Frequently Asked Questions
Nepal Yoga Journeys
Do I need a visa to visit Nepal?
Yes, all visitors to Nepal must apply for a visa with the Nepal government. The cost is US$30 for 15 days and US$50 for 30 days - both of these are multiple entry visas. You can either apply for visa on arrival using a paper form or apply online at http://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/, but please note that this site can be problematic and most people use the paper version. Both systems require the correct fee in cash and a passport sized photo to be presented at the airport. You will need to provide the exact address and phone number of your hotel in Kathmandu, which we will send to you before your departure.
What do I do if I want to extend my visa?
You can extend your visa in Kathmandu for an addition US$2 per day (note that they charge a minimum of 14 days). You cannot be out on a trek or in the village on the day your visa runs out. For further information on Nepal visas, please visit www.nepalimmigration.gov.np.
What will the weather be like?
This depends on the departure date of your trip and the altitude that you travel to. Expect day time temperatures in Kathmandu of 25-30 degrees from March to September 20-25 degrees in October/ November and night time temperatures of 11-20 degrees. Pokhara has similar night time temperatures but as it is lower than Kathmandu, so day time temperatures can be 27-30 degrees from April to September and around 23-27 degrees in March and November. The temperature at our village project in Sindhupalchok is similar to Kathmandu. If you are trekking, temperatures will be much colder. Expect 5-15 degrees at 3,000 metres with night time temperatures of zero to ten degrees.
How much yoga will there be on the trip?
Yoga is incorporated into your trip as part of your Yoga Journey in Nepal. The amount of yoga will vary depending on the location and other arranged activities. Your yoga instructor will advise you on the time and location of the session.
Do I have to join every yoga session?
No, all yoga is optional. If you have a partner who doesn’t do yoga but would like to join you on this trip that is totally fine.
What style of yoga is practiced?
This will depend on the yoga instructor accompanying your group. The webpage for your particular yoga journey will advise you of this.
What yoga experience do I need to have?
Your yoga instructor will be teaching to all levels.
Will there be any meditation on the trip?
Most Yoga Journeys do include meditation. Your yoga instructor will advise you of this.
Where will our yoga sessions be held?
There will be various locations for yoga on the trip. At most of the hotels, yoga will generally be held in the hotel garden or on a terrace.
What clothes are suitable for yoga?
Nepal is a conservative country and it is offensive to reveal too much of your body. Low cut and shoestring style singlets are not suitable. Cotton and linen style shirts are great. For yoga, please do not wear fitted tights or leggings, loose fitting comfortable trousers are best. You should bring something warm for the trek.
Do I need a yoga mat?
A yoga mat will be supplied for the duration of your trip. We suggest bringing a yoga blanket with you or buying one in Nepal.
What kind of bags should I bring?
We suggest bringing a soft travel bag, backpack (50-60 litres) or a suitcase (but in this case you would need a soft type bag as well for the trek). We also recommend you bring a small day pack for your everyday essentials.
Do I need a sleeping bag?
You will need a sleeping bag if you are staying in our project village.
Do I need a water filter?
Water filters are great and if you have one, bring it. Boiled and filtered water is available at the village homestay and most trekking lodges. This is safe to drink. While in Kathmandu and Pokhara ask for filtered water for your water bottles.
Will I get lost?
If you follow the advice of your tour guide and stay with your group you won’t get lost!
What standard of accommodation can I expect?
We use excellent hotels with very comfortable rooms in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Our village earthbag accommodation and trekking lodges are basic but comfortable.
Will there be somewhere safe to store my valuables?
We use very good hotels and most of them have safes and safe storage. Make sure that you ask each hotel to protect your valuables.
Will I be able to recharge my phone/batteries?
Yes make sure that you have an adaptor. Nepal has a standard 230 V. They use 2 pin and 3 pin round sockets.
Can I do laundry on the trip?
Laundry services are available in hotels, but this can be expensive. There are also good machine laundry services in Kathmandu and Pokhara. You can also wash out underwear and socks in the village.
What standard of toilets can I expect?
The standard of hygiene in hotel and restaurant toilets is generally good. Our village accommodation has western toilets. Do be aware that toilets between towns may be squat type and more primitive. We recommend carrying some toilet paper and hand sanitizer in your bag.
Do you cater for vegetarian and other special diets?
Yes, we recommend following a vegetarian diet whilst in Nepal. Please advise us of your dietary requirements so that we can arrange this in advance.
What vaccinations do you recommend?
Beyond The Clouds recommend consulting a travel doctor (worth shopping around and check the prices) for vaccinations. Usually they will recommend shots for hepatitis, typhoid, diphtheria/tetanus, polio booster and meningitis. As you will not be travelling in southern Bhutan, malaria tablets are not essential if you wear repellent, cover bare arms and legs and take sensible precaution. You may also be offered a series of rabies injections as there is rabies present in the Himalayan region. Please discuss this with your travel doctor. We strongly recommend staying away from all animals during the trip. Please note: It is your personal decision as to which vaccinations to take, and we cannot take responsibility for this.
What do I do if I need medical care?
Nepal has good medical facilities in Kathmandu and Pokhara. There are also pharmacies in every village. Please inform your guide if you need any assistance.
Is there anything I should avoid doing in Nepal?
Do not wear revealing clothing in villages or in monasteries, and avoid touching animals.
Can I take photographs anywhere?
Most Nepali people are very friendly and open to having their picture taken but do respect them by asking permission.
Can I bring gifts for the local children?
As a rule, Beyond The Clouds discourages hand outs. Handing out things such as sweets, pens and money only creates a culture of begging and bad teeth. As an alternative, you may wish to donate to our charity First Steps Himalaya so that we can purchase suitable items for children at our projects. We also really appreciate donations of duplo, wooden railways and wooden puzzles as well as good quality second hand children’s clothing.
What is the local currency?
The Nepalese Rupee which is tied to the Indian Rupee, is the local currency but is only available inside Nepal. You can change money in Nepal easily.
How much spending money should I bring?
As all your accommodation and most of your food is included on these tours you only need to bring spending money for meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara, souvenirs, alcoholic drinks and any extras such as massage. We would recommend bringing a minimum of US$500.
Can I use my credit cards? Are there any ATMs?
Yes – credit cards are accepted at most hotels and tourist shops in larger centres. There are ATMs in major centres such as Kathmandu and Pokhara but we would advise bringing some US$ or GBP cash.
How much is recommended for tipping? (for trekkers)
Tripping in Nepal is entirely up to clients but is always appreciated by guides and porters on our treks. As a guideline, we suggest single and couple trekkers tipping the guide on a short trek (4-6 nights) around US$35-50 and each porter around US$20. If you are in a larger group then around US$50-70 for the guide between the group and US$25 for each porter. On longer treks (10-20 nights) a suggested tip for the guide would be US$70-150 and US$35-50 for each porter. Larger groups might give a bit more depending on group size.
