Frequently Asked Questions
Is tipping included and if not, how much should I budget?
Tips are not included in the tour price and tipping is entirely at your discretion. Our Tour Dossiers include suggested tipping amounts and these can be downloaded from the individual trip summary page.
What vaccinations are recommended for this adventure?
It's important that you receive the most accurate and up-to-date travel health information for the region you will be visiting. The only one qualified to provide you with this advice is your family physician or a specialist from a Travel Health clinic. Our page does provide links to a number of websites that contain excellent background information related to travel health issues. Nevertheless these websites are no substitute for a personal consultation with a qualified medical professional.
Can you help arrange my travel visas?
Requirements for travel visas vary widely depending on your nationality and your destination. Although we are unable to arrange visas on your behalf we have provided links on our page to websites that will help you determine if visas are required. If you do require a visa you can arrange them yourself or use the services of a travel agent or visa processing company. An exception is the visa into Tibet which is a ‘Group’ visa and must be completed by us. Details for Nepal visa requirements are available on our web page and fees for same.
What clothing should I pack for one of your adventures?
We always recommend packing as light as possible however the specific requirements for your tour will vary widely depending on where and when you are traveling. Our Tour Dossiers include a suggested packing list and these can be downloaded from the individual trip summary page.
What is the most appropriate type of luggage to bring?
We strongly recommend bringing a backpack or duffel bag, as suitcases can be cumbersome and difficult to store in buses, under seats, etc. Keep in mind that you will normally have to carry your own luggage on and off buses and jeeps and up and down hotel staircases. Suitcases with wheels may not work well on dirt or rough roads.
What type of ground transportation is used on your tours?
Trip specific information on transportation can be found on the trip summary page however in most cases we use private transportation. We've found that how you get there significantly influences the tone of your journey and private transportation allows for a timelier and sure means of keeping of schedule. This method also best accommodates moving gear i.e. bike, as required. Some trips may rely on public transport with the key intention to offer face-to-face interaction with the local people and is sure to add to a real empathy to the culture, language and mood of the destination.
Are airport transfers included?
Most of our adventures do not include airport transfers and so we recommend you arrange a taxi on arrival (this is the most economical and efficient way of getting you to your hotel). If you would prefer a pre-arranged transfer these are usually available at an additional cost - please contact us for more information. Some of our adventures do include an arrival transfer (departure transfers can be locally arranged at additional cost from the finishing point hotel).
Can I join a tour late or leave it early?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun i.e. meet in Lhasa when the main group has departed from Kathmandu. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary please consult a HMB Adventure Specialist before you book your adventure.
Can you provide me with a list of the hotels we will be staying at?
Starting and ending hotels are listed on your travel voucher and in the detailed trip dossier. We use a variety of hotels en-route and so a complete list of hotels won't be provided until day 1 of your tour. If your family requires contact information, or in case of emergency, please have them phone +977-1- . If our office is closed our emergency number (Mob: +977-1-) can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Details can also be obtained by e-mailing info@
Can I book extra nights of hotel accommodation before or after my tour?
Yes, in most cases we can arrange additional accommodation at our starting or ending hotels. Please contacts a HMB Adventure Specialist for price information & specify what your requirements are i.e. hotel standard and dates. If we are unable to provide you with the extra nights we will give you the name of a hotel you can contact directly. Please also note that extra accommodations must be booked outside of 30 days of departure.
I'm a single traveler; will I be charged a single supplement?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if you are traveling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another HMB adventure traveler of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement or occasionally a mandatory single supplement. Your travel agent or a HMB Adventure Specialist can provide you with more information on whether a single supplement is optional, mandatory or not available.
What are the age restrictions on your tours?
To travel independently you must be at least 18 years of age. There are no upper age limits on our tours however travelers aged 70 years or older are required to complete a medical questionnaire. Our Family Adventures are open to families with children aged between 6 and 17 years of age. Our standard (non-family) adventures are open to children aged 12 years or older when accompanied by a parent (max. two children per adult). The two children per adult restriction do not apply to our family adventures.
Who are my traveling companions?
For privacy reasons we do not provide you with advance details on your traveling companions. However, our tours appeal to a wide range of travelers, most of whom share an adventurous spirit and a desire to experience these destinations at a grass-roots level. Our tours are conducted in English and so they attract many travelers from North America, UK, Australia, New Zealand and Europe. If you're interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, why not visit HMB’s ‘In-Transit’ and introduce yourself. ‘In-Transit’ is part of our online Travel Forum and is the perfect place to meet fellow travelers, compare notes, swap suggestions, ask questions and get feel for what’s coming up. The ‘In-Transit’ is located at:
How many people can join a tour?
We keep our group sizes low so you have the freedom to move around and get involved with your surroundings. This intimate size ensures that your group won't crowd your experience. You can expect anywhere from 12-18 travelers on a trip but the average is more like 6-10 with the exception of pre-booked group tours. Check individual trip pages for maximum group sizes.
What is a Local Payment?
Most of our adventure tours involve a Local Payment that is paid to the trip Leader in cash on day 1 of your tour. This Local Payment is put towards included local expenses, such as arranging internal flights as well as entrance and guide fees. Local Payments also reduce the need to wire or transfer funds which can become very expensive. This lowers our operational costs so we can pass the savings on to you. The local payment is in addition to, and is not included in, the base tour price.
How is HMB able to offer such competitive prices?
The key element is that there is no-one between you and us in the supplying the service. We are on the ground and located where the adventures are taking place. It’s a direct service to you without commissions being paid to anyone in between.

Our unique style of off the beaten track, face-to-face travel is the only way to really experience a destination, but it also serves to keep the costs down. We spend your money providing an authentic experience, instead of on lavish hotels and expensive western-style meals. We pass these savings on to you with our low prices. Another thing you'll notice is the inclusions. While we don't include everything, we do throw in the major highlights of a destination, the things that everyone goes to see. On every trip page we show you the 'Included Highlights' of your trip, things that many other companies charge locally for. We leave many other activities as options, to provide you the freedom and flexibility to choose what you want to do on a daily basis.
Do your tours include international airfare?
Travelers arrive from all over the world to begin our tours and as such it is not possible to include international airfare in our prices. If you need airfares out of Nepal our office would be happy to help you arrange flights. Just ask for an air quote when making your booking. You may also book these flights through your preferred travel agent.
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