Skip to main content

FAQ

1. When to visit
Nepal has two high seasons which are optimal for wildlife viewing and trekking. These are the autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) seasons, which typically bring warm dry days with cool evenings. When planning your trip, bear in mind that December and January can be very cold, while May and June are often the hottest months followed by hot and extremely humid July and August.
2. Safety

On arrival you will receive a short briefing on safety in and around the lodge/camp. All staff have received health and safety as well as first aid training, so rest assure that you are in good hands.

We want you to be properly prepared so that you will have a safe and fun experience with the elephants, so here are a few brief guidelines before you arrive.

  • The elephants are potentially dangerous animals. You should always keep your distance when the elephant’s mahout (driver) is not around. When approved by the mahout you may walk alongside the elephant.
  • Wear shoes, especially if you walk around camp at night time. The Therai is home to many different species, among them many kinds of snakes. Most of them are harmless, but a few are poisonous. By wearing shoes you will be protected, should you be so unfortunate to step on one.
  • Always bring a torch when you walk in the dark or when it is getting dark, and you know that you will have to make your way through the darkness later. This is for the same reason as above.
3. Internet connection & mobile phone signal

Kathmandu has a reasonable internet connection and most hotels in the city now have WIFI. At our jungle lodges we provide WiFi in the common areas. The speed is not the fastest, so don’t expect to be working on big uploads or downloads, nor streaming, etc.

Mobile phone reception is increasingly good in many remote parts of the country, particularly Chitwan. We understand that keeping in touch is part of daily life these days and all we would ask is that you turn your handset to silent in a bid to preserve the peace of the jungle.
4. Passport and Visa

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your expected date of departure from Nepal. You will also require an entry visa for Nepal.

All foreigners (except Indian nationals) must have a visa for entry into Nepal. The visa can be obtained upon arrival at Tribhuvan Internation Airport in Kathmandu. A single-entry visa valid for 15/30/90 days costs US$25/40/100. Remember to bring cash for the payment of the visa. At the airport in Kathmandu the fee is payable in any major currency, but at land borders officials require payment in cash US dollars; bring small bills. SAARC countries can get a 30-day visa for free on arrival. If you wish to avoid the lines for visa at the airport you can contact the Nepal Embassy in your country and get the visa prior to arrival.

Passport copies of your details and photographs come in handy when you need to get permits, visas, sim card, etc.
5. Vaccinations
The main recommended vaccinations for Nepal are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Meningitis. Boosters are also recommended for Tetanus, Polio, Mumps, and Measles. Depending on your travel plans, you may also consider inoculations against Japanese Encephalitis, Hepatitis B, and Rabies.
6. Currency and Tipping

The Nepalese rupee is the common currency, although US dollars and UK sterling are widely accepted, as are credit cards in Kathmandu.

Tipping at our properties is optional and at your discretion. There is already a mandatory 10% service charge added to your bill. Individual tipping is not encouraged, as there are a lot of staff behind the scenes who are working equally hard to make your stay enjoyable and seamless. We have a common tip box which is located in the dining hall.
7. Baggage
Domestic flights allow only 15-20 kg of check-in baggage (depending on the route) and a maximum of 5kg as hand carry.
8. Insurance
We strongly recommend to all our guests that they arrange their own comprehensive travel insurance with an international insurance provider.