USEFUL INFORMATION
GEOGRAPHY
Nepal is a landlocked country located in South Asia, bordered by China to the north and India to the south, east, and west. Its diverse geography encompasses a wide range of natural features, from the towering peaks of the Himalayas to the lowland Terai plains. This variation in elevation contributes to a rich array of ecosystems, climates, and landscapes within a relatively small area.
SIZE
Nepal covers an area of approximately 147,516 square kilometers (56,956 square miles).
LOCAL TIME
GMT+5:45
CURRENCY
The official currency of Nepal is called Nepalese Rupee or NPR. All major currencies like GBP, USD, EUR, AUD can be exchanged at the Kathmandu airport and other authorized money exchange places including the banks and hotels. Indian Currency or INR is widely accepted here. ATMs are generally available in all the major cities and towns. However, they may not be available or maybe scarce in villages & small towns.
ATM is widely in use in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Most retail shops, restaurants and hotels accept major credit and debit cards including Visa and MasterCard. Away from major towns, be prepared to pay cash at small shops and local markets.
PHONE AND INTERNET
You can get local sim cards at the airport or we can arrange it for you at a nominal cost. Foreign SIM cards do work in Nepal, but it is best to get local ones as it will be cheaper. Most hotels provide complimentary Wi-Fi. However, your local sim will come with internet service as well. Global roaming is also accessible.
Telephone code: +977
ELECTRICITY
The standard voltage is 220V, 50Hz. Plug types with 2 round pins (type C) or 3 round pins (type D), are the most common. It is recommended that you bring converters for your electronics, however, most hotels offer multi plug sockets.
VACCINATION
Immunizations are not required to visit Nepal. (Except: if you are traveling from an area infected with Yellow Fever, you must have a vaccination certificate). However, it is advisable to check the latest travel health advisories from your national health center.
LANGUAGE
Nepal is home to a multitude of languages, each reflecting its rich cultural heritage and ethnic variety. Nepali is the official language, however English is widely spoken across the country.
FOOD AND WATER
To be safe, we recommend drinking only bottled or mineral water. Bottled water is available even in small roadside shops. Do make sure that the bottles are sealed and not broken.
Nepal’s most distinctive dishes are probably dal bhat (rice and lentils) and the popular momos (dumplings). Nepal does not have one distinct cooking style. However, food habits differ depending on the region. Nepali food has been influenced by Indian and Tibetan styles of cooking.
SHOPPING IN NEPAL
The most popular shopping items in Nepal are the exquisite handicrafts sold in local markets. Many of these carry religious significance. Artistic works of stone and metal, silver and gold trinkets, and incredible wood carvings are readily available. Other kinds of souvenirs include the famous Gurkha knife or Khukuri, prayer wheels, stone carvings, singing bowls, papier–maché masks, thangkas and pauvas, pashmina, carpets etc. For the adventure traveller, Nepal has some of the best trekking gear available in every market. Bargaining is expected.
SAFETY
Nepal is a safe and rewarding travel destination as long as you exercise caution, stay informed, and take appropriate precautions. As with any travel, a well-informed and prepared traveler is more likely to have a positive and safe experience.
TIPPING AND GRATUITIES
Tipping is always at your discretion, although it is usual to tip guides, drivers, porters, as well as anyone who provides a direct service. We can give you a guideline to help you determine how much and when to be prepared to tip.
PEOPLE
Bhutan is home to a diverse population comprising various ethnic groups, the largest of which are the Ngalops and Sharchops. Bhutanese people are known for their warmth and hospitality. Visitors often report feeling welcomed and comfortable while interacting with locals, which enhances the overall sense of safety. Bhutanese society is free of class or a caste system. Bhutanese society generally has been relatively gender sensitive, open and good-spirited.
Bhutan has relied on its geographical isolation to protect itself from outside cultural influences. Only in the last decades of the 20th century were foreigners allowed to visit the country, and only then in limited numbers. The Bhutanese are a fun-loving people fond of song and dance, friendly contests of archery, stone pitching, traditional darts, basketball and football.
The population of Nepal is made up of various ethnic groups, each with their own distinct customs, languages, and ways of life. Nepalese people are known for their genuine warmth and hospitality. Visitors often remark on the kindness and openness they encounter when interacting with locals. Sharing a cup of tea with a stranger or being invited into someone’s home for a meal is not uncommon, and these gestures exemplify the deep-rooted culture of hospitality in Nepal. Ancient rituals are adhered to in their original form as people are deeply religious and visit the temples daily.
Because of the inaccessibility of the mountains some people’s lives have changed very little in the last century. You can still encounter caravans of mules transporting essential goods to and from distant settlements in the Himalayas.
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
Buses are the most common mode of transportation for both short and long distances in Nepal. They connect major cities and towns, offering an affordable and accessible means of travel. Taxis are readily available in major cities and towns, and offer a more convenient and comfortable mode of transportation. You could even try rides on local rickshaws where available.Some taxis operate on a metered system, while others require negotiation of the fare before starting the journey.
There will be a lot of uncontrolled traffic on the streets of Kathmandu. Mountain weather is unpredictable, hence it is best to factor a couple hours into any domestic and international flight in Nepal.
INSURANCE AND MEDICAL
We recommend travellers to obtain international travel health and accidental insurance. Having medical and accidental insurance is highly advisable in order to obtain the best services and healthcare during your trip, should you need any.
You can find good medical facilities in Kathmandu, while the facilities in other areas are limited.
