In this changed situation after COVID pandemic, Nepali trekking and tour companies are looking forwards to bounce back. As a local trekking agency in Nepal, Nepalgram is really looking forward for the reopening of tourism activities in the country.

Operating trekking, climbing and tour activities in Nepal; we reconsider our own safety & client’s health.

Our staff, guides, leaders, climbers, porters and entire crew are back bone for the company. Safety of you and our team is a big challenge, for sure. So we have special operating protocols to be followed during your Nepal Travels. This SOP is to minimize the hazard of COVID while traveling to Nepal.

Following the safe operating protocols from World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) and World health organization (WHO); we have creates this – special operating protocols (SOP).

As a local trekking agency in Nepal – we are updated about the trekking trails and all tour destinations. But still – we recommend you to check travel advisory of your country – so as to mitigate the issues related with your insurance policy and your local authoritarian rules and regulations.

When it come to our hand – we will make safest possible; till then consider following yourself:-

Use of mask prevents transmission, thus wear masks even if you see no one are wearing at all.
Like your mobile phone – keep hand sanitizer always around you
Check in and out are most crowded places – please keep yourself safe with any measures you can

Immediate FAQ to address your COVID19 Nepal Travels

How will Nepalgram confirms safety during any kind of Nepal travel activities?

As a local trekking tour operator, we have been closely looking at the changing scenario of each and every destination. So while we take your bookings we will inform you about the situation. If travel is not recommended to visit any specific destination prior to your travel dates; we will convey that message for your safety.

Our crew members are obliged to the SOP we have prepared for COVID19 period of Nepal travels. Our safety protocols are as accordance to WHO standards and local rules of Nepal government. Guides will be updating information on field in coordination with Nepalgram office at Thamel; for do and not’s.

What if I get COVID19 infection just before Nepal travel; do I get money back?

If you get infected by COVID19 before departing to Nepal; we recommend you to stay safe at your place. But if you get infected on arrival at Nepal we will help you to manage the situation with your own expenses.

For refund of the trip cost – as practical difficulty, we will not be able to send you money back to your country. But if you are already in Nepal we will refund your 100% money in cash.

You always can postpone your trip for next possible date without extra charges or transfer the deposit for fellow travelers to Nepal – please refer to our refund policy.

Do you require COVID19 test report to accept booking?

No we do not need any test results. But to test you before traveling in poor country like Nepal is recommended.

Can I do COVID19 test in Nepal?

Yes, hospitals in Kathmandu do COVID19 test for USD25 to USD50 for one test. The result of the test comes in 24 hours in most of the cases.

Do I have to stay in quarantine while traveling to Nepal?

Till 2020 September 1^st, Nepal government has decided to check travelers COVID19 test certificate and if negative – you don’t have to stay in quarantine. But the updated information decided from Nepal cabinet prior to this rule will be shared to you via email, during communication.

Will my insurance covers COVID19 infection while traveling to Nepal?

Some of the insurance companies are giving separate policy for COVID19 travel insurance. But there is not any 100% guarantee that Nepalgram can take in this case.

But our guides, porters and office staff are insured against COVID19 – if tested positive during or after the trip with you.

What are your main focuses on safety precautions?

Looking at present situation of respective destination our guide will inform you precaution methods on field. But for all destinations we focus your safety in hand hygiene, respiratory distance, sanitation, use of masks and sanitizer, contactless conversation & information exchange with Physical distance maintained.

Our SOP in traveler friendly format – so as to make you understand easily:-

COVID19 test of Traveler

It is recommended to test you before traveling to Nepal. But we do not require your COVID19 test report.

But the policy of Nepal government is being changed time and again – so we do not guarantee about government asking for your report – in order to come to Nepal. If the government asks your COVID19 test report, they will ask on arrival at the airport.

In regard to this changed situation; we will inform you about the updated rules of Nepal government by email.

Safety of our Guides and porter

All our guides and porters will be tested COVID19 negative and no symptoms of corona – prior to taking travelers in trekking, tour or climbing expeditions in Nepal.

In worst – if our crew member gets infection; they are insured for Corona by Company.

Our safety protocols during trekking & Climbing/Expedition activities

Trekking group to any part of Nepal will be small and light enough to change the plan prior to safety. We will skip the crowd and busy restaurants and tea houses in order to keep distance from majority of people.

In order to keep you safe and our crew members healthy; we have certain rules to follow at the tea house, along the trekking trail, in the restaurants and in special conditions. In all of these places – physical distancing and safety measures with use of mask, goggles and gloves will be suggested by our guides.

Trekking Guide of Nepalgram will be handed with SOP to follow in field.

Our safety protocols during City tour activities

Tour in Nepal is in the crowded area; so use of public safety wears is recommended. Our tour guide will not be in physical contact with you; team will avoid the contact and keep distance as far as possible.

Vehicles in human dwelling area will be disinfected by drivers in every in and out from the tour.

We suggest keeping you a distance from public – as responsible travelers in Nepal.

Sanitizer, Masks and sun glasses

We recommend you to use all these safety gears while traveling Nepal in COVID era. These safety tools are helpful for you and save life of Nepali folks who might not be able to afford just to test it to know either infected or not infected with COVID.

However, to use them is not mandatory.

But our tour guide, trekking leaders or climbing guide will let you know – when to use and where not. The information will be guided by SOP we acknowledge to our crew members’.

Unless you choose your hotel yourself – accommodation we choose in all inclusive packages will have sanitizers in the property while staying in city accommodations. But for trekking and climbing accommodation you have to have your own sanitizers, masks and sunglass.

In order to keep things in control – our trekking guides and tour leaders will be provided with supplement on safety gears for COVID19 but Nepalgram will not provide in daily basis.

Sharing Room in Nepal travel where Nepalgram arranges your accommodation

In this present condition of COVID19 we will provide you single supplement room service with no extra charge. But if you are from same family or have been together from, before Nepal arrival; there is no barrier to share rooms as before. In this case you will have to share room as normal time travel pattern.

You will not share room with anyone who is already in contact with you. Those who are already in contact with you will not be far from your group member at the most.

PS – Single supplement for accommodation will not cost you a penny, we care our customers.

Guides & Porters Accommodation

Our guides and porters will be accommodated in physical distance maintained spaces.

But remarkably, guides and any of our crew members will be taught to avoid physical touch with clients.

Restaurants and dining halls while traveling in Nepal

We recommend you to use masks and sanitizers while you are in the common area for many travelers. Our respective tour/trek/climbing guide will remind about the recommendation prior to those places.

Booking trip via any of the platforms like viator

Nepalgram will not be responsible for any kind of refund policy, 3^rd party deposit transfer facility and upcoming changes in itinerary.

You must keep in touch with platform where you have booked your trip in any changed situations in future.

Few reasons to book with us in this changed situation

Easy payment

Unlike to many local tour or trekking agencies in Nepal, Nepalgram is has multiple payment options. You can pay us straightly from Nepali Bank online payment method, also can pay by PayPal. Both of these payments involve utmost safety of your payout information.

Flexible refund

We have revised our refund policy in this changed scenario of Nepal travels. We refund 100% of your security deposit if you are in Nepal. But because government policy we will not be able to send money back to you in your county in needed to do so.

But you can postpone the travel dates in any unavoidable circumstances or transfer your deposit to your friend or family.

Least deposit for Nepal trip

Because of the COVID19; Nepalgram has changed trip deposit policy. In this changed situation you can deposit just 10% of the total trip cost to book any holiday trip to Nepal.

Unlike to pre pandemic situation this changed deposit policy will avoid hassle and reduce the financial risk in most cases of uncertainties.

Postponed of trip with no charge

Any of the trip you have booked with Nepalgram will be flexible to postpone any time, to suit your next probable travel dates.

No extra fee will be applicable for postponing the trip.

Transferable booking deposit to third party

If you get infected with COVID19 in prior to your Nepal travels or fall sick with other reasons; now you can give your deposits for some of your near ones to use the credit.

Next person traveling with Nepalgram with your deposit is free to choose their own preferred Nepal holiday trip.

Free information for pre or post Nepal travel

Information never costs money with Nepalgram. We help any travelers coming to Nepal with information they need for Nepal holiday. In this changed situation of Travel industry; updated information for your Nepal holiday will be our prime responsibility.

For updated information on Nepal travels please check the recent update section of this page. The recent updates section is at the bottom of this page, itself.

Wide inclusions vs. little exclusion

As a local agency we have clear information on cost of your Nepal trip. Thus all our Nepal travel packages are cost effective and have more inclusions than exclusions.

We respect your money and give you the best price for competent service.

RECENT RULES FOR TRAVELERS COMING TO NEPAL IN TOURIST VISA are:

Travelers have to book 7 days quarantine accommodation after arriving in Nepal. And after 7 days of quarantine; you have to do PCR test once again. After testing COVID in Nepal – if negative you will be allowed to go on any tour or trekking or climbing activities. If not – you have to stay in quarantine till the PER report is negative.
For arrival visa; tourist have to contact with trekking agencies in Nepal for necessary arrangement to get a authorized letter. Upon showing this authorized letter – travelers can get on arrival visa in Nepal.
Trekking agencies in Nepal must insure their staff with COVID insurance.
As a travelers coming to Nepal – you must have insurance which covers USD5000
PCR negative report of field staff needs to be assured by trekking companies in Nepal

PS– if you are looking for any assistance on your Nepal travel after COVID pandemic, feel free to ask any of the tour companies, trekking agencies in Nepal or our umbrella organization – TAAN

Notice for travel to nepal after covid — *Latest notice for nepal travel*

Last updated: January 17, 2021

Nepal Country-Specific Information:

For statistics about COVID-19 in Nepal, please refer to https://covid19.ndrrma.gov.np/.
Most businesses, stores, restaurants, and hotels have resumed normal operations.
The Nepal Department of Immigration in Kalikasthan, Kathmandu, is operating normally. Foreigners requiring visa-related services should consult the Nepal Department of Immigrationfor information. https://www.immigration.gov.np/
The Government of Nepal has authorized local authorities to impose lockdowns within their jurisdictions. Limited lockdowns in Pokhara and many towns in the Terai remain possible. If you must travel locally, please inquire about local conditions.

Entry and Exit Requirements:

Special Notice for Tourist Visa Holders in Nepal: On December 9, 2020, the Nepal Ministry of Immigration issued the following Notice: foreign nationals in Nepal with a tourist visa unable to return to their home country due to the COVID-19 pandemic can regulate their tourist visa with a regular tourist visa fee, late fee, and penalty until 31 December 2020. Please consult with the Nepal Department of Immigration for additional information. https://www.immigration.gov.np/

The government announced that the issuance of tourist entry visas from Nepali diplomatic missions abroad have resumed.
Unless noted below, all foreigners should obtain a tourist entry visa from a Nepali diplomatic mission abroad or obtain a pre-approval /recommendation from the concerned ministry for ensuring their on-arrival visa. For more information, please contact the Embassy of Nepal in Washington, D.C. (https://us.nepalembassy.gov.np/), or the Ministry sponsoring your visa (for example, for an educational visa, contact the Ministry of Education.)
The government of Nepal has approved exceptions for diplomatic, international organization, and some international non-governmental organization personnel and their family members; non-residential Nepali (NRNs) or foreign passport holders with Nepali origins and their family members; and trekkers and mountaineers meeting specific requirements.
Further information is available from the Department of Immigration.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, any passenger originating from or transiting through the United Kingdom shall be prohibited from entering Nepal. CAAN – Travel Restriction Relaled to COVID-l9 (caanepal.gov.np)
All land border entry/exit points remain closed to foreigners, except those with pre-approval/recommendation of the Government of Nepal
Negative results from a PCR test obtained within 72 hours prior to departure from the country of origin are required for entry. Children under 5 are exempt from this requirement.
The government requires negative PCR test results and a permit from a Chief District Officer to enter the Kathmandu Valley from other districts outside the Valley.
Health screening procedures are in place at airports and other ports of entry. They generally consist of temperature checks and a spray disinfecting area.
The Department of Immigration announced that late fees and penalties through August 14 would be waived. Consult the Department of Immigration for further details about visa extensions.

Special Entry Requirements for Trekkers and Mountaineers:

According to guidelines approved by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation for mountaineers and trekkers:

Trekkers and mountaineers may be allowed into Nepal as of October 17. Please contact your travel and trekking agency for more up to date information.

If implemented, the guidelines provide that:

Trekkers and mountaineers must obtain a visa before arrival through their travel and trekking agencies.
Trekkers and mountaineers upon arrival must submit negative results from a PCR test taken within 72 hours of departing their home country.
Trekkers and mountaineers must have a hotel booking for a 7-day quarantine in Nepal.
Trekkers and mountaineers must possess insurance of at least $5,000 USD against COVID-19.
On the fifth day of quarantine, trekkers and mountaineers must take a PCR test at their own expense before proceeding with their trek or expedition.

Movement Restrictions:

The government of Nepal loosened the lockdown in the Kathmandu Valley and ended the alternating day even/odd system for the movement of private vehicles.
Limited long-range public bus transportation is allowed to operate at 50% capacity and is subject to strict COVID mitigation measures.
The government has announced that certain trekking routes may be opened. Contact the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviationfor current information.

Quarantine Information:

Depending upon the port of entry, newly arrived travelers must undergo a mandatory quarantine ranging from 2 to 14-days.
Suspected COVID cases already in country must also quarantine for 14 days.

COVID-19 Testing and Vaccines:

Several government designated hospitals offer COVID-19 testing. Individuals must pay the cost testing, which has been mandated by the government at Rs. 2,200.
Hospitals offering tests include: Star Hospital, Sanepa Heights Road, Lalitpur, (01) 555-0197; HAMS, Mandikhatar, Kathmandu, (01) 437-7404; Siddhi Poly Path Laboratory, Dillibazaar, Kathmandu, (01) 441-0604; Patan Hospital; Bhaktapur Hospital; Teaching Hospital; Teku Hospital; Bir Hospital; Prasuti Griha; Nepal Korea Friendship Hospital; Civil Hospital; KMC Hospital; A.P.F. Hospital; Birendra Hospital; and Nepal Police Hospital.
The United States Government does not plan on providing COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. Please follow developments in Nepal and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccinations.

Transportation Options:

Limited commercial flight service has resumed. Except as described above, foreign citizens are currently prohibited entry into Nepal.
Domestic flights have resumed, including full seating capacity. Each flight will operate under strict COVID mitigation measures.
Additional information on flights is available through the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal.
Public transportation, including taxis and buses, and some long-distance buses, may operate at 50% occupancy
- Masks are required when outdoors, including while on public transport and taxis.

Fines for Mask Non-Compliance:

The government of Nepal has announced that failure to wear a mask outdoors may result in arrest and a fine. Specific information about potential penalties has not been published.

Consular Operations:

For USA

American Citizens: the consular section is scheduling limited citizen services, contingent upon local conditions. If you have an urgent need, please contact the consular section by email at [email protected]or through the Embassy main phone number at (01) 423-4000.
Visas: the consular section is only able to process emergency visa cases, official visas, and a very limited number of visas that do not require interviews.
Immigrant visa cases are being scheduled on a limited bases with priority given to certain Immediate Relative family members of U.S. citizens including fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens, and certain Special Immigrant Visa applications.
To keep you informed, we provide security updates on govand Embassy Kathmandu’s website, and send out alerts when you enroll in STEP.
For more information about how the Embassy supports citizens during a crisis, please refer to: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/emergencies/what-state-dept-can-cant-do-crisis.html

For the UK

The Government of Nepal has restricted entry of all passengers originating from or transiting the UK, effective from 11:59 pm (local time) 23 December until further notice. If you are in the UK with plans to travel, please contact your airline or transport provider in the first instance, as you will likely be denied boarding. In addition, tourist and other visas will not be issued by the Embassy of Nepal in London until further notice.

Entry is currently prohibited for certain foreign nationals, including British nationals. Nepal’s land-based entry crossings into Nepal will remain closed to foreigners from third countries at present.

This does not include trekkers and mountaineers who have made official and approved bookings (however, those arriving from or transiting the UK are currently restricted from entering, as noted above). Those seeking to enter Nepal are required to present certain documentation:

a certificate showing a negative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test, taken within 72 hours of arrival
a visa or prior approval document
a hotel booking that allows at least seven days’ shielding or quarantine in Nepal
insurance coverage of at least US $5,000 per person against COVID-19 illness

You should liaise with your travel or trekking agency for more information. The government of Nepal’s suspension of international commercial flights was lifted on 1 September, though at present, only Nepalis, international passengers from certain employment categories, and their dependants will be admitted. Please check your eligibility with carriers. You will be required to show a valid PCR test demonstrating that you did not have COVID-19, taken within 72 hours of travel. You should not use the NHS testing service to get a test in order to facilitate your travel to another country. You should arrange to take a private test.

For Canada, Australia, Europe, Asia

All the rules are Same and equivalent as provided in UK or USA travel portals.

PS – Most of the information provided on your respective web portals are not updated regularly.

Local Resources:

Nepal Ministry of Health and Population at https://heoc.mohp.gov.np/recent_alert/update-on-novel-corona-virus-2019_ncov/or Facebook at com/HEOC
Nepal Ministry of Health and Population COVID-19 Hotline Local Telephone Numbers: 9851255839; 9851255837; 9851255834 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Infectious Disease Hospital (Teku) Hospital at [email protected]and the National Health Public Health Laboratory at [email protected] for patient testing and quarantine.
Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu: https://www.tiairport.com.np/
Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal’s published list of international departures from Nepal.

Last updated: January 19, 2021

As per new rule of Nepal government – people traveling to Nepal do not have to stay in quarantine as of before.

But for people from UK or people traveling to Nepal via UK transit must have to stay in 7 days quarantine. For the UK travelers as well – there is not travel restriction as announced as earlier notice.

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This pandemic is starting to go towards endemic. But still new variants are not making travel as easy as we have expected. 

Fore the latest updates, please visit the Nepal government travel notice board.

More destination from Nepal

Explore Nepal with us – to the deep in those nook and corners of Nepal Himalaya.

Special operating protocols (SOP) for Post COVID Nepal Travels