Nepal: Know Before You Go

Nepal is a small, landlocked country sandwiched between China and India. It's a popular destination for adventurous travellers, with challenging trekking routes, breathtaking glaciers, and picturesque valleys. However, there's much more to Nepal than its mountains. Here's what you need to know before visiting:

Getting There and Visas:

Most visitors fly into Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the country's capital. Getting a visa for Nepal is easy. You can get a visa on arrival, and a 15-day visa costs $25, a 30-day visa is $40, and a 90-day visa is $100.

Accommodation:

Nepal offers a range of accommodation options, from luxurious 5-star hotels to basic guesthouses. Prices vary across regions, but accommodations are generally affordable.

When to Go:

The best time to visit Nepal is between October and December, when the skies are clear and the weather is calm and dry—perfect for outdoor activities. If you want to avoid the crowds, January and February are ideal, as there are fewer travellers during these months. Late May is also a great time to visit, as the flowers start to bloom, creating a beautiful sight.

Where to Go:

Nepal has plenty of must-visit places. Start with the Pashupatinath Temple, a historic Hindu temple not far from the international airport. Explore the Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley, each with its unique history, architecture, and culture. Outside Kathmandu, visit Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, for its historical and religious significance. Nature lovers will enjoy Chitwan, Khaptad, and Rara.

Costs:

Nepal is one of the cheapest countries in Asia for a vacation. Daily expenses, including food and accommodation, can be as little as $25-30. However, entrance fees to popular tourist attractions can add up, with places like Kathmandu Durbar Square charging $10 per entrance.

Food:

When in Nepal, it's worth trying the local cuisine. However, be aware that Nepali food is often spicy, and it might cause digestion issues if you're not used to it. Also, inform your host or hotel beforehand if you have any food allergies or intolerances, as these concepts are not widely understood in Nepal.

Culture and Etiquette:

In Nepal, it is considered disrespectful to go trekking alone. Always hire a guide or join a group. Public displays of affection, such as kissing, are frowned upon. When greeting locals, use the traditional namaste or namaskar gesture, placing your palms together in a prayer style. Remove your shoes before entering a Nepali home, and always use your right hand when eating or passing food.

Nepal is a landlocked country surrounded by China and India

Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia, surrounded by two large neighbours: China to the north and India to the south, east, and west. This unique geographical position has several implications for travellers.

Firstly, Nepal's landlocked position means it does not have direct access to the sea or other third countries. As a result, travellers should be aware that Nepal has limited transport connections and can be challenging to reach. Most visitors fly into Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, with only a small number of international airlines servicing the country. For those entering by land, there are numerous border crossings with India in the south, which can be easily navigated, especially with a tour agency.

Secondly, Nepal's position between China and India influences its culture and customs. The country has a hybrid of Buddhist and Hindu religions and customs, with about 80% of the population identifying as Hindu and 10% as Buddhist. Visitors should be aware of cultural differences and respectful behaviour, such as using the traditional Hindu greeting "Namaste", removing shoes before entering temples or homes, and avoiding touching people's heads or pointing with fingers.

Thirdly, Nepal's landlocked position affects its economy and trade. The country relies on its neighbours for transit and trade, and visitors should be aware of potential issues with obtaining foreign currency and exchanging money. Nepali rupees cannot be exchanged outside of Nepal, and it is illegal to take Nepali rupees out of the country. Visitors should also be cautious of currency exchange scams and unofficial tour guides, who may demand money for their services.

Lastly, Nepal's position between two large countries can impact its political dynamics. Visitors are advised to avoid discussing politics with locals, as Nepal has a relatively new republic and a history of civil war.

In summary, Nepal's position as a landlocked country surrounded by China and India shapes its culture, customs, economy, and political landscape. Travellers should be aware of these unique characteristics and prepare accordingly to ensure a smooth and respectful visit to this fascinating country.

The best time to visit is between October and December

The best time to visit Nepal is between October and December. During these months, the skies are generally clear and blue, and the views of the Himalayas are spectacular. The weather is warm but not too hot, and the clear skies mean that you will get great views of the mountains.

October to November is the peak season for travel to Nepal, and it is the best time for most activities. It is not, however, the cheapest time to visit Nepal, though the country is generally affordable anyway. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting in late September, which is the shoulder season.

The peak tourism season also coincides with the peak festival season. Dashain usually falls in October, while Tihar is usually in November. The dates vary as they follow a lunar calendar. Tihar, the festival of light, is more accessible to travellers. You'll see displays of lights and rangoli decorations outside homes and businesses across the country. It's one of the best times to visit Kathmandu or Pokhara.

If you plan to go trekking in the Himalayas, then autumn is one of the best times to visit, as the weather is dry and clear.

The country has a lot more to offer than mountains

Nepal is famous for its majestic mountains, but there is so much more to see and do that doesn't involve trekking. Here are some reasons why Nepal has a lot more to offer than mountains:

Kathmandu

Nepal's bustling capital, Kathmandu, is a historic city where three ancient kingdoms converge. The city is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan Durbar squares (formerly royal kingdoms), as well as the ancient Swayambhunath and Boudhanath Buddhist stupas, and the Pashupatinath Hindu temple. Kathmandu is also a great place to try Newari cuisine and explore the local culture.

Pokhara

Pokhara is a vibrant and picturesque city known for Phewa Lake and the Annapurna Trekking Circuit. It offers adventure activities such as bungee jumping, microflights, and paragliding.

Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park is a biodiversity hotspot renowned for its lush jungles, diverse wildlife, and conservation efforts. It is home to Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinos, and hundreds of bird species, offering safaris, canoe rides, and jungle walks for an immersive wildlife experience.

Lumbini

Lumbini is the birthplace of Buddha and a famous place of pilgrimage. It is home to the Maya Devi Temple and the gleaming white Peace Pagoda.

National Parks

In addition to Chitwan, Nepal boasts several other national parks worth visiting, including Sagarmatha National Park, Langtang National Park near Kathmandu, Khaptad National Park in the Far Western Region, and Rara National Park with the stunning Rara Lake. These parks offer the opportunity to discover incredible wildlife and enjoy natural landscapes.

Cultural Experiences

Nepal has a rich and distinct culture, with a hybrid Buddhist-Hindu religion practised by its people. The Nepali greeting, "Namaste", is a traditional Hindu greeting meaning "the divine spirit within me bows to the divine spirit within you". Cows are considered sacred, and you will find colourful prayer flags and prayer wheels, which are inscribed with Buddhist prayers, throughout the country.

Nepal offers a unique blend of culture, nature, and adventure, making it a must-visit destination that has something for everyone.

Avoid drinking tap water

Drinking tap water in Nepal is not recommended. The drinking water quality in Nepal varies depending on the region. While natural springs in the mountains may offer pristine water, urban areas, especially those undergoing rapid development, may have issues with water purity. Tap water in Nepal, even in metropolitan areas, may contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and other impurities that can lead to ailments like diarrhea or dysentery.

• Always opt for bottled water. It is readily available in cities, popular tourist areas, and along trekking routes. Ensure that the bottle is sealed and from a reputable source to avoid counterfeit or tampered products.
• Boil or purify water when bottled water is not accessible. Boiling water for a minimum of one minute will neutralize most harmful agents. Alternatively, use water purification tablets, portable filters, or UV water purifiers.
• Invest in a reusable filtered water bottle. This reduces plastic waste and ensures access to clean drinking water, especially during treks.
• Drink only hot beverages, as the water is boiled. Avoid beverages served with ice, as the ice may come from untreated water sources.
• Consume packaged drinks like sodas, fruit juices, or beer when in doubt about water purity.
• Use safe water for brushing your teeth and maintain good personal hygiene. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating or after using the restroom. Carry hand sanitizer for situations when water is not readily available.

Carry a universal adapter

Nepal uses three types of power plugs and sockets (also known as outlets): Type C, Type D, and Type M. Type C plugs have two round pins, Type D plugs have three round pins in a triangular pattern, and Type M plugs have three round pins with larger pins than Type D. Type E, F, and some universal power plug adapters are not compatible with Type D and Type M sockets, so be sure to buy a connector piece suitable for Type D or Type M plug types.

The standard voltage in Nepal is 230V at a frequency of 50Hz. If you are travelling to Nepal from a country with a standard voltage of 100V-127V, such as the US, Canada, or countries in South America, you will need a voltage converter in addition to a power plug adapter.

Voltage converters and transformers allow you to use electrical appliances that are rated at a different voltage from the supply. Using an electrical appliance with the wrong voltage can be extremely dangerous. Converters are typically used with appliances that operate for a short duration (1-2 hours), while transformers can be used with appliances that operate continuously.

It is important to note that travel adapters do not convert voltage or frequency. They simply allow you to plug any electrical appliance from one country into a foreign electrical socket from another.

Frequently asked questions