Tailored add-ons in Nepal trips refer to customizable essentials that enhance and personalize your travel experience, allowing you to align your journey with specific interests, preferences, and schedules. These add-ons can be combined into various types of trips, including trekking, expedition, climbing, cultural tours, wildlife safaris, and adventure activities.

Tailored add-ons include:

Customized Accommodations: Choose from a range of lodging options, from luxury hotels to homestays, to match your comfort and budget preferences. Upgrade your stay to accommodation featuring attached bathrooms during your trek. Enjoy additional comfort at select stops (start US$20/night during the trekking & start US$40/night in Kathmandu).

Porter/Sherpa Service: Let our skilled porters carry your gear so you can focus on the breathtaking beauty of the Nepal Himalaya. Each porter can transport up to 25 kg and can be shared by two trekkers. The cost per day US$ 22.

Helicopter: Flight in mountain areas depends on weather so you can...

Accommodation Manaslu trekking:

Single/Twin-sharing room with wooden beds, foam mattresses, and blankets (bring a sleeping bag for extra warmth/hygiene). Most of the place have shared toilets (usually Asian-style squat or Western toilets). Some of the place has attached toiled. Hot showers available (on extra cost). Higher up, hot water is scarce.

Meals:

During the hotel/Guest house trekking, there are international menu so you can choose whatever you like. During the camping, our cook prepare the meals as your interest. Camping treks in Nepal offer a blend of traditional Nepali cuisine and familiar comfort foods, ensuring that trekkers are well-nourished and energized throughout their journey.

Breakfast: Porridge/Oatmeal (often with honey, fruits, or nuts), eggs (fried, scrambled, or omelets with veggies), Pancakes or Tibetan Bread (served with jam, honey, or peanut butter), Muesli/Cornflakes (with hot or cold milk), Tea/Coffee (black, milk tea, or ginger lemon honey tea) etc.

Lunch: Dal Bhat (Nepali staple: lentil soup,...

Here’s a traveling from Kathmandu to Sotikhola to Machhe Khola to popular trailhead options for the Manaslu Circuit trek:

Kathmandu to Machhekhola/Sotikhola appro. 160KM

Public Bus (Kathmandu to Machhe Khola via Sotikhola – Appro 160KM) Departure point: New Bus Park (Machhapokhari/Gongabu), around 6–8 AM Route: Kathmandu to Dhading Besi to Arughat to Sotikhola to MachheKhola Travel time: 9–12 hours Note: Buses are local; expect stops, crowding, rough/unpaved roads past Sotikhola. May you need to change the bus in Aarkhet bazar or Sotikhola.

Private Jeep / 4WD Capacity: 6–7 passengers; great if in a group Travel time: To Sotikhola: 4–7 hours and Full journey to MachheKhola: 6–8 hours Advantage: Comfortable, flexible departures, breaks for meals/photos, better handling of rough roads.

Dharapani to Besisahar 35KM

Local (Shared) Jeep Departure: Leaves frequently (usually every hour once full) directly from Dharapani Route: 35 km along the newly paved Army-built mountain road Travel Time: About 5–6 hours

Private Jeep Capacity: Seats 5–7 passengers Travel Time: Faster—around 4–5 hours–6 hours Note: The road...

General Climate Overview

Hilly Region (Mid-Hills & Valleys)

Climate: Mild and temperate Cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara experience: Summer: 19°C – 35°C Winter: 2°C – 12°C Pleasant weather year-round, with occasional winter chills and summer showers

Mountain Region (High Himalayas)

Climate: Alpine to Arctic Summer: Cool to cold, depending on altitude Winter: Severe cold with frequent snowfall Temperatures can drop below -20°C at high passes and base camps Monsoon rains are lighter, but weather remains unpredictable

Nepal experiences four distinct seasons, each offering different trekking experiences:

Autumn (September–November)

Best trekking season Clear skies, excellent mountain views. Warm days, cold nights (as low as -10°C at high altitudes). Ideal for long and high-altitude treks.

Winter (December–February)

Cold and snowy, especially above 3,000 m High passes often closed: Thorong-La, Ganja-La, Chola, Renjo-La, etc. Best for lower-altitude treks in the middle hills Short days, brilliant sunshine

Spring (March–May) Second-best trekking season

Warm days, occasional snow at high altitudes Rhododendron bloom and abundant birdlife Hazy views in late spring due to dust and smoke...

Manaslu & Tsum Valley Trekking Permit

To trek in Nepal's Manaslu region, you'll need specific permits due to its restricted status and conservation areas.

Mandatory Permits

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit Cost: Sep–Nov (peak): $100 (first 7 days) + $15/additional day Dec–Aug (off-peak): $75 (first 7 days) + $10/additional day Validity: Date-specific; covers Jagat to Dharapani. Rules: Solo trekking prohibited; requires a registered agency and licensed guide. Guide mandatory: Solo trekking is prohibited; a licensed guide is compulsory

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP):

Foreigners: NPR 3,000 (Approx. $25 USD) SAARC nationals (India, Bangladesh, etc.): NPR 1,000 (∼$7.50 USD) Nepali citizens: Free. Validity: Single entry, no time limit per trek (e.g., 30 days for Annapurna Circuit). Purpose: Funds conservation, trail maintenance, and community projects. Exemptions: Children under 10 Validity: Covers Soti Khola to Samagaun; no daily fees 10.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP):

Foreigners: NPR 3,000 (Approx. $25 USD) SAARC nationals (India, Bangladesh, etc.): NPR 1,000 (∼$7.50 USD) Nepali citizens: Free. Validity: Single entry, no time limit per trek...

Asian Hiking Team’s trekking Guides are professionals with recognized records of honesty and personal integrity, committed to environmentally responsible trekking practices that minimize ecological impact.

Asian Hiking Team trekking guide duties are to navigate trails, ensure safety, explain local culture/history, arrange permits/accommodations, monitor altitude sickness, and manage logistics. Our guide is fluency in English (and other languages), first aid certification, cultural knowledge, and government licensing. Require Nepal Government licensing, formal training (e.g., Nepal Academy of Tourism/NATHM), first aid certification, and language proficiency. Our guide is friendly, professional, and well-mannered. Trained in customer service, problem-solving, and group handling.

Asian Hiking Team porter: Porters duties is carrying trekker luggage (max 20–25 kg), transport equipment, and assist with camp setup. Physical endurance, basic trail familiarity, and teamwork. Most speak minimal English. No formal credentials, but reputable agencies ensure health checks, basic safety training, and gear provision etc.

Asian Hiking Team Porter-Guides: Porter guide is carrying light...

Trekking in Nepal is categorized into grades based on altitude, terrain difficulty, remoteness, and daily walking hours. The most widely used grading system includes Easy, Moderate, Strenuous, and Challenging.

Easy (Grade A)

Altitude: Up to 3,000 meters (9,800 ft) Walking Hours: Max 3–5 hours per day Terrain: Well-established trails, gentle ascents/descents, minimal steep sections. Who is it for? Beginners, families, or those with limited time seeking cultural experiences and Himalayan views.

Moderate (Grade B)

Altitude: 3,000–4,500 meters (9,800–14,700 ft) Walking Hours: Max 7 hours per day Terrain: Mixed trails with some steep climbs and high passes, moderate altitude gain. Who is it for? Trekkers with average fitness and some prior hiking experience.

Strenuous (Grade C)

Altitude: 4,500–5,500 meters (14,700–18,000 ft) Walking Hours: Max. 8 hours per day, often for 2–3 weeks Terrain: Remote, rugged trails with high passes; risk of altitude sickness increases. Who is it for? Fit trekkers with prior multi-day trekking experience, able to handle high altitude.

Challenging (Grade D)

Altitude:...

Trekking in the Himalayas poses risks of Altitude Sickness (AMS). The body needs time to acclimatize to higher altitudes, a process known as acclimatization.

Types of Altitude Illnesses (Acute Mountain Sickness, AMS) High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): Fluid in the lungs High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE): Swelling of the brain High Altitude Retinal Hemorrhage (HARH): Bleeding in the retina

Common Symptoms: Headache Nausea, loss of appetite Sleep disturbance Dizziness, mild weakness Swelling of hands and face

Severe Symptoms (Seek Immediate Descent): Severe, persistent headache Shortness of breath at rest Confusion, loss of coordination Bluish lips or face Coughing blood-tinged sputum Coma or unconsciousness

Prevention Tips: Drink 4–5 liters of fluids daily (avoid alcohol) Ascend slowly and rest if symptoms appear Avoid sleeping at a higher altitude if symptoms persist Take Diamox (consult your doctor) before flying to altitude

Food & Water Safety

In Nepal, water and food contamination are common causes of illness.

Do: Drink boiled, filtered, or bottled water Eat thoroughly cooked meals Wash fruits/vegetables before eating Boil milk or ensure it’s purified

Avoid: Uncooked or undercooked foods Tap...

Asian Hiking Team strongly recommend that you take out trip cancellation, air ambulance/helicopter rescue insurance. You should be aware that some policies do not include, or restrict, cover for this type of travel. You must ensure that the policy you do take provides an adequate level of protection and covers you for the activities involved.

You must carry proof of insurance (e.g. your insurance certificate) with you on the holiday; if you cannot provide this at the start of the holiday, you will be required to take out a suitable policy at that time. If this is not done or impossible for practical reasons, then you will not be allowed to continue with our trekking/climbing trips and will not be entitled to any refund for services not provided. Your insurance must include emergency air ambulance/helicopter rescue services.

Recommended Insurance Company in Nepal (Only for Nepali)

Neco Insurance Co Ltd. - www.necoinsurance.com.np Sagarmatha Insurance...

NTC SIM cards work in most areas along the Manaslu trekking route; however, network coverage is unavailable during the climbing sectionIn case of emergencies, a satellite phone is used for communication.

Landline and mobile phone services are available in Nepal. The network covers Kathmandu, major cities and towns and most of Nepal, except some rural Himalayan places. The Nepal Telecommunications Corporation is the national service supplier. There are also private service suppliers such as Hotels and private communication centres also provide long distance telephone, internet and fax facilities. You can get SIM card either NTC or N Cell with data to use the internet. The price for SIM card US$ 1, and you need to recharge as you require. You can buy a SIM card inside the airport or anywhere in Kathmandu or major cities. You need to bring a passport copy with Nepali visa and one passport size picture.

Internet Services:...

Credit cards like American Express, Master and Visa are accepted at major hotels, shops, Travel Company and restaurants. 3.5 to 4 percent of the total amount may be converted by the bank. ATMs are widely in use such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan-Sauraha, Bhairahawa, Namche, Lukla, Jomsom, Nepaljung, Biratnagar, Lumbini and other major cities and district head office.

All major cities or touristic place have money changer or Exchanger counter or Bank exchange counter. Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) provide service for exchanging foreign currency too.

At Asian Hiking Team, we believe that every journey should be both transformative for the traveler and respectful to the host environment and communities. Responsible tourism isn’t just a practice—it’s a core value that shapes how we operate, lead tours, and engage with people and places.

Environmental Responsibility

We are committed to minimizing the environmental impact of our operations while encouraging a greener way of traveling.

Our eco-conscious practices include:

Limiting group sizes to a maximum of 20 to reduce environmental pressure. Using stainless steel mugs for tea/coffee to reduce single-use waste. Relying on gas for cooking instead of wood fires, preserving forests. Carrying out waste from high altitudes for proper city disposal. Avoiding the use of soap near natural water sources. Using reusable containers and encouraging travelers to bring their own refillable water bottles. Leaving campsites cleaner than we found them. Encouraging minimal water usage, especially in high-altitude regions. Preventing trail damage by staying on established routes and avoiding...