❓ Nepal Trekking FAQ: 18 Honest Answers Every First-Time Trekker Needs to Know

You’ve booked your flight. You’ve seen the mountains in your dreams.

But as your trek gets closer, the questions come fast:
“Do I need a guide?”
“What if I get sick?”
“Is it going to be really hard?”

This is your real-world, field-tested FAQ about trekking in Nepal — built from thousands of conversations with trekkers just like you.

1. 🗓️ What’s the Best Month to Trek in Nepal?

• Best overall: October–November (crisp skies, cool weather)

• Second best: March–April (flowers, fewer crowds)

• Avoid: June–September (monsoon) unless you're trekking in Mustang

2. 🤕 Will I Get Altitude Sickness?

Maybe — but you can prevent it.

• Go slow (300–500m max gain/day above 3,000m)

• Drink 3–4L water/day

• Avoid alcohol above 2,500m

• Talk to your guide immediately if you feel headache, nausea, insomnia

💊 Many trekkers carry Diamox (acetazolamide) just in case — ask your doctor first.

3. 🎫 Do I Need Trekking Permits?

Yes. The type depends on your region:

RegionPermitsEverestTIMS + Sagarmatha National ParkAnnapurnaTIMS + ACAPManaslu, Nar Phu, TsumRestricted Area Permit + guide + group minimumLangtangTIMS + Langtang NP

108Escapes handles all permits when you book a trek.

4. 🧳 Can I Rent Trekking Gear in Kathmandu?

Yes — and it’s affordable.

• Down jacket: ~$1.50/day

• Sleeping bag: ~$1.50/day

• Trekking poles: ~$1/day

📍 Rental shops are clustered around Thamel.

5. 💵 How Much Cash Should I Carry?

Bring enough cash for the whole trek — no ATMs past major towns.

Estimate:

• ~$25–40/day (meals, room, snacks)

• Extra for tips, showers, charging, beer, etc.

💡 US dollars or euros can be exchanged in Kathmandu. ATMs charge ~$5 fee/withdrawal.

6. 📶 Is There Wi-Fi or Mobile Signal on the Trek?

• In Everest: Yes, till Dingboche (EverestLink cards)

• In Annapurna: Yes, in Ghorepani, Ghandruk, ABC

• In Langtang & Manaslu: Patchy or none

👉 Buy an Ncell SIM at the airport with 5GB+ data. Don’t expect signal after Day 3.

7. 🧼 How Often Can I Shower?

• Every 2–3 days in most regions

• Hot = ~$3–5, cold = usually free

• In remote treks: sponge bath or wet wipes!

8. ⛰️ Do I Need to Train?

You don’t need to be an athlete — but do:

• Walk 3–4x/week with a loaded daypack

• Build stamina on stairs, hills, or 5–10km hikes

• Focus on endurance, not speed

9. 🛌 Where Do I Sleep on a Trek?

In tea houses — simple, cozy mountain lodges.

Expect:

• Twin beds

• Shared bathrooms

• Meals cooked fresh in a communal kitchen

• Friendly hosts and other trekkers around the stove

10. 🎒 How Heavy Is My Pack?

If you carry your own: 10–12kg max
If using a porter: You’ll carry a 5–8kg daypack

Porters carry ~20–25kg (shared between 2 trekkers).

11. 🚁 What If There's an Emergency?

Your guide will:

• Monitor symptoms

• Use satellite phone or get help from nearest checkpoint

• Arrange helicopter evacuation if needed (insurance required)

💡 Get travel insurance that includes high-altitude evacuation (World Nomads, Global Rescue, etc.)

12. 🧘 Will I Be Alone on the Trail?

Never truly. You’ll always pass other trekkers, yaks, guides, monks, and porters.

Even remote treks (like Manaslu) offer quiet, not isolation.

13. 🍛 What Will I Eat?

The classic: Dal Bhat – rice, lentils, veggies, pickles — refills included.

Also available:

• Momos (dumplings)

• Pasta, fried rice, noodles

• Tibetan bread + honey

• Pancakes, porridge, tea, coffee

🍫 Bring your own chocolate or protein bars for energy boosts.

14. 🥾 What Are the Best Beginner Treks?

• Poon Hill (5 days)

• Langtang Valley (7 days)

• Mardi Himal (6 days)

• Helambu (5 days)

👉 Short, scenic, lower altitude.

15. 🧡 What Makes Nepal Trekking So Special?

It’s not just the views — it’s the spirit of the place.

• Sherpa smiles

• Stone trails older than time

• Sunrise over mountains you can’t pronounce

You’ll arrive thinking it’s about hiking.
You’ll leave knowing it was about transformation.

🔚 Final Thought: There Are No Bad Questions — Just Unasked Ones

Still wondering something?

Don’t guess. Don’t worry. Ask us.

📣 Still Curious?

👉 Chat With a Trek Advisor
👉 See Our Trekking Preparation Guide