1. About Nepal.
Nepal consists of different castes, ethnic groups, and religions that engulf this minuscule nation. Nepal is a Himalayan country which is flanked by two humongous countries, namely India and China. Regardless of its size, Nepal has made its identity in the world for being the best hub to indulge in some heavy trekking and sightseeing. The sky-piercing mountains are a haven for travel enthusiasts and they find themselves lost in the natural melodrama. For pilgrims, religious sites like Pashupatinath and Muktinath give the visitors a deep insight into the prevailing culture and traditions.
From the top of the world at the Mount Everest (8848m) to the lush jungles of Chitwan and the Tibetan-Buddhist culture in the Upper Mustang to the indigenous Tharu community, Nepal is a genuine fantasy. Trekking, Hiking, Mountaineering, or adventure sports, Nepal also allows the number of traveling destinations and variants of travel which can be rather overwhelming. This is where we step in!
2. Visa Information.
Tourists entering Nepal can easily get On-Arrival Visas at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. One can also apply for Nepalese visa at the embassies and diplomatic missions in various countries in the world. If you have obtained a visa from Nepalese Diplomatic Missions, then you must enter Nepal within six months from the visa issued date. Visa obtained on arrival at the entry points are the tourist visa. If you wish to change your visa category then an application along with the required documents are to be submitted to the department of immigration. You must a certain fee to procure on-arrival Visas.
- 25 USD for 15 Days Visa
- 40 USD for 30 Days Visa
- 100 USD for 90 Days Visa
3. How to reach Nepal.
There are many ways through which you can reach Nepal. The most popular ones being through land and air. There is no option of water as the country has no sea. There are a total of 7 crossing points through land out of which 6 are at Nepal-India border and one of them is at Nepal-Tibet border. Majority of the land entry points are in the Terai region and are located in the cities like Sunauli and Bhairawa. The popular crossing point is in the eastern part at Kakarbhitta. If you wish to travel to Nepal by air, then you can choose various airlines that conduct regular international flights. The flights take you to the sole international airport of Nepal at Tribhuvan International Airport.
4. Popular Destination to Visit.
There are so many culturally and naturally rich sites in Nepal that listing them all does no justice. Kathmandu and Pokhara are two of the prominent tourist hubs of the nation. Both these offer cultural magnificence and natural grandeur.Lose yourself in the aura of Buddhism in the quaint town of Lumbini. If you fancy the natural melodrama, treks and hikes are the best options. With 8 of the 10 highest peaks in the world situated in Nepal, the Himalayas offer a great opportunity for exploration. The country also offers numerous destinations to indulge in adventure sports like rafting, bungee jumping, skydiving, and paragliding among others.
Some of the notable destinations in Nepal are:
- Kathmandu Valley (Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur)
- Pokhara and Lumbini
- Chitwan and Bardia (Jungle Safari)
- Everest Region (Everest Basecamp Trek, Gokyo Valley Trek)
- Annapurna Region (Annapurna Basecamp Trek, Ghorepani Trek)
- Upper Mustang Region (Upper Mustang Trek)
- Manaslu Region (Manaslu Circuit Trek)
- Langtang Region (Langtang Valley, Tamang Heritage Trek)
- Dolpo Region (Upper and Lower Dolpo Trek)
5. Things to do in Nepal.
Your stay in Nepal can be accentuated if you indulge in some extracurricular activities rather than mere sightseeing or trek. Head towards the Bhote Koshi River, and challenge yourself to do some scary bungee. If you fancy amazing food, then head to the narrow streets of the Kathmandu valley to taste the authentic Newari cuisine. In addition to food, the Kathmandu valley houses centuries of history, which can be seen, heard and even felt by visiting its many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Soaring in the skies never goes out of fashion, so try the paragliding adventure in Pokhara and feel freedom clutching your veins. Trekking and other mountaineering activities are the mainstream attractions across the country.
6. People/Food/Culture.
The majority of people of Nepal follow Hinduism and Buddhism. Christianity and other religions are also there, but they are small in quantity. Ethnic communities like Brahmin, Chhetri, Newar, Tamang, and Gurung make up the major populace with plenty others indigenous groups as well. Each community has its own set of customs and traditions that they follow and enjoy. The people that follow Hinduism have their main festival of Dashain, which lasts for about 2 weeks, which is followed by Tihar. Buddhists celebrate Buddha Jayanti and Lhosar as their main festivals.
The culinary delights of the country are quite addicting as well. Dal Bhat Tarkari is the staple food accompanied by various others which vary as per the prevailing geography and weather. As you head to the mountain parts, people dine on Dhedo, whereas the people on the flat plains of Terai prefer roti as their main staple.
7. Banking, ATMs, and money in Nepal.
The development of banking and credit facility has steadily grown in the past decade. Not only in the urban areas, but you can find banks and financial institutions in rural areas too. These banks have made the transfer of money much easier, and as a traveler, you won't have to worry much about money. There are ATMs almost everywhere in the major cities and minor towns. While ATMs are present in fewer numbers in remote areas, you can easily cash at banks or prepare before-hand.
The local currency is the Nepalese Rupees. The banknotes in Nepal are available in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 denominations. Coins of 1 and 2 rupees are also available in the country. You can easily exchange Nepalese currency at banks and similar institutions. However, we advise you to be cautious when performing the transaction and only do so with authorized bodies.
8. Internet and Communication in Nepal.
The Internet is used all over the country and most of the population to use it for various purposes. You can find easy internet facility across the country. The speed of the internet is relatively good and Wi-Fi services also allow easy usage. Even in the high altitude regions like Namche, you can expect to find Internet cafes. Almost everyone in the nation has a personal mobile phone. NTC and Ncell provide Sim cards with phone and cellular data network. With these, you can easily be in touch with your friends and family.
9. Traveling alone in Nepal.
In comparison to other countries, Nepal is much safer and easier to travel. The cultural practice of Nepalese people is the main reason behind it being safe for traveling alone. People here, view guests as Gods and refrain from harming or disrespecting them. Traveling alone in Nepal requires knowledge about certain minor issues like religious boundaries of paying homage to religious sites. Similarly, you should wear non-provocative clothes as per your ease in the country. If you have no information regarding them, then it is advised that you don’t do so or bring a partner along with you.
10. Safety and Security.
While you are traveling in Nepal, we recommend you to do an insurance pre-hand. Travel and Medical insurances which cover emergency medical treatment and immediate evacuation are a must while you do so.The major cities and small towns are fully equipped with health facilities, as you travel far from the city, the health facilities become a bit sparse, yet offer the best services available. While trekking in the remote regions, be sure to carry emergency medicines. Carry items of personal aid like sunscreen, Vaseline, lip balms, and trekking shoes. Before you arrive in Nepal, be sure to get vaccinated. If you feel any sort of problems, then head to the Tourist police. Information regarding Tourist Police is available at the official website of Nepal Tourism Board at https://www.welcomenepal.com/plan-your-trip/tourist-police.html.
