Nepal: Women's Expedition Itinerary

Starting in

Kathmandu, Nepal

Physical Difficulty

4 / 5

Breakfasts included

8

Lunches included

4

Dinners included

4

Ending in

Kathmandu, Nepal

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights), Guesthouse (2 nights), Tea House (4 nights), Jungle Resort (2 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle , Plane

With inspiring cultural experiences and days spent trekking in the Himalayas, this women’s only expedition will give you a unique insight into the diverse lives of Nepalese women. Meet a range of female trailblazers, from chefs at a social enterprise to women campaigning to end menstruation discrimination to your all-female mountain guides and porter’s crew. Listen to personal stories shared by locals and spend time wildlife spotting in Chitwan National Park, where you’ll take a safari and a river canoe ride. Connect with Buddhist nuns as you get an inside look at an all-female nunnery challenging patriarchal traditions. Listen, connect and be inspired on this 13-day female-run adventure.

Day 1: Kathmandu

Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Your women’s-only expedition will begin in Kathmandu with a welcome meeting at 2 pm at your hotel. After, join your trip leader and group members for an included dinner at a local restaurant, where you can dig into local delicacies like momos and dal bhat and enjoy a traditional dance performance to end the evening.

Day 2: Kathmandu

This morning, head to Kapan’s Khachoe Ghakyil Ling – a Buddhist nunnery located on the outskirts of Kathmandu. The nunnery's mission is to provide women who want to dedicate their lives to the Buddha's teachings with a safe haven for their study and practice. This unique Exclusive Experience will teach you about their daily lives and how they challenge patriarchal Buddhist traditions. After, take a cooking class at Seven Women – an organisation supported by The Intrepid Foundation that socially and economically empowers marginalised women in Nepal through various education programs, skills training and income generation. While the initiative started with just seven participants, now over 5000 women have been educated, trained and employed here. Learn how to make delicious Nepali dishes and swap stories with these women who have overcome discrimination to turn their lives around. Tuck into your freshly made creations for lunch before spending the afternoon at your leisure.

Day 3: Pokhara

Late morning we head to the Kathmandu airport and fly west to Pokhara.
The 25-minute flight offers views of the Himalaya range to the north (on a clear day). Be sure to have your camera ready to snap the glory of the surrounding Himalayan peaks in the morning light.
Pokhara is set in a beautiful valley overlooked by the Annapurnas and the fishtail-shaped Machhapuchhare, one of the most distinctive of the Himalayan peaks. Arriving in Pokhara take a short orientation walk before heading to a Tibetan Refugee Camp for a special MoMo cooking class. Your class will be hosted by a woman who was born and raised in this very refugee camp – her parents fled Tibet during the China invasion and raised her alongside her four siblings. Now, she makes a living running her MoMo cooking class and making jewellery in the low season. You’ll get a chance to swap stories with her and be inspired by how she overcame her adversities.

If you have time in the afternoon, you might like to visit ‘Yes Helping Hands Handicrafts’ manufacturing site, where people living with disabilities are given skills training in traditional handloom weaving, dyeing and knitting.

Today you’ll stay at 3 Sisters Guesthouse – owned by three sisters who work to promote and empower socially disadvantaged women through adventure tourism. They provide skills-based training programs and employment opportunities to encourage other women to become self-supportive and independent.

Day 4: Ulleri

Transfer by private vehicle to Birethanti, where you’ll meet your all-female hiking crew of assistant guides and porters. In the afternoon, they’ll lead you into a world of friendly villagers, terraced fields, alpine meadows and rhododendron forest set before a backdrop of snow-clad peaks. You can expect the first part of this trek to be relatively flat and easy-going, however, after you reach Tikhedhunga, be prepared to get your blood pumping by climbing hundreds of stone steps to Ulleri. Don’t worry, you’ll have beautiful views of the villages, forests and mountains to keep you distracted while on the journey.

Day 5: Ghorepani

Ghorepani sits at a cool 2860 m above sea level, so you can expect to get your heart rate pumping on today’s exciting uphill climb. You’ll pass traditional homes and tea houses along a path that winds up and down hills before rewarding you with views of Annapurna South halfway along the trek. Meander through thicker wooded areas filled with towering bamboo plants and blooming trees. Then, venture beyond Banthanti (2300 m) through a moss-coated jungle before reaching Nangathanti (2520 m) where you’ll continue your journey to Ghorepani and enjoy some well-deserved rest in the evening.

Day 6: Tadapani

Sunrise enthusiasts rejoice – today, you’ll rise early for a pre-dawn hike up Poon Hill to enjoy the sunrise over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Range. You'll then head back and tuck into breakfast at your tea house accommodation before lacing up your boots for today’s trek to Tadapani. Expect more magnificent views to frame your walking trail today as you continue north along the ridgeline with the Annapurna Ranges stretching along the east and west. You’ll follow a forested ridge that serves up views of the ranges in both directions. Descend along a muddy slope before reaching a small settlement and beautiful forested gorge. From here, head toward the mountain village of Tadapani where you’ll get a chance to relax, wander the local township and put your feet up for the evening.

Day 7: Ghandruk

Wake up with relief, knowing that today's trail is shorter and easier than you’ve become accustomed to over the last few days. You’ll take in the sunrise from Tadapani and then hike to Ghandruk village. The route from Tadapani to Ghandruk is tranquil and bursting with colourful wildflowers in spring. After reaching Ghandruk, you’ll explore this fascinating mountain village, take in the mesmerizing views and get acquainted with the ethnic Gurung culture here.

Day 8: Pokhara

After a leisurely breakfast this morning, embark on a short trek down to Shyauli bazaar, where you’ll be transferred to Pokhara by a private vehicle.

Take a boat ride across Phewa Lake to visit Tal Barahi temple in the lake's centre. After lunch, visit International Mountain Museum.

This evening is all yours to relax and admire the lakeside scenery.

Day 9: Chitwan National Park

After breakfast, head to Chitwan National Park – considered one of Asia's best national parks. UNESCO declared this park a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984, and it offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Asia. You’ll be introduced to the camp staff and resident naturalists at your jungle lodge and home for the next two nights. Built in traditional Tharu village style, you’ll be surrounded by nature and the exotic sounds of the jungle. Relax or swim before visiting Tharu Village, where you’ll learn about the lifestyles of the Tharu women. Later, head to a special location on the banks of river’s edge to watch the sunset over the horizon. Enjoy local Nepali snacks and drinks and keep your eyes peeled for groups of deer and different species of birds which can often be seen on the other side of the riverbank. Head back to the lodge for dinner and a demonstration of Tharu cultural dance by local women.

Day 10: Chitwan National Park

Today is all about exploring Chitwan National Park and discovering the wildlife that lies within. After breakfast, hop in a jeep for a 4-hour safari drive through the park – if you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of one of the Shere Khan-Royal Bengal tigers that call the park home. After your safari, you’ll float down the Rapti River in a dugout canoe, keeping an eye out for the great Indian rhino as well as deer, exotic bird life and the marsh mugger crocodiles that inhabit the riverbanks.

Day 11: Kathmandu

If you’re an avid wildlife lover, an optional early-morning birdwatching safari is available today – a worthwhile addition to your trip. After breakfast, you’ll take a private transfer back to the bustling capital of Kathmandu. In the afternoon, you’ll visit a local NGO called Days for Girls Nepal. Here, learn from a team of local women about their work to provide menstrual care and education and their mission to eliminate the Chhaupadi practice in Nepal. To shatter the stigma associated with women’s health, they campaign against Chhaupadi, a tradition in western Nepal, which prohibits Hindu women and girls from participating in normal family activities while menstruating, as they are considered impure. Tonight, you’re free to relax and recharge.

Day 12: Kathmandu

After breakfast, explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, where you’ll stop at a brick building known as Kumari Ghar. Visitors and worshippers congregate daily in the courtyard beneath the balcony to catch a glimpse of Nepal’s most prominent living Hindu goddess – Kumari. A fascinating Hindu ritual, there are several Kumari in Nepal who are chosen early in childhood and remain goddesses until they begin menstruating or lose blood from an injury (when they revert back to mortal status and re-enter society). Then, drive to Kirtipur – visited by only a handful of tourists, this is a gem of history and culture. Visit Chilancho Temple, Bagh Bhairav Temple and Uma Maheshwar Temple. Walk down the old alleys and observe the local way of life as the locals chat, spin wool or knit. As this is the penultimate day of your adventure, maybe treat yourself to a traditional Nau manicure or pedicure performed by local Newari women – Napits. The role these women play, to clean and purify the body, is a respected part of the local culture, and to receive treatment is an opportunity not just to gain an insight into this tradition but also to connect. Tonight, head to Village Café for your final group dinner. The Village Café allows women who would otherwise be based at home to earn a living cooking traditional Newari cuisine, using ingredients they’ve grown in their own fields.

Day 13: Kathmandu

Today your women’s expedition comes to an end. No included activities are planned, so you’re welcome to check out of the hotel any time before midday. If you’re not quite ready for your adventure to finish, just speak to your booking agent to organise extra accommodation.

Essential Trip Information

Joining point

Landmark Kathmandu, Narayanhiti Path Durbar Marg - 1 , Kathmandu, NEPAL

Finish point

Landmark Kathmandu, Narayanhiti Path Durbar Marg - 1 , Kathmandu, NEPAL

Important information

1. A Single Supplement to have your own room is available to purchase and is valid for all nights on the trip except for those spent in teahouses (Days 4-7).
2. Please bring 2 passport size photographs for your trekking permit.
3. Between June and August, it is monsoon season in Nepal. If you do choose to travel during this time, please note that you will encounter wet conditions, obscured views, and an extra leech or two. During the monsoon, there is a chance that your itinerary may be adjusted pending water levels in rivers. Don't forget to pack rain proof jackets and trousers. Please see alternative monsoon season itinerary in the weather section of these notes.
4. Please be aware that in the event of an emergency evacuation, Intrepid does not have control over which helicopter service may be used. Some helicopters are not in regular use with Intrepid and have not passed our internal safety auditing.

Emergency contact

In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency please contact our office responsible for trips in this region, which is located in Kathmandu:





For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

Available for phone call or WhatsApp call on +977 980 112 3617

Is this trip right for you

You’ll need a high level of fitness for the trekking portion of this trip, as you will be walking for between five to seven hours a day some days. You’ll ascend and descend uneven ancient stone steps for much of the trek, so it’s recommended you use hiking poles (which you can purchase in Nepal).

While you’re trekking, you’ll be provided with a duffel bag that a female porter will carry. Your porter can carry up to 8 kg per traveller and any other luggage can be left in Pokhara to collect at the end of the trek.

The reality of road travel in Nepal is that things always take longer than you expect. Some roads will be bumpy, dusty or even unexpectedly blocked requiring reroutes and plenty of patience – but that’s all part of the adventure. To make the most of your time in Nepal, you take domestic flights when you have long distances to cross.

Accommodation in some destinations may vary in standard and facilities and on occasion hot water may be limited. In more remote parts of Nepal, eating at the hotel restaurant may be practical rather than heading out for optional meals.

While Intrepid would love to open these unique experiences to all our travellers regardless of gender, it’s simply not yet possible to do so while operating in a socially responsible and culturally sensitive manner. If you want to travel to Nepal on a similar itinerary, check out some other itineraries or consider booking a private group tour.

Why we love it

Enjoy a five-day hike in the incredible Annapurna Mountains, wholly supported by an all-female crew of leaders, guides, assistants and porters., Spend two days in Chitwan National Park, where you’ll enjoy sunset drinks, a canoe ride and a game drive to spot all the resident wildlife before falling asleep to the sounds of the animals in your jungle lodge., Visit an NGO working to abolish the practice of Chhaupadi – the illegal but socially common practice of forbidding women to enter their homes, kitchens, schools and temples during their menstrual cycle as they're believed to be rendered temporarily impure., Learn how to create traditional dishes while supporting a unique social enterprise that has changed the lives of disadvantaged women and learn the secrets to creating the perfect MoMo during a cooking class at a Tibetan refugee camp., Swap stories and learn about the lives of local Buddhist nuns as you visit an all-female monastery challenging patriarchal Buddhist traditions.

Group leader

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative.

Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Safety

TRAVEL ADVISORIES & ALERTS
We recommend that you check your government's foreign travel advisory for the latest information about the destination before you travel. You will also need to ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Links to travel advisories and any current travel alerts for our trips can be found here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts

PERSONAL SAFETY
Ensure you have a secure method of carrying your passport, phone, credit cards and cash while travelling such as a money belt. Leave all other high value items, including jewellery, at home Use safety deposit boxes at hotels to store your valuables when available and ensure your luggage is lockable. Be aware of the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft. Exercise caution when walking at night, don’t walk alone and stick to well-lit streets wherever possible. Be vigilant on public transport and look out for your fellow travellers. Take precautions such as carrying your bag in front of you and never leaving personal items unattended.

LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS
Intrepid welcomes all LGBTQIA+ customers on our trips, however we operate in parts of the world that are less accepting. We support LGBTQIA+ customers to travel to these destinations and are committed to ensuring they face no discrimination on any part of the trip we control. We recommend you visit Equaldex (https://www.equaldex.com/) and your government's foreign travel advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers when choosing your trip., https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines, STRIKES:
Demonstrations and protests are common in Nepal, with strikes regularly occurring that may result in curfews or roadblocks being enforced at short notice. At these times, businesses may close and vehicles may not be allowed on the roads. You should avoid any demonstrations or political gatherings and follow local advice, including that of your group leader or local representative in the event of any disruptions.

PETTY THEFT & CRIME:
Pickpocketing and other petty theft is common, especially in places where tourists or foreigners frequent. Take care when walking around at night. Avoid walking on your own and don’t carry large sums of cash. Keep valuables in a hotel safe if possible. Bars and restaurants now close at midnight as part of a government crackdown on illegal activities. Foreigners remaining in bars and clubs after hours have been detained by the police. Police have increased their presence in Thamel and Durbar Marg, popular tourist districts in Kathmandu, in an effort to reduce crime in these areas. You should seek out police if you have been robbed or affected by any crime.

ALTITUDE:
Altitude sickness is a risk, including on the Annapurna, Langtang and Everest Base Camp treks. Please make sure you familiarise yourself with signs and symptoms before you depart and monitor your own health during your trek.

INSURANCE:
Make sure your insurance covers you for your intended activities, including travel and trekking above 3000m if this is included on your itinerary, mountain rescue services and helicopter evacuation costs.

FESTIVALS:
Travelling in Nepal during Holi Festival (23-25 March 2024), can at times be dangerous due to revellers consuming intoxicating substances. The day is often associated with physical violence and danger. Your group leader or local representative will advise you and your group on what places to avoid on this day and it may even be necessary for us to alter your itinerary for the day to avoid putting you or your group leader or local representative in a high-risk situation.

Travelling during the Hindu festival Diwali (12 Nov 2023, 1 Nov 2024) can also be dangerous. During this time there are many displays of fireworks in the streets. It can be very noisy for several days and there is also a lot of pollution caused by the fireworks. As there are no restrictions on buying fireworks there are often injuries caused by people exploding them inappropriately. During this festival, your group leader or local representative may be required to alter your itinerary to avoid any dangerous areas to avoid putting the group at risk.

INTERNAL FLIGHTS:
There have been a number of air accidents in Nepal. We only use airlines that have passed strict safety audits for included internal flights in Nepal, including Buddha Air, Summit Air.

Visas

PASSPORT
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.

We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.

VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

NEPAL:
All foreign nationals (except Indian passport holders) require a visa to enter Nepal. Visas are obtainable from embassies abroad, land borders (including borders with India & Tibet), and on arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan Airport. Please note that visa on arrival is only available to fully vaccinated visitors and those who are not fully vaccinated will require a recommendation letter from a Nepal travel agency and will need to go through 10-day quarantine on arrival.

Getting a visa at the airport or land borders can sometimes take time due to long queues. There have been instances when travellers are asked to show proof of exit from the country, ie flight tickets. You may also need to provide two passport photos and the following fees in US dollars (subject to change, cash only). Other currencies are also accepted although rates may differ. The following costs were correct at time of writing:

- Multi entry visa valid for 15 days - US$30
- Multi entry visa valid for 30 days - US$50
- Multi entry visa valid for 90 days - US$125

Your visa application form may require you to state the dates on which you enter and exit that country. Please note we suggest you list your date of entry a few days before, and date of exit a few days after your intended dates in case you encounter any delays or problems en route. To help calculate the exact dates of these crossings we have found the website www.timeanddate.com to be very useful.

Nepal Covid-19 Entry Requirement
For the latest update of what is required in order to enter Nepal, please check your government's foreign travel advice and also visit the following website:https://uploads.mwp.mprod.getusinfo.com/uploads/sites/27/2021/09/nepal-traveler-information-sheet.jpg

Last modified (date)

07 Aug 2024

Validity

Validity: 01 Jan 2025 to 31 Dec 2025

Additional Information

Health

GENERAL HEALTH
All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements.

When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. 


AIR POLLUTION:
Air quality in Nepal can be poor, especially in winter. Some towns, including Kathmandu, experience very high levels of seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution. Seek medical advice if you're concerned about the effects of air pollution.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS:
Travellers to altitudes higher than 2,500m are at risk of altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS). This can be life-threatening and affect anyone, even people who are very physically fit. There is a higher risk for those who have had altitude sickness before, who exercise or drink alcohol before adjusting to the altitude, or who have health problems that affect breathing. If your tour travels to high altitude, see your doctor for advice specific to you and your situation before you depart. It is important to be aware of the normal altitude symptoms that you may encounter BUT NOT worry about:
- Periods of sleeplessness
- Occasional loss of appetite
- Vivid, wild dreams at around 2500-3800m in altitude
- Unexpected momentary shortness of breath, day and night
- Periodic breathing that wakes you occasionally
- Blocked nose
- Dry cough
- Mild headache
If you are feeling nauseous, dizzy, or experience other symptoms, please be sure to let your group leader or local representative know immediately so that we can monitor your condition.

Please be aware that should your group leader or local representative deem it unsafe for you to continue trekking at any time, they will arrange for you to descend to a lower altitude.

Please read the following document carefully and, during your trip, utilise the table on the back daily to record your own perspective of your general health and any symptoms you may experience: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/altitude-sickness

On some days this trip may ascend faster than commonly published recommended ascent rates at altitude. However, based upon an assessment by our external safety and medical advisors, and in conjunction with our own risk assessments, we consider that the ascent rate is acceptable due to the additional safety measures that are in place for our customers. If you have concerns about this, please speak to your booking representative.

All our group leaders or local representatives in the Himalayas are trained in the use of a PAC bag (Portable Altitude Chamber) and this is carried on all trips which go above 4,200m. The PAC bag is used in an emergency only to treat altitude sickness in the mountains. A First Aid kit is carried with the group and all our group leaders or local representatives are First Aid trained. Please ensure that your travel insurance policy does cover you up to the maximum altitude on this trip, and includes helicopter evacuation. Please take proof of this with you on the trip, as you will need to show it to the group leader or local representative.

MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESSES:
Malaria is a risk in some areas of Nepal including Chitwan National Park. Dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis also occur, including on occasion in Kathmandu. Protect yourself against insect bites by wearing adequate protection, including repellent.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND TREATMENT:
Medical facilities in Nepal are very limited, particularly outside Kathmandu. In Kathmandu, treatment at international-standard clinics is expensive and up-front payment for services is generally required. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment, including evacuation by helicopter.

Food and dietary requirements

FOOD IN NEPAL:
We do not include meals while trekking, allowing you to choose what you want to eat and when. We know from experience that the altitude and physical exercise can mean trekker's appetites differ quite widely. The menus in the teahouses are varied, ranging from traditional Nepalese dhal bhat to pizza and apple pie. Vegetarians are well catered for in Nepal. How much you need to spend per day will vary, but it could be anything up to US$60 per day for meals, snacks and drinks. Prices tend to get higher the higher you go on trek in response to the difficulty of getting supplies to the teahouses.

In Kathmandu and Pokhara there are plenty of restaurants and cafes for all tastes and budgets. For a glimpse at what traditional Nepali cuisine entails, check out our guide here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/guide-to-nepali-cuisine/

ALCOHOL & CAFFEINE:
Alcohol and trekking don't mix. We highly recommend that you limit your alcohol consumption in Kathmandu prior to your trip. Celebrate your achievements after your trek. Both alcohol and caffeine increase dehydration. Limit your intake of both when hiking at high altitudes.

Money matters

SPENDING MONEY
When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling.

NEPAL
The official currency of Nepal is the Nepali rupee (NPR). Its symbol is often displayed as Rs. ATMs can only be found in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Bhaktapur. Make sure you carry sufficient cash to cover your needs when travelling outside these cities. Money exchange facilities are available in Kathmandu, Namche, Pokhara, Chitwan (only outside the park), and Bhaktapur. Credit cards are not widely accepted.

The Government of Nepal has banned the import, export, and use of 500 and 1000 Indian rupee notes in Nepal. You should ensure you are not carrying these notes on arrival in Nepal as they will be confiscated and you may be fined.

Before departing on a trek or travelling to remote areas, make sure you have enough Nepalese currency to purchase meals and drinks, in the smaller denominations where possible, as there are no ATMs and larger notes (such as NPR 1000) can be difficult to change.

USD cash is the easiest to exchange. We recommend bringing large bills in good condition, 2013 series onwards only. Any old or damaged notes may not be accepted.

NPR is a blocked currency, which means it can only be obtained in Nepal and cannot be exchanged outside Nepal. Ensure you use or exchange all NPR before leaving the country.



CONTINGENCY FUNDS
We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

NEPAL:
If you are happy with the services provided a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid destinations. We recommend that any tips are given to the intended recipient by a member of your group, rather than collected and passed on by the group leader.

The following amounts are based on local considerations and feedback from our past travellers:

Your Group Leader: You should consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline US$4-5 per person, per day can be used. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

Drivers: You may have a range of drivers on your trip. Some may be with you for a short journey while others may be with you for several days. We would suggest a higher tip for those more involved with the group however a base of US$2-3 per person, per day is generally appropriate.

Local transport: For a city tour we suggest US$2 per person, per day.

Restaurants: Please check the bill and if there’s an addition of 10% service charge, there’s no requirement for tipping. Otherwise, 5-10% of the total bill amount is appropriate.

What to take

TREKKING EQUIPMENT
Trekking boots (broken in)
Waterproof 3/4 season jacket and trousers (can be hired/purchased in Kathmandu)
Good quality socks
Thermal underwear/layers
Down jacket (can be hired/purchased in Kathmandu)
Trousers - lightweight, loose fitting, trekking trousers.
Shorts or skirt for summer
Sleeveless fleece and extra layers for winter departures (Dec-Feb)
Warm hat and sun hat
Sunglasses with UV protection
Head torch (spare batteries)
Sunscreen and lip balm
Light weight towel
Sarong
Personal first aid kit
Biodegradable wet wipes/toilet paper
Hand sanitizer gel
Trail mix/nuts/muesli bars
Hot water bottle (winter months)

Daypack - Must have the capacity for the items you may be carrying on a day's walk: rain jacket, trousers, warm clothing, water bottle, camera equipment, washing items and other personal effects. A hip/waist strap provides additional comfort. You should consider day packs of at least a 30 to 40 litre capacity.

OTHER PACKING GUIDES:
For other guides to packing for treks: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/packing-guide-for-trekking-in-nepal/
If you are spending further time in the region, please see some ideas for regular travelling gear to pack.
https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list
, https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list, SLEEPING BAG & INNER SHEET
A good quality, warm sleeping bag is essential while trekking as only blankets are provided at tea houses. Please note that sleeping bags, are readily available to buy or hire in both Kathmandu at very reasonable rates. Your group leader can assist you in hiring gear after your joining meeting. If you plan to hire a sleeping bag we recommend that you bring an inner sleep sheet, which adds another layer of warmth. In winter a thermal inner sleep sheet is warmer. If you bring your own sleeping bag, please think about the time of year of your trek. We recommend a four season bag with a rating to around -10c. In Winter (Dec-Feb) a five seasons bag is recommended.

Climate and seasonal

SEASONAL INFORMATION:
Nepal's climate varies greatly depending on the season:

JUN - SEP: the monsoon rains (mostly at night) bring landslides in regional areas. Cloud cover often obscures mountain views with rain, mud, and leeches deterring most trekkers at this time of year. Treks running in September can be hot and very humid at lower altitudes. See what it's like to trek during monsoon here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/nepal-during-monsoon-season/

MAR-APR: Spring brings warm weather and spectacular rhododendron blooms. A popular time to visit and one of the peak times to trek.

OCT - NOV: Clear skies and warm days make autumn the peak season.

DEC - FEB: Winter brings cold temperatures and snow to the mountains. Good trekking,but remember to rug up. Make sure to bring appropriate winter clothing.

Some towns, including Kathmandu, experience very high levels of seasonal smog which can lead to decreased scenic visibility.

ALTERNATIVE ITINERARY
During the monsoon season in the Annapurna region (June-Sep) we may trek an alternative route. This itinerary keeps the group away from areas that are prone to flooding and landslides. Safety is the number one priority when trekking in Nepal and any changes will be discussed by your group leader or local representative. Please see as below for a brief overview of a possible alternative itinerary:

DAY 1: Pokhara-Naya Pul (45 kms/1.5 hrs drive), Naya Pul-Ulleri (5 hrs)
Drive to Naya Pul. Meet the trailhead and proceed downhill to Birethanti (1025m). Walk gently uphill for a couple of hours to Hille (1475m). Overnight stop at Ulleri (1960m).
DAY 2: Ulleri-Ghorepani (5 hrs)
Uphill walk to Ghorepani (2750m). continue climbing and descending to Banthanti (2300m),  more stairs before we emerge at Nangathanti (2520m). From here on, another hour of climb will get you to Ghorepani (2750m).
DAY 3: Ghorepani-Tadapani (5 hrs)
Pre-dawn hike up to Poon Hill at 3190m (45mins). marvel at the view of the Dhaulagiri & Annapurna Range. Return back to your teahouse to collect your baggage and hit the trail to Tadapani (2590m). The trail continues along the ridge line with magnificent views of the Annapurnas stretching out from east to west. Descend before climbing through dense forest to Tadapani (2700m).
DAY 4: Tadapani-Ghandruk (3 hrs)
It’s a relatively short day’s trek, starting on a trail that contours the forested hillside descending steadily with some steep downhill sections. Reaching a small settlement of Bhaisi Kharka where the two routes to Ghandruk converges; continue to descend until you meet the path following the Kyunri Khola.
Crossing the stream, a brief walk leads to Ghandruk through the northern edge of the village. Ghandruk (1940m) is a delightful, ornate 'Gurung' village which has grown large and prosperous on the pensions of re-tired Gurkha soldiers.From Ghandruk, dramatic views of the peaks of Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Hiunchuli and the all-so-famous Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain) opens up.
DAY 5: Ghandruk-Nayapul (4 hrs)-Pokhara (1.5 hrs drive)
Leaving Ghandruk, a steep descent to the trail junction.  We make a short descent to the village of Chane. Another long stretch of downhill pathways, arrive in Syauli Bazaar before continuing to Birethanti. Not long after we join our vehicles to return to Pokhara. 

A couple of rules

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities.

To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final.

Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip.

Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip.

If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

Accommodation notes

TEAHOUSES:
Accommodation at local lodges - better known as teahouses - are simple but comfortable. Toilets and washing facilities are shared and rudimentary, and the food is plain and filling. In a teahouse, travellers are provided with small twin share rooms with twin beds, mattresses and pillows. At times, in high seasons, and in places where there are limited number of teahouses, travellers may have to make do with dormitories. In some places, teahouses don't have access to electricity, depending on solar powered lighting instead. In more remote regions, teahouses don't have running water and toilets can mean just a hole in the ground. Hot shower facilities are available in some teahouses for a price but occasionally a hot shower means a bucket of hot water, enough to wash your body. Electricity to charge devices as well as WiFi is usually for an additional fee when available.

Transport notes

LUGGAGE LIMITS:
Domestic flights in Nepal have strict weight limits - 20kg of check-in luggage and 5kg of carry-on hand luggage per person is included with your flight ticket. Excess baggage (up to 5kg per person only) will be charged at your own expense. Extra luggage can be stored at the hotel in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

TRAVEL BETWEEN KATHMANDU & POKHARA:
On itineraries that include road travel between these destinations, past travellers have often decided to fly this route independently to avoid the long overland journey (200km, approx 6+ hours). The flight takes around 35mins. Should you decide to fly, this will be at your own expense with no refunds for road travel available.

ROAD TRAVEL:
Roadworks and infrastructure projects can cause significant delays on major roads within cities and highways between destinations. Road travel can also be disrupted due to demonstrations and bandhs (strikes) without warning. Major roadworks are currently ongoing in and around Kathmandu and the roads to Chitwan National Park. Delays, heavy traffic, poor road conditions and dust are a reality of road travel in Nepal.

MONSOON:
The monsoon season is from June to September and weather conditions can disrupt travel during this time due to flooding and landslides. Disruption of air travel and airport closures are also possible. Be prepared that the itinerary may need to change at short notice.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative.

If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.

For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below:


https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

Your fellow travellers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.

Itinerary disclaimer

ITINERARY CHANGES
Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns.


OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist.

Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.