Overview
Nepal, known for Mt. Everest and as the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is a country with rich biodiversity and social diversity due to its unique geography and varying latitudes. It extends from 60m above sea level to the highest point on earth at 8,848m. With high mountains, mid hills, and lowlands, Nepal boasts a wide range of ecosystems covering 147,181 sq. km. Despite its small size, Nepal is home to 29 million people with 101 distinct ways of life and over 92 different languages.
The geographical features of Nepal make it an intriguing destination that caters to all. Whether you seek tranquility in the Himalayan mountains, harmony with nature in the lush Terai jungles, or the charm of Nepali cities blending old-world charm with the modern era, Nepal is truly a paradise for visitors.
The country’s snow-capped mountains, including 8 of the world’s 14 highest peaks, its diverse wildlife with over 600 indigenous plant families, 319 species of orchids, and a range of animals and birds, along with its quaint towns, bustling cities, and welcoming people, leave an indelible mark on visitors. Many return to Nepal, craving more of its unique experiences. It’s a country that remains in one’s memory long after departure, fulfilling the dreams of passionate travelers in search of an authentic experience.
Getting to Nepal
Traveling to Nepal is convenient with various airlines offering flights to Kathmandu. Entry can also be made through the India-Nepal and China-Nepal borders.
By air
Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu is the only international airport in Nepal, connecting the country to the rest of the world. Nepal Airlines, the national carrier, operates flights to and from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Dubai, Doha, Hong Kong, and Narita. Other popular airlines such as Air India, China Southern, Indigo, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Malaysian Airlines also provide connections to Kathmandu from India, China, Thailand, UAE, Turkey, Malaysia, Singapore, and Japan.
By land
Nepal is connected with China to the north and India to the south, east, and west. Visitors can enter Nepal by land through various entry points on the India-Nepal border: Pani Tanki/Kakarbhitta, Raxual/Birgunj, Sunauli/Belahiya, Rupaidiya/Nepalgunj, Mohana/Dhangadi, Banbasa/Mahendranagar, Gaddachauki, and Khasa/Liping/Tatopani on the China-Nepal border. Travelers with their vehicles must possess an international carnet or complete customs formalities.
Entry Regulation to Nepal
Foreign nationals are required to have a passport and visa to enter, stay, and exit Nepal. Visa may depend according to the country. Some of the countries have free, on-arrival, and apply-before-arrival visas. The Department of Immigration provides Visa on Arrival for most tourists. But some nations demand a visa before you may enter. It is advisable to check the official site of the Department of Immigration for specific requirements.
Customs
Visitors should complete the Baggage Declaration form at the customs upon arrival to declare all their baggage. You can bring in a prescribed quantity of dutiable goods like tobacco, liquor, clothing, and jewelry without paying duty. However, the import of narcotics, arms, and ammunition is strictly prohibited. Visitors are allowed to export souvenirs to their respective countries, but the export of antiques requires special permission from the Department of Archaeology.
Climate
Nepal has four climatic seasons:
- Spring: March, April and May
- Summer: June, July and August
- Autumn: September, October and November
- Winter: December, January and February
Best Time to Visit Nepal
Nepal can be visited throughout the year:
Spring & Autumn: Best time to visit nepal are Spring and Autumn season. These season are best for trekking, sightseeing, etc.
Winter: Winter (December-February) is good for low-altitude treks. There will be heavy snow in high altitude trekking site.
Monsoon: Monsoon is less suitable for visiting Nepal. Due to cloudy weather, you may not enjoy scenary. If you are lucky, you may see the best scenery because of clean environment due to rain. Popular places like the upper Mustang, Rolpa, and Dolpa regions of western Nepal are ideal for trekking year-round as they receive less rainfall.
What to Wear From May to October, it is recommended to wear light and casual clothes. From October to March, warmer garments like down jackets are needed.
The currency of Nepal is the Rupee. Banknotes are available in Rs. 5, Rs. 10, Rs. 20, Rs. 50, Rs. 100, Rs. 500, and Rs. 1000. Coins that are available in Nepal are rupees 5, 2, and 1. One rupee equals 100 paisa.
Currency & Foreign Exchange
Foreign currencies should be exchanged only through banks or authorized foreign exchange dealers. Money can also be exchanged at the foreign exchange counters at the airport upon arrival. For exchange rates updates you can check english newspapers such as Himalayan Post, The Rising Nepal, The Kathmandu Post, etc.
Getting Around
There are various transportation options available in Nepal. Taxis are recommended for traveling between different places, especially within the three cities of the Kathmandu Valley. Metered taxis can be easily identified by the taxi sign. Other options such as local buses, micros, and EV tempos are cheaper than taxis but can be crowded and inconvenient.
For traveling outside the valley, the best option is to use a tourist bus, which has a fixed schedule for every morning. Tickets for tourist buses can be obtained by visiting nearby bus parks. If you prefer not to arrange transportation yourself, booking a private vehicle with a driver through a travel agency is the recommended option. They will provide a private vehicle with an experienced driver who will take you to your desired locations on time and charge you for the transportation services as a whole.
Domestic Air Service
Kathmandu has an hefty network of air services connecting major parts of the country. Airlines such as Nepal Airlines, Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, Simrik Air, and more than 18 others provide regular and chartered services to popular domestic destinations like Pokhara, Bharatpur (Chitwan), Bhairahawa (Lumbini), Lukla, and many others.
Language
The national language of Nepal is Nepali. English is widely spoken and serves as the business language.
Accommodations
Nepal offers a range of accommodation facilities, including internationally recognized star hotels and resorts, as well as budget lodges in Kathmandu and major tourist destinations. The hotels provide specialty restaurants, conference facilities, exclusive health clubs, and business centers. Additionally, you can experience a home-stay, where you stay in local houses with the local people and enjoy their traditional food. To ensure safety and quality service, it is advisable to use the services of government-registered hotels, lodges, and travel agencies.
Business & Banking
Government and private offices are opens from 10 am – 5 pm, Sunday to Friday, and closed on Saturdays. Mostly shopping malls, and supermarkets operate from 9 am to 8 pm. There are also 24-hour convenience stores and drugstores available.
Banks are open from 10 am to 3 pm, Monday to Friday, with automated teller machines (ATMs) operating 24 hours.Visa, Mastercard, American Express, etc international cards are accepted in Nepal.
Communication & Facilities
Nepal has well-developed communication facilities, including international and national direct dial phone services, mobile services, internet access, electricity, and mailing services, as well as express delivery services.
Hotels and private communication centers provide long-distance telephone and fax facilities. The phone code of Nepal is 977. The area code for Kathmandu is 1. Link for phone codes for other places in Nepal.
You can obtain a Nepalese prepaid SIM card at Kathmandu Airport or many shops within the cities. Major cities have excellent network coverage and data connections, while in mountainous or remote areas, the coverage may be less reliable but still usable.
Water
Tourists are advised to drink only bottled mineral water. Bottled water is available in many hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and convenience stores.
Electricity
The electrical voltage in Nepal is 220V/60Hz. Multiple plugs are available, as many have been retrofitted to fit American and European plugs. However, be cautious when plugging in certain electrical devices as the United States operates on 120V.
Attractions & Activities
White-water rafting, canyoning, kayaking, canoeing, mountain flights, pony trekking, jungle safaris, bird watching, fishing/angling, paragliding, ultra-light aircraft rides, bungee jumping, mountaineering, trekking, mountain biking, nature tours, cultural tours, pilgrim tours, and more are all enjoyable activities available in Nepal. Throughout the year, a variety of special interest trips are offered to certain groups, including orchid tours, cultural treks, honey hunting, village visits, fossil hunting, meditation classes, cave tours, and many more.