Tailored add-ons in Nepal trips refer to customizable essentials that enhance and personalize your travel experience, allowing you to align your journey with specific interests, preferences, and schedules. These add-ons can be combined into various types of trips, including trekking, expedition, climbing, cultural tours, wildlife safaris, and adventure activities.

Tailored add-ons include:

Customized Accommodations: Choose from a range of lodging options, from luxury hotels to homestays, to match your comfort and budget preferences. Upgrade your stay to accommodation featuring attached bathrooms during your trek. Enjoy additional comfort at select stops (start US$20/night during the trekking & start US$40/night in Kathmandu).

Porter/Sherpa Service: Let our skilled porters carry your gear so you can focus on the breathtaking beauty of the Nepal Himalaya. Each porter can transport up to 25 kg and can be shared by two trekkers.

Adventure Activities: Incorporate thrilling experiences such as paragliding in Pokhara, bungee jumping, zip-lining, mountain biking, or...

Accommodation:

Single/Twin-sharing room with wooden beds, foam mattresses, and blankets (bring a sleeping bag for extra warmth/hygiene). Most of the place have shared toilets (usually Asian-style squat or Western toilets). Some of the place has attached toiled. Hot showers available (on extra cost). Higher up, hot water is scarce.

Meals:

During the hotel/guest house trekking, there are international menus so you can choose whatever you like. During the camping, our cook prepares the meals as your interest. Camping treks in Nepal offer a blend of traditional Nepali cuisine and familiar comfort foods, ensuring that trekkers are well-nourished and energized throughout their journey.

Breakfast: Porridge/Oatmeal (often with honey, fruits, or nuts), eggs (fried, scrambled, or omelets with veggies), Pancakes or Tibetan Bread (served with jam, honey, or peanut butter), Muesli/Cornflakes (with hot or cold milk), Tea/Coffee (black, milk tea, or ginger lemon honey tea) etc.

Lunch: Dal Bhat (Nepali staple: lentil soup, rice, vegetable...

Here's a detailed overview of transportation options from Kathmandu to Pokhara (200km):

By Flight (Fastest Option to Pokhara)

Duration: 25–30 minutes Airlines: Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, Shree Airlines (multiple daily flights) 6 Departure: Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), to Pokhara International ariport last flight before 7 PM

Tourist Bus (Most Popular Road Option) 200KM

Duration: 6–10 hours (varies due to road works/traffic) Departure: daily 7:00 AM from Sorhakhutte Bus Park (near Thamel) and from Pokhara tourist Bus Park (7.30am). It is possible night tourist/local bus to/from Pokhara start at 7PM. Road condition: Kathmandu to Pokhara, it is Prithvi Highway, fairly smooth but prone to congestion near settlements area.

Local buses/ Micro Buses (not recommend for tourist) 200KM

Duration: 6–10 hours (varies due to road works/traffic) Departure: Daily start 6:00 AM from New bus park and from Pokhara Prithivi Highway (6am to 3pm). It is possible night bus to/from Pokhara start at 7PM.

Private Jeep/Car 200KM

Duration: 5–7 hours (varies due...

General Climate Overview

Nepal's climate is incredibly diverse due to its dramatic range in altitude—from the lowland Terai plains (around 60 meters above sea level) to the Himalayan peaks above 8,000 meters. The country experiences five main seasons: spring, summer, monsoon, autumn, and winter. Each region and elevation zone has its own unique weather patterns.

Terai Region (Southern Plains)

Climate: Subtropical Summer (May–June): Hot and humid, temperatures often exceed 37°C Winter (Dec–Feb): Mild, temperatures range between 7°C to 23°C Receives significant rainfall during the monsoon (June–September)

Hilly Region (Mid-Hills & Valleys)

Climate: Mild and temperate Cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara experience: Summer: 19°C – 35°C Winter: 2°C – 12°C Pleasant weather year-round, with occasional winter chills and summer showers

Mountain Region (High Himalayas)

Climate: Alpine to Arctic Summer: Cool to cold, depending on altitude Winter: Severe cold with frequent snowfall Temperatures can drop below -20°C at high passes and base camps Monsoon rains are lighter, but weather remains unpredictable

Nepal experiences four distinct seasons, each...

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit

The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is mandatory for all foreign trekkers entering Nepal's Annapurna region, including routes like Annapurna Base Camp, Circuit, Poon Hill, Khorpa Danda, Mustang and Mardi Himal. Below is a concise guide to the 2025 requirements, costs, and procedures based on the latest regulations:

ACAP (Primary Permit) Cost:

• Foreigners: NPR 3,000 (Approx. $25 USD)
• SAARC nationals (India, Bangladesh, etc.): NPR 1,000 (∼$7.50 USD)
• Nepali citizens: Free.
• Validity: Single entry, no time limit per trek (e.g., 30 days for Annapurna Circuit).
• Purpose: Funds conservation, trail maintenance, and community projects.
• Exemptions: Children under 10

Checkpoints: ACAP is checked at trail entries; Nayapul (Breathati), Dhampus, Besisahar, Beni and inside the conservation area such as Chame, Manang, Muktinath, Jomsom, Chhorong, Ghorepani, Tatopani etc.

Required Documents:

• Validity Passport (for Indian Voter ID or Rasan Card also fine).
• Nepali Visa.
• Passport-sized photos.
• Trek itinerary (entry/exit dates, emergency contacts).
• Proof...

Asian Hiking Team’s trekking Guides are professionals with recognized records of honesty and personal integrity, committed to environmentally responsible trekking practices that minimize ecological impact.

Asian Hiking Team trekking guide duties are to navigate trails, ensure safety, explain local culture/history, arrange permits/accommodations, monitor altitude sickness, and manage logistics. Our guide is fluency in English (and other languages), first aid certification, cultural knowledge, and government licensing. Require Nepal Government licensing, formal training (e.g., Nepal Academy of Tourism/NATHM), first aid certification, and language proficiency. Our guide is friendly, professional, and well-mannered. Trained in customer service, problem-solving, and group handling.

Asian Hiking Team porter: Porters duties is carried trekker luggage (max 20–25 kg), transport equipment, and assist with camp setup. Physical endurance, basic trail familiarity, and teamwork. Most speak minimal English. No formal credentials, but reputable agencies ensure health checks, basic safety training, and gear provision etc.

Asian Hiking Team Porter-Guides: Porter guide is carried light...

Trekking in Nepal is categorized into grades based on altitude, terrain difficulty, remoteness, and daily walking hours. The most widely used grading system includes Easy, Moderate, Strenuous, and Challenging.

Easy (Grade A)

Altitude: Up to 3,000 meters (9,800 ft) Walking Hours: Max 3–5 hours per day Terrain: Well-established trails, gentle ascents/descents, minimal steep sections. Who is it for? Beginners, families, or those with limited time seeking cultural experiences and Himalayan views.

Moderate (Grade B)

Altitude: 3,000–4,500 meters (9,800–14,700 ft) Walking Hours: Max 7 hours per day Terrain: Mixed trails with some steep climbs and high passes, moderate altitude gain. Who is it for? Trekkers with average fitness and some prior hiking experience.

Strenuous (Grade C)

Altitude: 4,500–5,500 meters (14,700–18,000 ft) Walking Hours: Max. 8 hours per day, often for 2–3 weeks Terrain: Remote, rugged trails with high passes; risk of altitude sickness increases. Who is it for? Fit trekkers with prior multi-day trekking experience, able to handle high altitude.

Challenging (Grade D)

Altitude:...

Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS)

Trekking in the Himalayas poses risks of Altitude Sickness (AMS). The body needs time to acclimatize to higher altitudes, a process known as acclimatization.

Types of Altitude Illnesses (Acute Mountain Sickness AMS) High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): Fluid in the lungs High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE): Swelling of the brain High Altitude Retinal Hemorrhage (HARH): Bleeding in the retina

Common Symptoms: Headache Nausea, loss of appetite Sleep disturbance Dizziness, mild weakness Swelling of hands and face

Severe Symptoms (Seek Immediate Descent): Severe, persistent headache Shortness of breath at rest Confusion, loss of coordination Bluish lips or face Coughing blood-tinged sputum Coma or unconsciousness

Prevention Tips: Drink 4–5 liters of fluids daily (avoid alcohol) Ascend slowly and rest if symptoms appear Avoid sleeping at a higher altitude if symptoms persist Take Diamox (consult your doctor) before flying to altitude

Food & Water Safety

In Nepal, water and food contamination are common causes of illness.

Do: Drink boiled, filtered, or bottled water Eat thoroughly cooked meals Wash fruits/vegetables before eating Boil milk or ensure it’s purified

Avoid: Uncooked...

Travel Insurance & Emergency Evacuation

At Asian Hiking Team, we strongly recommend that every participant takes out comprehensive travel insurance that includes:

• Trip cancellation coverage
• Emergency air-ambulance/helicopter rescue services

Please be aware: many standard travel insurance policies do not automatically cover high-altitude trekking, helicopter evacuation, or rescue from remote mountain areas. You must ensure your chosen policy explicitly includes the activities and environments of your trek.

Additionally:

• You must carry proof of insurance (for example, a certificate or policy document) with you at the start of your holiday.
• If you cannot produce valid insurance at departure, you will be required to obtain a suitable policy immediately.
• If you fail to secure the required cover or cannot do so for practical reasons, you will not be permitted to participate in the trekking or climbing trip, and you will not be eligible for any refund for services not provided.
• Your insurance must...

Telephone service in the Annapurna region is available in towns and villages, but signal strength is unreliable in higher and more remote areas. Most of the place has local telephone. Both Nepal Telecom (NTC) and Ncell are the main mobile providers, with NTC generally offering better coverage in the mountains, though Ncell is faster in lower-lying towns. You can buy a local SIM card in Kathmandu or Pokhara. NTC/NCELL SIM cards work in most areas along the Annapurna trekking route; however, network coverage is unavailable during the Thorongla Pass, Kangla pass, Tilicho pass, and Annapurna base camp section. In case of emergencies, a satellite phone is used for communication.

Internet service is available in the Annapurna region primarily through a lodge-to-lodge Wi-Fi system or via mobile data from a purchased SIM card. Fixed-line broadband is not available on the trekking routes, so it is recommended to buy a local SIM card...

Credit cards like American Express, Master and Visa are accepted at major hotels, shops, Travel Company and restaurants. 3.5 to 4 percent of the total amount may be converted by the bank. ATMs are widely in use such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan-Sauraha, Bhairahawa, Namche, Lukla, Jomsom, Nepaljung, Biratnagar, Lumbini and other major cities and district head office.

All major cities or touristic place have money changer or Exchanger counter or Bank exchange counter. Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) provide service for exchanging foreign currency too.

Responsible Travel with Asian Hiking Team

At Asian Hiking Team, travel is not just about reaching a destination—it’s about meaningful transformation for you, the communities we visit, and the natural world around us. Responsible tourism isn’t a checklist; it’s our guiding principle.

Environmental Responsibility

We are dedicated to minimizing our environmental footprint and inspiring mindful travel practices:

• Group sizes capped at 20 travelers to reduce environmental impact.
• Use of stainless-steel mugs and reusable containers to eliminate single-use waste.
• Cooking with gas rather than wood fires, preserving local forests.
• Carrying out all waste from high-altitude camps for proper disposal in town.
• Avoiding soap or chemicals near natural water-sources.
• Encouraging travelers to bring refillable bottles, and using reusable containers.
• Ensuring campsites are cleaner when we leave than when we arrived.
• Minimizing water usage, especially at altitude.
• Staying exclusively on established trails to prevent erosion and habitat damage.
• Reducing paper usage through digital brochures...