Ultimate Nepal Travel Guide – Everything You Need To Know Before Traveling Nepal
Published: 14th Oct, 2019
Ultimate Nepal travel guide, provides you with some of the essential information on Nepal. We recommend travelers to go through this Nepal travel guide before planning to travel Nepal.
Extending from rich subtropical forest to soaring Himalayas; from jungle habitat of the endangered Bengal tiger and one-horned rhinoceros to the chasing ground of snow Leopards.
Similarly, Nepali culture is as diverse as its physical one. Individuals of 126 ethnic gatherings, communicating with a host of various languages call this place home.
Diverse ethnic gatherings, live in various regions of Nepal. Furthermore, Nepal is divided into three areas. The southern part flanking India is Terai region, the northern part bordering China is Himalayan area and pressed in the middle is the Hilly region where the famous traveler’s destination like Kathmandu and Pokhara lies.
When To go
Nepal has four main seasons, mainly autumn, winter, spring, and summer. For, the majority of visitors, traveling Nepal with priority to see the Himalayas autumn season is the best. Autumn season (October -December) starts just after the monsoons. Furthermore, the monsoon clears the atmosphere, giving way to clear blue skies and beautiful view of the Himalayas. Hence, this is the prime time to visit Nepal.
Furthermore, during this time of the year it is neither too hot in the Terai region and not too cold in the Himalayan region. Moreover, two main festivals, Dashain and Tihar, also fall during this period. However, the downside is the trekking route gets crowded and the tourist quarters in the mountains are pricey.
Winter (January and February)
The weather is mostly clear and stable. It never snows in Kathmandu, however the morning and evening are chilly here. However, trekking is not recommended during these months of the year as the it gets very cold there. However, it’s the excellent time to visit the attractions in Terai such as Lumbini (Birthplace of Lord Buddha), Chitwan National Park, Bardia National Park, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve among others.
Spring (March to May)
The second tourist season in Nepal, with the warmer weather and longer days. Rhododendrons are in bloom throughout the trekking trails adding to the beauty of the Himalayas. Further, during this period, Terai long grass (elephant grass) will have been cut down making it an excellent period for wildlife viewings. However, the downside is the haze can obscure the mountain view from lower elevations.
Pre – monsoon (June to mid July)
These months brings even more stifling heat, afternoon clouds, rain showers. During this period there are many downsides such as the mountain visibility are impossible, trekking is not suggested as the trails get muddy and are infested with leeches. However, Kathmandu tour is okay during this time of the year. Furthermore, monsoon (August to September) is considered an off-season in Nepal. However, there are Upper Mustang trek, Upper Dolpo trek, which are best during these times of the year.
These trekking region lies beyond the Himalayas and receives minimum of less rainfall. During this time the field comes alive with rushing water and green shoots. This time can be the fascinating time to visit, when Nepal is at its most Nepali; the air is clean, flowers are in bloom, butterflies are everywhere. Furthermore, fresh fruits and vegetables are abundant. However, the downside is the poor visibility of mountains, roads may be blocked by landslides, the flights may be frequently cancelled.
Getting Here
In the autumn and spring, which is the tourist high season, flight to Kathmandu – the Nepal’s only international airport often fills up several months ahead.
Nepal has only one international airport, Tribhuvan International Airport, east of Kathmandu. There are not many direct long-distance flights to Nepal – arriving from Europe, the Americas or Australia will quite often include a stop in the Middle East or Asia.
Nevertheless, there is a direct flight connection from these countries by the following Airlines:
Air India: Direct flights from Delhi, and Kolkata
Bhutan Airlines: Direct flight between Kathmandu and Paro
Biman Bangladesh Airlines: Daily flights to Dhaka.
Cathay Dragon: Four to five flights to Beijing per week.
Air Arabia: Flight from Gulf States
China Eastern Airlines: Serves Lhasa, Kunming and Shanghai.
China Southern Airlines: Serves Guangzhou and Lhasa.
Air China: Daily routes to Lhasa, Chengdu
Druk Air: Serves Paro daily.
Etihad Airways: Daily connections via Abu Dhabi to the rest of the world.
Fly Dubai: Several flights per day to/from Dubai
Himalaya Airlines: Reaches the Gulf and Malaysia.
IndiGo: The budget choice for Delhi.
Malaysia Airlines: For Kuala Lumpur.
Malindo: For Kuala Lumpur.
Oman Air: For Muscat.
Qatar Airways: Daily connections through Doha, further, with excellent onward flights to the USA and Europe.
Sichuan Airlines: For Chengdu and Lhasa.
Thai Airways: Provides the most popular Southeast Asian route to Nepal via Bangkok.
Turkish Airlines: Daily connections via Istanbul.
Getting Here By Land
Many visitors traveling Nepal combine their vacation with India trip. There are numerous border crossing between these countries, and overland crossing between two countries can be easily planned. However, the majority of travelers uses three major crossing Sunauli, Gorakhpur, Raxual and Kakarbhitta. The other crossing near Janakpur, Biratnagar and Islam are rarely used.
Accommodation
Finding a place to sleep is hardly ever a problem in Nepal, although, only established tourist centers like Kathmandu and Pokhara offers a variety of choices. The choices range from a budget B and Bs, hostels, dormitories to upscale hotels. After all, the choice of accommodation depends upon your willingness to spend on your accommodation. Moreover, there are few international hotel chains in Kathmandu such as Marriott, Ramada, Hyatt, and Crowne Plaza if you’re looking for an upscale accommodation
During the peak season that is (March till May) and (October and November) it is hard to negotiate the price of the room. However, if you are traveling during flank season the hotel may offer you fifty percent discount just to make sure that their rooms do not go empty that night.
However, please be careful if you are staying in budget accommodation do not expect 24 – hour hot water, electricity, and safety deposit box.
Food
Kathmandu is known as a budget eating capital in Asia. However, outside regular tourist destinations in Nepal, the chief complaint if travelers is about the lack of variety, though with a willingness to experiment, a range of dishes can be found. Indeed, the vast range of flavors can be just found in rice and lentils. In the Kathmandu valley, the indigenous Newars have their own unique cuisine of spicy vegetable and meat dishes. Further, in the mountains, the traditional diet consists of noodle soups, potatoes, and toasted flour.
Moreover, outside the tourist area the food is quite inexpensive. Note that few of the restaurants charge government tax (13%) and service tax (10%) extra over the menu price.
What to Wear
Nepalese is genuinely relaxed about what tourists wear, yet it pays to bring dress that covers the arms, shoulders and lower legs for visits to temples and different religious sites.
A downy and downpour coat is helpful for the mountains. In winter or above 4500m you’ll require a down jacket, gloves and warm cap.
A swimming outfit and trekking shoes is valuable for boating, kayaking, canyoning and, well, swimming!
Bring an agreeable pair of climbing boots or shoes – purchasing footwear in Nepal is an alternate route to rankle. Moreover, lip analgesic, a wide-overflowed cap, polarizing shades and sunscreen are fundamental for mountain climbs.
Above all, consider wearing a mask against Kathmandu’s air contamination, particularly on the off chance that you intend to rent a bike or bicycle. Masks are widely available.
Visa
All foreigners, with the exception of Indian nationals, 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.
Guests from these countries, should issue Nepal visa from Nepal government offices in their own countries as there is no arrangement 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 encouraging travelers by offering Visa on arrival. ‘On Arrival’ visa methodology is snappy and simple. You can expect a couple of lines during peak tourist season.
However, if you wish to keep away from those lines, you can in like manner, consider getting Visa from Nepalese Diplomatic Missions in your country going before your arrival in Nepal. The choice is yours.
The visa fees are as per the following:-
On Arrival Visa Fee
15 Days – 30 USD per individual
30 Days – 50 USD per individual
90 Days – 125 USD per individual
However, If you are staying Nepal for longer than 90 days you will require visa augmentation. Visit, Department of Immigration, Kalikaistan, Kathmandu for the extension.
Health and Inoculations
Hygiene is not one of the Nepal’s strong points. Moreover, you will see people enjoying street food. It seems they are already immune to it. Furthermore, sanitation in poor.
No inoculations are required for Nepal, but hepatitis A, typhoid, and meningitis jabs are recommended. Furthermore, malaria tablets, injection for Japanese B encephalitis and rabies are also worth considering, All these medication are available in Kathmandu, however, suggest you to do these before you arrive Nepal which is basically Kathmandu.
Furthermore, if you have any medical conditions or concerns about your health, don’t travel without taking suggestions from your doctor, especially in case you are visiting Nepal for high altitude trekking. In Kathmandu medical are sold over the counter under different brand names. The brand available in your country may not be available here in Nepal, hence it is suggested to write down the main ingredient of the medicine. Nevertheless, bringing the brand which you have been using is the best option.
If you’re planning for trekking in Nepal, do not forget to carry Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS) medication. Diamox is the best medication for AMS.
Water
You have to be very careful, untreated water should be avoided at any cost. Hence, only use treated, bottled or boiled water for drinking. Furthermore, keep your mouth closed while taking a shower. All the restaurants provide filtered water, but you can’t guarantee it was boiled first, or that the filters are clean. Hence, tea and bottled water are safe to drink.
Furthermore, it will be good using water purification tablets.
Travel Insurance
While purchasing Nepal tour package from the local tour operators do not include travel insurance. Hence, it’s worth taking insurance before traveling Nepal, to cover against theft, loss and in a worst case scenario the illness or injury. Further, in the event that you are commencing adventurous activities such as rafting, high altitude trekking ensure your policy covers it. Further, If you are traveling extreme sports like climbing, high height treks, ensure that the policy covers the helicopter evacuation expenses. Besides, covering sickness, genuine mishaps or on the off chance that you get stranded in a remote region because of surprising climate.
Money and Exchange
The local currency is Nepalese Rupee subdivided into 100 Paisas. Currency notes are available in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 500 & 1000 rupee denominations. Import of Indian currency by any tourist except Indian nationals is strictly prohibited. Furthermore, a foreign exchange encashment receipt must be obtained for all foreign currency exchanged. It is possible to exchange back into foreign currency upon production of exchange receipts at the time of departure at the airport. Likewise, credit cards like American Express, Master & Visa cards are widely accepted at all major hotels, shops & restaurants.
However, Indian Rupee notes of 200,500, 1000, and 2000 denominations are legally not acceptable in Nepal. Further, only bank notes, not coins, of denominations Rs 100 and below are acceptable and allowed to be carried in to Nepal.
Further, major foreign currencies including USD and GBP, are readily accepted. There are numerous money exchange counters where you will likely get better rates than in your hotel. When you change money office, you are required to show your passport. Furthermore, after you are issued with the foreign encasement receipt showing your identity and amount of hard currency you have changed. Moreover, keep the receipt with you properly.
Tipping
Normally, tipping is not required as many of the restaurants already includes a 10 % service charge. However, your guide and driver will definitely expect some tipping (However, note cab drivers do not expect to be tipped) only your personal car driver that you use throughout the trip. However, it is always hard to say how much to tip. You may tip USD 5-10 per day depending upon the service they have provided you.