Before you go

The best seasons

Nepal experiences four distinct seasons, and the best time to visit depends largely on what you plan to do there.

Spring (March to May) is the most popular time for high-altitude trekking. Rhododendrons bloom along the trails, the skies gradually clear after winter, and temperatures remain pleasant even at higher altitudes.

Autumn (late September to November) is generally considered the best time of year to visit. The skies, washed clean by the recently ended monsoon, offer exceptional visibility of the mountain peaks, and rainfall is rare.

Summer (June to August) coincides with the monsoon season. Most classic treks in the Khumbu, Annapurna, or Langtang regions become less enjoyable due to leeches, slippery trails, and frequently obscured views. Two regions are exceptions: Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpo. Sheltered by the barrier effect of surrounding mountain ranges, they remain dry even at the height of the monsoon.

Winter (December to February) retains its appeal for low- and mid-altitude treks—such as Ghorepani-Poon Hill or the Langtang Valley—though heavy snow closes most high mountain passes. It is also the best season for safaris in Chitwan and Bardia; the dry air and less dense vegetation make it easier to spot wildlife.

Visa

Most travelers obtain their visa upon arrival, either at Kathmandu Airport or at major overland border crossings. You will need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your entry date, a recent passport-sized photo, and payment for the visa based on the chosen duration (15, 30, or 90 days). An extension can be obtained locally from the Department of Immigration, up to a cumulative limit of 150 days per calendar year.

Trekking permits

Depending on the region visited, several permits may be required: a national park or conservation area permit for most standard treks, and a restricted area permit—which is more expensive and usually requires a licensed guide—for regions such as Upper Mustang, Dolpo, Manaslu, Kanchenjunga, or Humla. Regulations change frequently, including requirements regarding the minimum number of participants for certain restricted areas. We handle all these formalities directly, so you do not need to worry about them once your booking is confirmed.

Altitude and acclimatization

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can affect anyone, regardless of physical fitness. The fundamental rule applies worldwide: ascend gradually, schedule acclimatization days at key stages, stay well-hydrated, and descend immediately if you have any doubts or experience symptoms that do not improve with rest. All our itineraries incorporate these acclimatization stages. It is recommended to consult a doctor before departure to discuss preparation tailored to your personal situation.

Health and insurance

Certain vaccinations are recommended for travel to Nepal; you should verify this with a doctor or an international vaccination center based on your profile and the length of your stay. Travel insurance covering medical expenses—and, for high-altitude treks, helicopter evacuation—is strongly advised, as the latter can be very costly if actually required.

Currency

The Nepalese rupee (NPR) is the local currency. ATMs are common in Kathmandu and Pokhara but become scarce—or even non-existent—once you are out trekking. It is best to carry enough cash before heading into the mountains, where bank cards are generally not accepted.

Connectivity

You can easily purchase a local SIM card (Ncell or NTC) upon arrival; these provide good coverage in major cities and many trekking valleys. Wi-Fi is available in most lodges—often for a small extra fee—as is the option to charge electronic devices. In the most remote regions (Dolpo, Humla, Kanchenjunga), network coverage remains minimal or non-existent for days at a time.

Time Difference

Nepal operates on UTC+5:45 year-round, with no seasonal time changes. Because France switches between winter and summer time, the time difference varies accordingly: Nepal is 4 hours and 45 minutes ahead of France in winter, and 3 hours and 45 minutes ahead in summer (when France switches to daylight saving time). It is worth checking the exact difference before making a call or a flight connection, rather than relying on a fixed figure.