Kathmandu is where the trek begins and ends, and a little planning there makes the whole trip smoother.
Arrival
Most itineraries start with an arrival day in Kathmandu and begin walking or flying the following day. A representative should meet you after customs, usually holding a signboard, and take you to your hotel. Most visitors can get a visa on arrival at the airport, which takes from around twenty minutes to an hour. Your passport needs several months of validity, so check this when you book, and bring a few passport photos.
The briefing
Expect a briefing the evening before your flight to Lukla. The team will meet you, check your gear and answer questions. This is the moment to rent a sleeping bag or jacket, collect your duffel bag and ask about weather and flights.
SIM card and money
A local SIM card with a few gigabytes of data is cheap, and you apply with your passport and a photo. Be careful in tourist areas, where some shops overcharge. For money, take rupees from a machine in Kathmandu, noting that daily limits and fees apply.
Gear shopping
If you need to buy or rent anything, do it on the first day, not the evening before the flight. See our page on buying gear for what to check.
Spare days at the end
Put your free days after the trek, not before it. If bad weather delays flights from Lukla, you will not miss your international flight. Common ways to use spare days are:
- Sightseeing at temples and old squares in Kathmandu.
- A short trip to Chitwan for wildlife.
- Resting and doing laundry.
Luggage storage
Leave extra bags at the hotel while you are away. Ask in advance if there is a charge.
Sights worth an afternoon
If you have spare time, a few places give a good introduction to the city. Boudhanath and Swayambhunath are important Buddhist sites where you can walk around stupas and watch pilgrims. Pashupatinath is a major Hindu temple complex on the Bagmati river, with strict rules on access for non-Hindus in some areas. Durbar Square in the old town shows classic Newar architecture. Allow time for each, and go with a guide or read about the history so you can appreciate what you see.
Eating well and safely
Kathmandu has everything from simple local restaurants serving dal bhat and momos to cafes and international options. Choose busy places with food cooked fresh and hot, drink bottled or filtered water, and avoid raw salads at the start of your trip. After the trek, many people crave a big breakfast or a cold drink, so enjoy it, but pace yourself since your stomach may have changed.
Resting and recovering
After the trek, your body may feel tired and your skin may be dry or sunburnt. Use a spare day for rest, a massage, laundry and gentle sightseeing. Check your gear and return rented items. Be careful with alcohol if you have recently been at high altitude and are dehydrated. This is also a good moment to write notes and select photographs while the memories are fresh.
Things to organise
- Reconfirm your onward flight a day or two before leaving.
- Arrange airport transfers with the hotel or operator.
- Pick up gifts from reputable shops with fixed prices if you dislike bargaining.
- Pay any remaining balance and tips as agreed.
What our guests say
Excerpts from guest reviews of Himalayan Wonders, our parent company, on Tripadvisor.
“I had an incredible experience with Himalayan Wonders on my Everest Base Camp trek.”
