FAQ
Travel and Trek to Nepal
There are 1470 trekking companies in Nepal, but only 550 are registered with the Nepal government. The rest of the companies are not, and it’s your own RISK to book through these companies. Many travelers look for good deals online and book through them for cheap rates. However, they will pay the prices in the end and make complaints to the government of Nepal or social media. We recommend going through your local US and Nepal-registered governments to both countries and looking for deals from those companies. If you need help with recommendations or help booking trips to Nepal, don’t hesitate to contact us directly at 206-324-9000.
What is the best way to book flights?
We recommend booking your tour through one of these travel agents. They have booked flights for our tours before and are familiar with many details that are often overlooked.
Holiday Northwest Travel
3010 77th Ave SE Suite #101
Mercer Island WA 98040
PHONE: (206) 232 8989
FAX: (206) 232 1375
EMAIL: info@holidaynw.com
WEBSITE: www.holidaynw.com
Naeim at Just Fares
3123 Eastlake Avenue East
Seattle WA 98102
Toll-Free: 1 800 766 3601
Phone: 206 223 3600
Fax: 206 204 2129
Please tell them you are booking with International Sherpa Guides when booking your tickets.
Do I need a visa for the country where the tour takes place?
You will likely need a visa for the country where the tour takes place. After you have booked and paid a deposit, we will provide you with information about visa requirements. Please ensure that your passport is valid (not expired) for the duration of your travel.
Is travel insurance required?
We recommend that all our travelers have travel insurance to protect against loss during their trip. We suggest using Ripcord, which can be easily applied online. Please use the following agent when applying: https://www.ripcordrescuetravelinsurance.com/purchase-ripcord/.
Do you have a recommended packing list for your tours?
Yes, we have a packing list for each tour. Once you have registered and paid a deposit, we will send you a specialized packing list and other helpful information to prepare you for your trip.
What vaccinations or medications are required?
The vaccinations and medications you may need depend on your origin and destination. We recommend consulting with a medical professional or local clinic at least one month before departure to determine your pre-travel needs.
Is safety a concern on your tours?
Safety is a top priority for us, and we have a good track record of operating safely in cooperation with the governments of the destination countries. We regularly update our information with the governments of Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, and India, and we are happy to provide informed advice to our customers. As with any foreign travel, it is essential to use caution and common sense.
Can you provide more information about high altitude edema and altitude sickness?
High altitude edema is a condition in which fluid builds up in various body parts due to a rapid ascent to high altitude without proper acclimatization. Currently, no medication can prevent or cure edema, so the best way to avoid it is to ascend slowly to allow the body to acclimate. Two types of edema can occur at high altitudes: high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) and high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE).
HACE is the accumulation of fluid in the brain, which can cause severe headaches, hallucinations, disorientation, and a loss of coordination. HAPE is fluid accumulation in the lungs, which can cause extreme exhaustion, shortness of breath, and gurgling breath sounds. Both forms of edema are hazardous; if suspected, the only course of action is to descend to a lower altitude immediately. A descent of as little as 300 meters (1000 feet) can often wholly cure the condition, but returning to high altitude can cause a relapse and is not recommended.
It is always a good idea to bring a complete first aid kit when traveling, especially in Africa. The following are a few drugs that can help combat altitude sickness and should be included in your kit for a trip to Mount Kilimanjaro. This is not a comprehensive list of mountain medicine.
| Drug Type | For | Drug | Side Effects |
| Mild diuretic | Prevent or reduce symptoms of AMS | Diamox (acetazolamide)* | Dehydration, tingling in fingers & toes, change in taste, loss of apetite, drowsiness. Diamox is a sulphur drug only available on prescription. Consult your physician before use. |
| Anti-diarrhoea | Stop/prevent diarrhoea | Imodium Lomotil |
None Blurred vision, fatigue |
| Pain killers | Cure headaches, fever, mild pain | Aspirin Tylenol Paracetamol |
Stomach upsets None None |
| Rehydration Salts | Prevent dehydration, replace lost body fluids | None | |
| Throat lozenges | Cure sore throat | Thirst | |
| Sun block | Prevent sunburn | High factor (SPF 30+) sun block | None |
*Diamox, a drug designed for glaucoma patients, seems to help prevent AMS (though there is still much medical debate as to its benefits). It is not a ‘miracle drug’ and does not ensure prevention of AMS. Diamox should be taken 72 hours before the beginning of your climb. It should not be used in conjunction with aspirin or drugs containing Ibuprofen.
I have other questions!
Please Contact us! We’re happy to help you get ready for your next adventure!