Adventure Alternative

Nepal Trekking Information

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Adventure Alternative offers treks to Everest Base Camp, Himalayan climbs and gap year placements in Nepal that we have developed using personal friendships built over a number of years with the Sherpa people of the Khumbu region.
Gavin Bate, AA Director, has long had a love affair with Nepal and it's people ... he has led & organised four Everest expeditions. We have a very strong in-country network of support and provide our own accommodation for those doing teaching or medical placements.

Here are some facts about Nepal:

Facts

Population: 25 million
Standard of living: on par with Pakistan and Cameroon
Religions: Hindu 90%, Buddhist 5%
Capital: Kathmandu
Official language: Nepali
Currency: Nepalese rupee (NR)

Entering the country

Passports must be valid for at least six months after the departure date. Visas are required by all but nationals of India. Single entry tourist visas can be obtained from the entry points of Nepal or from a consulate before travelling. Visas can be extended.

Air travel

Kathmandu International Airport (KTM) (Tribhuvan) is 6.5km east of the city; taxis to the city are available (journey time approximately 20 minutes). There is an airport departure tax of 1600Rs payable in rupees on departure (around £12.00).

Getting around

Tourism authorities in Nepal have announced new mountaineering rules that will allow visitors to climb the Himalayas all year round, rather than only during fixed seasons, as previously allowed. Domestic flights linking major towns, radiating from Kathmandu, are reliable. Taxis in Kathmandu are plentiful and safe.

Health advisory

Medical treatment is expensive at Western clinics. The most convenient hospital for visitor care is Patan Hospital in Lagankhel, although the standard of healthcare is low outside the Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara. Pharmacies in Kathmandu, mainly along New Road, offer a wide range of Western drugs at low prices.
Altitude sickness is dangerous; to avoid acute mountain sickness visitors should ascend slowly and acclimatise fully. Advice can be obtained from the Himalayan Rescue Association near the Kathmandu Guest House, Thamel.
Malaria risk exists throughout the year in the Terai districts of Bara, Dhanukha, Kapilvastu, Mahotari, Parsa, Rautahat, Rupendehi, Sarlahi and
all along the Indian border. Travellers are also exposed to risks of contracting cholera, hepatitis A, tuberculosis and typhoid fever. Vaccinations are necessary. All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated; bottled water should be used.

Natural hazards

The best time to visit Nepal is from October to May. During the monsoon season (July to September), flooding may occur throughout Nepal.

Etiquette and norms

Nepal is a largely Hindu country, although ethnic groups in the mountainous region, such as the Sherpas who live mostly in the Solu Khumbu, are Buddhist; temples and religious sites are found throughout the country and should be respected.
Remove your shoes before entering a place of worship; Never enter a Hindu temple wearing leather (shoes, belts etc.); Ask permission before entering a temple, many Hindu temples may refuse entry, Buddhist temples are generally less restrictive;When visiting a temple or Buddhist stupa always walk around it in a clockwise direction; do not touch the images or the offerings and do not step on any sacred designs on the ground. Always pass religious sites and prayer flags on the left; this goes for the stones seen on the trails with writings on them. Ask permission before photographing religious sites, ceremonies or worshippers.
When greeting place your hands palm together, bow slightly and say Namaste.

Security issues - we now believe that Nepal is safe following a complete agreement for peace in September 2006 during which the Maoist rebels firmly renouced violence.

General crime
Pick pocketing occurs at tourists sites, although crime against tourists is low; as yet no foreigners have been badly injured in violent acts and there are almost no accounts of any tourist being deliberately targeted.

Nepal Contacts Details
International Dialling Code - 00 977

Emergency numbers
Police - 226 999
Himalayan Rescue Association - +(977) (1) 444 0292/0293
Tourist Police - 226 999

Embassies in the country
British Embassy
Lainchaur
Kathmandu
Tel: + 977 (0)1 441 0583
Fax: + 977 (0)1 441 1789 / 6723
E-mail: ukconsular@mos.com.npCountry's embassies abroad

Nepal Embassy in the United Kingdom
12a Kensington Palace Gardens
London
W8 4QU
Tel: + 44 (0)207 229 1594 / 5352
Fax: + 44 (0)207 792 9861
Email: rnelondon@btconnect.com

Foreign and Commonwealth Office - up to date travel news from the British Government.
Info-Nepal.com - News, pics and general information website.
CIA World Factbook - Definitive guide on all things political, socio-economic and geographical.
Nepal.com - Massive website with dedicated section on travel.
Lonley Planet - Nepal - Online guide from this popular travel book series.
Welcome Nepal - Official site of Nepal Tourism.
The Everest Post
Online expedition for 2002 Moving Mountains Everest expedition. An online expedition journal covering the two month expedition to tackle the North Ridge route of the mountain. Contains regular updates, photos and audio sent back from Tibet.
www.nepaltraveladvice.com – independent forum for travel to Nepal, very good and objective.