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Nepal Travel Guide
Nepal is a cheap and relatively safe country with amazing scenery of the Himalayan mountain range. It's perhaps the best place in the world for trekking and short day walks also. It's backpacker paradise with a cheap cost of living and a friendly tourist industry.
Sights
- The main city of Kathmandu is overflowing with various temple sights such as Bodnath Stupa, Swayambhunath and Durbur Square.
- Pokhara is a beautiful quite town with outrageous sights of the lake and Himalaya mountain range. A great place to go trekking, take shorter walks, mountain biking, rafting and kayaking.
- View Mount Everest and the other peaks of the Himalaya (of which Nepal has 8 of the worlds 10 highest).
- National Parks include Chitwan and Langtang where you can see elephants, lions and more.
- Visit Bandipur the town that stood still and see traditional Newari people and architecture.
- Lumbini is the birthplace of Buddha, where you can meditate on the nature of existence.
- Visit Tansen with its traditional village and hilltop Himalayan views.
- Wildlife Reserves include Koshi with traditional thatched villages and rice paddies.
Activities
Nepal is packed with activities, read more about Nepal's outdoor activities.
- Nepal is the worlds ultimate trekking destination. From Mount Everest, to 21 day treks around the Annapurna range, to easy walks around Pokhara and Kathmandu, there is something for everyone. Read about trekking in Nepal .
- Paragliding in the subcontinents best locations.
- Rafting and kayaking is available for novices and the experienced. The diverse rivers and mountains provide an ideal backdrop.
- Mountain biking tracks from the sublime to the ridiculous are found all over the country.
- Take a mountain flight to see the Himalayas and Mount Everest up close.
Suggested Itineraries
Trekking or rafting/kayaking can be taken in when in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Allow time for bus journeys - about 6 hours between most big stops.
- 3 days - stay in the Kathmandu valley, visit Durbur square and the stupas
- 1 week - 3 days in Kathmandu, 4 days in Pokhara
- 2 weeks - 3 days in Kathmandu, 1 day in Bandipur, 4 days in Pokhara, 1 day in Tansen, 1 day in Lumbini, 3 days in Chitwan National Park, 1 day in Nagorkot
- More than 2 weeks - Consider Everest Base Camp, other national parks, long treks, and those out-of-the-way places.
Costs
Nepal is one of the worlds poorest countries, and the recent political problems have left a slump in tourism which can lead to good discounts.
Minimal living costs are US$7 per day. With
taxis and temple admission expect to pay US$15 per day. Read about a cheap day in Nepal
.
Is Nepal safe?
Yes, generally Nepal is a safe country. There is currently a risk from the Maoist party (see below) but tourists are not targeted and you are unlikely to ever see any effects of their actions. Don't be put off, tourism has slumped and discounts are widely available.
Since 13 February 1996 the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) has been fighting a People's war against the Nepal state in the hills, and other parts, of Nepal. The war started after the Maoists presented the then prime minister with a 40 point list of demands to make Nepal a better country. Since then the Maoists have grown in arms and troops and now control 40% of the country, but attacks have occurred throughout the country. The Maoists terrorize politicians and local farmers alike. The USA have made donations to Kathmandu to help their "war on terrorism". The Maoists are moving towards a political part, and have asked the UN to mediate, but the government has rejected this.
The Maoists do not target tourists, and there have only ever been a few incidents involving tourists who did not pay the requested donation. When traveling in Kathmandu, Pokhara and most of the tourist areas you are unlikely to see any Maoist action. The road from Kathmandu to Pokhara often has a Maoist road block, but the bus just pays a donation and passes through. You are unlikely to be at risk.
Visas for Nepal
Most nationals are issued with a 60 day visa upon arrival at Kathmandu airport or several land crossing points with India. The process is easy, requires 1 passport photo and payment of US$30. 30 day extensions are easy to gain within the country. It's a good place to spend a long time.
When to go to Nepal
Nepal has a two season year. The dry season is October to May and the wet monsoon season is June to September. September to November and March to May bring perfect weather for viewing the Himalaya, trekking and water sports, and are the times to visit. The weather is warm during the day but gets chilly at night in high areas. See the trekking section also.
What to bring
You might want to bring some of the following:
- Sunglasses and high protection sunscreen.
- For trekking (all but shoes are available at good
prices in Kathmandu and Pokhara)
- Hiking shoes for trekking as they are one of the few trekking items that are hard to find.
- A sleeping bag
- Fleece
- Warm coats
- A fleece if visiting between October and March.
- A face mask against Kathmandu's air pollution problem.
- A torch for power cuts
- Insect repellent for national parks.
- Swimming costume for rafting, kayaking, canyoning, swimming and elephant washing in Chitwan National Park.
Transport
Flights to Kathmandu, Nepal
All international flights land at Kathmandu airport. Visas are available upon landing. There is a photo machine in the airport. You cannot pay with Nepali Rupees, so bring US Dollars, Euros or British Pounds. There is an ATM downstairs.
From Delhi
For a view of the Himalayas sit on the left hand side of the plane.
- www.JetLite.com (was Air Sahara) fly daily at 12:00, Rs 7,000. Flights last 1.5 hours. There is a ticket office at Delhi International airport, and tickets can be bought in Indian Rupees after 10:00.
Accommodation in Nepal
The best places to stay are in guesthouses. Some are family run offering quiet places to relax, and others are amongst the bustle for the more social. Guesthouse prices range from US$2 - $10 per night. Hotels can be found in Kathmandu and other areas, and cost $US10+. If trekking then you'll probably want to stay in the trekking lodges, offering simple beds and food on the trekking routes. Camping is possible when trekking, in Pokhara and other places.
Weather in Nepal
Outside of summer all areas of Nepal are warm with sunshine during the day, but it does get cold after sunset. If you are going out for the day keep an extra layer of clothes with you.
The People of Nepal
Located between India and Tibet, Nepal is made up of a diversity of ethnic groups. The different groups of Nepali hill people are quite distinct, and with the combination of new residents to the country there is a quite a variety of faces, foods and fashions on the streets.
Nepal also has a caste system, similar to that of India.
Hinduism and Buddhism both being strong in Nepal which has led to great religious tolerance, with almost no religious tension in Nepal.
The people of Nepal are generally good humored and patient, quick to smile and slow to anger. But they have a reputation as fierce fighters, read about the Gurkha forces .
Communications in Nepal
Internet access is everywhere in the Thamel region of Kathmandu and in Pokhara. The broadband service is heavily shared and slow, but cheap. In other areas access is very limited. There are a couple of WiFi cafes in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Facts about Nepal
- The Nepali calendar is 57 years ahead of the Gregorian calender used in the west. So 2007 becomes 2064.
- The Newars, on the other hand, are 880 years behind. So 2007 is 1127.
- Trekkers in Nepal leave behind an estimated 100 tones of unrecyclable water bottles every year.
- Public shows of affection are frowned upon in Nepal. But you will see men holding hands. This is not sexual, but a social thing, like in India. Until recently Nepali men rarely shook hands.
- Hashish has been illegal in Nepal since 1973, but it is still readily available.
- Killing a cow is illegal in Nepal and carries a punishment of two years in prison.
- Nepal's flag is totally unique.
- The first cars were transported to Kathmandu valley on the backs of porters, before there were any roads or petrol.
Theft in Nepal
Petty theft is not on the scale you'd find in many countries, theft from tourist hotels is commonplace. Follow these tips
- A common form of theft is rifling backpacks on the roofs of buses. Always padlock you bags.
- First floor hotel rooms are the easiest to break into, stay higher up.
- Never leave valuables in hotel rooms.
Scams in Nepal
- Young kids (and mothers with babies) ask you for milk, you buy the milk at a designated store at an inflated price, the scammer returns the milk and pockets some of the mark-up. You can buy and open the milk to prevent the scam and still benefit the kids.
- Kids and touts who know the capital of any country you can think of, or know all about your country - a request for money will soon arrive.
- Credit card scams, where you buy some souvenirs only to find thousands of dollars worth of Internet porn subscriptions charged to your card.
Begging in Nepal
Begging is relatively common in Nepal, partly because both Hinduism and Buddhism encourage the giving of alms. This can present a dilemma, should you give? It is often worth checking how the locals react, and decide whether this is a genuine beneficiary. At bigger temples there can be long lines of beggars. Pilgrims customarily give a coin to everyone in the line. The Sadhus (holy men) are another special case and usually completely depend on alms.
Useful websites
- Explore Nepal - Good information site
- Nepal Ministry of Tourism - Tourism information
- Nepal Torusim Board - Official tourist board website
- TrekInfo.com - Great trekking information, especially the forums
- Visit Nepal - Comprehensive details for travelers
your travel blog is really great. keep it up.. nice work
Useful Travel Tips
HI, My name is "Raju India" many years of my work as a professional tourist taxi driver in India and Nepal I drove more then one million km. without accident, during all this time I always discover and collect information from other places which is useful for any western tourist during there India travel. Here below is the list which will help you lot if you careful about all this:-
GENERAL TIPS FOR INDIA & NEPAL TRAVEL
Visiting India or Nepal can be a wee bit unnerving for the first-time visitor. The lifestyle and culture is totally different from the West. I made a list of some important dos and don'ts for hassle-free and enjoyable travel in these both countries.
A proper VISA to enter and stay in India & Nepal is a must. There are reported cases when travellers are advised non-requirement of Indian/Nepal VISA by their travel agents. Practically every foreign national requires VISA to enter these countries.
Do not encourage beggars.
Don't trust strangers with money. Trust your hotel, but not people you may bump into on the streets.
Don't offer bribes to get any job done. Bribe-taking and bribe-giving are a common practice in India but they are intended to speed up things or win a favour that you are not entitled to. Plan well in advance. Use consultants or trade and industry associations. If you expect favours, let them come free or not at all. Warn anyone (even in government) who asks you for a bribe that you would report him to the Anti-Corruption Bureau or the nearest police-station. If he persists, do it discreetly so that he can be caught red-handed.
Indian English has its own delights especially to foreigners of English nativity. Don't show amusement at the different Indian accents and choice of words. This does not take away from the fact that many Indians speak and write better English than many native English speakers.
It is advisable to cover yourself with travel insurance for thefts, loss and medi-claim.
Carry proper maps of the places proposed to visit in India/Nepal, as signboards are often absent. Try to reach a station during daytime if travelling on your own. In any case avoid persistent touts and taxi-drivers at airport/stations/bus stand to help you find your hotel. Always use tourist assistance desk for proper advice.
Women travelling alone in certain deserted places should avoid walking at odd hours.
While changing money, insist on getting encashment certificate.
Do not checkout of the hotel in hurry. While checking out it has been noticed in some hotels, the extras are unreasonably charged which the guest hurriedly pays without cross-checking.
Do not leave your cash and valuables in your hotel rooms. Keep your cash divided in different pockets.
Take care of proper disposal of your rubbish always whether you are exploring desert, or Himalayas or beaches or anywhere else.
Don't accept offers of visiting anyone's home unless you are confident of the person.
Use licensed guides for sightseeing.
Always use strong suitcases/baggage, as mishandling is common at airports/stations.
Don't tip unreasonably and unnecessarily in a hotel. The NEWS soon spreads in the hotel and by the time you checkout there will be a group of them saluting you to expect something.
In Monsoon time avoid night stay in the desert while you do camel safari.
Most of the monuments give very good discount for students from all over the world.
They must carry there valid school identity card.
SHOPPING
Don't buy antiques more than 100 years old. Selling and buying "shahtoosh" shawls is a crime. The same goes for ivory and wildlife.
Buy at genuine shops only. Bargaining is a popular practice in India and necessary too. Don't ever believe in lucrative offers of antique dealers in which they offer you to carry a parcel of some other buyer back home with your own margin described. Entire transaction should be legal and transparent so that you may claim later if dissatisfied.
Almost every touristy town you will found some boys and they will introduce you as poor student with many different stories, finally there target is to sell you and get commission.
Indian Customs department at the airport stop some people from Spain in 2006, Her name was Lionor Mendoza, because they were carrying some Auer Vedic Medicines ( Herbal), which they bought from one of the Aurveda Message resort from South of India. So if anyone buy such kind of things must ask and be sure if you can carry or not to your home.
Guides & Taxi drivers often get commissions if you make any shopping. Percentage of commission is depends on your bargaining level, as more you bargain they get less commission.
TRAVELING IN TRAINS, BUSSES & FLIGHTS
Often train�s and flights are get delayed and can be cancelled at the last moment without any prior notice. Yesterday (25.3.08) it happens with one of my client from USA and they phone me about this situation from Jodhpur town at 9.00pm and there connecting flight to States was just after three hours, It was horrible situation for both us. So it is always better to arrive one day before to your departure destination to catch your International flight.
While travelling, don't act confused. Keep a posture of a person known to the region.
If you are travelling in the trains then you may have to reserve your seats in advance, last time it will be not so easy to get confirm seat reservation.
Buses are not as comfortable as trains.
Trains and buses are the best and cheapest option if you are travelling for more then one month holidays.
Be careful about your luggage while you travel in train or in bus.
Flight from Khajuraho to Varanasi is often over booked so try to get boarding pass as soon as possible otherwise they will provide you car for to go Varanasi.
It is always better to arrive one hour before scheduled departure at the train station and one and half hour before any domestic flight.
Always chain and lock your luggage under your berth in a train. Don't keep anything valuable near the window. Always carry plenty of water, fruits in trains. Alone woman travellers may request to be accommodated near other women travellers.
Don't eat anything offered by fellow travellers on train or road travels. It might have sleeping pills. Always travel reserved class in trains.
RENT A CAR � FOR INDIVIDUAL FAMILY TRAVEL
Cars are one of the best and safest way to travel in India, if you are not travelling for months in India.
Make sure that your driver is trained for defensive driving and speak basic English.
As a driver you always have one person with you to help you and your luggage is always safe.
Always avoid driving at night on Indian highways, It is not recommended.
Avoid self driving in India unless you have been trained on Indian roads.
If you feel not comfortable by the driving or he drives fast is always better to tell him to drive slow.
RELIGIONS
Do not visit places which encourage orthodoxy, social injustice and inhuman practices (like visiting a sati temple).
Politics can be freely discussed in India and most people will have an opinion which they will not mind being contradicted. But avoid discussing religion.
Avoid offers of spiritual salvation and magic remedies from saints, god men and quacks. There may be some spiritually elevated people in India, but there is no way you can distinguish the genuine ones from the crooks. If you are seriously interested in these aspects of India, take help from someone you know or visit one of the respected spiritual organizations in India.
Don't ever enter a temple, mosque, tomb, dargah or Gurudwara ( Sikh Temple) with shoes on and/or scantily dressed. One should cover his/her head with a cloth while in a Gurudwara or Dargah. Parikrama or walking around the sanctum sanctorum should always be in clockwise direction. Also should use your full pantaloon.
FOOD & WATER
Take care of contamination of water and food problem. Always drink safe mineral water and take well-cooked food.
Drink bottled water only. Even many Indians who have lived out of India for a few years sometimes suffer stomach upsets on drinking local tap water. If there is no alternative to tap water, ensure it is boiled. Most famous brand is Bislery, Aqua Fina and Himalaya.
Avoid eating buffet meals, even in expensive hotels. The food may become contaminated due to over-exposure
If you are buying from roadside stalls or hawkers, bargain you must. Start by offering half the price they ask for and settle for 70 - 80 per cent. Don't bargain in proper shops especially those that display "Fixed Price" signs: that will be seen as bad manners.
Never buy food from roadside stalls or mobile canteens. Not that they are bad, but your system may not be accustomed to such delicacies and you might end up spending more time in the loo than normal.
Tandoori Chicken, Chicken Tikka, Chicken Curry, Malai Kofta and Naan these are the most famous dishes eaten by western people and they like them very much.
King fisher Lager bear is one of the most general alcoholic drinks taken by any western tourist.
Lassi & water is one of the most general non alcoholic drinks taken by any western tourist.
Not only drink bottled water also brush teeth with it.
If driving between cities, have your hotel pack a lunch for the road.
SOCIETY & TRENDS
Participating in a social occasion or visiting a home requires conservative dress codes. Do not shake hands with ladies. Always pick up a thing and eat with your right hand. Take only as much as you can eat, do not leave anything uneaten over the dish.
Do not point your finger at any person. It is taken as a sign of annoyance.
Be careful of cultural and social sensitivities of the regions. There is no single rule for that, the best way is to observe and follow.
The �NAMASTAY� is a local form of greeting. It involves the joining of your palms as during prayer in church � well, not exactly, but it can pass (in church, the two thumbs are crossed, in the Indian �NAMASTAY� , the thumbs join but remain parallel to each other: this is only for information as the difference is not visible to the person in front of you).
If you find the lady is not extending a hand shake, go for the �NAMASTAY� , Even with men, the �NAMASTAY� can be an excellent little PR gimmick! Follow it up with a �AAP KAISE HAIN� (how are you?) and you have broken the first block of ice if one there was!
If somebody has invited you home for dinner, carry with you a box of sweets or at least a chocolate bar for the kid.
Many Indians are in the habit of shaking their head in the course of conversation or taking instructions. Don't show amusement if you witness this.
Don't photograph women without permission.
Indian weddings are one of the most famous social ceremonies liked by western people.
NEPAL
To go Varanasi to Kathmandu ( Nepal):- Often flights are full from Varanasi to Nepal so to find out new possibility I wend to Nepal by road from India.
I already been many times with my car but it was always from Varanasi, this time I start from Jaipur (Rajasthan). It was beautiful trip.
People can go by road to Nepal from Varanasi it�s quite easy.
Varanasi to Sanouli Border (Nepal) via Gorakhpur is around 300km 7hours drive.
To start early morning is recommended to avoid busy traffic hours.
Just after get in Nepal you can sleep in Lumbini or Chitvan National park or if you have enough energy then be continue till Pokhara, just 160 km more through the Himalaya Mountains 4-5hours drive.
This drive between Nepal Border to Pokhara is one of the most beautiful drive on the Himalaya mountains.
Kathmandu is 300km from Nepal border by road.
TERRORISM & DRUGS � UNSAFE AREAS TO TRAVEL
Avoid visiting Kashmir in the extreme north as well as areas in the extreme north-east. Foreigners, especially West Europeans ands Americans, are at risk to hostage-taking by terrorists in those areas. The rest of India is safe haven for everybody.
Never argue strongly with anybody.
You should not become involved with drugs of any kind. Penalties for possession of narcotic substances can be severe. There is a minimum sentence of six months for possession of small amounts for personal consumption only.
VISA, INSURANCE & OTHER DOCUMENTS
You should keep a photocopy of your passport, Indian visa and flight ticket separate from the originals when travelling.
This will save you much inconvenience and time if your documents are lost or stolen.
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusion, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.
CUSTOMS & AIRPORT�S AUTHORITY OF INDIA
Indian Customs department at the airport stop one client of mine from Spain, Her name was Lionor Mendoza, because they were carrying some Auer Vedic Medicines ( Herbal), which they bought from one of the Aurveda Message resort from South of India. So if anyone buy such kind of things must ask and be sure if they can carry with them or not to their home.
DREAM PLACES IN INDIA
Majority of the people think that to spend night in a house boat in Karela Back Waters is one of the most memorable moments of their India Travel.
JAISALMER ( The Thar desert) is considered as one of the most beautiful and peaceful places of India.
"" - At Agra is one of the most visiting place in India.
"GOLDEN TEMPLE" - Amritsar is one of the most impressive monuments after "Taj Mahal".
"KHAJURAHO" - The Kamasutra (Erotic) Temples, preserved by the world heritage monument.
VARANASI (Ganges) - is one of the towns which give you most strongest feeling.
RAJASTHAN, KERALA & GOA are one of the most organized states for tourism.
I will come back to you soon with more information, in the mean time if you really think that my efforts to collect all these information helpful for people just leave your few words about it. It will encourage me to keep continue.
Thanks and wish you all the best for your next travel to my beautiful country.
Raju India
www.rajuindia.com
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