A few questions about logistics in Kathmandu

[aubergine]

Hi everyone,

I'll be coming to Nepal for my first visit this September and I'm very excited but also a little bit clueless about several things, can anyone help out?

I'll be arriving in KTM at around 2pm on a Friday afternoon - will this leave me with enough time to get my visa and trek permit so that I can set off on Sunday? Can these things be obtained on a Saturday?

Where can I get the permit and visa from?

If I'm travelling by myself, do I need to pay extra? I think I saw something mentioned about a supplement for lone travellers?

Are equipment shops/hire places open on a Saturday?

What's the going rate for a KTM/Lukla flight?

I have travel dates that are pretty much set in stone. I'm planning to do EBC but I realise that I can't plan for everything, might encounter unexpected delays, and I know that high altitude trekking is not something to be rushed, so what other shorter treks are there that I could do in this instance? I'll be in Nepal for 17 days (not including the days when I will be flying in/out).

Thanks in advance for any help :)

[The Trekking Guide(HAP)]

You will receive your visa at the Airport in Kathmandu upon your arrival, You will need a Picture for Visa applying. There is not special Permit required for Everest Trek, But You have to receieve (TIMS)
You have to pay National park Entrance fee at Jorsalle before Namche Bazar which you can get 2nd day of your flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. You have to show your Passport and Pay NRS 1000 to get national park Permit. If you are landing at Kathmandu at 2, You have time to receive
(Trekkers Information Management System(TIMS, requires 2 Pictures and US Dollar 20 ) from Nepal Tourism Board which opens untill 4 PM. I hope you will have enough time to go direct from airport to Nepal Tourism Board office located at Exhibition road and get it. Make sure The GOVT. offices closed on Saturday in Nepal.

The Flight cost between Kathmandu and Lukla is US Dollar 113 for one way, You can get online booking from Internet too if not any body can help you to buy the ticket in Kathmandu as us. If you are trekking to Nepal for the First time you would better to have one extra day in Kathmandu before you fly to Lukla, Since you will be coming from the sea level and to Kathmandu ( 1500m.) is already high elevation. If you take one extra day in Kathmandu for acclimatization will be good for your health. Otherwise You may get High altitude sickness of rapid acsent in High altitude.

Welcome to Nepal and enjoy your trek.

With Kindest Regards.
The Trekking Guide
(High Altitude Porter)

[Boulia]

I would add.

no single supplements - though if the lodge is very busy you most likely will be asked to share a twin room.

you can get a visa application form from the Internet and complete it before you arrival to speed your time through immigration.

17 days is enough time to have an 'unrushed' trek of the Khumbu area if starting and finishing at lulka. I would definitely not plan to fly from lulka the day before your international flight, give yourself a spare day for flight delays.

and shops will be open Saturday

[aubergine]

Thanks for the replies, they're really helpful. Anyone know any estimates of current prices at lodges? All I need is three meals a day and a bed.

Also do people tend to take lunch with them for the day or stop at a lodge for lunch? I won't be carrying any cooking equipment so I suppose it would be easier for me to eat at lodges - would they let me have lunch there if I'm not staying for the night?

[Petrus]

Daily cost for room and food in Khumbu is around $20-25/day, depending on your appetite and how much coke & beer you have.

Lunch is a lunch, nobody expects you to stay...

Your timetable is a bit tight, it would also be possible to send a copy of your passport to an agent in Kathmandu and have them get you TIMS card before you arrive. Also hotel reservation, airport transfer, Lukla air ticket etc..

[aubergine]

OK thanks - one final question: I've seen it mentioned here and there that trekking agencies are open 12 hours every day for people who want to get the TIMS - is this true for all agencies? If not could anyone recommend one that's central-ish and open on a Saturday?

[yakshaver]

OK thanks - one final question: I've seen it mentioned here and there that trekking agencies are open 12 hours every day for people who want to get the TIMS - is this true for all agencies? If not could anyone recommend one that's central-ish and open on a Saturday?

Hm, not sure about this one. TIMS is I think a government office. If so, it is closed on Saturday. You can sent some money, scanned passport (a trusty agent should not present a risk in this...), and a scanned pic to one of the agents to get it for you in advance.

Some people here (Sharon, me a couple of others) can recommend trustworty trekking agents from KTM.