TRAVEL INSURANCE
Proof of travel insurance is mandatory before starting the trek. Standard policies often only cover medical evacuation to 4000m so make sure the policy you get covers up to 6000m. We usually suggest World Nomads which costs around $125. You only need to be covered on the policy for the days you will actually be trekking.
EXTRA COSTS AND EXCLUSIONS
Our trekking packages are all inclusive but we suggest that you budget between $300 and $400 for extra expenditures on your trip. These include:
Nepal entry visa ($40 USD)
Sleeping Bag Rental $12 and Down Jacket $12 if needed.
All the meals are included on the trek but we only include breakfast while you are in Kathmandu.
We suggest a tip for the guide and porter after the trek - Plan on a at least $80 (more will be appreciated).
We dont include drinking water on the trek which you can buy a number of places for between $1 and $3 a bottle (it gets more expensive towards base camp). A better solution is to buy water tablets in Kathmandu for around $2 and treat the water (your guide can help you find the good places to fill your water bottle).
The other things not included on the trek are like Wifi, charging batteries and hot showers. Wifi is available in some tea houses for $3 to $5 an hour. Hot Showers are also available in a few for around $4 and charging costs about $1.50 an hour.
Unforeseen cost due to flight cancellation, weather conditions etc. You are responsible for extra hotel nights ($30/night) and meals in Kathmandu for any extra days in Nepal due to flight delays.
FLIGHT DELAYS IN LUKLA/KATHMANDU
The flight between Kathmandu and Lukla where the trek starts is generally reliable but if the weather is bad all flights will be canceled for the day. In the event the flight is cancelled we will attempt to get you on a chartered helicopter but you are responsible for the extra costs in this event which can range from $150 to $500 or more depending on the number of people on the flight.
We schedule one extra day into the trek already as a buffer day in case of delays but as flights can at times be delayed for several days we suggest you add a couple of extra days at the end of your trip in case of any delays. Extra days should always be scheduled at the end of the trip and not the start.
SOLO TRAVELERS
We generally don't charge solo travelers any extra fees. Solo travelers can expect their own hotel room in Kathmandu but will need to share a room with other group members during the trek. If availability allows we will arrange private rooms on the trek as well upon request. If you are a solo travelers and planning and not joining one of our group treks you will be charged an extra $15 a day for a porter.
CANCELLATION POLICIES
We understand things happen and plans change and will refund your fund minus a 25% cancelation fee. Once we have booked your flight between Kathmandu and Lukla your deposit is non-refundable. If your travel dates change we can generally reschedule you at no extra charge, but please provide at least 7 days advance notice.
Its sometimes the case that trekkers finish ahead of schedule or they end up stopping a trek early for health or personal reasons. If this is the case please understand that we can not offer any refunds for unused days on the trek. Please understand that our costs are the same as we have an obligation to pay our guides and porters for the time they have committed.
DEPOSITE AND PAYMENTS
Once services and price have been agreed and a booking is to be secured then a non refundable
deposit of 25% of the total cost per person of your holiday must be paid at the AboveandBeyond office
in Kathmandu at the time of booking the trip. The balance payment need not be paid until your arrival
in Kathmandu. Or if you would like to pay the total amount of the trip at the
same time rather than carrying cash with you, that's also possible. For Bank Transfers, your invoice
confirmation will be sent once we verify that we received the funds. Credit Card payments are subjected
to a 3.75% fee for the bank. We suggest you pay with a major currency in Nepal. If you pay with a
credit card in Nepal we are required to charge a fee of 13% to cover local taxes and transaction
fees. All treks are run and operated by Above & Beyond Trekking Pvt. Ltd a local Nepal based
company.
CURRENCY
All trip costs are shown in USD. If you are paying a remaining balance in local currency we will calculate the amount based on current exchange rates as per the website - xe.com.
PASSPORTS AND VISAS (NEPAL)
The following are applicable visa fees upon entering Nepal. Ensure that you carry the funds with you before entering the country. A blank passport page and a passport size photo is also required for the application at time of entry. We suggest you bring the photo with you although they can be obtained on arrival for a small fee.
US Dollars 25 or other convertible foreign currency equivalent thereto for 15 days
US Dollars 40 or other convertible foreign currency equivalent thereto for 30 days
US Dollars 100 or other convertible foreign currency equivalent thereto for 90 days
If you have more questions don't hesitate to ask us or you can reference the official publication from the Nepal Visa Office.
HAVE A PROBLEM?
We want to help. If you are facing any difficulties either before you arrive or once you are on your trek please let us know as soon as possible so we can provide a solution. Our goal is to make sure you have the best trip possible and leave the headaches at home!