Frequently asked questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What currency should I bring to Nepal?

US Dollars and Euros are commonly accepted in Nepal. It is easy to change money into Nepali Rupees, which you will need in rural areas and for paying small things such as meals and tips. You can change money at the airport in Kathmandu, at money changers in the cities and there are also ATM machines in larger cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Is the bus from Kathmandu safe?

Tourist buses are safer and more comfortable than local ones. Most leave Kathmandu by 7am. There are several different types of bus service, e.g. Standard and Luxury. Luxury buses provide luxury services and lunch on route. The cost varies from $10 to $25

Is there good internet access?

Yes, both EWN’s office and our Guesthouse have internet available.

What medicines should I bring/ what health risks are there in Pokhara?

It would be helpful to bring mosquito repellent, diarrhea medicine, hand sanitizer and cold and cough medicine. If you are trekking we recommend bringing firstaid kit as well as the appropriate clothing and equipment. The major health risk is diarrhea due to the change in water and food, and coughs and colds during seasonal changes.

Is there anything else you think I should know for my first trip to Nepal?

Make sure you know your travel plans and have all the documents you need. If you plan to buy a Nepali visa at the airport you will require to place your passport in an automatic machine and answer some relevant questions. A one month visa costs US$ 50 and a three month visa US$ 125. To extend your visa it costs US$ 45 for a minimun of 15 days. We recommend arranging for your hotel to pick you up from Kathmandu airport. Besides this be aware that you are coming to a new country and a new culture so please dress approiately. It is good to be open and flexible so that you make the most of your time here.

Where can I stay?

You can take a room in our guesthouse/family house at our volunteer rate of $10 per night. If you prefer you can also stay close to our guesthouse, there are several hotels, guesthouses and apartments are available.

This is my first time in Nepal, is it safe to travel alone?

It is generally very safe to travel alone, but we advise (like anywhere) you remain alert, especially after dark.

What type of transportation do you provide?

We’d be happy to organize your transportation while you are in Nepal, whether you want to travel by bus, plane, car, van or jeep. 

What can I do in and around Pokhara?

Whether you have only a few hours or a few days to spend in Pokhara, we can help you to get the most out of your stay.

Day hikes
The number of hiking trails around Pokhara are endless. View the Himalayas on a walk to Sarangkot, take a relaxing boat trip and climb up to the Peace Pagoda overlooking Phewa lake, or visit the beautiful rural village of Astam.

Rock climbing
3 Sisters Adventure Trekking offers the only location for outdoor climbing in and around Pokhara. Challenging climbs on the perfectly equipped and a magnificient view of Phewa lake await you. Please, note that only experienced climbers are allowed at this location. Booking can be made through the Empowering Women of Nepal (EWN) office . 

City tour
Learn more about Nepal’s third largest town with an experienced guide. Visit the town’s major monasteries and temples and get to know more about the Himalayas in the International Mountain Museum.

Paragliding
Soar freely with the birds over the picturesque Pokhara valley or to the foothills of the Annapurnas. September to April is considered to be the best period for paragliding.

Rafting
Nepal’s rivers rank high in the world for white-water rafting and Pokhara is ideally situated for raft trips along its rivers. You can go for one or more days.

Bird watching
Join one of our specialized guides to discover and view Pokhara’s rich birdlife.

Ultralight flying
Make an unforgettable fight over the city, Pokhara valley and the Himalayan mountains with the comfortable ultralights.

What can I do in and around Kathmandu?

Kathmandu has lots to offer. From the architectural monuments of Durbar square to the Unesco World Heritage sites of Swayambhunath (the great Buddhist temple, also called the monkey temple), Pashupatinath (Nepal’s most important Hindu temple) and Bodnath (home to one of the world’s largest stupas). And don’t forget to pay a visit to traffic-free Bhaktapur, a traditionally intact town that takes you back in time where you can witness centuries-old craftsmanship of weavers, potters and woodcarvers.

Kathmandu valley offers great opportunities for day hikes where you can witness Nepal’s rural farming life.

We’d be happy to organize a guide for you who will show you the highlights of Kathmandu and Kathmandu valley

What other tours do you provide except your trekking’s?

In addition to our trekking activities we organize tours to Chitwan National Park, Bardia National Park and Lumbini, Buddha’s birthplace.

Chitwan National Park
Visit the enchanting sub-tropical jungle of Chitwan National Park. Take a jungle walk or ride on an elephant to see rhino and other wildlife. Go on a canoe trip to watch the abundant bird life and visit some of the ethnic villages.

Bardia National Park and Lumbini
This park encompasses the largest untouched wilderness in the Terai and has an amazing cultural diversity. A must visit! On your way to Bardi National Park you can visit Lumbini, the historical birthplace of Gautama Siddhartha Buddha. It is one of the most important religious sites in the world.

Are men welcome on your treks?

Yes, men are also welcome. However, we will not provide single men or male-only groups with female guides. If your group is mixed there is no problem.

What to bring for packing list?

will provide a packing list by email upon request.

Is the weather condition?

We will provide the weather condition by email upon request.

What currency shall I use along the trek?

It´s only possible to pay with Nepalese Rupees - we recommend to have 4000 Rupees per day

When is the best time to trek in Nepal?

March – May (flowering season) and September – November (after the monsoon season they sky becomes very clear and pleasant)

Are you guides trained with first aid?

our guides have knowledge about first aid, especially when it comes to high altitude sickness

How fit do I need to be to trek in the Himalayas?

Good physical fitness is the advantage to walk up and down hills in the Himalaya, to enjoy the beautiful nature. We suggest to keep up the fitness by walking up and down hill/stairs, gym, sports, yoga will help most.

Cancellation/rebooking of trekking

Due to the bank regulations of our country, we are unable to refund monies paid, therefore, our cancellation policy is as below. 

The 20% deposit is non-refundable except in the case of cancellation due to natural or political instability in Nepal.  In these cases 50% of the non-refundable deposit may be used towards another trek within 1 year from date of cancellation. In all other cases the 20% deposit is non-refundable

What is the best way to help people in the local communities we will visit on trek?

We advise that you do not give things to individual people, particularly children as it encourages them to beg. Instead if you would like to help, bring supplies for the local school.


How many hours will we walk in a day?

You will walk between 3-7 hours per day, depending on altitude, whether you are ascending or descending and the pace of the group. All trekkers are different and have a different pace.

What kind of food and accommodation is available during the trek?

Local food is available, which mostly consists of Dal Bhat. Some continental food is available and prepared locally. Accommodation is basis, varies from lodge to lodge.

Why are your treks more expensive than some other agencies?

When you book a trek with us you know that you will be supported by guides who are not only properly trained but properly supported and paid a fair wage. We provide our trekking staff with good quality clothing and equipment, and we also contribute to their children’s education and to the pensions of our fully qualified guides. This is unusual for a trekking company in Nepal. Moreover, the trekking fees you pay go towards supporting our NGO, ‘Empowering Women of Nepal’, which gives underprivileged women the chance to become guides. We provide training and in some cases accommodation free of charge. This program has transformed the lives of many Nepali women, some of whom will be your guides on the trek. Finally, trekking fees go towards ensuring that our company is properly insured- again, not something all Nepali trekking companies take seriously.


Where is your Guesthouse situated in Pokhara?

You will find us at the northern end of Lakeside. We are only 2 minutes walk from the lake and our restaurant has lake views.

• I will arrive in Pokhara by bus/plane. What is the best method of transport for getting to your guesthouse?

We have a pick-up service for our clients so let us know on which bus/ flight you are coming to Pokhara. If you want us to arrange you bus ticket/ flight we can also do this.

Are there any self-catering facilities at the guesthouse? How much do meals in cafes and restaurants cost?

The guest house does not have self-catering facilities. Meals in Pokhara range from NPR 500-1500.

Do you have pick up service from airport / bus park?

Yes we do provide pick up service from airport / bus park for our clients.


Can I pay for my accommodation by bank transfer?

You can pay with cash or credit card ( 3 % additional charge ).

No we don't do bank transfer for accommodation.


EWN

How can I help EWN ?

We are always looking for volunteers to take English lessons for our trekking guide trainees. No prior experience of teaching is required but patience and enthusiasm is essential! The women come from all over Nepal and are aged 18-25. You can also help out in the office and provide training on rock climbing, first aid, geology etc if you have qualifications/skills in these areas

What resources do you have for teaching English?

We have a comprehensive library of teaching materials for the three levels BEGINNERS, INTERMEDIATE and ADVANCED.

Should I bring a lot of pens and paper ?

 Do not bring material with you but if you care to assist in the purchase of teaching materials your donation would be greatly appreciated. 

What is the minimum amount of time I would need to commit to a teaching project ?

Our standerd courses last for four weeks and we have other scheduled courses during the year. As a result you would need tp commit to a minimum of four weeks.

Is accommodation provided for volunteers ?

EWN can offer you a room at the three sisters guesthouse at a reduced cost of US$ 10 including breakfast.

Do I need to know a lot about trekking terms and conditions to prepare me to give English lessons ?

This is not nessary as the main purpose is to provide conversational English opportunities. 






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