» 04 Days Sightseeing

Travel information

Entering in Nepal:

TRAVELING BY AIR
There are direct flights to Kathmandu from London, Paris, Frankfurt, Vienna, Amsterdam, Moscow, Sharjah, Dubai, Dhaka, Karachi, Munich, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Doha, Paro, Lhasa, Singapore, New Delhi, Mumbai, Patna, Calcutta and Varanasi. Charter flights can also be arranged for large movements. Most of the flights feature business class and amenities of international standards. Many a time, the Captain offers a guided sightseeing of the Himalaya for no extra charge! Airfares fluctuate with the changes in exchange rates and are to be paid in foreign currency by foreign nationals. Only Nepalese and Indian nationals are permitted to pay in rupees for air passage between Nepal and India. Departure flight tickets should be reconfirmed three days in advance to avoid inconveniences by possible flight cancellation or changes in the flight schedule. Overweight luggage charges are levied in foreign exchange.

TRAVELING BY ROAD
All visitors entering Nepal by land must use no other entry points other than

1. Kakarbhitta
2. Birgunj
3. Bhairahawa
4. Nepalgunj
5. Dhangadi and
6. Mahendra Nagar in the Nepal-India border and
7. Kodari in the Nepal-China border.

The overland tourists entering the Kingdom with their vehicles must possess an international carnet or complete customs formalities.

Visa Formalities:
– Free Visa for all tourists who visit Nepal for 3 days or less.
– Free Visa for tourists of SAARC countries and People's Republic of China.

Visa Fee:
Single entry- US$ 30 days for 60 days
Multiple entry- US$ 50 + US$ 30.

Visa will be extended subsequently for 30 days each upon payment of US$ 30 for a maximum period of 150 days in a Visa year (Jan-Dec).

Visa can be obtained either on arrival in Nepal or from Royal Nepalese Embassy or Consulate or other Mission offices abroad. Two passport size photographs required.

Indians do not require visa to visit Nepal. However, they require being in possession of any one of the following documents while travelling between the two countries.

* Valid national passport
* Photo identity card issued by the government of India/any State Government or Union Territory/Administration in India/Identity Cards issued by the Election Commission of India. (Except Tatkal Identity Cards issued by the Ministry of Railways).
* Children between 10-18 years age group are allowed to travel by air on the strength of a passport or photo identity card issued by the Principal of their school or college.
* Emergency Certificate issued by Embassy of India, Kathmandu to Indian nationals in case of emergent conditions.

Children up to the age of 10 years will not require the above-mentioned documents for travelling between India and Nepal, by air.

Banks:
Nepalese currency can be purchased at foreign exchange counter at the airport. Foreign currency exchange counters of different banks are also located in the city. Foreign currencies must be exchanged only through the banks or authorized foreign exchange. The exchange rates of the foreign currencies are announced in the daily newspapers.

Foreign Currency / Credit Cards:
Payment in hotels, travel agencies and airlines are made in foreign exchange. Credit Cards like American Express, Master and Visa are widely accepted at major hotels, shops and restaurants.

Remember to keep your Foreign Exchange Encashment, Receipt while making foreign exchange payments or transferring foreign currency into Nepalese rupees. The receipts may be needed to change left-over Nepalese Rupees into hard currency before leaving the country. However, only 10 percent of the total amount may be converted by the bank. Major banks, hotels and the exchange counters at Tribhuvan Airport provide services for exchanging foreign currency. Us Dollar travelers checks can be purchased from American Express at Dubar Marg and other major banks in Kathmandu. Banks in Kathmandu are open 09 am to 3:00 pm. Monday to Friday. Closed on Saturday and national holiday.

Exchange rates are published in English dailies such as The Rising Nepal and The Kathmandu Post. Nepalese Rupees are found in denominations of 1000, 500, 100, 50,25, 20, 10, 5, 2, 1. Coins are found in denominations of 10, 25 and 50 paisa. One rupee equals 100 paisa.

Customs and Airports

Customs: All baggage must be declared and cleared through the customs on arrival at the port entry.
Passengers arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) without any dutiable goods can proceed through the Green Channel for quick clearance without a baggage check. If you are carrying dutiable articles, you have to pass through the Red Channel for detailed customs clearance.

Import: Apart from used personal belongings, visitors are allowed to bring to Nepal free of duty cigarette (200) or cigars (50), distilled liquor (one 1.15 liter bottle), and film (15 rolls). You can also bring in the following articles free of duty on condition that you take them out with you when you leave: binoculars, movie or video camera, still camera, laptop computer and portable music system.

Export: It is illegal to export objects over 100 years old (sacred images, paintings, manuscripts) that are valued for culture and religious reasons. Visitors are advised not to purchase such items as they are Nepal's cultural heritage and belong here. The Department of Archaeology has to certify all metal statues, sacred paintings and similar objects before they are allowed to be sent or carried out of the country. Handicraft dealers and travel agents are able to assist you in this process. For more information on Customs matters contact the chief Customs Administrator, TIA Customs Office.

Airport Tax: Passengers departing from the Tribhuvan International Airport are required to pay airport tax of Rs.1,365 if departure to SAARC countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) and Rs. 1,695 to all other international destinations. Domestic airport tax is Rs.170.

Trekking Permit:
A trekking permit is a must to visit restricted areas. To visit normal trekking areas, no permission is required.

Some of the rules for trekking are as follows:

• Trekking may be undertaken for only one place or an area at a time.
• Trekkers should follow the route prescribed for them by the Department of Immigration.
• To trek along routes that are not prescribed may create serious problems regarding security, food and accommodation.
• It is advised to arrange trekking through the registered trekking agencies to prevent oneself from any unseen accident during the trekking period.
• While trekking it is advisable to take only authorized guide and porter.
• Be careful with matches around wooded or grassy areas, forest and grass fire causes serious damages.
• Be most economical with all fuel, specially regarding the local firewood use minimum fuel for hot showers and discourage campfire.

Trekkers are strictly forbidden to cut any green forest resources and to kill any wildlife. Give preference to lodges and trekking companies that do not use firewood and encourage their efforts to conserve the environment.

Use washing and toilet facilities provided or if none are available make sure you are at least 30 meters away from any water source. Bury excreta and toilet papers and use biodegradable toiletries. Avoid the use of non-biodegradable items as much as possible. Support measures to reduce pollution and improve the environment.

Altitude Sickness:
Altitude Sickness, often known as Acute Mountain Sickness, if not treated when symptoms first appear, can lead to death. It is the effect of altitude on those who ascent too rapidly to elevations above 3,000 meters. Early mountain sickness will manifest itself in headache, loss of appetite and sleeplessness. Do not ignore these warnings otherwise more serious symptoms can occur which can even cause death sometimes within a few hours. Being young, strong and fit does not help. Descend to a lower altitude immediately. If you are in the Khumbu region, contact Khunde/ Pheriche hospitals and Manang hospital if in Manang area for altitude sickness and information. Doctors are available there during trekking season.

Health Guide
Insurance: A travel insurance policy that covers theft, loss and medical treatment is recommended. Make sure the insurance also covers the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal such as trekking or river rafting.

Immunization: Nepal does not require any particular immunization for your visit. Vaccinations for Cholera, Meningitis, Tetanus & Diphtheria, Typhoid and Gamma Globulin should be considered for your trip. Please consult your physician and get a complete check-up before your departure.

Prevention, The best Medicine: Care in what you eat and drink is the most important health rule. The number one rule is don't consume the water including ice. Reputable brands of bottled water or soft drinks are generally fine.

Some Dos and Some Don’ts:
With its diverse ethnic groups and traditional beliefs, Nepal has numerous cultural practices that may appear unusual to a person on his/her first visit to the country. However, to enjoy your stay in the remarkable country of white Himalayas and sparkling rivers it is important to take into consideration the different cultural aspects of the country. Here is a list of things, which may be helpful to you.

1. The form of greeting in Nepal is "Namaste" and is performed by joining the palms together.
2. Before entering a Nepalese home, temple, and stupa remember to remove your shoes
3. Be careful not to use your spoon, fork or a hand being used for your eating to touch other's food, plate, cooking utensil or the serving dish. Do not eat from other people's plate and do not drink from other people's bottle or glass. It is considered impure by the Nepalese.
4. Never touch anything with your feet. This is considered an offence among Nepalese.
5. While travelling dress appropriately. Women should especially avoid dressing in skimpy outfits.
6. Seek permission first before entering a Hindu temple. Many Hindu temples do not allow westerners or non-Hindus to enter. Leather articles are prohibited to be taken inside the temple precinct.
7. Walking around temples or stupas is traditionally done clockwise.
8. Take photographs only after receiving permission for the object or person being photographed. Public displays of affection between man and woman are frowned upon. Do not do something that is totally alien to our environment.
9. Remember, many times, when a person shakes his head from left to right, he may mean "YES"
10. Develop a genuine interest to meet and talk to Nepalese people and respect their local customs.
11. Beef is strictly prohibited among the Hindus. No female animal is killed for food.