Nepal Travel Trek

Nepal is a never-ending outdoor adventure play-ground. Being home to eight out of the fourteen highest peaks in the world, each over 8000m. and ancient cultures, Nepal is the place to visit.

If you are looking for adventure and cultural experience of life time. Nepal has some of the best ever popular Hiking, Trekking, Rock climbing, Peak climbing, Mountaineering, Kayaking, Rafting, Canyoning, Wildlife safari, Mountain biking, Paragliding, Cultural sites and much more…

Rich cultural spirit that represents unique blend of Buddhism and Hinduism, Birth place of Buddha, Home of Mount Everest, World class rivers, World heritage sites - this is Nepal and it has something to enjoy for everyone.
What is the most important thing to know about travel to Nepal?
Choose the right service provider. Unfortunately, the recent economic problems in Nepal have resulted in the demise of many companies and in desperate efforts to engage tourist business without the means to provide services. Any trip in Nepal is an exercise in exciting uncertainty. Choosing a reputable, stable tour operator limits surprises to things you can enjoy dealing with. Consider HIMALAYAN HUMANITY as a best possible choice for any trip to Nepal.
Accommodation and food:
Where will we stay in Kathmandu?
Accommodation specific to each trip is detailed in the trip dossiers. Our treks and tours use comfortable 2 star accommodations on a bed & breakfast basis close to the shops and restaurants. Upgrades or downgrades in accommodation can be arranged upon request for private groups.
Will we have private rooms and bathrooms?
Private rooms are available in most teahouses except for those at very high altitudes. Most bathrooms are shared. On our camping treks we also provide bathroom facilities for our groups.
Do I need to arrange for a place to stay before I arrive in Nepal?
Normally if you book your accommodation before your arrival in Nepal would be much better. Well-planned travel will help you to get comfortable and satisfaction. Especially you need to book accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara before your arrival in Nepal. Both these places have excellent ranges of places to stay, from expensive international style hotels to cheap and comfortable lodges.
If you plan to stay overnight elsewhere in the country, there is not much you can do in terms of pre-booking for accommodation anyway. And you will not have much of a choice in terms of comfort and sanitary requirements, but you will find a shelter for the night. But it is not sure if you haven't hired the trekking guide. Your trekking guide will arrange your accommodation during your trekking.
Is there anything else I should be aware of regarding accommodation in Nepal?
Not really if you are staying at one of the lodges, hotels and luxury hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Your lodge-keeper is going to be a very helpful person who will most likely speak fluent English and will arrange for anything you may need during your stay such as laundry, bus tickets, phone calls and so on. It's certain that your room is safe when it's locked. However, it is advisable not to leave your valuables such as jewelry, money, passport, camera in your room while you are gone --have them stored specially with the hotel or carry them in a money belt or pouch around your neck or waist.
The teahouses and trekking-inns outside Kathmandu and Pokhara are not very wholesome. They generally have smelly squat toilets (if any), and no shower facilities. Bringing your own sleeping sheet/mat, mosquito coils (especially, if in the southern Plaines), toilet paper is advisable. All these are readily available in Kathmandu or Pokhara for reasonable prices. As your own little contribution to prevent rapid environmental degradation of Nepal, whenever possible choose teahouses, which use kerosene rather than firewood as the source of energy.
Banking and money matter
How much should I expect to spend during my trip to Nepal?
The amount of money you bring on a trek depends on you. Cold drinks during the day and an occasional beer after a long day of hiking can be awfully nice. These along with any souvenirs and film are personal expenses. We have a safe in our office where plane tickets and money can be kept.
You can always choose to make your trip expensive by staying at fancy luxury hotels and dining in their restaurants. But then you may as well be in New York.
How should I bring money to Nepal to pay for my travel expenses?
Credit Cards and Traveler's checks are the best and safest option. US dollars are the most widely accepted form of money, but banks also accept other major international currencies.
Where and how do I exchange my money into Nepalese rupee?
All major banks in Nepal exchange convertible hard currencies into Nepalese rupees. There is an exchange counter in the Kathmandu airport for you to start off. The US dollar is the most widely accepted currency.
Besides banks, there are licensed money exchangers in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Sunauli. These money exchangers have rates marginally better than banks, but the commissions are higher. So check before you exchange your money. The advantages of having these money exchangers to banks are they open for long hours, typically from 9am to 7pm. except above you can use ATM facilities in Kathmandu.
What is the exchange rate between the Nepalese Rupee and other international currencies?
The Nepalese rupee tends to devalue steadily every couple months against other hard currencies. To get the most recent rates check the exchange rate section of The Kathmandu Post.
Can I use my credit card?
Yes, Visa and MasterCard will be accepted in most places. Remember that usage of credit cards in Nepal can cost you an extra three to five percent in transaction costs.
Are there ATM machines where I can draw funds from my home country bank using my ATM card?
Commercial Banks such as Himalayan Bank, Standard Chartered Bank and Nabil Bank have installed ATM machines in some places of.
If I get strapped with money, how do I get access to more funds?
You can draw funds against your American Express, MasterCard or Visa cards in Kathmandu. The service premium for doing this, however, is pretty steep. You can also have money wired directly to Kathmandu through any major bank within two to three working days.
Financial protection:
What Financial Protection does Thirdpole provide?
Adventure Thirdpole Treks and Expeditions is an approved member of the Trekking Agents Association of Nepal and Nepal Mountaineering Association, which we believe provides the best financial cover for your holiday. Moreover we are registered with Ministry of Tourism of Nepal and have already given the Bank Guaranty to the Ministry. Mr. Deepak Mahat M. D. of Adventure Thirdpole Treks and expeditions is also giving his dynamic leadership to the whole trekking industry of Nepal as he is the PRESIDENT of TREKKING AGENTS ASSOCIATION OF NEPAL since 25 September 2003.
Health and Insurance
Do you provide trip insurance?
It is obligatory for anyone traveling with Adventure Thirdpole Treks to have adequate travel insurance. We can only arrange insurance for citizens of Nepal. You may make your own arrangements from your home country.
Do I need travel insurance?
Oh yes, some sort of travel insurance is highly recommended. Most travel insurance covers emergency flights, medical expenses, and theft or loss of possessions. The insurance premium in general is between $50 to $75 for a two-week period, and progressively less for longer periods. It's a price worth paying. If you plan to go rafting or trekking, make sure your insurance covers these "dangerous activities." Remember to keep your receipts to make claims. In order to make claims on lost or stolen items, you will need a police report issued in Nepal by the Interpol Section of the Nepal Police.
Will I get a stomach upset?
Many, if not most, travelers to Nepal are likely to get stomach problems at some point during their visit. If you take sensible precautions, you should stay healthy. The main problem comes during the eating and drinking in cities. Untreated water is the main cause of problems. There is no reason why you should contract stomach trouble if you take sensible precautions. Those people that do encounter 'travelers tummy' will usually find that this is merely an inconvenience, and rarely anything more serious. We do not advocate the use of Imodium, which does not cure the illness and actually adds another problem - constipation. Anyone going on a trek should take the precaution however of carrying a course of antibiotics, suitable for treating any major stomach trouble, with them.
Do you think I should bring some medicines with me when I come to Nepal?
As said, prevention is better than cure; it's highly recommended that you bring medicines for common illness like nausea, vomiting, cold and flu when you come to Nepal. Though there are many pharmacy shops in Kathmandu and Pokhara, it's worth carrying some basic medicinal stuffs like insect repellent, sunscreen, lip balm, eye drops, bandages and so on.
You can find effective medicines against amoeba diarrhea in any drug store in Kathmandu and Pokhara Carry some with you when you are going to be away on trekking trails. A dehydrations package called "Jeevan Jal" is found everywhere in Nepal; it is quite effective.
Where do we get water during the trip?
All teahouses have boiled water for trekkers. Your guide will provide you boiled or iodize water of your need. We discourage the purchase of bottled water while on the trail. The plastic bottles are difficult to dispose and have become an environmental problem.
What particular diseases do I have to watch out for?
Malaria is under control in Nepal. The risk of catching it is small and only in the southern plains. Mosquito netting and repellent are advised when there, especially during the summer and monsoon seasons. Also, as a preventive measure, take chloroquine pills starting two weeks before and six weeks after your visit to the plains.
AIDS is a growing problem. Official figures of only a couple of dozen cases of HIV in Nepal are a better indicator of the government's inability to collect data (or deny them) than the actual cases of the disease. Don't be misled into believing that unsafe sex is okay. Though prostitution in Nepal is insignificant compared to other Asian countries, watch out.
If I need to see a doctor, where can I do so?
Almost all good doctors and all well equipped hospitals and clinics are in Kathmandu. Visiting a doctor in a clinic is probably better than going directly to a public hospital. Hospitals in Kathmandu can be very crowded with the whole country coming there for medical treatment. Private "Hospitals" and clinics are plentiful in Kathmandu. Elsewhere in the country, there is not much of a choice: you can at best get a service that may pull you through until you reach Kathmandu.
Any health precautions that I need to consider during my trek?
Get a good travel book to guide you on health matters. Don't forget to take a first-aid kit: the details of which are also mentioned in most trek books. All of what you will need to take along can be purchased in Kathmandu; so don't bother carrying stuff from home. Read the health guidance in Health and Insurance section and Dining and Drinking section for more details.
Besides minor ailments stomach problems, a blister, cold and headaches, the most important health problem you may run into is altitude sickness. You will not have to worry about it in Kathmandu, Pokhara or other lower places. But once you are on the trekking trails and above 3000m in altitude, watch out for its symptoms. Refer to a good travel book for details on how to recognize altitude sickness and what to do about it. As a suggestion for travel planning, you may want to plan for "rest days" at about 3,700m - 4,300m altitude levels. This means sleeping at the similar altitude for two nights. Also remember that you should not try to climb too high too soon: about 450m per day are the recommended amount. Beside above you don't have to be worried if you have join with the licensed trekking agencies; your trekking guide will be active to protect your health problems.
What immunizations are required for Nepal?
None are required, but several are suggested. Most travelers will update their immunity to Hepatitis A, cholera, tetanus and typhoid fever. Many travelers carry a course of antibiotics in case they contract dysentery. Nepal does have chloroquine resistant malaria in the southern part of the country, but not in Kathmandu or any areas above 4500 feet elevation, which includes all of the Everest area. Discuss the most appropriate malarial prophylaxis and immunizations with your physician.
Law, Order and Safety
How safe is Nepal?
Nepal is one of the safest places in the world. Violent crimes are very rare, and the only real concern to a traveler is petty theft. However, if you take basic common sense precaution, there is nothing to fear. Don't bring valuable things with you unless necessary for your trip. Keep your money and other valuables in a money belt or pouch strapped around your waist. Lock your bags and luggage. Moreover if you join the trekking company to organize your trekking trip you don't have to be worried for all above. They will take care concerning all about your safety and security.
I hate to ask this, but what if I am robbed?
Report it immediately to the police. They are normally comfort and helpful. If you need a police report for insurance purposes, you have to go to the Interpol Section of Nepal Police located at Naxal. Moreover your trip operator company; like Adventure Thirdpole Treks will do a lot regarding your help.
I heard about terrorists in mid-west regions of Nepal. Can you tell me something about these terrorists?
As per your concern about terrorists, popularly they are known as Maoist; generally they are fighting and direct all their guerrilla activities toward government bodies. However, travelers should be aware of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Trekking and traveling at night in the regions of Rolpa, Rukum, Gorkha, Jajarkot, Dolpa and Salyan are not recommended. But this would help you to prepare your mind about the Maoist activities in Nepal. This is very important to know that they haven't attacked, kidnapped, shooting, theft and rubbing even single tourist within the last 10 years since they have been fighting. As per our experience they are not negative to the tourist except some time and somewhere they can ask donation to them by tourist. Specially major trekking region are not affected by them and Rolpa, Rukum, Jajarkot, Dolpa and Salyan are situated in the far western region of Nepal where you can avoid your trip.
Is there any law (s) I should particularly be aware of?
Yes, you shouldn't have to go for trekking in the controlled trekking areas without having trekking permit or mountaineering permit and National park entrance permit for every where as well.
How about street beggars and touts?
As in any poor country with enough "rich" foreigners, Nepal has its share of street beggars and middlemen touts trying to sell you everything from information to drugs. There is no need to be intimidated by them. If you are not interested, mind your own business or tell them to leave you alone
Shopping in Nepal
Is there anything to shop in Nepal?
Kathmandu is indeed known as the shopper's paradise for real work of art and cheap souvenirs. Some of the popular things that foreigners usually shop in Nepal are embroidered clothes, Tibetan carpets, pottery, masks and puppets, metal work, jewelries, wood carving, statues, Khukuri (Traditional Nepalese Knife), Thanka Paintings and hand made paper and productions. Other than souvenir goods, imported goods, from cosmetics to electrical articles are also available in Kathmandu. The imported stuffs are of pretty nice quality and they are all in very reasonable prices.
It's very important that you remember to take help from your trekking guide while you go for the shopping in Nepal. They can make good deal with shopkeepers.
What are Thanka Paintings?
Thanka are the traditional Tibetan Painting of ceremonial and religious subjects such as wheel of life, known as Mandala. Traditional Thankas are framed in silk.
Visa
Nepal: You can get your visa either from any Nepalese embassy or at your entry point to Nepal.    (2 photographs and 30 $ cash are required for a two months visa).
India & Pakistan: You must handle your visa before leaving your country. You can get it from an Indian or Pakistanis Embassy.
Bhutan: Only approved agencies are allowed to request for all necessary visa to travel in Bhutan. Please ask us the visa application form. You must send the application, filled correctly and signed, together with a copy of your passport to our local partner prior 3 weeks from your departure date. We will look after all necessary special permits, trekking permits, national parks... so that you don't have to worry for any of those.
Visa and Immigration
Do I need a visa to enter Nepal?
All foreign nationals, except Indian Citizens, need visas to enter Nepal  
What do I need to get my visa?
You need a valid passport, two passport size photos and money.
Where do I apply to get my visa?
The best way to apply for visa is from the Royal Nepalese diplomatic missions in your home country.
The other choice is to get it from Immigration office at the entry points of Nepal.
Now, what are the entry points of Nepal?
They are:

• Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
• Kakarvitta (Jhapa) (Eastern Part of Nepal that has border with India)
• Birgunj, (Parsa) (Central Part of Nepal that has border with India)
• Kodari (Sindhupalchok) (Northern Border with Tibet)
• Belahiya, (Bhaieahwa) (Rupandehi, Western Part that has border with India)
• Jamunaha (Nepalgunj) (Banke, Mid-western Part that has border with India)
• Mohana (Dhangadhi) (Kailali, Far Western Part that has border with India)
• GaddaChauki (Mahendranagar) (Kanchanpur, Far Western Part that has border with India)

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I am in Varanasi (Indian City) these days. I would like to come to Nepal for a week. I know the entry points to come to Nepal. Can u tell me the cost of tourist visa?
The tourist visa can be obtained for the following duration and you can pay the visa fee either in Nepalese Rupees or in US dollars.
Period (Duration)                                                Fee (US $)
60 days             single entry                   (For the First visit in a visa year) 30.00
30 days             single entry,                  (For next visit within the same visa year)  50.00
Single Re-entry              25.00
Double Re-entry             40.00
Multiple Re-entry            60.00
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What if I decided to stay more than 60 days in Nepal? Where and what should I do to extend my Tourist Visa?
There's no problem in it. The Immigration Department of Kathmandu or Pokhara can extend the visa for another 30 days and the charge for this is US$ 50. Indeed the visa can be extended for a total of 120 days, an additional 30 days visa may be granted on reasonable grounds from the Immigration Office. Nevertheless, a tourist cannot stay in Nepal under tourist-visa for more than 150 cumulative days.
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Well, I am not surprised to know the maximum duration of time for a tourist to stay in Nepal under tourist visa. Instead I would like to know the addresses of the Department of Immigration Office of Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Okay, here are the addresses and their telephone numbers:
DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION
Bhirkutimandap, Kathmandu, Nepal
Working days and hours:
7 days in a week from 9.00 am. To 5.00 pm (9.00 am - 4.00 PM in winter)
Tel: 977-1- 494273, 977- 1- 495813, Fax: 977 -1- 494267
Website:  
DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION
Pardi, Pokhara, Nepal
Working days and hours: 7 days in a week from 9.00 am. To 5.00 pm (9.00 am - 4.00 PM in winter)
(9.00 am - 4.00 PM in winter)  Tel: 977-61- 21167 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am a mother of eight-year-old kid. Do I need to pay for my child's visa?
Any children below 10 years have visa fee exemption. So the visa fee for your eight-year child is free. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am a student doing my Energy Management Course. I want to come to Nepal for my project study on Hydro Electricity Potential of Nepal. Do you know whether I can get study-visa to come to Nepal?
The Department of Immigration on the recommendation of Ministry of Education does provide student visa for US$ 40 per month. You are welcome to Nepal for your studies!!!
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I am fascinated with the handicrafts of Nepal. I want to visit Nepal under business visa. Can you tell me the fee of Business Visa?
The department of Immigration on the recommendation of Ministry of Industry issues visas to foreign investors and businessman for US$ 100 for one year and US$250 for five years.
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Besides study visa and tourist visa, are there any other types of visas to enter Nepal?
There are of course many other types of visa besides the ones that you mentioned above. For example, there is Non-tourist visa, Residential Visa, Diplomatic Visa, Official Visa and Transit Visa.
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Non-tourist visa sounds interesting. What are non-tourist visas?
Well, this visa is for Foreigners involved in official works, INGO, Missions and employees working in different institutions, representative of the press agencies and magazines, workers of diplomatic and official visa holders, person of Nepalese origin holding foreign passport and foreigner married to a Nepalese citizen. The department of Immigration on the recommendation of concerned agencies issues this visa and the visa fee list is as follows:
A) US$ 60 per month for the first year and US$ 100 for the next year for non-tourist
B) US$ 10 per month for journalist press visa.
C) US$ 20per month for those working in HMG office or project.
D) US$ 20 for marriage visa
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I am going to be in transit at the Tribhuvan International Airport of Kathmandu for sometime. Do you think I will require transit visa?
If you need to stay in a transit period of around 48 hours at the airport of Kathmandu, the airport immigration office issues a transit visa for around US$5.
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Is there any other important information that I should be aware of before I come to Nepal?
Some regular routine work could involve the following:
· Foreigners are requested to get the arrival / departure stamps on their passport at the entry / exit points to avoid further legal complications.
· Living in Nepal without passport or a valid visa is a punishable offense.
· A trekking permit is essential for any purpose of visit to Nepal's protected area. Check out Trekking for more details on trekking.
· Foreigners are advised to be aware of brokers/cheaters or any counterfeit documents of visa/trekking permit to avoid legal complications. Foreigners are advised to visit/trek through recognized agency.
Please do not seek support of any unauthorized person.
· Foreigners are advised to contact the Department of Immigration for visa transfers.
· Please don't take out the visa stickers from passport and do not try to temper printed matters in the passport.
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Lastly, Can you give me the address of Tourist Information Centers of Nepal?
Nepal Tourism Board
Tourist Service Center
Bhirkutimandap, Kathmandu
Working days: Sunday to Friday
Office Hours: 9 am to 5 pm and 9 am to 4 pm (in winter)
Phone No.: 256909, 247039, 256216, Fax: 977-1- 256910, Email; info@ntb.wlink.com.np
This information center provides travel and tourism related information, free brochures and posters of Nepal.
Money Matters
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Will I need a visa?
You must hold a full passport valid for at least 6 months after your departure date. Upon receipt of your booking we will send you a visa application form. Details of visa costs and how to apply are contained in our trek dossiers and can be downloaded from our website.
What permits are required to visit Nepal?
You will need a visa, which may be obtained, either prior to your departure or upon arrival. You will require two passport type photos. Cost varies with the length of your stay and number of entries to Nepal permitted. Requirements change frequently. Call THIRDPOLE for the latest requirements. If you are climbing or trekking in some areas of Nepal a special permit is required. We obtain these for you in advance and the cost is included in your trip land cost.
For India, Nepal and Pakistan your passport must be valid for more than 6 months after your return date.
Adventure and others besides trekking:
Tell me about the adventurous things that I could do in Nepal besides trekking.
There are many adventures things that you could do in Nepal. For instance, you could go for white water rafting. The best time to go for rafting is between September to Early December and between March to Early June. The rafting trips range from US$ 20 to US$ 90 per day per person. Some of the famous rafting rivers are Trisuli, Kali Gandaki, Bhote Koshi, Marshyangdi, Karnali and Sun Koshi etc. For more details you can check with us for other necessary rafting related information.
In addition to this, you could also go for rock climbing at Nagarjun and Shivapuri in Kathmandu. You could even take Glider Flight in Pokhara and bungee jumping in Bhote Koshi (out of Kathmandu Valley). Other thing that you could do is going for mountain biking in the Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara and near the Tibetan Border.
I love wild life, what do you say?
Yes, Nepal is a paradise for wild life. And, you are at the right country to explore its diverse wild life and exotic birds. We have many National Parks and Wild life reserves. Some of the famous Wild life reserves and National Parks are Annapurna Conservation Area Project, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, Royal Chitwan National Park, Bardia National Park and Sagarmatha National Park. Check out with Adventure Thirdpole Treks for more information regarding National Parks of Nepal. 
My kids are coming along with me to Nepal? Is there any interesting thing for them to do in Nepal?
There is a zoo in Patan. You can take your children to zoo. In zoo, your children can see 106 species of birds and 665 different animals; have elephant ride and boating.
You could even take them to visit Museums and Art Galleries in Kathmandu.
Besides these all, other exciting thing that you as well as your children could do is take them for Hot Air Ballooning. This is a superb way to view vast expanse of Himalayas and Kathmandu Valley. The cost for hot air ballooning is around US$195 per person. If you need more information on this, you can contact Adventure Thirdpole.
What are some of the non-trekking, non-camping activities I can choose on a Nepal trip?
Stay in a village, visit world heritage architectural sites, bicycle, go rafting, visit wildlife parks, take a trip to Tibet, go on a sightseeing flight over the Himalayas, visit traditional crafts center, heal yourself with acupuncture, herbs or incantations, browse some of South Asia’s best book shops, engage in endless souvenir shopping with incredibly low prices, visit ancient pilgrimage sites, join Buddhist and Hindu festivals, enjoy eating in a different restaurant sampling a different cuisine every meal and every day of your visit, bird watch, photograph, paint, sketch, ride horses, ride elephants, ride motorcycles, take a meditation or yoga class, learn Nepalese language, or get lost in the 15th century and you can go for home stay program even you can get it in Kathmandu too.
Beyond Nepal:
I've heard a lot about Tibet, and I've made my mind to go there after I finish touring Nepal.
That is an excellent idea. Kathmandu was once the center of the ancient trade route connecting Tibet to India. Thus Kathmandu is the natural gateway to Tibet and is the perfect place to start your journey to the ancient land.
Adventure Thirdpole Treks have some sort of package tour that would take you there. You can either fly to Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, or take the motorable road that takes you Lhasa along the magnificent Nepalese countryside.
What about India? I've heard it's a great land.
Again, because of "very friendly" relationship between Nepal and India, going to India from Nepal involves almost no hassle. Of course there are the usual travel precautions to be taken, but it is really very easy. Various airlines fly almost everyday from Kathmandu to various Indian cities like Bombay, Delhi, Calcutta, and Patan. If you are taking a flight to visit India from Nepal, it's best to book your ticket well in advance, as some of these flights can already be booked.
And if you're more an adventurous type, you could try going by road. Nepal is bordered by India in the east, west as well as the south but we have only six entry points along the border. Before you take the overland journey, be well prepared to face the long and time consuming stress-full journey as sometimes these journeys can be a bit too much for those not used to traveling by buses and trains in South Asian Countries.
I want to travel to other countries of South Asia.
South Asia offers a very different experience from that of the rest of the world. Majority of South Asian Countries still have their ancient culture, tradition and religion left in them. Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan are beautiful exotic destinations that you could choose to visit. Check out with us for more details on this.
What's special about trekking in Nepal, Bhutan and Ladakh?
Unless you have been in the Himalayas it is difficult to comprehend the wonders they hold and the challenges they pose. After more than 13 years of trekking experience and leading treks through the Himalayas and working with guides and leaders throughout India, Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet we can say, assuredly, the Himalayas hold special experiences for every traveler.
Communication:
Can I use my AT&T, MCI or other international calling cards?
No, you can't.
Can I call collect?
No, unless you want to call Canada or the United Kingdom. But many "communication shops" in Kathmandu and Pokhara give you a "call-back" option: you call your home, give them the phone number of the "communication shop", and ask your folks to call you back. The cost to you would be the cost of one minute of international call plus about $0.30 for every minute of phone usage.
How about Internet access?
Cyber cafes are among some of the hottest trends in Kathmandu these days. In the main tourist centers of Kathmandu and Pokhara you will find cyber cafes in every corner. These cafes provide full Internet services including ftp services, Internet phones, etc. And these days there are also some cyber cafes that help you to call in United States through Internet in a very reasonable cost.
I am a news freak. How can I keep in touch with the happenings of the world?
In Kathmandu and Pokhara, major international newspapers and newsmagazines (International Herald Tribune, USA Today, Newsweek, Economist, Time etc) are available in the newsstands. Cable television is a booming business in Nepal. If you have access to cable TV at your hotel in Kathmandu, you can probably get BBC World and CNN International twenty-four hours a day. You may find it amusing, but popular American TV shows like X Files, NYPD Blue, Oprah, Baywatch, 90210, they are all there!
Besides this, you can also listen news in English from Radio Nepal, FM Kathmandu, K.A.T.H 97.9, Kantipur FM, and Nepal Television in Kathmandu. If you have a short-wave radio, you can also catch BBC World Service.
Entertainment:
Besides hiking and trekking in Nepal, what other things can I do and see in Nepal?
Nepal is known as a non-stop festival country. So it is use to be said that Nepal is a land of festivals. Almost everyday is day of festival in at least some parts of the country. Though most of them are of religious nature, they are almost always of joyous. Kathmandu Valley, with its rich Newar heritage is the most colorful place in the country. But other parts of the country also have their own fanfare. Check out the "Nepali Calendar" for details on the major festivals that will occur during your visit. Cultural Shows in Kathmandu and Pokhara also provide you with some entertainment, though they are far from being the real thing. Check out the posters in various restaurants and other public places in the tourist quarters of Kathmandu and Pokhara to find out what is going on.
About the existence of nightlife in Nepal, there are many night bars and couple of nightclubs, which stay open till late night in Kathmandu. If you want to gamble a little and have some fun, then you can drop into casinos at all five star hotels in Kathmandu.
Joining the group:
Will I be able to join Adventure Thirdpole Treks clients if I am alone or prefer to trek with more people?
Yes, you can. But we need to ask with other people and should be needed to take their permission before we have to give you the decision. Some time group will refuse our proposal. 
Who travels with you?
Anyone with a sense of adventure! Our trips cater for all activity levels and are composed of a mixture of couples, single travelers and friends of varying ages. Many of our groups are a mixture of nationalities with English as the common language.
Do single travelers have to pay a supplement?
We do not impose surcharges on single travelers. All we ask is that you are willing to share a room with someone of the same gender. Should you specifically request single occupancy then a surcharge will be payable.
Is there any age limit?
We do not apply age limits but it is important to discuss with us the appropriateness of a given trek or tour. Regardless of age you do need to be in good health to enjoy our holidays.

Newspapers: National published Government controlled “The Rising Nepal” and private published “The Kathmandu Post” is widely circulated as daily English Newspaper. Normally it is accessible Kathmandu, Pokhara, and outside Kathmandu it’s always a day or more out of date. Foreign publications such as the International Herald Tribune, USA Today, Asian Wall Street Journal, Time and Newsweek are sold in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but nowhere else. For British newspapers, you can find at the British Council in Kathmandu.

Money: 100 paisa is equal to one rupee and rupees 72 is equal to one US dollar. You can find the issued notes as of RS 1, RS 2, RS 5, RS 10, RS 20, RS 25, RS 50, RS 100, RS 250, RS 500 and RS 1000 notes. Small change or paisa, which comes in 5, 10, 25, 50 paisa coins and larger one-rupee, two rupees, five rupees, and ten coins, is more confusing. For the rupees case, different colors make them easy to distinguish, and amounts are written in English on the back side but in the paisas case, only Nepali numbers are written on them and many are so worn as to be indecipherable. If you get confused, you can always thrust a handful of change forward and have the shopkeeper pick out the change. Coins are worth very little, but they're handy for paying for the use of a bicycle pump, and as donations for beggars.