"Service and trek was excellent. Our guide Govinder was excellent and worked hard to give us a great trek."
Nevin Sood (Help the Heroes Everest Base Camp, Sep 09)
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NEPAL GUIDE
We also have a detailed country guide for Bhutan.
 Country Statistics
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Time: |
GMT+5¾ | |
Dialing code: |
00 977 | |
Area: |
140,800 sq km | |
Elevation: |
Lowest point: Kanchan Kalan 70m
Highest point: Mt. Everest 8,850m | |
Population: |
26,469,569 (July 2003 est.) | |
Capital: |
Kathmandu | |
Government: |
Paliamentary democracy | |
Language: |
Nepali (90%) and other regional dialects, English is also used in government and business |
Overview
 Nestled amongst soaring, snow-capped mountains, the beautiful Himalayan country of Nepal has long been a magnet to travellers from around the world.
Blessed with some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world. The irresistible attraction of the Himalayan Mountains - sheltering peaks such as Everest, Annapurna and Lhotse, and raging rapid-filled rivers - has made Nepal a Mecca for adventure activities like rafting, trekking and mountain biking.
Add to this a rich cultural heritage, which can be still be seen today in the shape of magnificent royal palaces, colourful Hindu temples, and ancient Buddhist monasteries, and you have a country that constantly heads the list of most popular tourist destinations.
Brief History
The first firm historical records about Nepal begin in around the 7 th to 8 th century BC when the Kiratis, a mongoloid people, migrated westwards from China into the Kathmandu Valley. Yalambar was the first of a line of 28 Kirati kings to rule the Kathmandu Valley lasting up until the 4 th century AD. During the Kirati reign Buddhism was first introduced into Nepal and it is believed that the Buddha himself visited the valley, residing for a time in Patan. Ashoka, the legendary India emperor, also visited the Kathmandu Valley sometime around the 2 nd century BC, evidence of which can be seen today in the four stupas he erected around Patan. Read more...
Highlights
Geography
Nepal can be divided into narrow strips stretching from the Indian border to the border with Tibet. The first is a low, jungle-covered area called the Teria. Next, rise the Siwalik Hills, followed by the higher Mahabharat Hills. Several fertile valleys lie to the north of these hills including the Kali Gandaki and the Langtang. North again rise the immense snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas.
Climate
Nepal's weather is split between its mountains and its lowlands.
The lowlands experience tropical weather and the monsoons arrive in June and last until September. During this period the weather is humid and cloudy. Between October and April the weather becomes warm and sunny, however the nights can get quite cold especially in the depths of winter.
On the high mountains, there is snow and ice throughout the year. Bring light clothing and waterproofs during the summer months, warmer clothing for spring and autumn and heavier clothing if visiting mountain regions or if visiting in winter.
 | |
Kathmandu |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec | |
Rain (mm) |
15 |
41 |
23 |
58 |
122 |
246 |
373 |
345 |
155 |
38 |
8 |
3 | |
Sun (hrs) |
6 |
6 |
8 |
6 |
5 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
5 |
10 |
10 |
9 | |
Temp (Max) |
18 |
19 |
25 |
28 |
30 |
29 |
29 |
28 |
28 |
27 |
23 |
19 | |
Temp (Min) |
2 |
4 |
7 |
12 |
16 |
19 |
20 |
20 |
19 |
13 |
7 |
3 | |
Days of Rain* |
1 |
5 |
2 |
6 |
10 |
15 |
21 |
20 |
12 |
4 |
1 |
0 | |
Hum (%) |
70 |
68 |
53 |
54 |
61 |
72 |
82 |
84 |
83 |
81 |
78 |
73 |
* denotes number of days with at least 1.0 mm of rainfall
Currency
Nepalese rupee (Rs)
1 US$ = 75 Rs
1 UK£ = 133 Rs
Common notes
- 1 Rs
- 2 Rs
- 5 Rs
- 10 Rs
- 20 Rs
- 25 Rs
- 50 Rs
- 100 Rs
- 500 Rs
- 1,000 Rs
NB changing larger notes can sometimes be difficult in small villages.
Money can be changed at any bank, exchange kiosk or hotel (lowest rate). Banks are open from 10am to 2pm from Sunday to Thursday and until noon on Friday. Traveller’s cheques are widely accepted but will entail a service charge, usually per cheque. ATM’s are only available in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and accept all major credit/debit cards. Credit cards are generally accepted, with Visa and MasterCard being the most popular. Cash advances are also available at banks. No black market exists in Nepal.
Holidays
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New Year’s Day |
- |
1 st January | |
National Unity Day |
- |
11 th January | |
Martyrs' Memorial Day |
- |
29 th January | |
Holi (coloured water and powder festival) |
- | Feburary/March | |
Maha Shivratri |
- |
Feburary/March | |
National Democracy Day |
- |
19 th Feburary | |
International Women's Day |
- |
8 th March | |
Ram Navami |
- |
March/April | |
Buddha's Anniversary |
- |
April/May | |
HM King Gyanendra's Birthday |
- |
7 th July | |
Krishna Janamashtami |
- | August/September | |
Vijaya Dashmi |
- | October/November | |
Constitution Day |
- | 9 th November | |
Lakshmi Puja, Diwali (Deepavali) |
- |
October/November |
NB Banks and government offices are closed during public holidays.
Most Hindu festivals follow the Indian lunar calendar and therefore change from year to year when using the Gregorian calendar.
There are also numerous regional holidays, festivals and fairs throughout the year.
Religion
Hindu 90%, Buddhist 5%, Muslim 3%, other 2% (1981) - note: only official Hindu state in the world, although no sharp distinction between many Hindu and Buddhist groups.
Vaccinations
Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary and are subject to change. You must consult your GP on current vaccinations needed for your destination. You can also visit our travel health website at:
TravelHealthZone
This has links to up-to-date information on vaccination requirements as well as much more general travel health information and advice.
For direct, up-to-date information on vaccination requirements for Nepal please click here
Customs
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Greetings are traditionally accompanied with a small bow, a big smile, and hands together in prayer, however the handshake is becoming more and more populare, especially amongst men.
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Always take your shoes off before entering a temple and remember to dress conservatively, shorts are not allowed, and never touch carvings or statues of deities. You may also be required to remove leather items such as belts and bags. When visiting Buddhist temples always walk around them in a clockwise direction.
-
Indian women are generally conservative and should not be touched without their consent. Public shows of intimacy are considered inappropriate and you should try to dress conservatively wherever possible.
-
The feet are considered as unclean and should not be used to point to things or to touch someone with. Try not to touch the head, as this is also considered rude.
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Always use your right hand for communal eating and other social interaction as the left hand is reserved for toilet duties. Nepalis traditionally eat with their hand rather than with eating utensils, but this is not expected of westeners. If you have been invited into a local's house to dine, always remove your shoes before entering and wash your hands before eating.
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When trekking or visiting more remote areas be aware that food on offer and cooking facilities are often limited. However it is not uncommon to find large menus, even in the smallest restaurant or guesthouse, but this does not mean that you should order without thought. Try to order simple dishes (preferably dal bhat, the staple dish of Nepal) and if in a group try to order the same dish - unless of course you are happy to wait a long time for your dinner.
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Tipping is usually expected in restaurants and should be around 5-10% of the meal. Tipping for services is dependent on the service provided, and how well it is performed - 20Rs or less is normally fine. Remember; if you are not happy with the service don't tip.
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Haggling is an integral part of Nepal life. You should expect to haggle for just about everything, but for the best results do so with a smile and a light-hearted approach. Always be wary of street sellers, as what they sell may not always be what you think it is
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Be considerate when taking photographs. Avoid taking photos of religious ceremonies, funerals, and people bathing as this is most likely to cause offence. Always ask permission before taking pictures of people and try to avoid flash photography inside temples and around light-sensitive paintings or artwork.
Security
The Maoist insurgency of the last several years in Nepal now appears that it may be over, with the Maoists actively involved in the government, and disarming. It is early days however, you should follow the local news, remain vigilant and avoid any public demonstrations.
 The most common form of crime against tourists is theft, usually by stealth rather than violence, so visitors should take care to secure their personal possessions at all times. In more remote areas the risk of muggings and robberies does exist but remains very low.
The majority of Nepal is safe to travel in, however the recent problems with Maoist rebels means that certain remote rural areas are now just becoming accessible again. There may be various restrictions on travel and curfews in place across Nepal and you are advised to respect these.
If trekking, you are advised to remain on established routes, to walk in groups, and with reputable trekking agencies.
For more specific, up-to-date security information and how this may affect your tour, please visit our regional security page.
Visas
Most foreign nationals can get a 60-day visa for $US30 upon arrival at Kathmandu airport or any of the land borders with India. You can also obtain a double entry visa for $US55, or a multi-entry visa for $US90. Other visas, including work visas are obtainable for a fee.
If you wish to extend your visa you can apply for a 30-day extension at the immigration department, which will cost $US30, and can be paid for in local currency.
There is a 1,695 Rs ($US25) departure tax when leaving by air.
Trekking permits are now required again for trekking in the Mt Everest, Langtang or Annapurna area. You will also need an entry permit if you are visiting the Annapurna Conservation Area.
Flights (from the UK)
UK return - UK£480to UK£850using the cheapest air carriers (usually the Gulf airlines and with a short stopover).
For more information on the tours we run in Nepal,
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