Nepal Trekking FAQ’s

How is the Trekking in Nepal?
Trekking is one of the most popular adventure activities in the Himalayan country of Nepal. With its diverse landscapes, Nepal offers an incredible range of trekking opportunities, making it a paradise for adventure seekers. A typical trekking experience in Nepal involves hiking for 4 to 9 hours a day. The trails range from easy walks at lower elevations to strenuous hikes above 5,000 meters in the Himalayas. It’s not just the breathtaking landscapes that captivate trekkers but also the chance to interact with people from different ethnic backgrounds along the way—a unique opportunity to experience Nepal’s rich cultural diversity. Some of the most popular trekking regions in Nepal include the Everest Region, Annapurna Region, Langtang Region, Manaslu Region, Makalu Region, and Dolpo Region. Each offers stunning scenery, diverse terrains, and an unforgettable Himalayan adventure.

Camping Trek in Nepal
Blossom Expeditions provides all necessary camping equipment, including two-man tents, mattresses, tables, chairs, dining and toilet tents, and all cooking and eating utensils. Each group is accompanied by a guide, assistant guides, a cook, cook’s assistants, and porters. The guide ensures the appropriate number of porters are employed to carry all food, equipment, and personal gear. The day typically begins at 6 A.M. with a cup of tea brought to your tent, along with a bowl of warm wash water. After packing your kit bag, breakfast is served. While you eat, the staff will strike camp and prepare to move out. After three to four hours of walking, we will stop for lunch, which is usually a light-cooked meal followed by rest during the hottest part of the day. You will then walk for another two to three hours, and upon arrival at camp, tea and biscuits will be waiting for you. The staff will quickly set up the tents. Shortly after sunset, a hot three-course dinner will be served. The food supply is the best available, with a mix of Nepali and Western dishes. While some tinned food is provided, the staples include rice, noodles, potatoes, fresh vegetables, cheese, and eggs.

Lodge Trek in Nepal
Lodge treks, also known as tea house treks, can accommodate both large and small groups, along with one or two guides, assistant guides, and porters hired to carry personal gear. The guide is in charge of the team and is responsible for arranging food and lodging throughout the trek. You will stay in small tea shops or guesthouses that provide basic necessities. Some lodges offer long menus with a variety of Western and local dishes, as well as bottled drinking water, hot showers, and private bathrooms. Others are more basic, with communal sleeping areas and only local foods like dal bhat on the menu. Lodge treks are possible only in areas with suitable accommodations, so be prepared for a range of options. A willingness to embrace a more rustic experience can open doors to places that most trekkers never see.

Trekking Grades in Nepal
The following grading system explains carefully which level of tour suits you best for your level of fitness and physical capabilities. Use these grades to help select the trip that is best for you.

Mild: A short trek at lower altitudes in the foothills. The day hikes are usually four to six hours long and end at comparatively comfortable accommodations throughout the trek.

Moderate: You typically trek an average of four to seven hours a day, hiking into mountain valleys and reaching higher altitudes. Accommodations can consist of either tent camping or evenings spent at guesthouses along the trail.

Strenuous: Crossing high passes and mountain valleys above 4500m or climbing peaks as high as 5545m or higher. These trips are also longer in overall duration and are designed for experienced hikers who want to be challenged.

Strenuous Plus: Extremely demanding treks, the path goes through rough terrain, over high passes, or climb snow-covered peaks that require mountain climbing gear. Participants should have at least a basic knowledge of the use of crampons and ice axes and be very physically fit.

Accommodation on the Trek in Nepal
In most trekking areas of Nepal, lodges typically offer double rooms with separate beds, foam mattresses, and clean bed covers. While the rooms are usually small, they provide enough space to move around comfortably. Some of the popular trekking trails also offer attached bathrooms or deluxe rooms. In our standard trekking package, we only include a common room unless you request before booking. If you choose attached bathrooms or deluxe rooms, an additional cost will apply. As you ascend to higher elevations, lodges often feature centrally heated dining rooms to keep you warm in the evening. The lodge owner always provides a door lock, but you’re welcome to bring your own. Combination locks are recommended to avoid losing a key while hiking. Remember to lock your room before leaving.

In the City: In Kathmandu and other cities, the range of accommodations is wider, from internationally recommended 4- and 5-star hotels to budget guesthouses. Our service plan includes accommodations for a few nights in 3- to 4-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara. However, we can arrange accommodations in specific hotels at your request.

Payments
To confirm your trek with Blossom Expeditions, we require a 25% deposit of the total trip cost at least 60 days before your trip begins. The remaining balance should be paid upon your arrival in Kathmandu. We will provide the bank’s details to you for the deposit transfer.

Travel Insurance Policy
We highly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive personal travel insurance policy before leaving home. This should cover trip cancellation/interruption, loss of baggage, airline delays, accidents, and theft, and include helicopter evacuation as well as overseas medical treatment. Travel insurance is very reasonable and offers excellent value. Evacuation by helicopter is extremely expensive, with costs rising rapidly. A typical evacuation costs USD 2,500 per hour, plus an additional 13% VAT, and payment must be deposited before the helicopter departs Kathmandu or the insurance company ensures the payment. For your safety and peace of mind, please purchase insurance and provide us with a copy of your policy before starting your trip.

The tipping policy in Nepal
We are committed to the well-being of our staff, including trip leaders/guides, assistant guides, cooks, and porters. We ensure fair wages, proper insurance, and appropriate clothing for all our team members. They are the backbone of both Nepal’s adventure industry and our company. In Nepal, it is customary to tip field staff at the end of the trip as a token of appreciation for their hard work, and they also look forward to receiving tips from clients and they will sincerely appreciate it.

In case of emergency
Blossom Expeditions has recognized a responsibility to ensure that all reasonable precautions are taken to provide safe work and travel conditions. From our choice of equipment and leaders trained in handling emergency procedures to carefully planned itineraries, we ensure that nothing is left to chance. Our field staff ensures that you are on safe trails and is especially watchful of camp security and your personal belongings. Our guides are all trained in wilderness first-aid and crisis management, so if something does go wrong, you are in good hands, and we always carry a comprehensive first-aid kit. Although, in the case of a serious sickness or a casualty, which we believe will not happen, you will be rescued by a helicopter. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation, please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before signing up for it or be prepared to pay on your own after returning to Kathmandu.

Important Note and Optional Activities
Your safety is of paramount concern while traveling with Blossom Expeditions. Please note that your Guide has the authority to adjust or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the safe trekking trip itinerary; however, as this is adventure travel in remote mountain regions, we cannot guarantee it! Weather conditions, the health condition of a member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The guide will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

I’m a slow walker, and I’m concerned that I might hold the group back
This is a common misconception, but it’s not so. The day group members often string out, and there will usually be a gap between the first to arrive and the last. Meal breaks are planned to take into account this variation in walking speed so that everyone has time to catch up and regroup. You walk at your own pace and stop to rest when you feel like it. There will be always someone from the staff nearby to ensure your safety and guide you to your destination. We have designed the trekking days so that your walking is enjoyable and safe. The companionship of other trekkers and staff provides great company and many memorable events. Be prepared to make friends!

What is the Food Like on the Trek?
Most tea houses along the popular trekking trails are run by families. The lodges offer a menu with a variety of Western and local foods, such as dal bhat, momos, yak steak, and various potato-based dishes. Many lodge owners have been in the business for years and have mastered the art of preparing surprisingly good meals that delight trekkers after long hours on the trail. Whenever possible, they use fresh vegetables sourced from local farmers in the lowlands, nearby markets or Kathmandu.

Some of the trekking destinations are newer, and the lodges are not as well developed as those on more popular trekking routes. As a result, food options can be limited, or only local food may be available. This provides an opportunity to enjoy authentic local cuisine and a truly homely experience. The milk served on the trek is usually powdered, so it’s best to ask for hot milk when ordering. To stay safe, avoid raw food, fresh salads, or fruit salads unless they have been soaked in iodine water or you are confident your hands are clean.

Safe water to drink
All water along the trekking trail requires purification, and this can be done in several ways. You’ll likely see all of them during your trek. Boiled water is the most common form of treatment, but you will also encounter filtration units. It’s highly recommended that you bring your own water treatment methods. Iodine tablets are effective but can sometimes cause mild stomach upset and an unpleasant taste. A great alternative is to bring your own filter, such as the First Need. This unit is fast, easy to use, and capable of handling almost anything, providing a perfect cup of water. It also has the advantage of allowing you to pump water from any of the clear mountain streams if you’re craving a cold drink along the trail. These days, Steripen is becoming increasingly popular for its ease of use and safety. While bottled water is available everywhere, the environmental impact is becoming a serious issue. To minimize the environmental impact, we discourage buying bottled water. In large cities like Kathmandu or Pokhara, you’ll also need to treat your water or use bottled water. Most hotels provide bottled water in your room.

Communication facility on the trek
In most popular trekking areas, mobile networks are available if the weather is stable. Many lodges offer telephone or satellite phone services, and WiFi is available in several places. If you stay in hotels or lodges, you can use their WiFi by purchasing a prepaid card from the internet provider. Keep in mind that phone and internet expenses are extra. Additionally, lodges charge an extra fee for charging your devices.

How do I select the right trip?
Blossom Expeditions has developed various trips in the Nepal Himalayas. You can also build a custom trip according to your time, interests, fitness, and experience. We are always ready and happy to discuss the options and help you ensure the trip of a lifetime. Feel free to send questions at any time. We will try to answer all your questions and explain the options available to you. We actually prefer to design custom trips to meet your desires.

How fit do I need to be?
You don’t have to be a mountaineer or an athlete to Trekking in Nepal. As long as you’re in average physical shape or reasonably fit, and have a positive attitude, self-confidence, and strong determination, you can achieve the goal of trekking in the Himalayas. If you’re planning a trek longer than a week that involves high altitudes or passes, regularly exercising, jogging for an hour, or climbing stairs before coming to Nepal will definitely help you adjust to the physical demands of the journey.

When is the best time to trek in Nepal?
The two seasons, spring and autumn, are considered the most suitable for trekking in Nepal. In Nepal’s major trekking destinations, autumn and spring offer the best conditions of the year, with a pleasant climate, moderate temperatures, clear mountain views, and bright blue skies. However, except for high mountain areas or passes, trekking in Nepal is possible almost year-round, with each season providing a unique experience. The rainy season can be challenging due to humidity and rainfall. Below is a breakdown of the four seasons in detail.

Spring: March-May
The spring season is considered the second-best trekking season in Nepal. As the temperature warms up, plenty of colorful flowers bloom, including rhododendrons. Usually, the sky is clear in the morning, but clouds begin to appear later in the afternoon, sometimes bringing light rain with lightning. Therefore, it is best to trek in the morning to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Himalayas. The early days of spring tend to be a bit cold, while May is the hottest month of the year. However, the temperature also depends on how high you are trekking. If you trek above 4,000–4,500 meters, the temperature can drop below zero at night. Therefore, carrying good gear is recommended for trekking in the Nepal Himalayas year-round.

Summer (Monsoon): June-August
The summer season (June to September) brings heavy rainfall to Nepal, restricting many trekking trails due to rising river levels, landslides, and reduced visibility. During the monsoon season, the mountainous areas are often cloudy and experience frequent rainfall. The trekking trails become muddy, and leeches appear. However, the season also brings lush greenery, fresh air, and an abundance of wildflowers. If you have the courage and interest, nature offers a unique experience and opportunity. Additionally, summer is the best time to trek in Upper Mustang.

Autumn: September-November
Generally, autumn brings settled, clear weather and a pure blue sky. Following the monsoon, this season offers spectacular views with warm, comfortable temperatures as dust and pollution clear from the atmosphere. This makes it the best time for trekking in Nepal. December, however, brings colder weather, especially in the higher mountain regions. Always ensure you have extra warm gear in good condition. Although the weather is usually clear throughout December, the colder temperatures can be challenging. However, if you can tolerate the cold, you’ll enjoy less crowded trails and peaceful nights.

Winter: December-February
Many people dislike trekking in high mountainous areas during the winter months. From late December to late February, temperatures drop below -20 degrees Celsius. Heavy snowfall, extreme weather conditions, and the closure of high mountain passes discourage many tourists from trekking during this time. However, with a bit of courage and the ability to withstand the cold, winter trekking can be an incredibly rewarding experience. The trails are significantly less crowded compared to peak season, and the weather is often clear, offering breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayas. Even in December, despite the colder temperatures, trekking in Nepal remains feasible. With proper layering and a tolerance for cold, trekking can be rewarding, with fewer crowds and peaceful nights. Only January and February pose significant challenges for high mountain treks during winter.

Nepal has plenty of great trekking destinations that can be enjoyed in winter without venturing into high Himalayan passes. Some of them include Pikey Peak, Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Ghorepani Poon Hill, Khayar Lake, Mulde Peak, Langtang Valley, Nar Phu Valley, and Tengboche Monastery.

What will the weather be like?
It is hard to predict the weather conditions in the Himalayas. Generally, the days are warm, and the nights are cool or quite cold, depending on the altitude. Snow or rainstorms can occur at any time, so it is best to be well-prepared. Between 1,000 and 3,500 meters, temperatures can range from as high as 30°C to as low as -5°C, depending on the season. At higher altitudes, temperatures vary from 20°C to -20°C or even lower.

What will happen in the event of a flight delay/cancellation?
There is a possibility of flight delays or postponements due to weather conditions in the Himalayas. It is important to be patient when traveling by domestic flight. Therefore, when trekking in remote areas, especially during the off-season, it is highly recommended to reserve extra days to account for potential delays and avoid frustrating consequences. In the case of flight cancellations before or after the tour, you will need to cover your own accommodation and food expenses.