Getting To Nepal
By Air
– Tribhuvan International Airport is the only gateway to Nepal by air. (IATA code KTM)
– Facilities such as Free WIFI, VIP Lounge, Trolley Service, Hotel Reservation Info Counter, Senior Citizen and Breastfeeding Room, Police Help Desk, Information Desk, Banking Facility, Restaurants and Cafeteria, Medical Services, Foreign Exchange, Pre-paid Taxi are available.
– Tribhuvan International Airport connects to 40 destinations over 17 countries.
By Road
– There are 35 entry points to Nepal from India via roadways.
– There are 6 entry points to Nepal from China via roadways.
– Everyday Cross Border Bus Service between Delhi-Kathmandu, Delhi-Pokhara and Varanasi-Kathmandu route is operated.
Best Season to visit
– Nepal has four seasons, Autumn (Sep. Nov. and Oct.), Winter (Dec. Jan. and Feb.), Spring (March, April and May) and Monsoon (June, July and August).
– Fall/autumn and spring are the most popular times to visit for hiking, climbing and mountaineering.
– Spring is a good time to visit Nepal’s valleys and forests as March marks the starting of the blooming season.
– Best time to visit Kathmandu valley is from late September to December because of the clear skies, local festivals and cultural events.
Visa Information
– Nepalese Tourist visa is valid for entry for three to six months from the date of issue.
– All foreigners, except Indian nationals need a visa to enter Nepal.
– Visa for Nepal can be obtained on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu and at the border entry points in Kakarvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Gaddachowki on the Nepal-India border and Kodari on the Nepal-China border.
– SAARC countries except Afghanistan can get a 30-day visa for free on arrival if they are visiting for the first time in a given year.
– Written passports are not accepted for the issuance of a visa.
– Children below the age of 10 years are exempted from visa fees.
– Single entry visa on arrival valid for 15/30/90 days can be obtained with a fee of USD 30/50/125 respectively. (https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/)
– A valid passport and one passport-size photo with a light background.
– Visa can be obtained only through payment of cash in the following currency: Euro, Swiss Franc, Pound Sterling, US Dollar, Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Hong Kong Dollar, Singapore Dollar and Japanese Yen.
Travel Insurance
– Insurance for all visitors is not mandatory but is recommended.
– Mandatory for people planning to go on restricted area trek or participate in adventure sports.
– The government of Nepal has made travel medical insurance mandatory for all visitors to the country after Covid-19 and this insurance must include emergency assistance and COVID-19 medical repatriation.
Time Zone
– Nepal Standard Time (NPT) is the time zone for Nepal.
– GMT/UTC + 5 Hours and 45 Minutes
– Pacific Time + 12 hours and 45 minutes
Currency
– The Nepalese Rupees is the official currency of Nepal. ISO Code is NPR.
– 1 USD = 116.78 NPR (As of 24 May 2021)
– 1 Pound Sterling = 165.41 NPR ( As of 24 May 2021)
Charging Electronics
– Electricity and charging facilities are available almost everywhere except some remote corners of Nepal. Following charging appliances are recommended:
– Type D BS 546 Plug or European CEE 7/16 Europlug
– Voltage 200-220
Climate & Weather
– Nepal’s climate varies according to three geographical regions: Himalayan region, Hilly region and Terai region:
– The Himalayas can get to sub-zero temperatures, but the sun blaze can bring some warmth during the day.
– The climate is moderate in the hilly region as it is hot in summer and cold in winter. It receives plenty of rainfall during the monsoon season.
– Terai region experiences dry winters and blazing hot and humid summers.
What to wear
– Light, fast drying and comfortable clothes are recommended for summer.
– Warm clothes, body warmers and layers of clothing are necessary during winter.
– Appropriate and decent dressing is required while visiting cultural and religious sites.
Payment Systems
– Money changer counters are easily available in major tourist destinations.
– Payment can be made in USD in hotels, travel agencies and airlines.
– Major international credit cards such as Master Card, Visa Card, American Express are widely accepted at hotels, travel agencies, shops and restaurants.
Languages
– Nepali is the official language.
– English and Hindi are widely spoken in major tourist routes throughout Nepal.
– Chinese is spoken at some of the restaurants and hotels around Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Food
– Rice, lentil soup, vegetables and pickles are common Nepali cuisine.
– Chicken and mutton are common for non-veg.
– Only a few of the restaurants offer beef and pork varieties.
– Newari cuisine is famous in Kathmandu.
– Many restaurants offer Chinese, Indian and Continental Cuisines.