| Frequently Asked Questions: Travelling to Nepal |
|
|
» Why is Nepal such a fascinating country for many people?
It's a small country, but it's rich in scenic splendor 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 languages and practice different religions, they are the friendliest people that you
would ever meet. Nepal 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.
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.
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 air link with Osaka, Shanghai,
London, Frankfurt, Hongkong, Singapore, Bangkok, Delhi, Dubai, Bombay and Calcutta. Lufthansa, Nepal
Airlines, 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.
|
|
» How much does airfare to Kathmandu cost?
Anyone who has done any traveling on air can tell you that one can never say for sure how much they cost.
However, an economy class round trip ticket to Nepal from North America, should cost between $1400 to $1700
depending on what airline you fly and when. From Western Europe, the fare should be about the same too.
|
|
» 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. 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
the time it shower almost everyday and most of the Himalayas are hidden behind the clouds. In short,
plan to visit Nepal between October and May, keeping in mind that October-November and February-March
are the best times.
|
|
» What are my options to come to Nepal from India?
You can fly between Delhi and Kathmandu. 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. Please check the tentative
Flight Schedule.
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.
|
|
» What about getting to Nepal from Tibet?
The crossing between Nepal and Tibet via Kodari is open but need to show the Nepal visa at Nepal
check point. You can obtain Nepal entry visa at the entry point at Kodari or you can get it in your
home country. Be prepared with alternative plans if you're thinking about using this route, because
landslides regularly make it impassable during the monsoon.
|
|
» 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 the visa fee.
|
|
» Where do I apply to get my visa?
- The best way to apply for visa is from the 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)
- Gadda Chauki (Mahendranagar) (Kanchanpur, Far Western Part that has border with India)
|
|
» I am in Varnasi (Indian City) these days. I would like to come to Nepal for a week. I know the entry points to come to Nepal. Can u tell me the cost of tourist visa?
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.
| Type of Visa | Visa Valid for | Fee |
| Multiple Entry | 15 days | US$ 25 |
| Multiple Entry | 30 days | US$ 40 |
| Multiple Entry | 90 days | US$ 100 |
|
|
» What if I decided to stay more than 60 days in Nepal? Where and what should I do to extend my Tourist Visa?
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.
|
|
» Well, I am not surprised to know the maximum duration of time for a tourist to stay in Nepal under tourist visa. Instead I would like to know the addresses of the Department of Immigration Office of Kathmandu.
Please find below the addresses and their telephone numbers:
The Department of Immigration
Maitighar, Kathmandu.
Tel: 977-1-4223590 / 4222453 / 4223681/ 4221996 / 4224757
Fax: 977-1-4223127
Emails: mail@immi.gov.np
Web: http://www.immi.gov.np
Office Hours
Sunday to Thursday: 10 a.m. - 17 p.m. (summer)
10 a.m. - 16 p.m. in winter (Nov. to Jan.)
Friday:10 a.m. -15 p.m.
Application Hours
Sunday to Thursday: 10 a.m. - 15 p.m.
Friday:10 a.m. -15 p.m.
|
|
» I am a mother of eight-year-old kid. Do I need to pay for my child's visa?
Any child below 10 years has visa fee exemption. So the visa fee for your eight-year child is free.
|
|
» I am going to be in transit at the Tribhuvan International Airport of Kathmandu for sometime. Do you think I will require 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.
|
|
» Is there any other important information that I should be aware of before I come to Nepal?
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.
- 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.
|
|
» 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.
|
|
» How much should I expect to spend during my trip to Nepal?
You can always choose to make your trip expensive by staying at fancy luxury hotels and dining
in their restaurants. If you are looking for a unique Nepali experience, you can do it for a lot
less money. Outside the main tourist centers, US$ 15-US$ 20 will take you through the day even if
you throw around money lavishly.
|
|
» 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.
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 The Kathmandu Post.
|
|
» Can I use my credit 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.
|
|
» Are there ATM machines where I can draw funds from my home country bank using my ATM card?
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.
|
|
» If I get strapped with money, how do I get access to more funds?
You can draw funds against your American Express, Mastercard or Visa cards in Kathmandu.
The service premiums for doing this, however, are pretty steep. You can also have money
wired directly to Kathmandu through any major bank within two to three working days.
|
|
» What 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 can be good but it is too bothersome and expensive to be
worth the trouble. Just keep yourself safe from stray dogs and monkeys.
|
|
» Do you think I should bring some medicines with me when I come to Nepal?
It is highly recommended that you bring medicines for common illness like nausea, vomiting, cold
and flu when you come to Nepal. Though there are many pharmacy shops in Kathmandu and Pokhara,
it's worth carrying some basic medicinal stuff like insect repellent, sunscreen, lip balm, eye
drops, bandages and so on.
|
|
» Stomach troubles?
Nepal is likely to get stomach problems at some point during visit. It is generally caused simply
because of a change in diet and climate, drinking contaminated water and eating contaminated food.
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 are 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.
Please check Acclimatization and Altitude sickness.
|
|
» 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. 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.
|
|
» Do I need travel insurance?
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.
|
|
» What is the weather in Nepal like?
The width of Nepal is only about 200 km on average, but within this short distance the altitude of
the land rises from lowly 60m to all the way up to above 8000m. Hence the weather depends upon the
altitude of the place in Nepal. However, in general Nepal has four climatic seasons: Spring, Summer,
Autumn and Winter. Spring starts from March to May. The temperature of this season fluctuates between
20* C to 30* C (68* F to 86* F). Summer starts from June to August. These are also the pre-monsoon
months with occasional evening-thunderstorms and hot temperature. Autumn starts from September and
ends by November. During this period, the climate is dry and mild with temperature fluctuating between
20* C to 30* C (68* F to 86* F). Winter starts from December to February. The morning and evening are
very cold while the afternoon is pretty sunny. The temperature during these months rises from 15* C
to 20* C (59* F to 68* F). For detail information on temperature and rainfall, please check
Weather information.
|
|
» What sort of clothing should I bring with me?
Clothing depends on place and time. Medium-weight and easy to wash cottons can be a good choice
year-round in the Kathmandu valley. It is recommended that between October to February, woolen
sweaters, jackets or similar other warm outfits are necessary. From March through May, light clothing
such as short and long-sleeved shorts will do perfectly fine at Kathmandu, Pokhara and most other towns.
For mornings and evenings, a jacket or heavy woolen will be essential. For months from June to August,
it is recommended that you bring an umbrella or raincoat and a pair of sandals with you as these months
are the rainy months of Nepal. Expect lot of walking even if you don't plan to trek. So it's recommended
that you bring comfortable footwear: sneakers and sandals are the best.
If you intend to go for trekking, a pair of hiking boots will be great. Bring plenty of woolen socks too.
Specialized trekking gear is easily available and can be rented in fairly inexpensive charge in Kathmandu
and Pokhara: please check Clothing and Equipment for details on proper clothing during treks.
|
|
» Besides hiking and trekking in Nepal, what other things can I do and see in Nepal?
One can do lot of things besides hiking and trekking in Nepal. Nepal is a land of festivals. Almost
everyday is day of festival in at least some parts of the country. Though most of them are of religious
nature, they are almost always of joyous. You should not miss out on them. Kathmandu Valley, with its rich
Newar heritage is the most colorful place in the country. But other parts of the country also have their
own fanfare. Check out
Festival dates
for details on the major festivals that will occur during your visit.
About the existence of night life in Nepal, there are many night bars and couple of night clubs, which stay
open till late night in Kathmandu. If you want to gamble a little and have some fun, then you can drop into
casinos at five star hotels like Hotel Soaltee, Hotel Yak & Yeti, Hotel Annapurna, Hotel Everest, Hotel
Shangri-La, Hotel Radission in Kathmandu.
|
|
» Tell me about the adventurous things that I could do in Nepal.
There are many adventures things that you could do in Nepal. For instance, you could go for white
water rafting. The best time to go for rafting is between September to Early December and between
March to Early June. The rafting trips range from US$ 40 to US$ 70. Some of the famous rafting rivers
are Trisuli, Kali Gandaki, Bhote Koshi, Marshyangdi, Karnali and Sun Koshi. You require a permit to go
for rafting. In addition to this, you could also go for rock climbing at Nagarjun and Shivapuri in
Kathmandu. You could even take Glider Flight in Pokhara and bungee jumping in Bhote Koshi (out of Kathmandu
Valley). Other thing that you could do is go for mountain biking in the Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara and near
the Tibetan Border.
|
|
» I love wild life, can you recommend this?
Nepal is a paradise for wild life. And, you are at the right country to explore its diverse wild life
and exotic birds. We have many National Parks and Wild life reserves. Some of the famous Wild life
reserves and National Parks are Annapurna Conservation Area Project, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area,
Royal Chitwan National Park and Sagarmatha National Park. We can organize these special events for you.
|
|
» What are Thangka Paintings?
Thangkas are the traditional Tibetan Painting of ceremonial and religious subjects such as wheel of life,
known as Mandala. Traditional thangkas are framed in silk brocade and its cost ranges from US$ 5 to US$ 30
and depends on your choice.
|
|
» Since most of the roads in Nepal are not plain, do you think that people, who are not used to mountainous road, get car-sickness problem?
People who are not used to taking bus or car journey in serpentine mountainous road like that of Nepal
may get car-sickness problem. So it's always better to carry car-sickness medicines with you in your bus
journey in Nepal.
|
|
» Traveling in bus sounds a little too exciting for me, how about flying?
Frequent delays and cancellation due to weather and other reasons can sometimes make a bus the classic
tortoise - slow, but steady enough to win the race. With the introduction of private airlines like Buddha
Air and Yeti Airlines, domestic flights from Kathmandu to places such as Chitwan, Pokhara, Jomsom, Dolpa,
Biratnagar, Bhairawa, Nepalgunj, Bharatpur, Tumlingtar and Simikot have become more reliable and available.
|
|
» What if I like cycling/ motorbike?
Riding a bike or a cycle is one of the best ways to tour around Kathmandu. In the old part of Kathmandu
and Thamel areas, you can find shops that rent good bikes and cycles ranging from Indian to American in
a very reasonable cost. Your name of the hotel will be sufficient to hire the bike or cycle from the
bike-owner shop and thus, you will not require to make any deposits. Before you hire the bike/cycle, make
sure that the cycle/bike has a bell/horn as it will really help to weave your way through town.
|
|
» How much do you think I should expect to spend on drinking and dining?
Eating out in Nepal is generally very reasonable. For about US$ 5, you can buy a good dinner (excluding
drinks) in a restaurant of the main tourist centers. A 750ml bottle of beer costs you about US$ 3.50 in
a restaurant, and US$ 2.50 if you just buy it off a store. Other Nepalese made hard liquors are quite
cheap. If you want an imported alcohol, however, expect to pay an exorbitant price. Sodas such as
Coca-Cola, Pepsi cost about US$ 0.27 per 250ml bottle in a shop. All these prices are for most of the
road-accessible areas of the country. But as you move further into remote areas, the prices rise. For
example if you are in Naamche Bazaar in the Everest region, the price can be as much as seven or eight
times higher. For an average budget traveler, US$ 20 will be enough for all your daily expenses on
drinking and dining.
|
|
» I am a vegetarian.
There are many vegetarian restaurants. And even if you drop into normal restaurants, you can easily get
vegetarian food. Just for your information, Vegetarian in Nepal means non-consumption of both meat and
egg. Milk and other animal product are allowed.
|
|
» Do you think it is safe to eat freely in Nepal?
In general, yes. But, it's always good to take sensible precautions in order to avoid any health problems.
No matter how tempting and it can get very tempting after a long trek avoid drinking any other water than
bottled water. If you have to drink non-bottled water, purify it with iodine or chlorine tablets (available
readily in most drug stores in Kathmandu). Asking for bottled water in restaurants is always a best idea.
Do not eat roadside food that is exposed in the open air. Avoid buying and eating raw and unpeeled fruit and
vegetables. Other than that, it is fine to have boiled, fried or properly packaged food items.
|
|
» I want to send some postcards to my friends. Where is the General Post Office(GPO)?
The General Post Office is located near the Dharahara Tower or New Road in Kathmandu. The counters at the
GPO are open from 9 am to 4pm (Monday through Friday) and provide stamps, postcards and aerogram.
|
|
» How about Internet access?
Cyber cafes are among some of the hottest trends in Kathmandu these days. In the main tourist centers of
Kathmandu and Pokhara you will find cyber cafes in every corner. These cafes provide full internet services
including ftp services, internet phones, etc. The internet service people charge you roughly US$ 0.03 to
US$ 0.04 per minute. And these days there are also cyber cafes that help you to call in United States
through internet in a very reasonable cost.
|
|
» Is there anything that I need to be 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:
- "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.
- 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, especially when you are having "Daal Bhat" the staple Nepalese diet.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Public display of affection between man and woman is frowned upon. Kissing, cuddling, hugging
in public is absolutely discouraged.
- 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.
- Bargaining is very common in Nepal. You would often need to bargain while shopping and riding
cabs in Nepal.
- 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.
|
|
» 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.
|
|
» I am going to be traveling alone? Is there any reason to be concerned?
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.
|
|
» I hate to ask this, but what if I am robbed?
Report it immediately to the police. They are normally at least comforting if not helpful. If you need
a police report for insurance purposes, you have to go to the Interpol Section of Nepal Police located
at Naxal. Dress smartly and be very polite, you will come out much ahead than otherwise.
|
|
» Is there any law(s) I should particularly be aware of?
Yes, two. First, smuggling particularly of drugs and gold into Nepal can run you into serious legal
trouble. Second, proselytizing is against the law and is punishable by years in prison. Preaching of
Christian religion by organized missionary groups has become quite widespread recently, but it is safest
to keep your religion to yourself. There have been cases of unsuspecting tourists being jailed for
distributing religious materials to locals.
|
|
» I am a woman and I have heard horrible tales about harassment in South Asia. Am I likely to face harassment in Nepal?
Yes, 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.
|
|
» How about street beggars and touts?
As in any poor country with enough "rich" foreigners, Nepal has its share of street beggars and middle-men
touts trying to sell you everything from information to drugs. There is no need to be intimidated by them.
If you are not interested, mind your own business or tell them to leave you alone. They will.
|
|
» I want to go on a trek. When and where can I do so?
Please e-mail us, we will design an itinerary for you 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, however we discourage safety-wise,
it is generally okay to trek alone on popular trekking route. You can join in our fixed departure
trekking which you can find in our site. We can organize a trek for you for anywhere in the upwards of
US$ 40 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.
|
|
» Do I need a trekking permit?
We will get it for you for the duration and area that you wish to trek. 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) 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. For
detail information please check Clothing and Equipment
|
|
» Can I store my luggage somewhere?
We will take care of this.
|
|
» 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. 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.
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. Our guide will help
you if you need any help or even though you have to evacuate. 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, guide
will call for a helicopter evacuation.
|