NEPAL

Is the country politically stable and safe?

Nepal is one of the new democratic countries in the world with many active political parties. In past there used to be some disturbances but it didn’t affect the daily life of residents nor any tourist activities. Now as all parties have already undergo through the peace process so none of those strikes occur anymore. If incase any unfavorable incident occur we assure you that it will be our first priority to secure each of our guests.

Are your guide experience and reliable?

Ramya World Holidays has reliable, honest and experienced trekking guide who had spent years exploring the mountains and countryside of Nepal. All guides speak English but not fluency as westerners and have a profound knowledge on most of the trekking routes. They are trained in first aid and can handle in any unfavorable situations. Above all, they are very friendly and helpful.

How can I obtain Nepal Visa?

You can easily get the visa upon arrival at any of the entry port to Nepal by paying USD 25. All you need is minimum six months valid passport and passport size photos. Please do carry some more photos.

How can I meet your representative in the airport?

Our representative at the airport will wait for you holding either your name card or our company banner. So you can easily see him. He will escort you to your hotel and briefed you all about your trip.

Do I need to be inoculated?

We recommend that the clients get themselves immunized against certain illness that are not prevalent in their home country such as Cholera, Typhoid, Malaria, Meningitis, Hepatitis etc. Please consult your doctor who will have an updated list.

Can I use my cell phone in Nepal?

Yes you can use your cell phone or buy the local SIM card in Nepal. In some remote areas or high altitude, networking will not be available.

Do I have to be insured?

A travel insurance policy that covers theft, loss, trip cancellation & medical treatment is highly recommended. For trekkers and climbers and guests going for the adventurous activities, their insurance policies should also cover helicopter evacuation expenses in the eventuality of serious illness or accident or if clients are stranded in remote areas due to unexpected bad weather conditions. It is highly recommended to have a personal travel insurance policy, which contains emergency evacuation protection (helicopter rescue) and for repatriation in case of an accident.

Does credit card easily acceptable in Nepal and are there any ATM facilities?

In remote and less developed areas you cannot use your credit card but in cities, major credit cards ((Master Card, Visa Card etc) are accepted. You can find plenty of ATM machines in cities areas.

How long a trek goes and how difficult are they?

Basically the length of trek depends on your interest and location. You can choose trek anywhere from 2-3 days to an entire month or longer.
So as the difficulty of treks depends on your choice. The shorter treks are comparatively easier with 4 to 5 hours of walking each day while the longer ones require some more physical fitness. Be prepared for some steep trails which lead to amazing views. The pace at which you hike is up to you. We have friendly and dependable porters to assist you with your belongings and personal gears

Is the water safe to drink?

Our trekking guide will be in charge of all your water needs. He will make sure all water is boiled and treat it with iodine. Iodine is 100% effective in killing the bacteria in water.

What should I carry on my day packed?

  • Some money in cash.
  • Water bottle
  • Medicines if you are taking any medicine.
  • Rain coat/ umbrella in monsoon.
  • Camera
  • Anti-sun burn lotion

What type of food is served on a trek?

Normally hot meals are served all along the trip. Packed lunches are also served when there are no lodges/guest house or cooking place available on the distances between stops. A variety of local Nepali, Chinese, Indians and continental dishes are prepared with fresh vegetables, meats depending on place and season; mostly vegetarian meals. All meals will be hygienic. You will find a lot of garlic on the menu because it assists with acclimatization – eat some every day.

What clothes and shoes should I bring?

Usually days are warm with nights cold. A warm jacket either fleece or down, long under wear and wool socks will be good choice for the evening. We advice you to bring a light pair of pants and shorts for hiking with sunscreen and glasses and a baseball cap. Rain and hail can appear on a trek so we advice a Gore-Tex jacket. Most gears can be purchased or hired in cities areas. Shorter treks can be finished in comfortable running shoes with nice grip while longer ones require sturdy but light weight hiking boots. Please wear your boots at your hometown to avoid the blisters during treks.

What sort of accommodation and toilet facilities can I expect while trekking?

Teahouses are usually built using local materials and are quite comfortable run by the family. It provides single and double rooms as well as the occasional dormitory. Most lodges provide a mattress and a blanket or a quilt however advices to carry own sleeping bag and the inflatable pillow. All food will be cooked to order in the family kitchen. The toilet facilities will be separate and sometimes outside of the house. We normally arrange someone to clean the bathroom for our guests.
It is also advice to carry own lock for the room. Theft is almost unheard of in those areas but still need to be careful from others unfamiliar trekkers.
On our camping trek, a tent, kitchen tent, dining tent and toilet tents will be provided. It is recommended to bring your own sleeping bags, mats. A bowl of hot water will be served each morning in your tent for a quick scrub up and face wash. We usually camp in or near a village which facilities you to buy chocolate, beer or soft drinks, which we do not provide in any trip. Bathroom and sanitation facilities are improvised and made as comfortable as possible.

Should I purchase a lot of expensive gear to go on a trek?

We suggest you to bring your own - a sleeping bag, warm jacket and sleeping mat etc.

What is the routine on the trek?

A trekking day usually keeps to a pattern. However this is only for the reference and entirely depends on guests’ comfort, weather condition etc
7 am: Time for breakfast. It generator consists of local bread of toast, biscuits, musli, granola, cereal, eggs, and tea of coffee.
7.30-8.00 am: We hit the trail and walk for three to four hours. The pace is leisurely, no rush, and there will be plenty of time to explore surroundings.
12noon: We break for lunch, which generally consists of local breads with butter, cheese, potatoes, a hot vegetables dish, meat, and drinks.
1.30-3 pm: We resume walking and reach our campsite or local lodges by mid-after-noon. The rest of the day is free to wander around.
6-6.30 pm: Dinner is served.

What happens in the event of Emergency?

If altitude sickness is suspected, we will make the victim to descend immediately.
Helicopter rescue services will rarely come to your aid without making a cash deposit. However when you are with us, we will arrange the rescue and initial payments, but the victim is responsible for reimbursing the cost of the flight which can be as high as USD 2000 per hour, in Kathmandu. Again, make confirm you have insurance covering emergency helicopter rescue. Rescue flight might takes minimum 5/6 hours to reach to you.

How much money should I carry during trekking?

While all meals, camping equipment and support staffs are included in our arrangement; the clients are expected to pay for all soft drinks, beverages, beer & foodstuff purchased from shops along the trail. In case they wish to stay a couple of nights at local inns/tea-houses due to unfavorable situations like bad weather, they should settle the charges directly.

Are the trails crowded?

At the peak season, you will face some other trekkers as well. But on a off beaten treks, you may find no other trekkers apart from your group for days on end.

How can we respect your culture during our trek:

  • Never enter anyone's house or a temple without permission. Many Hindu temples may be closed to non-Hindus. If permitted, always remove your shoes before entering.
  • In tea-shops or in local houses, please stay away from the kitchen.
  • Keep away from dogs or animals no matter how friendly they may be, as they are often not inoculated against Rabies
  • Always use the right hand while giving or accepting anything.
  • While circling Hindu temples or Buddhist stupas, always go about it in a clock-wise direction.
  • Never presses anyone to pose for photographs. Seek permission.
  • Never leave belongings unattended. The general tendency of villagers is, if things are just lying, they are not needed. The villagers may take these things away without permission.
  • Most Hindus do not eat food that has been touched or half eaten by others. Similarly, avoid throwing rubbish into cooking fires. It is considered impure by the Nepalese.
  • For religious reasons, Nepalese people are offended by being touched on the head. Similarly, foreigners should never sit so that the sole of the feet is pointed at a person or a religious shrine.
  • It is better to be decently clad when visiting any place. Sun sand beachwear is not proper when roaming around. Briefs, shorts, bare shoulders and backs may not be appreciated. One need to be decently covered.
  • Do not be offended if a Nepalese lady hesitates to shake hands. In Nepal, people, especial women, do not normally shake hands when they greet one another, but instead press the palms together in a prayer-like gesture known as "namaste".
  • Public display of affection between man and women is frowned upon.
  • We are hard on drug abuse; trafficking and possession of drugs are taking as serious offences.
  • Cheap charity breeds beggars but does not solve their basis problem. Therefore, do not encourage beggary by being benevolent.
  • Last but not the least, everyone should remember that in Nepal punctuality has little meaning. Patience & a sense of humor are great assets.