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Location of Nepal
Getting there
Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is connected by air with the rest of the world. Airlines that fly into Kathmandu are:
- Royal Nepal Airlines
- Thai Airways
- Qatar Airlines
- Gulf Airways
- Indian Airlines
- Jet Airways
- Sahara Airlines
- Druk Air
- Air China
- Biman Bangladesh
- Pakistan International Airlines
- Austrian Airlines
- Air Arabia
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are not required for entry to Nepal. Please check with your local medical centre for advice prior to your departure.
Travel insurance
It is advisable to get travel insurance to cover sickness, accident, loss of baggage, cancellation and emergency evacuation. This last is in the unlikely event that you need evacuation by plane or helicopter due to illness or accident.
Visa
| Visa Facility | Duration | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple entry | 15 days | US$ 25 or equivalent convertible currency |
| Multiple entry | 30 days | US$ 40 or equivalent convertible currency |
| Multiple entry | 90 days | US$ 100 or equivalent convertible currency |
Tourist Visa Extension
Visa extension fee for 15 days or less is US $ 30 or equivalent convertible currency and visa extension fee for more than 15 days is US$ 2 per day
Tourist visa can be extended for a maximum period of 150 days in a single visa year (January – December).
There is no charge for children under 10 years, although a visa is required.
Ensure you bring 2 passport sized photos when applying for your visa on arrival in Nepal.
Gratis visas are available for tourists of SAARC member countries and the People's Republic of China.
For further information please refer to:
Department of Immigration
Tel: +977 1 4223681 / 4470650
Website: http://www.immi.gov.np/
Eco and sustainable tours
Travelers often look for little-frequented, little-trodden wilderness areas for their trips, wanting to avoid popular tourist areas. However, it can, and often does, happen that such areas can lose their special originality and charm through the presence of tourists. Litter and cultural pollution can change the setting, such that indigenous lifestyles, dependent upon a delicate natural balance, vanish forever.
The Explore Nepal Group has put great emphasis on minimising environmental, social and cultural damage from tourism and maximizing economic benefits to local people and communities. This can be seen in all The Explore Nepal Group properties and places on its itineraries, both inside and outside of Nepal.
Through its commitment and hard work towards environmental conservation and ecotourism, The Explore Nepal Group has won a number of awards. Examples include the prestigious PATA Environmental and Gold Awards (1997, 1998, 1999 & 2004), and the WWF Abraham Conservation Award (2002).
The Explore Nepal Group complies with the PATA Code for Sustainable Tourism and the International Porter Protection Group guidelines. We encourage our guests to follow the traveller’s codes of conduct, including The Kathmandu Environment Education Project guidelines when visiting religious places.
Language
Nepalese is the national language of Nepal. There are, however, over a hundred different mother tongues.
Climate & Weather
No other country in the world has a climate so distinctly varied and affected by altitude. The long stretch of the northern border, touching the high Himalayas, has an arctic type of climate. A few hours south, as the elevation decreases to the southern border, the climate changes dramatically to a sometimes tropical heat. Between the two extremes are the mid-hills where there are no extremes of temperature.
The year is divided into 4 distinct seasons:
The Spring Season commences from mid February and continues until late May. The Rainy Season start then and lasts till late August. Autumn is through September, October and November. And Winter is December to mid February.
The seasons have different effects on the various geographical areas of course. In general the best season for visitors to Nepal is autumn. The climate is benign, warm, and sunny, with clear skies and dazzling views of the mountains. Plant lovers might prefer the spring when hill and mountain slopes are covered with beautiful and colorful flowers, though haze can obscure the mountains.
Local time in Nepal
Security
A 10 year ‘people’s war’ resulted in a peaceful and fair election in 2008 for a Constituent Assembly after which Nepal was declared a secular nation state. Nepal is obviously still working to resolve political issues, but there are no longer any security issues as there were before the elections in 2008.
For current security advisory information please check:
US State Department Travel Advice:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_927.html
UK Government Travel Advice:
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/asia-oceania/nepal
Money Matters
ATMs
All major commercials banks of Nepal including Standard Charted Bank, Nabil Bank offer ATM services in Kathmandu and Pokhara. You can get cash advances on both Visa and Master card. Most ATMs are accessible 24 hours a day.
Banks
Most banks are open Monday to Friday 9 am - 3 pm excluding holidays.
Currency and exchange rates
One rupee equals 100 paisa.
Exchange rates are published in English daily newspapers such as The Himalayan and The Kathmandu Post. Nepalese Rupees are found in denominations of 1,000, 500, 250, 100, 50, 25, 20, 10, and 5. Paisa come in smaller denominations in the form of coins.
Nepal Currency Exchange Rate (NRB) as of 2010-02-21
| Currency | Unit | Buying | Selling |
| Indian Rupees | 100 | 160.00 | 160.15 |
| US Dollar | 1 | 73.71 | 74.31 |
| Euro Currency | 1 | 99.83 | 100.65 |
| Pound Sterling | 1 | 115.15 | 116.09 |
| Swiss Frank | 1 | 68.11 | 68.67 |
| Australian Dollar | 1 | 65.93 | 66.46 |
| Canadian Dollar | 1 | 70.24 | 70.82 |
| Singapore Dollar | 1 | 52.25 | 52.68 |
| Japanese Yen | 10 | 8.10 | 8.17 |
| China Yuan | 1 | 10.79 | 10.88 |
| Hong Kong Dollar | 1 | 9.49 | 0.00 |
Ethics & Etiquettes
Dress and Attire
Baggy trousers or calf-length skirts with a loose top are appropriate trekking and touring wear for women. Men should wear a shirt at all times. Men's knee-length hiking shorts are fine for trekking but not when visiting temples, monasteries or homes. Nudity is particularly offensive. Whether bathing in a stream or at a village tap, men should wear shorts or underwear. Women can wrap a sarong around themselves and wash as the village women do. A swimsuit should be worn only if out of sight of villagers. Show of public affection is likewise frowned upon.
Artifacts and Antiques
It is illegal to export anything older than 100 years. Please do not take any religious objects (prayer stones, statues, temple ritual objects, prayer flags, etc.) away from sacred sites and discourage others from doing so.
Taking Photos
Most Nepalese don't mind being photographed. Please ask first, especially if photographing ceremonies or older people. Paying for a picture reinforces a hand-out mentality. Try instead to establish a friendly rapport with a few words or gestures.
Beggars
Do not give candy, pens, trinkets or money to children but instead donate to a school, monastery or hospital. Nepalese give a few rupees to the handicapped and religious yogis, so you can do the same.
Bargaining
It is acceptable to bargain for souvenirs and trekking services but posted prices in restaurants and lodges should be respected. Best is to ask around to find out the fair price; since paying too much adds to inflation and paying too little denies the merchant a fair return.
Offensive Gestures
- To show appreciation and respect, use two hands rather than one when giving or receiving something, even money.
- Remember not to point with a single finger but use a flat extended hand especially to indicate a sacred object or place.
- Don't eat with your left hand and nor eat beef among Hindus.
- Try not to step over or point your feet at another person or a sacred place.
- Remove shoes when entering a home, temple or monastery.
- Do not offer food from your plate, nor eat from a common pot, and avoid touching your lips to a shared drinking vessel.
Tipping
Tipping is a newly accepted custom in Nepal. Hotel, restaurant, touring and trekking staffs often make up for relatively meager wages with tips. Reward only good work. Don't tip for short taxi rides in town or any service person you've bargain with.
How we grade treks
Grade 1
Easy treks generally between 900m (3,000ft) and 2,000m (6,500ft). There are 'ups & downs' on the treks so regular walkers will get full enjoyment from their experience. It is possible to design easier treks which are shorter in days and hours walked per day.
Grade 2
Moderate treks generally between 900m (3,000ft) and 3,000m (9,900ft).
Grade 3
Reasonably demanding treks up to altitudes of 4,000m (13,000ft). Side trips to higher elevations are possible.
Grade 4
Treks in Nepal and Tibet generally between 3,700m (12,000ft) and 5,500m (18,000ft). Treks require participants to be fit & in excellent health.
High Mountain
Extremely demanding treks sometimes in very remote areas on rough terrain. Maximum altitudes of 6,461m (21,192ft). Participants should have (at least) a basic knowledge of the use of crampons & ice-axes. First time climbers may be accepted on some of the 'easy' routes on these treks. Medical certificates are required prior to acceptance on these treks.
Our hotels
We own and manage eco hotels and restaurants all over Nepal. If you need to stay elsewhere then please tell us when booking.
Family and Children
We welcome families and children. Our staff can look after children at anytime to give couples time on their own.
Health & Wellbeing
If you want to improve your health and wellbeing on your trip, we can offer yoga and breathing exercies.