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Nepal – travel information

Nepal Brief Information and Travel Guide

Nepal is beautifully wrapped by the heights of Himalayas. Newly transferred Democratic Republic Nepal is a home of some 26 million people and the country of sublime scenery, age old temples and cultures, some of the best trekking and walking trails on the earth. Nepal is rich in the scenic splendor and cultural heritages.

The country was under the mystery of foreigners since this beautiful Himalayan country closed her door to the foreigners. You will not be able to dislodge the imagination of Himalayas, her people, foods and others once after your return home.

Nepal attracts many hundred thousand trekkers each year to be trekked through her beautiful Himalayas. Mt. Everest region and Everest Base Camp Trek in the single trek that most of the trekkers dream to be and say “ I have been to the base of the world’s highest mountain”.

Read about Attractions and tours available in Nepal here.

 Some quick facts about Nepal:

Country Name: Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal ( World’s youngest republic declared on May 2008 )

Area : 147,141 Sq Km

Population : 26.49 Million ( Population Census of 2011)

Religion : Hindu – 81.3 % , Buddhist – 9%, Islam – 4.4%, Kirat – 3%, Christians – 1.4% and Others – 0.9%

Languages : Nepali as the official language and other 70 plus languages spoken in the country.

Time: + 5 Hrs 45 Minutes of GMT

Climate : Winter ( December – February), Spring ( March – May), Summer ( June – August), Autumn ( September – November )

Visa / Permits

All foreign nationals (except Indians) require visas. The visa is granted at the port of entry with the 2 copies of passport sized photographs. 30 Days visa fee is USD 40 and for the 15 Days it is USD 25.

For the details of the Visa in Nepal please click here.

The Trekking permit, National Park entry permits and TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) are required to trek along with various entry fees to enter to the monuments.

Electricity :

Electricity is 220-240 AC. Appliances like hairdryers and battery chargers etc can be used and adaptor for Twin Round Pin Sockets in most hotels. You are advised to carry a International Adaptor for use of your appliances. Also advised to carry a portable or pocket Torch Light in case of full power failure, even though candles are normally provided in bedrooms. But most of hotels in the Kathmandu and Pokhara has Generator power supply during the electricity cut off.

Money & Costs:

Nepalese currency is called Rupees and the denominations come in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 & 1000 . Major currencies of the world are exchanged in Nepal through Bank and the money changers situated in the major touristic places of Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini etc. Almost all the hotels are licensed to exchange the foreign currency but the rates can be varied from one shop to another. You can find the exchange rates of major currencies in all major national daily newspaper for the reference. When you change your money from the money changer, it is advised to get the receipt so you can change back the unused Nepalese rupees when you go back from Kathmandu. But the amount is limited to 15% of the total amount you exchanged.

It can be difficult to exchange your foreign currency in the remote areas of trekking or even the denomination 1000. So you are advised to take the smaller denominations. All major credit cards are accepted in Nepal with the vendors administrative charges in most cases. Travelers Cheque can be exchanged or make payment with in major places and easy to carry as well.

You can check the exchange rates of major world currencies in the daily newspaper Exchange rates and commissions can vary in different money changes so you can shop around. Banks usually open Monday to Friday 0900 hrs to 1430 hrs and some banks open on Saturday. When you change money legally, you are issued with a Foreign Exchange Encashment Receipt showing the amount of hard currency you have exchanged. If you leave Nepal via Kathmandu airport and haven’t spent all your rupees, you can exchange up to 15% of the amount shown on these unused receipts back into your currency.

Weather / Climate and Best Season to Travel

Nepal has four seasons and the temperature varied from one place to another in the same month such as the southern plain is very hot in summer and cold in winter and the Himalayas are cold round the year. The winter is December – February, Spring March – May, Summer or Rainy season June – August and Autumn September-  November.

September through November is treated as the best season to travel into Nepal. The sky is always clear so the view of Himalayas can be enjoyed from morning till evening. The days are sunny and the weather is just perfect as neither cold nor hot. Even the high Himalayas are comfortable in this season.

Another best season to travel into Nepal is March – May. The days are long, clear and beautiful with Rhododendron flowers in the jungle. But the weather starts to get hotter and it is rather dusty season as well.

 

These days Nepal starts to serve for all season actually. In rainy season the long treks and high passes are not comfortable but the tour for photography is the best due to the cleanliness, greenery , waterfalls, rivers and clouds. Likewise, winter is fine to trek in the lowlands and foothills of the midhill region.

Some Do’s and Don’ts in Nepal

Since Nepal is also fragile with cultural diversity and many ethnic people living together as melting pot it is ideal to know what the people think of and how they treat various behaviors on their own. It is always nice to respect other people’s culture, belief and religion while you travel though you may feel unusual.

  • Nepalese people greet with the word “ Namaste” and are performed by joining the palms together near their chest. It is the universal word for the Hello, Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening or respecting the guest or welcoming the guest etc.
  • Before entering the Nepalese house, monasteries, temples or Stupas remember to remove your shoes. They do not wish to take the shoes inside these places.
  • You are suggested not to touch others meal plate by your spoon, fork, or hand that is being used to eat your meal .
  • Do not touch anything in Nepal with your feet. This is considerate an offence among the Nepalese people.
  • While travelling dress properly specially for women travelers. You are requested to wear the shorts till your knee and avoid skimpy outfits. You should bear this in mind for the Trekking even more.
  • Seek permissions while entering Hindu temples. Many Hindu Temples do not allow foreigners to enter the temple.
  • Leather articles are prohibited to take inside the temple premises.
  • You should walk clockwise to the temple, stupas, memorials, and Mani Walls. This is because they believe that the God on the right hand is always prosperous and symbol of being blessed.
  • Take photographs only after taking permission for the object or people being photographed.
  • Public displays of affection and love between man and woman, man and man or woman and woman are frowned upon.
  • During your conversation, a Nepalese might say “ Yes “ with his head shaking left to right.
  • Develop a genuine interest to meet and talk to Nepalese people and respect their local customs, traditions and practice.

The people living in the Himalayan countries are always Happy and helpful. Enjoy your holiday with these people !

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