FAQs

Our staffs are well paid compare to Nepal normal industry standards. They are insured and had medical facilities. Within year they have 2 months extra paid, one month during their holiday, and the other month during Dashain Festival as Dashain allowance. Company has a policy of providing superannuation and provident fund for every staffs.
Field employees get tour allowances and they are adequately insured against accidents in the course of tours and trekking and expeditions. We provide every year series of staff training including, language first-aid, educational, during the off- season.
We are motivated in using local manpower, resources and products while conducting all tours and trekking expeditions. We encourage village tourism and use of maximum local products for consumption during all our tour operations.

We have maintained very transparent books of accounts for which a qualified professional has been hired. A government approved tax auditor prepares all the Profit and Loss account balance sheet at the end of each fiscal year. On the basis of which, we pay 25% of gross profit to the government. Until now, we have cleared all the taxes and also paid advance tax for the running year.

The tourism boom in Nepal is a mixed blessing. It has generated a sizeable share of Nepal’s foreign currency revenue but only a few have experienced an improvement in their standard of living. In fact, for many communities, influx of visitors has come at a considerable cost.
In numerous places, trekking groups have littered trails and degraded forests. Against this alarming backdrop, the practice of ecologically friendly-tourism has been gaining increased momentum – both in Nepal and around the World. Our approach to tourism seeks not only to preserve environment and culture of tourist destination but also to benefit the local population by fostering environmental awareness among both locals and visitors. By linking tourism to social and economic development, it is possible to preserve natural and cultural heritage of an area through promotion of sustainable tourism. This not only enhances positive experiences of those on holiday but also helps to raise the living standard of the local residents. Nature Trail promotes environmentally friendly tourism and, along with a few other local companies, has led the way in responsible tours of our country.

We conduct all our trips with a vigilant eye to avoid any disturbance to the local ecology or way of life. We are committed to an active participation in the Kathmandu Environmental Education Project and other national and local Environmental Initiatives. We continuously strive to make sure traveling with Nature Trail Trekking in Nepal and elsewhere have minimum impact on the local environment.
Use of wood for cooking is strictly discouraged. We try to minimize the consumption of canned and bottled foods. When used, cans and bottles are re-cycled or properly disposed so that there is minimum impact on environment.

As a locally owned and operated conscientious company, Nature Trail believes culture should be a way of life. We maintain high standards when choosing our knowledgeable staff and their compensation is paid accordingly. Our dedicated team are experts in their field with some involved in tourism for over two decades.
Since 1995, company founder, Bishnu Subedi, has steadily built Nature Trail and its reputation from humble beginnings to what it is today. He has extensive experience in trekking and tourism in Nepal; is a keen environmentalist and a firm believer of responsible tourism. He is actively involved in all aspects of the company and occasionally leads treks to keep in touch with ground operations. Being a proud Nepali, Bishnu supports his local culture and traditions by expending his personal time, funds and energy on various local projects. He has also studied abroad and traveled to many western countries so is able to identify with his client base, seeing things from both the western and Nepalese perspectives.

Nature Trail’s employees range from well-qualified and competent office staff to trekking and climbing guides with years of experience. All of our agents, guides, porters and drivers are hard-working, reliable and experienced, with an enthusiasm for working in the travel industry.

NATURE TRAIL TREKKING believes that it is possible to operate commercially in the eco- tourism sector of the industry and also preserve the natural and cultural heritage of an area through promotion of sustainable tourism. In our work, we actively promote and implement this philosophy whenever an opportunity presents. The evident success is that Nature Trail Travels and Tours, Trekking and Expeditions, has achieved obvious rewards in the professional and commercial sense and has positively enhanced the travel and eco-trekking experience of the eco tourist.

We emphasize on making extensive use of the available local products and enhance maximum economic benefits to the local communities. In addition, we support rural development projects by contributing 20% of the profit generated each trading year, thereby, have directly uplifted the living standard of the local residents and contributed to the national economy of Nepal and its neighbors.

We run a non government organization that is committed to providing the much needed health and education facilities to remote areas of Nepal.

Nature Trail organizes cultural tours and village-to-village walks which are less strenuous than trekking but equally rewarding. We provide the opportunity to visit remote villages where you can spend more time in a particular destination allowing more intimate glimpses into traditional village life. The villagers are friendly welcoming you with their hearts and smiles and are always happy to share their music and dance. The exchange is reciprocal and villagers would often wish you to join in with your own songs and dances for all to enjoy.

Sirubari village is one village example. It is inhabited by the Gurung community situated south of Pokhara at an altitude of 1700m. It is 3 hours further from the main trekking trails and offers excellent views of the Himalayan Peaks, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu. A highlight of Sirubari is the opportunity we have to stay overnight in a local home. The accommodation is simple but comfortable with bedding and toilet facilities. Tasty meals are included and you will dine as one of the family. The community generally offers evening entertainment of traditional Gurung and Nepali dancing and singing- always fun to join in!

During your village stay, you can spend time with your family while they attend their daily activities, tending animals, tilling fields, visiting the school or talking with the neighbours – no matter what, you will experience what it is like to live the life of a Nepali villager.

Sirubari has established itself as a model village and has won the PATA-Gold Award 2001 in the Heritage & Culture – Heritage category. Our packages are specifically designed to ensure that supplies are secured in the village communities we visit so we are able to support the preservation of the heritage and Nepalese culture while improving the living standards of the people.

Since inception, our company has been striving to open up remote areas of Nepal. We pioneered the first commercial ascents in the “wild routes” to the far West and East of Nepal, and also specialized in trekking to virgin areas with formidable games and nature watching experiences that till then were inaccessible to the tourists. We strive to maintain the trend by making continuous effort in discovering interesting new destinations within the country. Furthermore, we have initiated cleaning campaigns in the nearby villages that involve a lot of local participation. The idea is to raise hygiene and environmental awareness in the villagers. Such campaigns also educate the villagers keep their villages and the surroundings neat and clean.

Nature Trail, an environmentally conscious company leading since 1995. Authorized from HMG of Nepal with registration number: 4107/052/53.

Price — Our prices are reasonable and competitive. We provide good value for money.

Quality — We are proud of our land and heritage and we do what is possible to make your experience as pleasant and memorable as we can.

Selection — We offer a wide variety of activities from traditional sightseeing tours and treks to adventures such as white-water rafting and bungy jumping.

Service — We realize the importance of the good communication so Nature Trail proudly offers 24-hour/7 days a week Customer Service. Our website is detailed and designed to assist your travel planning experience. Our Kathmandu Head Office is open from 8.30 AM to 7.00 PM from Sunday to Friday but our Operations Department remains open 7 days a week to ensure your comfort throughout your journey with us.

If you have unique and quality tour packages, we may consider offering and selling your product(s). Please contact our Tour Department for further information.

Respect local traditions, customs, values and sentiments to help them protect local culture and maintain local pride.

Respect privacy when taking photographs
Respect holy places
Refrain from giving money to children as it encourages begging
Respect for the local etiquette earns you respect
Let the Himalayas change you – Do not change them
Protect the natural environment
Leave the campsite cleaner than you found it
Limit deforestation – make no open fires
Burn dry paper and packets in a safe place
Keep local water clean and avoid using pollutants
Plants should be left to flourish in their natural environment

All of our guides are trained in basic first aid and can deal with the basic ailments that may occur on trek. In the event of an emergency Nature Trail Trekking will cover initial expenses of any rescue operation. It is a condition of booking that you are adequately insured for such an event as these expenses will need to be recovered from your insurance company. In the more frequented regions there are health posts, which have been established by foreign doctors and many are staffed by overseas personnel. Nature Trails & Expeditions are associated members of The Himalayan Rescue Association.

Altitude sickness often known as acute mountain sickness (A.M.S.) in general may occur when people ascend too quickly normally in altitudes of over 3000 m. We ensure minimal risk by building in rest days into our trekking itineraries. Most people will feel some affect of altitude, shortness of breath and possibly light headed, this is fairly common. Acute mountain sickness is very different and normally involves a severe headache, sickness and loss of awareness. In almost every potential case there are enough warning signs to take appropriate action. Descending to a lower altitude will generally be enough to prevent any further problems.

Often this is about getting the balance right, you need to have enough gear to be warm and comfortable but without overloading. Usually you will experience warm days and cold nights depending on altitude and the time of year. Most treks to around 3000 m. are really quite comfortable especially in springtime. Please refer to our web site for a suggested list of items to bring or e-mail us for our equipment list. It is worth remembering you can buy or hire a lot of what you will need in Kathmandu before your trek at very reasonable prices, we can also provide our own hire pack to you. Footwear is best purchased at home before your arrival to ensure they are comfortable and worn in.

Hygiene when trekking generally has improved considerably over the last ten years, Our guides have the local knowledge to choose the lodges which maintain a high standard of hygiene. If you are under canvas all meals are prepared to high standards, fruit and vegetables are soaked in iodine before preparation. Most lodges serve boiled and filtered water, which is generally safe, we suggest a drop of iodine to be totally sure. We discourage the purchase of bottled water for the obvious environmental reasons

In the more popular trails (Annapurna Everest and Langtang) there are well-established Mountain lodges providing sleeping accommodation and meals. Gone are the days when trekkers had to share dormitories, almost all lodges nowadays provide private rooms and many also have solar showers and clean toilet facilities. You can of course opt for a camping trek in these regions but as many campsites are connected to lodges it is debatable whether there is real benefit being under canvas.

Trekking in more remote areas necessitates transporting in all the needs for the group tents food etc. Food is prepared by our cook team and drinking water is adequately treated.

If you are reasonably fit and enjoy walking you will find a trek in the brochure to suit you. Normally the shorter treks tend to be easier whilst the longer ones often require a better standard of fitness. All treks in the brochure have been graded. It is also worth remembering if we are tailoring your tour, you can choose the pace and direction of your experience.

The Nepal Himalaya is governed by the Southerly Monsoon which brings heavy precipitation between the months of June and September, i.e. it rains a lot. There are great treks available in the rain shadow during these months but if you are planning a more popular trek it is best to avoid the monsoon months. Autumn through to Spring is the best time to fully experience Nepal.

No, we do not charge any extra fees or fuel surcharges. The listed price is the price you pay. Including tax.

We understand that you may not have a printer handy when you’re traveling so it is not necessary to have a printed copy. However, we require that you show ID matching your reservation and also the Order # that is immediately emailed to you after you make your reservation.

Please contact us to get the latest information on your desired trip.

Wear whatever is comfortable. It is recommended to have a sturdy pair of broken-in trail shoes, boots, or sneakers. It is preferable to dress in layers and wear clothing that will wick away perspiration and keep you dry and comfortable

Not much, remember our trips are all inclusive. We do suggest you bring appropriate clothing to fit the season and a day pack to carry extra snacks and water.

You must call 72 hours ahead of your scheduled tour for a full refund. Within 72 hours you will assess a $35 termination fee. There are no refunds for cancellations within 24 hours of your tour, or if you decide not to show up.

Yes. Reservations are required for guaranteed spots on all tours. Reservations help us determine the number of guides we need to ensure that our groups remain manageable and enjoyable, and they allow us to notify you of changes to the tour due to weather or anything that could disturb the tours.

We do hike in the rain, snow, wind and any other weather conditions that nature decides to throw at us. After all, we’re going on adventures! If the weather is unsafe for any reason, the trip will be changed or postponed. You will be notified the week of your trip if there are changes due to weather.