DISCOVER ASIA TRAVEL- TRIP PREPARATION GUIDE FOR YOUR JOURNEYS IN ASIA:

DISCOVER ASIA TRAVEL CO., LTD. is committed to provide its clients with quality tourism programs, reliable services by professional staff, quality equipment for reliability, and highest standard of safety while on the tour. We believe that preparing a client before every trip with quality information and guidelines is the key factor in avoiding any inconvenience once the journey has begun. Thus, we have put together the following information to help you prepare for your journey with us in Southeast Asia, the Himalayas and beyond. This trip preparation guide gives you specific to general information on physical to mental fitness, equipment, medical, visa and other useful information concerning how to get ready for a classic tour or for an adventure trek in the Himalayas. We hope this information helps you.

SELECTING A TRIP FOR YOU:
Trekking in the Himalayas is fun, but it is adventurous, strenuous and physically challenging. If you sign up for a trek that you cannot handle physically, you will have very hard time completing it. Therefore, you should carefully select a trek that you are capable of doing it if trekking is your plan. We offer trekking in the Himalayas in three different grades (Easy, Moderate and Strenuous). In Thailand and in the Mekong Sub-Region countries, we offer tour programs that are suited for every level of fitness. However, trekking and adventurous outdoor activities require special attention no matter where it is, whether in the Himalayas or in the rainforests. We want you to have fun when you are on a tour with us.
To help us select a tour suited for you, please tell us about your outdoor experience and the type of tour you are interested in so that we can help you to select the best trip for you in Asia. Please feel free to ask for any question or help.

IF GOING ON SIGHTSEEING TOURS, PLEASE IGNORE THE FITNESS REQUIREMENTS INCLUDING THE TREKKING & RAFTING EUIPMENT: The above fitness guide is designed for adventure trekkers to Nepal, India, Tibet and Bhutan particularly those going on long duration treks in the Himalayas. These fitness exercises are not required if you are going on sightseeing tours that does not involve trekking or traveling to Thailand or Southeast Asia, where strenuous trekking is not required. However, the better shape you are in the more you will enjoy any trip you undertake.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL FITNESS:
MENTAL FITNESS: When you are on our tours in Asia, particularly the ecotour activities in the remote areas, you are traveling in an exotic and underdeveloped part of the world, where the local people have a totally different outlook on life, but remember that this is the main reason for going on a foreign tour! Do not always expect things to happen on time as they do at home. In developing countries, transportation, communication and other facilities are often strained and delays can occur frequently. Just relax, take things at ease, and keep an open mind. Such attitudes would enable to reap rewards in excess of ones' expectations. You will enjoy your trip even more if you learn about the country you are visiting before your departure.

PHYSICAL FITNESS: Since the theme behind most of our trip is adventure, the healthier you are, the more easily you will adjust to and enjoy your trip. Now, we are not looking for athletes to compete; in fact, the ages of our clients ranged from age 7 to 75 plus, but the degree of difficulty does vary widely, and it is most important that you select an appropriate level for yourself. Obviously, the degree of fitness required for each trip varies according to the activity involved. On most rafting trips, for example, you need not be as fit as you would need to be for a trek.

We recommend that, for at least three months prior to departure, you do something strenuous everyday, preferably related to the nature of your intended expedition, such as walking, hiking and cycling. The above exercise is recommended if you are planning to go on our adventure tours in the Himalayas. On the other hand, our tours in Southeast Asia do not require any of the above exercises unless your trip involves trekking through rugged tropical forests. However, the better shape you are in, the more you will enjoy whatever adventure tour you take wherever you travel. Fitness is a total concept of good health, and must be planned and maintained. And of course, trekking in the Himalayas is not only adventure and exploration but also the best exercise!

MEDICAL INFORMATION:
All travelers should consult their physician or local health official for an update on vaccination requirements. For our higher-altitude treks, a medical questionnaire signed by a physician is required. If you are planning on doing a high-altitude trek or journey, be sure to get a medical questionnaire and high-altitude Sickness Supplement from us.

CHOLERA, TYPHOID, TETANUS AND HEPATITIS:
None of these shots is compulsory for your entry into Thailand or Nepal, but we strongly recommend that you get the appropriate inoculations of boosters before traveling to safeguard against hepatitis, the Gamma-globulin injection should be taken as close as possible to your departure.

These days a Meningitis Vaccination is also recommended before your entry to Nepal and it should be obtained two weeks before your departure.

MALARIA:
Tours around the well cared city centers and the beaches may not have malaria and one need not to worry about these areas. But anyone intending to visit the remote jungles of Thailand, Laos, and other countries in the region as well as the lowlands of Nepal, such as Chitwan Jungle National Park, and India, should be aware of the fact that Malaria exist in these areas. Please consult your doctor about taking any preventative inoculations or other form of medication for Malaria. Chloroquine is one of the medications that requires a prescription and you should start taking it two weeks before commencing your trip and continue for six weeks after your return. These are only guidelines for your preparation. Thus, you must take advise from your doctor for specific questions.

MEDICAL CHECK-UP:
For some expeditions a medical certificate is required. If you receive one from us, please complete it and return it to us as soon as possible after booking. If one is required and you have not returned it to us at Discover Asia Travel or our office in Nepal before your departure, you will not be allowed to join the trip.
Even if a medical certificate is not required, it is good idea to consult your doctor before undertaking any tour involving strenuous physical activity.

MEDICAL SUPPLIES:
On most long treks and expeditions, we take a fully-stocked medical kit with us. If you regularly need or use any medical supplies, you should bring them with you, (e.g., aspirin, throat-lozenges, sunburn-cream, bandages, or prescribed drugs). We recommend that you keep a copy of your doctor's prescription with you and that all such materials be clearly labeled. Moreover, be sure to bring enough for the duration of your travels. You should also carry an extra pair of prescription glasses or contact lenses.

TEETH:
Modern dentistry is easily found in Major city centers in Thailand. But unknown in many of the areas visited in the Himalayas except Khumbu (Everest) Region and in the big cities. So, please have a check-up before departure. Tooth-fillings sometimes come loose in cold temperatures and at high altitudes. So, you should also have those checked carefully and do not forget to buy a first aid kit for teeth; it should be handy, easy to carry and use.

CLOTHING FOR TROPICAL DESTINATIONS / THAILAND:
Thailand being a tropical country, you do not need to bring warm clothes. You should bring thin long sleeved shirts and pants to avoid mosquito or insect bites when hiking through jungles, hiking-shorts, light-hiking shoes, T-shirts, windbreakers, hats, a pair of sunglasses, flash-light, and suntan cream. Bring mosquito or insect repellents if your are going on our outdoor tours in Southeast Asia that involve walking through jungles and camping out at night. When you are going on our tours in the islands in Thailand, please remember to bring with you a good set of beach clothes such as swimsuit, beach sandals, paddle-jackets, windbreakers, a baseball or a wide-brim hat, a flashlight, sunglasses, extra pair of prescription glasses if you use them, suntan cream, and any other clothing you might think necessary. For women a thin sarong is essential which can be picked up for minimum price at any shop. We provide tents, thin cotton blankets and foam pads to sleep on both on beaches and on short camping trips or overnight kayak tours. We do not provide sleeping bags. Thus, please bring your own if you feel necessary. It is important that you have the appropriate equipment for all the outdoor tours you undertake with us.

CLOTHING FOR THE HIMALAYAN DESTINATIONS:
It is very frustrating to be uncomfortable, inconvenienced or unable to do all you want because of improper equipment, and, of course, it can even be dangerous. Pack your things carefully following the list below. Do not overload yourself or the porters, but do make sure that what you bring is suitable. Waterproof Duffel bags for the trek should weigh not more than 15 kilos or 33 pounds.

Keep in mind the fact that the Everest base camp trek, trek in Tibet and northern Bhutan mountains destinations are very cold among all the treks offered. On most treks and river-trips, we can provide you with a mat, sleeping bag and tent. Thus, there is no need for you to purchase any expensive equipment if you do not use it again. If you prefer, you may of course, bring your own equipment. However, there is also quite a good selection of gear available in Kathmandu for sale or rent in trekking shops which have been acquired from previous expeditions. We can help you if you want to obtain such equipment in Kathmandu after your arrival.

LUGGAGE:
ONE LARGE DUFFEL-BAG: This will hold all your personal items on the trek. It should be strong and durable, preferably a nylon bag about 30 inch by 14 inch with a full-length zipper and handle.
1 SMALL PADLOCK: Your duffel-bag should be locked!

ONE RUCKSACK OR DAYPACK: This will be able to accommodate a sweater, rain wear, water-bottle, camera, accessories, and any other miscellaneous items which you may need during the day. We recommend a pack with a capacity of at least 1 cubic foot (slightly smaller if you do not have any camera equipment).

ONE SMALL DUFFEL-BAG OR SUITCASE: Items not needed on the trek can be left in this at your hotel in Katmandu. So, it should also have a lock. Be sure to leave enough room for any souvenir purchases, or better still, have an extra fold-up bag with you.

EQUIPMENT FOR TREKKING IN THE HIMALAYAS:
(Add these items to the river equipment list)
Down or Fiber Fill Jacket: At night the temperature can fall to well below freezing at high altitudes and it can also be cold and windy at any time. During the winter months, you must have these items. So, pack a good, warm jacket.
1 or 2 long sleeved woolen, flannel, cotton or polypropylene shirts.
1 extra pair of knickers, hiking or pile pants.
2-3 pairs of heavy socks, woolen or polypro.
4 pairs of lightweight cotton socks.
1 woolen or polypro hat.
1 pair of light medium-weight hiking boots with good-grip soles with ankle support. One pair of running shoe is optional for lower elevation treks.
1 pair of woolen and gortex-gloves.

MORE ABOUT TREKKING BOOTS:
Your boots and auxiliary footwear are probably the most important items that you will take to Nepal or on any Himalayan trek. On a trek, your life revolves around your feet. Blisters caused by improperly fitted or insufficiently broken-in boots are among the most common and painful problems encountered along the trail. If you are buying a new pair of boots, make sure that a qualified salesperson gives you proper guidance in determining the fit. Do not buy any boots unless you are permitted to return them after wearing for several hours around your house.

If you have new boots, wear them for a while everyday for at least a month before you depart until you are able to wear them comfortably for a full active day. Even boots that you have owned for years can sometimes produce blisters when subject to the amount of walking you will do in Nepal/the Himalayas. So, limber-up your boots and feet with lots of hiking before your departure.

New boots or old, everyone should bring a good supply of "moleskin" adhesive pads or "second skin" for protecting blisters and sore spots. Water-proof your boots with several coats of snow-seal or other sealant before departure; you will have to cross streams and possibly walk through snow on part of your trek.

Be sure to have another comfortable pair of running or walking-shoes with for lowland hiking. A sensible precaution is to either wear your boots or carry them with you on flight to Nepal or Tibet.

Also, make sure that your boots cover your ankle and are designed for trekking. However, this should not be mistaken with a mountain climbing boot. One can not trek with a mountain climbing boot!

Should your luggage be misrouted or delayed, almost everything can be replaced or substituted at short notice-except a pair of well-fitted or broken-in boots!

EQUIPMENT FOR WHITE WATER RIVER TRIPS:
Light cotton T-shirts (long and short-sleeved), swimsuit, hiking-shorts, heavy shirt, wool polypro sweater, cotton pile pants/light hiking-pants, paddle-jackets, windbreaker, river hat (wide-brim) wool or polypro socks, poncho, rainwear, tennis-shoes, 2 pairs of thongs (wet/dry), one bandanna, (plus any other clothing you might think necessary).

GENERAL GEAR:
Two pairs of sunglasses with straps, toiletries, personal first aid kit and medications, flashlight and batteries, candle-lantern, suntan cream, lip-screen and lotion, water-bottle, iodine tablets or water-purifiers, plastic bags, stuff-snacks, repair-kit (needle and threads).

CLOTHING FOR CHITWAN JUNGLE TRIPS:
The seasons in Chitwan Jungle National Park runs from mid September till June. The weather is delightful, with warm and sunny days (60F-80F). November till February, the mornings are covered with heavy mist while evenings are cool.

Dress can be completely casual during the day as well as in the evening. Jungle colors are the least disturbing and increase your chances of seeing game. We therefore suggest neutral colors such as beige, brown, khaki and green. Sunglasses and sun-hats are essential items when outside the jungle. We recommend comfortable clothes and shoes made for easy walking. Summer clothing with a single sweater will suffice for the months from March to June, September and October. Rainwear should also be carried for the pre and post monsoon periods of May, June, September and early October. From November till February, sweaters and warm jackets will be needed for the evenings.

EXPLANATION OF EQUIPMENT:
Packing required for a river trip is similar to that for a camping or backpacking trip, with the exception of clothing to be worn on the river. The air temperature will be warm and the water temperature cool. If it is fair and warm, one should wear a swimsuit and or nylon running shorts, sunglasses and hat, tennis shoe and woolen socks or wet suit booties.

OTHER CLOTHING:
All equipment should be comfortable; long pants, hiking shorts, a selection of long and short-sleeved T-shirts, shirts, a jacket, sweater etceteras. If you are wearing tennis shoes on the river during the day, bring an extra pair for camping. Nights can be quite cool at higher elevations.

SLEEPING GEAR:
Sleeping bag is provided only for camping treks. Please note that a sleeping bag is not provided for every trek. This information will be confirmed at the time of reservation. What type of sleeping bag to bring will be advised at the time of reservation.

COMMUNICATION:
Communication system in Thailand is very good and can be reached to or from any part of the world 24 hours a day. With the recent installation of a satellite receiving station, it is possible to communicate with Thailand from any part of the world. Moreover, most of the city centers to remote islands with ranger stations in Thailand have telephone lines many of which have direct international access. Also, e-mail communications are abundant in Thailand, Nepal and most Asian travel destinations except some remote areas. You can also have your e-mail messages forwarded to our address while you are traveling or you can access your e-mails from any city centers in Thailand, Nepal or any established centers where you are traveling.

TIME:
Thailand is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) while Nepal is 13.5 hours ahead of Pacific Time and 5.75 hours ahead of GMT.

EXTRA CUSHION DAYS:
For most trips, you should arrange to spend at least one full day and two nights in Kathmandu on arrival and at least one night after the tour, trekking, or rafting. For the trips in the remote areas such as the Everest region, India (Leh, Ladakh), Tibet, and Bhutan, you must allow at least four cushion days between the last scheduled day of the trek and the day of your departing international flight. This contingency is required because of potential delays in your return to Kathmandu, Delhi or Bangkok which may be canceled because of bad weather. If your tour begins and ends in Southeast and Northeast Asia, you need not to worry about any flight cancellations or lengthy delays. However, if you are on our Thailand trips, you do not need to have an extra cushion day.

EXTRA MONEY:
You will need money to cover the following expenses or items not included in the package tour. Thailand has ATMs in major tourist destinations. Nepal has ATMs in Kathmandu, but not very convenient.
(a) Meals that are not included in your tour program itineraries.
(b) International airport tax.
(c) Personal arrangements such as laundry, phone calls or snacks.
(d) Tipping the staff.
(e) Alcoholic beverages and souvenirs.


ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES:
All the imported drinks in Thailand are reasonably priced. Thailand is overflowed by every brand of liquor you could name. On the other hand, imported drinks in Nepal are expensive. So, you might consider purchasing liquor in the duty-tree shops on your way to Nepal if you are coming for a long trek. Nepalese and imported beer costs about US$2-3 per bottle. Wine is not available in the local markets in Nepal except in hotels, and restaurants. Local drinks, such as Chhang and Rakshi (distilled spirit), can be found in the villages and in local inns along the trail. On the more popular trek routes, beer can be found in the tea-shops and hotels.
WARNING: Please do not consume alcohol during the daytime when you are trekking. You are free to drink once you arrive the camp or the lodge. This warning applies for all trips conducted during the daytime in the jungles, islands, rivers and oceans.

SOUVENIRS:
Souvenirs and handicrafts are varied and quite inexpensive. They are in abundance in Thailand, items such as woodcarving, silverware, lacquorware, and many others. There will be plenty of opportunities for shopping in Kathmandu. Good quality hand-knotted woolen carpets can be bought at various price levels. Other popular items include Pashmina shawls, woolen blankets, sweaters, brass, copper, woodcarving and other artwork. When you are shopping souvenirs in Asia in the local markets except in super markets you must bargain the price. Or ask your guide to help you. Be sure to leave some room in your baggage for these purchases.

MORE INFORMATION ON THAILAND:
Thailand Visa: All foreign visitors to Thailand must have a valid passport with at least six months validity and onward return ticket. USA, CAN, UK, AUS & NZ nationals do not require visa to enter and stay in Thailand for up to 30 days. Many other nationalities can obtain Thailand tourist visas upon arrival at the Bangkok International Airport. Some nationals that must obtain visas in advance to visit Thailand should go to the nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate to obtain a two week tourist visa before boarding a plane to Thailand. Thailand being one of the most busy airports in Southeast Asia, the lines at the airport are often very long. To avoid the long lines, you can obtain visas in advance for fast clearance.

CLIMATE:
Tropical-the seasons can be divided into three parts: Hot: March to June; Rainy: July to October; and cool: November to February. Overall daytime temperatures range from about 20 to 35 degrees Celcius. However, the mountainous region of northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and others) is mostly cooler than the lowlands.

BEST SEASON TO VISIT THAILAND:
October to May is the overall best season. Best time to visit Thailand is November to March.

TIME:
Thailand is seven hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). Government offices operate Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Banks are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM; some business offices are open on Saturdays.

COMMUNICATION:
Thailand has all the modern utilities that one can think of. Send or receive a fax or e-mail, International and domestic phone services are available. One can easily call to and from around the world 24 hours.

ELECTRICITY:
220 volts and 50 cycles. Please plan to bring an adaptor for all your electronic equipment.

MONEY AND CREDIT CARDS:
Cash and travelers checks can be exchanged at banks, money exchange outlets, and at the hotel counters. Major international credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops. Luxury hotels and restaurants add ten percent service charge to your bill and eleven percent government service charge and tax. Tipping is not customary in Thailand. Nonetheless, you may tip around ten percent if you desire.

THAI CURRENCY:
The Thai currency is Baht and divided into 100 Satang. The Thai currency notes are in denominations of 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20, and 10. The coins are of 10, 5, 1, 0.50, and 0.25 Satang.

TRANSPORTATION:
Most roads in Thailand are good and easy to get around. Driving is done from the left side of the road. Bangkok has probably the worst traffic jams in the world and has a very undisciplined traffic! So, if you are driving, be prepared to look in four cardinal directions, and drive very defensively. Public transportation: There are many public transfer buses, both air-con. and non-air con., but all signs are in Thai except a few. Bus timetables and routes are not available in writing. The Sky Train connecting major shopping and interest points is fast and convenient. The underground train system connecting major business, shopping and entertainment centers of Bangkok is expected to be in operation from March 2004 based on the news, and expect public transfers to be easier for everyone. Buses connecting all provinces from Bangkok are quite convenient. Trains with first class sleeper berths with air-conditioned are available to the south, north and central northwest Thailand.

HOW TO REACH THAILAND BY AIR:
Bangkok is well connected with most of the capital cities in Asia and the West. One can easily make flight connections both domestic and international from Bangkok International Airport. In fact, Thailand has several international airports: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Hat Yai and Ko Samui. The easy flight connections allow you to stop for a few days to explore Thailand, its neighboring countries and then continue onto your next destination. Thailand has regular flight connections to Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Kunming (China), India, Nepal, Bhutan, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, most European Union countries, USA, Canada, South America, Middle East and others.

AIR CONNECTIONS WITH NEXTDOOR NEIGHBORS:
Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Kunming (China), which can be reached within an hour to two hours. Business travelers and vacationers traveling through Bangkok can make easy connection for their business and tourism activities.

AIRPORT TAX:
Bangkok International Airport tax is 500 Baht per person.

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS:
Domestic flights serve approximately 21 destinations among which Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Hat Yai, Ko Samui, being the major domestic as well as international Airports. Thai Airways International and Bangkok Airways serve most of these airports.

AIRPORTS AND CUSTOMS:
IMPORT: Visitors are permitted to bring in 200 cigarettes and one liter wine or spirit in duty-free. Strict restrictions apply against the imports of weapons, narcotics and pornographic materials. Cash: Any amount of bank drafts or travelers cheques maybe brought into Thailand; but cash in excess of US$10,000 must be declared on arrival. A person may bring into Thailand no more than 2,000 Baht in cash per person.

EXPORT:
Taking any antiques and Buddha images out of Thailand require an export license. Therefore, we suggest you to obtain an export license and export the item before your international flight or carry it with you if you are personally taking the item. A person may not take more than 50,000 Baht in cash.

HEALTH:
Certificates of of inoculation against Cholera and Yellow fever are not required unless you are coming from an infected area. Malaria may not exist in the vicinity of well cared city centers, but it does exist in remote areas including the border areas of Thailand. Thus, visitors should take precautions, and use mosquito or insect repellents when hiking and camping in the outdoors. Wear long sleeved shirts and pants, and use mosquito nets. Bangkok and other major cities of Thailand have very good medical facilities and hospitals.

Vaccination against Meningitis, and Hepatitis 'A' and 'B' should be taken. You should consult with your doctor when you should take these vaccinations. However, you should take all vaccinations prior to your trip departure.

DISEASE AND RABIES:
Diarrhea - change of water, food or climate can cause this infectious disease. One should avoid contaminated food or water at all times.

Giardiasis-this intestinal disorder is caused by contaminated water. Therefore, do not drink tap water. Purified and bottled water is widely available at reasonable price. We suggest that you drink only bottled water. When trekking in the outdoors, we provide you with iodine, filtered, and boiled water. Even in the restaurants, it is good idea to order bottled water.

Rabies is found in many countries and is caused through bites, licks or scratches by infected animals, such as dogs, cats, monkeys and other animals. It is good idea to avoid animals when traveling, especially dogs in the villages in remote places where most of our adventure trips go through. Please ask us for further health questions so that we can send you more detailed information or answer your questions.

THAI CUSTOM:
Thailand has so much to offer to its visitors: Ancient and historic culture, lively arts, nightlife, a tradition of friendliness, good hospitality, a great sense of humor, one of the word's best cuisine and extraordinary festival parades.

SOME DO'S & DON'TS:
Never touch a person's head or top of a Buddha statue. If you did touch anyone's head by mistake, ask for a pardon. Never point to anyone or anything with your feet. Always take off your shoes before entering a temple or a personal home. Be in proper attire when touring in palaces or temples. Seek permission before taking a photograph of a person. Refrain from showing affection between male and female in public places. Thai people highly respect their King and Queen or the Royal family. Thus, refrain from making any negative statements in public about the Royal Family. Have a genuine interest to meet and talk to Thai people and respect their local customs and cultural values.

VISA INFORMATION IN BRIEF:
Myanmar Visa: Myanmar tourist visas must be obtained in advance at all costs. Visitors to Myanmar must book a trip with a licensed travel agency and obtain a confirmation letter which should be submitted to the Myanmar Embassy or Consulate together with your money transfer receipt in order to process your visas. The normal visa application processing time is about ten days. Ask us for any question regarding Myanmar tourist visas.

Laos Visa: Laos tourist visas are easy to obtain on arrival if you are traveling by flight. For all travels into Laos by land, you must obtain your visas in advance to avoid any inconvenience at the land entry point. It takes about three working days to obtain Laos tourist visas in Bangkok. However, we recommend that you obtain your visas in advance if at all convenient or plan to have three full working days in Bangkok.

Cambodia Visa: Cambodia tourist visas can be easily obtained upon arrival. It requires three to five days to obtain Cambodian tourist visas in Bangkok. However, we suggest that you obtain tourist visas to Cambodia in advance if at all possible.

Vietnam Visa: Vietnam tourist visas must be obtained in advance. Vietnam visas can be obtained from the Vietnamese Embassies or Consulates abroad allowing about ten days processing time. We recommend that you obtain Vietnamese visas in advance even if there is a chance of obtaining visas on arrival. For visas on arrival, you must send your full passport details along with a photocopy to us in advance. Visa on arrival arrangement fee is US$45 per person.

Nepal Visa: Nepal tourist visas are easy to obtain. A one to three months visa can be obtained at the airport upon arrival in Katmandu and can be extended for your stay, but not exceeding 120 days in a visa year. However, we strongly recommend that you obtain a 30 to 60 day Nepalese visa before leaving your country if possible. Obtaining visas in advance, you will avoid the slowest moving lines at the Kathmandu International Airport. Currently, a 60 day tourist visa fee is US$30 per person.

India Visa: If you plan any stopover in India other than making flight connections in Delhi, you will need to obtain an Indian visa. The Indian visa which will be needed to leave the airport, can not be obtained at the airport. So, it must be obtained in advance. Visas for Tibet, India, Bhutan, Pakistan and other countries, please refer to the tour program information or let us know if you require any other details or assistance on visas.

The above is a guideline to make you aware of what to do and what to bring to help you better prepare for a trip that you are undertaking with us. However, modernization has helped us to improve the size and shape of how we travel. Therefore, some of our information given above serves only as guidelines. Should you have any suggestion for our improvement, please feel free to comment.

For more information or questions, please send an email, call or fax us at the following address.