Travel Tips: Nepal

Nepal is one country I cannot get enough of.  It has Mount Everest, very beautiful landscape of mountain ranges, and very friendly people who enjoy meeting visitors and who have a ready smile for everyone. The following are some tips for those who plan to explore Nepal: 

Visa

A visa is required when travelling to Nepal.  It can be organized through the Nepalese Embassies in USA, UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, Brussels, Geneva Japan, Thailand and Hongkong. For those without embassies, tourists can apply for tourist visa upon arrival at Kathmandu.  A 15 day single entry tourist visa is usually provided for a USD 25 entry fee. You may check out visa regulations at the Nepal Tourism Board website.

Arrival

All international flights arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal.  It is, surprisingly, a small airport considering the huge number of tourists coming to Nepal. Tribhuvan is the only international airport in Nepal.  

Currency

Currency is Nepalese rupee (NPR). You may get estimate of the exchange rate here before you travel. There are foreign exchange counters at Tribhuvan airport as well as in downtown Kathmandu. 

Major banks and big restaurants, hotels and shopping malls in Kathmandu accept major international credit cards.

Travelling in and around Kathmandu

Metered taxis are available and fare may cost up to approximately USD6 or Euro4.

Timezone

GMT + 5:45

Weather

• Summer is March to mid June and temperature can range from 15 to 32 degree Celcius during summer. 
• Monsoon period is between mid June to mid August.
• Winter is from mid November until mid February.  Temperature can go down to minus 2 degree Celsius during mid winter with lots of fog and frost in the morning.  In Kathmandu, winter season is very cold, but without snow. 

Best time to visit 

The best time to visit is after August, when the monsoon ends.  Post monsoon mountain air is clean and fresh and also Dashain and Tihar festivals fall in September and October. From February to April, climate is dry and pleasant and also rhododendons (Nepal's national flower) are in bloom.

Language 

The language spoken (even in hotels and restaurants) is mainly Nepali.  English is spoken to assist foreigners. 

Things to Remember: 

• Before entering a house or a temple, please remove your shoes

• Non Hindus are not allowed to enter into Hindu temples. Buddhist temples are however open to all.

• Women should avoid dresses which expose bare shoulders and knees when visiting rural areas

• Don't kiss or shake hands, especially with women, unless they initiate.

• To greet people or say good morning, good evening, goodnight and goodbye, say "Namaste" with hands joined together and fingers extended in front of you. A simple smile is also accepted or you may raise your right hand slightly above your head.  

• Do not put your hand or arm on the shoulder of a person,specially of a woman and also do not put your hands on the head of the children, as it may offend them. 

• Do not smoke in public places as it is prohibited by the government..

Have a safe and fun travel to Nepal!