Frequently Asked Questions on Traveling to Nepal
Nepal
Going To Nepal
Why is Nepal such a fascinating country for many people?
How do I get to Nepal?
Should I tag along with organized tours?
When is the best time to go to Nepal?
What are my options to come to Nepal from India?
What about getting to Nepal from Tibet?
Visa and Immigration
Do I need a visa to enter Nepal?
What do I need to get my visa?
Where do I apply to get my visa?
Now, what are the entry points of Nepal?
Normal tourist visa cost?
Child's visa?
Business visa fee?
Where and what should I do to extend Tourist Visa?
Addresses of the Department of Immigration Office of Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Study-visa to come to Nepal?
Other types of visas to enter Nepal?
Non-tourist visa sounds interesting. What are non-tourist visas?
Transit visa?
Other important information !Nepal?
Lastly, Can you give me the address of Tourist Information Centers of Nepal?
Money Matters
How much should I expect to spend during my trip to Nepal?
How should I bring money to Nepal to pay for my travel expenses?
Where and how do I exchange my money into Nepalese rupee?
international currencies?
Can I use my credit card/ATM (Debit Card)?
Health and Insurance
Inoculations are advised?
Medicines with me when I come to Nepal?
Stomach troubles?
Altitude sickness?
If I need to see a doctor, where can I do so?
Travel insurance?
Local Customs and Culture
Aware of about local customs and culture?
Trekking
When and where can I do so?
Where Can I get more information and maps?
Is it okay to trek alone?
Should I trek with an agency?
Should I hire a porter and/or a guide?
Do I need a trekking permit?
How Should I dress during a trek?
What else should I bring along in a trek?
When I go for treks, can I store my luggage somewhere?
Any health precautions that I need to consider during my trek?
What do I do in case of emergency?
Beyond Nepal
I've heard a lot about Tibet, and I've made my mind to go there after
What about India? I've heard its a great land.
I want to travel to other countries of South Asia.
Law, Order and Safety
How safe is Nepal?
Traveling alone? Is there any reason to be concerned?
Face harassment in Nepal?
This FAQ is designed to answer many of the questions for people who are planning and preparing for a trip to Nepal. The questions listed here, and their respective answers are meant only as a general guide to help you plan and organize your trip before you actually hit the road. They are not meant to be a detailed out-on-the-road guide. For further details and more on day-to-day travel guidance, get hold of one of many excellent travel books that have been published over the years and internet is best way.
Note that the monetary unit used in this FAQ is in US dollars ($), or in Nepalese rupees (Rs) unless otherwise stated. The figures quoted pertain to approximate figures at the time of writing this FAQ, 2000. Since price in the Nepalese economy is inflating at about fifteen percent per year, all figures quoted in Nepalese rupees should be adjusted accordingly. The figures quoted in US dollars, however, will probably remain fairly constant between one year and another because the steady devaluation of the Nepalese rupee against the US dollar generally offsets this inflation.
Going To Nepal
Why is Nepal such a fascinating country for many people?
The Himalayan kingdom of Nepal is a land of scenic mountains, time-worn temples and some of the best walking trails on Earth. It's a small country, but it's rich in scenic splendour and exotic cultures. The people of Nepal are as diverse as their country and represent distinct cultures and races. Though they speak a variety of tongues and practice different religions, they are the friendliest people that you would ever meet. The kingdom has long exerted a pull on the Western imagination and it's a difficult place to dislodge from your memory once you return. So, wait until you're actually here in Nepal.
As a traveller, there are endless number of surprises Nepal has to offer you. Kathmandu Valley with its thousands of Hindu temples, Buddhist stupas, stunning architecture and rich pageantry can be quite beyond words. If you are careful enough not to get entangled in the superficial facade of a fastly "modernizing" capital city, Kathmandu probably offers you as exotic and urban experience as you can get.
Beyond Kathmandu, its another world altogether. Most travelers to Nepal want to check out the truly spectacular Himalayas along with the higher hills. A few go there to scale the high mountains, but many are nature lovers who trek along landscapes filled with deep valleys, lush forests, snow trails, terraced fields, and above all, the most hospitable people. See the FAQ on Trekking for more.
Travelers to Nepal also love making a safari trip to one of the National Parks in Nepal. The most popular one is the Chitwan National Park in the southern plains which hosts a diverse wildlife reserves including the rare Asian one-horn rhino.
How do I get to Nepal?
In order to fly directly to Nepal from your home country, Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu is the only international airport in Nepal. TIA has direct airlink with Osaka, Shanghai, London, Frankfurt, Hongkong, Singapore, Bangkok, Delhi, Dubai, Bombay and Calcutta. Lufthansa, Royal Nepal Airlines (RNAC), Air India, Singapore Airlines, Thai are the airlines that carry most of the foreign travelers into Kathmandu; and if you buy tickets from any other airlines, you will probably connect with one of these airlines for the final leg of your flight.
Alternatively, if you have time and enthusiasm, traveling overland to Nepal via India is an option. British overland travel operators can take you from London to Kathmandu on a six to eighteen week trip. You will travel from continental Europe through Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India to Nepal. For specific details on traveling overland from India to Nepal.
Should I tag along with organized tours?
It's not a bad idea to tag along with organized tours though it can cost many times more than a self arranged trip. Nevertheless, since Kathmandu is a small city and can be explored easily without organized tour, I recommend people to do self-visit to different places in Kathmandu. It would be always pleasure to have your accompany to Satyam family.
When is the best time to go to Nepal?
The weather is probably the best guide for deciding when to plan your trip to Nepal. October and November are considered the best times of the year. The monsoon will have just ended, and clear skies with optimal temperature will prevail. The main festivals of Dashain and Tihar (Hindu equivalent of Christmas in terms of festivity) fall during these months. However, this is also the busiest tourist season, and the main tourist centers and trekking trails tend to be crowded with travelers like you. The tourist flow ebbs a little, but not significantly, between the winter months of December and mid-February. It catches up once again between mid-February and mid-April. From mid-June to early October, it's the monsoon, during which time it rains almost everyday and most of the Himalayas are hidden behind the clouds. Check the weather section of this FAQ for more details on weather. In short, plan to visit Nepal between October and May, keeping in mind that October-November and February-March are the best times (but crowded with other travelers).
What are my options to come to Nepal from India?
You can fly between Delhi and Kathmandu for about $150 with RNAC or Air India. The actual flight time, not counting the endless delays and cancellations, is only a little more than an hour. However, note that Delhi-Kathmandu-Delhi flight is very busy and without proper reservations (or proper strings to pull) can be booked weeks in advance. Make your reservations and buy your ticket well in advance.
Alternatively, you can travel overland to Nepal from India. Buses are usually the quickest and easiest form of transport for this. There are three main crossing points: Sunauli-Bhairawa, Birganj-Raxaul and Kakarbhitta-Silguri. The Sunauli border crossing is the best one from Varanasi, the Birgunj crossing is the easiest from Calcutta; and Kakarbhitta is the best crossing from Darjeeling. These trip can be quite long and stressful, both in terms of time (it takes about two days and nights) and what you may go through during the trip (with tickets, safety, weather, border harassment etc). Not recommended for those people who want to have carefree travelling.
If you plan to enter Nepal in a car, make sure you have a carnet de passage en douanes. These are required to exempt you from customs duty for three months. You may also be required to pay a fee for each day that your car is in Nepal. As in India, in Nepal, vehicles are driven on the left side of the road.
What about getting to Nepal from Tibet?
The crossing between Nepal and Tibet via Kodari is only open to organised groups but not to individual travellers heading north. Be prepared with alternative plans if you're thinking about using this route, because landslides regularly make it impassabe during the monsoon.
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Visa and Immigration
Do I need a visa to enter Nepal?
All foreign nationals, except Indian Citizens, need visas to enter Nepal
What do I need to get my visa?
You need a valid passport, two passport size photos and money.
Where do I apply to get my visa?
· The best way to apply for visa is from the Royal Nepalese diplomatic missions in your home country.
· The other choice is to get it from Immigration office at the entry points of Nepal.
Now, what are the entry points of Nepal?
They are:
· Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
· Kakarvitta (Jhapa) (Eastern Part of Nepal that has border with India)
· Birgunj, (Parsa) (Central Part of Nepal that has border with India)
· Kodari (Sindhupalchok) (Northern Border with Tibet)
· Belahiya, (Bhaieahwa) (Rupandehi, Western Part that has border with India)
· Jamunaha (Nepalgunj) (Banke, Mid-western Part that has border with India)
· Mohana (Dhangadhi) (Kailali, Far Western Part that has border with India)
· GaddaChauki (Mahendranagar) (Kanchanpur, Far Western Part that has border with India)
Normal tourist visa cost?
The tourist visa can be obtained for the following duration and you can pay the visa fee either in Nepalese Rupees or in US dollars.
Period (Duration) |
Fee (US $) |
60 days single entry (For the First visit in a visa year) |
30.00 |
30 days single entry, (For next visit within the same visa year) |
50.00 |
Single Re-entry |
25.00 |
Double Re-entry |
40.00 |
Multiple Re-entry |
60.00 |
Child's visa?
Any children below 10 years has visa fee exemption. So the visa fee for your eight-year child is free.
Business visa fee?
The department of Immigration on the recommendation of Ministry of Industry issues visas to foreign investors and businessman for US$ 100 for one year and US$250 for five years.
Where and what should I do to extend Tourist Visa?
There's no problem in it. The Immigration Department of Kathmandu or Pokhara can extend the visa for another 30 days and the charge for this is US$ 50. Indeed the visa can be extended for a total of 120 days, an additional 30 days visa may be granted on reasonable grounds from the Immigration Office. Nevertheless, a tourist cannot stay in Nepal under tourist-visa for more than 150 cumulative days.
Addresses of the Department of Immigration Office of Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Here are the addresses and their telephone numbers:
DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION
Baneshwor, Kathmandu
Nepal
Working Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9.00 am. To 5.00 pm
(9.00 am - 4.00 PM in winter)
Tel: 977-1- 494273, 977- 1- 495813
Fax: 977 -1- 494267
DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION
Pardi, Pokhara
Nepal
Working Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9.00 am. To 5.00 pm
(9.00 am - 4.00 PM in winter)
Tel: 977-61- 21167
Study-visa to come to Nepal?
The Department of Immigration on the recommendation of Ministry of Education does provide student visa for US$ 40 per month. You are welcome to Nepal for your studies!!!
Other types of visas to enter Nepal?
There are of course many other types of visa besides the ones that you mentioned above. For example, there is Non-tourist visa, Residential Visa, Diplomatic Visa, Official Visa and Transit Visa.
Non-tourist visa sounds interesting. What are non-tourist visas?
Well, this visa is for Foreigners involved in official works, INGO, Missions and employees working in different institutions, representative of the press agencies and magazines, workers of diplomatic and official visa holders, person of Nepalese origin holding foreign passport and foreigner married to a Nepalese citizen. The department of Immigration on the recommendation of concerned agencies issues this visa and the visa fee list is as follows:
A) US$ 60 per month for the first year and US$ 100 for the next year for non-tourist.
B) US$ 10 per month for journalist press visa.
C) US$ 20per month for those working in HMG office or project.
D) US$ 20 for marriage visa.
Transit visa?
If you need to stay in a transit period of around 48 hours at the airport of Kathmandu, the airport immigration office issues a transit visa for around US$5.
Other important information!
Some regular routine work could involve the following:
· Foreigners are requested to get the arrival/departure stamps on their passport at the entry/exit points to avoid further legal complications.
· Living in Nepal without passport or a valid visa is a punishable offense.
· A trekking permit is essential for any purpose of visit to Nepal's protected area. Check out Trekking for more details on trekking.
· Foreigners are advised to be aware of brokers/cheaters or any counterfeit documents of visa/trekking permit to avoid legal complications. Foreigners are advised to visit/trek through recognized agency.
Please do not seek support of any unauthorized person.
· Foreigners are advised to contact the Department of Immigration for visa transfers.
· Please don't take out the visa stickers from passport and do not try to temper printed matters in the passport.
Lastly, Can you give me the address of Tourist Information Centers of Nepal?
Nepal Tourism Board
Tourist Service Center
Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu
Working days: Sunday to Friday
Office Hours: 9 am to 5 pm
9 am to 4 pm (in winter)
Phone No.: 256909, 247039, 256216
Fax: 977-1- 256910
Email; info@ntb.wlink.com.np
This information center provides travel and tourism related information, free brochures and posters of Nepal. Or please e-mail us satyam@hons.com.np
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Money Matters
How much should I expect to spend during my trip to Nepal?
It varies. You can always choose to make your trip expensive by staying at fancy luxury hotels and dining in their restaurants. But then you may as well be in New York. But if you are looking for a unique Nepali experience, you can do it for a lot less money. Outside the main tourist centers, $7-$10 will take you through the day even if you throw around money lavishly. In the main tourist areas, expect to spend about $20-$25 per day for everything including accommodation, food, and other travel expenses. Read the FAQ on Accommodation, the FAQ on Drinking and Dining, and the FAQ on Trekking for more details on specific cost approximations.
How should I bring money to Nepal to pay for my travel expenses?
Traveler's checks are the best and safest option. US dollars are the most widely accepted form of money, but banks also accept other major international currencies. For a listing of currencies accepted in Nepal check the daily exchange rates listing in The Kathmandu Post.
Where and how do I exchange my money into Nepalese rupee?
All major banks in Nepal exchange convertible hard currencies into Nepalese rupees. There is an exchange counter in the Kathmandu airport for you to start off. The US dollar is the most widely accepted currency. Don't exchange more money than is necessary for usage in the next couple of days because exchanging Nepalese rupees back to hard currency is not easy: it can be done only at the airport before you leave, and only a certain fraction of what you originally exchanged into Nepalese rupees can be re-converted.
Besides banks, there are licensed money exchangers in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Sunauli. These money exchangers have rates marginally better than banks, but the commissions are higher. So check before you exchange your money. The advantage of having these money exchangers to banks are that they open for long hours, typically from 9am to 7pm.
Exchanging your US dollar bills in the black market may fetch a slightly higher rate than what banks would offer you, but the premium has diminished significantly over the past couple of years after the Nepalese government liberalized its foreign currency regulations.
It is important to retain your exchange receipts in order to apply for visa extension and re-conversion of left-over Nepalese rupees when you leave Nepal.
What is the exchange rate between the Nepalese Rupee and other international currencies?
The Nepalese rupee tends to devalue steadily every couple months against other hard currencies. To get the most recent rates check the exchange rate section of Nepal News.
Can I use my credit card/ATM (Debit Card)?
Many tourist related businesses have started accepting payments in credit cards. It is, however, a fairly recent phenomenon, and cards other than Visa and Mastercard may not be accepted in most places. Remember that usage of credit cards in Nepal can cost you an extra three to five percent in transaction costs. Commercial Banks such as Himalyan Bank and Nabil Bank have installed ATM machine's in some places of Kathmandu but you may or may not be able to draw money from these machines depending upon the type of machine. You can draw funds against your American Express, Mastercard or Visa cards in Kathmandu. The service premiums for doing this, however, is pretty steep.
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Health and Insurance
Inoculations are advised?
Though Nepal is not any more unsafe than any other developing country, update your preventive inoculations. Injections against meningitis, tetanus, hepatitis B, typhoid, perhaps cholera are recommended. Vaccination against rabies (which is quite rampant in Nepal) can be good but it is too bothersome and expensive to be worth the trouble. Just keep yourself safe from stray dogs and monkeys.
Medicines with me when I come to Nepal?
As said, prevention is better than cure, it's highly recommended that you bring medicines for common illness like nausea, vomiting, cold and flu when you come to Nepal. Though there are many pharamacy shops in Kathmandu and Pokhara, it's worth carrying some basic medicinal stuffs like insect repellent, sunscreen, lip balm, eye drops, bandages and so on.
Stomach troubles?
Many, if not most, travelers to Nepal are likely to get stomach problems at some point during their visit. It is generally caused simply because of a change in diet and climate, drinking contaminated water and eating contaminated food. See health guidelines under "Dining and Drinking" to lessen the chances of acquiring diarrhea. But if you do get it, the most effective remedy is to fast for a day and consume plenty of water or some fluid. You can find effective medicines against amoebal diarrhea in any drug store in Kathmandu. Carry some with you when you are going to be away on trekking trails. A rehydration package called "Jeevan Jal" is found everywhere in Nepal; it is quite effective.
Altitude sickness?
Altitude Sickness is the effect of altitude on those who ascent too rapidly to elevations above 3,000 meters. The basic early symptoms of altitude sickness is headache, loss of appetite and sleeplessness. One shouldn't ignore these early symptoms as these symptoms may lead to more serious warnings and cause death sometimes within few hours. Medicine is no substitute for descent. If a doctor is available, he may give medicine and oxygen. However, the patient must go down to lower altitude even if treatment is given.
If I need to see a doctor, where can I do so?
Almost all good doctors and all well equipped hospitals and clinics are in Kathmandu. Visiting a doctor in a clinic is probably better than going directly to a public hospital. Hospitals in Kathmandu can be very crowded with the whole country coming there for medical treatment. Private "nursing homes" and clinics are plentiful in Kathmandu. Elsewhere in the country, there is not much of a choice: you can at best get a service that may pull you through until you reach Kathmandu.
Travel insurance?
Travel insurance is highly recommended. Most travel insurance covers emergency flights, medical expenses, and theft or loss of possessions. The insurance premium in general is between $50 to $75 for a two week period, and progressively less for longer periods. It's a price worth paying. If you plan to go rafting or trekking, make sure your insurance covers these "dangerous activities." Remember to keep your receipts to make claims. In order to make claims on lost or stolen items, you will need a police report issued in Nepal by the Interpol Section of the Nepal Police.
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Local Customs and Culture
Aware of about local customs and culture?
Culture and customs in Nepal run deep. Some of them you will find interesting, some strange and others beyond logic. But as long as you show respect and sensitivity to local traditions, willingness to learn and adapt to Nepalese ways and values, you will be fine. For a people so deeply rooted in traditions and culture, Nepalese are remarkably open-minded and easy-going. If at any time, you have doubts, ask or simply do what other Nepalese do.
Refer to Pilgrims Book House on Nepal for details on day to day street-level guide on cultural issues. The list here is just a simple, brief introduction and in no way exhaustive:
a. "Namaste" is a common act done by putting the palms together in a prayer like gesture to greet anyone in Nepal. Do not take it seriously if any Nepalese hesitates to shake hands because it really hasn't been very long since western traditions crept into the Nepalese way of life.
b. Use your right hand to eat and deal with food. Nepalese use their left-hand to wash themselves after defecating. Also remember that most Nepalese use their fingers to eat and using spoons and forks is not common, specially when you are having "Daal Bhat" the staple Nepalese diet.
c. Once your lips have touched a food item or its container, it is considered Jutho (polluted) for others. Don't eat off someone else's plate or offer anyone food you have taken a bite out of.
d. Major Hindu temples are usually off-limits to foreigners. Don't enter them or take pictures unless given permission to. Do not take leather articles inside the temple precint as they are prohibited. Also there will be small circular or rectangular stones or metal mandala on the ground in front of most shrines. Do not step on them.
e. Men should not walk/trek around bare-chested. Shorts are acceptable, but long pants are better. Women are recommended to wear long skirts. Exposure of women's legs can bring unnecessary, so avoid wearing shorts and short skirts. See FAQ on Trekking for more detail on appropriate clothing during treks.
f. Public display of affection between man and woman is frowned upon. Kissing, cuddling, hugging in public is absolutely discouraged.
g. Time in Nepal moves very slowly. Everything is approximate. Nothing happens on time. Be patient. Anger and impatience will rarely make things better, if not worse. Also, double and triple confirm important arrangements, Nepalese have a way of taking everything very cool.
h. Bargaining is very common in Nepal. You would often need to bargain while shopping and riding cabs in Nepal.
i. Finally, be aware that the tradition of "bakshish" --a word that literally means "gift" but is euphemistically used to refer to a bribe given in order to receive special consideration-- thrives very well in Nepal. Especially when dealing with poorly compensated public officials, a couple of rupees in bakshish, offered in a quiet and discreet manner can lubricate things up surprisingly.
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Trekking
When and where can I do so?
There are numerous treks you can try when you are in Nepal depending on the time of the year, amount of time and money you have to spend, and the amount of experience you've had. For limited time and money, the best trekking routes would be the Langtang-Helambu trek just north of Kathmandu, and parts of the Annapurna region trek north of Pokhara. If you have more time, a trek in the Everest region or the full Annapurna circuit can be rewarding. A more difficult trek is the Kanchanjunga area trek in the far-eastern Nepal. A good trekking book is recommended if you want more details on treks. Check out Pilgrims Book House for more details.
Where Can I get more information and maps?
A travel/trek guide book is best for more information. Maps are available in bookstores around Pokhara and Kathmandu.
Is it okay to trek alone?
While trekking alone can be a great way to get to know the country, deciding to trek alone deserves a second thought. Safety-wise, it is generally okay to trek alone on popular trekking route. Incidents involving trekkers do occur occasionally (and probably is on the rise). But as a general advice, you should team-up. Teaming-up can also be of great help if you ever need some medical help. During the main tourist season, you will run across other trekkers who will not mind you joining them. Also, you can find posters in the main tourist areas of Kathmandu and Pokhara looking for trekking partners. An option is also to hire a trek guide or a porter to go along with you.
Should I trek with an agency?
Trekking with an agency can be worthwhile for those who are very tight on schedule but not on money. A trekking agency can organize a trek for you for anywhere in the upwards of $25 a day depending upon the nature of your trek. The deal normally comes with food, shelter, porters and guides. You will be traveling with other similar trekkers. If you hire an agency in Kathmandu or Pokhara, you get a much better bargain than hiring one in your home country. While traveling with an agency offers you a degree of luxury that may not be available if you go independently, it also has its own limitations. You have to stick to the group schedule; you will not be able to design your own plans; the trip is fairly expensive and your interaction with the local culture will be limited.
Should I hire a porter and/or a guide?
Hiring a porter and/or a guide can add greatly to your trek experience in Nepal, especially if this is your first time, and if you are traveling on less frequented trails, thus having to carry a heavy load (tents, food etc). An independent porter costs about $2-$3 a day, and a guide costs about $4-$6. Make sure you agree upon the wage before hiring one. You can ask your hotelier or a local trekking agency in Kathmandu or Pokhara to find one for you. You can also find them in bigger settlements along your trekking route.
If you decide to hire a porter and/or a guide, remember that you are their employer and thus should take full responsibility. You must make sure they have adequate clothes and other gear necessary for the trek. It is your responsibility to rent the gear for them. It is also your responsibility to take care of their medical requirements if they fall sick during the trek. Remember that many porters hired in the lower lands of Kathmandu and Pokhara may not be aware of the problems of trekking in high altitudes.
Do I need a trekking permit?
Except the trekking areas such as the Everest, the Annapurna and the Langtang, one requires trekking permit to visit other trekking areas. Your visa is not good enough. Trekking permits are issued very easily by the Department of Immigration Office in Kathmandu and Pokhara.You need your visa, trekking fee and two colored passport-sized pictures to get your trekking permit. Remember that you require different trekking permits to different trekking areas. Note, however, that a trekking permit does not allow you to go anywhere in the country either. If mountain-peak climbing is your desire, it falls under a whole different category, and will require a different permit.
How Should I dress during a trek?
Nepal is conservative with clothes, and your reception by locals can vary greatly on the way you dress. Men should always wear a shirt (don't go around bare chested) and long pants. In view of local customs, men should try not to wear shorts, and women should avoid them altogether. For women, a skirt of mid-calf length is preferable to slacks or pants. Slacks with sarong or skirt over them, and a (at least half-sleeved) blouse or shirt are probably most appropriate.
Besides the issue of culturally sensitive dressing, it is also important for you to make sure you have appropriate clothing to meet your needs during a trek. Good shoes are of great importance. You will be walking for up to eight hours a day. They must be sturdy and comfortable. Bring along sneakers --or if you have one, a well-broken-in pair of hiking boots-- they are sufficient for most treks. For higher altitude treks where you may have to tread snow for long hours, good boots are available for rent in Kathmandu.
Also bring along a couple of pairs of warm wool, corduroy or jeans pants (for men), a warm sweater (you can also buy beautiful ones in Nepal for a bargain) and a padded jacket, a couple of T-shirts and/or shirts. Thermal underwear can be great especially between November and February. Bring plenty of woolen and cotton socks.
Anything more specialized than all this can be easily rented or bought in Nepal for a good price.
What else should I bring along in a trek?
Most of what you need during a trek is available in Kathmandu, and you can buy them or rent them once you are there. Most books on trekking will list them, check one out before you embark on your trek. If you do not have a book yet and plan to get one only once you are in Nepal, there are some things you may want to bring from home. Bring ear-plugs to help you sleep in spite of barking dogs. A battery operated short-wave radio can be helpful to listen to weather reports or the news. Also bring along a pocket knife, sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, photographic equipment, binoculars, a compass, a good watch with possibly an altimeter, and a day pack. Others, you can buy or rent in Kathmandu for reasonable price.
When I go for treks, can I store my luggage somewhere?
Generally your hotel or lodge will let you store your luggage with them for some nominal or no fee. As long as you lock up your bags, they are normally safe.
Any health precautions that I need to consider during my trek?
Get a good travel book to guide you on health matters. There are plenty available in Kathmandu, if you can't find one in a bookstore near you. Stephen Bezruchka's book called Trekking in Nepal addresses health issues in excellent detail. Don't forget to take a first-aid kit: the details of which are also mentioned in most trek books. All of what you will need to take along can be purchased in Kathmandu, so don't bother carrying stuff from home. Read the health guidance in Health and Insurance section and Dining and Drinking section for more details.
Besides minor ailments stomach problems, blisters, cold and headaches, the most important health problem you may run into is altitude sickness. You will not have to worry about it in Kathmandu, Pokhara or other lower places. But once you are on the trekking trails and above 3000m in altitude, watch out for its symptoms. Refer to a good travel book for details on how to recognize altitude sickness and what to do about it. As a suggestion for travel planning, you may want to plan for "rest days" at about 3,700m - 4,300m altitude levels. This means sleeping at the similar altitude for two nights. Also remember that you should not try to climb too high too soon: about 450m per day is the recommended amount.
What do I do in case of emergency?
Though in general, you are not likely to face any emergency, you can never tell. Once again, a good book on trekking will give you details on what to do in case of emergency. In cases of non-urgent situation, you may have to be carried to the nearest health-post or airfield. If the situation is more serious, send word to the nearest village with radio service for a helicopter evacuation. It costs in the neighborhood of $1200 - $2000 for a helicopter evacuation, and generally a guarantee for payment is required before the helicopter actually takes off. Registering with your embassy can greatly speed the process.
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Beyond Nepal
I've heard a lot about Tibet, and I've made my mind to go there after I finish touring Nepal.
An excellent idea. Kathmandu was once the center of the ancient trade route connecting Tibet to India. Thus Kathmandu is the natural gateway to Tibet and is the perfect place to start your journey to the ancient land.
Almost all the good travel agencies have some sort of package tour that would take you there. You can either fly to Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, or take the motorable road that takes you along the magnificient Nepalese countryside.
What about India? I've heard its a great land.
Again, because of "very friendly" relationship between Nepal and India, going to India from Nepal involves almost no hassle. Of course there are the usual travel precautions to be taken, but it is really very easy. Various airlines fly almost everyday from Kathmandu to various Indian cities like Bombay, Delhi, Calcutta, and Patna. If you are taking a flight to visit India from Nepal, it's best to book your ticket well in advance as some of these flights can already be booked.
And if you're more an adventurous type, you could try going by road. Nepal is bordered by India in the east, west as well as the south but we have only six entry points along the border. Before you take the overland journey, be well prepared to face the long and time consuming stress-full journey as sometimes these journeys can be a bit too much for those not used to travelling by buses and trains in South Asian Countries.
See FAQ on Visa and Immigration for more details.
I want to travel to other countries of South Asia.
South Asia offers a very different experience from that of the rest of the world. Majority of South Asian Countries still have their ancient culture, tradition and religion left in them. Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan are beautiful exotic destinations that you could choose to visit. Check out with your travel agent for more details on this.
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Law, Order and Safety
How safe is Nepal?
Nepal is one of the safest places in the world. Violent crimes are very rare, and the only real concern to a traveller is petty theft. However, if you take basic common sense precaution, there is nothing to fear. Don't bring valuable things with you unless necessary for your trip. Keep your money and other valuables in a money belt or pouch strapped around your waist. Lock your bags and luggage.
Traveling alone? Is there any reason to be concerned?
Not really. You will be fine in most well trafficked area. But if you will be trekking particularly in remote areas and during times of the year when there are fewer travelers (June-September), it is generally advisable to team up even though cases of trouble are few. Teaming up not only deters potential trouble-makers, of which there are not many, but also will be of help in case of any other emergency. You can easily find welcoming fellow tourists along popular trekking routes or in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Face harassment in Nepal?
Especially in the form of staring and catcalling on the streets. But the problem does not even come close to what you will face in India and other parts of Asia. Just mind your own business, the harassers rarely do anything more. If you are not interested, a firm but gentle disapproval will solve the problem.
If you have more needful information which you’re seeking for FAQ of Nepal please do not hesitate to e-mail us : faq@satyamtours.com
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