Nepal is arguably the most beautiful country on earth. Eight of the world’s 10 highest mountains are here, as well as countless Hindu and Buddhist shrines. Trekking through the Himalayas between glittering rice terraces and towering, snow-clad peaks is an extraordinary experience. Treks in Nepal are led by experienced Sherpa guides and range from relatively gentle four- or five-day excursions at elevations below 8,000 feet to demanding trips of a month or more at altitudes of up to 20,000 feet. Cooks and field staff are provided, with porters/pack animals carrying all food, camping equipment and personal belongings. People in their 70s and even 80s now routinely go trekking, but it is an experience suited only to the fit and the young at heart.
The monsoon brings heavy rain from late June to mid-September, which falls as snow in the mountains. Winter is chilly, with early-morning fog in the Kathmandu Valley. The best months for trekking are November and February. The mountaineering season extends from March until the end of May.
9¾ hours ahead of New York (EST). (Time listed is for DST in the West. Difference is one hour more November to mid-March.)
To phone hotels in Nepal, dial 011 (international access) + 977 (Nepal code) + local numbers in listings.
Nepalese rupee (NPR). Fluctuating rate valued at NPR106.83 = US$1.00 as of October 2016. Note: Our suggested hotel quotes rates in US$.
Kathmandu, Tel. 1-423-4000.
Passport (valid for six months beyond end of stay) and visa. Visit travel.state.gov, and for travelers’ health information, cdc.gov.
Andrew Harper members have access to full travel-planning services through Andrew Harper Travel.
1 (800) 375-4685
Open M-F 8:30AM-5:30PM CT
