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10 Nepal Travel Tips That Every Traveler Should Know
Nepal as a travel destination has never failed to attract all sorts of travelers. This small country, literally situated on the lap of the Mount Everest, has huge things to offer – from the mighty Himalayas, dazzling rivers to a rich history and colorful culture.
If you’re coming to Nepal for the first time or want to make your subsequent trips more convenient and enjoyable, here are some tips for a smooth and memorable Nepal trip:
1. Visa
Getting your Nepal visa typically commences at the airport upon arrival. You’ll have to pay the fee depending on how many days you intend to stay in Nepal. Visas are usually available from 15 to 90-day stays and fees are at $30 to $125.
To make it more convenient for you, be sure to bring extra copies of your passport-sized photos so you can simply queue in line for visa processing.
2. Drinking water
Safe water is hard to find. Don’t trust drinking water to be safe in Nepal, unless if they’re sold in sealed plastic bottles.
Some areas do have filtered water, but it’s always safer to bring water purification tablets all the time most especially if you are trekking in Nepal.
While you can buy bottled purified water along popular trekking routes like the Everest Base Camp trek route, it’s always better to have water purification tools to use anytime. It is more convenient and helps minimize plastic waste.
3. Sanitation
Sanitation can be a major problem in most areas. Some toilets don’t have flushes or toilet paper so, make sure to bring your own toilet paper, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer as well.
4. Accommodation
Accommodation can be cheap, but don’t expect too much. Accommodation is one of the most affordable logistic needs during your stay in Nepal, but that’s if you keep your expectations in line with reality.
Budget hotels may be cheap, but they only provide a room for you to sleep in. You’ll have to obtain your own sheets, towels, and other items. You may upgrade to better accommodations where there are a reception, pool access and wi-fi for several more Nepalese rupees. If you are planning on doing to EBC trek, this Everest Base Camp Trek Teahouse Accommodation guide can be be really helpful.
5. Electricity
The country produces limited electricity and is currently unable to meet the demands. Expect scheduled blackouts during the day. Your hotel may have a generator so that shouldn’t be a problem.
Otherwise, keep a fully-charged flashlight handy and charge your gadgets while you can. Also, be sure to bring a compatible power adaptor during your stay.
Nepal has 220V in their wall outlets with a frequency between 50-60Hz. Find our more about Nepal Electrical Voltage and Adapters Plug.
6. Trip plan
Plan your trips accordingly. If you are in Nepal to trek, it is best to plan your trips according to the seasonal climate.
Most trails are closed from June-August as it is the monsoon season and would be risky to be out and about in the mountains. The best time for trekking in Nepal is from March to May and from September to November. Because the weather is more pleasant and gentler during these periods.
In addition to that, trekkers will enjoy the beautiful views of blooming rhododendrons that adorn the hills and mountains in April or May.
You may also be interested in: 12 Top Tips for Everest Base Camp Trek
7. Travel Agency
Pick a reputable agency to arrange your holiday or trekking adventure around Nepal. For your safety and convenience, put a premium on having a seasoned agency to handle your needs while in the country.
Do not trek alone, most especially if you’re a woman. Get a guide if you are looking to do high altitude trekking in Nepal. It’s worth the money you pay them.
8. Food
You get a variety of Nepali cuisines. The staple food in Nepal is the dal bhat, a combination of rice, lentils, and vegetables. It is ideally consumed before and during your treks, it provides proteins and more energy to the body.
Other dishes like momos(dumplings) are also worth trying. But you must be very choosy about where to eat and what to eat. It is better to avoid colored, spicy food and meat products. After all, your health matters the most.
9. Transportation
Take transportation with caution. Local buses, microbuses, and taxis are common in Nepal, but they may be overcrowded especially during the peak hours. So, it is better to travel except during the peak hours.
If you’re simply sight-seeing around the cities or driving to cities like Pokhara, Chitwan, you can consider renting a private vehicle instead.
10. Culture
Be respectful of the Nepalese traditions and beliefs. Go through this do’s and don’ts in Nepal before visiting the beautiful Himalayan country.
The left hand is considered dirty, so don’t use it for eating or shaking other people’s hands.
Your feet and butt are also believed to be dirty, so don’t point them towards other people and religious images.
Take off your shoes before entering a Nepalese home and some areas of the temples you visit might be off limits to foreigners. Just respect them.
Summary
Nepali people have their own culture and traditions. They will welcome you whole-heartedly to their homes and offer foods unless you show any sign of disrespect to them. So, you must be very careful about how to project yourself during your stay here in Nepal.
Now ready for an adventurous trip to Nepal? Keep in touch with us for a fun-filled and hassle-free tour in Nepal!
Want more information? Send us your query, and our experts will get back to you within 24 hrs.
Madhav started working as a porter in 2001 and then moved on to work as a trekking guide. After working in the trekking and tourism industry for eight years, he co-founded Mosaic Adventure in 2009.
Madhav has trekked to most of the trekking destinations in Nepal, including Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Poon Hill Trek, Jomsom Muktinath Trek, Indigenous Peoples Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, and all of the day hikes around Kathmandu.
He has also extensively traveled to other countries such as Australia, the USA, the UK, France, Hong Kong, Japan, China, the Philippines, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Thailand, Turkey, and India. Madhav is the one who answers most of your questions about trekking and tours and helps to plan your trip by giving a personal touch.
