Frequently Asked Questions
Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu is the only international airport in Nepal. The national flag carrier, Nepal Airlines, along with other international airlines, directly connects Kathmandu to major cities around the world. Alternatively, you can travel to Nepal via India.
- If you are going trekking, the best months for walking are between September - November and February - May, when the weather is mild during the day and temperatures do not drop rapidly at night.
- If you are planning a general tour of Nepal, you can visit at any time.
- For Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra (tour) in Tibet, the best time to visit is from April to September.
- For the Muktinath tour, the best time is from March - June and September - November.
Yes, the airport tax is already included in your ticket. However, for domestic flights, there is a separate airport tax of NPR 200, which is charged before boarding.
- For Indian nationals: No visa is required to enter Nepal.
- For foreign nationals: All foreign nationals (except Indians) need a visa to enter Nepal. Multiple-entry visas are available for:
- 15 days (US$ 25 or equivalent in convertible currency)
- 30 days (US$ 40)
- 90 days (US$ 100)
- Visa extension: Tourist visas can be extended for up to 120 days at the Immigration Department in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
- Countries not eligible for visa on arrival: Nationals from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iraq, Liberia, Nigeria, Palestine, Somalia, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe cannot obtain visas on arrival. They must apply for a visa at Nepalese embassies or diplomatic missions before arrival in Nepal.
- Gratis (Free) Visa: Available for 30 days for nationals from South Asian countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka for their first visit in a visa year (January to December). A visa fee is required for extensions beyond 30 days.
Indian nationals traveling to Nepal must present one of the following documents:
- Passport
- Driving license with photo
- Photo identity card issued by a government agency
- Ration card with photo
- Election Commission card with photo
- Identity card issued by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu
- Identity card with photo issued by Sub-Divisional Magistrate or other senior officials
You need a valid passport and one passport-size photo with a light background. The photo size is not specified by the Immigration Department.
- Visas can only be obtained by paying in cash, in one of the following currencies: Euro, Swiss Franc, Pound Sterling, US Dollar, Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Hong Kong Dollar, Singapore Dollar, or Japanese Yen.
- Note: Credit cards, Indian currency, and Nepalese currency are not accepted for visa payment.
The official currency of Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR), divided into 100 paisa. Banknotes are available in denominations of Rs. 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000. Coins are available in Rs. 1, 2, and 5 denominations.
It is illegal to exchange foreign currency with persons and organizations other than those authorized such as banks, hotels, and licensed money changers. Nepalese banks do not accept Indian currency of denomination Rs. 500 and 1000. You will find the exchange rates for different currencies in the Nepalese papers.
In order to exchange surplus rupees at the time of your departure, please retain your encashment receipts.
In order to exchange surplus rupees at the time of your departure, please retain your encashment receipts.
There are ATMs in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and other big cities in Nepal that accept AMERICAN EXPRESS, VISA, and MASTERCARD.
Major hotels, restaurants, and curio shops accept AMERICAN EXPRESS, VISA, and MASTERCARD. You can contact the banks for credit card services.
You can draw funds against your AMERICAN EXPRESS, VISA, and MASTERCARD cards in Kathmandu. The service premiums for doing this, however, could be high. You can also have money wired directly to Kathmandu through any major bank within two to three working days.
Yes, an international driving license is accepted in Nepal.
Popular among visitors are handmade apparel like woolen sweaters, jackets, trousers, and caps. The Pashmina shawl is a highly coveted item. Other popular items include ethnic and contemporary carpets, gems, jewelry, metal and wooden products, Khukuri (the curved metal knife), music CDs, Nepali paper products, pottery, spices, tea, and Thangka paintings. Exclusive showrooms at Durbar Marg, Asan, Thamel, Patan, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square specialize in these items.
INFORMATION - KAILASH MANSAROVAR TOUR | కైలాష్ యాత్ర
How many days required for Mt. Kailash Yatra?
The Holy Mt. Kailash Yatra can be completed in various durations:
- 13 Days Kailash Mansarovar Yatra By Road
- 15 Days Kailash Mansarovar Holy Yatra via Lhasa
- 10 Days Kailash Mansarovar Tour By Helicopter
- 16 Days Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Inner Parikrama
- 10 Days Kailash Yatra by Helicopter
Route: Kathmandu - Nepalganj - Simikot - Hilsa (by helicopter) - Taklakot - Mansarovar - Darchen - Dirapuk - Zuthulpuk - Darchen - Mansarovar - Taklakot - Hilsa - Simikot (by helicopter) - Nepalganj - Kathmandu.
Additionally, 3 days are required for Mt. Kailash Parikrama.
How we will be doing 13 days Yatra?
For the 13-day Kailash Yatra:
- Travel will be done by 4500 cc Toyota Landcruiser or Luxury Bus.
- The journey begins in Kathmandu and proceeds to Kodari (Nepal-Tibet border) using a tourist bus. From Tibet, we will use a 4500 CC Toyota Landcruiser or Luxury Bus.
- The route: Kathmandu → Zhyagmu → Nyalam → Saga → Paryang → Mansarovar → Darchen → Dirapuk → Zuthulpuk → Darchen → Paryang → Saga → Nyalam → Kathmandu.
In how many days would I finish Mt. Kailash Parikrama and how long is it?
- The Holy Kailash Parikrama is approximately 52 km, which takes 2 nights / 3 days to complete.
Camping locations: Derapuk & Zuthul-puk.
What is the best time to travel in Kailash?
- Kailash Yatra begins in the last week of May and runs until September every year.
What is a Land Cruiser and what type of Bus will you provide?
- A Land Cruiser is a four-wheel-drive Japanese vehicle.
We allow a maximum of four people per Land Cruiser, along with 1 driver and 1 Sherpa (staff). - The luxury buses used for group travel feature comfortable 2/2 push-back seats. The bus capacity can range from 20-60 seats, depending on the group size.
How many days would I need to hire the Horse and a Porter during the whole trip and how much does it cost?
- If you do not wish to trek during the Parikrama, you can hire a horse/pony for the 3-day trek.
The cost will be approximately Yuan 2000 per horse with a horseman.
What are the extra charges to be paid directly?
- Additional expenses due to delays, accidents, natural disasters, or political action are not included in the tour cost.
These extra charges include:- Horse and horseman costs.
- Rescue or evacuation (if needed).
- Tibet visa separation cost.
- Travel insurance.
- Drinks, laundry, telephone/fax, and additional transportation costs.
- Accommodation: If you stay back at Darchen for 3 days, an extra INR 500 per day will be charged for accommodation.
How much money should we carry and in what form?
- In Kathmandu, USD or Indian Currency can be used. However, INR 500 and 1000 denominations are not accepted in Nepal.
- In Tibet, you will need Chinese Yuan (CNY).
For 11 days in Tibet, we suggest carrying Yuan 2500-3000 per person for emergencies and to pay for horse charges during the Parikrama. Unused Yuan can be exchanged on the way back. - Exchange Rates:
- INR 100 = NPR 160
- INR 100 = CNY 10
What about accommodation facilities in Nepal and Kailash tour?
- In Kathmandu: 3/4/5 Star hotels.
- In Tibet: Normal guest house accommodation.
- During Kailash Parikrama: 2 days in guest houses at Parikrama locations.
What is your cancellation policy for Kailash Tour?
- 30 days before departure: INR 10,000 will be charged for Kailash Permit Process.
- 15 days before departure: INR 25,000 will be charged for cancellation.
- 5 days before departure: No refund is allowed.
Do you provide something?
Yes, we provide the following:
- Camping Equipment (to be returned at the end).
- Sleeping bags (down with inside extra cover) - to be returned.
- Down jackets (to be returned).
- Oxygen back-up & Gaymo Bag.
- Duffel bag and day bag (as a gift).
What medical reports do I need to carry?
- No medical report is required, but we recommend consulting your doctor before traveling to high altitudes.
- Every yatri must declare their physical condition and specify any allergies to medicines.
What other official documents do I need?
- Valid Passport with 4 passport-sized photographs.
- Medical Insurance Policy (optional).
Is it essential to commence the tour on a full moon day?
- It is not essential to start the yatra on a full moon day, although some people prefer to reach Mansarovar or Kailash during the full moon.
Can we take children (aged 8 to 15 years)?
Yes, children (physically normal) can accompany you, but at your own risk. You should ensure that your child is physically fit for the journey.
What precautions should be taken for children?
- Take the same precautions for your children as you would for yourself.
Will one oxygen cylinder be sufficient for four people?
- Our company provides oxygen cylinders in emergencies. Oxygen is usually not needed, but some yatri may prefer to carry their own handy oxygen cylinders, which can be bought in Tibet for Yuan 20-30 per cylinder.
Can we get vegetarian food during the yatra?
- Yes, only vegetarian food will be served during the entire yatra.
Is the visa cost included in the total tour cost?
- Tibet Visa cost is included in the tour cost. However, Nepal Visa is not included (for foreign nationals only).
Can we find helpers to assist with children/luggage during trekking?
- Yes, you can hire helpers/porters for children or luggage at a rate of approximately Yuan 150 per day.
What if there is a breakdown of the vehicle?
- If there is any vehicle breakdown, we will send a replacement vehicle.
Are there frequent landslides on the way?
- No, landslides are not frequent but depend on weather conditions, especially on the Kathmandu to Kodari route.
Availability of drinking water during the yatra?
- Pure natural mineral water or water purification tablets will be available.
Can I bring a video camera and digital camera?
- Yes, you can bring a video camera and digital camera. The voltage in Tibet is 220V. Most places allow charging, but not during the 3-day Parikrama. We suggest carrying extra batteries.
Is there communication available during the journey?
- Communication facilities are available everywhere. Mobile networks will work in the Kailash region and during Parikrama.
Is there a Pundit available?
- You will need to bring your own Pundit. If we have a Brahmana staff, they will assist.
When should we book the Mt. Kailash Yatra and how to book?
- You should book the yatra minimum 45 days in advance. To book, send a scanned copy of your passport (1st page only) and 20% advance deposit to:
Email: ojhaholidays@yahoo.com
Address: GPO Box 20441, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Is it necessary to send documents 45 days before?
- Yes, documents must be sent to China for approval 45 days prior to the trip.
How can we make the advance payment?
You can make the advance payment via:
- Swift transfer to our bank account (contact us for details).
- Credit card payment.
- Demand draft sent via courier.
What if we are not physically fit for Parikrama?
- If you are not fit for the Parikrama, you can stay back in Darchen for 3 days.
What should we carry?
- Essential items: Warm clothes, water bottle, water purification tablets, sun tan lotion, utility knife, dust mask, medicines for headaches, fever, colds, stomach disorders, Diamox (for altitude sickness), dry fruits, juice powder, bread, candy, canned or packed food, nuts, pickles, and biscuits.
Do you have any age restrictions?
- There are no age restrictions, but travelers over the age of 65 may face challenges with Chinese authorities. We advise all participants to consult their doctor before traveling.
