Essential Information

1) Nepal Visa Information

Nepal might be the only one country in the world where foreign tourist can get visa on arrival at any entry point. If you would like to have Nepal visa in advance at your home, please visit your nearest Nepal Embassy or consulate. Find your nearest Embassy of Nepal or consulate

If you would like to obtain visa on arrival, you can get visa on arrival in any entry point to Nepal. Please bring your passport (with the validity date of at least 6 months, 2 photographs along with visa Fees).

 Following are the entry point to Nepal:

  1. Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
  2. Kakarvitta, Jhapa
  3. Birganj, Parsa
  4. Kodari, Sindhupalchowk
  5. Belahia, Bhairahawa
  6. Jamunaha, Nepalgunj
  7. Mohana, Dhangadhi
  8. Gaddachauki, Mahendranagar

 

Visa Fees:

  • 15 Days multiple entry tourist visa Fees : USD 30
  • 30 Days multiple entry tourist visa Fees : USD 50
  • 90 Days multiple entry tourist visa Fees : USD 125

 

Visa Extension:

If you would like to extend your stay in Nepal more than visa you have obtained, it is possible to stay by extend your visa. Tour Experts tour officer will help you out to get visa extension.

 

 2) Nepal Information

Nepal is landlocked country with its area of 147,181 sq. km located between latitudes 26° and 31°N, and longitudes 80° and 89°E. Nepal is known as the kingdom of Himalaya because eight 8000 meter high peaks are in Nepal out of 14 in the world. Nepal holds many unbreakable world records such as highest lake on earth, deepest lake on earth, highest mountain of this planet, deepest gorge of the world, many world heritage places, only once place on earth where seven world heritage sites within a radius of 15 km, most popular trekking in the world, the birth place of Lord Buddha and  Various geographical structure from 60 meters to 8848 meter elevation from sea level.

 Nepal at a glance:

  • Location: Between India & China
  • Area : 147,181 Sq. km (56,827 Sq. miles)
  • Latitude : 26° 12’ and 88° 27’ North
  • Longitude : 80° 4’ and 88° 12’ East
  • Boundary : 2,926 km
  • Climate : Cool summers and severe winters in north to sub-tropical summers and mild winters in south
  • Local Time : 5 hours 45 minutes ahead of GMT
  • Capital : Kathmandu (565 Sq. km), inhabitants: 2.01 million
  • Population : 26,494,504 (Census 2011)
  • People : Over 125 ethnic groups and 123 spoken languages
  • Religion: Hindus 81.3%, Buddhist 9% and other 9.7%
  • Political Form : Federal Democratic Republic (Declared on May 28th, 2008)
  • Major Language : Nepali
  • Topography : From the world’s deepest gorge ‘Kali-Gandaki’ to the highest point on earth ‘Mount Everest’ 8,848 m

For information about attraction points and most visited places, please click here

 

3) Best Time for Travel to Nepal

Nepal has a typical monsoonal, two-season year. The dry season runs from October to May and there’s the wet (monsoon) season from June to September. Autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) bring almost perfect weather and are definitely the best times to come to Nepal.

October to November, the start of the dry season, is in many ways the absolute best time. With the monsoon only recently finished, the countryside is green and lush, the air is sparkling clean and the Himalayan views are near perfect. Furthermore, the weather is still balmy. There are some important and colorful festivals to enjoy, though the Dasain festival in October can be disruptive if you are on a tight schedule. For obvious reasons this is also the high tourist season but in recent years, due to the political problems, even Nepal’s ‘high season’ has been pretty quiet. The majority of visitors, prioritizing mountain visibility, come in the autumn peak season (late Sept to late Nov), when the weather is clear and dry, and neither too cold in the high country nor too hot in the Terai.

 

 4) Do not miss amazing Nepalese festivals

Travelers interested in traditional festivals and customs of Nepal should not miss interesting Tibetan festivals. Nepali New Year, biggest festival of Nepal Dashain, festival of lights Diwali festival, festival of colors-Holi festival, Hindus festival-Shiva ratri, Gode Jatra etc are the major festival. Beside this there are uncountable religious festival of ethnic groups of Nepal.

There are several Himalayan festivals which are really interesting such as Sagadawa festival, dumji festival, Mani Rimdu festival and Tiji festival.

 

5) Nepal’s best travel destinations

Nepal is a country of beautiful scenic landscapes, uncountable snowcapped-mountains with an abundance of both natural and cultural heritage. Although being a small landlocked country right in between two Asian giant countries China and India, Nepal has been succeeding to attract many tourists because of unique and diversified cultures and traditions, beautiful landscapes, many giant mountains and warm hospitality of Nepalese people.

Nepal is one of the best travel destinations in the world. Nepal also one of best destination for those who lookout for getting the most out of their budgets. Being one of the worlds’ acknowledged cheap travel destinations, Nepal has 10 world heritage sites which are the must-visit places in Nepal for any tourist seeking to gain a better understanding of the natural beauty, history, and culture of Nepal. Nepal has wide options for travel activities such as Trekking, peak climbing, climb high mountains, cultural and pilgrimages tour,  different kinds of extreme adventures.

Among many destinations and travel activities, following destination are the most popular for tourist: Nepal, the Himalayan Kingdom has diverse culture, natural beauties and most amazing world heritage sites.  All those destinations are really important in its own place. Nepal has dense of options for different travel activities such as for trekking, Natural Tour, Cultural tours, wildlife activities, festivals and adventure activities.

 

Top Destinations to visit in Nepal

 4.a) Everest Region  

Sagarmath National Park is world renowned world natural heritage site where many 8000m giant mountains including the highest mountains on earth is lied i.e. Mount Everest (locally called Sagarmatha). Mysterious, mythical and Exotic, the Everest region holds prime position in the imagination of every outdoor adventure lover in the world. It is home to the bulk of the Himalaya and of course Mt. Everest and it is also the home of the Sherpa. This mixture of mountains and ancient culture make Nepal a magical land of superlatives and an absolute delight for trekkers. Everest Base Camp Trek is most popular trek in this area because it is not feasible for anyone to climb the mount Everest its self. Hence the trek to Everest Base Camp is suffice to see the mount Everest and feel the experience of conquering Everest. Everest region has more optional trails to cross the high passes, climb peak and expeditions. Everest Three High Passes trek, Sherpa Land Trek, Island Peak Climbing, Mera Peak climbing etc are popular and recommended treks in this region.

 

4.b) Annapurna Region

Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp, Ghorepani Poonhill trek etc are most popular recommended trips this region. Remarkable Annapurna Circuit trek takes you around the entire Annapurna massif reaching the Zenith at Thorong La Pass (5,416m) and trail follows the world’s deepest Kali Gandaki Gorge, with face of Annapurna I to the east and Dhaulagiri. Crossing the highest pass, Thorong La Pass on the way from Manang to Muktinath, you’ll have panoramic views of mountains such as Dhaulagiri (8172m), Annapurna I (8091m) II, III, IV, Manaslu (8163 m), Annapurna south, Nilgiri, Machhapauchhare, Hiunchuli, Lamjung Himal, Tukuche peak, Tilicho peak etc. The trail follows many passes, rich cultured villages like Manang, Pisang, waterfalls, beautiful villages, terraced farmlands, lush rhododendron forests and amazing mountain views.

 

4.c) Langtang Region

Langtang National Park  is a beautiful national park which is not so far from Kathmandu. Trekking in this region offers you experience the intact, unique cultures of Tamang, Newar and Sherpa people, living in some of the most beautiful scenery in Nepal. Green and pleasant landscapes, quiet villages, terraced slopes and pine forests, holy lake Gosain Kunda, rich local culture are the main attraction of this region. Beside this there many natural hot spring waters, 108 lakes, 7000m mountains, peaks and thousands of pilgrims trek up to bathe in the frigid waters at 4000m,-Gosain Kunda. Langtang Valley Trek, Gosainkunda and Helambu Trek, Tamang Heritage Trail trek are popular trekking programs.

 

4.d) Manaslu Region

 Mount Manaslu (8163m) is the World’s eighth highest peak and this trek brings you closer to the Mount Manaslu. The trip to Manaslu Base Camp provides a enthralling experience even to a seasoned trekker. The trek follows magnificent deep blue waters of the Budhi Gandaki River into historical villages and varied terrains. During the trek you’ll see the spectacular views of the Manaslu and going through authentic Hindu and Tibetan-style villages. Eventually the trail reaches Samagaon, the largest and most important village in the region. From here you head west and cross the Larke Pass (5160 m), a classic and tough route linking the Budi Gandaki with the Marsyangdi valley. Manaslu Circuit Trek and TsumValley are popular treks in this region.

 

4.e) Other Regions

Nepal has wide range of trekking destinations. Beside above four most popular trekking routes , there are many hidden and off-the beaten trekking trails in Nepal. Trekking in forbidden Kingdom-Mustang (known as kingdom behind the mountains) , Makalu Base Camp Trek which brings you to the world 5th highest mountain Mt. Makalu, Dhaulagiri Trek which is a natural and strenuous trekking with many passes, Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek that brings you to the world’s third highest mountain  and many more..

 

4.f)  Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu is Nepal’s largest city and capital of Nepal. Kathmandu is situated in a valley in the heart of Nepal. Kathmandu is also known as the ‘city of temple’ where uncountable temples and world famous world heritages sites are also in Kathmandu.  Nepal is the holy land of Lord Pashupatinath and Gautam Buddha where the Hindus and Buddhists have lived together in harmony for centuries. The Temple of Pashupatinath is Nepal’s most scared Hindu shrine temple and one of the four most important cities in the world for Shiva worshippers. Lord Buddha, the light of Asia, was born in Lumbini in Nepal’s southern plains, which makes Nepal a scared pilgrimage destination for Buddhists as well.

 

4.g)   Pokhara Valley

Pokhara is one of most favorited city in Nepal which is surrounded by beautiful lakes, green environment and scenic mountains. It is also known as  the gateway to the Annapurna Base Camp, a trip which allows you to see the high mountain ranges within few days trekking. Since it is surrounded by lakes such as Fewa Lake, Rupa Lake, Begnas lake and there any many historic and interesting places in Pokhara valley viz. Mahendra cave, davis falls, Gupteswor cave, bat cave, viewpoints Sarangkot, Peace Stupa. Pokhara is also only one place for outdoor adventures.  Very interesting adventures like Paragliding,Parahawking, Ultra light flight, zip flying, rafting, boating etc are based in Pokhara.

 

4.h)  Lumbini Valley

 Lumbini is one of most the most holiest  pilgrimage of Nepal because it is  the birthplace of Siddharta Gautama or the Lord Buddha. It is the holy place for many Buddhist followers under Buddhist sects: Hinayana and Mahayana. It is also Nepal’s one world heritage site  and Lumbini have the remains of many ancient Stupas and monasteries. A large stone pillars are said to be founded by the Emperor Asoka Maurya in 250 BC as an inscription about the birth of the Buddha. Nepal Heritage Tour and Buddhist Cultural tour takes you to Lumbini.

 

5. Time Zone:

The Standard of Nepal is 5 hours and 45 ahead from GMT. Adjust your time with Nepal time>>.

6. Currency & Banking

The National Currency of Nepal is Nepalese Rupees [Denoted by Rs.].  Nepalese Rupees are found in denominations of 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and Coins are found in Denominations of Rs. 1, 2, 5 & 10, 25 and 50 paisa. One rupee equals 100 paisa.  Foreign currency can be exchanged in most of hotels, banks and at money change counters. The exchange rates are determined by Central Bank of Nepal (http://www.nrb.org.np/). The major currencies like Euro, US dollars, pounds, Yuan are accepted in Nepal. Convert your currency to Nepalese Rupees>>.

Also in most hotels business houses such as  hotels, tourist shops, restaurants accept the Credit card, Mastercard, Visa Card, Maestro etc at 3-5% bank surcharge. Also Traveler’s cheque are exchanged in banks, exchange counters etc.

ATM/Cash Machines:  Major commercial banks of  has cash machines/ATM counters where you can get cash.  Mainly in Kathmandu and Pokhara all have a cash machine where you fill your wallet 24 hours a day using your normal bankcard or Master Card / Visa.

7. Emergency Services:

Nepal is landlocked country and your trekking area might be the remote place in terms of geographic structure. Unexpectedly if there anything happened during trekking like accident, sickness due to high altitude or what else, you need to contact us for any emergency case. Please do not forget to note down the name and contact number of your tour operator. During the tour, we’ll be in contact with your guide/Sirdar. But it will be safe if you have our office number, emergency contacts, you can call anytime from anywhere if you’ve any problem, need assistance etc. Telephone number of Tour Experts  is +977 9841027075.

 

8. Communication & New media:

There are 3 local telecommunication operators in Nepal (Nepal Telecom, Ncell, UTL). They provide the services of ISD, STD, telex, Fax, Telegraph and GMS mobile services. Normally some European GSM Mobile networks work here in Nepal if you’ve International Roaming services. Or you wish to use local Nepali GSM Mobile, you can buy from nearest communication center. In Nepal, now most of the places have GSM Mobile Network Coverage.

There are several daily, weekly and monthly news papers in Nepal in Nepali and English language. In Nepal for the information and news there are vary English daily newspapers like The Himalayan Times, The Kathmandu post, The Rising Nepal etc. Similarly you’ll find weekly, daily and monthly English magazines. Some radio station, Tele vision networks broadcast the news in English in a specific time.

 

9. Electricity in Nepal:

The main voltage in Nepal is 220 volts AC (50Hz). There are many electrical sockets are use in Nepal including European two-pin , 5-amp to 15-amp three-pin designs. So, we suggest you please bring multi-standard sockets and adopters. During the trekking, some places only we found the electricity. Rest of places you’ll finds the solar system for lights (DC).

 

10. Hotel Accommodations:

There are many star hotels in Kathmandu, Pokhara and also budget hotels, guest houses are also available in Nepal. For more about hotels and its category in Nepal, please click here>>

 

11. Postal Services:

Central Post Office of Nepal is located near Sundhara. or Bhimsen Tower is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday through Friday. Post facility is available Sunday through Friday.

 

12. Drinking Water:

Please do drink water of tape etc without checking whether tap able or not.

 

13. Provisions for exporting old thins from Nepal:

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. Most Nepalese don’t mind being photographed, but some do. 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.

 

14. Food:

Daal Bhat is Nepal’s typical food which you can find most of all the restaurants. Beside that you can have taste foods like Indian, Continental, Chinese, Tibetan, Italian etc. in some specific restaurants and hotels. For reservation or what else, you can take help from tour operator.

 

15. Some Ideas before you travel to Nepal:

To show appreciation and respect, use two hands rather than one when giving or receiving something, even money. Hindus, avoid touching women and holy men the traditional palms-together “Namaste” greeting is preferable. 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, a sacred place or a hearth. Remove your shoes when entering a home, temple or monastery (and leather items in Hindu temples) and avoid smoking and wearing scant dress in religious settings. Do not offer food from your plate, nor eat from a common pot, and avoid touching your lips to a shared drinking vessel. Please do not kiss or anything related to sexual activities in front of people. Please wear cloths with covering the legs specially for women.

 

16. Tipping Guidelines:

Tipping is not obligatory just like anywhere in the world. However, if you like the service and want to thank them this is another good way to do so.  The following is recommended as a guideline:

In Kathmandu 20-50 Rs for bellboys, waiters and porters is appropriate. At the end of a trek, if your group thinks that the staff has done an outstanding job, a group tip would be greatly appreciated. Normally tip is given at the end of the trek and this is best done as group rather than individual. Most groups will give the tips with a bit of ceremony on the last evening to mark the end of the trip. Your Group Leader or guide will advise you in more detail regarding this matter. As a guideline, we recommend that each group member contributes around $ 75 (rupee equivalent) and then it is shared amongst the team.

 

17. Other Information:

If you require any further information which is not mentioned above, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.  Or please send us your queries at [email protected]