Nepal Travel Info

A small landlocked country situated between China and India, covering 0.03% of the whole continent, is Nepal. Also known as the land of the Himalayas, Nepal is a treasure cove for adventure activities. Eight of the fourteen highest mountains above the height of 8000m lie here. Trekkers are bound to come across countless forests, gushing rivers, turquoise lakes, and sparkling glaciers on the trekking routes. 

The variance of climate, from tropical to alpine, makes Nepal rich in biodiversity. Along with natural gifts, Nepal is blessed with unique cultural diversity that attracts travellers from all over the world. The culture and festivities enjoyed by people from different ethnicities and backgrounds make Nepal even more precious. 

Countless ancient monuments and priceless cultural architecture adorn the entire nation. Home to 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites, Nepal is truly a paradise for people who want to enjoy short tours, week-long treks, or even month-long expeditions. Nepal is ready to amaze you with its majestic views of mountains, heart-warming people, cultures, and traditions. 

Passport and Visas 

To enter Nepal, every foreigner except Indian nationals is required to have a valid passport. The Visa which you can obtain for travelling is an "On Arrival" Visa. These visas are provided at the Immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport, which is the only international airport in Nepal. If you want to stray clear from the queue at the Immigration office, you can also obtain your Visa from Nepalese Diplomatic Missions located in your country. 

The Visa obtained from Diplomatic Missions requires you to enter the country for six months. Given the circumstance that your entry is not through the airway, the Visa is provided at the border entry points at Mahendranagar, Dhangadi, Nepalgunj, Sunauli, Birgunj, Rasuwagadhi, and Kakarbhitta. 

The tourist Visa costs USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, and USD 125 for 90 days. Furthermore, if you plan to stay longer, the Visa can be extended with additional costs. For more information, please visit the website nepalimmigrationvisa/ tourist-visa-Nepal

Medical and Health Information 

Major cities and tourist destinations are well-equipped with hospitals and health posts that provide different kinds of medical services. However, the same services are not available for those traveling to remote areas of the country. So, it is advised to carry a first aid kit with you at all times during your travel to rural areas. 

Also, it is crucial that you consult your doctor before leaving the country to get all the necessary vaccinations. If you are someone who requires constant use of a specific medicine, then make sure you carry enough to last you the whole stay in case they are not available in Nepal. It is best to have full coverage health insurance beforehand to protect yourself from any medical emergencies. 

Environmental Pollution 

Pollution has become a topic of serious discussion lately in Nepal. Protected areas like national parks, conservation areas, and wildlife reserves strictly prohibit the act of littering. The motto, "Take only memories to leave only footsteps," has become the norm in popular trekking destinations. 

Major cities, however, are riddled with dust and smoke. Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is regarded as one of the most polluted cities. It is recommended that you carry a mask to protect yourself from inhaling the impure air. Although environmental pollution has not reached its peak and the government is putting constant effort into controlling it, there is still a long way to go. 

Altitude Sickness and Symptoms 

Altitude sickness is one of the most reoccurring problems for travellers who enjoy adventures in higher altitudes. The illness mostly strikes at an altitude level higher than 2500m. It can range from a mild AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) to a HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema) or HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema), which are extremely dangerous. The cause for AMS is the sudden drop in oxygen level, which is the case in high altitudes.

The symptoms of AMS include tiredness, dizziness, vomiting, and trouble in sleep. Some may even feel shortness of breath. The immediate solution is to drop down at least 500m to a lower altitude and seek medical help. For prevention, it is best to give your body enough time to get used to the sudden change in oxygen level. For more information, please click Altitude Sickness.

Mosquitoes and Malaria Disease 

Mosquitoes can be found mostly in the plain regions of Nepal. This includes the entire Terai region as it falls in the tropical and sub-tropical zone as well as some parts of the hilly areas. Generally, mosquitoes are found at the temperature of 20 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius. They are abundant in summer and monsoon seasons. Adding up to the unbearable heat during summer, which rises to 40 degrees in the Terai region, the attack of mosquitoes makes summer and monsoon an unfavourable time to visit Nepal. 

Even though these mosquitoes carry the threat of malaria, dengue, and encephalitis, there have not been many recorded cases of travelers suffering from such diseases. However, prevention is always better than cure, so make sure to carry mosquito-repellant creams or medicines with you to better protect yourself. 

Medical Treatment and Facilities 

Although medical treatment and practices are developing at a fast pace in Nepal, and have international standards. Thousands of adventure enthusiasts visit the mountainous regions of Nepal to enjoy activities like treks, peak climbing, and expeditions. Since the rugged terrain is dangerous, it is not at all a surprise to fall into accidents. 

Most of the major trekking routes of Nepal fall in rural areas where there are no basic medical facilities. So, in case of an accident or medical emergency, the rescue is done through emergency helicopter services, which can cost $3000 to $10000. In some cases, the patient might also need to be transported to other countries with adequate equipment and services for medical assistance. However, these are rare situations if you are travelling to extremely rural places with no medical facilities. In other cases, you will be able to find appropriate medical attention in the major cities of Nepal, like Kathmandu Pokhara, and Chitwan.

Food and Cuisine 

Besides natural beauty, Nepal is known for its variety of food. Gathering more than a handful of tastes from all over the nation, the cuisines of Nepal have been influenced by even Tibetan and Indian flavours. The main delicacy enjoyed every day by the people of Nepal is a simple meal of Daal (Maas Beans soup), Bhat (Rice), and Tarkari (curry). Nepal is known for having a mild-flavoured taste in food, and the meals are generally healthy and packed with nutrients.

In major cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara, you will be able to enjoy cuisines from all over the world. But, while travelling to higher altitudes in the more rural areas of Nepal, the simple meal consists of the same (Dal, Bhat, and Tarkari). Most of the time, the meals are prepared by using organic vegetables grown locally in the region. 

Accommodation 

Accommodation services differ according to the place as well as your budget. In Nepal, there are three major accommodation types listed below. 

Hotels 

Nepal has abundant hotels, scattered especially along with the major cities and famous tourist destinations. These range from simple run-down hotels to spectacular five-star hotels. The hotels that are ranked as five-stars or three-stars meet the expectation of international standards and also cost quite an inordinate amount for a short stay. You can also find plenty of simple hotels that meet your needs and are also reasonably priced.

Tea Houses/Lodges 

The higher altitudes or mountain regions of Nepal are known for their secluded settlements. These regions mostly contain teahouses which the local people run. Generally, you will be provided with a single room with two beds, a pair of pillows, and a pair of blankets. In tourist seasons, you might also have to share rooms with fellow travellers.  

Home Stays 

Homestays are popular in remote areas of Nepal. House owners allow travellers to spend a night in their guest rooms, and the travellers are treated like their own families. Staying at homestays in Nepal is truly an eye-opening experience. 

Transportation 

Transportation facilities are quite far-fetched in Nepal, although not entirely. Travelling to mountain regions means bumpy roads or thrilling mountain flights. 

Air Travel

Countless internal flights are operated from different parts of the country. The thrilling mountain flight to Lukla has gained the most popularity among thousands of travellers. 

The vast difference in geography at a small distance can cause sudden changes in weather, leading to delays in internal flights. In mountainous regions like Everest, Jomsom, Dolpo, and Rara, a slight fog can cause the flight to get canceled, so it is best to be informative about the weather conditions beforehand.

Road Travel [Buses/Private Vehicle]

If you want to travel by road, then there are various options. You can either hire a private vehicle, be it a car or a tourist bus. If not, you can also buy yourself a ticket for a local bus that reaches your destination, which can be a night bus or a day bus. It is the cheapest option and also the most suitable for traveling in Nepal.

Kathmandu Airport 

Located in the capital, Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport is the only international airport in Nepal. It is the only entryway through the air. With two terminals, one for international and another for domestic travel, the airport operates flights every day. Air Arabia, Air China, Air India, Bhutanese Airlines, Buddha Air, China Eastern Airlines, Druk Air, Etihad Airways, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, and so on are some of the international airlines that are operated here.  

Because of the heavy traffic because of a single runway, the airport runs at maximum capacity most of the time. Also, given the adverse and extremely challenging landscape of Nepal, it is tough for flights to take off in case of even slight changes in weather conditions. 

Luggage Limit 

You can carry along with you two pieces of baggage, which should not exceed the weight of 23 kgs each. However, the maximum amount of weight for one person is only 32 kg. This is the norm for your check-in baggage. For your valuable items that can't be placed in the check-in baggage, you are allowed to bring hand luggage not exceeding the weight of 7 kg. This is for your safety reasons. It is best to carry all your valuables in your hand luggage.

The weight limit of the luggage also differs as per the airlines you are opting for for your flight. Also, whether you are traveling in business class or economy class can affect the weight you are allowed to bring in. In any case, sharp objects such as knives and scissors are not allowed to be included in your luggage.  

Travel from Kathmandu –Pokhara 

Only about 200 kilometers away from Kathmandu, one can reach the city of lakes, Pokhara. You can choose to either travel seven hours by road or fly for half an hour to reach this majestic land. Both of these choices bring forward new and unique experiences.  

On the one hand, the flight to Pokhara is filled with scenic wonders as you will be flying extremely close to the high mountain ranges gazing at the beautiful landscapes below you. The way through the road is even more exciting. You will enjoy the ride as the lush hills, and terraced fields call out to you. The cold mountain air will graze your skin as you move toward the beauty that is Pokhara. A mass of water, the Trishuli River follows you through the whole journey. 

Weather Condition 

The weather conditions in Nepal drastically change according to the altitude. Differentiated into the Himalayan region, hilly region, and Terai region, each region faces different weather at different times of the year. Nepal experiences five seasons in a year, i.e., summer, spring, monsoon, autumn, and winter. Summer is accompanied by high temperatures (reaching up to 40 degrees in the Terai region) and sunny days. This is accompanied by the melting of snow in the mountain regions.

In the hilly region, spring and autumn are the mildest seasons with longer days, and warm weather, which is bearable, and it is also the season of bloom. As the hills and Terai region are fertile, different kinds of flowers and vegetation flourish during autumn and spring. The weather is perfect for harvest as there are little rainfalls, and the weather is neither too hot nor too cold. Winters in the Himalayan region are unbearably cold and welcome avalanches and snowstorms.For more information click: Weather in Nepal

Money and Exchange, ATM & Banks 

The local currency in use is Nepali rupees. As most of the vendors and businesses throughout the country use local currency for transactions, it is best for you to have Nepali money instead of foreign currency. You can exchange them at the entry and exit points of the airport or at any bank, which facilitates exchange at the price determined by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). If you are traveling around Nepal by road, there are still plenty of banks in the major cities along the way where you can exchange your currency.

You can make ATM transactions but do not depend upon them solely. In most cases, the shops do not accept ATMs, especially if you are going to rural areas where you will not find ATMs. Major cities provide facilities of ATM booths from where you can withdraw money. If you plan to travel to rural areas, make sure to carry enough cash to last you the whole trip. 

Packaging List

The packaging list for your travel mainly depends on where you are going to Nepal and for what purpose. However, some of the necessary equipment is the same. First Aid Kit is the primary necessity accompanied by bandages, disinfectants, and prescribed medicines (if any). It is best to carry sun creams and mosquito repellent creams with you as well. 

If you are traveling to higher altitudes, make sure to pack light. Waterproof clothes and a pair of sturdy hiking boots can take you a long way. Fleece jackets, warm woolen caps, and trekking poles are also a necessity. Remember to bring a water bottle along with you. You can ask the owners in the teahouses to heat the water for you to carry in the bottle as it is best not to drink water from unknown sources. In some areas, you might also have to bring along sleeping bags. Also, carry a two-pin adapter or master plug for your charger since the sockets in Nepal differ from other countries.For more information click: Equipment checklist.

Communication (Phone, Internet)

Communication facilities are quite good in Nepal. Mobile networks reach almost every corner of the country, and Wi-Fi services are provided by hotels, cafes, and restaurants in major cities as a free service. Since only Nepalese service providers work best, you can get services from one of the three providers: NTC, NCELL, or Smart Cell. All of these service providers also provide 3G and 4G services, which are fast and inexpensive for use in major cities. 

The famous tourist spots and trekking routes are also well-equipped with communication facilities. The real problem in communication only arises when you travel to rural and secluded areas. In these rural areas, adverse geography makes it hard for communication to be effective. But there are other communication facilities besides mobile communication.

Climate and Seasons of Nepal 

The climatic conditions in Nepal differ according to the season. Nepal experiences five seasons in a year, i.e., summer, spring, monsoon, autumn, and winter. Summer is accompanied by high temperatures (reaching up to 40 degrees in certain areas) and sunny days, whereas monsoon follows up with heavy rain throughout the country. Hence, the monsoon season is not suitable for travel, especially for outdoor activities. Monsoons and summer are also prone to landslides because of melting snow. Spring and autumn seasons are perfect for outdoor activities with mild weather conditions. The days are generally clear of clouds and sunny throughout the day.  

Winters in the higher altitudes are unbearably cold. Since some trekking areas in the mountain regions are at negative degrees throughout the year, winter brings along even more cold. On top of that, there are also chances of avalanches and snowstorms. 

About Group Leader

If you are looking forward to travelling in groups to explore the majestic Himalayas of Nepal, it is an excellent choice to hire a group leader for the trek. The group leader will be able to take you through the safest and most exciting routes while also keeping everyone in check. Along with the experience and training, it will be easy for your group to continue trekking, hiking, or peak climbing expeditions. Hiring a group leader is the best choice while travelling to unknown terrains as the group leader can plan forward to save time and make the adventures even more exciting.

To hire a group leader, you can consult with your trekking agency or even hire an independent one for yourself. However, be careful of swindlers while searching for them on your own. Your best option would be to consult with your authorized trekking agency first. 

Safety and Political Condition 

Strikes

Strikes and unprecedented blockades of roads have almost come to a halt in Nepal, courtesy of the stabilized government. You will rarely come across strikes, and even if you do, they are mostly not a hindrance to your travel plans.

Crime

Crime rates are very low in Nepal. But, one has to be careful of swindlers and thieves while travelling, though. Make sure to keep your valuables with you at all times. Also, there are tourist police stations where tourists can seek help when needed.

Altitude

The altitude of Nepal surprises people with its variance at such a short distance. Starting from the plains of Terai at the height of 900m above sea level, the elevation can reach the top of Everest in the Himalayas. While travelling to higher altitudes, travellers should take care of their health as there are chances of altitude sickness.

Insurance

It is the best choice to get travel insurance, which includes emergency helicopter evacuation and medical treatment payments. You can also ask your travel agency to recommend a plan for your travel insurance.

Festivals

Nepal is a country of festivities. With people of different religious backgrounds living in a small space, there are celebrations throughout the year. The major festivals which are celebrated are Dashain, Tihar, Holi, Chhath, Lhosar, Christmas, Eid, and so on.

Internal Flights

There are flights that reach different parts of Nepal from Kathmandu, making it easy to travel. The flights reach Pokhara, Lukla, Jomsom, Bharatpur, Bhairawa, Nepalgunj, Bhadrapur, Biratnagar, Simara, Janakpur, Tumlingtar, and many other places. Most of them are mountain flights and provide a thrilling experience. Internal flights to the mountains get delayed during bad weather which is common during monsoon season.

Travelling in a group

Most of the Himalayan adventures and expeditions require people to travel in groups. The group needs a travel guide as well as a government officer along with porters and cooking staff. In the more rural and off-beaten areas of Nepal, the group will require at least two people along with the staff and porters.

In such challenging terrains, it is the best option to travel with a larger company as there are more helping hands as well as the cost is cheaper. The liveliness of the group can make the whole adventure more exciting. Make sure that you know the rules and regulations of the place you are visiting and whether you will require a large group or not while travelling.

Solo Traveling 

Solo travelling in Nepal has its merit. Nepal is one of the safest places for solo travel in comparison to India and China. You can enjoy your own company as you venture around the rough terrains and the rich culture of the country. Although traveling alone does come with certain risks, it is a thrilling adventure for people who like to enjoy alone time, nonetheless.

Do keep in mind the dangers before traveling and keep yourself safe from thieves, robbers, and swindlers. It is also best to consult the trekking agency of your trekking routes so that you do not fall under unforeseen circumstances. As some of the paths do not allow solo travelers, you need to have proper information before starting to venture around. Remember to keep yourself reachable throughout your trip as going out of reach can cause extreme danger to your safety.

Travel Insurance 

You can get travel insurance under the recommendation of your travel agency here in Nepal. If not, you can also extend your insurance to include travel insurance in your own country as well. 

As for the policy of travel insurance, make sure to include emergency helicopter evacuation at all costs. Especially if you are traveling to higher altitudes where there are dangers of altitude sickness, accidents, and avalanches, it is one of the best options. Also, keep in mind that in Nepal, the policy is "pay before service" in the case of hospitals. According to the insurance policy, it will be unfortunate if the policy is to retrieve the pay later, as you will have to pay from your pocket. So, make sure to review the policies properly before applying for travel insurance for traveling in Nepal.

Responsible Travel Company 

All travel companies need to be listed under the Government of Nepal. For a Travel company to be listed as a responsible one, it needs to be legally and socially trustworthy. With proper legal backgrounds to back up with, there also needs to be social standing by accepting responsibility for the local people and not working under immoral standards. 

Sustainable travel is the primary goal of a responsible travel company. Protection of the environment, the flow of proper information to the customer, and adequate transparency with the government are the factors that make a trustworthy travel agency. The main goal of a responsible travel company is to protect nature, fair wages to their staff and safeguard the rights and sanctity of local people.

About Porter 

If you require a porter for your travel, you can hire one for yourself along the way or ask your travel company to hire them for you. The best option is to ask your travel company to hire a porter for you as they can employ better-experienced porters. 

You can hire porters for your whole trip or for a section, and the weight of the load should not be more than 20 kg. This is the case, especially when you are traveling to higher altitudes, so make sure not to carry too many unnecessary things. The price for each porter will range from 20USD to 25 USD per day. Basically, porters are from the same region where you are traveling and they have pretty good knowledge about the region. Porters generally speak Nepali but are good communicators in English.