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Himalayas Hiking & Adventure Tours

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Himalayas Hiking Adventure Tours

Experience the majesty of the world’s tallest mountains on a bucket-list adventure in Nepal or Bhutan on our Himalayas hiking and adventure tours.

On our Himalayas hiking and adventure tours, you'll fall in love with the incredible culture, empowering people and expansive mountain views of Nepal and Bhutan. Trek to Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp, explore the fertile lower valleys of the Khumbu and Kathmandu Valley regions, or the mythical regions of Mustang and Bhutan. With a Kiwi and a local guide, alongside a team of Nepalese porters, you'll be confident you're in good hands. Start planning your Himalayan adventure now, and chat with our team to determine the best trip for you.

Explore the Himalayas

Hear from our Happy Guests
4.85/5 Rating | 6,500+ Reviews

What Our Guests Say About Our Trips in the Himalayas

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Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Glenn S

"The trip was enjoyable, challenging, thoughtfully designed, and well run.

read more

The trip was enjoyable, challenging, thoughtfully designed, and well run.

"The trip was enjoyable, challenging, thoughtfully designed, and well run. read less

4.7 Stars (270 reviews)

G | January 1970

Kathmandu Valley & Bhutan Adventure

Helena dean, D

"Bhutan was my favourite portion of the trip. Happiness is definitely a place in Bhutan. Our Bhutan Guides from Country Travels were wonderful: they were very knowledgeable and extremely accomodating. The hike to Tiger’s nest and the horse ride for a portion of the hike was the highlight of the trip.
Overall the Bhutan trip was organized and full of activities. Love Bhutan.

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Bhutan was my favourite portion of the trip. Happiness is definitely a place in…

"Bhutan was my favourite portion of the trip. Happiness is definitely a place in Bhutan. Our Bhutan Guides from Country Travels were wonderful: they were very knowledgeable and extremely accomodating. The hike to Tiger’s nest and the horse ride for a portion of the hike was the highlight of the trip.
Overall the Bhutan trip was organized and full of activities. Love Bhutan. read less

4.6 Stars (17 reviews)

H | January 1970

Kathmandu Valley & Bhutan Adventure

Robert S

"This trip provided an overview to all aspects of Nepal and Bhutan from the food to the religion to lifestyles to the urban and natural environments of these two countries and their people. Our local guides provided many unique insights weaving together the historical, sociological, and environmental forces that have shaped the countries. Our days were full with a variety of activities while still providing time for rest and reflection. I gained a better understanding of not only these two countries but the surrounding larger countries of Tibet, India, and China. The many contrasts with my life in the United States have provided me with a fuller appreciation of both its strengths and the weaknesses and made me a better citizen of the world. I would strongly recommend this trip.

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This trip provided an overview to all aspects of Nepal and Bhutan from the food…

"This trip provided an overview to all aspects of Nepal and Bhutan from the food to the religion to lifestyles to the urban and natural environments of these two countries and their people. Our local guides provided many unique insights weaving together the historical, sociological, and environmental forces that have shaped the countries. Our days were full with a variety of activities while still providing time for rest and reflection. I gained a better understanding of not only these two countries but the surrounding larger countries of Tibet, India, and China. The many contrasts with my life in the United States have provided me with a fuller appreciation of both its strengths and the weaknesses and made me a better citizen of the world. I would strongly recommend this trip. read less

4.6 Stars (17 reviews)

R | January 1970

Kathmandu Valley & Bhutan Adventure

Bruce H

"Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!

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Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!

"Excellent, the trip of a lifetime! read less

4.6 Stars (17 reviews)

B | January 1970

Kathmandu Valley & Bhutan Adventure

Ben S

"I have been dreaming about going to Bhutan for 20 years and it was well worth the wait. The variety of activities and hikes on this trip are top notch. The local guides add so much to this trip especially with their cultural insights! Our group felt like family by the end of the week and I would highly recommend others to go to the hidden gem of Bhutan!

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I have been dreaming about going to Bhutan for 20 years and it was well…

"I have been dreaming about going to Bhutan for 20 years and it was well worth the wait. The variety of activities and hikes on this trip are top notch. The local guides add so much to this trip especially with their cultural insights! Our group felt like family by the end of the week and I would highly recommend others to go to the hidden gem of Bhutan! read less

4.6 Stars (17 reviews)

B | January 1970

Valleys of Everest

Janis M

"Good, really enjoyed it

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Good, really enjoyed it

"Good, really enjoyed it read less

4.8 Stars (60 reviews)

J | January 1970

Valleys of Everest

Gwen S

"The Khumbu trek was everything I had hoped for in my Himalayan adventure, plus things I didn't even expect. Awe inspiring scenery, excellent food and a rich and welcoming cultural experience. Arjun and Joel were excellent guides and great human beings. I thoroughly enjoyed their company and that of my fellow travelers. Also, plenty of time and opportunity to explore on my own. Awesome, awesome trip, I can't wait to come back and visit Nepal again!

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The Khumbu trek was everything I had hoped for in my Himalayan adventure, plus things…

"The Khumbu trek was everything I had hoped for in my Himalayan adventure, plus things I didn't even expect. Awe inspiring scenery, excellent food and a rich and welcoming cultural experience. Arjun and Joel were excellent guides and great human beings. I thoroughly enjoyed their company and that of my fellow travelers. Also, plenty of time and opportunity to explore on my own. Awesome, awesome trip, I can't wait to come back and visit Nepal again! read less

4.8 Stars (60 reviews)

G | January 1970

Valleys of Everest

Glenn S

"Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!

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Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!

"Excellent, the trip of a lifetime! read less

4.8 Stars (60 reviews)

G | January 1970

Valleys of Everest

Glenn S

"Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!

read more

Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!

"Excellent, the trip of a lifetime! read less

4.8 Stars (60 reviews)

G | January 1970

Valleys of Everest

Glenn S

"The trip was well-designed, enjoyable, and challenging.

read more

The trip was well-designed, enjoyable, and challenging.

"The trip was well-designed, enjoyable, and challenging. read less

4.8 Stars (60 reviews)

G | January 1970

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Vicki K

"The trip was phenomenal! Above and beyond what I expected. The adventure of a lifetime. Everyone was fantastic and did a great job.

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The trip was phenomenal! Above and beyond what I expected. The adventure of a lifetime.…

"The trip was phenomenal! Above and beyond what I expected. The adventure of a lifetime. Everyone was fantastic and did a great job. read less

4.7 Stars (270 reviews)

V | January 1970

Everest Base Camp Trek

Jeffrey S

"Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!

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Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!

"Excellent, the trip of a lifetime! read less

4.8 Stars (271 reviews)

J | January 1970

Everest Base Camp Trek

Stephen C

"Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!

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Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!

"Excellent, the trip of a lifetime! read less

4.8 Stars (271 reviews)

S | January 1970

Everest Base Camp Trek

David C

"Although the name of ther trek was "Everest Base Camp", and the sense of accomplishment in reaching the Base Camp was profound, the beauty of the entire trek is what is memorable for me.

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Although the name of ther trek was "Everest Base Camp", and the sense of accomplishment…

"Although the name of ther trek was "Everest Base Camp", and the sense of accomplishment in reaching the Base Camp was profound, the beauty of the entire trek is what is memorable for me. read less

4.8 Stars (271 reviews)

D | January 1970

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

John W

"First, some hiccups. The room I booked through Active was at the Thamel Hotel. There were no rooms available when i arrived so I was given a room at a nearby hotel that was NOT nearly the same quality. It was loud with construction going on and not conducive to getting a good night's sleep. It was a comfortable room however. My wife had developed a foot stress fracture while training and active had no interest in working with us to change dates. The entire payment for her was forfeited. The understanding was that I would keep the same rooms that she and I had paid for. That was not the case. In the Sanctuary, I shared with 2 other men. To be fair, that is not Active's fault. However, they did not honor this agreement in other hotels until I called it to our guide's attention. So I started the trip a bit unhappy.
The trek was somewhat harder and far more uncomfortable than I expected. We have done Killi, the Khumbu trail, W-trek, Mont Blanc as well as trekking in the UK and…

read more

First, some hiccups. The room I booked through Active was at the Thamel Hotel.…

"First, some hiccups. The room I booked through Active was at the Thamel Hotel. There were no rooms available when i arrived so I was given a room at a nearby hotel that was NOT nearly the same quality. It was loud with construction going on and not conducive to getting a good night's sleep. It was a comfortable room however. My wife had developed a foot stress fracture while training and active had no interest in working with us to change dates. The entire payment for her was forfeited. The understanding was that I would keep the same rooms that she and I had paid for. That was not the case. In the Sanctuary, I shared with 2 other men. To be fair, that is not Active's fault. However, they did not honor this agreement in other hotels until I called it to our guide's attention. So I started the trip a bit unhappy.
The trek was somewhat harder and far more uncomfortable than I expected. We have done Killi, the Khumbu trail, W-trek, Mont Blanc as well as trekking in the UK and New Zealand. The basic facilities are adequate at best- solar showers, drop toilets, cold huts- so beware there is suffering involved.
That being said, the guides, Kim and Gogul, were great. The scenery was spectacular. The food was excellent. It is a trip I would strongly recommend. I came back with a healthier outlook having enjoyed Nepal, my fellow travelers and the guides. read less

4.7 Stars (270 reviews)

J | January 1970

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Charles M

"This trip was one I’ve wanted to do for decades. My main attraction was to experience really big mountains. This trip definitely fulfilled this expectation. But the trip provided much more than that. Kathmandu was an overload to the senses, the villages and tea houses on the trek was a great experience into the lifestyle and hospitality of the Nepali people and the transition through the life zones on the trek provided constant interest. Our group, guides and porters were excellent company.

read more

This trip was one I’ve wanted to do for decades. My main attraction was to…

"This trip was one I’ve wanted to do for decades. My main attraction was to experience really big mountains. This trip definitely fulfilled this expectation. But the trip provided much more than that. Kathmandu was an overload to the senses, the villages and tea houses on the trek was a great experience into the lifestyle and hospitality of the Nepali people and the transition through the life zones on the trek provided constant interest. Our group, guides and porters were excellent company. read less

4.7 Stars (270 reviews)

C | January 1970

AUS Square Deal Posts 4 v2

Take 10% off the trip price when you book a trip and pay in full

By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.

We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.

T+Cs Apply. Read more here.

 

Our Local Guides

Why Travel With Us

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Just-right group sizes allow you to get off the beaten path

With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading average 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience.

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Award-winning guides lead the way

It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!

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You’ll never need to sweat the details

When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. All you need to do is show up!

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Enjoy freedom to push your boundaries – safely

Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted partners and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides.

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Decades of expertise mean you’ll experience only the best

Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.

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"Wow Moments” take your trip from enjoyable to extraordinary

For us, the extra mile is never extra, it’s part of the way! Count on special touches throughout your trip that will amplify your experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nepal a safe place to visit?

Yes! People in Nepal have a strong belief that guests are equal to God, so all visitors can expect the warmest of welcomes. This also means that Nepal is very safe place to travel and the crime rate is very low. The only real concern to a traveller is petty theft, so we recommend taking the same common sense precautions you would in any other city. Don't bring valuable things with you unless necessary for your trip. Keep your money and other valuables in a money belt or pouch under your clothes. Lock your bags and luggage and leave valuable items you don’t need for the day (e.g. passports and credit cards) in the hotel safe.

How safe is a trip in the Himalaya mountains?

Safety is a priority on all our trips, though understandably it's a question we field more frequently when it comes to the Himalaya region. Here are some of the key steps we've taken to ensure your safety whilst trekking in this incredible region:

  • We select experienced Active Adventures guides who've already completed comprehensive training (with us) in New Zealand, and have seasons under their belt.
  • Our guides work as a team alongside Nepali guides and porters, ensuring an excellent mix of maturity, leadership and local knowledge.
  • We limit group sizes to 10-12 to ensure a high guide to guest ratio.
  • In addition to Outdoors First Aid training, our guides are also skilled to identify symptoms of high altitude cerebral edema (HACE) and high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). In addition to the medication that you may be carrying with you, we also have access to oxygen and a Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC) at certain parts of the trail.
  • We do our very best to match our travellers to the appropriate trips. Our aim is to inspire and challenge you, so finding that balance of effort vs reward is at the heart of what we do. So, on trips such as this one, before you even arrive we will have asked you a series of questions to determine if this trip is appropriate, as well as providing comprehensive gear lists and training plans.
  • Our guides carry satellite phones.
  • We provide a high quality super-down jacket, 4 season sleeping bag and hiking poles free of charge, to ensure all trekkers have the appropriate essential equipment. These are selectable through our online booking information process

Is food expensive in Nepal?

The average cost of food in Nepal is 750-1000NPR (US$8-10) per day per person. A meal in a regular restaurant is roughly 250 NPR, a coffee will cost roughly 126 NPR (US$1) and a can of beer about 300-400 NPR (US$2.50-3.30)

What is the best time to visit Nepal?

The best time to visit Nepal is between September and December, festival season! The rains have eased off significantly, and autumn (mid-September to mid-November) is a time for celebration in the predominantly Hindu country of Nepal, as well as having the best day time temperatures. Spring (mid-March to mid-May) in Nepal is also a great time to travel there , and is characterised by the striking colours of blooming rhododendrons in the valleys, gardens, and hills.

What if I'm a solo female traveller?

Nepal is a safe country for all travellers, including women, however, women should still be cautious. Some Nepali men may have peculiar ideas about the morality of Western women, given Nepali men's exposure to Western films portraying 'immodest' clothing and holiday flings with locals. Avoid unwanted attention by dressing modestly; a good rule in Asian countries is cover your body from your elbows to below your knees. This means wearing clothes that cover the shoulders (no singlets) and thighs (no shorts) - take your cue from the local people if you need to gauge what's acceptable. You might find that a long skirt or sarong is very useful when visiting sacred sites.

Do I need a visa to visit Nepal?

It is your responsibility stay up to date on the latest visa and entry requirements for your destination. Please use the CIBT entry tracker on our website as a guideline or visit the relevant immigration webpage for more information regarding this.

Do I need vaccinations to visit Nepal?

Nepal does not officially require any vaccinations for entry into the country, but the further off the beaten track you go, the more necessary it is to take precautions. For the most up-to-date recommendations please check with your doctor or travel clinic, and always go with their recommendations, as these can often change. We strongly recommend you see a doctor, preferably one with experience in travel medicine, at least 8 weeks before your trip starts to discuss appropriate vaccinations.

Do you recommend buying travel insurance?

As an Active Adventures traveller, It’s essential you take out travel insurance to cover the likes of personal injury, medical expenses, trip cancellation for your travel with us. Please head to our Travel Insurance page for more in-depth information and insurance provider options. It’s also important to check your insurance covers all the activities you’ll be partaking in, in case you’re travelling to altitude or looking at extreme sports.

Can you help me find international flights to Nepal?

Our preferred Travel Partner Fuzion Travel can assist with you with flights and other travel arrangements. Let them know your preferred travel plans, including any stopovers or extra nights’ accommodation, and they’ll put everything in place for you. They offer a total travel solution and five star service that you’ll want to tell your friends about!

What's included on your Himalayas trips?

Accommodation

All accommodation on your trip is provided in Kathmandu and on your trek, so you don't need to worry about a thing. You'll stay in a local Guesthouse in Kathmandu run by our operating partners. When you're out trekking you'll stay in guest houses also known as 'tea houses', with shared bathroom facilities. They are fairly basic by western standards but the location, views and warm Nepalese hospitality make it all part of a wonderful adventure. There is always an area to socialise with your fellow travellers and eat, drink, relax, read and rest your feet after another amazing day in the Nepalese Himalayas.

Meals

All your meals are provided apart from on your free days when we find most people enjoy checking out the variety of things on offer in the bigger towns. On your trek you'll eat in the local hotels (known as tea houses) with the main dish on offer being 'dhal bhat' a sturdy meal of lentils and rice that will set you up well for your day of hiking. If this doesn't take your fancy there is plenty of choice on the menu from chapatis, curry, rice, potatoes and even pizzas in some places! We recommend avoiding meat in Nepal and sticking to vegetarian fare so as to avoid any stomach upsets that may impact your experience.

Transport

You're mostly using the trusty transport of your own two feet in Nepal. There aren't too many roads in the Himalayas! You'll be using local trade routes and come across many local people selling their wares along the way, delivering goods by foot to businesses further up the mountains and travelling to visit their families. To get to the trek starting point we travel by plane to Lukla for the 'EBC' Everest Base Camp and Everest Lodge to Lodge treks, by plane to Pokhara and bus to the 'AST' Annapurna Sanctuary trek.

Guides

You will be accompanied on your trek by an Active Adventures guide and a local team of guides and porters. They will work closely together to ensure your trip is special, fun, hassle free, safe and successful. From organising your lodgings each night to carrying your gear, this is a team you couldn't do without. They are used to working together, have a great team bond and are always looking for ways to make your trip special. They will keep you entertained, motivated and happy, even on the most challenging days. We are extremely proud of our guiding team in Nepal and the way they work together, and we look forward to you meeting them on your adventure.

How many people are there on each of our Nepal trips?

We take up to 10 people on each Everest Base Camp Trek, and 12 on our other Himalayas trips. All our trips have an excellent guide leading the way along with a team of porters. We have found that our trips tend to attract people with fairly similar interests and many people have commented that the social scene was one of the highlights of their trip!

What rooming is provided on your Nepal trips?

Our trip fares are based on a twin-share rate (two people per room), and in the tea houses we will endeavour to place you in rooms of two people. However on the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek ‘AST’ there are regulations which restrict the number of tea houses and rooms that are allowed to be built above the town on Chhomrong. For this reason, there is limited space and during peak season expect to be sharing with fellow Active Adventures group members where there will be four to six people sharing a room.
Some of the main lodges and hotels have a double bed option for couples, though the tea houses are usually twin share beds only, and some tea-houses may have bathrooms down the hall from your room or a few metres away from the main building.

Do you charge a forced single supplement if I'm a solo traveller?

We welcome many solo travelers on our trips – in fact, we get so many solo travelers and they always say it’s a great way to travel alone, but not actually by themselves. You’ll have an incredible adventure sharing your experiences with other like-minded travelers, and the best part is we don't charge extra for solo travelers, providing you don’t mind sharing a room. However, for bookings within 90 days of your chosen departure, a forced single supplement will apply if there is no other guest of the same gender already booked to share with.

If you prefer not to share a room at all, you can upgrade to a single room, if one is available. If your trip uses lodges and tea houses that are either twin share, or sometimes even more people sharing, then the upgrade cost will reflect this.

What kind of clothing should I be packing for my trip to Nepal?

Once you've booked your trip, you'll have access to a gear list in your portal on exactly what to bring along. The gear list is carefully thought out to provide you with everything you need to be warm and happy, or cool and relaxed, whatever the weather! So it is best to bring everything we recommend along, if you don't bring everything you need, we can't guarantee your comfort.

Do I need hiking boots or are hiking sneakers okay?

You will need proper hiking boots - trail shoes are not good enough. We'll be taking you to some awesome places where you'll be hiking over a variety of terrain, therefore your boots should have full ankle support and a stiff sole with a high profile tread. It's also important that whichever footwear you decide to bring that it's well broken-in and waterproofed before you come down. If you have good ankles that will be able to cope pretty well with varied terrain, then good hiking shoes should be fine, but if not then hiking boots will give you better support.

What is the food like in Nepal?

The staple food of Nepalese people is "daal, bhaat, tarkari" (lentil soup or curried vegetables with rice) and this hearty meal is something that you’ll certainly enjoy whilst out on the trails. The food in Nepal is healthy and nutritious, with things like lentils, potatoes, rice and vegetables making up the most basic meals. The restaurants in Kathmandu are varied and plentiful - you’ll find various restaurants serving Italian, Chinese, Thai, Mexican, Indian and all sorts!

What if I need a special diet?

We can deal with all sorts of different diets during main meals, like…

  • vegan (no meat or animal products)
  • vegetarian (no meat products)
  • pescatarian (vegetarian, but eat fish) • no red meat (eat chicken & fish)
  • no red meat (eat chicken & fish)
  • gluten intolerant (no wheat, rye, barley or oats)
  • lactose intolerant (no dairy products)

We recommend everyone sticks to vegetarian fare (even if you’re not usually vegetarian!) for the duration of your trekking trip to avoid any stomach upsets. Your guides will let you know if there’s anywhere in particular to avoid meat.

Also if you have a sensitivity to dairy or gluten, and you have a favourite snack or brand of snack which suits you at home, we suggest you bring some along. There are meal options for you and a plenitude of food however gluten/ dairy free biscuits, chocolate and muesli bars are hard to come by. Some long-life probiotics might be handy to bring along too (ones that don’t require to be kept in the fridge only!) to take one each day you’re away – this may help your stomach and is good in places when you cannot have yoghurt.
Bring alcohol-based hand wash, and wash your hands constantly to avoid stomach upsets. Your guide will also provide soap to properly wash hands at each stop.

There are a few local customs to be aware of with regard to food and meals in Nepal:

  • Always use your right hand for eating and handling food. The left hand is considered dirty, so don’t use it to eat or pass food to other people.
  • It’s important not to touch another person’s food.

Can I drink the water in Nepal?

Being in a tropical environment and not treated by the government, the water in Nepal contains different bacteria to what we’re used to at home. We highly recommend you to not drink it or use it for brushing teeth, even in Kathmandu. Use treated water at all times. This also applies if you’re travelling through a developing country on your way to Nepal.
Plastic bottles are causing a huge environmental impact in Nepal, with plastic bottles littering some of the highest and most stunning places in the Himalayas. We’re sure you’ll agree with us that this is heart-breaking to see, so please use treated water rather than buying plastic bottles, or reuse the same bottle. Our purification tabs work perfectly, we’ll provide these for you at your trip briefing, and treated drinking water is provided in the hotels where we stay.

What is the currency in Nepal?

Nepal’s currency is the Nepalese rupee - US$1 is worth about 97 Nepalese rupees (at the time of writing).

How much spending money should I bring and where do I get local currency?

We recommend you bring a variety of payment options with you to Nepal. US dollars are most easily exchanged, and a Visa Debit ATM card and a credit card should be carried in case of emergency. Nepalese rupees are the standard currency and are hard to sell outside of Nepal.

Cash is the easiest option and most widely accepted form of payment in Nepal. Visa and MasterCard are accepted in some places, with additional transactions fees. Be sure to let your credit card company know you are travelling to these countries. If bringing US dollars to Nepal, bring brand new & good quality notes, the bigger the denomination the better.

Except in Solu Khumbu and on the Annapurna treks, changing foreign money is likely to be very difficult if not impossible, so bring enough money for the whole trek and don't count on being able to change Rs 1000 notes except in Namche Bazaar and Jomsom. Away from major centres, changing a Rs 1000 note can be very difficult, so it is always a good idea to keep a stash of small-denomination notes. Even in Kathmandu, many small businesses - especially rickshaw and taxi drivers - simply don't have enough spare money to allow them the luxury of carrying a wad of change.

We recommend bringing about US$15-30 (or equivalent) cash with you per person, per day. It should be plenty for extra food or drinks, bottled drinking water and to charge up your cameras in the tea houses as well as any souvenirs you would like to buy. Drinks and things tend to get more expensive the higher into the mountains you go, so be prepared for the different prices in different places.

Is altitude a concern in the Himalayas?

Our Nepal treks will take you to higher altitudes, so it’s important to be aware of the causes and risks of altitude sickness, and how we manage them. You’ll be accompanied on your trip by a very experienced guide and we’ll be taking all the recommended (and more!) acclimatisation days to allow you time to get used to the higher elevations. Altitude sickness is something that can occur above 2,400m or 8,000ft and affects everybody differently regardless of fitness (after all no-body is the same). Unless you live somewhere with high elevation, it's difficult to predict how your body will react to the higher altitudes, though there are some things you can do along the way to help you acclimatise.

One of the most important of these is to walk slowly and drink plenty of water – it’s really important that your body stay well hydrated at all times and you never over-exert yourself. Also, eat light meals to make it easy for your body to digest food, avoid coffee and alcohol which dehydrate you and slow your breathing down, take plenty of rests and keep yourself warm at all times. If you are concerned or have any problems, then tell your guide straight away. If you are concerned, chat to your doctor about a prescription for Diamox which is proven to help with altitude. If you need any other information please get in touch – we know the place well and we can give you plenty more specific advice.

Learn more here about dealing with altitude

What time zone is Nepal in?

Nepal Time (NPT) is the time zone for Nepal. It is +5:45 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

What types of plugs and voltage do you use in Nepal?

Nepal operates on a 220 volt / 50Hz syetem with round two- and three-pin plugs (C, D and M).

Will we have access to electricity everywhere we stay?

Electricity is becoming more available throughout the Himalayas, however it’s still unreliable in many places. Local residents here usually have solar chargers they offer to recharge your devices (iPods, cameras, etc.) for around US$5-7 per device, depending on power availability. Some people bring their own solar charger though this is not mandatory.

Will I have access to the internet and WiFi in Nepal?

Most of the places we go are pretty remote so WiFi is not always available though it is available at the teahouses in Namche Bazaar, Deboche, Periche and Kumjung at a charge ~ around US$5-10 per day. WiFi is also commonly available throughout the Annapurna Valley.
As far as internet access goes, there are internet cafe’s at Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Dingboche and Khumjung so you should be able to check your email at least once or twice during your trip as well. Phone centre’s are also available at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche.

What cultural practices should I be aware of?

Nepal has numerous cultural practices that are unusual to foreign visitors, so being aware and following them, when you can, will add so much to the whole experience. In the busier tourist areas, like Kathmandu or Pokhara, there is a high degree of tolerance towards visitors, but when we head further afield and away from these places, you should be sensitive to local customs. For example, shaking hands is not a common form of greeting; instead make a great first impression by pressing the palms together in a prayer-like gesture and saying Namaste (nam-ast-ay).
A few social conventions we recommend to follow are:

  • Women should dress conservatively and keep shoulders and legs covered (a good rule of thumb for Asian countries is have your elbows to knees covered)
  • Permission should be sought before taking photographs, particularly at religious sites
  • Public displays of affection between men and women are not seen as appropriate
  • Footwear should be removed when entering houses, especially kitchens, or shrines
  • Seek permission before entering a temple, and do not take leather articles inside them
  • Remember not to point with a single finger but use a flat extended hand especially to indicate a sacred object or place

What is the weather like in Nepal?

Nepal has a huge variety of weather conditions throughout the year and as a result of having one of the largest mountain ranges in the world its weather can also change very quickly as well. As Nepal sit in the tropical belt and the mountains here are very steep, it means quite often on your trip you’ll experience hot and humid tropical climates right through to sub-zero alpine climates. We recommend you follow the gear list closely and pack for all situations. You may not have to use everything in your bag, but at least you have it just in case.

Any good books or videos about the Himalayas?

There are so many great stories to come out of the Himalayas, probably because the landscape and the people inspire such creativity and adventure. Here is a list, gathered from across the Active Adventures family, of recommended reads:

  • Seven Years in Tibet and the sequel Return to Tibet. Two autobiographical travel books written by Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer. Seven Years in Tibet is based on Harrer's real life experiences in Tibet between 1944 and 1951 during the second world war and the time before the Chinese People's Liberation Army invaded. The book quickly became a best seller and has now sold millions of copies and been made into a movie twice - most recently in 1997, starring Brad Pitt!
  • The Snow Leopard is an account by Peter Mathiessen, of his and George Schaller's 1973 journey to Crystal Mountain, in the Dolpo region on the Tibetan Plateau. They went in search of the extremely rare Snow Leopard that exists only in the high parts of Asia. Published in 1978, The Snow Leopard is regarded as a classic of modern nature writing.
  • A more recent book, Michael Palin's Himalaya accompanies the successful 2004 BBC series. If you're looking for a great coffee table book to help get you inspired, this is it! There are some awesome images by Basil Pao interspersed regularly with Palin's fantastic sense of humour and easy-reading stories.
  • You can't go past Into Thin Air, by best selling author Jon Krakauer. This is a hair-raising tale of the 1996 Mount Everest disaster when eight climbers were killed and several others were stranded during a rogue storm. Whilst a little more 'extreme' than our Everest Base Camp trek, this book definitely portrays another element to mountaineering in the Himalayas! Since it was published it has raised many questions surrounding the morality and competitive nature of summiting Mt Everest.
  • For those interested in Tibetan Buddhism, The Path to Enlightenment by the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso is a must read. In 1959 the Communist Chinese Government forced the non-violent Tibetan Buddhist Government into exile. Having spent the majority of his life in India, the Dalai Lama, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, has spent this time advocating for Tibetan's inside and outside of Tibet. Along with defining the Lam Ram, which are the stages on the spiritual path, the Dalai Lama describes the difficulty of attaining Nirvana (full Buddhahood), but urges determination.
  • Sherpas: Reflections on Change in Himalayan Nepal by James F Fisher is a fascinating snapshot of how tourism and modernisation have affected the traditional way of life of the Sherpa people - both positively and negatively. Fisher first visited the Sherpas of Nepal when he accompanied Sir Edmund Hillary in 1964, to help build school houses. One of the by-products of this new school building was a small airstrip, which dramatically increased tourism to the area.
  • Touching My Father's Soul by Jamling Tensing Norgay offers a great insight into the Sherpa world. Jamling Norgay was a mountaineer in his own right, who was a climbing leader on the ill-fated 1996 Everest IMAX expedition. As well as a first-hand account of the 96' tragedy, this book also tells little known stories of Tenzing's historic climb.

What kind of things are there to do on my free day in Kathmandu?

There are heaps of activities to enjoy and places to explore in and around Kathmandu, whether you want to experience some of Nepal’s rich culture and history, take some time to relax and reflect upon your time in this amazing country, or keep the adventures coming! If you’re keen to stick to the city, then you could head out and explore the vibrant streets and shops of Thamel, browse for souvenirs and relax with a cheesecake and cup of Nepali tea up on one of the rooftop cafes. Or you can choose to escape the hustle and bustle and soak up the serenity of the Garden of Dreams, just a 2 minute walk from hotels in Thamel and a million miles away from the city. There are also some awesome day trips just a short bus or taxi ride away. Patan is famed for its local arts and craft scene and museum, or you can wander the cobbled streets of Bhaktapur, the country’s best-preserved medieval town. Or head for the hills! Hire a guide and go for a day hike up Nagajun hill!

If you fancy getting a glimpse into the beautiful melting pot of religions in Nepal, visit the spectacular Pashupatinath (Hindu) or Bodhnath (Buddhist) temples, just on the outskirts of Kathmandu. Nepal is also famous for being one of the world’s best outdoor adventure destinations, which is one of the main reasons we love it here so much! So if you’re keen to hit that adrenaline high or try something a little different whilst you’re here you’ve got heaps of options to choose from – take to the water and learn to kayak, or go white water rafting on one of Nepal’s mighty rivers; mountain bike in the Kathmandu Valley, bungy jump 160m at the Last Resort, go canyoning and abseil into a waterfall, or hone your climbing skills at the climbing wall in Kathmandu and imagine yourself summiting one of the many famous peaks you’ll have seen along the way!

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