I have heard that it is not safe to travel to Nepal. Is this true?
In the past few years Nepal has experienced political unrest, however, the signed Nepal Peace Agreement, between the Government of Nepal and the Nepal Communist Party (Maoists) has brought this unrest to a close.

On our trip to Nepal in November 2007, we experienced a very smooth, safe adventure there.

However there is still a travel warning issued by the U.S State Department, stating "This Travel Warning is being issued to alert American citizens that the Department of State has authorized the lifting of the Ordered Departure Status for the Embassy and the Embassy has returned to normal operations." 

The current situation in Nepal has Declared that a new chapter of collaborative work has begun by ending the armed conflict since the Nepali year 2052 on the basis of the political agreement between the two sides to bring about, by means of a Constituent Assembly, a guarantee of sovereignty of the Nepali people, far-reaching political decision, democratic restructuring of the state, and the economic-social-cultural change.

The past turmoil has its roots in the decision of King Gyanendra to fire his government and assume direct powers back in February 2005. The move came after a long period of political upheaval and amid a bloody campaign by Maoist rebels. Since then, King Gyanendra has been removed from power, and and democratic government has been installed.

The fighting in the past has ceased and has never and is not expected to affect tourists or tourism in Nepal in any way. The Maoists leaders have stated that tourists are welcome. And first-hand accounts from tourists are very positive: http://goasia.about.com/od/nepal/a/nepalblogjan06.htm

We advise you to read the latest information about Nepal's political situation and understand the issues in order to make educated decisions for yourself.

Websites with current and often-updated information include:
http://go2nepal.wordpress.com/2006/11/22/nepal-peace-agreement-november-2006/ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/
http://www.nepalnational.com/
http://www.nepaltourismdirectory.com/nepal_tourism_directory_news_details.php?nid=13

Please feel free to contact us to discuss the issues. We would be happy to give you more information.

What airlines fly to Nepal? How much should I expect to spend on airfare?
If you would like, you may contact us for our travel agents contact info. We work with a travel agent to get the best fare possible (approximately $1400-1600 plus taxes, from Denver roundtrip). You are, of course, welcome to find your own flight. We strongly suggest you book your airfare by July, however. The number of flights to Kathmandu are limited and fill up quickly.

The airlines that fly from Bangkok to Kathmandu are Thai Airways and Royal Nepal Airlines. Thai Airways is highly recommended. Cathay Pacific and Thai Airways fly from Los Angeles or San Francisco to Bangkok and are both top notch airlines.
http://www.thaiairways.com/
http://www.cathaypacific.com
http://www.royalnepal.com/

How long is the flight?
The normal flights from the US are: Los Angeles or San Francisco to Bangkok with a stop in Hong Kong or Japan, on to Bangkok, then a flight to Kathmandu the next day. The total flying time is approximately 22 hours plus layovers. It is a long trip --but worth every bit of it! Keep in mind that you will lose a day flying to Nepal from the U.S. and gain a day flying back.

Should I exchange money for this trip? If so, where?
You can exchange in Nepal, primarily in Kathmandu and in Pokhara. We suggest that you bring travelers cheques and some cash for the $30 visa fee at the Kathmandu Airport which you can pay in U.S. dollars or Euros. You will have plenty of time to exchange money on your first day in Kathmandu. Don’t expect to be able to do it on the trek!

How many miles per day will we trek?
In the mountains we measure hikes in hours, rather than miles. On most days, we hike 4–7 hours per day, with a lunch break of 1–2 hours. We encourage you to walk at your own pace. There is no need to rush or “stay up” with others during the daily hikes. There will always be a guide at the back of the group to make sure that you arrive safely to camp. We know that much of the fun of trekking is maintaining a pace which will allow you to fully enjoy your surroundings.

Do I have to carry a backpack?
No. But you have to carry a light day-pack containing your water bottle, camera, an extra sweater, sunglasses, a rain coat or wind breaker, and snacks. Porters or pack animals will carry all of the heavy gear. Click here for our Comprehensive Equipment List>>

What will the weather be like on the trip?
In the mountain regions, day time hiking temperatures generally range from the 50s to the 80s F. Nighttime temperatures drop down to 10 to 40 F. Since we carefully schedule trips to coincide with the ideal seasons to visit a particular area, we do our best to assure you “good” weather. Unfortunately, Mother Nature always has the final say. We are happy to answer your weather questions on an individual basis.

What will trail accommodations be like?
Camping on our trips is considered “luxurious camping.” Your tent is set up and taken down for you by our staff. Thick sleeping pads are provided for your comfort. All tents while staying in Nepal are based on double occupancy. If you would like your own tent, please let us know and we can make arrangements for an additional fee. The staff will dig a latrine a short distance from the camp and set up a small tent around it for privacy.

What is food like? How is the water purified?
The food on the treks varies, but you can be assured that it will be tasty and nutritious. The food in Nepal is similar to Indian food, but not quite as spicy. We use fresh vegetables and fruits that are bought in the local villages. Our trained cooks will surprise you with delicious Indian, Nepali, and Continental cuisine.

All water used for cooking and drinking is purified by our camp staff either by boiling or by the use of Iodine. (At high altitudes, Iodine is safer than boiling since water boils at lower temperatures.) Comprehensive Equipment List>>

What should I know about altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness usually occurs when one fails to adapt to high altitude and it can affect anyone regardless of age or physical fitness. It can occur at any altitude over 1,800 meters or 6,000 feet. In general, you should not ascend more than 300-500 meters per day above 3,000 to 4,000 meters (approximately 12,000 feet) until you have acclimatized. Poor acclimatization results in headaches, sleeplessness, nausea, irregular breathing, and swelling of the fingers and glands. Treatment is to descend as fast as possible. In our treks and through our experience, we have planned our routes carefully to account for proper acclimatization and occurrence of altitude sickness is not common.

Your doctor may recommend Diamox as a safeguard. Diamox is effective and some trekkers have taken it 2 days prior to a trek if flying into 12,000 feet. If you choose to take Diamox, please remember to drink a lot of fluids since it has diuretic properties. It is important to note that drinking lots of water throughout the day and eating keeps you well hydrated and can help prevent dehydration and possible headaches brought on by higher altitudes. If you are taking this, please advise us upon arrival to Nepal.

What is the best way for me to learn some Nepalese phrases?
We recommend Lonely Planet’s Nepali Phrasebook, 4th Edition, Mary-Jo O’Rourke, Bimal Shrestha, Published December 2002.

What is the time difference between the U.S. and Nepal?
Nepal is 12 hours and 45 minutes ahead of Mountain Time in Colorado. So if it is 6:00 a.m. in Colorado on Saturday, it is 6:45 p.m. in Nepal on Saturday evening.

What is shopping like in Kathmandu?
Kathmandu has an abundance of great shopping. From handmade carpets to jewelry, to the famous Buddhist “Tanka” paintings. We recommend shopping outside of the tourist area of Thamel. The shops that are outside of this area are much more inexpensive and have just as good of quality. The shops between Thamel and Durbar Marg, are fun to explore. Remember that you should always bargain when shopping. If you are uncomfortable bargaining, it helps to keep in mind that you are helping to keep the economic situation in balance by doing so. The Nepalese expect you to bargain and they mark up their prices accordingly. If you can bargain down to at least half of their starting price, then you have probably done OK.

I’d like to bring my child. What is the youngest age you will allow on this trip?
We encourage you to bring your family and friends on this trip. However, we must limit this trek to those aged 10 and up. Please contact us for more information.

I will be in the area and would like to just run your race. Can I do that?
Absolutely! We would love for you to join us. Contact us now for more information and to sign up.

I will be bringing a group to Nepal for a trek and would like to offer them the ability to run your race. Is that possible?
Your trekkers are welcome to run the race! Please contact us for more information.