Useful Information for your Visit to Nepal
Nepal is divided mainly into three regions based on its natural geography which are: the Terai, the Hilly, and the Mountainous Region. The terai is the most fertile part pf the country and is called the “grannary” of Nepal. It has a sub-tropical climate. Along the Terai belt, lie several national parks and wildlife reserves, with some of the endangered species such as the Royal Bengal tiger, the One-horned rhinoceros and Gangetic dolphins along with rare species of birds. The hilly areas have a temperate climate with mostly coniferous forests, valleys, and steep hills. It is the most populated of the three regions. In this region lies valleys like the culturally rich Kathmandu and the naturally rich Pokhara. The Himalayan region has an alpine climate with cold snow-covered forests and unproductive land that is sparsely inhabited. In this region lie eight of the fourteen highest peaks in the world. It attracts the bulk of the tourists who come to Nepal for trekking and mountaineering. Nepal is known for its beautiful landscapes, exemplary society, hospitable people, where many languages, religions, cultures and heritage all prosper.
Visa and Entry Requirements
The only operating international airport, Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and several border entry points offer Visa on Arrival for foreign nationals. It is helpful to ensure that the passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry. The 'On Arrival' visa application procedure is fairly quick and simple. You will have to fill out a visa application form and submit details with your passport. You can obtain a (15/30/90) day tourist visa at the airport for the allocated fees. If you want to receive any other purpose visa or extend your visa, you will need to go to the immigration head office in Kathmandu, Kalikasthan. You can also consider getting a Visa from Nepalese Diplomatic Missions stationed abroad before your arrival for convivence. For information regarding Visa on Arrival eligibility, please click the provided link.
Health and Safety
Nepal typically does not have mandatory vaccination requirements. However, if you are suffering from any pre-existing illness or are traveling during a health pandemic, you may need to show proof of vaccination such as a vaccination card. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for personal advice and to assess your health limitations before travelling. Vaccinations for hepatitis A, B, and tetanus are recommended for additional precaution. Due to reduced oxygen levels, altitude sickness is a common concern for high-altitude trekkers. While we take precautions for acclimatization, professional medical advice regarding your health condition is always recommended. Travel insurance is highly recommended for all travelers to Nepal. It provides coverage for medical expenses, including hospital treatments, helicopter evacuations, and air ambulance services. Due to limited health services in remote areas and hospital facilities located primarily in urban areas, travel insurance is crucial to avoid unexpected emergency costs.
Cultural Manners
Visitors to Nepal may greet locals with "Namaste," a traditional gesture of performed by joining both palms together and slightly bowing. Namaste is a greeting as well as a display of respect. Modesty in attire is also highly appreciated. Both men and women are encouraged to wear loose-fitting clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. Women should also avoid wearing low-cut tops. It is essential for visitors to ask permission before photographing individuals, especially in rural settings. Taking pictures, spitting, wearing shoes, littering are strictly prohibited within the religious site and visitors must also abide by other additional rules (if any) that are posted on the premises.
Currency and Payment Methods
Nepal’s official currency is the Nepali Rupee (NPR). Nepal's central bank has may has issued notes in denominations of Rs. 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 along with coins Rs 1 and 2. Foreign currency can be easily exchanged for NRP at banks and authorized money exchange counters. International Payment in can be done by using credit/debit cards, however banks generally charge around 4% as service charge on payments done by cards. While credit cards are accepted in major urban hotels, restaurants, and malls,cash is still the preferred method of payment in most establishments. ATMs are accessible in major cities and it is crucial to carry local currency when traveling to remote areas. Tipping is customary in Nepal as a gesture of appreciation for good service. A gratuity of around 10% is generally expected for guides, porters, drivers, as well as hotel and restaurant staff.
Transportation
Nepal offers a range of travel options such as buses, taxis, jeeps, and domestic flights. Highways connecting urban centers are generally paved, while rural and mountain roads are often gravel or earthen. Therefore, depending on your destination, you may encounter long, bumpy rides along narrow, winding roads. Public transportation like buses and microbuses operate between major cities while tempos (tuk-tuk) and taxis can be commonly found within an urban area. In some tourist frequented areas, there may also be a tourist bus service available. If you prefer air travel, domestic flights connect 54 destinations in Nepal, including both urban, rural and mountainous locations. Mountain flights are heavily weather dependent and operate mostly in the morning, and there may be delays because of weather in domestic flights as well. When exploring mountains or remote cities, make sure you have the appropriate gear and travel with a local guide or porter through a registered travel company for convenience and safety. Booking flights through a reputable travel agency is recommended over online purchases. This is helpful in case of flights delays, cancellations and refunds.
Communication
Among many native languages spoken in different communities, Nepali is the official, administrative, and the most spoken language. However, English is widely spoken by Nepali teenagers, young people, and areas that are popular among tourists. It is advisable to learn some basic words, and Nepali phrases that might come handy to navigate the country. You can easily get mobile SIM cards at the airport or in mobile shops around the city. Internet and Wi-Fi are also accessible in most restaurants, hotels, cafes and tourist areas, but not readily available in rural villages. However, rural villages have mobile network coverage, hence mobile data services are available in those remote locations. Hence it is convenient to have a local sim card for communication.
Local Cuisine
The traditional Nepali dishes like Dhindo (mashed flour) Gundruk curry (a fermented leafy green vegetable) or Dal Bhat Tarkari (lentil soup, rice with veg curry) are a staple among the Nepali people. Don’t miss out on trying the local dishes like momo (dumplings), chowmein and cuisines from different communities like Newari, Thakali and Tibetan. They provide a diverse range of dishes that might just elevate your experience. We advise our visitors to drink bottled or boiled water. If neither is available, use water purification tablets to prevent waterborne illnesses. These tablets are readily available at pharmacies. In Nepali culture, sharing food that you've already eaten from is considered impolite. Also, reusing utensils without cleaning them is generally not accepted. Additionally, some families or communities, for religious or personal reasons, may not consume food or water that has been touched by others. If you're unsure, it's always best to ask before sharing.
Important Locations to Visit
There are many places with historical, cultural and natural importance in Nepal, both within and out-side the Kathmandu valley. Places such as Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Square, Boudhanatha Stupa, Swayambhunatha (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, are some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites within the valley. Pokhara is another destination that's really popular with both Nepalis and tourists. Pokhara offers great views of the mountains, lakes, falls, caves and gorges. These spectacular views combined with its tourist-friendly hubs like cafes, bakeries, pubs, and clubs, are what make it very popular. You may also indulge in adventure sports like hiking, rafting, paragliding and bungee jumping in Pokhara. There are many national parks in different regions in Nepal, some of which listed in the UNESCO world heritage site. Parsa, Chitwan and Bardiya National Part in the Terai Belt are hosts animals like Bengal tigers, elephants and one-horned rhinoceros. High altitude national parks like Rara, Langtang and Sagarmatha offer great views and are commonly preferred by trekkers. These national parks are ideal for wildlife photography and jungle safaris.
Trekking Permit
Nepal has a permit system to regulate and monitor activities in the trekking regions of Nepal. Different permits like National Park Permit, Special Permits, Rural Municipality Fees, and Trekkers Information Management System Permit are required accordingly. Trekkers Information Management System or in short TIMS permit is required on all trekking regions of Nepal apart from the Restricted area, where you will need a special permit. On top of TIMS, if you are travelling in a National Park/Conservation Area you will also need a national park permit. The TIMS and national part permit can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board, Bhrikuti-mandap, Kathmandu. Free individual trekkers are allowed to trek in the national park or conservation area. There are certain areas called the 'Restricted Areas' that are highly regulated by the Government of Nepal and forbids the FITs. Trekking in such areas requires a special permit from the Department of Immigration. Trekkers are strictly suggested to move in a minimum group of two accompanied by a licensed trekking guide. Places like Mustang, Dolpo, Kanchenjunga, Manaslu are among the restricted areas of Nepal. The rural Municipality Permits are the additional fees applied by some of the local executive bodies of the government and can be obtained at a check post on the starting point of your trek. Currently, this permit is being issued in the Everest and Makalu region.
Except for the special permit, if you go through a travel agency these permits can be applied on your behalf and made available before your entry in the country. Nonetheless, it is recommended that you carry essential documentation (your original passport, copies of your passport and visa, and a minimum of four passport-sized photographs) and cash with you.
10. Best Time to Visit
Nepal's trekking seasons are generally considered to be autumn and spring, each offering unique advantages. Autumn (September to November) can be regarded the optimal time for trekking for it has clear skies, moderate temperatures and excellent visibility of the majestic Himalayan peaks. Spring, from March to May, also offers pleasant weather conditions and the added beauty of blooming rhododendrons and other wildflowers. However, spring is a popular time for trekking, and trails can become quite crowded, especially on the more popular routes. For those equipped with suitable gear, trekking in the Upper Mustang and Dolpo regions during the monsoon season (June to August) is a viable option, as these areas are situated in the Trans-Himalaya and therefore experience substantially less rainfall during monsoon. But winters (December to February) are typically harsh, and trekking activities in high altitudes are not recommended.
Popular Trekking Routes
Nepal offers a variety of trekking routes catering to different interests and fitness levels. Among the most iconic is the Everest Base Camp Trek, a challenging journey that takes approximately 12-16 days, leading trekkers to the base of the world's highest mountain. The Annapurna Circuit is also a classic trek. It showcases the region's diverse landscapes and typically requires 15-20 days to complete. For those seeking a shorter trek with stunning views and cultural immersion, the Langtang Valley Trek which lasts around 7-10 days, is an excellent choice. The Gosaikunda Trek is also a popular trek among both Nepalis and tourists as it a pilgrimage to sacred a lake that is spoken about in Hindu Mythology. This trek usually takes 7-9 days and offers a blend of natural beauty and spiritual significance.
Environmental Responsibility
When trekking in Nepal, it's important to practice environmental responsibility to preserve the pristine beauty of the Himalayas. Adhering to the "Leave No Trace" principles is essential. This involves packing out all waste, avoiding the use of single-use plastics, and minimizing your impact on the environment. It is also vital to respect nature by staying on marked trails, protecting wildlife, and avoiding disturbing natural habitats. By following these eco-friendly practices, trekkers can contribute to the sustainable tourism of Nepal and ensure that future generations can enjoy its natural wonders.