General FAQs

General FAQs

How to obtain visa to travel to Nepal?

You can obtain “VISA” to Nepal through embassy or other diplomatic mission to your country. You can also obtain visa at entry points to Nepal or at the airport in the immigration for merely $40. The extension of visa requires an additional payment of $30. Do not forget to carry some passport size photos with you.

I want to go on a trek. What is the best time and place for it?

Everything you want to do is time and cost specific. Besides, your experience in trekking will also matter. There is wide range of options in Nepal if you want to explore. If you arrive in proper season, that is, between September to November (Autumn Season) and March to May (Spring Season), you might just experience something that you will be able to cherish for the lifetime. The shortest of trek can be Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, Langtang Helambu Trek or the Annapurna Circuit. The Everest trek and the full Annapurna sanctuary Trek can be ideal if you have a little more time. Finally, if you are looking for something that’s longer and more challenging, you’re looking at Kanchanjunga or Makalu area Trek.

What are the best trekking routes?

Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Basecamp, Everest Basecamp, Dhaulagiri Circuit, Manaslu Circuit and Kanchanjunga are the most popular trekking routes in Nepal.

Should I trek with an agency or should I trek alone?

Trekking alone can be a good experience if you are familiar with the terrain and have quite a few experiences in the area. Nobody can drag you down, and you can move at your own pace savoring the pleasant sceneries around to you. However, if it is your first experience or so, you might want to travel in group or with an agency. Should situations like medical emergencies, isolation due to disasters, etc. occur, having a group can be a matter of relief. If you have no group and you’re all by yourselves, you can hire a porter or a guide.

What is a trekking peak?

Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) classifies certain peaks between altitudes of 5000 m to 7000 m that can be climbed in a day as trekking peak. The total accent from basecamp to the peak and the decent back to the base camp can be accomplished in a day. The license for those peaks can be obtained from NMA.

 

Who can climb a peak?

Experience or no experience, it requires certain level of fitness to climb a peak. Depending upon the altitude and difficulty level, some training might also be necessary. However, there are certain mountains that can be climbed by a trekker or someone with no experience at all.

I have never climbed a peak before. Can I go for peak climbing?

Climbing a peak requires certain preparation. Although some of small peaks are easy enough for even regular trekkers to climb, others require high degree of training, preparation and experience. So, the bottom-line is, if you want to climb it, of course you can climb it. But it all depends upon the degree of preparation and experience. Hence, it’s wise to start with smaller, easier peaks, and train yourself for harsher ones.

What is climbing permit?

Climbing permit is the legal document issued by the Government of Nepal validating a climber’s attempt to climb a definite peak or a route.

Do I need climbing permit?

Yes. Everyone intending to climb a peak requires a climbing permit.

Who will lead me during climbing?

You’ll be provided a well trained and experienced guide during the climb.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes. Travel Insurance is absolutely necessary. Details about insurance is provided in ‘Terms & Conditions’ and also in a separate topic.

Which is the best season for trekking & peak climbing?

March to May (Spring Season) and August to November (Autumn Season) are the best seasons for both trekking and climbing.

What will be the condition of accommodation while climbing?

During your stay in base camp, you will be provided a tent. You will also be provided food appropriate to your upcoming endeavor. Before you reach the base camp, you will be placed in a Hotel, lodge or tea house.

How much time is generally required for trekking peak?

It depends upon the difficulty level and height of the peak, weather and individual’s ability to cope up with the environment. Normally, the ascent and descent between base camp and peak will take one to two days.

Is it mandatory to tip the porter?

Neither your potter nor your guide will ask you for a tip apart from the payment that he’s actually agreed on. However, if his work impresses you, you are free to tip as you please.

Is communication to our home country possible while on a trek or climb?

Nepal’s communication facilities are getting day by day, and most portions of trekking routes have mobile phone coverage. In case of a climb, VHF or satellite phones are available at the base camp. In both cases, weather can play an important role in communication.


1. Mount Everest - Normal Route
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Seven Summit Treks

Grading

Below the different grades shown in the chart are explained in more detail.

For Expeditions

  1. Easy (E): Climb requires one-day climbs, or a multiday climbs with non-technical elements.
  2. Moderate (M): Either a serious one-day climbs, or a multiday climbs with some technical elements. Requires an average level of physical fitness.
  3. Difficult (D): Multiday climbs with some moderately technical elements. Requires an above average fitness level and high level of stamina.
  4. Hard Difficult (HD): Multiday, Highly technical climb. Requires high level of physical fitness and stamina.
  5. Very Difficult (VD): Multiday, Extremely technical climb. Requires very high level of Physical fitness and stamina.

Grading

Below the different grades shown in the chart are explained in more detail.

For Trekking

  1. Light: Light walking and generally level hiking that is good for most fitness levels. During these trips, hill-walking experience is desirable.
  2. Moderate: Trek has various types of moderate to difficult terrain, including rough trails and normally 3 to 5 hours a day. Requires an average to above average fitness level.
  3. Moderate+: High altitude treks above 3000 meters or in fairly difficult terrain- normally 4 to 6 hours a day. Requires an above average fitness level and high level of stamina.
  4. Extreme: These high altitude treks or passes are known to be the most strenuous and has difficult terrain and conditions. These treks may require a degree of mountaineering skills and you capability of carrying on normally at an altitude of 4000-5600 meters. Daily walking is 5-8 hours approx.

Lukáš Jasenský

Mardi Himal trek. A wonderful trek ideal even for beginners. Wonderful views, great facilities. Our choice for this trek was through our honeymoon. Seven Summit Treks organized and prepared everything. Sherpa Tashi and porter Nima were great. We could talk, they always prepared everything. I have been in contact with the guys from Seven Summit Treks since the expedition to Makalu and I know that I can rely on them. Thank you for your help and wonderful experience. And see you at the next event.

Sofie Lenaerts

Belgium

Our first co-operation was in 2013 in Pakistan with Arnold Coster expeditions and Sevensummittreks towards the Gasherbrum. After that, we continued to work together on expeditions towards Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, Manaslu (winter), and AmaDablam. For me, SST is a very professional company with a lot of experience and knowledge. We have full confidence in their capabilities and appreciate their flexibility. I would like to thank them for all those years of cooperation and I look forwards to new adventures in Nepal and Pakistan.

Brad Johnson

I have been on many expeditions in Nepal over the years, most of them I organized with friends and used Seven Summit Treks only for their base camp services with great service! This year none of my friends were available to climb in Nepal in the Autumn season so I contacted SST and decided to sign up for the Mera Peak and Baruntse expedition. SST organized everything and provide me with a personal climbing Sherpa for the entire trip. Throughout the entire trip, everything was taken care of by SST, including lodging, tea houses, and meals. At Baruntse base camp I had a nice private tent and the cook and kitchen staff always had smiles and cooked great meals. My Sherpa (Jangbu) was great and we became close friends and climbing partners. Jangbu was always there with a smile, a very strong climber, always wanting to help in any way he could. There was plenty of time to decide how and when we were going to make a summit push based on the weather. We had fantastic summit days on both peaks and finished the trip crossing the Amphu Labste pass into the Khumbu Valley staying each night in nice lodges with all meals included. I would highly recommend using SST for any expedition that you want to go on. Thank you Seven Summit Treks for a great trip and your attention to detail!!

Mohamed H. Al Khalifa

Bahrain

Seven summits are the best! Very professional highly recommended and fun people to work with.. 👏

Nir Shah

Great Britain

My wife and I had an amazing experience with Seven Summits for the Everest Base Camp Trek. The company was extremely hospitable with a welcome dinner on day 1, including an introduction to our guide. Speaking of our guide, Phurkitar, he was simply brilliant. During the trek, he was very patient as both of us went through physical and emotional tiredness, and he ensured we reached EBC without any major issues. In addition, he helped cater to my vegan and my wife's vegetarian diets throughout the trek. Cannot compliment Phurkitar enough for all his efforts.

Would readily book with Seven Summits again.