Nepal Climate
The Kathmandu Valley has a mild climate most of the year, situated at an altitude of 4,297ft (1,310m). Summer temperatures range from 67-81°F (19-27°C), and in winter temperatures are between 36 and 68°F (2-20°C). During the rainy monsoon season between June and August, there is an average rainfall of between 7.8-14.7 inches (200-375mm) in Kathmandu. May and June can be very hot and humid until the monsoon rains bring relief. In spring (March to April) and autumn (October to November) the temperatures are pleasant with occasional short bursts of rain, while November to February are dry, but can be very cold, especially at night.
Nepal Culture
LANGUAGE:
Nepali is the official language. English is spoken in all major tourist areas.
CUSTOMS:
Nepal has numerous cultural practices that are unusual to foreigners. In the tourist areas there is a high degree of tolerance towards visitors, but away from these places foreigners should be sensitive to local customs. Never accept or offer anything, or eat with the left hand. Do not eat from someone else's plate or offer food from one's own. Women should dress conservatively and cover as much as possible. Permission should be sought before taking photographs, particularly at religious sites. Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon.
TIPPING:
Restaurants and hotels may add 10% to bills in which case no further tip is required; otherwise a 10% tip is customary in places that cater to tourists. It is customary to tip guides and porters on treks. Elsewhere it is not customary to tip, but gratuities are always appreciated.
BUSINESS:
The Nepalese are warm and friendly, and business tends to be conducted with a combination of formality and sincerity. Much time is given to small talk and socializing. Handshakes are fairly common, though one should wait to see if greeted with a hand, or a namaste - a traditional greeting of a small bow accompanied by hands clasped as if in prayer. Visitors should return the greeting. Dress tends to be formal and conservative, with suits and ties the norm. Titles and surnames are usually used; the elderly in particular are treated with great respect and the word 'gi' is added after the name as a polite form. Punctuality is important, although it may take some time to get down to business, and negotiation can be a long process. English is widely spoken and understood, though discussions in Nepali may occur between Nepalese themselves within a meeting. Business hours are usually 9.30am or 10am to 5pm Sunday to Thursday (closing at 4pm in winter). Saturday is a holiday.
ELECTRICITY:
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two- and three-pin plugs are used.
COMMUNICATIONS:
The country code for Nepal is +977, and the outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the UK). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)1 for Kathmandu and (0)41 for Pokhara. Two mobile phone operators provide GSM 900 network coverage in the main cities and towns, but this does not extend to the summit of Mount Everest! In the main tourist centers of Kathmandu and Pokhara there are Internet cafes on every corner.
Nepal Government
NEPAL EMBASSIES:
Royal Nepalese Embassy, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Canada): +1 202 667 4550.
Royal Nepalese Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7229 1594/6231.
Royal Nepalese Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6162 1554.
Royal Nepalese Embassy, Cairo, Egypt (also responsible for South Africa): +20 (0)2 361 6590.
Royal Nepalese Consulate-General, Auckland: +64 9 520 3169.
FOREIGN EMBASSIES IN NEPAL:
United States Embassy, Kathmandu: +977 (0)1 400 7200.
British Embassy, Kathmandu: +977 (0)1 441 0583.
Canadian High Commission, New Delhi, India (also responsible for Nepal): +91 (11) 4178 2000.
Australian Embassy, Kathmandu: +977 (0)1 4371 678.
South African High Commission, Colombo, Sri Lanka (also responsible for Nepal): + 94 11 5635 966.
Irish Embassy, New Delhi, India (also responsible for Nepal): +91 (0)11 2462 6733.
New Zealand Consulate, New Delhi, India (also responsible for Nepal): +91 11 2688 3170.
NEPAL EMERGENCY NUMBERS:
Emergencies:100 (Police); 228094 (Ambulance)
Nepal Health
There is a risk of malaria between June and September in the low-lying areas including Chitwan National Park, but not in the common trekking areas. Outbreaks of Japanese encephalitis occur annually, particularly between July and December; vaccination is advised. Cholera outbreaks occur and food and water precautions should be followed. Untreated water should be avoided; visitors can buy bottled water or purify their own. When trekking it is preferable to treat river water rather than leaving a trail of plastic bottles behind. Purifying water with iodine is the cheapest and easiest way to treat water. Altitude sickness is a real risk for trekkers. Many trekkers may suffer from altitude sickness above 8,202ft (2,500m); if symptoms persist it is wise to descend as quickly as possible. Standard of care in hospitals varies, but there are traveler's clinics in Kathmandu and numerous pharmacies in the major towns. Medical insurance is essential, which should include air evacuation. Travelers arriving from infected areas require a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Disease
There is a risk of malaria between June and September in the low-lying areas including Chitwan National Park, but not in the common trekking areas. Outbreaks of Japanese encephalitis occur annually, particularly between July and December; vaccination is advised. Cholera outbreaks occur and food and water precautions should be followed. Untreated water should be avoided; visitors can buy bottled water or purify their own. When trekking it is preferable to treat river water rather than leaving a trail of plastic bottles behind. Purifying water with iodine is the cheapest and easiest way to treat water. Altitude sickness is a real risk for trekkers. Many trekkers may suffer from altitude sickness above 8,202ft (2,500m); if symptoms persist it is wise to descend as quickly as possible. Standard of care in hospitals varies, but there are traveler's clinics in Kathmandu and numerous pharmacies in the major towns. Medical insurance is essential, which should include air evacuation. Travelers arriving from infected areas require a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
We Recommend Viewing Information on the World Heath Org. website: Malaria, Japanese encephalitis, Cholera
Nepal Travel
KATHMANDU AIRPORT
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)
Location: The airport is situated four miles (6km) east of Kathmandu.
Time: GMT +5.45.
Contacts: Tel: +977 (0)1 470 274.
Transfer to the city: A pre-paid taxi service operates from immediately outside the arrival gate. Rates are exhibited on a board and the fare must be paid in advance. Local buses also serve the airport, the journey is 35 minutes and costs Rs40.
Car rental: Car rental companies are represented.
Facilities: Facilities include banks and bureau de change, shops, duty-free, snacks, Internet, post office and tourist information. The airport is well equipped with facilities for those with disabilities.
Departure Tax: Rs. 1,130 (international), Rs. 169.50 (domestic).
Website: www.tiairport.com
PASSPORT & VISA REQUIREMENTS
Avoid the stress and queues, get a visa agency to arrange your visa.
Travel Visa Pro, San Francisco, USA. 1-888-470-8472 or www.TravelVisaPro.com
Global Visas, London, UK. 0207 190 3903 or www.globalvisas.com
Entry requirements for Americans: United States citizens must have a passport and visa.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens must have a passport and visa.
Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians must have a passport and visa.
Entry requirements for Australians: Australians must have a passport and visa.
Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans must have a passport and visa.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens must have a passport and visa.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish citizens must have a passport and visa.
Passport/Visa Note: Tourist visas can be issued on arrival to most nationalities. A 60-day visa costs US$30 and a 150-day/multiple-entry visa costs US$80. Tourist visas are valid for Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara Valley and Tiger Tops in Chitwan. Visitors intending to trek or visit other areas should obtain a permit from the Central Immigration Office.
VISA AGENCIES
Travel Visa Pro, San Francisco, USA. 1-888-470-8472 or www.TravelVisaPro.com
TOURISM
Nepal Tourist Office, Kathmandu: +977 (0)1 4256909 or www.welcomenepal.com
DUTY FREE
Travelers to Nepal do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or the equivalent in other tobacco products; 1 litre of alcohol and perfume for personal use. It is illegal to export goods that are over 100 years old.
