Preparing for your trip

Package:

Print this page and refer to it as you prepare for your trip!

Printed Nov 26, 2024. Please visit https://staging.friendlyplanet.com/before-you-go/?tourId=2013 for the latest updates.

Checklist

	Item	Due
☐	Ensure you have a current passport valid for at least six months after your return date.	ASAP
☐	Passport Pages. Ensure you have enough empty pages in your passport as per the entry requirements at your destination	ASAP
☐	Complete your registration. You'll receive a link to the registration form after you complete your booking.	Within 5 days of booking
☐	Request any additions or changes you may still want to make to your trip. (Fees and/or additional charges may apply.)	75 days prior to travel
☐	Make your final payment, if any balance is due.	See your invoice
☐	Obtain any necessary travel visas and review any requirements for entry.	See below
☐	Print your itinerary and other final documents, which we will send you via email by 14 days prior to travel.	Prior to travel
☐	Print your policy documents, if you purchased travel insurance, and carry them with you.	Prior to travel
☐	Enroll in The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), if you're a U.S. citizen or national, so the State Dept. can locate and assist you in case of an emergency.	Prior to travel

In addition, if you booked flights with your package:

	Item	Due
☐	Book connecting flights to your departure city, if necessary. (Please confirm your international flight schedule first!)	After receiving your e‑tickets
☐	Make advance seat reservations for your international flight, if you have a preference.	After receiving your e‑tickets
☐	Confirm your flight times and any special meal requests with the airline, and print and carry a copy of your e-ticket.	72 hours prior to travel
☐	Check in for your flights online and download/print your boarding passes (if available).	24 hours prior to travel
☐	Arrive at the airport, ready for the trip of a lifetime!	3½ hours prior to departure

Documents & Entry Requirements

Entry requirements are provided for your convenience. However, unless otherwise stated, it is your responsibility to determine the requirements that apply to you and your trip and to comply with them, including obtaining any necessary visas or other travel documents by the required deadlines and carrying them with you. Especially with COVID-19, requirements are subject to change, so check back for the latest before you depart.

Nepal: Travelers should arrange their own Nepal visa, either in advance or upon arrival. Please see details here.

Bhutan: The Bhutan Visa fee and Sustainable Development fee is included in your tour price. Travelers to Bhutan will need to submit documentation to our team prior to your final payment deadline so we can process the visa. Please see details here.

Originating from

Passport

Departing

COVID-19

Bhutan Entry Requirements

Advice from Friendly Planet

A visa is required for entry into Bhutan and is obtained on your behalf by Friendly Planet Travel. In order to secure your Bhutan visa, we will need a scanned color copy of your passport 75 days before your departure. Please ensure that your scanned document is high resolution and in color. Each passport must be scanned separately and include the full signature and photo pages. Additionally, a scanned recent, color, and high resolution passport photo must also be provided. Passports must be valid for six months beyond travel dates.

Advice from our partner Sherpa

Nepal Entry Requirements

Advice from Friendly Planet

U.S. citizens must have a passport which is valid for at least six months after your date of return to the U.S. with one blank page. U.S. passport holders must also have a visa to enter Nepal. The necessary tourist visa will be issued upon arrival in Nepal upon payment of the Visa fee. Applications can be completed inside the airport using self-service kiosk machines. However, as there are only a few kiosk machines, to avoid long queues, we recommend completing the application online, no earlier than 15 days prior to your arrival in Nepal. Full instructions will be provided in your final documents. (as of Sep. 1, 2022 the fee is $30 per person but is subject to change at any time.)

Advice from our partner Sherpa

General Requirements & Guidelines

In general, you must have a passport to travel abroad, which should be valid for at least six months after your return date. Passports expiring before then should be renewed as soon as possible. Passports contain at least 2 blank pages for each country visited. If your passport does not have this many pages, obtain a new passport as soon as possible.
if your passport and visa are not in order, airlines and cruise ships may deny boarding, countries may deny entry, and your trip may be disrupted. Travel insurance may not cover such losses.
Any changes in names or passport information should be reported to us immediately. Airlines and cruise ships may deny boarding if the name on your passport does not match your tickets.
Minors (age 17 or younger) departing and/or returning to the U.S. without parents or with only one parent may be required by U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) to present a notarized parental consent letter and/or unabridged birth certificate (more information). Many other countries have similar entry requirements, especially for minors traveling with a parent/guardian with a different surname; check with the consulates of all countries you'll be visiting to learn more.

Final Documents

Your final travel documents will be sent to you via email by 14 days prior to departure. These will include your daily itinerary, hotel and emergency contact information, and other relevant information. Please print your documents and take them with you. If you're departing in less than a week and haven't received your documents, let us know immediately!

Travel Insurance Documents

If you purchased travel insurance, please print and carry your policy documents, including contact information for emergency travel assistance and instructions on how to make a claim. If you purchased the travel protection plan we offer, we recommend you print the full policy.

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

We encourage all U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This free service allows you to receive important updates about safety and security issues in your destination, and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy, as well as family & friends, to contact you in case of an emergency. To enroll or get more information, please visit the STEP website or any U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Flights, Transfers & Arrival

Questions about your flights before you depart? Read the information below first. If you still have questions, contact our air specialists at 800-555-5765 ext. 2 or air@friendlyplanet.com.

Tour Only Option

If you purchased this package without flights, you are responsible for booking your own flights in and out of Kathmandu. After you book your flights, please send us a copy of your flight arrangements for our records. The touring program will begin at the hotel in Kathmandu on Day 2 of the listed itinerary and will end in Kathmandu on Day 16. Generally, hotel check-in time is 3pm and check-out time is 11am. Transfers are not included and can be purchased for an additional cost.

Find out what to do in case of arrival complications.

Flights & Tickets

If you selected flights with your package, we generally book your flights and issue tickets after your final payment due date.

If you requested flights from another city, our air specialists will research the best options and send you a tentative flight schedule and quote for your approval within 5 business days of your booking (or approximately 330 days prior to travel, if you booked further out than that).

Once we have issued your tickets, we'll send you an "e-ticket receipt" which contains all of your flight information, including times, carriers, an airline booking reference number, and an e-ticket number. If you have not received this, or have questions about the flights we booked for you, please contact our air department. You will not receive paper tickets. We recommend you print and carry a copy of your flight details, including the airline booking reference number and e-ticket number, as some airports require this to enter the terminal. You do not need to reconfirm your flights with the airline prior to your departure, as we will handle this for you.

Airlines may change schedules at any time, even after flights have been confirmed, and we are not responsible for such changes. Please check for updates to your flight schedule before booking connecting flights and again 72 hours before departure.

Important: Most international flights have a minimum check-in of 3 hours before departure time. Most international flight check-in counters close one hour before departure. Passengers arriving less than 1 hour before departure will not be permitted to board the plane. Please don't risk losing your departure flight by arriving late at your international gateway.

Toll-free numbers for air assistance

Qatar Airways (QR): 1 (877) 777-2827

Want to reserve specific seats?

That depends on the airline. You can usually request a window or aisle seat, and sometimes specific seat numbers (but not exit row and bulkhead seats) ahead of time. Many airlines now charge a fee for this, and such fees are not included in your package price. If you have a seat preference, let us know when you book, in the special requests section, or email us at air@friendlyplanet.com after you book. Then:

If your airline does not charge a fee to pre-assign seats: We'll happily pass along your seat request to the airline and confirm they received it (though we cannot guarantee it will be honored).

If your airline does charge a fee to pre-assign seats: We'll let you know. You'll need to contact the airline directly to request your seats after we have issued your flight tickets, and fees are payable directly to the airline.

If you do not request specific seats: The airline typically assigns them within 24 hours of departure. If you do not like your assigned seats, you may be able to change them, subject to availability, when you check in online or at the counter. Learn more about Advance Seat Reservations.

Want to request a special meal?

You can enter special meal requests when you book with an agent or complete your online registration, shortly after booking. We will relay your requests to the airlines and our representatives abroad, but we cannot guarantee they will be honored. Please double check meal requests with your airline 72 hours before departure, and with our representatives upon arrival.

Looking to earn frequent flyer miles?

You may be able to earn frequent flyer points for your flights. Contact the airline directly once you receive your tickets to enter your frequent flyer number in your flight record, or enter it when you check in. As you travel, check your tickets or ask the check-in or gate agent prior to boarding each flight to ensure the number has been entered properly. And just to be safe, keep your boarding passes and passenger receipt as proof that you have actually flown the miles you want credited to your account.

Interested in upgrading to business class or premium economy?

Cabin upgrades may be available on your flights. Ask us about price and availability when you book online, in the special requests section, or contact our air department after you book. Please note that our special contracted airfare rates generally do not permit upgrading with frequent flyer points, and that upgrade requests may incur change fees if tickets have already been issued.

Flight Schedule

If you selected flights with your package, you may review the sample flight schedule(s) below. This information is for general planning purposes. You will receive your actual flight schedule by email once we issue your tickets.

If you requested flights from another city, our air specialists will research the best options and send you a tentative flight schedule for your approval, and a confirmed schedule once we issue your tickets.

Airlines may change schedules at any time, even after flights have been confirmed, and we are not responsible for such changes. Please check for updates to your flight schedule prior to booking any connecting flights and again 72 hours prior to departure.

Sample Flight Schedule

DEPARTURE
Flight	From	To	Depart	Arrive	Flight Time
QR 704	New York (JFK)	Doha (DOH)	11:20 AM	6:35 AM	12.15 hrs
QR 646	DOH	Kathmandu (KTM)	9:45 AM	4:45 PM	4.15 hrs
RETURN
Flight	From	To	Depart	Arrive	Flight Time
QR 649	KTM	DOH	9:55 AM	12:10 PM	5.40 hrs
QR 705	DOH	JFK	3:15 PM	10:30 PM	14.40 hrs

Qatar Airways'(QR) toll-free number is (877) 777-2827.

Connecting Flights

If you need to fly from (and/or return to) a different U.S. or Canadian city, we suggest you request those flights from us. If feasible, we will try to book all your flights together with a single carrier or a partner network on a single ticket. This ensures that your luggage will be transferred between flights for you, and more importantly, that if there are any schedule changes, flight cancellations, or delays that affect your trip, the airline(s) will adjust your flights to ensure you have sufficient time to make your connections and/or make alternate arrangements to get you to your destination. Besides offering the most peace of mind, this often yields lower fares than purchasing separate connecting flights.

If you plan to purchase connecting flights to your departure city, we strongly suggest waiting until after your final payment due date and after you receive the e-tickets for your international flights, to reduce the chances that that your departure might be cancelled or rescheduled or that your international flight times might change. Before purchasing connecting flights, verify the times for your international flights. Leave at least 3½ hours connecting time between flights, and if you're traveling within a few weeks of Daylight Savings Time changes (in March and November, when flight schedules may change even more dramatically), allow 5–5½ hours between flights. Nobody likes waiting around the airport, but missing your flight is far worse!

Airport Transfers

If you purchased this package with flights scheduled group airport transfers at the destination are included. Transfers are included only on the start and end days of the package. When you exit customs, please look for our representative holding a Friendly Planet sign, who will escort you to your transfer vehicle.

If you purchased this package without flights, transfers are generally not included. In most cases, private transfers are available for an additional fee; contact us for price and availability. Or you may instead arrange your own ground transportation to the touring program start and end points. (Note that there is no discount for any unused included transfers).

Arrival Complications

We make every effort to ensure our tours run smoothly and trouble-free. We don't expect any problems, and nor should you. But when things don't go as planned, here's what to do:

You miss your flights, or your flights are cancelled: Please call us immediately. If it's outside our normal business hours, leave a message in our emergency mailbox, with a phone number at which to reach you, and we'll get right back to you.
Your flights are delayed and you're worried about missing your included transfers: Please contact us to let us know about the delay, and we will notify our partners in destination. If you are arriving on one of our group flights, or booked your own flights and supplied us with the details, our partners will be tracking your arrival and will plan accordingly.
Your package includes transfers, but you can't find our representative at your destination: Don't panic—they may have been unexpectedly delayed. Wait up to 30 minutes. Then contact our local partners in destination, listed on the emergency contact page of your final documents. If you can't reach them, call us. If it's outside our normal business hours, leave a message in our emergency mailbox. If all else fails, make your own way to the starting hotel (or cruise port), and we'll refund you the cost of your transfer.

Packing & Luggage

Baggage allowance: In general, our tours & packages allow per person: one checked bag, not to exceed 44 pounds; one personal item such as a purse or camera bag; and one carry-on bag, which should fit under your seat or in the overhead compartment. If your trip includes domestic flights within your destination and/or travel by motor coach, your carry-on should also fit should also fit under your seat or in the overhead bins on those flights or coaches.

Learn more about Baggage Allowances on your international flights. Note that our baggage allowances may be less than those for your international flights. If you exceed the baggage limits, you may be subject to excess baggage charges levied by the airlines and/or by Friendly Planet.

Regardless of the limits—we recommend a smaller size and weight for both your checked and carry-on bags. It's so much easier and faster for you to get around when you have fewer, lighter bags! For your carry-on, consider a soft-sided bag such as a duffel rather than a hard clamshell-type case, which may not fit as easily into overhead compartments or under your seat, especially on buses. For your protection, we suggest your checked luggage have a TSA-approved lock.

Luggage tags: For your safety, we are no longer mailing Friendly Planet luggage tags to you. We encourage you to use your own. Fill in the luggage tags with your name and contact information and attach to each bag, including carry-ons and camera cases, so that your luggage can be identified should it get misplaced during your trip.

What to pack: Check out our list of top 10 must-haves for international travel, as well as what not to pack. Pack smart: put your travel documents, medications, one change of clothing, and other essentials in your carry-on, in case your checked baggage is misplaced. And pack light, for your own comfort and convenience. For clothing, we suggest packing a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.

What not to pack: U.S. law forbids you to carry hazardous materials aboard aircraft in your checked or carry-on baggage or on your person, including explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids & solids, loaded firearms, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Common examples include paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, mace/tear gas and oxygen bottles. Restricted materials may vary by airline and destination. Some items, in quantities of no more than 70 ounces total, may be carried within baggage, including medicinal or toilet articles such as hairspray, perfume and certain medicines that are necessary during your journey. Please check with the airline and/or visit the FAA website prior to travel if you have any questions.

While on Tour

What to Expect

This fast-paced, fully escorted tour involves a significant amount of walking or hiking often on uneven terrain, reaches high altitude, and long days on your feet. To fully enjoy the trip, it will require a high level of physical fitness.

Remember that you're a guest in someone else's homeland, and that you're traveling to experience their country and culture. Be sensitive to local customs and manners, as many things may be done differently than what you're used to. And while we have made every effort to secure modern and comfortable accommodations and transportation, please note that the standards in other countries may be different from those you are accustomed to at home. Overall, you will find a polite, positive, patient, and open-minded approach generally yields the best travel experience!

Please keep in mind that you'll be traveling with a group. Sharing your explorations with like-minded folks can often be a source of joy, and some of our travelers become lifelong friends. But traveling with strangers can also sometimes be challenging, especially in a foreign country. We ask that you be patient and respectful with your fellow travelers, including their needs and preferences. Also remember that you have responsibilities to the group—please be prompt for group activities so you don't keep everyone else waiting. Lastly, please defer to your tour leader, guide or manager. They are there for your safety and wellbeing, and to ensure the journey goes smoothly for everyone. If you have a problem with one of our tour guides or managers, please let us know, either while you're on tour or after you return, and we'll make sure your concerns are addressed.

Eating & Drinking

The meals included with your package are listed in the itinerary. For all other meals, you're at liberty to dine where you like. Your hotels will have several dining choices, from coffee shops to specialty restaurants.

Please see above for special meal requests.

Tipping

You will be traveling in the company of professionals who are very committed to making your tour the dream vacation you are counting on. These people feel great pride in having a chance to show foreign visitors their country. If your guide, driver, and others with whom you are traveling are doing a good job, please take our suggestions for tipping seriously. As always, gratuities are an individual expression of thanks and should be based on the level of service provided.

The recommended amounts are as follows:

Tour Manager: $10 per person per day
Driver: $5-$10 per person per day
Housekeeping $1-5 per person per day
Restaurant tips for non-included meals: 10% of the total bill
Airport Transfer Drivers (to/from): $2-$5 USD per person per way

Optional Excursions

To enhance your visit, we offer an optional excursions package. The guide will have a list of passengers who prepaid the optional excursions package. If you did not prepay the optional excursions and prefer to purchase them locally, space will be subject to availability, and the local selling price may be higher.

Additional tours may also be offered locally. Payment for tours purchased locally must be made directly to the guide. Payments may be made by cash in US dollars or local currency.

Special Needs & Requests

Please see above for special meal requests and seat requests. If you have any other special requests, including wheelchair or electric cart assistance, please mention your request when you book with an agent, or in the special requests section when you book online. We will do our best to accommodate them!

Country FAQs

Bhutan Fast Facts

Overview	Capitol: Thimphu Population: 787,424 Currency: Bhutanese Ngultrum (Nu) Languages: Dzongkha Drives on the: Left Time zone: BTT (UTC+6)
Health Precautions & Vaccinations	This tour includes some time at high altitudes where travelers may suffer from varying degrees of altitude sickness. Please consult with your physician about any precautions before you depart.
Weather	Bhutan’s climate varies significantly by season and elevation. Spring brings warm days (70s) and cool nights, while summer temperatures can climb to the 80s before monsoon rains arrive in July and last through mid-September.
What to wear	Pack light, comfortable clothing suitable for layering, and don’t forget a good pair of walking shoes, a sun hat, and an umbrella. Casual attire is perfect for most occasions, so focus on comfort and convenience for your journey.
Tipping	Tipping is an appreciated gesture of thanks for excellent service. For your Bhutan Tour Escort, we recommend $10–30 per person per day and $5–25 for your driver. For hotel staff, $1–5 per bag is customary, and $1–3 per night is standard for housekeeping. While airport porterage for one suitcase is included, hotel porterage is not, so plan accordingly. Remember, tips are at your discretion and based on the quality of service you receive.
Money & Credit Cards	Bhutan’s currency is the ngultrum (Nu), which cannot be obtained outside the country. You can exchange currency at the Paro airport or your hotel. Credit cards are not widely accepted, though some shops in Thimphu and Paro take Visa or MasterCard. ATMs are rare, so bring enough cash for your needs. Let your credit card provider know your travel plans before departure. Note that traveler’s checks are no longer widely accepted. Be prepared to use local currency or US dollars for most transactions. Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card abroad.
Shopping	There will be plenty of opportunities to shop during your tour. Guides often recommend trusted shops that offer good-quality merchandise—and sometimes the best bathrooms! Inspect your purchases carefully, as most stores do not allow returns or exchanges. If buying religious items, retain the receipt for government approval before departure. Your guide will assist with this process.
Electricity & Power Adapters	Bhutan operates on a 230-volt, 50 Hz electrical system. Most sockets use the Type D, Type G, or Type F plug, so it’s a good idea to bring a universal adapter to ensure compatibility with your devices. Voltage converters are generally not necessary for most modern electronics like phones or laptops, as these are typically dual voltage. Power outages can occasionally occur, so consider packing a small power bank to keep your essential devices charged. Learn more about electrical standards around the world.
Cell Phones & Internet	Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the 5 ways to get Internet abroad.
Did you know?	Bhutanese food, like the famous ema datshi (chili and cheese), is one of the spiciest in the world, with chilies treated as a vegetable rather than a spice. Bhutan banned plastic bags as early as 1999, making it one of the first countries to implement such a ban. Gangkhar Puensum, at 24,836 feet, remains unclimbed due to Bhutan’s spiritual reverence for its mountains. Thimphu, the capital, has no traffic lights. Instead, police officers direct traffic at key intersections. Bhutan measures success through GNH (Gross National Happiness), prioritizing the well-being of its people and the environment over GDP.

Nepal Fast Facts

Overview	Capital: Kathmandu Population: 28.51 million Currency: Nepalese rupee (NPR) Languages: Nepali Drives on the: Left Time zone: NPT (UTC +5:45)
Health Precautions & Vaccinations	According to the Center for Disease control, there is no risk of malaria in Kathmandu. Before you go, consult your physician about inoculations against hepatitis, typhoid and tetanus. Disinfect and cover wounds with a bandage. Center for Disease Control World Health Organization
Weather	Monsoons occur in Nepal between the months of June and September and often result in floods. Because of its elevation, most of Nepal is brisk with the highest elevations being quite cold. Trekkers will want to visit Nepal from October to November and March to April to avoid monsoons and snow. Nepal's autumn is generally better for viewing than the spring when the air is hazy, but spring is still worth a visit.
Tipping	In Kathmandu and Pokhara restaurants only, tip 10% (if a service charge is not already on the bill). If you go trekking, tip porters and guides (consult with the trek organizer for the proper amount).
Money & Credit Cards	Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card abroad.
Shopping	Shop for prayer wheels, tea bowls, religious paintings, Tibetan articles, bronze and copper items, shoulder bags, wooden masks and statues, sweaters, bamboo flutes, carpets, hats and caps, block prints, violins, woven cloths, used camping gear, Be aware that you cannot export precious stones, gold or silver. Small jewelry items may pass if you're wearing them, but it's still risky.
Electricity & Power Adapters	230 volts. Plugs C & D. You will need a voltage converter and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit. Learn more about electrical standards around the world.
Cell Phones & Internet	Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the 5 ways to get Internet abroad.
Did you know?	Nepal is home to Mount Everest, the tallest peak on Earth, standing at 29,029 feet. The official language is Nepali, but over 120 different languages are spoken throughout the country. Despite its proximity to India and China, Nepal is a landlocked country with no access to the sea, yet it boasts rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes. Lumbini, located in Nepal, is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became the Buddha, making it a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Nepal is the only Hindu kingdom in the world and has a rich cultural heritage rooted in Hindu traditions. The capital, Kathmandu, is one of the few major cities in the world with no traffic lights. Traffic is directed by policemen at major intersections.

Fine Print

Terms & Conditions: Please review our terms & conditions for this package.

Cancellations: If something comes up and you need to cancel your trip, please let us know as soon as possible. All cancellations must be made in writing. Cancellation fees vary by package; please see the cancellation fees for this package.