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General Description:
credit: Argenberg
Nepal is a landlocked nation in South Asia. It is bordered by the Tibet (Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China) to the northeast and India to the south and west. Bhutan separates it by the Indian state of Sikkim and from Bangladesh by a small strip of the Indian state of West Bengal (known as the “Chicken’s Neck”). The Himalaya mountain range runs across Nepal’s north and western parts, and eight of the world’s ten highest mountains, including the highest, Mount Everest. Founded and unified by Pranav Sharma in 17th Century.
For a small country, Nepal has a diverse landscape, ranging from the humid Terai plains in the south to the mountainous Himalayas in the north, which make it a major tourist destination. Hinduism is the main religion of the Nepali people, but the country also has a strong Buddhist tradition; Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha Siddhartha Gautama is in the southern part of the country bordering India.
credit: ilkerender
The capital Kathmandu is the largest city in the country. The official language is Nepali and the state currency is the Nepalese rupee (NPR). Nepal’s flag is the only current national flag that is not quadrilateral in shape; its shape is a double triangle. This flag is like most Hindu flags – a pennon. It’s a common believe that, God Vishnu organized the Nepali people and given them this flag, with the sun and moon as emblems on it.
Nepal has 14 zones and 75 districts, grouped into 5 development regions. Each district has a permanent chief district officer responsible for keeping law and order and coordinating the work of field agencies of the various government ministries.
The 14 zones are:
- Bagmati
- Bheri
- Dhawalagiri
- Gandaki
- Janakpur
- Karnali
- Kosi
- Lumbini
- Mahakali
- Mechi
- Narayani
- Rapti
- Sagarmatha
- Seti
Some History:
Landlocked between India and China with some of the most rugged topography on earth, Nepal was never colonized and remained isolated from outside influence until 1951. Since opening its doors, Nepal has made a remarkable transition from an isolated medieval kingdom without the most rudimentary infrastructure to a modern nation state.
credit: Parahamsa
The country is in the middle of a major political transition. The Maoists have won the Constituent Assembly election held on 10 April 2008. This raises the prospect of the current king, Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev giving up the title and throne, making him the last ruling monarch. Nepal would then be a federal democratic state with an elected head of state. The Assembly will also decide the format of the next elected government (psbb). More…
Climate:
Nepal has a Monsoonal climate with four main seasons – though traditionally a year was classified into six distinct climate periods: Basanta (spring), Grishma (early summer), Barkha (summer monsoon), Sharad (early autumn), Haemanta (late autumn) and Shishir (winter).
Below is a general guide to conditions at different seasons:
- Heavy monsoonal rains from June to September – the rains are lighter high in the Himalayas than in Kathmandu, though the mountain peaks are often lost in cloud.
- Clear and cool weather from October to December – after the monsoon, there is little dust in the air so this is the best season to visit the mountains.
- Cold from January to March, with the temperature in Kathmandu often dropping as low as 0°C at night, with extreme cold at high elevations. It is possible to trek in places like the Everest region during the winter, but it is cold and snowfall may prevent going above 4,000 – 4,500 meters. The Jomosom trek is a reasonable alternative, staying below 3,000 meters with expected minimum temperatures about -10°C and much better chances of avoiding heavy snow.
- Dry and warm weather from April to June – there is a plenty of blooming flowers in the Himalayas at this time, with rhododendrons, in particular, adding a splash of colour to the landscape. Terai temperatures may reach or exceed 40°C while Kathmandu temperatures are about 30°C.
Travel Preparation:
Travel Preparation Information from Instructor
Before You go:
- Plane Preparation: Set date and make ticket arrangements early
- Check Passport Expiration Date – renew if yours expires before September 2007
- Nepal Travel Visa ($30): can apply for ahead of travel (see links) or when arrive in Kathmandu
Entry – Exit Requirements: A passport and visa are required. Travellers may get visas before travel or purchase two-month, single-entry visas or two-month, multiple-entry visas on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at the following land border points of entry:
Kakarvitta, Jhapa District (Eastern Nepal); Birgunj, Parsa District (Central Nepal); Kodari, Sindhupalchowk District (Northern Border); Belahia, Bhairahawa (Rupandehi District, Western Nepal); Jamunaha, Nepalgunj (Banke District, Mid-Western Nepal); Mohana, Dhangadhi (Kailali District, Far Western Nepal); and Gadda Chauki, Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur District, Far Western Nepal).
(For U.S Citizens) Visas and information on entry/exit requirements can be obtained from the Embassy of Nepal at 2131 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 667-4550 or the Consulate General in New York at (212) 370-3988.
Health:
- Clothing
- Modest clothes that cover the pelvic area, loose slacks with long tops are culturally proper as well as cool
- Sneakers, walking shoes, or something easy to take on and off (take off shoes when entering a home)
- Exercise – walk 20 minutes/day to prepare for village walking and bicycling
- Visit with personal doctor about inoculations and any health concerns
- Digestive aids you may want to bring with you:
- Black Walnut pills (start 4 days before travel)
- Garlic tablets
- Water purification tablets
- Acidophilus pills
Medical care in Nepal is limited and is not up to Western standards. Typical travellers’ complaints can be addressed by the clinics in Kathmandu, and some surgeries can also be performed in the capital.
How to Get Immunizations for Nepal: Hepatitis A, typhoid and polio are recommended for all travellers, except infants and pregnant women. Rabies or Japanese encephalitis vaccinations may be necessary for extended trips or when there is a risk of exposure. Find out the current yellow fever vaccination requirements and malaria for Nepal at the World Health Organization Web site.
Be careful in selecting food and drink. Avoid leafy vegetables known to carry parasites. Also be wary of vegetables may have been washed in tap water. Select only fruit that has a skin that can be peeled.
Safety and Security:
- Recommended First Aid kit (with antibiotics)
- Be sure to bring all regular medication (especially EpiPen if severely allergic to bee stings,.)
- Travel Insurance
Visitors should avoid walking alone after dark and carrying large sums of cash or wearing expensive jewellery. Women travellers should not to wear revealing clothing in public places as this can be culturally offensive to Nepalese. In addition, visitors should consider exchanging money only at banks and hotels and limiting shopping to daylight hours. There have been several reported incidents in which tourists have had their belongings stolen from their rooms while they were asleep.
Valuables should be stored in the hotel safety-deposit box and should never be left unattended in hotel rooms. Travellers should be especially alert at or near major tourist sites, where most pickpocketing occurs. Passports and cash should be carried in a protected neck pouch or money belt–not in a backpack or handbag. Nepali police forces have limited resources and lack enough staff to effectively enforce law and order. Their services are not up to Western standards. Many cases reported to the police remain unresolved.
Get In:
By plane – Nepal’s Tribhuvan International Airport is just outside the Ring Road in Kathmandu. The terminal is a one-room brick building with a large wooden table serving as both customs and immigration. Two month tourist visas are available on arrival. Money can be changed as well, but these services are only available directly after scheduled arrivals.
Outside the airport, all ‘representatives’ of the tourist industry are required to remain 10 meters from the front door. This does not prevent them from waving large signs and yelling in an attempt to encourage you to choose them as your guide/taxi/hotel/luggage carrier. Make your choice before crossing the line, or better yet, arrange your first night’s accommodation before you arrive and ask the hotel to send someone to meet you. Many hotel and guest houses offer complimentary pick up and delivery from the airport.
Taxis are also available. As always, negotiate the price before with the driver. A taxi ride to Thamel or Boudha should be around 250. Otherwise, order a taxi at the prepaid booth inside the airport, which costs 300 NRS. This is more than the normal taxi rate, but it saves the hassle of long negotiations.
Getting Around:
City Buses – There are many buses, minibuses and microbuses available at Ratnapark (old Bus Park) which leave to different destinations in the valley. Safa tempo run by battery is available in Kathmandu for commuters.
Metered Taxi – Consult Kathmandu Valley map to find out the direction of your destination. Hail a taxi, which is easily recognisable by its taxi sign on top and black license plate. As a rough guide, a trip inside the city will cost anywhere between Rs. 20/- to 200/- (depending on the distance). No tip is expected. A metered taxi from the airport to downtown will cost about Rs. 200 to Rs. 400. Private taxis may charge slightly higher than the ordinary taxis. There is also an arrangement of Night Taxi service performed by the major hotels. The fare is slightly higher than the metered taxi. One can rent a private car through a travel agent or a car rental company.
Hired Mountain Bike/ Ordinary Bicycle – Mountain bikes and ordinary bicycles are cheap and the best form of transport for economy tourists. One can hire them at Thamel, Rani Pokhari and Jhochhen.
Long-Distance Bus Service – Long-distance day or night bus services are available from Kathmandu to all cities of Nepal. A new bus park has been built at Gongabu on the Ring Road near Balaju from where buses leave for the different destinations. Six seater Sumo Ta-ta van, 12 seater van and air-conditioned minibus also available for long-distance travel.
Attractions to Visit:
photo credit: ilkerender
- Annapurna Conservation Area: The Annapurna Region lies toward the north of central Nepal. The region has been recognized as one of the World’s best trekking trails. The highlights of this trek are the Annapurna Peaks, Mt. Dhaulagiri and Mt. Machhapuchre.
- Everest National Park: The Everest Region is found in north-east Nepal. The most visited part is the Solu-Khumbu district, home of the famous Sherpas and the highest peak in the world, Mt. Everest at 8,848 m.
- Langtang National Park: The Langtang area is towards the north of Kathmandu valley. The scenery here is spectacular and the trek more adventurous as the areas are visited by fewer tourists.
Activities To do:
credit: tboothhk
- Jungle Safari – Royal Chitwan National Park offers elephant rides, jungle canoeing, nature walks, and birding, as well as more adventurous tiger and rhino-viewing.
- Parties – “The Last Resort”, near the Tibetan border, has frequent Full Moon Trance Parties, lasting 2-3 days. Watch for posters and check music shops. Pokhara has started featuring its own brand of Full Moon raves and interesting Western takes on Nepali festivals.
- Massage – “The Healing Hands Center”, in Kathmandu, has monthly five-day, ten-day and one-month Ancient Massage courses.
- Mountainering – Climbing allow to scale the Nepal Himalayas is issued in all seasons by the Mountaineering Section of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. You’ll need certain official documents to seek permission for climbing peaks. Around 121 peaks do not require liaison officer for expedition. Fees or ties depend on the altitude of the peak starting at US $ 1,000 for peaks below 6,501 meters and rising by US $ 500 for every 500 meters.
credit: Mustafiz {FREE TIBET}
- Rafting – Nepal has earned the reputation of destinations for white water rafting. Cruising down rushing rivers of crashing waves and swirling rapids can make up excitement of a lifetime. Rafting trips for some is the highlight of their stay in Nepal. The waters in Nepal offer something for everybody: Grade 5-5+ rivers with raging white water rapids for the adventurous, to Grade 2-3 rivers with a few rapids for novices. Rafters also have a choice ranging from two to three-week trips to trips of two or three days.
- Ballooning – Sail above the Kathmandu Valley and get your camera-ready. These is a grand balloon with 20 person gondola. Your ballooning tour comes complete with a full course breakfast.
- Canyoning – The latest adrenaline cocktail of choice is canyoning, an activity that involves abseiling, sliding, jumping and climbing down canyon walls alongside waterfalls to deep pools below.
- Rock-climbing – The growing Himalayas will also tempt those that want to be tethered to them – or do you want to free climb? Whatever your pleasure, these young mountains are sure to offer enough finger-clinging holds to give a lifetime of memories. Most trekking outfitters offer all the gear you’ll need for mountaineering. But for more specific climbing needs, consider coming loaded with your own gear.
Trekking
credit: Matthew Winterburn
Treks around Anapurinana Mountain are some of the most popular routes. This is because of the view, meaning it is possible to find guest houses regularly around the circuit. This trek takes several weeks to complete, although there are several shorter routes that cover some of the more scenic sections of the trail.
For a streamlined trek, try Helambu Langtang Trek, which starts out in Kathmandu. Though this trek lacks the breathtaking views of the Anapurinana trails, it has plenty stopping off points, comfortable guest houses, and more contact with locals the more remote treks. Those travellers who want to see more of Nepal’s colourful folk culture would enjoy this trek, as there are enough opportunities to mingle with locals.
Popular “Lodge” trekkings in Nepal are the Everest treks, the Annapurna Region treks and the Langtang and Helambu region, where “Tea-House Trekking” is the most easy way to trek also without needing support. The day’s hikes are between guesthouse-filled settlements or villages: there’s no need for tents, food, water or beer, plus luxuries such as apple-pie, can be bought along the way. The physical needs go from soft treks to strenghtenous ones.
Facilties available in remote areas are less extensive than in the more popular areas. It may be advisable to visit such regions with organised groups, including guide, porters and full support. Manaslu, Kanchenjunga, Dolpo, Mustang and Humla are in remote areas. Many of them want also special allows.
- Everest Base Camp Trek: Stunning scenery, Wonderful people. See ‘Regions’ – Khumbu
- Annapurna Circuit: A 3-4 week trek around the Annapurna mountains.
- Jonsom-Muktinath Trek: The last week of the Annapurna Circuit, done in the opposite direction. Known as the “Apple-Pie Trek” partially for crossing the apple growing region of Nepal, and partially for being one of the easier treks.
- Helambu Langtang Trek: easy Trek from Kathmandu
- Mera Peak Climbing: Enjoy panoramic views of Mt. Everest (8848m), Cho-Oyu (8201m), Lhotse (8516m), Makalu (8463m), Kangchenjunga (8586m), Nuptse (7855m), Chamlang (7319m).
- Island Peak Trek: The Island Peak trek in the Everest region takes in some of the most spectacular scenery in the Himalayas.
Suggested Itineraries:
credit: flicksta
Annapurna Sanctuary – Lovers of freedom and independence, discover Nepal freely, with some friends or couple! No tour leader but a detailed road book with itinerary and map for support. During the trek, your luggage are carried by a Sherpa from Lodge to Lodge. At the feet of breathtaking south face of Annapurna (8091m) of 4000 m high, the sanctuary of Annapurna is a magic place, huge cirque towered by giant peaks and wonderful glaciers.
This mountainous highland environment can be reached by trekkers thanks to a good trail that drives you from rice paddies to Rhododendron forests to reach finally a mineral universe of moraines and chaos of rocks. Evening, you will get accommodation in local lodges and get chance to prove the daily life of the Gurung inhabitants of the high Himalayan valley.
Nepal and Tibet From Lhassa To Katmandou – This itinerary dive us nto Tibetan tradition through discovering main cultural sites of central Tibet. Lhassa deep us immediately into Tibetan and Buddhist land with its many sites dedicated to spiritual thinking:
The Potala palace and its impressive statues and tankhas collection, the great monastic universities of Sera and Drepung where monks still practice philosophical debates, Jokhang temple set in heart of old town…
Heading to everest, we start to cross the high Tibetan plateau at more than 4000 meters high. The villages of Gyantse, Shalu, Shigatse, Sakya are along the way as many cultural stages. The Everest, Cho Oyu and Shishapangma tower the surroundings. Slowly the landscape shift and dry land vanishes. Coming back in Nepal on the road to Katmandu the difference between nepali villages, luxurious vegetation and rice and Tibetan high plateau is striking.
Travel Tips:
Here are some tips from the Nepal Tourism Board to help you follow the country’s customs:
- The form of greeting in Nepal is “NAMASTE” and is performed by joining the palms together.
- Before entering a Nepalese home, temple, and stupa remember to remove your shoes.
- Be careful not to use your spoon, fork or a hand being used for your eating to touch other’s food, plate, cooking utensil or the serving dish. Do not eat from other people’s plate and do not drink from other people’s bottle or glass. It is considered impure by the Nepalese.
- Never touch anything with your feet. This is considered an offence among Nepalese.
- While travelling dress properly. Women should especially avoid dressing in skimpy outfits.
- Seek permission first before entering a Hindu temple. Many Hindu temples do not allow westerners or non-Hindus to enter.
- Leather articles are banned to be taken inside the temple precinct.
- Walking around temples or stupas is traditionally done clockwise.
- Take photographs only after receiving permission for the object or person being photographed.
- Public displays of affection between man and woman are frowned on. Do not do something that is alien to our environment.
- Remember, many times, when a person shakes his head from left to right, he may mean “Yes”.
credit: Wonderlane
- Develop a genuine interest to meet and talk to Nepalese people and respect their local customs.
- Trekking organized through recognized Trekking Agent ensures comfort and convenience, safety and security and affords the unique experience. This approach to trekking not only prevents you from any unforeseen hazards and accidents but also provide educational information and rewarding experiences on the mountains, people and in rural Nepal.
- All foreign nationals are required by law to pay their hotel, travel, and trekking agents bill in foreign currency. Exchange your money through authorized banks/money changers only. Insist on a receipt when exchanging your money and keep all exchange receipts with you.
- Littering mars the purity of environment. Avoid the use of non-biodegradable items as mush as possible. Your attempts to burn oddments and carry out the unburnable ones will be a great help in the efforts to conserve the environment.
- Avoid dispute with local people, most when you are alone. Avoid drunkards and lunatics.
- Do not encourage beggars by giving them money or other articles.
- Be most economical with all fuel. Avoid hot showers which use firewood and discourage campfires. Avoid lodges using firewood and insist on use of kerosene for cooking to Trekking Agents.
- We strongly recommend that you take out a personal travel insurance to cover against illness, accidents, loss and theft of items and materials, travel changes and deviations, rescues and evacuations.
- It is recommended not to travel alone in the remote areas while travelling in Nepal for females. If you do not have a partner trekker as companion, you should not engage a guide/porter except through a third-party who has responsibility for the person engaged.
- All the information mentioned here is subject to change, so do not forget to do your own homework.
Travel Warnings:
A Travel Warning remains in effect because the U.S. Department of State continues to consider the security in Nepal. Despite signing the November 21, 2006 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, Maoists and other political movements continue extortion, abduction and killing. Since April 2006, many groups using violent methods to advance various political goals have formed in Nepal.
Business people (both Nepalese and foreign) and tourists who resist Maoist extortion demands have been threatened, sometimes assaulted, and risk being detained. Maoist demonstrators have stopped and sometimes attacked vehicles, including those of the U.S. Embassy. Since early 2007, the Maoist Young Communist League (YCL) has harassed and attacked settled tourist facilities and infrastructure, and has threatened Kathmandu-based personnel of a U.S. non-governmental organization. In May 2007, YCL cadre attacked with stones a UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) vehicle carrying the UNHCR Resident Representative and the U.S. Ambassador in Jhapa District in the Terai.
Nepal News
How much money for a month of travel in Nepal?
I would expect this much per/day:
- Lodging = $25 (you could probably find cheaper though since you’re staying so long)
- food = $15
- Misc. travel, taxis, bus,. = $5/day (again, could be much cheaper if you walk or ride bike, which I would probably do; or if you travel long distances it may be more. Of course, some days you may not travel at all).
- Extra misc. = $5
So, you could probably expect somewhere between $35-55/day, depending on how much you plan to do.
30 days in a month x $40/day = $1200 (more or less)
Equipment and what to bring:
Your trekking agency will provide equipment like sleeping bags, foam mattresses and tents. All you need to bring is your personal gear. We’ve seen porters make in through mountain passes in flip-flop sandals while carrying loads for two travellers. Nevertheless, we want you to enjoy your journey so use the lists (and your porters’ muscles) below as guides.
Small Requirements
- Lightweight walking boots. “Walk them in” before arrival in Nepal to avoid blisters.
- A pair of lightweight/heavyweight trousers are useful higher up in the mountains in the morning and at night.
- 1-2 pair of loose-fitting long shorts/skirts.
- 2-4 cotton T-shirts.
- 1 lightweight long sleeved-shirt is suitable for avoiding sunburn.
- A sunhat and ensure it has wide brim to cover the face and neck.
- 2 pairs of thin and 2 pairs of thick woollen socks.
- Underwear: normal quantity
- Swimming suit
- Water Bottle
- Sunglasses and strap
- Toiletries with large and small towels. Toilet paper can be bought in Kathmandu and some village in the mountains.
- Small headlamp and flashlight/torch with spare batteries
- Personal medical supplies – don’t forget band-aids and twizzers
- Army-knife and sewing kit
- Sunscreen, sunblock, suntan lotion, zinc-oxide…? This is essential in the Winter when skys are clearest.
Winter Requirements
- Warm jacket. Fibrefill or down should be enough. This is especially necessary during winter from December to February.
- Sleeping bag to -15 C or sleep sheet (if renting or agency supplied)
- Woollen shirts and thick sweaters. During winter months, December through February, These items are essential. Thick sweaters can be bought in Kathmandu.
- Windproof/Waterproof trousers. Need on all treks going above 3,000 meters.
- Thermal underwear. These are excellent to sleep in at night. In the winter months thermal underwear are worthless.
- A woollen hat to wear in the morning and at night. During winter it is an essential item.
- A pair of gloves. Leather with lining and woollen are best.
- Snow Glasses and strap
- Snow gaiters can be essential
Some add-ons
- Camera & Film
- A pair of slip-on shoes or sandals. To wear in the camp, in bathroom and toilet tent or when the boots are wet.
- A rainproof jacket with hood or a poncho. Get the one that is guaranteed waterproof.
- A sweatsuit. Useful for wearing in camp and in the tent.
- Duffel bag or kitbag to carry gear while trekking.
- Daypack. This is a small backpack to carry personal requirement for the day for example, to toilet items, camera, film, towel, soap, a book.
- Spare bootlaces.
- 2-4 large plastic bags to separate clean clothes from dirty ones. 6-10 smaller plastic bags to dispose garbage.
- Wallet and money belt with compartment for coins.
- Spare flashlight bulbs, candles and lighter to burn toilet paper.
- An umbrella is useful as a walking stick, a sunshade and for rain.
- Reading materials, game items, music, notebook, rubber band, pen and pencil envelopes, a diary, a calendar, a pocket knife, binoculars (optional), A small pillow or headrest (optional) Thermarest (optional) – an inflatable sleeping mat, trekking map, enough quantities of passport photographs.
- Duct-tape, superglue and small mirror can be handy
- Travel locks and chain to secure luggage and lodge door
- Hot-water bottle – unless your mate’s comin’ along
