Nepal Travel FAQs
Where is NEPAL?
Nepal is landlocked country located in southern Asia couched between two Asian giants India and China. Nepal is geographically, culturally and linguistically diverse. The capital city of the country is Kathmandu, commonly known as ‘city of temples’ where we can explore traditional artistic beauty. Draped along the greatest heights of the Himalaya, Nepal is where the ice-cold of the mountains meets the steamy heat of the Indian plains. Moreover, it’s a land of yaks and yetis, stupas and Sherpas and some of the best trekking on earth. The Himalaya’s most sophisticated urban cultures took shape here, in the three great mini kingdoms of the Kathmandu valley- Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur – home to a world-class artistic and architectural heritage.
What is NEPAL know for?
Nepal is Known for Mt. Everest, highest peak in the world and Lord Buddha, who was the pioneer of Buddhist religion. Besides, among 14 eight thousand meters cross mountains in the world, eight are located in this naturally beautiful country. Nepal has been the focus of outstanding achievements in the world of peak climbing expeditions with the identification of more than one thousand peaks above 6,000 meters .Trekking through the Everest region offers astounding mountain views, an opportunity to take a glimpse into the life of world heritage sites, discovering variety of Himalayan flora and faunas, and an opportunity to explore the highest Buddhist monasteries in the world. Overall, Nepal is known for its hospitality and the local people believes in the mantra ‘Atithi Debo Bhaba’ (Guest are god).
Can I get Nepali Visa on arrival?
Yes! Nepal visa is easily available up on arrival in the entry places. Make the process easier by downloading & completing the application form, having the correct USD cash and two passport photographs.
(Visa Facility) Multiple entry (Duration) 15 days (Fee) US$ 25 or equivalent Nepali currency
(Visa Facility) Multiple entry (Duration) 30 days (Fee) US$ 40 or equivalent Nepali currency
(Visa Facility) Multiple entry (Duration) 90 days (Fee) US$ 100 or equivalent Nepali currency
Is the country politically safe and stable?
Nepal is one of the new democratic countries in the world with many active political parties, ideas, ideologies and leaders. As such there might be some disturbances in some parts of the country. But it does not and will not affect the daily life of the residents in the other parts. Life moves on as usual, unperturbed.
How to enter Nepal?
Nepal can be enter by two ways,
By air: Some of the major international airlines operating schedule services to Nepal are Royal Nepal Airlines, British Airways, Biman Bangladesh, China South West Airlines, Druk Air, Gulf Air, India Air, Thai Airways, Qatar, Pakistan Air, Jet Air and Singapore Airlines. By air, you will arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport (only one international airport) located in the heart of Kathmandu City.
By Road: There are several entry points by land route mainly from Nepal / Indian borders; and China/Tibet Boarder.
Kakarvita
Birgunj
Bhairahawa
Nepalganj
Dhangadhi
Mahendranagar
Scheduled public as well as tourist buses run to and from Kathmandu. Traveling by bus is recommended if you can cope with 10 to 12 hours of long drive in return for a fascinating mountainous views and snail tail roads that meet above the clouds.
Do you have Airport pickup facilities?
Definitely! We do have airport pick up facilities for our customers who have booked for our any packages. We don’t charge any money. As the time you booked your trip, you have to inform us.
Does your company help to arrange domestic flight, international flight, hotel bookings and other services?
We can take care of all domestic flights, hotel bookings and other services. However, we suggest you to arrange international flights from your home country, but we can provide assistance.
What type of insurance should I need to have before coming to Nepal? Can I get insurance there?
No, you can’t get here. It is a condition of joining any of our trips that be protected against comprehensive expenses potential to incur due to medical issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we don’t arrange or sell insurance. A relaxed trip will be far without good travel insurance. In the event of any sickness or injury, the cost of emergency treatment and evacuation is shocking. Therefore, travel insurance is strongly recommended for everyone who signs up with Himalayan Glacier . We strongly recommend that be careful while choosing a policy as some makes special exceptions for adventure travel. Before buying insurance make sure your insurance company is aware of the HGT adventure itinerary that you are going to undertake and is agreeable to cover all activities being undertaken in the trip. Such as if you are planning trekking or climbing/expedition in Himalayas your insurance must cover emergency air ambulance/helicopter rescue including medical expenses. For a group tours in urban areas, your insurance coverage of ambulance or helicopter rescue is not mandatory, however better to have with them too. You need to send us your copy of your insurance policy (e.g. your insurance certificate) or carry it with you while you come on the trip.
Is Nepal safe? Is a woman traveling alone safe with your company?
Absolutely Nepal is safe for traveler. Firstly, Nepal is considered as one of the peaceful countries in the world (chances are it’s safer here than your home-country). Secondly, while you’re on one of our trips, we take personal responsibility for your well-being, a responsibility we commit very seriously.
What are the best times to come on a trek/tour/expedition?
The best tourist’s season in Nepal with the summer gone by and the winter to set is Autumn (mid September-November). The weather is highly pleasant so are the mountain views. While Spring season (March-May) is also considered as good season. The temperature is mildly warm in low lands while moderate in higher altitudes with plenty of opportunities to have tryst with the mountain views. It is also the time for flowers to blossom and the national flower of Nepal – rhododendron sweeps the ascending altitudes with its magnanimous color and beauty. Winter season (January-February) is also recommended for tours, safari and low altitudes trek below 4000m. But for some areas of Nepal, Tibet and India, Summer season (June- August) are the best months because these areas are ‘rain shadows’ and monsoon is much lighter here.
Can I trek in the Himalayas even if I haven’t done any trekking before?
Absolutely, in fact it’s a great place to start. As part of our job, one of the most important things we do is ascertain your experience and ambitions, and find the trek to best match these. However hard or easy you’d like it, however much or little experience you have, we have the perfect trek for you.
For tourists, what is there to buy in Nepal to take back home?
Actually there are so many things to take back home depending on your personnel choice. Nepal is well known for its handicraft materials, pashmina, Nepalese art and craft, and Nepali musical instruments like Madal and Banshuri are the items to purchase. Moreover, Nepali carpets are also best known among the tourist customers. And the best place to shop these goods is around the Thamel area.
Are there ATM facilities in Nepal?
There are many ATM machines in the Kathmandu and Pokhara Valley. ATM machines are slowly being introduced to other cities like Bhuwtal and Dharan. What types of cards are accepted? Debit or Credit? Visas or Masters or Discovers or Dinners? Most popular cards accepted in Nepal are VISA, MASTERCARD and American Express. Both Debit and Credit Cards are accepted here.
How to stay in good health when travelling Nepal?
Before coming to Nepal you are advised to take one or two vaccine for common diseases like Japanese encephalitis. When in Nepal, eat thoroughly cooked food. Drink only the reputed brand of bottled water, While in a trip our company will provide pour drinking water. Soft drinks like Coke, Pepsi are fine to drink. Avoid Fast foods and salads. If you are planning to travel during the period of June to September you may caught by Cholera. But this will not be a big problem if you will follow our advice like not drinking contaminated water like tap water and avoiding uncooked food. Wear a mask (if possible) when walking in the dusty and polluted streets, especially during the summer season in Nepal it can be tough to walk in the streets. Many private clinics and hospitals are open during the day. Drug stores near the hospital regions are open 24 hours (Bir Hospital, Teaching Hospital, Patan Hospital, etc). Of course the other rules apply; a) Quit smoking! b) Drink less.
Are there any tourist police in Nepal?
Of course there is tourist police located near the Nepal Tourism Development Board’s Office. Also, there are complaint counters at the airport and Basantapur Durbar Square. Tourist police are specially trained in English and have detailed local knowledge to assist tourists. For security and travel related assistance, you can reach any of the officers from telephone 4-247041, 4-4268969 during 11 a.m to 5 p.m
Can I bring my medication with me?
Yes, and make sure to bring prescriptions and the medications in its original containers to avoid custom inspection hassle.