General Things Recommended

Between the months of May to October, in general, we recommend wearing light clothes and a sweater for the coolest hours, which you may not even use. If you do a short trek that does not climb to high altitudes, a sweater will be enough. In temples, in private homes, and in offices, footwear is left outside. We recommend fresh footwear that is easy to remove and put on and that can get wet. 

During the monsoon period, it rains often, so a folding umbrella (which can also protect you from the sun), a light raincoat, or a “poncho” (you will find it easily) will make you comfortable. However, sometimes getting wet is part of the routine at this time of year. In places like Kathmandu or Pokhara you can wear any kind of dress without problems, you will see many girls with shorts and boys with T-shirts. But the Nepalese culture makes a difference in what is appropriate to take according to the place and the circumstances. So, wearing shorts or bare shoulders on the street is no problem, but going with the same clothes to a temple or even a university/school or a business meeting can be shocking to locals. Although as tourists it will be rare for you to be noticed, they will have you with less consideration. If you are several days, there are many laundry services at a reasonable price and they will have dry-cleaned your clothes from one day to the next, or before, although it will depend on whether it rains or not.

We recommend some cloth to include in your equipment or luggage. Your final decision to take or not will always be what will bring you more peace of mind.

All you need to bring are your gear like Sunglasses, Sun protection, lip balm, wet wipes, walking boots and Sports shoes or light trekking boots and sandals, extra bootlaces, a water/ wind-proof jacket, woolen shirt, T-shirts, a thick pullover, shorts/skirts, and trousers/tracksuit, the removable pants are more practical and comfortable. Thermal underwear is necessary for high altitudes and cotton are best for lower and warmer altitudes. Scarf and cap, Polar Lining, essential at certain times of the year in the morning and night, especially in high altitude places, Oilskin, water bottle, Swiss army knife, Flashlight with spare batteries, travel multi-adapter plugs, Plastic bag/case to protect the camera from dust, 

Personal and general medicines, Paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamines and anti-diarrheic, Small first aid kit, (with tweezers), and sewing kit.

For Safari tours, you are recommended to carry neutral colors, Avoid black or very dark colors.

MEALS

While traveling with Sampurna Adventures you will experience the vast array of wonderful meals that is available. Generally, the meals are not included in the tour when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where what and with whom to eat. Which gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally foods are cheap and you will find many good restaurants out there. If you are in groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though.

Our guides will suggest to you some of the best restaurants available during your trip. 

Normally in all our tours, the breakfasts are included, they will usually be mixed in an Asian style consisting of pancake/bread with jam and butter and eggs, noodles or porridge, vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some villages the choice maybe limited. While trekking in remote regions normally the meals are included unless otherwise specified in the itinerary. 

Environmental Concerns

All tourist and trekking region is stunningly beautiful but equally fragile. Future generations have just as much of a right to appreciate it as we do. Hence, the tourism industry must protect and preserve it. Sampurna Adventure employs a 'zero impact' policy on the natural environment and the traditional communities that live in the traveled places. We enforce several Dos and Don'ts. We also work alongside KEEP (Nepal) to maintain our environmental concerns. 

HEALTH/HYGIENE/VACCINES:

Although there is no vaccination required to enter Nepal, Tibet & Bhutan, we recommend you to consult with an external medicine center well before departure, above all, regularizing the most common vaccines against hepatitis A, B, typhoid, rabies, and Japanese encephalitis for long-term stays or special exposure. In terms of health, it is not a country with too many problems for travelers with minimal concerns. Although zero risk does not exist, it is not an issue that the traveler should not obsess much about. 

We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our guides are prohibited from administering any type of medicine for headaches, antibiotics, etc. 

In Asia, pharmacies tend to stock similar western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name list with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting your trip please carefully read the itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. Sampurna Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveler from all or part of a trip without a refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Please check the regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. It is always recommended to carry a neck wallet or money belt while traveling, for the safekeeping of your passport, air tickets, cash, and other valuable items. Do not carry valuable jewelry while traveling. Many of our hotels in the city have safety deposit boxes to store your valuables. A padlock is recommended for securing your luggage. When traveling on a group tour, please note that we have the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. During the tour, you will have some free time to pursue your interests, relax or explore at your leisure. While we will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of the trip, we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please ensure and use your good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although Nepal is safe compared to other countries, there can be risks of wandering throughout at night. It is our advice to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, and bars during any activities at night time.

During any protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Any action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. In case you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.

Any water-based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities have a balanced approach to safety. Rafting, canoeing, and Swimming in the river are always at your own risk.

A Couple of Rules

Sampurna Adventure will not be tolerated any Illegal drugs on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the country but also puts the rest of the group at risk. In some parts of the country, it is common to see smoking marijuana/hashish as a part of local culture but is not acceptable for our travelers. 

The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to our philosophy. We have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is.

Travel Insurance and Emergency Contact

The mountain is always unpredictable and more so when we move at high altitudes. It is not that there are great technical difficulties or dangers, but a simple sprained ankle or a stumble with a bad landing can force us to give up our itinerary. Altitude sickness, if not detected in time, can also have serious consequences. In this regard, travel insurance is compulsory to participate in any of our trips, and all clients are insured for comprehensive expenses that might incur due to medical issues or accidents. Kindly note that we don't arrange or sell insurance.  

While selecting a travel insurance policy, we strongly recommend and ensure that the policy covers a minimum coverage of USD 100,000 for personal liability, and medical coverage including emergency mountain rescue for acute mountain sickness (AMS) which cannot be remedied by descending to a lower level, then you will receive the prompt attention of helicopter rescue and any necessary hospital treatment as a consequence, trip cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.

Before commencing your trip please provide us a copy of your travel insurance policy, with your emergency contact details of any member of your home country.

Check out an insurance company that offers this service even at 5,000 meters above sea level. Treks like Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, and Everest Gokyo Ri Trek are about 5000 meters above sea level.

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call Sampurna Adventures' local representative. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so we could call and assist you as soon as possible. 

Best Travel Insurance for traveling in Nepal

Europ Assistance (For Europeans)

World Nomads (For Canadians, Americans, and even Asians)

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Travel insurance consultants (For South Africans)

1Cover Travel Insurance (Australians and New Zealanders)