Frequently asked questions

Shakurma is a Pokhara-based destination management company (DMC). We design and coordinate complete Nepal journeys, and handle your enquiry and communication as a single point of contact. The actual accommodation, transport, guiding, trekking and activity services are delivered by carefully selected, appropriately registered local partners — we manage the planning, coordination and support so you are not left comparing and booking each piece separately.

Yes, within the practical limits of each region — cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara have considerably more choice than remote trekking teahouses. Tell us your requirements when you enquire and we will let you know honestly what is realistic on your specific route.

We can adapt many itineraries for travellers with mobility or accessibility requirements, particularly around Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan, though some heritage sites and all trekking routes have inherent physical limitations. Tell us your specific needs when you enquire so we can advise honestly on what is and is not feasible. See our Accessibility page for more detail.

You certainly can book independently, but a local DMC saves time, reduces the risk of unreliable providers, and gives you one point of contact if something needs to change once you're travelling. Our value is coordination, local knowledge and support — not gatekeeping access to Nepal.

No responsible operator can guarantee wildlife sightings in a genuine wild national park, and we won't pretend otherwise. Chitwan offers good chances, particularly for birdlife, but sightings of specific species like rhinos or tigers depend on conditions on the day.

No — we present yoga, meditation and wellness experiences as genuine relaxation and mindfulness practice led by qualified local teachers, not as medical treatment. Please consult a qualified medical professional for any health condition.

For peak season (October–November, March–April) we recommend starting the conversation 2–3 months ahead, especially for treks, premium accommodation or larger groups. Shorter-notice planning is often still possible — get in touch and we will tell you honestly what is realistic for your dates.

Yes, particularly with a coordinated itinerary. Nepal combines significant cultural depth, dramatic scenery and genuinely welcoming communities, and a well-paced first trip (see our Essential Nepal journey) is a manageable, rewarding introduction.

Many solo and women travellers visit Nepal successfully every year, and tourist areas in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini are generally accustomed to independent travellers. We tailor guiding, accommodation and transport choices around your comfort level, and can arrange female guides where available. We do not offer a guarantee of personal safety — no operator honestly can — but we do brief every solo traveller on practical, current local considerations.

It depends entirely on the route. Short walks like Australian Camp or Dhampus suit most reasonably active adults, while Poon Hill, Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp require genuine multi-day fitness and altitude awareness. We ask about your fitness and experience before recommending a specific route, and brief every trekking traveller on altitude pacing.

Yes — we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance for every Nepal trip, and insurance that specifically covers trekking, high altitude and emergency evacuation if your itinerary includes trekking above standard thresholds. See our Travel Insurance page for what to check before buying a policy.

You will have a direct local contact number throughout your trip, and our Pokhara-based team can coordinate with your guide, hotel or transport provider if plans need to change. For medical emergencies, your travel insurance provider remains your primary point of contact for evacuation and treatment costs.

Most nationalities can obtain a Nepal tourist visa on arrival or in advance, though requirements change and vary by nationality. Please check the official Department of Immigration, Government of Nepal website or your nearest Nepali diplomatic mission for current, authoritative visa requirements before travelling — we link to official sources in our Nepal visa guidance rather than stating fixed rules ourselves, since these can change.

Once your itinerary and quotation are confirmed, we outline a deposit to secure bookings with our partners, with the balance due ahead of travel. Exact terms depend on the specific properties and services booked and are confirmed in writing before you pay anything. See our Booking Conditions page for the general framework.

Cancellation and change terms depend on the specific partner bookings involved (hotels, domestic flights, permits, etc.), each of which may carry its own policy. We explain the applicable terms clearly before you book, and our general approach is outlined on the Cancellation & Refunds page.

This depends on the specific services in your itinerary and will be made clear in writing before you pay a deposit. See our Booking Conditions page for the general framework, and ask us directly if anything is unclear — we would rather over-explain this than leave it ambiguous.

Yes — most of our journeys are arranged privately for a couple, family or small group, with a private guide and vehicle. We also support larger series groups, corporate groups and travel-agency partners; see our DMC & Trade Partners page.

Where legally and operationally appropriate, we can quote and accept payment in INR for Indian travellers — ask us when you enquire. See our dedicated page for Indian travellers for more detail on entry options and payment.

Yes, several road border crossings connect India and Nepal, and many Indian travellers combine a road entry with a Nepal itinerary. Entry requirements can differ from other nationalities — check the official Nepal Department of Immigration guidance for current rules, and let us know your preferred entry point when you enquire so we can plan accordingly.

We act as your Nepal ground-handling partner — arranging hotels, transport, guides and activities, providing local support during the trip, and working to your required format (white-label itineraries, series or FIT groups). See our DMC & Trade Partners page and submit a trade enquiry to start the conversation.