Getting To/From Nepal
Nepalese Visa Information
On Arrival Tourist Visa Fee for Nepal
Complete the ‘Arrival Card’ and the online tourist visa application, proceed with the specified payment, and obtain a receipt. A passport-sized photo along with a copy of your passport is necessary for obtaining a visa, renewal, trekking permit, TIMS card, and mobile SIM.
1. Multiple entries for 15 days – 30 US dollars.
2. Multiple entries for 30 days – 50 US dollars.
3. Multiple entries for 90 days – 125 US dollars.
Free Tourist Visa to SAARC nationality except for Afghanistan :
Tourists of SAARC countries, Chinese, NRN, Officials can get 30 days free visa.
1. Bangladesh 2. Bhutan 3. Pakistan 4. Sri Lanka 5. Maldives
6. Indian Nationals are not required to obtain a visa for Nepal; however, they must carry an identification card. Acceptable forms of ID include a passport, driving license, ration card, election commission card, or any other document issued by a government agency, the Embassy of India, or a sub-divisional magistrate.
7. Non-Residentials Nepalese (NRN) cardholder issued by MoFA/Nepalese Diplomatic Missions Abroad.
8. Chinese Nationals.
9. Officials from Russia, China, Thailand, and Brazil do not need Entry Visa based on reciprocal visa waiver Agreements.
10. Children below 10 years except for US citizens.
A. Tourist visa extension is done for a minimum of 15 days with USD 45 and USD 3 per day for additional days.
B. In the case of delay less than 150 days additional USD 5 per day as of late fine.
Types of Visa
1. Diplomatic visa 2. Official visa 3. Tourist 4. Study 5. Non-tourist visa (working/press/relationship/marriage) 6. Business visas 7. Non-residential Nepali visa 8. Residential visa, 9. Transit visa.
Prohibition to visa on arrival :
Foreign nationals (except officials and diplomatic passport holders) of the following 12 countries requested to obtain a Tourist visa from Nepali Embassies and Consulates prior departure to Nepal.
1. Nigeria 2. Ghana 3. Zimbabwe 4. Swaziland 5. Cameroon 6. Somalia 7. Liberia 8. Ethiopia 9. Iraq 10. Palestine 11. Afghanistan 12. Syria 13. Refugees with a travel document.
Festival
Nepal is often described as a splendid garden filled with a wide variety of flowers and an open-air museum, showcasing its vast cultural, case, and religious diversity. The country’s rich cultural tapestry is woven from the lives of people dwelling in the Himalayas, the Hilly regions, and the Tarai areas, stretching from east to west. This diversity is celebrated through numerous festivals that start with religious rituals and evolve into joyful family gatherings, underpinning the deep influence of religion on Nepali culture. Major festivals in Nepal include Dashain, Tihar, Maghe Sankranti, Lhosar, Maha Shivaratri, Fagu Poornima (Holi), Buddha Jayanti, and Teej, each adding to the country’s cultural wealth.
Dashain is the foremost Hindu festival in Nepal, observed during October and November, celebrating the goddess Durga with rituals and family reunions, highlighted by kite flying and village swings, marking a time of joy and togetherness.
Following Dashain, Tihar, celebrated in November, brightens the nation with lights, decorations, and the exchange of tika between brothers and sisters on Bhai Tika, emphasizing the bond of sibling love and prayers for prosperity.
Maghe Sankranti marks the sun’s transition to the southern hemisphere in January and February, symbolizing longer, warmer days ahead, with devout Hindus paying homage to Lord Vishnu.
Lhosar, celebrated by various Himalayan communities, including the Tamang, Magar, and Gurung, spans December to March, featuring vibrant cultural performances, prayers, and social gatherings.
Maha Shivaratri, in March, honors Lord Shiva’s birth with fasting, prayers, and rituals, drawing crowds to Shiva temples for worship and celebration.
Read MoreFagu Poornima, also known as Holi, marks the March celebration of the victory of good over evil, characterized by the vibrant hues of flying powders representing joy and the triumph of the goddess Kali over Holika.
Buddha Jayanti honors the birth of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha in Lumbini, drawing Buddhists and pilgrims to sacred sites for worship and festivities.
Teej, observed in August/September, celebrates Nepalese womanhood through rituals such as fasting, prayers to Lord Shiva, and the donning of red saris, symbolizing the devotion of Parvati to Shiva.
These festivals collectively highlight Nepal’s rich cultural heritage, uniting families and communities in joy, reverence, and solidarity./expand]
Trekking Permit
To obtain a trekking permit, applicants must submit an application form along with the necessary documents through a registered trekking agency in Nepal. The fee for the trekking permit must be paid in US Dollars, regardless of any other information provided above.
1. Travelers wishing to go trekking and opting to use a trekking company must pay $20 per person for the Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) fee, or the company will handle this on their behalf.
2. The Department of Immigration grants permits to foreign tourists planning to trek in Nepal’s controlled areas. It is mandatory to have a trekking permit to visit the specified controlled regions. However, permits are only issued to groups, and individual trekkers will not be granted a trekking permit.
| S.No. | Regions/VDGs | Permit Fess |
| 1 | Upper Mustang (Province No. 4) a. Lomanthang Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 5) b. Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 5) c. Baragung Muktichetra Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 3 and Satang Village of ward no.5) |
USD 500 per person (for the first 10 days) USD 50 per person /Day ( beyond 10 days) |
| 2 | Upper Dolpa (Province No. 6) a. Dolpo Buddha Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 4 to 6) b. Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 7) c. Charka Tangsong Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 6) |
USD 500 per person (for the first 10 days) USD 50 per person /Day ( beyond 10 days) |
| 3 | Gorkha Manaslu Area (Province No. 4) a. Chumnubri Rural Municipality (All areas of ward nos. 1,2,3 and 4) |
September – November USD 100 per person / week USD 15 per person / day (beyond 1 week) December – August USD 75 per person / week USD 10 per person / day (beyond 1 week) |
| 4 | Humla (Province No. 6) a. Simikot Rural Municipality (All areas of ward nos. 1,6 and 7) b. Namkha Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 6) c. Changkheli Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 3 to 5) |
USD 50 per person / week USD 10 per person / day (beyond 1 week) |
| 5 | Taplejung (Province No. 1) a. Phantanglung Rural Municipality (All areas of ward nos. 6 and 7) b. Mikwakhola Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 5) c. Sirijunga Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 8) |
USD 20 per person/ week (for the first 4 weeks) USD 25 per person /week ( beyond 4 weeks) |
| 6 | Lower Dolpa Area (Province No. 6) a. Thulibheri municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 11) b. Tripurasundari municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 11) c. Dolpo Buddha Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 3) d. Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 8 and 9) e. Jagdulla Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 6) f. Mudkechula Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 9) g. Kaike Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 7) |
USD 20 per person/ week USD 5 per person /week ( beyond 1 week) |
| 7 | Dolakha (Province No. 3) a. Gaurishankhar Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 9) b. Bighu Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1) |
USD 20 per person/ week |
| 8 | Gorkha Tsum Valley Area (Province No. 4) Sirdibas-Lokpa-Chumling-Chekampar-Nile-Chule a. Chumnubri Rural Municipality (All areas of ward nos. 3,6 and 7) |
September – November USD 40 per person / week USD 7 per person / day (beyond 1 week) December – August USD 30 per person / week USD 7 per person / day (beyond 1 week) |
| 9 | Sankhuwasabha (Province 1) a. Bhotkhola Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 5) b. Makalu Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 4) |
USD 20 per person/ week (for the first 4 weeks) USD 25 per person /week ( beyond 4 weeks) |
| 10 | Solukhumbu (Province No. 1) a. Khumbu Pasang Lahmu Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 5) |
USD 20 per person/ week (for the first 4 weeks) USD 25 per person /week ( beyond 4 weeks) |
| 11 | Rasuwa (Province No. 3) a. Gosaikunda Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 and some area of ward no. 2) |
USD 20 per person /week |
| 12 | Manang (Province No. 4) a. Narpa Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 5) b. Nasho Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 6 and 7) |
September – November USD 100 per person / week USD 15 per person / day (beyond 1 week) December – August USD 75 per person / week USD 15 per person / day (beyond 1 week) |
| 13 | Bajhang (Province No. 7) a. Saipal Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 5) |
USD 90 per person / week for the first week USD 15 per person / day (beyond 1 week) |
| 14 | Mugu (Province No. 6) a. Mugumakarmarong Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 9) |
USD 100 per person / week USD 15 per person / day (beyond 1 week) |
| 15 | Darchula (Province No. 7) a. Vyas Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1) |
USD 90 per person / week USD 15 per person / day (beyond 1 week) |
Note:
1. In order to acquire a trekking permit, individuals are required to complete an application form and provide all required documentation through a trekking agency that is officially registered in Nepal.
2. Regardless of any other specifications mentioned, the fee for the trekking permit must be settled in US Dollars.
When To Visit Nepal
Trekking in Nepal is feasible year-round, contingent upon the region. Nepal experiences significant climatic diversity owing to its extensive range in altitude. The low-lying plains are subtropical (600-1200m), the midland hills exhibit warm temperate conditions (1200-2100m) transitioning to cool temperate climates (2100-3300m), while the high mountains range from Alpine (3300-5000m) to Tundra (5000-8848m). Generally, the period from mid-September to mid-December is regarded as the optimal time for trekking in Nepal.
Autumn Season (September-November) < Best Season >
Autumn stands out as the premier season for trekking in Nepal. During this time, you can relish unparalleled views of captivating mountains, lush green hills, and enjoy splendid weather. Typically, the skies remain clear, offering mild to warm days and cool nights. Moreover, the likelihood of natural calamities decreases significantly, rendering it a safer period for trekking adventures. Additionally, Nepalese festivals such as Dashain and Tihar add to the cultural richness of the experience during this season.
Winter Season (December- February)
During winter, the Himalayan region undergoes freezing temperatures and experiences snowfall. Trekking becomes particularly arduous in higher altitudes as trails may be obscured by snow. It is advisable to trek at lower altitudes, preferably below 3000m, during this season. Temperatures in the Himalayan region can plummet to as low as -18 degrees Celsius, while hilly regions may range from 0 to 5 degrees Celsius. In the plains, temperatures typically range between 10 to 15 degrees Celsius.
Spring trekking in Nepal offers a picturesque backdrop of blooming flowers, verdant landscapes, and majestic mountains. This season is a true delight, accompanied by the melodies of singing birds, breathtaking vistas, and profusions of wildflowers. While the weather tends to be mild at lower elevations during spring, higher elevations can still be quite cold. Mornings typically greet trekkers with crystal-clear skies, although afternoon clouds often bring refreshing rain showers.
Summer Season (June-August)
During the summer season in Nepal, mornings typically begin with cloudy skies, followed by afternoon and evening rain showers. Trekking during this time can be highly uncomfortable due to muddy, wet trails and the presence of leeches, increasing the risk of injury in the slippery terrain. Additionally, there is a higher probability of natural disasters, particularly landslides in hilly regions. It is essential to carry insect repellents to mitigate the nuisance of insects.
In terms of temperatures, the Himalayan regions experience temperatures ranging from 16 to 20 degrees Celsius, while hilly regions see temperatures between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. In the plains, temperatures soar to 34 to 39 degrees Celsius. Despite the challenges, summer can be an ideal season for botanists and researchers interested in forest and high-altitude environments.
However, certain regions like Manang, Mustang, and Dolpo are situated in rain shadow areas, making summer the best time to visit these places. During this season, temperatures are moderate and the weather is relatively mild, offering a more favorable trekking experience compared to other regions.
Trip Terms and Conditions
BG Travel and Trek kindly requests that you carefully review and comprehend the booking terms and conditions before proceeding with booking your trip with us. These terms and conditions constitute a legal agreement between BG Travel and Trek and yourself, outlining crucial information regarding the services offered by BG Travel and Trek, and establishing the foundation of our legal relationship with you. It is imperative that you thoroughly understand the contents of this agreement prior to making any bookings.
Bookings And Payments :
- To initiate a booking, you are required to submit a completed booking form along with a 20% non-refundable deposit, as outlined below. This act will signify your acceptance of our Terms and Conditions.
- We kindly ask that you provide a copy of each participant’s passport and a passport-sized photograph via email to our Kathmandu office. These documents will be utilized for the issuance of permits in advance for trekking, climbing, and other adventure activities.
- Upon receipt of the passport photocopy and the completed booking form along with your 20% non-refundable deposit, we will furnish you with a final confirmation receipt.
- Deposits are mandatory for each individual participating in the trip.
- For direct deposit details, please get in touch with us.
- A bank service charge may be applicable and must be settled at the time of deposit.
- We exclusively accept Cash, Visa, or MasterCard, and a 4% surcharge will be applied for card processing fees.
- The remaining balance can be settled in cash upon your arrival. Should you opt to pay by credit card, the remaining amount must be paid at least 20 days before the scheduled departure date of the trip.
- BG Travel and Trek reserves the right to cancel your trip if the full amount is not paid in a timely manner.
- Whenever possible, we will accommodate last-minute bookings up to 2 days prior to the tour departure date, with full payment required.
- A minimum of 20 days’ notice is required for cancellation before the trip departure date and must be communicated to us in writing. The cancellation period begins from the day the notice is received. Cancellation requests will only be considered valid upon approval from the company after receiving the necessary documentation. In the event of cancellation, the trip will be terminated, and a cancellation fee of 20% of the total trip cost will be deducted from your deposit.
- No refunds will be issued for clients providing cancellation notice less than 20 days before the trip departure.
- There will be no refund if a group member voluntarily or involuntarily leaves the trip for any reason, or if any unlawful act is committed after the trip has commenced. Additionally, no refunds will be provided for unused meals, accommodation, or services.
- Any requested changes to the original tour must be submitted in writing by the person who booked the tour. While every effort will be made to accommodate the requested changes, they cannot be guaranteed.
- In case you are unable to travel on the tour due to serious circumstances such as the death, injury, or grave illness of a passenger, close relative, or friend, or due to jury service, you may postpone or transfer your booking to another person, provided they meet all requirements for the tour. Proof of the reason for inability to travel must be provided when changing the booking. A fee of $100.00US per person is applicable if you postpone or transfer the tour within two weeks of the trip departure.
- All clients must possess a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining from the return date. Nepalese visas can be obtained from the Nepalese Consulate in your country or upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport. The costs associated with Nepalese visas are the sole responsibility of the clients.
Travel Insurance :
– All clients participating in any tour are required to have travel insurance. This insurance must offer comprehensive coverage for the entire duration of the tour, including but not limited to protection against personal injury, death, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, helicopter rescue, air ambulance services, and sufficient coverage for baggage.
Health & Fitness :
– All of our Nepal tours and treks necessitate a certain level of fitness; therefore, we strongly advise you to consult with your local GP regarding your health and fitness before embarking on your journey. It is the client’s responsibility to inform BG Travel and Trek of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disabilities that may impact their ability to participate in their desired trip.
Children :
– All travelers under the age of eighteen must be accompanied by a legal guardian. If you have any inquiries regarding age requirements and suitability for our trips, please don’t hesitate to contact us for additional information.
Publicity :
– By booking a trip with BG Travel and Trek, you consent to the use of images featuring you, captured during the trip, for publicity and promotional purposes by BG Travel and Trek. This agreement entails that BG Travel and Trek may utilize these images without any obligation to compensate you or seek recourse from you, through any chosen medium for publicity and promotion.
Changes To Your Holiday And Pricing :
- Traveling with BG Travel and Trek requires flexibility, good humor, and an understanding that transportation modes, accommodations, and itineraries may change, even after the tour has commenced, without prior notice. Such changes may occur due to local circumstances like flight delays, cancellations, or postponements due to extreme weather conditions in the Himalayan regions, as well as other unpredictable situations such as landslides, road blockages, floods, snow, or political unrest. BG Travel and Trek regrets that it cannot offer refunds under such circumstances due to prior arrangements with suppliers. However, we will make every effort to provide you with an alternative or substitute trip of similar nature if possible.
- BG Travel and Trek does not assume responsibility for situations beyond its control.
- Our holiday and tour/trek packages are based on twin-share accommodation. Therefore, clients who do not have another tour participant to share accommodation with will be subject to a single room supplement charge.
- We reserve the right to adjust pricing rates as posted in our marketing materials under any circumstances. Such adjustments may be necessitated by external factors beyond our control, such as changes in exchange rates or government actions.
Privacy :
–When making a booking through BG Travel and Trek, we may ask you numerous questions to gather the required information for obtaining permits. Please rest assured that any private or personal information provided by you during the booking process will be used solely for the purpose of facilitating your trip and obtaining necessary permits. We guarantee that your information will not be disclosed or used for any other purposes.
Risk & Liabilities :
- BG Travel and Trek is dedicated to offering you the finest services to ensure a once-in-a-lifetime journey. We undertake our responsibilities with honesty and seriousness, striving to make your journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible. However, it’s important to note that all of our programs in Nepal adhere strictly to the rules and regulations set forth by the government of Nepal.
- Consequently, BG Travel and Trek and its affiliated organizations cannot be held responsible for any changes in the itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances such as government restrictions, landslides, road blockages, floods, snow, political unrest, flight delays or cancellations, sickness, or accidents. Any additional costs incurred as a result will be the responsibility of our clients to bear on the spot.
Our Responsible Tourism Policy :
– BG Travel and Trek is pioneering a reimagined approach to tourism, one that prioritizes the well-being of local communities, tourists, the environment, and the broader tourism industry.
Complaints :
– If you have any complaints regarding the trip or tour, it is imperative that you communicate them to a tour leader or guide as soon as possible. This will enable us to promptly address the issue and take appropriate action.