What to know before visiting Nepal

Travel Tips For Nepal

Geting Ready To Experience Nepal

Planning to travel to the enchanting country of Nepal? Nepal, located between China and India, is one of the most intriguing countries to visit on the earth. Here are things to know before you embark on your holiday to Nepal. A country that is famous for Mount Everest, the majestic Himalayas, the birthplace of Buddha, incredible 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 Asia. 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.

Spring

Spring lasts from March to May and is considered one of Nepal’s annual peak trekking and mountain seasons. The weather warms up, and the skies become clear, allowing for optimal mountain views. Wildflowers start to bloom and transform the country into a vivid explosion of color.

Summer

The summer months are June to August. The weather gets quite warm, around 30ºC, but the terai and hilly areas experience much higher temperature due to a scorching sun.

Monsoon

Summer monsoon rains last between June to August, where the days are often warm, and often overcast with periodical heavy showers. Regions least affected by the monsoon rains are Kathmandu, Dolpo, and Mustang, however, travel plans will need to be flexible, as flights may face delays or cancellations.

Autumn

Autumn is another peak trekking season that lasts between September to November. The climate is mild and refreshing and offers clear mountain and peak views.

Winter

December to January can be extremely cold and harsh in the mountains. However, with clear skies and minimal chances of rain, is great a great time for wildlife photography and lowland journeys.