Nepal Travel

About Nepal
Nepal’s acronym of Never Ending Peace And Love, does well to characterise this nation of good natured and accommodating people; a land of majestic Himalayan scenery comprising eight of the world’s ten highest mountains, including Mt Everest: the uppermost place on earth at 29,029ft (8,848m).
Situated between India and Tibet, the Kingdom of Nepal is filled with as many different ethnic groups, customs and traditions as it is diverse in geography. From the hot Indian plains and steamy southern Tarai lowlands, the terrain crosses the Kathmandu Valley and rises to the frozen heights of the Himalayan peaks towards the Tibetan plateau known as the ’roof of the world’. Spread across these varied altitudes are communities of colourful cultures and people, many untouched by modern development; animated cities and towns, and far-flung mountain villages. Life here revolves around an intricate intermingling of ancient Hindu and Buddhist religious rituals. Numerous festivals are celebrated throughout the year coloured by a diversity of religious and tribal traditions. The capital of Kathmandu brings an assortment of these different societies together into a vibrant collection of brilliant sights and exotic smells, with modern shops co-existing with street sellers, while pyramidal Buddhist temples, holy Sadhus of the Hindu faith and medieval palace squares fill the urban landscape.

Nepal is well endowed with glorious scenery - verdant terraced valleys, rushing rivers and ice-blue lakes that originate in the ’abode of snows’, or Himalayas. The uplifting sight of soaring mountains is a magnet for mountaineers and trekkers, offering some of the greatest challenges and most scenic walking opportunities on earth. Its diverse terrain offers tremendous opportunities for adventurous activities, and although mountain climbing and trekking are the most popular, there is also superb white water rafting on steep mountain rivers, as well as elephant-back safaris or tiger tracking in the Royal Chitwan and Royal Bardia National Parks situated within the jungles of the southern Tarai belt.

Nepal has many attractions, but the essence of the country is its smiling, friendly people with their heartfelt palm-pressed greetings, and together with its inspiring scenery, this beguiling kingdom is a place where one visit is usually not enough to satisfy the captivated traveller.

Climate
Nepal has two seasons – the dry season from October to May and the rainy, monsoon season from June to September. Early spring (March to April) and late autumn (October and November) are the best times to visit, and also offer the clearest mountain views and good weather for trekking. From December to February there is snow on the mountains with freezing temperatures at high altitudes, while the summer months of June to August can be very hot for general travel.

Language
Nepali is the official language. English is spoken in all major tourist areas.

Money
The official currency is Nepali Rupee (Rs), which is divided into 100 paisa. As change can be a problem it is recommended that visitors have a supply of small notes handy. Tourist activities are often quoted in US Dollars and it is advisable to carry new dollar bills in varied denominations. Both Euro and US dollar travellers cheques are widely accepted in tourist areas and can be cashed easily in most banks and major hotels throughout the country. There are ATMs in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards are accepted in many tourist hotels, shops, restaurants and travel agencies. Banks and moneychangers are present in all tourist places and in the major cities; all receipts from foreign exchange transactions should be kept so rupees can be exchanged back into foreign currencies on departure.

Time
Local time is GMT +5.45.

Communications
The country code for Nepal is +977, and the outgoing code is 00. City codes are also required. Two mobile phone operators provide GSM 900 network coverage in the main cities and towns, but this does not extend to the summit of Mount Everest! In the main tourist centres of Kathmandu and Pokhara there are Internet cafes on every corner.

Tipping
Restaurants and hotels may add 10% to bills in which case no further tip is required; otherwise a 10% tip is customary in places that cater to tourists. It is customary to tip guides and porters on treks. Elsewhere it is not customary to tip, but gratuities are always appreciated.

Safety
On 1 February 2005 the king dismissed the government, assuming direct control of the country. The situation was violent and unpredictable, but seems to have stabilised. Travellers are advised to avoid all public gatherings. At present, transport is operating freely in the Kathmandu Valley, and recent bandhs (strikes) in Kathmandu have been ineffective. Official curfews are being declared at short notice throughout major towns and cities, and travellers are cautioned to abide by restrictions; hotels will be able to provide daily information. Countrywide bandhs are occasionally called for by the Maoists and political parties at short notice, which can turn violent. These usually seriously affect road transport and many businesses, and visitors are advised to seek up to date information before travelling; tourists have been left temporarily stranded. Fighting between the rebels and government soldiers has escalated since the ceasefire between the Nepalese government and the communist Maoists broke down in August 2003. The US Department of State has declared the Maoists to be a terrorist organisation and US citizens in particular are advised against non-essential travel to Nepal following anti-American threats; other Western governments are currently offering similar warnings. Due to the recent increase in bomb attacks and shootings in public places, including the main tourist areas of Kathmandu, Pokhara and Lukla, as well as on popular trekking routes, visitors are warned to be particularly vigilant; foreign tourists have been involved in several recent incidents. The attack on a bus in the Chitwan district on 6 June 2005 killed at least 39 people and injured over 70. There have been incidences of violent robbery against trekkers and there is an armed Maoist presence on many of the major trekking routes who demand a ’tax’ before allowing trekkers to pass. Trekkers are advised to stay on established routes and walk in a group or with professional guides. Foreigners were seriously injured in two attacks in the Nagarjun Forest Reserve just outside Kathmandu in October 2005 and visitors are advised to be cautious in the area and to travel in a group.

Health
No immunization is required, but vaccinations for cholera, hepatitis A, meningitis, tetanus, diphtheria and typhoid are recommended. Altitude sickness is a real risk for trekkers. There is a risk of malaria between June and September in the low-lying areas including Chitwan National Park. Untreated water should be avoided; visitors can buy bottled water or purify their own. When trekking it is preferable to treat one’s own water rather than leaving a trail of plastic bottles behind; purifying water with iodine is the cheapest and easiest way to treat water. Stomach upsets are likely to be the most common cause of illness in travellers; food in tourist restaurants or ’Western’ food should be treated with caution as it is often reheated or left to stand out, and drinks or salads can contain ice or have ingredients washed in dirty water. Standard of care in hospitals varies, but there are traveller’s clinics in Kathmandu and numerous pharmacies in the major towns. Medical insurance is essential.

Customs
Nepal has numerous cultural practices that are unusual to foreigners. In the tourist areas there is a high degree of tolerance towards visitors, but away from these places foreigners should be sensitive to local customs. Never accept or offer anything with the left hand. Do not eat from someone else’s plate or offer food from one’s own. Women should dress conservatively and cover as much as possible. Permission should be sought before taking photographs.

Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two- and three-pin plugs are used.

Trekking in Nepal

Places to visit in Nepal