Adventure Alternative

A Guide to 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). Foreign nationals must pay for airfares in foreign currency if purchased in-country. Only Nepalese and Indian nationals are allowed to pay in rupees for air passage between Nepal and India. There is an airport departure tax.

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.

If trekking, visitors should go with a reputable trekking company and should not trek alone; these two rules, if followed, will dramatically lower any risks.

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.

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.

Terrorism

A final ceasefire announced in September 2006 has now meant that after many years Nepal is entering a period of calm, during which it can once again become one of the worlds great mecca's for adventure travellers. There are no reports of terrorism from the Maoists now and after the last few years of unrest, it is clear that people can feel safe travelling to Nepal.

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.np Country'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