Getting There
The only port of entry for commercial airlines into Nepal is Kathmandu Tribuvan Airport. Over the past 10 years the number of air carriers servicing this route has more than doubled. The routes, flight times and airlines are varied and they are always updating their flight schedules. There are pros and cons for every airline and the routes, expectations, comfort levels and travel plans of each individual are personal choices. Baggage charges will vary by airline so make sure you know the terms.
Your individual booking should be best suited to your travel needs and your planned arrival / departure dates together with any other pre or post travel plans you may be considering. For Kathmandu accommodation, two nights on arrival and one night prior to departure are included in the price of the Trek.
Our Trekkers are most often from Canada but recently we have been getting more people coming from other countries. You must keep in mind international time differences while planning your flights. You can always add more nights and we can assist with your flight questions and hotel bookings. If you want to stay extra nights in the same hotels we use, they need to be booked asap as they are often fully booked up.
Booking your own flights online is pretty common now. Depending on your routes, timing and requirements, online choices are almost endless. The on-line discounted fares generally work out well however, if you choose these flights and they get interrupted for any reason, connections can be problematic. Nepal is a third world country, and interruptions are not uncommon.
Robyn Bentley is an independent travel consultant / agent with Personal Travel Management. Robyn is a trek and adventure tour travel agent and she has the knowledge and contacts to get travel arrangements done quickly and efficiently. She has worked with most of our guests over many years and they are always well looked after.
Robyn charges a booking fee - generally $75.00. There is no commission structure so she (and we) have no conflicts. She works only for you. She can often do as good or better in price than the on-line sites. She knows what is needed for our treks and all the best routes and airlines.
It is when things go sideways and you need flight changes or new connections, that Robyn works her magic. With one email or phone call, Robyn can most often sort things out for you right away, get you on your way again or rescue you from places unknown.
We consider Robyn a value added peace of mind provider for those who don’t enjoy the hours and fiddling it takes to find and book flights on-line.
Her contact information is: Robyn Bentley
robynb@ptm.cc
1-604-739-3652
Please do not hesitate to call or email Robyn or us if you want to discuss your own particular travel questions.
As soon as you have booked your flights and have your itinerary set, please send it to us right away. The same applies to your confirmation of travel medical coverage that includes evacuation coverage in Nepal. Read your policy carefully to ensure you have full coverage and you understand the terms of use and limitations. You should also travel with your vaccination record, copies of passport, drivers license, credit card, emergency contact etc.
Tribuvan Airport - Kathmandu
Upon arrival in Kathmandu you will have to go through 2 processes. These can take from 15 minutes to 1 hour depending on arrivals traffic.
The first is a line up to fill out an entry card and pay the entry Visa fee $US 40. (must be cash). Exact change is recommended to speed the process. There are small kiosk counters with declaration forms and pens (sometimes - have your own ready). There are also some automated machines for filling out the information cards but these are new and seem confusing to many.
The second line is the customs and photo check. You will need your passport and 2 of the 4 small photos we ask you to bring. If you stay more than 30 days for any reason the entry fee is higher. If you carry more than $5,000 US you must disclose this on your declaration. Once completed, you move to the baggage claim and exit claim tag check. The non travelling public is not allowed inside.
Proceed through a rather liberal baggage tag check but you do need your claim tags available.
Once you leave the building you will be met by a Sherpa Encounters person. You may have to suffer the gauntlet of many people trying to arrange a taxi and carry your luggage. Wave them off and tell them you have a ride arranged with us and will be staying at the Kathmandu Guest House (KGH). Some will be genuinely happy to help you find us, if we don't find you. (for a small service fee).
We will see you at the Tribuvan Airport in Kathmandu. Call us on our cells once you disembark if you have access to a phone.
We will personally meet you at the airport. In rare circumstances it may be someone from the hotel if Eoin or Jim or Kami can’t make it.
Depending on your arrival time, prepare yourself for an eye opening “cultural experience” on the ride to the hotel.