Chulu Far East

On camping treks we provide safe boiled water for drinking 3 times a day.
On lodge based treks we advise against buying mineral water in plastic bottles. You can buy boiled water which is safe to drink or you can ask your leader for cold water which you then must treat with chlorine dioxide. On the Annapurna Circuit trek there are safe drinking water stations in many villages. In the Everest region a couple of lodges have UV treated water for sale.

Emma Garrick - Product Manager

Most of our clients choose to get their visas at Kathmadu airport. This may mean some time queuing, but the transfer bus won't leave for the hotel until all arriving passengers are through Immigration and have collected their bags. So if you have your visa in advance, you will avoid the visa queue but you wont get to the hotel any earlier. If you'd like to get your visa in advance, please contact Travcour or the Nepalese embassy direct.

It costs $25 for a 15 days visa and $40 for a 30 days visa. You will need a passport photograph if getting a visa on arrival. Please note if you are staying in Nepal longer than 15 days, you will need to ask for a 30 day visa.

Emma Garrick - Product Manager

Dal Bhat
Dal Bhat is the Nepali staple food. It consists of rice and lentils and a spicy vegetable or meat curry. Nepalis will eat this twice a day. A good lunchtime Dal Bhat is served at Nanglos restaurant 5 minutes walk from the Royal Singi Hotel, or try the Royal Dal Bhat at Kilroys.

Momos

This Nepalese version of dumplings/ wantons is a traditional delicacy and a must try local dish while you are in Nepal. Momo dumplings are either steamed or  fried with chicken/or buff (water buffalo) as well as stuffed with vegetables for vegetarians and have become the most famous fast food amongst Nepalese and can be found on the menus of most restaurants serving locals and tourists alike.   

Kwanti soup

This mixed bean soup is usually served during festivals and gatherings and now has made its way in many of restaurant menus. Goes well with Naan or roti bread. 

Choela

This is a typical Newari dish smoked meat (chicken; lamb or buffalo meat) tossed with spices and mustard oil. Easily available in most Nepalese and local restaurants in Kathmandu around Hotel Royal Singi and in sightseeing spots.

Niraj Chand Shrestha - Customer Operations

You can find a comprehensive article covering this matter here: http://www.himalayanrescue.org/hra/article.php?sno=9

Alex Doaga - Exodus leader

Our Kathmandu base manager, Valerie Parkinson, has produced a detailed guide to what you can expect in the lodges or teahouses of Nepal.

Please read it carefully, and if you have any further questions, please contact the Exodus Executive in charge of Nepal, Joanna Zubr on jzubr@exodus.co.uk.

Head down to the Everest Steak House in southern Thamel for a mouth watering steak and chips, well earned if you’re just back from trek. Finish it off with a cocktail in the legendary Tom & Jerry bar up the road!

You can also head to Fire and Ice Pizzeria in Thamel, a great place with casual indoor and outdoor eating which is popular amongst travellers, and locals alike. This restaurant is a great place to meet for a morning cup of Italian espresso, or a hearty meal of delicious pizzas, pastas, ice cream and even a Grappa!

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

Yes. There are dozens of trekking shops in the Thamel area of Kathmandu. Depending on how good your bartering skills are, you can usually pick up items for about one third of the price that you'll pay in the UK...and its more fun to bargain! However, please note we cannot guarantee the quaility of anything you may purchase so buyer beware.

David Richardson - Sales

£20 - £25 per day is ample, but it is possible to spend less (and more!). Meals are usually pretty cheap but extras such as sweets or snacks will add a bit more to your budget. There are plenty of ATMs in Kathmandu, so you can withdraw more Nepalese currency if you are running short towards the end of your trip.

Mike James - Operations director

Staff member Dan Cockburn travelled to Nepal with Exodus and you can read his article to get a personal viewpoint of the holiday. Olly Townsend also trekked in the Himalaya and you can read his thoughts here.

Please visit the Exodus Travel Guide to Nepal where you can find out what plugs they use, as well as more detailed Country information in the menu on the left of the page.

You can view the Grading System for our Walking & Trekking programme online.

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!