Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Raintree Group holds the following accreditations:

• Registered with the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB)
• Member of TAAN (Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal)
• Affiliated with NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association)
• IATA accredited for air ticketing
• Registered company with the Government of Nepal

Your investment is fully protected.

Our Thamel office is open Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Nepal Standard Time (NPT / UTC+5:45). We are closed on Sundays and major public holidays. However, for active travellers on-trip, our 24/7 emergency support line is always available at +977-9851353994.

Absolutely. We serve both international visitors coming to Nepal and Nepali nationals travelling abroad. Our international clients come from across Europe, North America, Australia, South/Southeast Asia and the Middle East. All our packages are quoted clearly in NPR (Nepali Rupees) with transparent inclusions.

With 10+ years in business, 10,000+ satisfied travellers and hundreds of five-star reviews on Google, TripAdvisor and Facebook, our reputation speaks for itself. We are fully licensed, IATA accredited and proud members of the Nepal Tourism Board. You can also speak directly to our team before committing.

Our office team is fluent in Nepali, English and Hindi. Our field guides offer services in English and many speak additional languages including French, German, Japanese and Mandarin. Please notify us of any language requirements when booking.

Booking is easy:

• Fill in our online enquiry form with your preferred dates and interests.
• Our team will respond within 24 hours with a personalised itinerary and quote.
• Confirm by paying a deposit (30–50% depending on the package).
• Receive your booking confirmation, pre-departure documents and emergency contacts.

You can also call or WhatsApp us directly at +977-9851353994.

We accept the following payment methods:

• Bank transfer (recommended for large amounts)
• eSewa & Khalti (Nepali mobile wallets)
• Credit/Debit card (Visa, Mastercard) via secure gateway
• Cash at our Thamel office
• Western Union / MoneyGram for international transfers

All prices are quoted in NPR. International clients can pay in USD or EUR — we'll provide the equivalent amount based on the current exchange rate.

A deposit of 30–50% of the total package cost is required to confirm a booking. The exact amount depends on the package type and departure date. The remaining balance is due 14 days before departure (or at our office on the day for walk-in bookings).

Our standard cancellation policy:

• 60+ days before departure: Full refund minus bank/admin fees (5%)
• 30–59 days: 70% refund
• 15–29 days: 50% refund
• 7–14 days: 25% refund
• Less than 7 days: No refund (unless due to force majeure)

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance with cancellation cover for added protection.

Yes, modifications are possible subject to availability. Minor changes (hotel upgrades, adding/removing activities) are generally free. Date changes may incur a change fee of NPR 2,500–5,000 plus any additional supplier costs. Please contact us as early as possible if you need to change your booking.

Absolutely! Solo travellers are warmly welcomed on our group departures. We can also arrange single supplement accommodation if you prefer a private room. Many of our past solo travellers have made lifelong friends on our tours and treks. View our upcoming group departures in the International Tours and Nepal Tours sections.

Yes. Upon payment confirmation you will receive an official tax invoice and booking confirmation via email within 2 business hours. This document includes a full breakdown of services, payment terms and emergency contact information.

Nepal can be visited year-round, but the peak seasons are:

• Spring (March–May): Clear skies, rhododendrons in bloom, ideal for trekking and climbing.
• Autumn (September–November): Best overall — post-monsoon clarity, festivals, vibrant landscapes.
• Winter (December–February): Great for lower-altitude cultural tours, Chitwan safari, budget travel.
• Monsoon (June–August): Lush greenery, fewer tourists, suitable for Mustang & Upper Dolpo.

Most nationalities can obtain a Nepal visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu). Current fees:

• 15-day single entry: USD 30
• 30-day single entry: USD 50
• 90-day single entry: USD 125

Indian nationals do not require a visa. You'll need a passport valid for at least 6 months, a passport photo and USD cash. We can assist with pre-arrival visa application via the Nepal government's online portal.

Yes! We offer meet-and-greet airport transfer service from Tribhuvan International Airport. A Raintree representative will be waiting at arrivals with your name board. Transfers are available in clean, air-conditioned private cars, SUVs and minibuses — available 24 hours a day. Please provide your flight details when booking.

Our packages are available in multiple accommodation categories:

• Budget (2–3★): Clean, comfortable guesthouses & budget hotels
• Standard (3–4★): Our most popular — great value mid-range hotels
• Deluxe (4★): Superior rooms, additional facilities
• Luxury (5★): Dwarika's, Hyatt, Marriott, Shangri-La & boutique luxury properties

Accommodation can be upgraded or customised on request.

Nepal is a wonderful family destination! Cultural tours of Kathmandu, Pokhara lakeside activities and Chitwan jungle safaris are excellent for all ages. We design family-friendly itineraries with age-appropriate activities, child-safe hotels and relaxed pacing. We do not recommend high-altitude trekking (above 3,500m) for children under 12.

The EBC trek is a moderate to strenuous challenge requiring good cardiovascular fitness. You don't need mountaineering experience, but you should be able to walk 5–8 hours per day for 12–14 days at altitude. We recommend beginning regular cardio exercise (hiking, running, cycling) at least 8–12 weeks before your departure. Our guides set a comfortable pace and rest days are built in for acclimatisation.

Most treks require a TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System) and a National Park/Conservation Area Permit. For Everest region you need a Sagarmatha National Park permit; for Annapurna, an ACAP permit. Raintree arranges all permits on your behalf — costs are included in our trekking package prices.

Yes. All Raintree trekking guides hold a Government of Nepal trekking guide license issued by the Tourism Ministry. Many are also certified in Wilderness First Aid and High-Altitude Rescue. Our Everest region guides are experienced Sherpas who have completed multiple EBC and summit ascents. Guides carry emergency communication devices and first-aid kits on all treks.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is taken very seriously. Our guides are trained to recognise symptoms and make safety-first decisions. If symptoms are moderate or severe:

• Immediate descent to lower altitude
• Administration of supplemental oxygen (carried on high-altitude treks)
• Helicopter evacuation arranged if required (covered by your travel insurance)

We strongly advise all trekkers above 3,500m to carry appropriate travel insurance with helicopter evacuation cover. We can assist with insurance purchase before departure.

Most popular routes (EBC, Annapurna Circuit) are teahouse treks — you sleep and eat in local guesthouses along the trail. Teahouses offer basic private or dormitory rooms, hot meals and usually Wi-Fi in lower villages. We can also arrange fully supported camping treks for remote routes such as Dolpo, Kangchenjunga and Manaslu. Accommodation quality improves significantly at lodges in Namche Bazaar and Lukla.

The two prime trekking seasons are:

• Spring (March–May): Rhododendrons in full bloom, excellent visibility, warm days. Best for EBC and Annapurna.
• Autumn (September–November): Clearest skies of the year, stable weather, festivals. Most popular season overall.

Winter trekking is possible at lower altitudes. Monsoon season sees lush trails with fewer trekkers — Mustang is ideal in this period.

Yes — through Raintree Treks & Expedition we organise full expedition management for peaks from Island Peak (6,189m) and Mera Peak to the highest Himalayan summits including Everest (8,849m). Services include NMA permits, climbing Sherpas, base camp logistics, oxygen, high-altitude tents, fixed-line ropes, cook teams and medical support. Contact us for a bespoke expedition quote.

We offer 14+ international tour packages including:

• 🇦🇪 Dubai – NPR 1,18,000 (4N/5D)
• 🇪🇺 Europe – NPR 3,25,000 (6N/7D)
• 🇸🇬 Singapore – NPR 1,35,000 (4N/5D)
• 🇹🇭 Thailand – NPR 95,000 (4N/5D)
• 🇲🇻 Maldives – NPR 1,65,000 (3N/4D)
• 🇯🇵 Japan – NPR 2,85,000 (6N/7D)
• 🇧🇦 Bali – NPR 1,10,000 (4N/5D)
• And many more…

All prices include international flights from Kathmandu unless stated otherwise. View all packages.

Most of our international packages include return international airfare from Kathmandu (TIA). This is clearly marked in each package description. If you prefer to arrange your own flights, we can provide a land-only price. Please confirm with us at the time of enquiry.

Our group tours typically operate with a minimum of 8–10 passengers and a maximum of 20. If your group doesn't fill the minimum, we may combine you with other travellers or offer a small-group supplement. We also offer private departures for families and groups who prefer exclusive itineraries — contact us for a private group quote.

Typically Included:

• Return international airfare from Kathmandu
• Hotel accommodation (twin/double sharing)
• Daily breakfast (some packages: half board)
• Airport transfers at destination
• Guided sightseeing as per itinerary
• English-speaking tour leader

Typically Excluded:

• Nepal departure tax
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
• Personal shopping & expenses
• Optional activities not in itinerary
• Tips for guides/drivers (appreciated)

Absolutely. All our packages can be fully customised — extend the duration, upgrade hotels, add destinations, combine multiple countries or create a completely bespoke itinerary from scratch. Contact our team with your wishlist and we'll craft the perfect personalised quote.

Yes. Our dedicated visa assistance team helps with documentation, cover letters, appointment booking and application guidance for Schengen (Europe), UAE (Dubai), UK, USA, Japan, Singapore, Thailand and many other destinations. We have a very high visa success rate. Please note that we guide and assist — visa decisions are made by the respective embassies.

Common Schengen visa requirements for Nepali applicants:

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity, 2 blank pages)
• Recent passport-size photographs
• Confirmed hotel bookings and travel itinerary
• Return air tickets
• Bank statement (6 months, minimum balance varies)
• Employment verification or business registration
• Travel insurance (minimum €30,000 cover)
• Cover letter explaining the purpose of travel

Requirements vary by country of application. Our visa team will provide a complete, personalised checklist.

Processing times vary:

• UAE (Dubai): 3–5 working days (online visa)
• Thailand / Singapore / Bali: 5–10 working days
• Schengen (Europe): 15–30 working days
• UK / USA: 4–12 weeks (interview required)
• Japan: 5–10 working days

We recommend applying at least 6–8 weeks before your departure date for European and US visas.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all travellers and mandatory for high-altitude trekking above 4,000m (for helicopter evacuation cover). A good travel insurance policy should cover:

• Emergency medical expenses
• Helicopter evacuation (for trekkers)
• Trip cancellation and curtailment
• Lost or delayed baggage
• Personal liability

We can recommend trusted insurers and assist with purchase. Most Schengen visa applications also require proof of insurance.

No vaccinations are mandatory for entry into Nepal. However, the following are recommended by most travel health clinics:

• Hepatitis A and B
• Typhoid
• Tetanus-diphtheria
• Rabies (especially for long-term travellers)
• Japanese Encephalitis (if visiting rural areas in summer)
• Routine vaccines (MMR, flu, COVID as required)

Please consult your doctor or a travel health clinic at least 4–6 weeks before departure.

Tap water in Nepal is not safe to drink. Always drink bottled water, use water purification tablets or a SteriPen (UV purifier), or boil water before drinking. On treks, filtered or boiled water is available at teahouses. We encourage travellers to use a reusable bottle with a filter to reduce plastic waste. Hotels in Kathmandu provide safe drinking water in rooms.

Basic medical clinics exist in Namche Bazaar (EBC route) and Manang (Annapurna). The Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) operates altitude sickness clinics in these villages during trekking seasons. Kathmandu has several well-equipped international hospitals (CIWEC, Norvic, Grande). In an emergency, helicopter evacuation can reach most trekking areas within 30–60 minutes, which is why insurance is essential.

Nepal is widely considered one of the safest countries in Asia for travellers. Crime against tourists is rare. The main risks are related to altitude, terrain and natural weather on trekking routes — all of which are effectively managed with proper preparation and a qualified guide. Kathmandu's Thamel district is very safe and traveller-friendly. As with any destination, basic precautions apply — secure your valuables and stay on marked trails. Our team provides a comprehensive safety briefing before every departure.