Nepal Travel Guide
Some Quick links
Altitude Mountain Sickness information- http://www.treksafe.com.au
Recommended travel library- http://www.travel-library.com/asia_pacific/nepal
Nepal online news- http://www.ekantipur.com
Nepal Tourism board- http://www.welcomenepal.com
Online Nepal news- http://www.nepalnews.com
Association of Trekking agencies- http://www.taan.org.np
A association of Nepal mountaineers- http://www.nepalmountaineering.org
Foreign exchange rates for different currency- http://www.oanada.com
World time and date- http://www.timeanddate.com
Electricity in Nepal |
Residential electrical outlets in some countries including the United States use 110-120 volts of electricity, and accept very specific shaped plugs. Many other countries including Nepal use other voltages, 220-240 volts to power their appliances, as well different plugs. If you try to plug an American appliance such as a shaver or hairdryer into an outlet of a different voltage, you may destroy the appliance and cause yourself injury. There are few things you should know about other countries (here Nepal) before you travel.
NOTE: You can find any of the transformers, plug adopter and converters to buy in Kathmandu and other major cities easily.
Recap:
Nepal/India, Europlug, i.e. with round two prongs or three prongs. For Multi-voltage appliances (laptops, etc.) your need: A plug adapter For 110-120V electronics your need: Plug adapter + step-down transformer For Hair dryers, curling irons, etc your need.: Plug adapter + voltage convert |
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Country Information |
Heartily welcome to roof of the world and land of Shangri-La. Nepal, the legendary mountain kingdom of the Himalayas lie wedged between two Asian giants - India and China. This small Himalayan nation is bestowed by nature with an incredible diversity in topography resulting in a wide range of flora and fauna. The elevation of the country ranges from 70 meters above sea level to the highest point on earth, Mt. Everest at 8,848 meters, all within a distance of 150 kilometers resulting in sub-tropical climate to Arctic-like climate. Nepal occupying only 0.1% of the earth has massive Himalayan region in the north to the sweltering sub-tropical jungles of the terai (plains) in the south, and is home to: - 2% of all the flowering plants in the world - 8% of the world's population of birds (more than 848 species) - 4% of mammals on earth - 11 of the world's 15 families of butterflies (more than 500 species) - 600 indigenous plant families - 8 of the 14 high mountains (above 8000m) of the world - 319 species of exotic orchids - 167 species of mammals Quick facts of Nepal: Area: 147,181 sq. kilometers Geography: Situated between China in the north and India in the south Capital: Kathmandu Population: 25 million Language: Nepali is the national language. However, travel-trade people understand and speak English as well. Currency: Nepali Rupee (approximately US$ 1 equals Rs. 74.00) Political System: Federal Democratic Republic Religion: Characteristic of being the only Hindu country in the world. However, there is a harmonious blending of Hinduism, Buddhism, Christian and Islam. Climate: Nepal has four major seasons: (1) Winter: December-February (2) Spring: March-May (3) Summer: June-August (4) Autumn: September-November Best time to visit Nepal Autumn (September, October, and November) Spring(March, April and May) are the best seasons for high altitudes and climbing activities. Winter (December, January and February) are good months for low altitude treks and tours. Monsoon (June, July and August) is also okay to visit Nepal but visibility could be of matter due to rain. |
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HealthGuide |
Owing to a sudden change in climate, altitude and other factors, it is obvious that there could arise some alterations in your health. It would be hard to know all aspects of Nepal's health problems. However, it would be useful to gather information on altitude sickness (AMS), diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, hepatitis rabies, typhoid, tetanus, meningitis diphtheria, malaria and HIV/AIDS. Common sense can often save lives. You will be eating and drinking in various outlets. Diarrhea is a common illness that a tourist would be facing. So, it is recommended to drink purified water and eat in clean outlets. Drinking and eating precautions will surely help to take care of many health problems that could arise during the trip. Staying hydrated during the travel, trekking, tours is highly recommended too. If any problem should arise during the trip. Being on good health before leaving for a trip would help you to enjoy your trip to the fullest. We always recommend undergoing a thorough check up before commencing travel to Asian countries so that if you are considering demanding tour such as trekking or mountaineering you do not have doubt about your health or fitness. Vaccinations: (a) Polio (normally you will just need a booster.) (b) Tetanus (c) Cholera (d) Meningitis (e) Typhoid. A full course requires 2 injections separated by an interval of 4-6 weeks. (f) Hepatitis A and B. (g) Anti-malarial prophylaxis: Please refer to your doctor for the most up to date information about anti-malarial medication for the areas that you will be visiting. (h) Rabies pre-exposure vaccination. Please refer to your doctor for advice on whether you need rabies pre-exposure vaccination. In the unlikely case of your being bitten, this vaccination does not eliminate the need for urgent evacuation to a suitable medical facility for additional treatment. However, it does simplify that additional treatment and also prolongs the period that you can safely delay before receiving post-exposure treatment. Given enough notice, your doctor will be able to administer all the above vaccinations. Medical Services: Medical facilities in Kathmandu Valley are sound. All kinds of medicines, including those imported from overseas are available in Kathmandu. Kathmandu Valley also offers the services of major general hospitals and private clinics. Health posts have been set up by the government in different parts of rural Nepal. However, facilities are not on equivalence with those found in Kathmandu Valley. Insurance: Medical Kit: A simple but adequate medical kit can be very useful while traveling. The following items are recommended:
Prevention, the Best Medicine:
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Getting Into Nepal |
There are twelve major international airlines linking to the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu. The Nepal Airlines (RA) is the national flag carrier of Nepal with flight connections to: Delhi, Mumbai in India; Bangkok in Thailand; Osaka in Japan; Hong Kong, Shanghai in China; Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia; Dubai in United Arab Emirates and Singapore. Other international airlines connecting Kathmandu to other parts of the world are Biman Bangladesh to Dacca in Bangladesh; China Airlines to Lhasa in Tibetan Autonomous Region of China; Druk Air to Paro in Bhutan and New Delhi in India; Gulf Air to Abu Dhabi in United Arab Emirates; Indian Airlines to Delhi, Kolkata, and Varanasi in India; Qatar Airways to Doha in Qatar; Thai International to Bangkok in Thailand. There are twelve major international airlines linking to the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu. The Royal Nepal Airlines (RNA) is the national flag carrier of Nepal with flight connections to: Delhi, Mumbai in India; Bangkok in Thailand; Osaka in Japan; Hong Kong, Shanghai in China; Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia; Dubai in United Arab Emirates and Singapore. Other international airlines connecting Kathmandu to other parts of the world are Biman Bangladesh to Dacca in Bangladesh; China Airlines to Lhasa in Tibetan Autonomous Region of China; Druk Air to Paro in Bhutan and New Delhi in India; Gulf Air to Abu Dhabi in United Arab Emirates; Indian Airlines to Delhi, Kolkata, and Varanasi in India; Qatar Airways to Doha in Qatar; Thai International to Bangkok in Thailand. Since Nepal has India in three sides and China in the north, coming to Nepal by land requires one to pass through India or China. The entry points to Nepal from India are Kakarbhitta, Birgunj, Belhiya, Bhairawa, Nepalgunj, Dhangadi and Mahendra Nagar. The Kodari Pass in Nepal-China border is the entry point to Nepal from China. Tourists entering the kingdom by land must hold an international passport. For getting around the country, there is an excellent domestic air network and helicopter charter services as well as deluxe tourist coaches. Nepal alternative Trekking will help you with all domestic air tickets booking and booking tourist coaches for you
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Travel Insurances |
It is a condition of joining any of our trips that be protected against comprehensive expenses potential to incur due to medical issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we don’t arrange or sell insurance. A relaxed trip is not possible without good travel insurance. In the event of any sickness or injury, the cost of emergency treatment and evacuation is shocking. Therefore, travel insurance is strongly recommended for everyone who signs up with Nepal alternativeTrekking. We strongly recommend that you be careful while choosing a policy as some makes special exceptions for adventure travel. Before buying your insurance make sure your insurer is aware of the NATE itinerary that you are going to undertake and is agreeable to cover all activities being undertaken in the trip. Such as if you are planning trekking or climbing/expedition in Himalayas your insurance must cover emergency air ambulance/helicopter rescue including medial expenses. For a group tours in urban areas, your insurance coverage of ambulance or helicopter rescue is not mandatory, however better to have with them too. Again, in Tibet trips there is no possibility of helicopter rescue, so no need to buy the air ambulance coverage in Tibet trips. Also, check your insurance policy firmly to even include trip cancellation, as all deposits paid are non-refundable. You need send us your copy of your insurance policy (e.g. your insurance certificate) or carry it with you while you come on the trip. Recommended Travel Insurance Companies for your kind information. For Travelers from USA and CANADA
For Travelers from ENGLAND
For Travellers from EUROPE and SLOVENIA
For Travellers from AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND
For Travellers from SOUTH AFRICA Travel insurance Consultants Pty .Ltd DECLARATION: These insurance companies are just for recommendation / kind information which are recommended by our previous travelers. |
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Forex and Banking |
Foreign currencies must be exchanged only through banks or authorized foreign exchange dealers. The receipts from such transaction are to be obtained and retained. Visitors can exchange money at the foreign exchange counter at the airport upon arrival also. NOTE : FOR TRAVELERS FROM INDIA/ VIA INDIA: Indian currency of Rs.500 and Rs.1, 000 bills are not allowed to be brought into Nepal. They will not be exchanged and will not be accepted for transaction of any kind. Cards Cash Machines The mainstream banks in Kathmandu and Pokhara all have a cash machine where you fill your wallet 24 hours a day using your normal bankcard or Master Card / Visa. Banks have cash machines, though we would recommend only using these machines during bank opening hours so as not to run the risk of losing your card if the system crashes. Banks in Kathmandu Valley are open between 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. from Sunday through Friday. They are closed on Saturdays and other public holidays. In other places banks are open from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. from Sunday to Friday and are closed on Saturdays and government holidays. ATM machines are located in many banks in the capital. Money can be transferred from other parts of the world from the numerous transfer agencies in the capital. For more information: Currency Converter: http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic Foreign Currency Exchange Rates: http://www.kantipuronline.com/forex.php |
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Accommodation (Where to Stay) |
Nepal today has altogether more than 300 big and small hotels which are registered with the Department of Tourism, ranging from 5 star deluxe categories to the small one star and tourist standard hotels. A general outline of facilities available in five, four and three star hotels Nepal today has altogether more than 300 big and small hotels which are registered with the Department of Tourism, ranging from 5 star deluxe categories to the small one star and tourist standard hotels. A general outline of facilities available in five, four and three star hotels are given below: Five Star Hotels: A five star hotel has all its rooms air-conditioned, well furnished and with attached bath. More than two restaurants and bars serving a variety of cuisine and drinks, swimming pool, tennis court, beauty parlor, sauna, health club. Banquet and conference facilities and a variety of other modern luxurious facilities are also available. Four Star Hotels: The four star hotels in Kathmandu constitute of air-conditioned, well furnished room with attached bath, more than one restaurant, garden, banquet and conference facilities – though in a slightly smaller scale. The three star hotels have air-conditioned rooms with attached bath and standard furnishings. A minimum of one restaurant and bar are available with standard luxury. |
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Visa Information |
It is just easy to attain your Nepalese visa on arrival in entry place. Make the process easier by downloading & completing the application form, having the correct USD cash and two passport photographs. Nationals of SAARC countries and China do not need visa when visiting Nepal. As per this rule, Indian nationals do not require visa. However, effective from October 2000, Indians traveling to Nepal by air have to show upon arrival at entry point a valid photo identity like a passport, voter's identity or an identify card issued by the Indian government. Temporary identity card with photographs issued by Nepal-based Indian diplomatic missions is considered in case of exception. Children under 10 years need not show any identification. A. Entry Tourist entry visa can be obtained for the following duration from Nepal Embassy/ Consulate or Mission offices abroad, or at the following immigration offices in Nepal:
B. Tourist Visa
D. Gratis (Free) Visa
E. Transit Visa Transit visa for one day can be obtained from Nepal's immigration offices at the entry points upon the production of departure flight ticket via Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal, by paying US $ 5 or equivalent nepali currency. (For further information, please, contact Department of Immigration, Maitighar, Impact Building, Kathmandu, |