FAQs

You will have a chance to meet locals in the communities that we trek through.  Depending the time of year, you may be able to participate in local festivals, farmer markets, basket weaving displays, and other similar activities. Please see the itinerary for your individual trek for further details about our cultural immersion experiences.

SASANE is a hybrid organization meaning that our for-profit trekking and tour company in part helps support our non-profit, SASANE SOS programs. Those programs include our Paralegal Program, School Awareness Program, Sisterhood of Survivors, Community Awareness Program as well as our Hospitality Program. The money also goes back into our trekking and travel company in the form of training and certifying new guides, establishing new trekking and tour routes, marketing, operational costs, and many other business-related costs.

SASANE is a place of respect and dignity.  The girl’s stories are painful, personal and very private. Many girls do not even share their stories with each other. Every SASANE girl is a success story. They have endured the unthinkable and do not pursue looking back. Their empowerment does not come from sharing their story, it comes from moving forward through education, economic independence and dreams of a brighter future. For this reason, we have chosen to sell copies of the book “Sold” as one girls’ story is every girls story. Thank you for your respect, SASANE Sisters.

If you need an airport pick up / drop off you can contact us directly.  Please keep us informed of changing arrival/departure times and any travel delays.

If staying in Kathmandu, Thamel is the popular tourist area with many hotels, restaurants and shopping to choose from. If staying outside Kathmandu we can recommend a hotel for you. We also occasionally have a homestay option. Please contact us directly for more details.

SASANE offers a homestay option in our Kathmandu volunteer house for our trekkers on the days prior to or directly after their trek with SASANE. The homestay includes meals and is just a few blocks from our offices in the Dillibazar neighborhood. We only allow 2 guests per room. If you are interested in this option, we can provide further information regarding availability and pricing.

It depends on the trek. For many of the more popular treks there are restaurants/bars. Restaurant meals and alcoholic beverages are not included in the trekking fee. Please email us directly to see if there are restaurants/bars are along your route.

The hotels in larger cities are 2-3 star hotels but in the more rural areas hotels are basic but have running water, showers, some with squat pots some with western toilets. Wifi is available for an extra charge. Landline phone calls are also an extra charge and occasionally hot showers incur a minimal extra charge.

Homestays are with host families in their homes. They provide a traditional Neaplese meal. There are basic beds in a shared room, basic hygiene facilities (no hot showers), squat pots (bring your own toilet paper), most have electricity or power back up during your stay, most do not have wifi availability.

We do not supply trekking equipment but most everything you will need can be rented at many of the trekking gear shops in the Thamel tourist district of Kathmandu.

Porter guides can help you carry an excessive load and make sure everything you need is where you need it when you need it.  It is recommended that the maximum weight for our porters is 14kg (30 lbs). Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated.

Only the Kathmandu day tour is appropriate for all ages. For all other treks, you have to be 10 years of age and above.

Due to the history of the trekking guides we do not allow a solo man or male groups to trek with SASANE. We are more than happy to have males trek with us if they are part of a couple or a larger group.

Yes. The Nepal visa is purchased upon arrival in Kathmandu or at the Nepal border. The cost is $25 for a 15-day multiple entry visa and payable in USD.

It all depends on your destination and season of travel. Generally speaking, Nepal is a conservative country. We recommend that travelers not wear clothing that is too short, tight, or revealing. Medium-weight and easy to wash cottons are recommended year-round in the Kathmandu valley. From October to February, we also suggest woolen sweaters, jackets or similar warm outfits. Pack comfortable walking shoes, including sandals and athletic shoes. A head cover may be required for women and men at sacred sites and places of worship. For trekking and adventure itineraries, a list of suggested clothing items and supplies will be provided.

It really depends on your destination, activities and season of travel. Our destination specialists will recommend certain travel times after learning more about your preferences. The favourable months are usually August – November and April – May.

Immunizations are not required to visit Nepal. (Exception: if you are traveling from an area infected with Yellow Fever, you must have a certificate.) Depending on the season and region of travel, certain vaccinations and/ or medications are suggested and we will recommend preventative measures. We do encourage all travelers to be current on routine immunizations. Also, we recommend the Tetanus and Hepatitis A vaccine. Though still rare, Malaria is increasing in Nepal. The elevation of Kathmandu and places of greater altitude are too high for the species of mosquito that carries malaria. However, when visiting lowland areas, preventive treatment and tropical strength insect repellent is advised. For detailed information, please contact your physician or visit the CDC website

What do you hope to see and experience during your trip? Our destination specialists will make recommendations based on your travel preferences. Most travelers incorporate Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan National Park. However, many also include adventure activities, including trekking and rafting.

Nepal has a low crime rate and is generally a safe country. There are some safety concerns following the 2008 elections, when the country became a secular republic. Avoid demonstrations, rallies, and public gatherings. As with any international travel, please be aware of your surroundings. Check with your guide or representative about the safe/ unsafe areas of town and use caution when traveling alone. Also, always make sure your purse is zipped and wallets are in sealed pockets. In the markets, be vigilant of pick-pockets and distraction scams. Additionally, at the train/bus stations and airports, please monitor your luggage at all times.

There is an armed Maoist presence on many of the major trekking routes who demand a ‘tax’ before allowing trekkers to pass. Trekkers are advised to stay on established routes and walk in a group or with professional guides.

Nepali is the official language. It has roots in Sanskrit and is written in Devengari script. English is understood by most people inthe cities. In the villages, different ethnic groups speak their own languages.