Travel Agent

RMI has partnered with Erin Rountree to provide our clients with comprehensive travel support. As an independent agent of the Travel Society, she has booked countless miles for adventure traveler's across the globe. We have been working with Erin for the last 8 years, and she is very knowledgeable about the travel needs of our programs. Please call (208) 788-2870 or email at etravel@cox.net.

Travel Insurance

We strongly encourage everyone to consider purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance offers the best possible protection if you have a sudden, unexpected illness or injury prior to or when traveling. Check with the insurance provider for specific coverage details. If you have not yet purchased travel insurance, you may do so prior to commencement of the program. For more information please visit one of the websites below, or contact your local travel agent.
AIG Travel Guard
International Health Insurance
Erin Rountree

Personal Medical Insurance

We recommend that you purchase medical insurance for your expedition as most standard insurance does not cover mountaineering. International Health Insurance (IHI) provides coverage for annual travel or a single trip. For additional information including coverage, benefits and premiums or to book online visit International Health Insurance.

Getting There

Most climbers and trekkers fly to Kathmandu via Thailand, with an overnight in Bangkok. During your flight you will cross the International Date Line. Travel time is approximately two days. If you want to see the mountains as you fly into Kathmandu, make sure you sit on the right-hand side of the plane. The program start date begins on Day One (see Itinerary) in Kathmandu.

Entry Requirements

A valid passport is required for entering Nepal. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the expected date of return.

We suggest making a copy of the first two pages of your passport and keeping them in a separate bag as a back up. A copy should also be left with your emergency contact.

Visas and Airport Arrival

Nepal: All foreigners (except Indian Nationals) require visas, which can be obtained in advance or on arrival with one passport photo and payment in cash (U.S. Dollars are best).

When you arrive at Kathmandu Tribhuvan Airport go to the visa counter for visitors without a visa. At the counter there will be a line for people staying longer than 3 nights in Nepal, and one for people staying for less than 3 nights in Nepal.  Our program itinerary has us staying for less than 3 nights and for this you will get a visa sticker, but do not need to pay for it.  If you wish to arrive earlier and are staying longer than 3 nights then you will need to pay $30 for the visa.

Debarkation forms and visa application forms are both available in the arrivals hall. You will need 1 passport photo for your visa application.

Outside the arrivals hall there will be a large group of taxi drivers and agents from many hotels and travel companies.   Look for a sign with the name Rainier Mountaineering, Inc..  This will be your RMI guide and the driver who will take you to your hotel in Kathmandu.

Immunizations / Travel Medicine

Before travel, be sure you are up to date on all routine immunizations according to schedules approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice (ACIP). Some schedules can be accelerated for travel. 

See your doctor at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to allow time for shots to take effect. If it is less than 4 weeks before you leave, you should still see your doctor. It might not be too late to get your shots or medications as well as other information about how to protect yourself from illness and injury while traveling.

CDC recommended vaccinations and preventive medications:

• Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG)
• Hepatitis B
• Malaria if you plan on traveling to lower elevations
• Meningitis
• Rabies
• Typhoid vaccine
• As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria and measles

This information is accurate at the time of writing, but may change with little or no notice. For the most updated information on inoculation requirements and recommendations, please refer to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Travel Insurance

We strongly encourage everyone to consider purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance offers the best possible protection if you have a sudden, unexpected illness or injury prior to or when traveling. Check with the insurance provider for specific coverage details. If you have not yet purchased travel insurance, you may do so prior to commencement of the program. For more information please visit one of the websites below, or contact your local travel agent.
AIG Travel Guard
International Health Insurance
Erin Rountree

Personal Medical Insurance

We recommend that you purchase adequate medical insurance for your expedition as most standard insurance does not cover mountaineering. The cost of medical care and the evacuation from a Himalayan peak can be very expensive.  International Health Insurance (IHI) provides coverage for annual travel or a single trip.  For additional information including travel insurance coverage, price quote, or to book online, visit their website.

Departure Tax

Current airport tax is Nepalese Rupees 1,695 per person. The departure tax in Kathmandu is to be paid at a special bank counter located inside the airport terminal and prior to checking in to the flight.

Country Facts

Nepal: Nepal is one of the richest countries in the worlds in terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and altitudinal variation. The elevation of the country ranges from 60 meter above sea level to the highest point on earth, Mount Everest at 8,848 meters, all within a distance of 150 km resulting into climatic conditions from Sub-tropical to Arctic.

Capital: Kathmandu.

Population: 23.1 Million. 

Altitude: 60 meters from sea level to highest 8,848 meters.

Language: Nepali is the national language. However travel-trade and educated people understand and speak English as well.

Political System: Multi-party Democracy.

Etiquette

Although it is not expected that American tourists dress formally in Nepal and Tibet, it is expected that they dress modestly. Casual and comfortable clothing is suggested along with comfortable shoes. It is expected that you engage in some degree of bargaining for market or street purchases.

Money

Nepal: The official currency of Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). A recent exchange rate was about 66 NPR to the U.S. Dollar. In Nepal you are almost always required to pay for goods or services with the Nepalese Rupee. It is recommended that you change to Nepalese Rupees only as much money as you think you may spend as local currencies cannot be removed from the country or reconverted easily.

Traveler’s checks are accepted at banks and major hotels but should be in U.S. Dollars. American Express, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in tourist shops, hotels, restaurants and agencies. You will also find a large number of ATMs in Nepal.

Everyone has a preferred way to carry money. Some use money belts, others have hidden pockets. Whatever you do, be aware of pickpockets and thieves in any area which caters to tourists.

Tipping

Tipping in Nepal is expected. Restaurants and hotels may add 5 % to 10% to bills in which case no further tip is required; otherwise a 10% tip is customary in places that cater to tourists. It is customary to tip guides and porters on treks and climbs. Elsewhere it is not customary to tip, but gratuities are always appreciated.

Health

Travelers often suffer from upset stomachs when in foreign countries. There are some basic rules, however, that can help keep you healthy.

• Hygiene - It is important that you wash your hands thoroughly before meals and after using any bathroom. If water is not available for washing, we recommend using a hand sanitizer.
• Water - The number one rule is: don’t drink the water, and that includes shower water and ice! Brush your teeth with purified water rather than tap water. You should check bottled water for a good seal and use a napkin to wipe dry excess moisture in drinking glasses. Take care with fruit juice, particularly if it has been diluted with water. Carefully clean the tops of bottled beverages before opening.
• Food - If you can cook it, boil it, or peel it; you can usually eat it. Salads and fruits should be washed with purified water or peeled where possible. Be wary of ice cream and shellfish. Always avoid any undercooked meat.

Photography

Nepal is very photogenic and the photos you take will be priceless. Ask for permission before photographing individuals, particularly indigenous people. Many of the locals are used to posing for photographs. They may appreciate a small gift in return. If in doubt, either ask or refrain. Don’t photograph any government or military property or persons; this includes the airport.

Electricity

Domestic consumption of electricity in Kathmandu normally comes to 220 Volts/50 cycles. It is advisable to carry voltage converters and plug adapters with you while traveling. Voltage converters and plug adapters are easily accessible at shopping malls in the cities of Nepal and the U.S.

Travel Advisories / Warnings

Please confirm any current travel advisories/warnings as well as passport and visa requirements with the U.S. Department of State website.

Resources

There are a number of books on travel health including: Staying Healthy in Asia, Africa and Latin America by Dirk Schroeder. Lonely Planet, Let’s Go, Fodor’s and Frommers are all good travel guides. Information and updates can be found on the website for the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs, which provides medical information for travelers as well as the consular information.