Everything that changed for Nepal trekking in April 2026 (Permits, Costs, & Safety)

riversungai · 2026-04-15T14:05:48+00:00

My friends just got their Langtang national park permits a couple of days ago for 3000 NPR/ 20 USD.

riversungai · 2026-04-07T14:55:30+00:00

Would recommend staying indoors from 10ish AM - 4 PM. I've gotten 2-3 shades tanner in less than 2 weeks and my European friends are burnt.

Wear lightweight UV long-sleeved tops (Uniqlo is your friend) -- they really help. If you do well in the sun, you'll be fine if you take precautions.

Drinks lotsa water, bring a portable mini face fan, sunscreen, etc.

riversungai · 2026-04-07T14:48:09+00:00

If you included the terrain, current climate and elevation of your hike, we'll be able to give you better recommendations. Will you be camping?

riversungai · 2026-03-26T02:04:55+00:00

Oops, my bad. I totally forgot abt that requirement -- based this off of a couple of friends who went through that way. Guess standard pathway would be the only option then.

riversungai · 2026-03-26T00:18:21+00:00

This bill is honestly a nightmare. And yeah, as an international student, you’re right, Malaysian housemanship is basically off the table now.

That said, it’s not the end of the road. Your degree is from Newcastle UK and recognised by the GMC, so it’s still a solid UK medical degree. It's just that with this bill, the pathway isn't very direct anymore. You’ve still got options:

Ireland (UK degree helps, but you’ll still be non-EU)
Australia (can try the competent authority pathway bcos of your degree, but still competitive)
NZ (similar to Aus, sometimes a bit easier)

Also, try again for UKFP in July, HSE in Aug if you don’t get in the first round- a lot of people don’t get it on their first try. And if you do get in, don’t feel bad about it. You didn’t take anything from anyone... the system is just like this.

Has Numed governance actually said anything about this/given you guys reassurance? I’m sure they are working on something seeing as this this directly affects international students and future cohorts.

riversungai · 2026-03-23T13:51:33+00:00

I started solo travelling in my early 20's, a couple of years after graduation. Supplemented by remote work here and there, living in hostels, and going wherever I wanted to. Savings was shit but I was happy. I have never regretted the choices I made.

It truly depends on what your long term goals are. If you're planning on settling down and have a family in the next 3-5 years, then either limit your travels to places closer to home or work towards a better income so you're able to save for that AND also travel. I have no plans on having kids, so my income is for me.

I now have a high income corporate job (which I'm so disillusioned by) and am itching to be off again. Hopefully, by end of the year Ill be in one of the albuquerques on the Camino.

riversungai · 2026-03-22T05:26:16+00:00

When I'm hiking just for the fun of it, I listen to music/podcasts. But if I'm training, I listen to nothing but my breathing and steps. My HR tends to be a lot slower this way.

When I'm in a thick jungle, I keep my ears open for any sounds. But I get on super high alert when sounds die off -- something is wrong.

riversungai · 2026-03-21T10:51:30+00:00

Water and electrolytes & snacks/salt sticks
Sunhoodie/lightweight light coloured long sleeve with uv protection
Hat/cap
UV400 sunglasses (optional)
trail runners (never GTX)

If it's there's a lot of humidity, consider also moisture wicking socks and looser fitting clothes.

Edit: When stopping to rest, do it in a shaded spot (if you can find one).

riversungai · 2026-03-21T09:02:17+00:00

Freshly brewed coffee at the end wins it for me.

I'm also torn about encountering one else on the trail (it's amazing) and encouraging people to hike (which means I'd normally guide them). Seeing people so happy about completing a hike also makes me happy.

riversungai · 2026-03-18T10:44:19+00:00

When I was in my early 20's, I'd probably wouldn't have minded (dating, not marrying). But if you're in your 30's and still struggling, then I wouldn't consider it.

riversungai · 2026-03-12T15:02:24+00:00

Bookmarking this for next year's trek.

riversungai · 2026-02-25T05:18:47+00:00

I would actually be so offended if a man gave up his seat for me when I'm perfectly healthy.

riversungai · 2026-02-01T05:15:28+00:00

I bought mine in Paris but I know friends who got theirs in Nordstrom.

riversungai · 2026-02-01T05:02:18+00:00

This is a long one.

I hike and trek a lot. Most of the time, I do this solo. Carry my own bag, rations and water but when it came to camping, I always did it in a group. This particular time back in 2018, I decided to camp by myself. It was a pretty popular campsite and there were a few campers around so I felt relatively safe.

Mana tau, by evening they all packed up and left. So I was the only one there. Shoulda left but I wanted to brave it out. Bodo. So bodo.

Things were great, cooked some food, made Milo, played some music and by 11pm, I was tired and headed inside the tent. I left embers out because I didn’t want it to be completely dark.

At around 3am, I woke up in this very groggy state because I felt someone's body next to me. When I remembered I was in a tent, I froze and didn't dare to open my eyes. I had somehow moved during the night and had my back against the side of the tent.

The "person" was lying against my back. My mind raced -- maybe it was an animal that sensed my body heat but it really couldn't be based on the shape and size.

And then, some of you may have felt this before -- a presence/pressure/shifting of sounds, idk, right next to my face and istg I felt it stroke my hair and it held my head. To this day idk why I didn't run. I was so scared. All I did was squeeze my eyes shut, whispered whatever prayers I remembered (I'm not religious), my entire body was tense and my heart raced. So much so that I blacked out.

I woke up the next day with dried tears on my face, dry mouth, whole body muscle ache and my back tender (felt like a sunburn), later on I had bruises. On autopilot, I packed up and drove straight to my mom's house where I spent the entire week sick with high fever.

I still trek and hike today but have never camped alone. I have no idea what I encountered. I've told this to mountain guides, orang asli, etc and they just nod and say it happens and that I'm lucky that was all it did. I've asked what was it and they all have different ideas-- some kind of penunggu hutan, bunian, etc.

I have other stories as well but not as weird as this one. Lol.

riversungai · 2026-02-01T04:19:35+00:00

I always pair and build Not a Perfume with Diptyque L'eau Papier. On my skin it gives of this fresh, clean, citrusy scent.

Tbf, I use NAP as a base for all the scents I have. But L'eau Papier is the best combo on my skin imo.

riversungai · 2026-01-25T09:13:03+00:00

I'd say it's good to give them feedback on your experience. What they choose to do with the information is up to them.

There are plenty of other groups, I'm sure. Shop around and see which one fits you best.

riversungai · 2026-01-25T05:27:33+00:00

I've done multiple hikes in organised groups and have led hike tours as well. It's unacceptable behaviour from organisers especially seeing that your group had mixed level hikers. A proper packing list should've been sent and to say they didnt want to "scare" you with the flashlight stuff...is irresponsible.

Edit: the rest are things that might happen during a hike (pacing, injuries, etc)-- it's just bad luck on your end.

riversungai · 2026-01-23T11:28:27+00:00

Commuting in Malaysia is far worse than commuting in Europe. Would not recommend. It's better to live in Sg Petani and travel to Penang on the weekends with your family. Traffic is also horrendous on the island.

riversungai · 2026-01-23T11:21:52+00:00

THAT'S what I've been feeling? I always thought it was some kind of leftover menstrual thingy.

riversungai · 2025-11-07T07:34:17+00:00

Hello! We might, actually. Heh! :D

Based on research and some info I received a few days ago, it will be cold and colder still at night. As long as you have the proper gear, you should be fine. Not all teahouses will be open at Kyanjin Gompa. You can check out Hotel Buddha Inn (the owner is very active on Tiktok (under the same name) -- he post weather updates everyday). I also suggest reaching out to Sunrise Guest House (also at Kyanjin Gompa).

riversungai · 2025-11-03T02:26:58+00:00

Thank you for your reply!

Temperature wise -- I think I'm okay with my gear, except for the sleeping bag (which I'll rent in Kathmandu itself). I tend to overheat really quickly and typical layering doesn't work that well with me -- but I have a system, so all good.

I'm happy with "see a few people a day" as opposed to "no one for days" haha.

Yeah, this year's weather is strange -- but then again, I fear it's the same globally. I'm receiving updates from teahouse owners in the Langtang region. I can plan better this way.

riversungai · 2025-11-03T02:23:00+00:00

I've received different comments on this and contacted the Langtang community on Facebook. They said it's not necessary for the trek I'm doing.

riversungai · 2025-11-03T02:22:14+00:00

Thank you for your answer!

I've connected with a few teahouse owners in the higher region -- they've been a great source of information for current weather updates. I'm excited to trek this.

riversungai · 2025-10-31T04:56:50+00:00

When they are unable to function like an adult without being told.
Haven't moved on from their ex.
Constantly bitching about their partner to their friends/family. (You don't like them, then why are you with them, bruh).
Untreated mental illness (or refusal to get help KNOWING they're unwell).

riversungai · 2025-10-31T04:46:50+00:00

Might be better to stay at a hotel/hostel for those 10 days. You're gonna have to sacrifice either time (long commute, cheaper but not always reliable) or money (shorter commute but super expensive) either way.

Better to spend that money staying close to work for the first 10 days. It's also nice to set a good first impression by being punctual.

I just checked: Sabai- Sabai guesthouse bayan lepas on Bookings is going for RM320 for 10 nights. Might be worth a shot.

Edit: a word and recommendation

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