Nepal

Pakistani nationals can obtain a Visa on Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Options: 15-day visa ($30/USD), 30-day visa ($50/USD), or 90-day visa ($125/USD). Bring exact USD cash, a passport-size photo, and a completed arrival form. Harmain Travels provides pre-departure visa guidance and document preparation.

A 5-day Kathmandu + Pokhara tour from Pakistan costs PKR 95,000-160,000 per person (mid-range) including return flights, 3-star hotels, airport transfers, and guided sightseeing. Everest Base Camp trek packages start from PKR 250,000 (10-14 days including permits, guide, porter, and teahouse accommodation).

The cheapest routes are via Delhi (connecting from Islamabad/Lahore, PKR 50,000-70,000 round-trip) or via Doha/Dubai with Gulf carriers. Direct flights or seasonal charters are occasionally available. Peak season (Oct-Nov) flights are most expensive. Book 2-3 months in advance for best fares.

Yes, halal food is available in Kathmandu (Thamel district has several halal restaurants serving Pakistani and Indian cuisine) and Pokhara. On treks, dal bhat (lentils and rice), vegetable curries, and egg dishes are naturally halal. Inform your trekking company about halal dietary requirements in advance — they can arrange accordingly.

Yes. All major treks require permits: TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card and specific national park/conservation area permits. For Everest region: Sagarmatha National Park permit ($30). For Annapurna: ACAP permit ($30). Your trekking agency typically arranges all permits. Bring passport copies and photos.

October-November is the absolute best — crystal-clear mountain views, comfortable temperatures, and dry weather. March-May (spring) is the second-best window with wildflower blooms. Avoid June-September (monsoon) for trekking. December-February is cold but offers clear views for sightseeing trips.

For Kathmandu + Pokhara sightseeing: 5-7 days. For the Everest Base Camp trek: 12-16 days. For the Annapurna Circuit: 14-18 days. For Poon Hill (short trek): 4-5 days + travel. Most Pakistani travelers do a 7-day trip covering Kathmandu (3 days) + Pokhara (4 days).

Nepal is very safe for Pakistani travelers. Nepali people are known for their warmth and hospitality. The main safety concern is altitude sickness on high-altitude treks (above 3,000m). Always trek with registered guides, carry appropriate insurance, and ascend gradually. Urban areas like Kathmandu and Pokhara are very safe.

Altitude sickness (AMS) occurs above 2,500m when your body doesn't acclimatize to lower oxygen levels. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. Prevention: ascend no more than 300-500m per day above 3,000m, take mandatory rest days, stay hydrated, and carry Diamox (acetazolamide). If symptoms worsen, descend immediately.

Yes! For those who cannot trek, Harmain Travels offers Everest Base Camp helicopter tours — a 4-5 hour scenic flight from Kathmandu that lands at Kala Patthar (5,545m) and Everest Base Camp with stunning aerial views of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. Cost: approximately $1,000-1,500 per person (PKR 280,000-420,000).

Nepal uses the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). 1 PKR ≈ 0.47 NPR (approximately 2 PKR = 1 NPR). Nepal is one of the most affordable destinations in Asia for Pakistanis — a full meal costs PKR 600-1,600, a hotel room PKR 3,000-10,000/night, and a domestic flight PKR 20,000-35,000.

Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation coverage is absolutely essential for Nepal trekking. A helicopter rescue from the Everest or Annapurna region costs $3,000-5,000+. Ensure your policy covers trekking up to the altitude you plan to reach (most standard policies only cover up to 3,000m — you need a specific high-altitude policy).