Frequently Asked Questions

Himalayan Social Journey — commonly known as HSJ — is a Nepal government-registered trekking and tour company founded in 2008 and based in Kathmandu. Over 18 years we have guided travellers from more than 80 countries on over 150 curated tours across Nepal and Tibet. We are rated 4.8/5 on TripAdvisor (2,100+ reviews) and hold memberships with Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), TAAN, and NMA.

We offer: Trekking (Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, Mustang, and more), Peak climbing (Island Peak, Mera Peak, Lobuche, and other 6,000 m peaks), Tibet tours (Kailash Mansarovar, Lhasa, and Everest Base Camp Tibet), Day tours (Kathmandu UNESCO sites, Pokhara, Bhaktapur, and more), and Activities (Paragliding, rafting, jungle safari, yoga and wellness).

HSJ is a family-run company with 18 years of continuous operation. All our guides are government-licensed, English-speaking, and wilderness first-aid certified. We include all permits in our quoted prices, provide 24/7 on-ground support, and give back to local communities — 7% of every booking funds children's education and Himalayan community projects in Nepal. We are a TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice award winner for 2025 and 2026.

Important 2026 update: Solo independent trekking has been officially banned in Nepal. As of 2026, all trekkers must be accompanied by a licensed guide. This rule was introduced to improve trekker safety and support local employment. At HSJ, every package already includes a qualified guide — so you are fully compliant when you book with us.

Yes, absolutely. All HSJ packages can be fully customised — you can adjust the number of days, add or remove stops, change accommodation grade, or combine multiple regions in one trip. Contact us with your preferences and we will design a personalised itinerary at no extra planning fee.

Yes. Solo travellers are very welcome. We arrange private treks or match you with a small group, depending on your preference. Because solo trekking without a guide is now banned in Nepal (2026), booking with us ensures you remain legally compliant while also having the best possible experience.

Yes. A dedicated 7% of every booking made with HSJ goes directly to the Himalayan Community Project, which funds children's education in remote mountain villages, supports local schools, and contributes to sustainable livelihoods for Himalayan communities. When you travel with HSJ, your journey makes a direct positive impact on the people and places you visit.

Most treks require at least two of the following: TIMS card (Trekkers' Information Management System), National Park / Conservation Area permit (e.g. Sagarmatha National Park for EBC, ACAP for Annapurna treks), and Restricted Area permit (required for Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Tsum Valley, and other remote regions). All permits are included in HSJ package prices — we handle the entire process on your behalf.

Yes. We obtain every required permit for your specific route before your trek begins. You do not need to visit any government office yourself. Copies of all permits are provided for your records.

All standard permits are included in our quoted package prices — there are no hidden fees. For restricted areas such as Upper Mustang or Manaslu, the higher restricted-area permit cost is listed transparently in the trip price.

Tibet tours require a Chinese Group Visa, Tibet Travel Permit (TTP), Alien Travel Permit (ATP), and — for Kailash — a Military Area Permit. HSJ manages the entire permit application process for Tibet tours. We recommend applying at least 60 days in advance for Kailash Yatra departures.

Most nationalities can obtain a Nepal visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) or at land border entry points. As of 2025/26, tourist visas cost USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, or USD 125 for 90 days. You can also apply online via the Nepal e-Visa portal before departure. Indian nationals do not require a visa.

Travel insurance is not legally mandatory, but HSJ requires all trekkers to carry valid insurance before departure. Your policy must cover high-altitude trekking up to the altitude of your route, helicopter evacuation (minimum USD 100,000), and emergency medical treatment.

Your policy should include: high-altitude trekking cover up to the maximum altitude of your route, emergency helicopter evacuation (minimum USD 100,000), emergency medical expenses and hospitalisation, trip cancellation and curtailment, and baggage loss or delay. World Nomads, True Traveller, and Battleface are popular choices among our trekkers.

The Nepal government introduced a mandatory guide requirement in 2026 to improve trekker safety, reduce incidents on remote trails, and support local employment. Every HSJ package includes a licensed government guide — you are fully covered.

All our guides hold a government-issued trekking guide licence from the Nepal Tourism Board. They are trained in wilderness first aid, altitude sickness recognition, and route navigation. Most senior guides also hold UIAGM/IFMGA mountain guide certification for peak climbing trips.

Yes. All HSJ trekking guides speak fluent English. Many also speak German, French, or Spanish. If you need a guide in another language, let us know at the time of booking and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Each porter carries a maximum of 15 kg (33 lbs) of client luggage. HSJ strictly follows the KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project) porter welfare guidelines — porters are provided with appropriate clothing, shelter, and food. We never overload our porters.

Yes. If you have trekked with an HSJ guide before and would like to request them again, simply mention their name when booking. We will do our best to arrange it subject to availability.

HSJ pays above-minimum wage, provides comprehensive travel insurance, ensures all crew have proper equipment, and guarantees they eat and sleep in adequate conditions on every trek. We are a registered member of KEEP and follow sustainable porter-welfare practices.

On most trekking routes we stay in local tea houses — family-run lodges that offer a basic private or twin room with bedding, a common dining area, and toilet facilities. Tea house standards have improved significantly in recent years, especially on the Everest and Annapurna routes. For higher-grade packages, we can arrange more comfortable lodges at certain stops.

Private rooms are available and preferred by most trekkers. During peak season (March–May and October–November) accommodation at popular stops can fill up quickly. We book ahead to secure private rooms wherever possible.

Wi-Fi is available at most tea houses on the main Everest and Annapurna routes, though connection speeds vary and can be very slow at higher altitudes. For remote regions such as Manaslu or Upper Mustang, connectivity is limited. We recommend purchasing a local SIM card with a data plan (Ncell or NTC) for more reliable connectivity.

Hot showers (solar or electric) are available at most tea houses on popular routes and are typically charged extra (approx. USD 2–5 per shower). At higher altitudes above 4,000 m, hot water availability becomes limited.

For Kathmandu and Pokhara day tours, we use centrally located 3- or 4-star hotels. All overnight multi-day tour packages include accommodation, and the hotel category can be upgraded on request.

Tea house menus are surprisingly varied. You can expect Dal Bhat (the classic Nepali rice-lentil-vegetable meal), pasta, noodles, fried rice, omelettes, pancakes, soups, and local bread. Dal Bhat is the most nutritious and filling option — many trekkers eat it at least once a day. At higher altitudes, menus simplify.

Yes. Vegetarian food is widely available throughout all major trekking routes in Nepal. Vegan options are also manageable, though dairy-based items are common in tea house menus. If you have strict dietary requirements, inform us when booking so we can brief your guide and team in advance.

Tap and stream water must not be drunk untreated. We strongly recommend using a quality water filter bottle (such as Sawyer or LifeStraw) or purification tablets. Bottled water is available at tea houses but becomes expensive and creates plastic waste at altitude. Boiled water (hot lemon tea) is an excellent alternative.

Local beer (Everest, Gorkha) and raksi (local spirits) are available at tea houses on most routes. However, we strongly discourage alcohol above 3,500 m — it impairs your body's ability to acclimatise and significantly increases the risk of altitude sickness.

Nepal has two main trekking seasons: Spring (March to May) offers warm temperatures and rhododendron blooms — the most popular season. Autumn (October to November) offers the clearest skies and best mountain views. Winter (December–February) is cold but feasible for lower-altitude treks. Monsoon (June–September) is generally not recommended for high trails, though rain-shadow areas like Upper Mustang remain excellent year-round.

At Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), night temperatures in peak season can drop to −15°C to −20°C (5°F to −4°F). At Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m), nights range from −5°C to −10°C in season. Daytime temperatures at altitude are typically 5°C to 15°C. Layering with a quality down jacket is essential.

Kathmandu sits at 1,400 m and enjoys a mild climate year-round. Temperatures range from 5°C in winter to 30°C in summer. The monsoon season (June–September) brings daily rain. Outside monsoon, the weather is pleasant and suitable for city tours and short hikes.

Altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness, AMS) occurs when you ascend too quickly and your body cannot acclimatise fast enough. Symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness. Prevention: ascend slowly, follow the golden rule of climb high, sleep low, stay well hydrated, and avoid alcohol at altitude. All HSJ itineraries include acclimatisation days built in to reduce risk.

Yes. All HSJ guides carry a comprehensive first-aid kit including pulse oximeters, oral rehydration salts, and Diamox (acetazolamide) for AMS management. On higher altitude routes, guides are trained to identify early signs of AMS, HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema), and HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema) and can initiate emergency descent or evacuation.

For serious emergencies we coordinate helicopter evacuation directly with the Himalayan Rescue Association and our insurance-partner evacuation teams. Our 24/7 Kathmandu office remains reachable throughout your trek for immediate support. This is why carrying valid helicopter-evacuation insurance is required for all trekkers.

Standard travel vaccinations recommended for Nepal include Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tetanus, and Rabies. Japanese Encephalitis may be advisable for rural areas during monsoon. Consult your doctor or a travel-health clinic at least 6–8 weeks before departure. No vaccinations are specifically required by Nepal's entry rules as of 2026.

The Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) operates aid posts at Pheriche (4,240 m) on the Everest route and Manang (3,500 m) on the Annapurna Circuit. Namche Bazaar has a small hospital. For serious conditions, evacuation to Kathmandu is necessary. This is why insurance and a qualified guide are both essential.

Yes. Thamel in Kathmandu has dozens of shops offering gear rental and purchase — sleeping bags, down jackets, trekking poles, crampons, and more. Gear is affordable and quality is generally adequate for standard routes. We recommend renting a good-quality down sleeping bag (−10°C rated) and a down jacket if you do not own one.

Key items include: layered clothing (moisture-wicking base, fleece mid-layer, waterproof shell, down jacket), sturdy waterproof trekking boots broken in before the trip, sleeping bag rated to at least −10°C, trekking poles, water filter bottle or purification tablets, sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm and UV sunglasses, headlamp with spare batteries, personal first-aid kit and any prescription medicines, and cash in Nepali rupees (ATMs are unavailable above Namche Bazaar).

Porters carry a maximum of 15 kg of client gear per porter (HSJ policy). We recommend packing your essentials in a 50–60 L duffel bag for your porter and carrying a 20–25 L daypack yourself with water, snacks, jacket, and valuables.

Yes, we recommend bringing or renting a quality sleeping bag rated to at least −10°C. Tea houses provide blankets but they may not be thick enough at high altitude in cold seasons. Your guide will advise based on the specific route and time of year.

Fitness requirements vary by route. Short routes like Ghorepani Poon Hill (7 days) or Langtang Valley are suitable for moderately fit beginners. Routes like Everest Base Camp or Manaslu Circuit require a good cardiovascular base — you should be comfortable hiking 5–7 hours a day for multiple days. High-altitude peak climbs require prior mountaineering experience.

For beginner routes (Poon Hill, Langtang, Annapurna Base Camp) no prior experience is necessary. For longer or higher routes (EBC, Manaslu, Three Passes), previous multi-day hiking experience is strongly recommended. For peak climbing, prior high-altitude experience is required.

Start training 3–6 months in advance. Focus on cardio endurance (hiking, running, cycling), leg strength (squats, lunges, stair climbing), and core stability. Practice hiking with a loaded daypack on varied terrain. This is the single most impactful preparation step.

Yes, with appropriate route selection. The Annapurna foothills, Langtang, and shorter day hikes around Nagarkot or Bandipur are suitable for fit children (typically 10+). EBC is achievable for motivated teenagers in good physical condition. Our team can advise on the best family-friendly routes.

Many of our most enthusiastic trekkers are in their 60s and 70s. With a slower pace, extra acclimatisation days, and a realistic route choice, age is rarely a barrier. We have successfully guided trekkers well into their 70s to Everest Base Camp. A pre-trip medical check-up is recommended.

You can book through any of these channels: online via the trip page on hsj.com.np, by submitting a trip inquiry form (we respond within 24 hours), WhatsApp at +977 9810650405, or by phone at +977 1 4952211.

A deposit of 20–30% of the total trip cost is required to confirm your booking. The remaining balance is due 30 days before departure for international travellers, or upon arrival in Kathmandu for last-minute bookings.

We accept bank transfer, credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard), PayPal, and cash (USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, or NPR). Card payments in Nepal may incur a 3–4% processing fee. Bank transfer is the most cost-effective option for large payments.

Cancellations 60+ days before departure: full deposit refund minus USD 50 admin fee. 30–59 days before: 50% deposit refund. Under 30 days: non-refundable. Force majeure events may qualify for a 12-month credit note. Permits and domestic flight costs already paid to third parties are non-refundable. Full details at hsj.com.np/page/company-policy.

Yes, date changes are accepted free of charge up to 45 days before departure, subject to availability. Date changes within 45 days may incur a rescheduling fee. Please contact us as early as possible if your plans change.

Yes. Groups of 4 or more travellers receive a 5% discount; groups of 8 or more receive a 10% discount. Custom group rates are available for corporate teams, school groups, and large parties. Contact us for a tailored quote.

The Himalayan Community Project is HSJ's dedicated social initiative, active since the company's founding in 2008. It channels 7% of every booking directly into supporting children's education, funding local schools, and improving livelihoods in remote Himalayan communities across Nepal. To date the project has helped hundreds of children in mountain villages access quality education.

Every time you book any trip — trekking, day tour, climbing, or Tibet tour — with HSJ, 7% of the booking value is automatically allocated to the Himalayan Community Project. No additional donation is needed. You are directly funding real change in the mountain communities you visit, simply by choosing to travel with us.

Yes. Responsible tourism is central to everything HSJ does. We are members of TAAN (Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal), KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project), and the Nepal Tourism Board. We follow strict environmental guidelines, enforce porter welfare standards, promote plastic-free trekking, and support locally owned tea houses and suppliers wherever possible.

HSJ pays above-minimum wages, provides comprehensive travel and medical insurance for all crew, ensures guides and porters have proper equipment and shelter on every trek, and offers continuous training and career development. Our senior guides have been with HSJ for over a decade, which is a reflection of how we treat our team.

International flights are not included in our package prices. We recommend booking international flights independently. Our Kathmandu team can advise on the best arrival and departure dates to match your itinerary.

Airport transfers (Kathmandu hotel pick-up and drop-off) are included in all packages. For treks beginning with a domestic flight (Lukla for EBC, Pokhara, Tumlingtar, etc.) the cost of domestic flights is included in the package price unless otherwise stated. All domestic flights are booked on your behalf.

Domestic flights in Nepal — especially the Lukla flight — are weather-dependent and cancellations are common. Our itineraries include one to two contingency days for this reason. If a flight is delayed beyond the contingency, we will arrange helicopter transfer or an alternative route, with any cost difference billed at actuals.

HSJ provides a complimentary airport pick-up for all package bookings. Your guide or a company representative will be at the arrivals hall with a sign bearing your name. Hotel drop-off at departure is also included.