A Trip to Nepal: All You Need to Know

Generally speaking, the journey itself plays a very important role, often as significant as the destination. For this reason, we must pay special attention to transport choices, routes, and our guides when planning our next trip. Travelling around Nepal can be a thrilling experience in its own right, one that you should certainly enjoy.

Below, we have gathered all the information you will need to prepare for your trip to Nepal, what to expect there, and how to get around once you arrive.

 

Your Flight to Nepal

# Airports

To enter this world of adventure and zen, you must first pass through Tribhuvan International Airport, known as Kathmandu Airport. Flights to Nepal are usually not direct, so you will certainly have had a stopover in a Middle Eastern or Asian city.

As soon as you disembark the plane, you will feel the noise and vibrancy of Nepal's capital. Although the airport is not large, it is the only way to enter the city by air. Don't let the bustling city overwhelm you; take a few deep breaths and try to remain calm.

Below, you will find some useful tips to help you avoid stress:

• Always carry a pen with you on the plane and at the airport. Most airlines will hand out your documents for immigration control before you arrive to save time.
• During the checking process, pay close attention to the signs. If you stand in the wrong queue, you will waste your time as you will be sent back.
• Naturally, your passport will be checked with the usual scanner. If the machines are not working, you will need to go through a desk for a manual check and, as you can imagine, wait in yet another queue.

You can also travel by train or bus from Delhi to Nepal. However, you should be aware that this journey is quite long and not very comfortable. The bus travels mainly at night, which is not the safest time to be on Nepal's roads.

During peak season, flights to Kathmandu fill up quickly, so you might need to fly to Delhi and change airlines. In this case, you will need to obtain an Indian transit visa, as you will have to collect and re-check your luggage.

Book your flights well in advance to find cheap flights and the most economical tickets possible. Through Travelo, you can find dates with cheap flights to book inexpensive air tickets!

 

Requirements for Entry to Nepal

• Your passport must be valid for at least six more months at the time of your entry into the country.
• There must be one blank visa page in your passport.
• Nepalese authorities generally permit entry with an emergency passport printed abroad.
• A visa appropriate for the purpose of your trip.

 

Customs

International travellers arriving in and departing from Nepal via international airports are permitted to carry a maximum of one of the following personal items:

• Binoculars
• Tablet/laptop, camcorder, and camera
• Portable speaker
• Pram or tricycle
• Bicycle
• Watch
• Mobile phone
• Strictly prohibited to carry raw/unprocessed gold and silver through ports of entry. Processed gold/jewellery up to 50 grams and processed silver/jewellery up to 100 grams are allowed.
• Items for professional use, including drones (inquire in advance with the Department of Customs, Nepal)

 

Do I Need a Visa to Enter Nepal?

Yes! All tourists without an Indian passport need a visa to enter Nepal.

You have the option to obtain a tourist visa upon arrival or to get a multiple-entry visa in advance. Any visa obtained from an embassy must be used within six months of its issue date. If you get a visa at the airport, you will need to have passport photos with you.

 

The Cost of a Visa for Nepal

• 15-day multiple-entry tourist visa (approx. 30 USD = 27.44 euros)
• 30-day multiple-entry tourist visa (approx. 50 USD = 45.74 euros)
• 90-day multiple-entry tourist visa (approx. 125 USD = 114.34 euros)

Visa fees are paid in US dollars. There are ATMs and exchange offices at the airport. However, it is advisable to carry cash, as credit card payments are not always a reliable option, and ATM machines occasionally malfunction.

 

# Applying for a Visa for Nepal Online

You can apply for your visa online before your trip at this address: https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/

You will need to have available:    

• Your passport
• A recent photograph of yourself to attach
• You will also need to attach a photograph of your passport
• Your residential address and your accommodation address in Nepal
• Mobile and landline phone numbers
• Email address

Once your application is accepted, proof will be sent to your email, along with other information on what you need to have to pass through immigration control and further details.

If you do not have a visa and do not receive an entry stamp from an immigration officer, you will not be permitted to enter/depart Nepal and may face additional consequences.

 

# Getting Around Nepal

As for getting around Nepal, there are several options. In larger cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara, metered taxis are available. The cost of a taxi is low, although it can vary due to continuous changes in fuel prices. If you prefer not to negotiate the fare with drivers, you can go to one of the prepaid taxi stands and pay a fixed price.

Once you are on the streets of Kathmandu, you can explore the city using rickshaws. Rickshaws are three-wheeled carts, and while not as comfortable as taxis, they offer a pleasant experience and give you the opportunity to feel the pulse of the city as you move around.

For intercity travel, buses are a popular choice. They are economical but can also be an adventure in themselves. They are often excessively crowded, and the roads, being unmaintained, could be described as rugged, so it is usually better to travel during the day rather than at night.

 

# What Language is Spoken in Nepal?

The official language of Nepal is Nepali, but it is primarily spoken by half the population, and there are many different variations (123 different languages were recorded in 2011!). However, English is widely spoken and understood, and Nepalis are generally very willing to help.

 

# What to Do in Nepal?

Regarding what to do in Nepal, tourism constitutes a significant part of the country's economy. This means there are many interesting things to see and do.

Below you will find some very interesting activities and places you can visit in Nepal:

• Trekking to Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Sanctuary
• Exploring the Mustang region near the Tibetan border
• Trekking in the lower Khumbu regions
• Visiting Kathmandu and Pokhara
• Chitwan National Park
• Nepal's lowland valleys

Nepal is known for its high mountains, the challenges of trekking, and the personal risk involved. However, it is also known for adventure sports such as white-water rafting, ziplining, bungy jumping, and wildlife safaris, which are very popular activities in Nepal.  

 

# How to Plan a Trip to Nepal

To plan a trip to Nepal, you must consider your goals and desires. If you intend to go trekking, such as ascending to Everest Base Camp or Annapurna, you should choose a tour operator. Once you arrive in Nepal, guides will meet you at the airport and take care of all the details of your trip, allowing you to enjoy your adventure. Additionally, you will need to undertake some preparation for your physical fitness. You should be aware that to ascend to high altitudes, such as Lukla mountain at 2860 metres, the presence of an experienced guide or a professional doctor who understands the effects of altitude sickness will be necessary. We recommend staying at lower altitudes, exploring areas such as Chitwan National Park, Kathmandu, and Pokhara.

 

# Travel Tips – 7 Cultural Customs You Should Know

Adhering to local cultural norms and traditions is an essential part of any travel experience and will add value to the memories you take with you at the end of your trip. In heavily touristed areas, such as Kathmandu and Pokhara, there is greater tolerance for visitors. However, the more remote the areas you visit, the more important it is to be sensitive and aware of local cultural norms.

This will allow you to enjoy your trip more and help you establish a deeper connection with the people of Nepal, who often represent the highlight of Himalayan journeys.

Below are 7 cultural and social norms we recommend you observe during your visit to Nepal:

• Instead of shaking hands, use a prayer-like gesture and say "Namaste" (nam-ast-ay) as a greeting.
• Women should dress conservatively, covering their shoulders and legs (a rule that also applies in other Asian countries is to cover your elbows and knees).
• Before taking photos, ask for permission, especially in religious sites.
• Public displays of affection between men and women are not recommended.
• Take off your shoes when entering homes, especially kitchens and sacred spaces.
• Ask for permission before entering temples and do not carry leather items inside them.
• To point at something, use your whole hand extended, not just your finger.

It is important to remember that this enchanting nation offers much more than just the impressive landscapes of the Himalayas. It is a country rich in culture, history, and hospitality. By observing the cultural norms and local customs mentioned in the article, you will develop deeper connections with the locals, and your experience will be further enhanced.

Furthermore, don't forget to explore Nepal's wonderful nature, from the peaks of the Himalayas to its waterfalls, river valleys, and exotic wildlife. Activities such as trekking, rafting, and visiting ancient temples will add unforgettable moments to your journey.

Finally, surrender to the magic of Nepal and let it inspire and change you. Nepal is not just a place, but a life experience that will stay with you forever. Have a good trip! Namaste! (Greetings!)

Don't forget to check current local conditions and tourism guidelines, as well as necessary visas and vaccinations before you depart, to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Nepal.