Everything You Need to Know About Trekking in Nepal (2026)
At The Everest Holiday, we believe in being 100% transparent. Here are the real answers to the questions travellers actually ask us — not the generic ones you'll find on other sites.
1. Logistics & Connectivity
Which SIM card has the best signal on the Everest Base Camp trek?
In high-altitude regions, NTC (Nepal Telecom) generally offers more consistent signal coverage than Ncell. However, Ncell is often better in the lower valleys and in Kathmandu. We recommend taking an NTC SIM for higher altitude treks. Our Standard and Luxury packages include a local SIM card.
What are the costs for charging devices and hot showers on the trek?
In 2026, expect to pay between $2–$6 USD for a full phone charge and $4–$8 USD for a hot gas or solar shower. The prices increase as you go higher. Our Luxury Package includes all these costs.
What happens if my flight to or from Lukla is delayed or cancelled?
Weather in the mountains is unpredictable. We always recommend adding 2 extra "buffer" days to your travel plans. If flights are cancelled for 3+ days, we can arrange a shared helicopter for an additional cost (usually $500–$1,000 per person). Our EBC by Road route avoids Lukla entirely.
Is there Wi-Fi on the trek?
Most teahouses in the Everest and Annapurna regions offer Wi-Fi, but it's often slow and unreliable above 4,000m. A local SIM with data (included in Standard/Luxury packages) is generally more reliable. Expect to pay $2–$5 per session for teahouse Wi-Fi.
Can I charge my phone and camera on the trek?
Yes, but charging facilities become more expensive and less reliable at higher altitudes. We recommend carrying a portable power bank (20,000mAh minimum). Some teahouses use solar panels and may not have power during cloudy weather.
2. Safety & Medical
How do you monitor for Altitude Sickness (AMS)?
Our guides carry a pulse oximeter on every trek. We check your blood oxygen levels and heart rate twice daily (morning and evening). We have built acclimatisation days into every itinerary. If anyone shows serious symptoms, we descend immediately — no argument and no delay.
What insurance is required for trekking in Nepal?
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory. Your policy must specifically cover medical expenses and emergency helicopter rescue up to 6,000 metres. We require confirmation of your policy before departure. Popular providers include World Nomads, Allianz, and Global Rescue.
What happens if I get seriously ill on the trek?
Our guides are trained in wilderness first aid and carry comprehensive medical kits. We maintain 24/7 communication with our Kathmandu office. If evacuation is needed, we coordinate helicopter rescue — typically reaching you within 2–4 hours. Your insurance covers the cost.
Is Nepal safe for solo female travellers?
Absolutely. Nepal is one of the safest countries in Asia for solo female travellers. All our treks include a dedicated guide, and we can arrange a female guide or porter on request. Many of our solo clients are women.
Do I need any vaccinations for Nepal?
Recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Tetanus. Some travellers also get Japanese Encephalitis and Rabies. Consult your doctor at least 6 weeks before travel. No vaccinations are required for entry, but these are strongly recommended.
3. The Family & Local Impact
Who are you, and who am I talking to?
You are talking directly to the owners, Shreejan (Joe) and Sam. We are a local, family-run agency based in Kathmandu with a team of 80+ people. We don't use call centres or middlemen. When you book with us, you're talking to the people who will be monitoring your safety every step of the way.
How does my booking support the local community?
A portion of every booking goes directly to the Nagarjun Learning Center, our family's charity founded in 2019. We currently support 70 children across 7 centres with free education, hot meals, and medical care. Our work is verified and listed on the UN Partner Portal.
How long has your family been in the trekking industry?
Three generations. Our grandfather Hari Lal Simkhada supported Himalayan expeditions in the 1960s and 1970s. Our father Ganesh Prasad Simkhada held senior positions at the Nepal Mountaineering Association and Nepal Tourism Board. Shreejan (Joe) founded The Everest Holiday in 2016.
4. Booking & Payments
How much deposit do I need to pay?
We only require a 10% deposit to secure your booking. This is processed through the Himalayan Bank Limited portal — Nepal's most trusted commercial bank, established in 1993. Your balance is due 60 days before departure.
Is it safe to pay online?
Yes. When you click Pay, you are briefly redirected to Himalayan Bank Limited's secure payment page. This is required by Nepal Rastra Bank (the central bank) for all international payments. You are returned to our site after payment with full booking confirmation. We also accept bank transfer via Wise.
What is your cancellation policy?
60+ days before departure: full deposit refund minus $50 processing fee. 30–60 days: 50% refund. Under 30 days: no refund, but we will try to reschedule your trip to a different date.
Can I customise my trek itinerary?
Yes! Every itinerary can be adjusted. Want to add a rest day, extend to Gokyo Lakes, or combine two treks? Chat with Shreejan on WhatsApp (+977 9810351300) and we'll design a bespoke itinerary within 24–48 hours.
5. Trek Preparation
Do I need previous trekking experience?
For most of our treks (EBC, Annapurna, Langtang), no previous experience is required. You need to be comfortable walking 5–8 hours per day over uneven terrain. We recommend starting a training programme 8–12 weeks before departure.
What equipment do I need to bring?
We provide essential equipment in Standard and Luxury packages: sleeping bags, down jackets, and duffle bags. You need to bring your own trekking boots (broken in), layered clothing, a rain jacket, and personal items. We send a complete packing list after booking.
Do I need a guide? Is it mandatory?
Yes — since 2023, Nepal law requires all trekkers to have a licensed guide. Our TAAN-certified guides fully satisfy this requirement. They speak English and are trained in high-altitude safety, first aid, and local culture.
What is the best time to trek in Nepal?
The best seasons are March to May (spring — rhododendrons in bloom, warm days) and September to November (autumn — clearest skies, best mountain views). We operate year-round, including winter treks for experienced trekkers.
6. During the Trek
What are teahouses like?
Teahouses are basic mountain lodges along the trekking routes. You get a private room with twin beds, a communal dining area, and shared bathrooms. They are warm, friendly, and serve generous portions of dal bhat (rice and lentils). Bedding is provided but we recommend a sleeping bag for colder nights.
What food is available on the trek?
Teahouses serve a surprising variety: dal bhat, momos (dumplings), fried rice, noodle soups, pancakes, porridge, and more. Meals are freshly cooked. We recommend dal bhat as it provides excellent energy and comes with unlimited refills. Vegetarian options are widely available.
How much spending money should I bring?
For a Budget package, bring $15–$25 per day for meals and extras. For Standard/Luxury (meals included), $5–$15 per day for drinks, snacks, Wi-Fi, and charging. Bring cash in Nepali Rupees — ATMs are not available above Namche Bazaar or Chame.
How much should I tip the guide and porters?
Tipping is customary in Nepal. A common guideline: $15–$20 per day for the lead guide and $10–$15 per day for each porter, paid at the end of the trek. This is a personal choice, not mandatory.
Still have questions?
Chat directly with Shreejan (Joe) on WhatsApp: +977 9810351300
Email: info@theeverestholiday.com
We respond within 30 minutes during Nepal business hours.