Socialtours

Socialtours We are offbeat travel specialists based in Kathmandu, offering trips in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India. Recommended by Lonely Planet & NatGeo Adventure.

socialtours is a five time Responsible Award nominated tour company in Nepal with mentions in Lonely Planet, National Geographic Adventure and a UNWTO publication on Sustainable Tourism Companies in Asia, not to mention several media. Established in 2002, we have played lead roles in Responsible Tourism practice in Nepal, in the sub-continent and in the world of responsible tourism. Offer offbeat tours in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India

Travel Plans Disrupted by the Iran Situation? Here’s How We’re Handling It.The current tensions around Iran are creating...
15/03/2026

Travel Plans Disrupted by the Iran Situation? Here’s How We’re Handling It.

The current tensions around Iran are creating uncertainty for some travel routes, particularly flights between Europe and Nepal that pass through the Gulf.

While most routes into Nepal are still operating normally, disruptions can happen. If they do, we work closely with our travellers to find solutions—rerouting via Turkey, flying through India, or postponing trips without penalties when possible.

Our normal terms are strict close to departure, but these are unusual times. When global events affect travel, we try to respond with practicality, flexibility, and empathy.

Travel requires patience sometimes. Our job is to help make sure the journey still happens—whether now, or a little later.

🇳🇵 Nepal Election Day Travel AdvisoryIf you are travelling in Nepal during the upcoming election period, please note the...
25/02/2026

🇳🇵 Nepal Election Day Travel Advisory

If you are travelling in Nepal during the upcoming election period, please note the following:

48 hours before polling day
Silence period begins.

No impact on tourism activities.

On Polling Day (March 05)

Strict vehicle restrictions in place.
Only Hotel ↔ Airport transfers are allowed.
No sightseeing tours or city excursions.
No district transfers. No domestic Flights.
Expect security checkpoints.

Tourism vehicles are not considered essential services, so movement is tightly controlled.

Trekking & Mountain Travel

If you are already trekking in the mountains, you are completely fine.
There are no restrictions on walking or trekking, especially for international travellers. Trails remain open, lodges operate as usual, and your trek continues normally.

Important to Know

In Nepal, guests are always treated as a priority. Even during elections, authorities understand the importance of visitors. While restrictions are in place for security reasons, officials are generally supportive and helpful in ensuring travellers move smoothly—especially for airport transfers.

What You Should Do

Avoid planning tours on polling day.

Allow extra buffer time for airport transfers.

Carry your passport and flight ticket copy.

Follow instructions from your guide or driver.

Nepal takes elections seriously. With simple planning, your journey will remain smooth and stress-free.

Thank you. Truly.To every traveller who have trusted us with their dream trips to Nepal — thank you.We hope we delivered...
01/01/2026

Thank you. Truly.

To every traveller who have trusted us with their dream trips to Nepal — thank you.

We hope we delivered Nepal’s promise: a lifetime experience that stays with you long after you leave.

We take that trust seriously. We always have. And we always will.

Thank you also to our many partners across Nepal. Directly and indirectly, more than 250 businesses and professionals are part of the journeys we curate. That reach brings responsibility—and we do not take it lightly.

We feel deeply blessed that most of our work comes through referrals. Travellers telling friends and family, “Go with them.” That level of trust humbles us. You all know who you are—thank you.

To be honest, a referral-led business can be a little scary. We never quite know what each year will bring. So we’re restarting some active marketing, and this year we’ll be back at ITB Berlin—learning, listening, and sharpening our craft.

We aim to stay right at the front of the game, not just in Nepal. Today, we are among the very few—possibly the only ones—who are fully transparent with travellers on both costs and impact. Using STOMP, we design and cost itineraries clearly, measure carbon, track social good, and show exactly where the money goes. We’re proud of that.

After 22 years of working directly with travellers, we know how to curate journeys that flow well and deliver on promises. This is our craft. We’ll keep designing each experience carefully—always aiming to exceed expectations.

We also love creating new experiences. What’s next?
Deeper ways to understand Nepal. More time in nature. And the real luxuries Nepal offers in abundance—time, space, warmth, hospitality, depth of belief, and an easy way of life. As we keep discovering our own country, we’ll keep sharing it.

Sustainability is ongoing work. It never ends. We improve every year, adding small but meaningful actions as we go. That’s our responsibility—and we embrace it.

Thank you again.
And we hope to see you in Nepal soon.

Amazing weather and happy adventurers in   .When the weather is this good, the mountains do the guiding for us, and guid...
25/11/2025

Amazing weather and happy adventurers in .

When the weather is this good, the mountains do the guiding for us, and guides can chill a bit!

Nepal. where there is 300 days of sunshine!

Traveller Advisory: Online Trekking Permits in NepalUpdated: 13 October 2025*Translated and Summarized*Nepal’s Departmen...
16/11/2025

Traveller Advisory: Online Trekking Permits in Nepal
Updated: 13 October 2025

*Translated and Summarized*

Nepal’s Department of Immigration has moved fully to an online system for trekking permits. The system is improving every day, but there are a few important things travellers should know:

1. Apply before 3:00 PM
Applications submitted after 3:00 PM will only be processed the next working day.

2. Only processed during office hours
Applications made after office hours or on public holidays will be processed the next working day.

3. You’ll get updates by WhatsApp or Viber
The Department will notify you about your permit status through these platforms.

4. Incomplete applications get rejected
If any details or documents are missing, the system automatically rejects the application. You’ll need to resubmit, which can delay your trek.

5. Rescue and emergency services remain available
Even on public holidays, emergency support continues as normal.

Nepal is strengthening its systems to make travel smoother, safer, and more reliable for visitors. Thanks for your patience as these improvements roll out.

The   campaign is simple — travellers sharing their real experiences to show the world that Nepal is fun, welcoming, and...
09/11/2025

The campaign is simple — travellers sharing their real experiences to show the world that Nepal is fun, welcoming, and full of incredible adventures! 🇳🇵✨

Here’s Nathie and her group from Wonderways in Belgium, getting ready to hit the trails on the 5x5000m Trek in the Everest region — led by the ever-smiling Rakesh Prajapati, who’s just about fluent in Flemish by now! 😄

Every post, every smile, every shared story helps Nepal’s tourism grow stronger. ❤️

Nepal is the most nature connected nation on earth - according to a new study (source quoted in article) but if we do no...
07/11/2025

Nepal is the most nature connected nation on earth - according to a new study (source quoted in article) but if we do not retain that connection, we will lose it very soon.

Points to ponder!

A global study finds Nepal the world’s most nature-connected nation — where spirituality, lifestyle, and biodiversity unite. Can we protect this harmony as we modernise?

🗒️ Field Report: Landslides in the Manaslu TrekSubmitted by: Babi PandeyDate: 6 November 2025Team: British Family on Lan...
06/11/2025

🗒️ Field Report: Landslides in the Manaslu Trek

Submitted by: Babi Pandey
Date: 6 November 2025
Team: British Family on Langtang–Manaslu–Annapurna Traverse
Location: Manaslu Region (Nyak to Prok section)



🏔️ Overview

The team is currently trekking through the Manaslu section of the long traverse from Langtang to Annapurna. The trails are open and passable, but landslide activity remains visible and concerning in multiple areas. Conditions require caution and preparedness.



📍 Where Are the Landslides?
1. Road-built sections:
• The heaviest landslide zones are where new road construction has taken place — especially between Jagat to Philim and Nyak to Pewa.
• Old landslide-prone sections from Nyak to Pewa and onwards to Gap have also reactivated.
2. Water drainage channels:
• The bridge area connecting the Tsum Valley and Manaslu trails has seen slope erosion due to accumulated water pressure and drainage overflow.



⚠️ Possible Causes
1. Weak geological areas:
• Some slopes were already fragile and unable to hold heavy water loads during prolonged rainfall.
• Waterlogging caused loose rock and mud to give way, triggering slides.
2. Unassessed secondary rainfall:
• A second burst of post-monsoon rain struck before full stabilization of the terrain, leading to fresh slides in already weakened areas.
3. Temporary maintenance impact:
• Quick local trail fixes have restored movement, but they lack long-term stability.
• Any new rain event could re-trigger similar landslides at these same locations.



🚶 Current Trail Conditions
• Trails are open and trekkers are passing through with care.
• Local communities, rural municipalities, and MCAP staff have done temporary maintenance to restore connectivity.
• However, risk exposure remains — several areas have:
• Overhanging loose stones and trees,
• Narrow slippery sections, and
• Unstable slopes immediately above walking paths.

Trekking is possible for now, but caution is advised, especially after rainfall.



🧭 Recommendations for Trekkers
• Use microspikes and trekking poles for balance on loose terrain.
• Avoid stopping under cliffs or freshly eroded slopes.
• Maintain distance between trekkers and pack animals on narrow crossings.
• Monitor daily weather forecasts and delay movement if rain is predicted.
• Treat local repair work as temporary and plan conservatively.



🌤️ General Impression

Despite these challenges, the trail remains stunning — dramatic valleys, forested ridges, and warm local hospitality are keeping trekkers’ spirits high.
Communities along the route are actively maintaining the trails, and weather has now stabilized with clearer skies.

The Manaslu route is open but fragile — a reminder of the region’s dynamic mountain landscape and the need for ongoing assessment and better drainage systems before the next seasonal weather event.

🇳🇵 Nepal Weather & Travel AdvisoryDate: Kartik 15, 2082 (Nov 1, 2025)Issued: 8:00 AMSources: Department of Hydrology and...
01/11/2025

🇳🇵 Nepal Weather & Travel Advisory

Date: Kartik 15, 2082 (Nov 1, 2025)
Issued: 8:00 AM
Sources: Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), Highway Samachar, Zoom Earth
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🌦 Summary

Light rain and moderate snowfall continue across the high mountains from Koshi to Karnali. Southern and mid-hill regions remain generally clear. High mountain passes may stay slippery as snow melts quickly. No major highway closures, though some routes operate one-way due to minor blockages.
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🗺️ Weather Overview

A westerly system is bringing intermittent rain and snowfall mainly in northern Nepal. DHM’s risk map places mountain belts under a “Be Updated” level for rainfall and snowfall.

Mountains (Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang): Slippery trails; avoid high passes till snow stabilizes.

Lowlands and mid-hills: Clear to partly cloudy, stable for travel.

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🌤 Regional Forecast

Province Day Night

Koshi Light rain; moderate snowfall in high areas Light rain/snow in mountains
Madhesh Occasional light rain Partly cloudy
Bagmati Light rain; snowfall in high hills Light rain/snow
Gandaki Light rain; snowfall in high areas Light rain/snow
Lumbini Light rain possible Partly cloudy
Karnali Light rain/snow in few areas Partly cloudy
Sudurpaschim Partly cloudy Partly cloudy

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🏔 Mountain & Air Travel

Avoid high passes until trails dry; snow melting fast but remains slippery.

Microspikes or improvised grips (like socks over shoes) help traction.

STOL airports (Lukla, Jomsom, Simikot) may face short delays due to fog and rain.

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🚗 Highway Status (7:30 AM Update)

Route Status Remarks

Muglin–Narayangadh Open One-way at Turlingkhola
Muglin–Kathmandu Open Minor jams
Muglin–Pokhara Open Smooth
Narayangadh–Butwal One-way in places Long jams
Butwal–Pokhara Open Normal
Narayangadh–Hetauda Open Normal
Dhalkebar–Sitapaila Open Normal

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🧭 Travel Tips

Check forecasts before mountain or long-route travel.

Carry warm, waterproof layers.

Add buffer days for flights or road travel.

Avoid narrow or wet trails after new snow or rain.

Follow DHM and Highway Samachar for live updates.

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📚 References

Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), Forecast and Risk Map, 8:00 AM Kartik 15, 2082

Highway Samachar Traffic Bulletin, 7:30 AM Kartik 15, 2082

Zoom Earth Satellite Analysis, Nov 1, 2025

Address

Kathmandu

Opening Hours

Monday 09:30 - 17:30
Tuesday 09:30 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:30 - 17:00
Thursday 09:30 - 17:00
Friday 09:30 - 17:00
Sunday 09:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+9779801123402

Website

http://www.citytours.app/

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