Can I add additonal people to an existing hotel booking?

Yes. You can add a guest to the same hotel room by calling our customer service desk at +977 9865354060 and Please note there may be a charge for additional guests.
Likewise, If you need to book an additional room for the guest you may do so online as a new reservation or contact to customer service (info@sapanaholiday.com).

Are the hotel rates in US dollars?

Currency Conversions are based on approximate exchange rates at the time of booking and should be used for an approximate guide only.

What types of Credit Cards are accepted?

We accept Discover, American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Diners Club or almost all of the credit cards.

Why doesn't the hotel have any reservarion when I call?

Actual guest names will not be available to the hotel until 48-72 hours prior to arrival dependent on if the hotel is a pre-paid or non pre-paid hotel. In order to adjust room volume the hotel does not receive the name manifest until 48-72 hours prior to arrival. If you have questions about your booking, please contact Sapana holiday directly up until that time.

Are pets allowed in the hotel?

Hotels change pet acceptance policies often and without notice. It is very important that you confirm directly with the property that they do, indeed, accept pets. Or you can contact costumer service of Sapana Holiday for more info.

Are pets allowed in my hotel room?

Hotels change pet acceptance policies often and without notice. It is very important that you confirm directly with the property that they do, indeed, accept pets. Or you can contact costumer service of Sapana Holiday for more info.

Travelling with children

Does Sapana Holiday have family trips?  

Sapana offers a wide range of Family Adventures around the Nepal. The minimum age (for Family trips) varies depending on destination, and Sapanahas set minimum ages to ensure that the included activities suit each age range. Additionally, you’ll notice that some of the more adventurous destinations have a higher minimum age.

Travelling in a group

Who are Sapana travelers?

Sapana adventures are for travelers with a yearning to get off the beaten track. Whether you’re travelling solo, with a group of friends, or are aged 18 or 70, there is sapana team to suit your interests and comfort level. We have physical and cultural grading to help you decide if the trip is right for you. No special skills are required for most adventures, just a sense of adventure and a curiosity about the Nepal.

Are there age restrictions on your trips?

For the majority of our trips the minimum age is 15. An adult must accompany all children under the age of 18. Our Overland Adventures have a minimum age of 18. Younger children can join us on our Family trips and Short Break Adventures, but check each trip for its minimum age, which is located on the trip’s overview page on the website. Most of our trips don’t have a maximum age limit, but a Self-Assessment Form is required for all passengers 70 years and over.

Who will be my group leader?

While we can’t tell you who your leader is prior to departure, we can tell you they will be awesome. Our leaders are experts in their regions, some because they’ve been travelling there for many years, others because they’re local to the region and can’t wait to show you around. On longer journeys, or ones that travel through more than one country, you may change leaders part way through – but this just means double the awesomeness.

Can I just do part of the trip?

Although you won’t be reimbursed for any portion of the trip unused, you can opt to sign off the trip if you need to leave a day or so earlier. If you let us know before travel that you’ll be arriving late or need to leave before the trips ends, we will notify our team on the ground to best accommodate your requirements.

Can I make any changes to the itinerary of my group trip, either before or during the trip?

Please make sure you are happy with your group trip itinerary before booking because we are unable to change them for individual travellers. However, if you and a group of friends, colleagues or even your school would like your own personally designed itinerary, get in contact with our very talented Private Groups; they can tailor an itinerary just for you.

Can I add an extra night on the beginning or end of my group trip, either before or during the trip?

You sure can. Just ask your travel specialist at the time of booking.

Travelling Solo

I’m travelling alone – is that OK?

This is the beauty of the Sapana Holiday: Depending on your interests, either you can join other travel if they have also same trip plan or we offer you a beautiful solo trip.

If I am travelling solo, will I be charged a single supplement?

As a solo traveller, you will be paired up with another passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you’re not comfortable sharing a room with someone of the same gender, you also have the choice to pay for a single supplement (available on the majority of our trips).

If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly.

Can I get Nepal visa on arrival?

Yes! Nepal visa is easily available up on arrival in the entry places. Make the process easier by downloading & completing the application form, having the correct USD cash and two passport photographs.

FEE

US$ 25 or equivalent Nepali currency

US$ 40 or equivalent Nepali currency

US$ 100 or equivalent Nepali currency

Guaranteed departures

Are your trips guaranteed to depart?

The vast majority of our small group adventures are guaranteed to depart. Furthermore, once you book your trip it’s confirmed to run, regardless of how many other travelers have booked. So, You can easily tell which departures are guaranteed by looking for ‘guaranteed departure’ next to your chosen travel date.

Where do I find my essential tour information?

How do I obtain Essential Trip Information with full details of my trip?
Make sure you bring these with you. Every trip has a set of Essential Trip Information, accessible on our website, that gives you in-depth information about all aspects of your trip. Otherwise you can directly communicate with our Support Team.

Travel Insurance

Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is compulsory for all Intrepid travelers and should be taken out at the time of booking. Hence, You must provide proof of your travel insurance on the first day of your trip.

What does my policy need to cover?
At a minimum, your travel insurance should be ‘comprehensive’, providing cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability. We also strongly recommend it covers cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you obtain travel insurance through us you acknowledge that you are satisfied with the level of insurance we have arranged.

Visa Information

How do I find out about the visa requirements for the trip I am interested in?
While we do include information in our Essential Trip Information about visa requirements, we always recommend that passengers check with their local embassy as visa rules can change without warning. Embassy websites in your home country will always have information about requirements, visa costs and will provide the required forms. If you are uncomfortable with the visa process, you can visit a travel agent who can arrange these for you at a cost.

How do I organize my Visa?
Please contact the relevant local embassy, or visit a travel agent, to organize your visa/s.

My application says I need a letter of invitation or other supporting documentation, do you provide these?
The ‘visa section’ of you Essential Trip Information will include information about what you need to send to us (scanned passports, employment letters etc.).

Currency Information

What is the currency in my destination? How much should I take in credit cards/cash? Can I use my credit card during my trip?
Travellers’ cheques are not common practice anymore so it is a good idea to travel with a credit card and ATM card, or a bank issued ‘cash card’ specifically for travel. Having a couple of options will assure that you are covered if one doesn’t work. In certain palces it comes down to potluck if you can withdraw money. One day it’ll work, the next it won’t, but it will work for your friend… Go figure! Visa cards are more widely accepted than Mastercard.

What should I bring?

What is the currency in my destination? How much should I take in credit cards/cash? Can I use my credit card during my trip?
Travellers’ cheques are not common practice anymore so it is a good idea to travel with a credit card and ATM card, or a bank issued ‘cash card’ specifically for travel. Having a couple of options will assure that you are covered if one doesn’t work. In certain palces it comes down to potluck if you can withdraw money. One day it’ll work, the next it won’t, but it will work for your friend… Go figure! Visa cards are more widely accepted than Mastercard,

Can I bring my medication with me?

Yes, and make sure to bring prescriptions and the medications in its original containers to avoid custom inspection hassle.

Are there any tourist police in Nepal?

Of course there is tourist police located near the Nepal Tourism Development Board’s Office. Also, there are complaint counters at the airport and Basantapur Durbar Square. Hence, Tourist police are specially trained in English and have detailed local knowledge to assist tourists. Similarly, For security and travel related assistance, you can reach any of the officers from telephone 4-247041, 4-4268969 during 11 a.m to 5 p.m

How to stay in good health when travelling Nepal?

Before coming to Nepal you are advised to take one or two vaccine for common diseases like Japanese encephalitis. When in Nepal, eat thoroughly cooked food. Drink only the reputed brand of bottled water, While in a trip our company will provide pour drinking water. Soft drinks like Coke, Pepsi are fine to drink. Avoid Fast foods and salads. If you are planning to travel during the period of June to September you may caught by Cholera. But this will not be a big problem if you will follow our advice like not drinking contaminated water like tap water and avoiding uncooked food. Wear a mask (if possible) when walking in the dusty and polluted streets, especially during the summer season in Nepal it can be tough to walk in the streets. Many private clinics and hospitals are open during the day. Drug stores near the hospital regions are open 24 hours (Bir Hospital, Teaching Hospital, Patan Hospital, etc).

For tourists, what is there to buy in Nepal to take back home?

Actually there are so many things to take back home depending on your personnel choice. Nepal is well known for its handicraft materials, pashmina, Nepalese art and craft, and Nepali musical instruments like Madal and Banshuri are the items to purchase. Moreover, Nepali carpets are also best known among the tourist customers. And the best place to shop these goods is around the Thamel area.

Is your company environmentally responsible?

Of course, we are and running a business doesn’t mean that we have the right to hamper environment. Our environmental record is better than any other trekking company in Nepal.While it’s sad fact that tourism is taking a toll on these stunning areas, we believe that the two can co-exist and committed to being a part of the solution. We give 20% of the profitable amount of each tour directly to the local community to develop their lifestyle. Also we work under an umbrella organization “Sapana Village Social Impact(SVSI)).

What is wilderness trek?

A wilderness trek gets off the beaten path, going into areas with no teahouses or lodges. While often more rewarding, such treks are much more demanding logistically, as camping and food preparation cannot be outsourced. For a wilderness trek you must bring guides, Sherpas, trained cook, kitchen staff and porters. We operate wilderness treks in many beautiful regions; visit our Wilderness page for more information.

What type of insurance should I need to have before coming to Nepal?

Can I get insurance there?

No, you can’t get here. It is a condition of joining any of our trips that be protected against comprehensive expenses potential to incur due to medical issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we don’t arrange or sell insurance.

A relaxed trip will be far without good travel insurance. In the event of any sickness or injury, the cost of emergency treatment and evacuation is shocking. Therefore, travel insurance is strongly recommended for everyone who signs up with Himalayan Glacier . We strongly recommend that be careful while choosing a policy as some makes special exceptions for adventure travel. Before buying insurance make sure your insurance company is aware of the HGT adventure itinerary that you are going to undertake and is agreeable to cover all activities being undertaken in the trip. Such as if you are planning trekking or climbing/expedition in Himalayas your insurance must cover emergency air ambulance/helicopter rescue including medical expenses. For a group tours in urban areas, your insurance coverage of ambulance or helicopter rescue is not mandatory, however better to have with them too. You need to send us your copy of your insurance policy (e.g. your insurance certificate) or carry it with you while you come on the trip.

What kind of weather (how cold does it get) can we except during trekking?

Weather in the mountains is notoriously difficult to predict. At night it is generally cooler the days are warm. Winter (January and February) will be bit colder but the days can be quite beautiful and warm if the sun is out. There will be bit of snow during the month of January, February and December. It is also important to make sure that you can stay warm and dry in just about any conditions. Expect the unexpected!

Average Temperatures in Nepal ( in Degree Celsius )

One can do lot of things besides hiking and trekking in Nepal.Nepal is a land of festivals. Almost everyday is day of festival in at least some parts of the country. Though most of them are of religious nature, they are almost always of joyous. You should not miss out on them. Kathmandu Valley, with its rich Newar heritage is the most colorful place in the country. But other parts of the country also have their own fanfare. Check out the “Nepali Calendar” for details on the major festivals that will occur during your visit.

Cultural Shows in Kathmandu and Pokhara also provide you with some entertainment, though they are far from being the real thing. Check out the posters in various restaurants and other public places in the tourist quarters of Kathmandu and Pokhara to find out what is going on.

About the existence of night life in Nepal, there are many night bars and couple of night clubs, that stay open till late night in Kathmandu. If you want to gamble a little and have some fun, then you can drop into casinos at five star hotels like Hotel Soaltee and Hotel Yak & Yeti in Kathmandu.

Tell me about the adventurous things that I could do in Nepal.

There are many adventurus things that you could do in Nepal. For instance, you could go for white water rafting.The best time to go for rafting is between September to Early December and between March to Early June. The rafting trips range from US$ 40 to US$ 70. Some of the famous rafting rivers are Trisuli, Kali Gandaki, Bhote Koshi, Marshyangdi, Karnali and Sun Koshi. You require a permit to go for rafting. So, check out with rafting agencies for other necessary rafting related information.
In addition to this, you could also go for rock climbing at Nagarjun and Shivapuri in Kathmandu. You could even take Glider Flight in Pokhara and bungee jumping in Bhote Koshi (out of Kathmandu Valley).Other thing that you could do is go for mountain biking in the Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara and near the Tibetan Border.

I love wild life, what do you say?

Nepal is a paradise for wild life. And, you are at the right country to explore its diverse wild life and exotic birds. We have many National Parks and Wild life reserves. Some of the famous Wild life reserves and National Parks are Annapurna Conservation Area Project, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, Royal Chitwan National Park and Sagarmatha National Park. Check out with the travel agent man for more information on National Parks of Nepal.

My kids are coming along with me to Nepal? Is there any interesting thing for them to do in Nepal?

There is a zoo in Patan.You can take your children to zoo. In zoo, your children can see 106 species of birds and 665 different animals; have elephant ride and boating.
You could even take them to visit Museums and Art Gallaries in Kathmandu.
Besides these all, other exciting thing that you as well as your children could do is take them for Hot Air Ballooning. This is a superb way to view vast expanse of Himalaya and Kathmandu Valley. The cost for hot air ballooning is around US$195 per person. If you need more information on this, you can contact Balloon Sunrise Nepal. Its contact number is (977-1) 418214 and its email adress is nepal@intrek.wlink.com.np

Is there anything to shop in Nepal?

Kathmandu is indeed known as the shopper’s paradise for real work of art and cheap souveniers. Some of the popular things that foreigners usually shop in Nepal are embroidered clothes, tibetan carpets, pottery, masks and puppets, metal work, jwelleries,wood carving, statues, Khukhuri (traditional Knife) and Thangka Paintings. Other than souvenier goods, imported goods, from cosmetics to electrical articles are also available in Kathmandu. The imported stuffs are of pretty nice quality and they are all in very reasonable prices.
It’s very important that you remember to bargain while shopping in Nepal.

What are Thangka Paintings?

Thangkas are the traditional Tibetan Painting of ceremonial and religious subjects such as wheel of life, known as Mandala. Traditional thangkas are framed in silk brocade and its cost ranges from US$ 2 to US$ 30 and beyond.