Overview of Nepal
Nepal sits in a region regarded as the uppermost place on earth. Way up in a land of majestic Himalayan scenery, it contains eight of the world's ten highest mountains, including Mt Everest. It's also known as a nation of good-natured and accommodating people.
From the hot Indian plains and steamy southern Tarai lowlands, the terrain crosses the Kathmandu Valley and rises to the frozen heights of the Himalayan peaks towards the Tibetan plateau known as the 'Roof of the World'.
Situated between India and Tibet, its position consequently reflected in the diverse range of ethnic groups, customs, and traditions that fill the wonderfully varied geography. Numerous colourful communities populate the land, as well as its animated cities, villages, and towns.
Life in Nepal revolves around an intricate intermingling of ancient Hindu and Buddhist religious rituals. Throughout the year, numerous festivals celebrate a diversity of religious and tribal traditions.
The capital of Kathmandu brings an assortment of these different societies together into a vibrant collection of brilliant sights and exotic smells, with modern shops co-existing with street sellers, while pyramidal Buddhist temples, holy Sadhus of the Hindu faith and medieval palace squares fill the urban landscape.
Nepal boasts many attractions. But the essence of the country is its smiling, friendly people with their heartfelt palm-pressed greetings. With its inspiring scenery, this beguiling kingdom is a place where one visit is usually not enough to satisfy the captivated traveller.
Key Facts
- Language:
- Nepali is the official language. English is spoken in all major tourist areas.
- Passport/Visa:
-
Most foreign passengers to Nepal can obtain a tourist visa on arrival in the country. These visas are valid for a maximum of 90 days, and cost between USD 25 and USD 100 (depending on the length of intended stay). Note that extensions of touristic stays (up to 150 days) can be arranged after arrival, by applying at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara (fee: USD 20, plus an additional charge of USD 2 per day extended). All tourist visas are valid for Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara Valley, and Tiger Tops (Meghauli airport) in Chitwan. However, if travellers wish to visit other places, or trek in Nepal, permits can be obtained from the Central Immigration Office. Note also that passengers who need a visa for India, and who also want to visit Nepal, should hold a visa valid for two entries into India; and that persons wishing to re-enter into Nepal, and having in their passports any previous Nepalese visas cancelled (invalidated) by the Central Immigration Office, will
be refused entry and deported. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required, if arriving in Nepal within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area.
It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
-
The official currency is the Nepalese rupee (NPR) which is divided into 100 paisa. As getting change can be a problem, one recommends visitors have a supply of small notes handy. Tourist activities are often quoted in US Dollars.
It is advisable to carry new dollar bills in varied denominations. There are ATMs in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Visa, MasterCard, and American Express credit cards are accepted in many tourist hotels, shops, restaurants, and travel agencies.
Banks and moneychangers are present in all tourist centres and major cities. All receipts from foreign exchange transactions should be kept so rupees can be exchanged back into foreign currencies on departure. Cash is needed when trekking.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two and three-pin plugs are used.
Travel to Nepal
Overview
Home to eight of the world's highest peaks, Nepal is a mountaineer's dream. Most tourists begin journeys in the bustling capital of Kathmandu, soon making their way to the Himalayas. Whether exploring the Annapurna, Langrang, or Everest regions, trekkers will encounter turquoise lakes, mountain villages, and lush valleys with snowy titans towering above.
Visitors will have no problem finding treks that suit their level of experience and budget. Hikers lighten their loads on 'teahouse treks' by relying on teahouses for food and accommodation, with both casual and veteran mountaineers equally captivated by the country's majesty.
Travellers can further take advantage of the country's diverse natural beauty by embarking on white water rafting trips or exploring the jungles of the southern Tarai belt, seeking sightings of Bengal tigers from the back of an elephant.
With countless shrines and temples scattered across the county, Nepal's spiritual and religious heritage attracts numerous pilgrims. Travellers can visit Pashupatinath, one of the world's largest Hindu temples dedicated to Shiva, and step back in at the ancient royal cities of Patan and Bhaktapur.
The UNESCO World Heritage site at Lumbini is seen as the birthplace of the Buddha while the 5th-century Swayambhu Stupa is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the country, with prayer flags fluttering from its golden spire.
Climate in Nepal
Nepal has two seasons: the dry season from October to May, and the rainy monsoon season from June to September. Climatic conditions vary according to altitude in Nepal, with temperatures becoming steadily lower as altitude increases.
In the north it is seldom hot, with cool summers and freezing winters. In the south, it's almost tropical with mild winters and hot summers. In the Terai, summer temperatures can exceed 98°F (37°C) and winter temperatures range from 44°F to 73°F (7°C to 23°C).
Kathmandu has a pleasant climate, with temperatures averaging 66°F to 95°F (19°C to 35°C) in summer, and 35°F to 53°F (2°C to 12°C) in winter. Nepal is actually a year-round destination, especially the more tropical south.
However, early spring (March to April) and late autumn (October and November) are the best times to visit Nepal, and also offer the clearest mountain views and good weather for trekking. In the winter, from December to February, there is snow on the mountains with freezing temperatures at high altitudes. The summer months of June to August can be very hot for travel to the south.
Health Notes when travelling to Nepal
Travellers arriving from infected areas require a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Malaria is a health risk between June and September in the low-lying areas of Nepal, including Chitwan National Park, but not in the common trekking areas.
Travellers should consult their doctor about whether malaria prophylaxis is necessary. Outbreaks of Japanese encephalitis occur annually, particularly between July and December, and vaccination is advised.
Vaccinations are also recommended for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid. Those who will be in contact with animals, especially bats, may want to consider a rabies vaccination as well. Cholera outbreaks occur and food and water precautions should be followed.
Untreated water must be avoided; visitors should buy bottled water or purify their own. When trekking it is preferable to treat river water rather than leaving a trail of plastic bottles behind. Purifying water with iodine is the cheapest and easiest way to treat water.
Altitude sickness is a real risk for trekkers: many people suffer from altitude sickness above 8,202ft (2,500m); if symptoms persist it is wise to descend as quickly as possible. The standard of care in hospitals varies, but there are traveller's clinics in Kathmandu and numerous pharmacies in the major towns.
Medical insurance is essential, and should include air evacuation. All required medications should be taken into the country in their original packaging and accompanied by a signed and dated letter from a doctor detailing what they are and why they are needed.
Safety Notes when travelling to Nepal
There are safety concerns in Nepal. Demonstrations and public gatherings should be avoided as there is a risk of violence. Due to previous bomb attacks and shootings in public places, including the main tourist areas of Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Lukla, as well as on popular trekking routes, visitors are warned to be particularly vigilant.
Tourists have been involved in several violent incidents, with foreigners targeted in recent attacks in the Thamel district of Kathmandu. All visitors are advised to be cautious after dark and to stay in a group at night.
There have been incidences of violent robbery against trekkers and there is an armed Maoist presence on many of the major trekking routes who demand a 'tax' before allowing trekkers to pass.
Trekkers are advised to stay on established routes and walk in groups or with professional guides. Foreigners have been attacked in the Nagarjun Forest Reserve just outside Kathmandu and visitors are advised to be cautious in the area and to travel in a group.
Customs in Nepal
Nepal has numerous cultural practices that may be unusual for foreigners. In the tourist areas, there is a high degree of tolerance towards visitors. But away from these places, foreigners should be sensitive to local customs. Never accept, offer, or eat anything with the left hand.
Do not eat from someone else's plate or offer food from one's own. Women should dress conservatively and cover up as much as possible. Permission should be sought before taking photographs, particularly at religious sites. Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon.
Duty Free in Nepal
Travellers to Nepal do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 20g of tobacco. 1.15 litre of spirits or wine, and perfume for personal use. It is illegal to export goods that are over 100 years old.
Doing Business in Nepal
The Nepalese are warm and friendly, with business conducted with a combination of formality and sincerity. Much time is given to small talk and socialising. Handshakes are fairly common but one should wait to see if offered a hand.
Alternatively, a traditional namaste greeting involves a small bow accompanied by hands clasped as if in prayer. Visitors should return the greeting as it is given. Dress tends to be formal and conservative, with suits and ties the norm.
Titles and surnames are usually used. The elderly in particular are treated with great respect and the word 'gi' is added after the name as a polite form. Punctuality is important, although it may take some time to get down to business, and negotiation can be a long process.
English is widely spoken and understood. But discussions in Nepali may occur between locals within a meeting. Business hours are usually 9.30am or 10am to 5pm, Sunday to Thursday. Closing time is 4pm in winter. Saturday is a holiday.
Communication in Nepal
The country code for Nepal is +977, and the outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the UK). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)1 for Kathmandu and (0)41 for Pokhara. Two mobile phone operators provide GSM 900 network coverage in the main cities and towns. In the main tourist centres of Kathmandu and Pokhara, there are internet cafes on every corner.
Tipping in Nepal
Restaurants and hotels may add 10 percent to bills, in which case no further tip is required. Otherwise, a 10 percent tip is customary in places that cater to tourists. It is customary to tip guides and porters on treks. Elsewhere, gratuities are not expected but always appreciated.
Passport/Visa Note
Most foreign passengers to Nepal can obtain a tourist visa on arrival in the country. These visas are valid for a maximum of 90 days, and cost between USD 25 and USD 100 (depending on the length of intended stay). Note that extensions of touristic stays (up to 150 days) can be arranged after arrival, by applying at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara (fee: USD 20, plus an additional charge of USD 2 per day extended). All tourist visas are valid for Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara Valley, and Tiger Tops (Meghauli airport) in Chitwan. However, if travellers wish to visit other places, or trek in Nepal, permits can be obtained from the Central Immigration Office. Note also that passengers who need a visa for India, and who also want to visit Nepal, should hold a visa valid for two entries into India; and that persons wishing to re-enter into Nepal, and having in their passports any previous Nepalese visas cancelled (invalidated) by the Central Immigration Office, will
be refused entry and deported. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required, if arriving in Nepal within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area.
It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
-
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond their date of arrival in Nepal. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival for a maximum of 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
-
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid six months beyond their date of arrival in Nepal. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival for a maximum of 90 days.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
-
British citizens must have a passport that is valid six months beyond their date of arrival in Nepal. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival for a maximum of 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
-
Australian citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond their date of arrival in Nepal. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival for a maximum of 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
-
Irish citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond their date of arrival in Nepal. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival for a maximum of 90 days.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
-
New Zealand citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond their date of arrival in Nepal. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival for a maximum of 90 days.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
-
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond their date of arrival in Nepal. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival for a maximum of 90 days.
Tourist Offices
Nepal Tourist Office, Kathmandu: +977 (0)1 425 6909 or http://www.welcomenepal.com
Nepal Embassies
- In the United States:
-
Royal Nepalese Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 667 4550.
- In Canada:
-
Embassy of Nepal, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada: +1 613-680-5513
- In the United Kingdom:
-
Royal Nepalese Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 871 200 1099
- In Australia:
-
Royal Nepalese Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6162 1554.
- In New Zealand:
-
Royal Nepalese Consulate-General, Auckland: +64 (07) 439 2312.
- In South Africa:
-
Royal Nepalese Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 7546.
Foreign Embassies in Nepal
- American Embassy
-
United States Embassy, Kathmandu: +977 1 423 4000.
- Canadian Embassy
-
Canadian High Commission, New Delhi, India (also responsible for Nepal): +91 (11) 4178 2000.
- British Embassy
-
British Embassy, Kathmandu: +977 (0)1 441 4588.
- Australian Embassy
-
Australian Embassy, Kathmandu: +977 (0)1 437 1678.
- Irish Embassy
-
Irish Embassy, New Delhi, India (also responsible for Nepal): +91 (0)11 4940 3200.
- New Zealand Embassy
-
New Zealand Consulate, New Delhi, India (also responsible for Nepal): +91 11 4688 3170.
- South African Embassy
-
South African High Commission, Colombo, Sri Lanka (also responsible for Nepal): +94 11 246 3000.
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Nepal
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hide Vaccines and Medicines
Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
| | Find Out Why | Protect Yourself |
All travelers You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel. |
| Routine vaccines | Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. |   |
Most travelers Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting. |
| Hepatitis A | CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Nepal, regardless of where you are eating or staying. |  |
| Typhoid | You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Nepal. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater. | |
Some travelers Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US. |
| Hepatitis B | You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures. |   |
| Japanese Encephalitis | You may need this vaccine if your trip will last more than a month, depending on where you are going in Nepal and what time of year you are traveling. You should also consider this vaccine if you plan to visit rural areas in Nepal or will be spending a lot of time outdoors, even for trips shorter than a month. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans. See more in-depth information on Japanese encephalitis in Nepal. |  |
| Malaria | When traveling in Nepal, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, depending on your travel plans, such as where you are going, when you are traveling, and if you are spending a lot of time outdoors or sleeping outside. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling. For more information on malaria in Nepal, see malaria in Nepal. |  |
| Rabies | Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Nepal, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups: - Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
- People who are taking long trips or moving to Nepal
- Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
|  |
| Yellow Fever | There is no risk of yellow fever in Nepal. The government of Nepal requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission. For more information on recommendations and requirements, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Nepal. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans. | |
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Nepal, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Nepal. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
You may need this vaccine if your trip will last more than a month, depending on where you are going in Nepal and what time of year you are traveling. You should also consider this vaccine if you plan to visit rural areas in Nepal or will be spending a lot of time outdoors, even for trips shorter than a month. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans. See more in-depth information on Japanese encephalitis in Nepal.
When traveling in Nepal, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, depending on your travel plans, such as where you are going, when you are traveling, and if you are spending a lot of time outdoors or sleeping outside. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling. For more information on malaria in Nepal, see malaria in Nepal.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Nepal, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
- Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
- People who are taking long trips or moving to Nepal
- Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
There is no risk of yellow fever in Nepal. The government of Nepal requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.
For more information on recommendations and requirements, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Nepal. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans.
Key
- Get vaccinated
- Take antimalarial meds
- Eat and drink safely
- Prevent bug bites
- Keep away from animals
- Reduce your exposure to germs
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Top
Hide Stay Healthy and Safe
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Nepal, so your behaviors are important.
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
- Food that is cooked and served hot
- Hard-cooked eggs
- Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
- Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
- Food served at room temperature
- Food from street vendors
- Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
- Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
- Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
- Unpasteurized dairy products
- ”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
- Bottled water that is sealed
- Water that has been disinfected
- Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
- Carbonated drinks
- Hot coffee or tea
- Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
- Tap or well water
- Ice made with tap or well water
- Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
- Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Hide Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Nepal. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
- Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
- Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
- Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
- Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
- Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
- DEET
- Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
- IR3535
- Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
- Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
- Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?
Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.
For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.
Hide If your travel plans in Nepal include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
- Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
- Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
- Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
- Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
- If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
- Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
- Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
- Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
- Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
- Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
- Do not dive into shallow water.
- Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
- Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
- To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Hide Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
- Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
- Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
- Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
- Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
- If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
- Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
- Go to a doctor right away.
- Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Hide Reduce your exposure to germs
Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:
- Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
- If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
Hide Avoid sharing body fluids
Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.
Protect yourself:
- Use latex condoms correctly.
- Do not inject drugs.
- Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
- Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
- If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
Hide Know how to get medical care while traveling
Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:
- Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
- Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
- Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
- Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Nepal’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
- Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Malaria is a risk in some parts of Nepal. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.
Hide Select safe transportation
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
- Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
- Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
- Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
- Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
- Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
- Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
- Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
- Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
- Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
- Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
- Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
- Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
- Wear a seatbelt at all times.
- Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
- When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
- Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Nepal may be poor.
- Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
- Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
- If you choose to drive a vehicle in Nepal, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
- Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
- Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
- Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
- If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
- Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.
Traffic flows on the left side of the road in Nepal.
- Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
- LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.
Hide Maintain personal security
Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
Before you leave
- Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
- Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
- Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
- Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
- Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
- Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
- Follow all local laws and social customs.
- Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
- Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
- If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
Hide Top
Hide Healthy Travel Packing List
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Nepal for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
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Hide Travel Health Notices
Be aware of current health issues in Nepal. Learn how to protect yourself.
Alert Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions
- Flooding in South Asia September 15, 2017 Since the monsoon season began in August 2017, widespread flooding in Bangladesh, India, and Nepal has affected more than 40 million people.
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If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.
Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.
For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.
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Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The official currency is the Nepalese rupee (NPR) which is divided into 100 paisa. As getting change can be a problem, one recommends visitors have a supply of small notes handy. Tourist activities are often quoted in US Dollars.
It is advisable to carry new dollar bills in varied denominations. There are ATMs in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Visa, MasterCard, and American Express credit cards are accepted in many tourist hotels, shops, restaurants, and travel agencies.
Banks and moneychangers are present in all tourist centres and major cities. All receipts from foreign exchange transactions should be kept so rupees can be exchanged back into foreign currencies on departure. Cash is needed when trekking.
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Exchange rate for 1 NPR - Nepalese Rupee
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0.01 BMD
Bermudan Dollar
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0.01 EUR
Euro
|
0.01 USD
U.S. Dollar
|
0.01 GBP
U.K. Pound Sterling
|
1.01 JPY
Japanese Yen
|
0.01 CAD
Canadian Dollar
|
0.01 CHF
Swiss Franc
|
0.01 AUD
Australian Dollar
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0.23 UAH
Ukrainian Hryvnia
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3.13 KZT
Kazakhstani Tenge
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13.96 LBP
Lebanese Pound
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0.01 LYD
Libyan Dinar
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0.06 BOB
Bolivian Boliviano
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0.00 OMR
Omani Rial
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0.03 QAR
Qatari Rial
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0.01 SGD
Singapore Dollar
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0.08 SEK
Swedish Krona
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0.06 TTD
Trinidad Tobago Dollar
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0.09 VEF
Venezuelan Bolivar
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0.42 DOP
Dominican Peso
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0.06 HRK
Croatian Kuna
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0.17 MXN
Mexican Peso
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5.43 XOF
West African CFA Franc
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0.03 PGK
Papua New Guinean kina
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0.01 BSD
Bahamian Dollar
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0.02 FJD
Fiji Dollar
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0.21 HNL
Honduran Lempira
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1.02 DZD
Algerian Dinar
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11.04 MMK
Myanma Kyat
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0.10 BWP
Botswana Pula
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0.03 PEN
Peruvian Nuevo Sol
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6.43 CLP
Chilean Peso
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4.43 AMD
Armenia Dram
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0.22 CZK
Czech Koruna
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0.19 MDL
Moldova Lei
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1.15 ISK
Icelandic Krona
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27.24 UZS
Uzbekistan Sum
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0.04 ILS
Israeli New Sheqel
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0.01 JOD
Jordanian Dinar
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0.00 KWD
Kuwaiti Dinar
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0.29 UYU
Uruguayan Peso
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0.33 MUR
Mauritian Rupee
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0.26 NIO
Nicaraguan Córdoba
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0.08 NOK
Norwegian Krone
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0.04 PLN
Polish Zloty
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0.03 SAR
Saudi Riyal
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1.35 LKR
Sri Lanka Rupee
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0.33 THB
Thai Baht
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0.03 AED
U.A.E Dirham
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0.03 BRL
Brazilian Real
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0.04 RON
Romanian New Leu
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0.07 HKD
Hong Kong Dollar
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5.45 XAF
Central African CFA Franc
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208.33 VND
Vietnamese Dong
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0.13 ARS
Argentine Peso
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0.02 XCD
East Caribbean Dollar
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0.07 GTQ
Guatemalan Quetzal
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0.09 MAD
Moroccan Dirham
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0.00 BHD
Bahrain Dinar
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0.01 PAB
Panamanian Balboa
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0.01 AZN
Azerbaijan Manat
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28.90 COP
Colombian Peso
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0.63 KGS
Kyrgyzstan Som
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2.59 HUF
Hungarian Forint
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0.07 TJS
Tajikistan Ruble
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126.84 IDR
Indonesian Rupiah
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0.08 EGP
Egyptian Pound
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11.04 KRW
South Korean Won
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52.55 PYG
Paraguayan Guaraní
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0.04 MYR
Malaysian Ringgit
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4.99 CRC
Costa Rican Colón
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0.01 NZD
New Zealand Dollar
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0.97 PKR
Pakistani Rupee
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0.62 RUB
Russian Rouble
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0.14 ZAR
South African Rand
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0.02 TND
Tunisian Dinar
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0.02 BBD
Barbadian Dollar
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0.02 BGN
Bulgarian Lev
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0.03 TRY
Turkish Lira
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0.43 PHP
Philippine Peso
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0.30 TWD
New Taiwan Dollar
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1.82 NGN
Nigerian Naira
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0.99 XPF
CFP Franc
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0.04 GHS
Ghanaian Cedi
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1.16 JMD
Jamaican Dollar
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0.02 ANG
Neth. Antillean Guilder
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0.01 BND
Brunei Dollar
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1.02 RSD
Serbian Dinar
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0.06 CNY
Chinese Yuan
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184.45 BYR
Belarussian Ruble
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0.06 DKK
Danish Krone
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0.03 TMT
New Turkmenistan Manat
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0.62 INR
Indian Rupee
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|
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Exchange Rate for
U.S. Dollar to Nepalese Rupee
Exchange Rate for
Euro to Nepalese Rupee
Exchange Rate for
Canadian Dollar to Nepalese Rupee
Exchange Rate for
U.K. Pound Sterling to Nepalese Rupee
Exchange Rate for
Australian Dollar to Nepalese Rupee
Exchange Rate for
New Zealand Dollar to Nepalese Rupee
Exchange Rate for
South African Rand to Nepalese Rupee
Kathmandu Airport (KTM)
Tribhuvan International Airport
http://www.tiairport.com.np
Location: Kathmandu The airport is situated four miles (6km) east of Kathmandu.
Time: GMT +5.45
Contacts:
Tel: 01 411 3261
Transfer between terminals:
The small international and domestic terminals are located within easy walking distance of one another.
Getting to the city:
A prepaid taxi service operates from immediately outside the arrival gate. Rates are exhibited on a board and the fare must be paid in advance. Local buses also serve the airport, the journey is 35 minutes and costs about NPR 40.
Car rental:
Car rental companies are represented.
Airport Taxis:
Both prepaid taxis and normal taxis are available at the airport. They are often more expensive than regular taxis hailed outside the airport. Taxi drivers often try to overcharge passengers, so only pay when you are at your destination and agree on a price before getting into the vehicle. Fares into the city are generally around NPR 500 during the day, with a NPR 100 surcharge at night.
Facilities:
Facilities include banks and a bureau de change, shops, duty-free, snacks, internet, post office, and tourist information. The airport is well equipped with facilities for those with disabilities.
Parking:
Departure Tax: NPR 1,130 (international), NPR 200 (domestic).
Overview of the Attractions in Nepal
Home to eight of the world's highest peaks, Nepal is a mountaineer's dream. Most tourists begin journeys in the bustling capital of Kathmandu, soon making their way to the Himalayas. Whether exploring the Annapurna, Langrang, or Everest regions, trekkers will encounter turquoise lakes, mountain villages, and lush valleys with snowy titans towering above.
Visitors will have no problem finding treks that suit their level of experience and budget. Hikers lighten their loads on 'teahouse treks' by relying on teahouses for food and accommodation, with both casual and veteran mountaineers equally captivated by the country's majesty.
Travellers can further take advantage of the country's diverse natural beauty by embarking on white water rafting trips or exploring the jungles of the southern Tarai belt, seeking sightings of Bengal tigers from the back of an elephant.
With countless shrines and temples scattered across the county, Nepal's spiritual and religious heritage attracts numerous pilgrims. Travellers can visit Pashupatinath, one of the world's largest Hindu temples dedicated to Shiva, and step back in at the ancient royal cities of Patan and Bhaktapur.
The UNESCO World Heritage site at Lumbini is seen as the birthplace of the Buddha while the 5th-century Swayambhu Stupa is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the country, with prayer flags fluttering from its golden spire.
Durbar Square
Kathmandu
Opening time: Durbar Square: daily 8am-5pm. Old Royal Palace: Tuesday to Saturday 9:30am-4pm.
Admission: Durbar Square: NPR 1,000. Old Royal Palace and museums: NPR 500.
Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Durbar Square is the religious and social heart of Kathmandu's old city. Built between the 12th and 18th centuries by the ancient kings of Nepal, it's a complex of palaces, temples, shrines, statues, and courtyards.
The square is a queer assortment of the old and the new: elaborately carved architectural features and curving roofs provide shelter for cows and weary tourists. Brahman priests and painted sadhus perform rituals and pose for photos, while souvenir sellers and rickshaw drivers compete for attention among the crowds.
Stone lions guard the gates to the Old Royal Palace which contains a number of courtyards and houses the Narayanhity Durbar Museum. Set into the palace wall is a 17th-century stone inscription written in 15 languages. It's believed milk will flow from the spout if anyone deciphers the entire inscription.
Swayambhunath Stupa
Kathmandu
Admission: NPR 200
Colourful fluttering prayer flags adorns the golden spire of the 5th-century Swayambhu Stupa. It crowns a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley and offers fantastic views over the capital city of Kathmandu.
The Swayambhunath Stupa is one of the most recognisable symbols in Nepal, with the painted eyes of the Buddha watching all those who ascend the worn stone steps. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal and is at the source of the valley's mythical beginning.
Legend has it that the history of the valley began with the draining of an ancient lake by an Enlightened Being, when a lotus flower was transformed into the hill and the shining light became the stupa itself.
Also called the Monkey Temple, swarms of pilgrims and red-clad monks circle the complex, spinning the prayer wheels while scores of monkeys which give the temple its nickname prance about in irreverent troupes.
The temple complex is scattered with shrines and statues of Buddhist and Hindu deities, and the assortment of pilgrims from both faiths characterises the country's unique religious harmony. Visitors should note that although they are often adorable and entertaining, the monkeys can sometimes become aggressive if you have something they want.
Royal Chitwan National Park
Kathmandu
Admission: Daily park entry permit: NPR 1,500 (extra charges apply for those wishing to fish, canoe, camp, or go on safaris).
Of the 14 national parks and reserves in Nepal, the Royal Chitwan National Park is the oldest and most popular safari destination for visitors. Situated in the subtropical Tarai lowlands, the jungle is home to endangered animals such as the one-horned rhinoceros and the royal Bengal tiger.
Other animals include leopards, wild elephants, Indian bison, sloth bears, crocodiles, pythons, monitor lizards, pangolins, and over 400 species of birds. The terrain is mostly flat, consisting of dense jungle, marsh, and grassland. There's no guarantee of good game sightings, so it is best to spend at least two days in the park.
Elephant safaris are the most popular way to explore the park. Jeep safaris, guided walks, overnight jungle expeditions, and canoe trips are also available. There is a wide choice of accommodation, ranging from luxury camps or hotels within the park to budget options on the outskirts.
The best place to look for budget accommodation is Sauraha, becoming something of a tourist centre with hotels, restaurants, bars, travel agents, money changing facilities, shops, and even internet cafes. The town has a beautiful setting, sitting on the banks of a wide river in the jungle.
Getting there: The Royal Chitwan National Park is an excursion from Kathmandu or Pokhara. It's linked by public bus, tourist coach, and air, and is a seven-hour bus journey from Kathmandu or six hours by bus from Pokhara.
Website: http://www.chitwannationalpark.gov.np
Bhaktapur
Kathmandu
Admission: Foreigners are charged an entrance fee of about NRS 1,500.
Also known as the City of Devotees, Bhaktapur lies just 22 miles (35km) east of Kathmandu. The wealth of fabulous architectural showpieces, soaring pagodas, richly ornamented houses, and medieval layout is testament to the period when the city was the capital of the Kathmandu Valley during the 14th and 16th centuries.
The whole town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with palaces, temples, statues, and squares, connected by a maze of largely pedestrian streets. The main Durbar Square boasts many architectural attractions, including the Golden Gate, the 15th-century Palace of 55 Windows, and several statues of ancient kings.
Taumadhi Square is presided over by the elegant Nyatpola Temple. Sitting atop a five-story platform, Nyatpola is the tallest pagoda temple in the Kathmandu Valley. Bhaktapur is also the centre of traditional pottery and weaving industries in the region.
Visiting Bhaktapur is like stepping back in time, with its largely preserved ancient traditions, frequent colourful festivals and a meticulously restored cityscape. Visitors to this magnificent ancient city are required to pay a fairly steep entry fee, after which it's possible to stay in the city for up to a week.
Getting there: Bus (45 minutes) or taxi from Kathmandu.
Patan
Kathmandu
Admission: Patan Durbar Square NPR 500, Patan Museum NPR 250
Officially called Lalitpur Metropolitan City, Patan is one of the three royal cities in the Kathmandu Valley. It has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its fine crafts, evident in the elaborate architecture, stone carvings, and metal statues found all over the city.
Patan is actually one of the biggest cities in Nepal, with historic attractions mostly located near Durbar Square and best explored on foot. Patan Durbar Square is a good place to see beautiful examples of palaces, temples, and shrines, and stunning stone carvings of the Sundari Courtyards.
The entire city of Patan was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 and is a centre of both Buddhist and Hindu culture in Nepal. Patan is home to more than 1,200 monuments, so tourists are spoiled for choice.
One of the most stunning sites is the Krishna Mandir, a stone temple with magnificent friezes built in the 16th century. Other amazing temples include the Mahaboudha Temple, the Rudravarna Mahavihar, the Machchhendranath Temple, the Golden Temple, and the Kumbheshwar Temple. The Patan Museum is also a very popular tourist attraction.
Namche Bazaar
Himalayas
One of the most popular stops on any Himalayan trek, Namche Bazaar makes a good rest stop on the climb to Mount Everest base camp. Many trekkers spend at least a day there to acclimatise to the high altitude, with two days being better.
Namche is the unofficial capital of the Khumbu region. It started out as a trading post, a place where locals met to barter and exchange goods. Despite its popularity as a stop for trekkers, it has remained a small settlement.
The town has a variety of accommodation, restaurants, teahouses, and shops that mostly sell supplies. From just above the village, trekkers will get their first view of Mount Everest itself. The main attractions in Namche Bazaar include the weekly market at the centre of the village and the small Namche Monastery.
The Sagarmatha National Park Visitors Centre is located in the top end of the village and offers information on wildlife in the area. The Museum of Sherpa Life, located just above the village, is worth a visit while the Museum of Local Medicinal Plants is interesting for those curious about traditional healing techniques.
As Namche is the only place in the region to offer money changing facilities (besides Lukla), trekkers should ensure that they have sufficient cash for the remainder of their journey before leaving.
Pashupatinath Temple
Kathmandu
Admission: NPR 1,000
One of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pashupatinath is one of the major temples devoted to Lord Shiva on the Indian subcontinent. It attracts thousands of Hindu pilgrims each year, with Shiva being the patron deity of Nepal.
The Temple of Pashupatinath is renowned for its beautiful architecture and stands on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, a tributary of the Ganges. Other temples, shrines, statues, and pagods surrounded this large temple complex, which can take some time to explore. The temple buildings are closed to non-Hindu visitors but the grounds are not.
Shiva devotees and holy Hindi ascetics called sadhus roam the complex in great numbers, meditating and praying on the steps throughout the temple. One of the richest temples in Nepal, it received a great deal of wealth from kings and aristocrats in devotion to the god.
The complex is also home to Kathmandu's funeral ghats, a series of cremation platforms spread along the river where the bodies of Hindus are burnt and the ashes scattered into the holy river. Tourists should be respectful when witnessing these cremation ceremonies and particularly cautious about taking photographs.
Address: Three miles (5km) east of Kathmandu, in Deopatan
Boudhanath Stupa
Kathmandu
Admission: NPR 250 for adults (waived if you are staying at one of the hotels located near the stupa).
The Boudhanath Stupa is the largest in the Kathmandu Valley, standing about 131 feet (40m) tall. It's one of the biggest and most important Buddhist stupas in the world. The all-seeing red, white, and blue eyes of the Buddha are painted on all four sides of the stupa, similar to Swayambhunath.
Hundreds of fluttering prayer flags, prayer wheels, and small images of the Buddha surround the building. It is central to the Tibetan culture in Nepal and said to date back 500 years, although there is some debate about the exact date of construction.
The Boudhanath Stupa is on the ancient trade route from Tibet to Nepal, and Tibetan pilgrims and merchants have been praying at the site for centuries. The influx of Tibetan refuges has led to more than 50 Tibetan monasteries built around the stupa. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kathmandu.
It is conveniently close to the city, located just 6.8 miles (11km) outside Kathmandu. Buddhist festivals cause a flurry of activity at the stupa, with thousands of pilgrims joining together in the sacred rituals, such as the Tibetan New Year, or Lhosar, in February every year.
Changu Narayan Temple
Kathmandu
Admission: NPR 300
Dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, Changu Narayan Temple sits on a ridge overlooking the Kathmandu Valley. Believed to be 1,600 years old, it's one of the oldest and most impressive examples of pagoda architecture in Nepal.
The complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its incredible woodcarvings, metal inscriptions, and stone statues adorning the courtyard, all dating from between the 5th and 13th centuries. The complex is located on a high hilltop and surrounded by a forest and a small village called Changu.
The views from the top are spectacular on a clear day and there are various shrines and sculptures in the extensive temple grounds, as well as vendors and artisans who offer comparatively well-priced and crafted souvenirs.
The temple is a deservedly popular attraction but its location just outside of the city ensures it's not too crowded. There is an information centre at the entrance to Changu where tickets are issued and information about the temple and wider area is available. Those wanting refreshments will find a number of cafes and restaurants near the temple.
Address: Nine miles (15km) from Kathmandu
Annapurna Region
Himalayas
The most popular region for trekking in Nepal, the Annapurna region passes through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. It has deep valleys, ancient stone settlements, Tibetan culture, Buddhist temples and monasteries, and mountains over 22,966 feet (7,000m) tall.
Excellent lodges line the main routes of the Annapurna Circuit, the Annapurna Sanctuary, and the Jomsom trek to Muktinath. The Annapurna Circuit is one of the most walked treks in the country and is one of the most exceptional routes on earth, crossing Thorong-La pass at 17,769 feet (5,416m) and requiring about three weeks to complete.
The Sanctuary requires about 10 days and is a direct route straight to the heart of the Himalayas, where tremendous sheer-walled peaks of 19,685 to 26,247 feet (6,000 to 8,000m) encircle the reverent trekker at the Annapurna Base Camp.
Easily accessible via a short flight from Pokhara or Kathmandu, Jomsom is a town situated between two gigantic mountains in the Kali Gandaki Valley, at the bottom of the world's deepest gorge.
From Jomsom, there are options to walk in either direction along the Annapurna Circuit. The trek to the holy shrine at Muktinath is very popular and follows the ancient trade and pilgrimage route across the Himalayas.
Mount Everest Region
Himalayas
The sight and challenge of the highest mountain the world draws trekkers and mountaineers from across the world. They set out to explore the Sagarmartha National Park in the northeast of Nepal, even if not attempting an ascent.
The Sagarmartha National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, containing a mixed terrain of deep gorges, glaciers, and rocky landscapes. Home to some interesting fauna and flora, the alpine vegetation nevertheless gives way to bare rock and snow as the altitude increases.
Most trekkers fly to the airstrip at Lukla at an altitude of 9,350 feet (2,850m) from where the trek begins to Everest Base Camp. From Lukla, the trail winds up the Dudhkoshi River Valley to the famous Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar.
Above Namche, travellers will find the smaller traditional villages of Khunde and Khumjung, and across the canyon from Khunde is the fascinating Tengboche Monastery, one of the highlights of the area. Visitors will find lodges and campsites at the monastery.
By flying in and out, the trek requires about two weeks. It's also possible to walk in but this requires much more time. Multi-day treks in the region are a wonderful opportunity to observe and participate in the daily life of the Sherpa people, and of course, the views and landscapes are breath-taking.
White-water rafting
From the heights of the Himalayas, rivers surge down the foothills and across the plains of Nepal and enable some of the most scenic, exciting, and challenging white water rafting experiences in the world.
The rivers present a variety of rafting opportunities suiting different experience levels. Rafting companies typically offer different types of trips, from gentle drifts ideal for families, grade two to three rapids for first timers, or world-class raging white water for brave and experienced veterans.
Rafters can also choose to do some paddling or kayaking and can find a trip to suit their needs, from two-day excursions to two-week trips that usually involve some trekking. Kayak clinics are also available on the Seti River.
The most popular white water rafting trip from Pokhara is on the Kali Gandaki River with extreme rapids (grade 5 to 5+) and impressive scenery, as the river winds its way through canyons and deep gorges.
Those looking for multiday adventures should tackle the Marsyandi River (four days), the Sun Koshi River (seven to nine days), the Arun River (nine days), the Karnali River (10 days), or the Tamur River (11 days). Rafters will spend nights camping on the riverbanks, witnessing some of Nepal's most awe-inspiring scenery while on the water.
Mountain Trekking
Trekking is the most popular activity in Nepal and is the best way to experience the Himalayas. Most treks follow well-trodden foot trails that have been in use for hundreds of years, connecting mountain villages and hamlets.
Popular treks include the Annapurna Circuit and the hike from Lukla to the Mount Everest base camp, while more serious mountaineers might attempt an expedition to some of the highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest itself.
'Teahouse treks' follow the most popular trekking routes in the entire Annapurna region, Langtang area, and the Everest region. It allows walkers to make their own way from village to village, carrying minimal equipment and relying on teahouses for food and accommodation.
The settlements along well-known routes, of which there are many, are generally well equipped to accommodate visitors. It is also possible to hire a guide or porters for these expeditions. Organised, all-inclusive treks include porters, guides, cooks, tents, equipment, and transport.
Permits are required for some areas and for national parks, but many routes can be hiked for free. Although trekkers are usually safe if they stick to popular routes, there have been some incidents of armed robbery and bribes on trails in Nepal and it is best to walk in groups.
Public Holidays in Nepal
| |
2020 |
2021 |
| March Equinox |
Thu. March 20 |
Thu. March 20 |
| September Equinox |
Mon. September 22 |
Tue. September 23 |
| June Solstice |
Sat. June 21 |
Sat. June 21 |
| Ram Nawami |
Wed. April 2 |
Mon. April 21 |
| Majdoor Divas |
Thu. May 1 |
Thu. May 1 |
| Nepali New Year |
Mon. April 14 |
Mon. April 14 |
| Sonam Losar |
Sat. January 25 |
Wed. February 12 |
| Nari Dibas |
Sat. March 8 |
Sat. March 8 |
| December Solstice |
Sun. December 21 |
Sun. December 21 |
