Annapurna Base Camp Trek

If you have arranged a trekking experience through us, we will typically provide airport pick-up services. Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from Luxury Holidays Nepal will be waiting for you with a sign displaying your name or the Luxury Holidays Nepal postcard. We will transport you to your pre-booked hotel or Luxury Holidays office.

To ensure a smooth pick-up process, make sure to provide us with your flight details, including flight number and arrival time. If there are any changes to your arrival plans, inform us as soon as possible to ensure they can still accommodate your pick-up.

If you have not arranged a trek through us, you must arrange your transportation from the airport to your accommodation. Taxis are readily available at the airport, or you can pre-book a private car or shuttle service.

To learn more about Nepal trekking packages, please click here.

Trekking guides in Nepal are required to be certified by the Nepal Government through the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM) or the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN). These organizations provide training courses for aspiring trekking guides, covering subjects such as first aid, emergency response, navigation, local culture, flora and fauna, and responsible trekking practices.

Upon completing the training, participants receive a trekking guide license issued by the government. This certification ensures that the guide has met the minimum standards required to lead treks in Nepal.

When hiring a guide, it is essential to verify their certification and ensure they have a valid trekking guide license. You can also check their experience, references, and client reviews to make an informed decision. Hiring a guide from a reputable trekking agency is another way to ensure that your guide is certified and experienced.

Remember that having a certified and knowledgeable guide is crucial for a safe and enjoyable trekking experience in Nepal.

To reserve a place on a trek in Nepal, we require a down payment or deposit. This payment helps secure your booking, confirms your guide and porter services, and allows us to make necessary arrangements for accommodations, permits, and transportation.

The process for making a down payment typically involves the following steps:

1. Research and choose a reputable trek you are interested in.

2. Contact us to inquire about trek availability, dates, costs, and any additional information you may need.

3. Once you have decided on a trek and confirmed the details with us, we will provide you with payment instructions. This may include bank transfer information or online payment options through secure platforms like PayPal or credit card payment gateways.

4. Make the down payment as per instructions. The deposit amount varies, but it typically ranges from 20% to 50% of the total trek cost.

5. After making the payment, we will confirm your booking and provide you with additional pre-departure information, such as a packing list, itinerary, and other essential details.

It's important to note that the down payment may be non-refundable or subject to cancellation fees, depending on the policies. Before making a payment, review the terms and conditions, payment policies, and cancellation policies to ensure you understand the potential risks and liabilities.

Additionally, consider purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellations, delays, and other unforeseen events that may impact your trekking plans.

We have tiered cancellation policies, which means that the fees and refund amounts depend on how far in advance you cancel your booking. The closer you are to the departure date, the higher the cancellation fee may be. Some we may offer more flexible cancellation policies due to unforeseen circumstances such as medical emergencies or travel restrictions.

It's essential to read and understand Luxury Holidays Nepal's cancellation policy before booking your trip. You should also consider purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellations and interruptions to protect yourself from unexpected events that may impact your travel plans.

For more information regarding the refund and cancellation policy, please click here

We strongly encourage you to postpone your trip rather than cancel it, as this allows you to avoid losing your deposit.

Luxury Holidays Nepal can accommodate last-minute bookings, depending on the availability of guides, porters, and other resources. However, it is essential to keep in mind that trekking in Nepal often requires permits, transportation, and accommodation arrangements, which may be more challenging to secure on short notice, especially during peak trekking seasons.

If you are interested in making a last-minute booking, follow these steps:

1. Contact us for the trek or tours you are interested in and inquire about last-minute availability. Be prepared to be flexible with your dates and itinerary, as options may be limited.

2. Confirm the details of the trek and tour, including the cost, itinerary, and inclusions, and make the necessary payments to secure your booking.

3. Ensure you have all the required permits, visas, and travel insurance in place before your departure. We may assist you in obtaining permits on short notice, but it is best to clarify this with us beforehand.

4. Make transportation and accommodation arrangements for your arrival in Nepal and any additional stays before and after your trek.

While last-minute bookings are possible, planning your trek and tour well in advance is generally recommended. This allows you to secure your preferred dates, accommodations, and guide services, as well as gives you ample time to prepare physically and mentally for your trek. Additionally, it is essential to ensure that your travel insurance and any necessary permits are in place before embarking on your trekking adventure.

Obtaining a Nepal visa is a straightforward process for most tourists. There are several ways to get a visa for Nepal:

1. Visa on arrival: Many nationalities are eligible to obtain a visa on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or other designated entry points, such as border crossings. Upon arrival, you need to fill out a visa application form (or complete it online before arrival), provide a passport-sized photo, and pay the visa fee in cash (USD is widely accepted). Visa fees depend on the length of your stay:

• 15 days: USD 30
• 30 days: USD 50
• 90 days: USD 125

2. Online application: You can apply for a Nepal visa online through the Nepal Immigration website (https://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa) before your arrival. Complete the application form, upload a passport-sized photo, and submit your application. Once your application is submitted, you'll receive a confirmation receipt, which you must print and present at the immigration counter upon arrival in Nepal. You'll need to pay the visa fee in cash at the airport.

3. Nepalese Embassy or Consulate: Another option is to apply for a visa at a Nepalese Embassy or Consulate in your home country. This method requires you to submit your passport, visa application form, a passport-sized photo, and visa fee. Processing times vary depending on the embassy or consulate.

Please note that some nationalities may not be eligible for visas on arrival or may require additional documentation. It's essential to check the specific visa requirements for your nationality before your trip. Additionally, ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from your planned entry date into Nepal.

The travel time between Kathmandu and Pokhara by bus varies depending on the type of bus, road conditions, and traffic. On average, it takes approximately 6 to 8 hours to cover the distance of about 200 kilometers (124 miles).

There are different types of buses available for the journey, including tourist buses, local buses, and microbuses. Tourist buses are more comfortable and safer than local buses, with amenities such as air conditioning, more spacious seats, and fewer stops along the way. They usually depart from Kathmandu in the morning and reach Pokhara in the afternoon.

Keep in mind that travel times may vary, and delays can occur due to traffic, road conditions, or weather. If you prefer a faster and more comfortable option, you might consider taking a domestic flight between Kathmandu and Pokhara, which takes around 25 to 30 minutes.

Yes, you can choose to fly to Pokhara instead of driving. Several domestic airlines operate daily flights between Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport and Pokhara Airport. The flight duration is approximately 25 to 30 minutes, making it a much faster and more comfortable option compared to driving or taking a bus.

Keep in mind that flights can be subject to delays or cancellations due to weather conditions, particularly during the monsoon season. It is recommended to book your flights in advance and has some flexibility in your travel plans to accommodate any potential changes in flight schedules.

When booking flights, you can either use an online booking platform, contact the airline directly, or work with us to arrange your flight tickets.

The condition of bathrooms along trekking trails in Nepal varies depending on the location, altitude, and type of accommodation. Generally, as you ascend to higher elevations and more remote areas, the facilities become more basic.

In cities and towns like Kathmandu and Pokhara, hotels and guesthouses typically have modern, clean, and well-maintained bathrooms with Western-style toilets, running water, and hot showers.

However, during your trek, especially in teahouses or lodges in remote areas, you may encounter the following:

1. Squat toilets: Instead of Western-style toilets, you might find squat toilets, which are more common in rural areas. These require you to squat over a hole in the ground. Bring toilet paper, as it may not always be provided.

2. Shared bathrooms: Teahouses and lodges often have shared bathroom facilities, which means you may need to wait for your turn to use the toilet or shower.

3. Limited hot water: Hot showers may be available at some teahouses and lodges for an additional fee, but the availability of hot water can be limited or even nonexistent at higher altitudes or in more remote locations.

4. Basic cleanliness: The cleanliness of bathrooms can vary greatly depending on the location and the teahouse or lodge. It's a good idea to carry toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and wet wipes to maintain personal hygiene.

To ensure a more comfortable experience, you can inquire about the bathroom facilities in advance when booking your trekking accommodations. Additionally, being prepared with your own hygiene supplies and being adaptable to various conditions will make your trekking experience more enjoyable.

Showering during a trek in Nepal is possible, but the availability and comfort of showers depend on your location, the altitude, and the type of accommodation you choose. In general, showering facilities are more basic and limited in remote areas and at higher altitudes.

During your trek, you may encounter the following types of shower facilities:

1. Hot showers: Many teahouses and lodges offer hot showers, but the availability and quality of hot water can vary depending on the location and altitude. In some cases, hot showers may not be available at higher altitudes due to limited resources. Some teahouses may charge an additional fee for hot showers, so be sure to confirm the cost beforehand.

2. Bucket showers: In more remote areas, you may need to settle for a bucket shower, which involves using a bucket of hot water and a small jug to pour water over yourself. This type of shower may not be as comfortable or as private as a hot shower, but it can still be refreshing.

3. No shower facilities: In some trekking routes or higher altitude treks, there may not be any shower facilities available due to limited resources.

To ensure you can shower during your trek, you may want to bring a few essential items, including:

1. Towel: A quick-drying, lightweight towel can be helpful to have when showering in basic facilities.

2. Soap and shampoo: Bring small travel-sized bottles of soap and shampoo to keep yourself clean during your trek.

3. Flip flops: Bring a pair of flip-flops or sandals to wear in the shower to avoid contact with the floor.

Keep in mind that trekking in remote areas can be physically demanding, and you may not feel the need to shower every day. Additionally, using wet wipes or a sponge bath can be an alternative to showering when facilities are not available.

There are limited ATMs available on the trekking trails in Nepal, especially in more remote areas at higher altitudes. The availability of ATMs is more widespread in cities and larger towns, such as Kathmandu and Pokhara.

During your trek, you can find ATMs in some of the larger trekking hubs, such as Lukla, Namche Bazaar, and Dingboche. However, it's important to note that these machines may not always be reliable, and there have been instances of ATMs running out of cash or malfunctioning.

To ensure you have enough cash on hand during your trek, it's recommended to bring enough Nepalese rupees with you or exchange currency before departing for your trek. In larger towns, you can also exchange currency at banks or money exchange offices.

Keep in mind that many teahouses and lodges on the trekking trails may not accept credit cards or charge an additional fee for card transactions. It's a good idea to carry enough cash to cover your expenses, including accommodation, meals, and any additional costs along the way.

If you do need to withdraw cash from an ATM during your trek, be sure to check with your bank about any foreign transaction fees or withdrawal limits. Additionally, it's a good idea to notify your bank of your travel plans and dates to avoid any issues with accessing your funds while on the trek.

While the official currency of Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR), some teahouses and lodges on the trekking trails may accept foreign currency, such as US dollars or Euros. However, the exchange rate for foreign currency may not always be favorable, and it's generally recommended to use Nepalese Rupees for transactions within the country.

It's a good idea to exchange your foreign currency for Nepalese Rupees before starting your trek. You can exchange currency at banks, money exchange offices, or hotels in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Keep in mind that currency exchange rates can vary between providers, so it's a good idea to compare rates and fees before making a transaction.

If you prefer to carry some US dollars or Euros as a backup, make sure to bring small denominations and bills in good condition. In some remote areas, larger bills or damaged bills may not be accepted.

It's important to note that credit cards may not be widely accepted on the trekking trails, and you may need to carry enough cash to cover your expenses. Additionally, ATMs are limited in some trekking areas, so it's recommended to plan ahead and carry enough cash to cover your expenses for the duration of your trek.