Planning a travel to Nepal? We have managed to collect some of the most frequently asked questions, Nepal Travel FAQ by travelers before traveling to Nepal. We have mentioned Nepal Travel Frequently asked questions and answers for your reference.
Where is Nepal?
Nepal is a small landlocked country in South Asia, located between Tibetan Autonomous Region in the North and India in the south. Being a small country with an area of just 147,516 km2 is blessed with diverse geography and rich culture and traditions.
Nepal holds the largest section of the Great Himalayan Trial with the highest point on earth (8,849 meters) at the top of Mount Everest.
What is the Time difference in Nepal?
Nepal is five hours forty-five minutes ahead of UTC. Nepal Standard Time (NPT) is the time zone for Nepal. With a time offset from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) of UTC+05:45 all over Nepal, it is one of only three time zones with a 45-minute offset from UTC. NPT is an approximation of Kathmandu meantime, which is 5:41:16 ahead of UTC.
When is the best time to visit Nepal?
Spring (March to June) and Autumn (September to November) are considered the best time to travel to Nepal. The clear skies and sunny day with the best mountain view makes this time most favorable for all kind of tours, trekking, and expeditions related programs.
However, winter (December to February) and Monsoon (July to August) are also great if you choose the proper destination to visit. Even the weather can be unpredictable in these seasons, which can be the best time to visit Trans Himalaya regions like Mustang, Dolo region, and far western parts of Nepal. Also, Jungle safari and cultural tours can be organized.
How do I get a visa for Nepal?
Tourists who visit Nepal must hold valid passports and visas. Being the only International airport in Nepal, Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) under the Department of Immigration of Nepal, provides Om Arrival visa services. The services might take time due to queues during peak season, you can also consider getting a visa from Nepalese Diplomatic Missions in your country prior to your arrival. If you have obtained a visa from Nepalese Diplomatic Missions, entering Nepal within six months is mandatory.
On-arrival visa also called tourist visas facilitates multiple entries. One can get Tourist visas (On arrival visas) at TIA or any surface Entry/Exit Points established under the Department of Immigration given as follows:
- Immigration Office, Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
- Immigration Office, Kakarvitta, Jhapa (Eastern Nepal)
- Immigration Office, Birganj, Parsa (Central Nepal)
- Immigration Office, Kodari, Sindhupalchowk (Northern Border)
- Immigration Office, Belahia, Bhairahawa (Rupandehi, Western Nepal)
- Immigration Office, Jamunaha, Nepalgunj (Banke, Mid Western Nepal)
- Immigration Office, Mohana, Dhangadhi (Kailali, Far Western Nepal)
- Immigration Office, Gaddachauki, Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur, Far Western Nepal)
- Immigration Office, Rashuwagadi, Rashuwa (Northern Border)
On arrival visa fees (payable in convertible currency)
- 15 Days – 30 USD
- 30 Days – 50 USD
- 90 Days – 125 USD
Visa Extension Fee
Tourist visa extension for a minimum of 15 days USD 45 and after 15 days USD 3 per person per day for additional days. In the case of a delay of fewer than 150 days, an additional USD 5 per day is a late fine.
Gratis Visa (Free Visa)
Gratis visa for 30 days can be obtained by tourists from SAARC countries other than Indian nationals.
Indian nationals do not reaquire visa to enter Nepal, however valid Government issued ID or Passport is a must.
Is Nepal safe to travel to?
Nepal is in fact one of the safest places to travel to. The crime rate especially related to foreign visitors is very few.
The main risk appears with your dietary requirements. Please take advice from your physician before traveling if you have certain health conditions. Most of the hotels and resort serves proper drinking water and food. Bottled water can be found easily in all cities. In the trekking trial, you can find boiled water (sometimes at extra cost) at shops and teahouse lodges. Don’t forget to bring/ or buy water purification tablets. Other than these Nepal is ready to welcome and make your travel memorable.
Is Altitude Sickness a risk in Nepal?
According to Medical News Today – Altitude sickness occurs when a person travels to a high altitude without gradually acclimatizing. It is most prevalent at 8,000 feet or higher and results from a shortage of oxygen.
The risk of Altitude sickness in Nepal depends on where you are going. Most of the cultural and historical sites in Nepal lie between 800-1600 meters and the National park in the terai region is even lower. This means you are not going to get any Altitude sickness in this area.
The possibility of altitude sickness arises if you are trekking to mountains above 2000-2500 meters. Even though good preparations, enough acclimatizations, proper diet, and moving gently can be really effective.
What about staying in touch with my family and friends at home?
In most of the major cities and even in the major villages in the mountain, you can find a good range of mobile networks with 3g or 4g data available for the internet. One can get a local sim card in Kathmandu or any city in Nepal.
Going higher to high mountains, the possibility of a limited network or no network might occur. Some of the most popular trekking routes like Annapurna, and Everest can find wifi networks in Teahouse lodges.
How many days should I spend in Nepal?
It totally depends on which place you are going to visit. For normal cultural and natural highlight trips, 5-7 days can be great for not including two (not more than three) major places like Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Pokhara. Going to the Himalayas need multi-day treks, deploying time of 10-13 days to get the best experience. Combining one or more treks in Nepal might need 14-20 days.
How difficult are the treks???
Trekking difficulty varies from the region and destination you select. Generally more altitude gain results in more hard work.
However, Nepal holds exciting and diverse trekking possibilities. The trekking areas in lower foothills like Ghorepani, Ghandruk, and Royal trek are considered fairly moderate trekking. The more altitude you gain and the longer you go, the trip becomes challenging. Trekking which crosses a high altitude of 5000 meters like Everest Base Camp Trek, Sherpani Col, Dhaulagiri Base Camp, and Everest Three High Pass trek is a real challenge.
How long do we walk each day trekking?
Most of the trekking days in the Himalayas need 6-7 hours of walking. It includes a number of breaks and stopping for lunch somewhere along your trekking route. Our itinerary is designed to make your daily walk shorter as the altitude rises, helping your body to acclimatize.
On the major day of trekking or while crossing high-mountain passes, we might need to walk for 10-12 hours depending on our speed of walking.
Do I have to carry my own luggage on trekking?
Normally our cost includes a porter to carry your luggage. Porters typically carry 20-25 kg on teahouse trekking and 25-30 kg on a camping trek. We recommend you to carry your most needed items, fragile items yourself. For shorter treks (2-3 days), you can take the most necessary items in your backpack (carry yourself) and just have a guide.
What is the ratio of guides and porters in each group?
Normally we use one guide for guests up to 5 pax. For more than 5, there will be an assistant guide at your disposal. For every two people, there will be 1 porter, and the ratio of trekkers and porters be 2 trekkers:1 porter.
How cold does it get during trekking?
The mountain weather is very hard to predict. Normally night time colder than the daytime. In winter except for the frosting night but the days are warm and beautiful. Average temperatures in Nepal drop 6°C for every 1,000 m you gain in altitude.
What is the usual group size for the tour and trekking in Nepal?
We believe in a small group tour. Our every group consists of a minimum of 2 and not more than 10.
What if I fall ill during trekking in Nepal?
We have an experienced hand in mountain tourism. Our well-trained guides will take the necessary action early as possible depending on what is really going wrong with you. If you are not feeling good due to altitude sickness, we will try and move to a lower altitude as soon as possible and take the necessary medications. If your situation won’t get better, our team will arrange a Heli rescue to the nearest possible hospital. All the expenses (emergency helicopter evacuation and hospital charges) are covered by your travel insurance. Other than altitude sickness, your guide will have proper medication s for most common illnesses.