The Ultimate Nepal Travel Checklist (Nepal Travel Guide)
Published: 30th Aug, 2019
So you have finally decided to travel Nepal that you have planned for ages!
To save you time and worry from this undertaking, we’ve compiled an ultimate guide on the things to bring during Nepal travel. Furthermore, We’re covering everything, from when to travel Nepal, document and visa requirements to the best travel accessories.
About Nepal
Nepal is a tiny landlocked country where you will discover a variety of natural and cultural beauty found only in a few places on earth. Furthermore, the land rises sharply from the sweltering plains of the Terai in the south at 60 meters above sea level, with lush subtropical forests, to the Himalayan freezing heights in the north. Further, a small country with an incredible and a wonderful Himalayan range which stretches from east to west has mystified the world for a considerable length of time with its one of a kind scene, place for endless adventure and an array of cultural opportunities. This offers tourists a captivating exhibit of cultural, scenic, and sightseeing experiences.
Planning when to Travel Nepal?
When to Come?
The climatic factors are very important in deciding right time to travel Nepal. October to November, the autumn season is the very best time to travel Nepal. Furthermore, if you are looking for a lifetime experience during your Nepal vacation, these time are the best to travel Nepal.
Prime tourist season starts just after the monsoon, the countryside is green and lush and Nepal is at its best to show its natural beauty to its travelers. The skies are sparkling blue and clean, the visibility of Himalaya panorama are perfect. Furthermore, during the time of October, there are colorful festivals to observe.
Likewise, November and December, the visibility is still good, however if you are planning to trek to the mountains during these months it gets cold. Furthermore, if you are using domestic flights to get between the destination, you can expect delays as during winters sometimes the visibility is poor for aircraft to take off. Nevertheless, visit to Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan National Park will be rewarding during these months.
February to April is the next best time to travel Nepal. The weather becomes warm and good time for trekking in Nepal. Furthermore, it is the spring in Nepal, Nepal’s national flower rhododendrons and many species of flowers are in bloom. May till September are not the best time to travel Nepal as the monsoons hangs over like a threat by end of the June. Although, it does not rains all day it rains every day and the trails gets muddy and mountainous highways are prone to landscape. However, if you are only planning to visit Kathmandu, monsoons rather is not a bad time.
What to bring?
Nepal has diverse climate due to altitude variation. Furthermore what to bring will depend on which time of the year you are planning Nepal travel.
If you are in Nepal during winter, T-shirts will be fine during afternoon and a warm cotton clothes during mornings and evening. Likewise, if you are trekking during winter you will want the best down gear money can buy.
In Kathmandu the day-time temperatures are fine all year round, however, during mornings and evenings you will need a sweater or warm jackets. Travel higher to Nagarkot (35 Km) from Kathmandu, it gets much colder. No matter any time you travel wear a mask, especially in Kathmandu. Kathmandu is a traffic chaotic city with lots of dust and smoke. In contrast, Pokhara weather is mild, even during winters, only getting cooler in the mornings and evenings. Furthermore, Pokhara is one of the cleanest city so you will not require mask here. If you are traveling to Chitwan to commence wildlife activities, T-shirts will be fine. Furthermore, during venturing inside the jungle, avoid fancy colored cloth which might disturb the animals. White, grey or green color shirts will blend in. Further, carry a mosquito repellent if you are visiting the Chitwan National Park.
During monsoons, you will require an umbrella or raincoat, mostly in Pokhara where it rains more than any other tourist destinations in Nepal.
If you are trekking sunglasses (UV protected), hat, hiking boots with an ankle support, sleeping bags (if you re trekking to the higher altitude the guesthouses are very basic, so you may prefer to sleep inside your sleeping bag). Furthermore, carry water purification tablets, Diamox, for altitude mountain sickness. Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS), generally occurs if you gain altitude very abruptly. The symptoms of AMS are fatigue, dizziness, headache, shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting. If you have any of these symptoms, tell your guide immediately. The guides take these symptoms very seriously and they will bring you down to lower altitude.
In case, you miss bringing a particular item, do not worry, these are easily and cheaply available in Nepal.
Where Do I Pack Everything ? | Your Luggage Guide For Nepal Travel
First of all! Before you realize what you’re bringing, you should realize where you’re putting them. It is ideal to begin by picking the correct sort of baggage. What is correct relies upon how many days are you planning to travel Nepal and how many spots are you covering.
However, by and large, you have two options:
1. A wheeled bag
2. A travel rucksack
A wheeled bag won’t put weight on your back and will by and large be better sorted out. Delicate shell bags fit in many places and are not effectively harmed. Hard-shell bags will ensure any delicate things, however, they crack very easily when tossed around.
If you are traveling non mountainous destinations such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan, make sure to carry a hard-shell bag. If you are planning for trekking in the mountainous region of Nepal being a wheeled bag and a travel rucksack. However, during trekking it is hard for the porters to carry a wheeled bag. Further, leave the wheeled bag in your hotel, put the things that you do not require during trekking in the wheeled bag and carry a rucksack and make sure to put your important documents such as passports, trek permits, cameras in your rucksack.
Visas and Documents
Visas
All foreigners, except Indian, will require a visa to enter Nepal. Nepal extends upon arrival visa to most of the countries except 1. Nigeria 2. Ghana 3. Zimbabwe 4. Swaziland 5. Cameroon 6. Somalia 7. Liberia 8. Ethiopia 9. Iraq 10. Palestine 11. Afghanistan.
Visitors from these countries, will have to request for Nepal visa from Nepal embassies in their own countries as there is no provision for upon arrival visa for these countries.
Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) is the only international air terminal of Nepal. Immigration Office, TIA under the Department of Immigration has been facilitating travelers by providing Visa on Arrival. ‘On Arrival’ visa procedure is quick and very easy. You can expect a few lines during peak tourist season. On the off chance that you wish to avoid those lines, you can likewise consider getting Visa from Nepalese Diplomatic Missions in your country preceding your entry. The decision is yours.
The visa fees are as follows:-
On Arrival Visa Fee
15 Days – 30 USD per person
30 Days – 50 USD per person
90 Days – 125 USD per person
In case, If you are staying Nepal for longer than 90 days you will require visa extension. Visit, Department of Immigration, Kalikaistan, Kathmandu for the extension.
Tourists can likewise apply for a Visa through Online Visa Application system. Visit www.nepalimmigration.gov.np . Fill all the necessary details at least 5 days before your flight to Nepal. After finishing your form, click submit. A receipt will appear in a new window, print it and bring it with you. You will have to produce this receipt at Immigration Authority during the time of entry along with the visa fees.
Travel Insurance
A travel policy to cover theft, loss and medical problem is always a good idea. However, Nepal tour/trek packages offered by local travel agent do not include travel insurance. You should get your travel insurance from your home country. Further, if you are commencing adventurous activities such as rafting, trekking make sure your policy covers it. Further, If you are traveling Nepal for more adventurous activities like climbing, high altitude treks, make sure that the policy covers the helicopter evacuation expenses. Furthermore, covering illness, serious accidents or if you get stranded in a remote area due to unexpected weather.
Health and Inoculations
If you are traveling Nepal get yourself vaccinated against certain disease that are not common in their nation of origin, such as, Cholera, Typhoid, Malaria, Meningitis, Hepatitis and so on; likewise, your doctor would be best ready to prompt them in the accessibility and administration of these immunizations. Furthermore, It would be best if you make sure that you drink boiled or filtered water only. Ordinarily, all hotels and cafes in Kathmandu serve filtered. Nevertheless, if it’s not too much trouble stick to soft drinks or bottled mineral water.
Medical Kit
A simple but adequate First Aid medical kit is useful:
1. Aspirin – for pain or fever
2. Antihistamine – useful as a decongestant for colds, allergies, to ease the itch from insect bites
3. Antibiotic – useful if the clients are traveling well off the beaten track
4. Kaolin preparation (Pepto-Bismol), Imodium or Lomita, for treatment of severe diarrhea.
5. Antiseptic, Mercurochrome & antibiotic powder or similar “dry spray” – for cuts & stings
6. Bandages & band-aids – for minor injuries.
7. Scissors & a thermometer.
8. Insect repellent, sun block, sustain lotion, water purification tablets.
9. Paracetamol
10. Antacid tablets
Some Do’s and Don’ts
Nepal has various social practices that may to a Himalayas and with its different ethnic gatherings and traditional beliefs. Furthermore, these various social practices that may seem abnormal to you if this is your first visit to Nepal. In any case, to make the most of your stay in this noteworthy tally shimmering waterways, it to the nation. Nevertheless, to make the most of your stay in this Himalayan country, it is significant for guests.
1. The form of greeting in Nepal is “Namaste” by joining the palms together
2. Before entering a Nepalese home, temple, and stupa remember to remove your shoes.
3. Be careful not to use your spoon, fork or hands being used for your eating to touch other’s food, plate, cooking utensil or the serving dish. Furthermore, do not eat from other person’s plate.
4. Never touch anything with your feet.
5. While travelling, dress appropriately. Women should avoid dressing in skinny outfit
6. Seek permission first before entering a Hindu temple. Many Hindu temples do not allow westerners to enter.
7. Leather articles not allowed inside the temple precinct.
8. Walk around the temples and stupas clockwise
9. Always use right hand for giving or receiving something
10. Only take photographs after receiving the permission for the object or person being photographed.
11. If you are couples traveling, avoid public display of affection
12. When you are talking with the locals, many times if he is shaking his head left and right means he may mean ” yes”
These are some of the ultimate Nepal Travel Checklist. Finally, If you wish to know more you may contact us