are the lodges like?
Teahouses offer simple twin rooms with blankets, shared bathrooms and a warm dining room. Hot showers, Wi-Fi and phone charging are usually available for a small fee, less so at higher altitude.
How much cash should I carry?
ATMs are only found in towns at the start of treks. Carry enough Nepali rupees for meals, drinks, hot showers and tips for the whole trek.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?