Travel Information
Everything you need to know before your journey begins — from visa requirements and travel insurance to packing essentials and local customs.
Visa Information
Every destination has its own visa requirements, and regulations can change. Learn Travel and Tours provides up-to-date visa guidance for every itinerary we offer. Below is a quick-reference summary for the most popular destinations we serve.
| Destination | Visa Type | Duration | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nepal | On-arrival / e-Visa | 15 / 30 / 90 days | Multiple entry available. Passport must be valid 6+ months. Apply online via immigration.gov.np or at Tribhuvan International Airport. |
| China | Tourist (L) Visa | 30 / 60 / 90 days | Apply through your nearest Chinese Embassy or Visa Centre. Invitation letter or hotel confirmation may be required. |
| Tibet | Tibet Travel Permit | Per itinerary | Requires a Chinese visa plus a separate Tibet Travel Permit arranged through a licensed agency (we handle this for you). |
| Bhutan | Visa on arrival | Per itinerary | Processed through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. Sustainable Development Fee applies. Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals are exempt from the fee. |
| India | e-Visa / Embassy Visa | 30 / 90 / 365 days | E-visa available for 150+ nationalities. Protected Area Permits required for Sikkim and parts of Ladakh. |
| Southeast Asia | Varies by country | 15–90 days | Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia often grant visa-free stays of 30–90 days for many nationalities. Vietnam and Cambodia require e-visas or visas on arrival. |
| Europe (Schengen) | Schengen Visa (C) | 90 days / 180-day period | Apply at the embassy of your primary destination. Proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and sufficient funds required. |
| Middle East | Varies by country | 30–90 days | UAE and Qatar offer visa-on-arrival or e-visa for many nationalities. Saudi Arabia has recently opened tourist e-visas. |
Visa policies change frequently. Contact us for the latest requirements specific to your nationality and travel dates.
Passport Requirements
Your passport is the single most important travel document. Before booking any international journey, make sure your passport meets these universal requirements:
Validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from the destination country. Many countries will deny entry if this condition is not met.
Blank Pages
Ensure you have at least 2–4 blank visa pages available. Immigration stamps and visa stickers require space; some countries insist on adjacent blank pages.
Copies & Backup
Keep photocopies of your passport’s data page separate from the original. Store a scanned digital copy in your email or cloud storage. Carry 4 passport-size photos for on-arrival visa applications.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance for every trip. While we take every precaution to ensure your safety, the unexpected can happen — flight cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, or natural events. A good policy provides peace of mind and financial protection.
What Your Policy Should Cover
- Emergency medical treatment and hospitalisation
- Medical evacuation and repatriation (essential for high-altitude treks)
- Trip cancellation and interruption
- Lost, stolen, or delayed baggage
- Flight delays and missed connections
- Personal liability coverage
- Adventure activities (trekking, rafting, mountaineering)
Our Recommendation
For treks above 4,000 metres (Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Mount Kailash), make sure your policy explicitly covers helicopter evacuation up to at least USD 100,000. Standard policies often exclude high-altitude activities.
We can recommend reputable insurance providers and help you choose the right level of coverage for your itinerary. Just ask when booking.
Best Time to Visit
Asia’s diverse geography means every month is the right time to visit somewhere. Here is our seasonal guide for the destinations we know best.
| Destination | Best Season | Peak Months | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nepal (Trekking) | Autumn & Spring | Oct–Nov, Mar–Apr | Clear skies, stable weather, stunning mountain views. Autumn is the busiest trekking season. |
| Nepal (Wildlife) | Winter & Spring | Jan–Apr | Dry vegetation makes wildlife spotting easier in Chitwan and Bardiya National Parks. |
| China (General) | Spring & Autumn | Apr–May, Sep–Oct | Mild temperatures across most regions. Golden Week (Oct 1–7) is extremely busy — book well in advance. |
| Tibet | Spring–Autumn | May–Oct | Warmer temperatures and clearer roads. Permit availability may vary; monsoon brings afternoon showers June–August. |
| Bhutan | Spring & Autumn | Mar–May, Sep–Nov | Rhododendron blooms in spring; vibrant festivals in autumn. Clear Himalayan panoramas. |
| India (North) | Autumn–Spring | Oct–Mar | Cool, dry weather ideal for the Golden Triangle, Varanasi, and Rajasthan. Ladakh: Jun–Sep only. |
| Southeast Asia | Dry Season | Nov–Mar | Lower humidity and rainfall across Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia. Singapore is year-round. |
| Europe | Spring–Autumn | May–Sep | Long daylight hours, warm weather. July–August is peak tourist season — higher prices. |
| Middle East | Autumn–Spring | Oct–Apr | Comfortable temperatures (20–30 C). Summer months can exceed 45 C — best avoided. |
Packing Guide
Packing smart is the difference between a comfortable journey and a stressful one. Our guides carry years of experience across diverse climates and terrains — here is what they recommend.
Essentials
- Valid passport and photocopies
- Visa documents and printed confirmations
- Travel insurance policy details
- Prescription medications (with doctor’s note)
- Universal power adapter
- Reusable water bottle with purifier
- Basic first-aid kit
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and sunglasses
Trekking & Adventure
- Broken-in hiking boots with ankle support
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Down jacket or insulated layer
- Rain shell (waterproof & breathable)
- Trekking poles (collapsible)
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Sleeping bag liner (for tea houses)
- Altitude medication (Diamox — consult your doctor)
Cultural & City Tours
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Modest clothing for temple visits (cover shoulders and knees)
- Light scarf or shawl (multi-purpose)
- Day pack or crossbody bag
- Phrasebook or translation app
- Camera with spare memory cards
- Local currency in small denominations
- Notebook and pen for journal entries
Currency Guide
Understanding local currencies, exchange rates, and payment options will save you time and money on the road. Here is a quick reference for our most popular destinations.
| Destination | Currency | Payment Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Nepal | Nepalese Rupee (NPR) | ATMs available in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Cash essential on treks. USD widely accepted for hotel payments. Exchange at licensed counters (Thamel, airport). |
| China | Chinese Yuan (CNY / RMB) | WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate. Carry some cash for rural areas and markets. Foreign cards work at major hotel chains and international ATMs. |
| Tibet | Chinese Yuan (CNY) | Limited ATM access outside Lhasa. Carry sufficient cash. Credit cards rarely accepted outside major hotels. |
| Bhutan | Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) / Indian Rupee (INR) | Indian Rupees (except 500 and 2000 notes) accepted everywhere. ATMs in Thimphu and Paro. Tour costs are prepaid through your operator. |
| India | Indian Rupee (INR) | ATMs widely available. UPI digital payments growing rapidly. Keep small notes for tips, transport, and market purchases. |
| Thailand | Thai Baht (THB) | ATMs everywhere but charge a 220 THB foreign-card fee. Exchange counters in Bangkok offer excellent rates. Cards accepted at malls and restaurants. |
| Europe | Euro (EUR) / Swiss Franc (CHF) | Contactless payments widely accepted. Notify your bank before travel. Switzerland uses CHF, not EUR. |
| UAE / Qatar | AED / QAR | USD widely accepted at hotels. Credit cards work nearly everywhere. Exchange at airport or licensed counters. |
Tip: Always carry a mix of local currency and USD as backup. Avoid exchanging money at airports if possible — rates are typically worse than city-centre counters.
Safety Tips
Safety is our highest priority. While the destinations we serve are welcoming and well-trodden by travelers, sensible precautions go a long way. Our guides are trained in first aid and emergency protocols, and our 24/7 emergency hotline is always just a call away.
Health & Wellbeing
- Get recommended vaccinations 4–6 weeks before travel (Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis for rural Asia)
- Drink only bottled or purified water — avoid ice from unknown sources
- Acclimatise gradually above 3,000 metres: ascend no more than 500m per day
- Carry a personal first-aid kit with altitude and stomach remedies
- Know where the nearest hospital or clinic is — your guide will brief you at each stop
Personal Security
- Keep valuables in a money belt or hotel safe — avoid displaying expensive jewellery or electronics
- Use only licensed taxis and ride-hailing apps — your guide can arrange trusted transfers
- Register with your country’s embassy or consulate when travelling to remote regions
- Share your itinerary with a trusted contact at home
- Be mindful of local customs and dress codes, particularly at religious sites
Our 24/7 emergency line is shared with every traveler at the start of their trip. You are never alone on a Learn Travel journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book my tour?
We recommend booking at least 4–8 weeks in advance for standard tours, and 3–6 months ahead for peak-season treks (October–November for Nepal), Tibet permits, and Bhutan itineraries. Last-minute bookings are sometimes possible — contact us and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Do I need a guide for trekking in Nepal?
As of 2023, Nepal requires all foreign trekkers in national parks and conservation areas to hire a licensed guide. Solo trekking without a guide is no longer permitted in most regions. Our experienced, government-licensed guides ensure your safety, handle permits, and share deep knowledge of the trails, culture, and natural history.
Can you arrange a completely custom itinerary?
Absolutely. Custom itineraries are one of our specialities. Tell us your interests, timeframe, and budget, and we will design a tailor-made journey from scratch — whether it is a private Silk Road expedition, a multi-country family holiday, or a corporate study tour combining factory visits and cultural experiences.
What is included in tour package prices?
This varies by package, but most of our tours include accommodation, ground transport, domestic flights where specified, English-speaking guide, entrance fees, meals as described (usually breakfast, sometimes all meals on treks), and permits. International flights, travel insurance, visa fees, and personal expenses are typically excluded. Every package page lists its inclusions and exclusions clearly.
Is it safe to travel to Tibet and remote Himalayan regions?
Yes, with proper preparation. Tibet and high-altitude Himalayan regions are well-travelled and our guides are experienced in altitude management, route conditions, and emergency protocols. We build acclimatisation days into every itinerary and maintain communication with local authorities. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation is essential for these regions.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Cancellation terms depend on the tour and how far in advance you cancel. Generally, cancellations made 30+ days before departure receive a full refund minus a processing fee. Cancellations within 15–30 days incur a 50% charge, and within 14 days are non-refundable. Force majeure events are handled on a case-by-case basis. Full details are in our Refund Policy.
Do you cater to vegetarian, vegan, or dietary-restricted travelers?
Yes. Inform us of any dietary requirements at booking and we will coordinate with hotels, restaurants, and tea-house kitchens along your route. Vegetarian food is widely available across Nepal, India, and Bhutan. In China and Tibet, options are more limited in rural areas, but advance planning ensures you are well-fed at every stop.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept bank wire transfer (no additional fee), credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard — a 3% processing fee applies), PayPal, and in some cases Western Union or MoneyGram. A 30% deposit secures your booking, with the balance due 30 days before departure. For bookings made within 30 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is ready to help you plan every detail. Reach out by phone, email, or WhatsApp — we typically respond within a few hours.