What to know before visiting Nepal

Travel Tips For Nepal

Preparing for Your Nepal Holiday

Are you planning a trip to Nepal, the enchanting country that offers the fascinating Himalayas (and Mount Everest), as well as being the birthplace of Buddha, and offering unique jungle safari experiences. Nepal’s warm and friendly people add to the charm of this incredible country. Despite being a developing country, Nepal is considered one of the safest countries in Asia (especially for solo women travelers). Here are some essential tips to ensure that your journey to Nepal is both safe and enjoyable.

Travel Insurance

Travel With Peace Of Mind

Travel Insurance coverage is a good thing in case some unforeseen circumstances may occur. Many hospitals in Nepal have affiliations with major international insurance companies and can rapidly verify your travel insurance to cover expenses or transfer you back to your home country during critical situations. For trekking activities, ensure that your insurance policy covers intended activities, including travel above 3,000m, mountain rescue services, and helicopter costs.

Travel Safety

Health precautions

As you prepare for your holiday to Nepal, it’s vital to take certain health precautions to help prevent illnesses during your travel. We recommend checking the CDC or NHS website to learn about the latest vaccines and medications recommended for Nepal. Dengue fever and malaria fever are prevalent in Nepal during the monsoon season, so if you are traveling during these months, then we recommend that you bring antimalarial drugs and take them before, during, and after travel. To avoid insect bites, it is advisable to carry high-quality insect repellent. When visiting the mountain regions of Nepal, beware of ticks that transmit tick-borne diseases such as tick-borne Japanese encephalitis.
Vaccinations
Although no mandatory vaccines are required for entry into Nepal, it is recommended to get the hepatitis A vaccine. Vaccinations for diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), measles, mumps, and tetanus are also recommended.

Crime and Safety in Nepal

Nepal is considered to be one of the safest countries in South Asia for foreign travelers. Even women can travel independently without being bothered. This may be attributed in part to Nepal’s deeply rooted religious culture that is mainly influenced by Hinduism and Buddhism. These religious beliefs are well integrated into society and culture, with many temples and pagodas spread throughout the country. The Nepalese welcome visitors with warmth and hospitality, and the traditional greeting “Namastē” is an expression of deep spiritual connection, acknowledging another person’s divine soul (ātmā). Due to the religious impact in society, it is recommended to dress modestly and respect cultural norms while traveling in Nepal.
While Nepal is generally a safe country, petty theft is not uncommon, particularly in urban areas like Kathmandu. Most thefts occur in tourist areas, markets, and on public transport. It is important to keep an eye on your belongings at all times and avoid carrying an excessive amount of cash or valuables. It is also advisable not to walk around at night. In case of any issues, contact the local law enforcement agency at 1144 immediately.

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 April 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 month is May. The weather gets quite warm, around 30ºC, but the terai and hilly areas experience much higher temperatures 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.