What to Know before traveling to Nepal
Travel Tips For Nepal
Geting Ready To Experience Nepal
Planning to travel to the enchanting country of Nepal? A country that is famous for Mount Everest, the majestic Himalayas, the birthplace of Buddha, amazing bird migratory areas, jungle safaris, friendly and warm people and so much more. Nepal’s diverse and stunning natural beauty makes it one of the most spectacular destinations on earth. Although Nepal is classified as a developing nation, it ranks as one of the safest countries in the world. However, you should always be cautious when traveling to any destination. Here are some tips that will ensure that your trip to Nepal is safe and enjoyable.
Travel Insurance
Travel With Peace Of Mind
Travel insurance is a good thing in case something unexpected happens, such as having your wallet stolen or needing hospital care. Most hospitals have affiliations with major insurance companies, and can quickly and easily validate your travel insurance to cover the fees, or to transfer you home, in severe cases. You will need to show an ability to make payments before hospitals in Nepal will admit you. If you intend to go trekking, make sure your insurance covers your intended activities, including travel above 3,000m, mountain rescue services, and helicopter costs, etc.
Travel Safety
Health precautions
As you plan your trip to Nepal, it is important to take precautions to avoid illness while travelling. We advise visiting the CDC or NHS website to learn more about updated vaccines and medicines recommended for Nepal. There are dengue fever and malaria fever in Nepal, so remember to bring antimalarial drugs and take them before, during, and after travel. To protect yourself, it is recommended to bring a good insect repellent. In the mountain areas of Nepal, there are ticks that cause tick-borne diseases like tick-borne Japanese encephalitis. So please be careful when visiting the mountains.
Vaccinations
Some travel-related vaccines may be recommended for all travellers. Some vaccines may be recommended for travellers who are staying longer in Nepal (Nepal is a developing country and many diseases and conditions are not well-controlled). There are no mandatory vaccines required for entry into Nepal; however, hepatitis A vaccine is advised. Vaccines against diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), measles, mumps, and tetanus are also recommended. In addition, an oral typhoid vaccine is also recommended for most travellers even if they claim to never eat street foods or drink beverages directly from the water sources.
Crime and Safety
Nepal is one of the safest countries in South Asia. In fact, it is generally considered to be one of the safest countries for foreigners to travel to, and women can travel independently without hassle. This is partly because it is a devoutly religious country, mainly Hinduism and Buddhism. Religious beliefs are integrated into society and culture, and this can be observed in the numerous pagodas and temples scattered on the street and in nature. The Nepalese greeting “Namastē” derived from the Vedas has a deep spiritual connection, namely the recognition of another person’s divine soul (ātmā). It is recommended to respect the religious culture and observe a moderate dress code when traveling in Nepal.
The Nepalese are warm-hearted and resilient people, and the traveler is often met with genuine kindness and hospitality.
However, crime is not uncommon in Kathmandu and other urban areas, mostly involving petty theft. Theft is more common around areas such as the tourist sites, markets and public transport. Be aware of your belongings at all times and travel with awareness of your valuables. Do not carry an excessive amount of money on you, nor walk around at night. If you have any problems while traveling in Nepal, contact immediately the local law enforcement agencies (phone 1144).
Visa Requirements
Passport & Visa
Nepal offers visas upon arrival for 15, 30, and 90 days, costing US$ 25/40/100 respectively. Only cash, in any major currency, is accepted at the airport for your Nepal visa, but there is an ATM machine for you to withdraw money. SAARC countries can get a 30-day visa for free on arrival. Your passport must have one blank visa page and have remaining validity of at least six months at the time of entering Nepal.
Seasons in Nepal
The best time to visit Nepal depends on your travel intentions, as Nepal’s incredible natural diverse environment and topography ensure immersive experiences all year round. Nepal experiences four seasons, which can be classified as spring, summer (summer monsoon), autumn, and winter season.
Spring and autumn are generally considered to be the peak season for mountaineering and trekking, while the best time for birdwatching is between October and March, as migratory and endemic bird species can be sighted in abundance.