Trip Difficulty Level, Road and Transport.

This is basically motor vehicle based tour suitable for travelers of all ages with regular health condition. The highest altitude that we attain in this trip is 2000m (6,560 ft) at Nagarkot and so we can stay worry free about altitude sickness. Sightseeing involves no significant hiking. A typical sightseeing day would be 6-7 hour long with 1 hour lunch break. When we are traveling from one city to another, we will be on road for less than 6 hours and cover the distance of 200km ( 125 miles) or less. Roads are often cut into hills and follow rivers and some parts may be under paved or damaged. There can be landslides erosion blocking the roads temporarily when it rains heavily. Please, do not compare the South Asian roads with the ones in developed countries There are also flight options between Kathmandu and Chitwan (25 minutes) and also between Pokhara and Kathmandu (35 minutes). Let us know, if you want to take flight option instead of road travel.
We provide good condition vehicles which are mid size sedan car or SUVs or vans, depending on the group size. Drivers may speak little or no English. Chances of getting flat tires and mechanical breakdowns cannot be declined due to weather and road conditions but our drivers are capable of taking the situation under control. We just need your cooperation and flexibility, when something unexpected happens during the tour.

Accommodations.

Our preferred properties are first class (4* hotels) or similar. All accommodations are decent properties with private bath room with 24 hours running hot and cold water. Rooms are well furnished and you will have TV, refrigerator, phone etc in your room except in Chitwan National Park where we will have simple bed room with attached bathroom.

Meals.

The tour cost includes daily breakfast in Kathmandu, Nagarkot and Pokhara. Breakfast will be American, Continental or Indian style. At Chitwan National Park, you will be in full board plan. You should budget $10 approximately per meal in the cities. The restaurants serve Nepali, Indian, Chinese and western style dishes.

Guides

Our guides are college educated locals, proficient in English and trained and licensed by local tourism authorities. Most importantly they are friendly and committed to deliver the best services. Guide and driver are not the same person.

International and internal airfares

You will book your international airfare on your own and provide us your flight information. We can also help you find good fares through our air ticket consolidator on your request. We will take care of internal airfares-flight from Bangkok into Paro or on the return from Kathmandu back to Bangkok. If your trip starts from Delhi or Kathmandu, we can book your internal airfare accordingly. All internal airfares are booked locally. Local airport taxes may or may not included in the fare.

Passport and Visa

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of travel and there should be enough blank pages for entry and exit seals. You can obtain Nepal visa upon arrival at Kathmandu airport or you can obtain it from nearest Nepali embassy abroad. Nepal visa costs US$ 25 for 15 days with multiple entry provision. A passport size photo has to be affixed on the application and if you want to apply visa upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, please pay visa fee in cash US$.

Best time for this trip

This trip can be undertaken throughout the year but definitely October and November are the best months when temperatures are mild, skies are clear and we have clear visibility. The second best season is from March through early May. Temperatures are still mild and we have rhododendrons and other wild flowers in bloom during this season.

Note on Itinerary

Although we will do our very best to adhere to the itinerary schedule as listed; it is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

Booking/Deposit.

When you are sure you are going on this trip, please initiate your reservation in time with a deposit of US$ 200 on land plus the cost of internal airfares (if any) so that we can ensure our preferred hotels and book best guide for you.The balance and final payment is 60 days prior departure. The payment schedule may vary with customized and private trips on case to case basis. Credit card payment is subject to additional fee.

Cancellation and refund

Notice of cancellation and refund request must be received in written form. Cancellation fee structure has been listed below.

• 90 days prior departure: US$ 50 (Administrative Fee)
• 60-89 day's prior departure: US$ 250 or 25% of the land cost whichever is higher.
• 45 days to 59 days prior departure: US$ 450 or 50% of the land cost whichever is higher.
• 30 days to 44 days prior departure: US$ 600 or 75% of the land cost whichever is higher.
• Less than 30 days: 100%

Highland Asia Travel

We are an active adventure travel company, based in Minneapolis, USA with destination management offices in Kathmandu, Thimphu and Lhasa. We are BBB acredited business and an active member of American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). We have set the standard for adventure travel and have a strong reputation for excellence that we do everything we can to maintain. Our managers and guides have more than 15 years of experience in organizing and leading adventure trips in the highlands of Asia. For us travel is not just a business, but a way of life.

Travel Protection Plan

While we plan and do our best to make your trip smooth and seamless, there may be chances of unforeseen events and conditions such as illness, accident, inclement weather, and flight cancellation or missed connection or loss of baggage etc. that may cause interruption or delay or total cancellation of your trip putting your hard earned travel investment in jeopardy. It’s also possible that you may need medical assistance, emergency evacuation or medical transportation when you get ill or involve in an accident when you are traveling in remote areas. Highland Asia’s Tour cost does not cover any of these expenses or losses and so we strongly recommend you that you should protect yourself and your travel investment against those unfavorable conditions.