A traveler visiting Nepal, should know the travel basics about the visa, location, transportation, weather and climate, people, culture and religion, people, health system and currency etc before setting up the travel program. The basic information are essential to ease your visit to Nepal.
The Location
A country in southern Asia in the Himalayas, Nepal borders China to the north and India in other directions. It’s a 19-hour flight from New York with a layover. From London, it’s about 12 hours, also with a stopover.
Capital City
Kathmandu is situated in the Kathmandu Valley in central Nepal. the capital city of Kathmandu is a tourism hub. It’s the largest city in Nepal and best known for its old town and as the gateway to the country’s best attractions.
Main Airport
Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport is the main hub for international travellers. It is located in Kathmandu, 5.5 kilometres from the popular neighbourhood of Thamel. Beside that Gautam Buddha International Airport and Pokhara Regional Airport are under the final phase of construction.
- Code KTM
- Capital City Kathmandu
Language Spoken
The official language of Nepal is Nepali. As English is the language of commerce, people among educated circle widely speak the language. Note that many speak a unique dialect called Nenglish or Nepali English.
Currency
Nepal uses the Nepalese Rupee. The currency code is NPR. Nepalese Currencies are available in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 paper notes. The coins are common for Re. 1, 2 and 5. Make sure to bring some cash, as ATMs can be limited to local banks especially outside Kathmandu and Pokhara. Be aware of power failures when using ATMs.
Currency Restriction for entry
US$5,000; no pure, unworked gold up to 50 grams of gold jewelry, or 500 grams of silver
Currency Restriction for exit
US$5,000;
Visas
Before setting up your travel to Nepal. The major travel basics that you need to be aware is Visa. For most citizens travelling to Nepal, department of immigration issues visa upon the arrival for 15, 30 or 90-day stays. The foreign tourist visiting Nepal shall be granted the tourist visa. The tourist visa shall be granted for a period in maximum of 90 days in a visa year (i.e. January -December). A tourist who has departed before the expiry of the period specified in the visa issued in a visa year shall not be allowed to use the visa by adding the remaining period to another visa year. If any foreigner enters Nepal towards the end of a visa year, desires to spend some days in next visa year, s/he may use such facility. Nepal Government strictly prohibits to volunteer on a tourist visa.
Tourist Visa Fee
15 Days (Multiple Entry) USD 25
30 Days (Multiple Entry) USD 50
90 Days (Multiple Entry) USD 125
Visa Extension (Within Valid Visa Period) USD 3 per Day
Visa Extension (With Multiple Entry) Additional USD 25
Visa Extension (After Visa Expiration) Late fee USD 5 per Day
(for more details regarding visa services please visit Department of Immigration website)
Electricity
The electrical current in Nepal is 220V/50hz using either the three round prongs, small or big, as well as two round prongs. The electricity is available 24 hours a day in main cities however power failure is frequent. In remote areas, electricity is not available everywhere. It will be a wise idea to carry a power backup to recharge your handsets.
Vaccinations
Boosters for Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid are advised. Other recommended vaccinations are Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, Cholera and Hepatitis B. Consult your doctor 4 to 6 weeks before you depart. You need a preparation for some disease because sometimes, it is possible that diarrhoea or a common cold catch you during your travel or stay in Nepal.
Emergency Calls
Another travel basics to learn is about the emergency contacts inside Nepal. The phone numbers to call in case of emergency are 100 for the police, 102 for an ambulance and 101 for a fire.
Passport validity and blank pages
Must have six months remaining validity or more at time of entry. At least one blank visa page (not endorsements page) required for entry visa