General
How do I enter Nepal?
You can enter Nepal by air or overland. There are more than 25 different international airlines operating their flights to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. You can check and choose suitable airlines for you to enter Nepal.
You can also enter Nepal overland via India and Tibet however the Nepal Tibet border immigration is not in operation after the earthquake in 2015. Please check the entry/exit points to and from Nepal on this link here.
Do I need visa to enter Nepal?
Most of the nationalities, except the nationalities listed here, can obtain a visa on arrival at the immigration desk at the airport in Kathmandu or at the border immigration office if you enter Nepal overland. On-arrival visa charges are USD 25/40/100 for 15/30/90 days respectively. Please make sure you have some cash handy to pay for the visa on arrival.
For more information on the visa requirement, please go to the official link of the Nepal Immigration Office.
Do I need to have my travel insurance to travel to Nepal?
Yes, it is absolutely recommended. When you are traveling with us, you should have your travel insurance bought as mandatory.
What are the modes of transport in Nepal?
There are plenty of taxis, public buses, private cars, 4wds, and flights. When you arrive at the airport in Kathmandu, you can find plenty of taxis to take you to your accommodation. If you book your trek/tour with us, we take care of your transportation, from your arrival until departure. You can just relax and enjoy Nepal.
What is the availability of accommodation in Nepal?
There are choices of many good hotels in the cities of Nepal. You can find good budget hotels to five star and international chain hotels. Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini have several choices of hotels where most tourist activities are centered.
On most of the trekking regions, there are basic lodge accommodations called tea houses. Some of the areas use local homestay as well.
What are the Nepalese people like?
Nepalese people are one of the friendliest and humblest people in the world. When you arrive to Nepal, you will be greeted with polite and friendly ‘Namaste’ and you will hear this greeting word coming to you every now and then as long as you stay in Nepal. You will feel and experience the simplicity and the awesome hospitality of Nepalese people during your stay here.
What foods are available in Nepal?
You will have multiple choices of food in the restaurants in Nepal. There are several restaurants serving yummy foods to their customers. However, we recommend that you try some Dal Bhat – the authentic Nepali dish and momo – the Nepali dumplings. These food have gained quite popularity in the country.
While you are trekking in the mountains, you will be eating Dal Bhat most for most of the meals however there are certain other foods available too.
What currency is used in Nepal? Can exchange dollar or other currencies?
Nepal uses the Nepali Rupees. USD 1 will be more or less equivalent to Nepali Rupees 100 in round figure. Exchange rates fluctuate every now and then. This link will give you an idea of what currencies can be exchanged in Nepal with their exchange rates. However, when you exchange the currencies in a money changer, you get lower rates than listed rates on the bank’s website.
Can I withdraw money from ATM in Nepal? Can I pay by card?
You will find ATM counters on your easy access when you are in the cities in Nepal where you can withdraw money with a charge of about USD 4 per transaction.
You can use your card to pay in most of the places in cities nowadays however they will have about 4% of surcharge on top of your billed amount.
Are there any restrictions or limitations that I should be aware of while in Nepal?
As a multicultural country, Nepal respects people of all faiths, creeds and cultures and definitely expects the same from the visitors too. There are no such restrictions or limitations on your activities, except those considered illegal and immoral, while you are in Nepal.
However Public Display of Affection is somewhat unacceptable in Nepal. Holding hands and walking around is okay. If you are a girl and wear long sleeves, you will have fewer stares and you will feel comfortable.
Can I use internet and mobile phones in Nepal?
Cities will have good internet service but while trekking in the mountains you will have limited to no access to internet.
Mobile network coverage has grown wider now so you can use mobile phone in most of the places in Nepal except a few remote and high altitude locations.
Is tipping necessary in Nepal?
Although tipping is not compulsory in Nepal, it is always considered the best way to thank people and show your happiness and satisfaction for their service.