Nepal is adorned with mighty Himalayas that stretch their snow-capped peaks towards the sky. The country’s magnificent nature also provides world-class trekking, hiking and rafting mixed with outstanding opportunities for jungle safaris in the national parks.
On this page you will find practical information and facts about Nepal.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION ABOUT TRAVELING IN NEPAL
Climate and best travel time The
best time to travel in Nepal is from the end of September to the end of November when the air is high and clear and the views the most beautiful. The second best time to go is in the spring from March to May when the rhododendron blooms, but it rains a little more then than in the autumn. Winter is for experienced hikers or those who do not mind that it can get really cold this time of year, especially up in the mountains. The actual rainy season is from June to August except in the Mustang area little or not affected by the monsoon rains.Visit thedresswizard.com for Nepal as a tourist country.
Our recommendations for the best time to travel to Nepal are based on the weather there in previous years. The weather in Nepal can be very changeable and change quickly, especially when hiking in the mountains and our recommendations are just a careful guide.
Money
In Kathmandu and Pokhara there are ATMs where you can use e.g. their Visa card to withdraw money. Outside these two larger cities, it is less frequent between ATMs, so then you have to plan what you need in contacts. Many hotels and travel agencies exchange dollars and in some places you can pay with both Nepalese rupees and dollars, but the dollar exchange rate can be slightly worse. Remember to save your exchange receipts if they then on departure want to exchange your rupees back to dollars.
Visa
NOTE! The visa rules can be changed at short notice, so We recommend that you check the current conditions at the country’s embassy. The following information may change.
Swedish citizens can get a visa on arrival in Nepal (visa on arrival) and costs are currently USD 40 per person. Before traveling, Swedes are asked to check with the Nepalese Consulate General in Stockholm or with the Nepalese immigration authority which rules apply to the visa that is intended to be applied for.
Transport
Bus
Just 50 years ago, there were literally no roads in Nepal. Cars had to be flown into the country or carried in pieces. Today, Nepal’s road network has expanded, but there are still problems with poorly maintained roads as the monsoon in particular takes a heavy toll on the initially poorly built roads. But it is getting better all the time and many places are now connected with bus traffic.
Taxi
In Nepal, taxis are cheap and you have to make sure that the taximeter is turned on. If you are going further than just a transport inside the city itself, we recommend that you agree in advance on a price with your driver.
Rickshaw:
If you only want a short distance inside Kathmandu, you can also take a rickshaw.
Flight:
Unfortunately, some of Nepal’s domestic airlines are on EU blacklist. This list is a list of airlines that are not allowed to operate within the Union (EU). Travel agencies and tour operators are required by law to inform travelers about blacklisted airlines.
Mountainflight:
If you are short of time but still want to get close to Everest, we highly recommend a Magic Mountain Flight. This excursion is done early in the morning and is completely weather dependent. Our service office in Kathmandu can help book this excursion.
Security
We recommend that you always find out about the security situation in Nepal at The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website.
Tips
In most countries, tips are part of the salaries of employees in the service industry. Therefore, it is good practice (and sometimes directly necessary) to give tips to, for example, cleaning staff, waiters, guides, drivers, etc. depending on the country you are visiting. Therefore, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with how much is normally given in tips and to whom before you embark on your journey. Find information on tips in Lonely Planet’s guidebooks.
Links
www.visitnepal.com – website with good travel information about Nepal.
FACTS
CAPITAL: KATHMANDU
LANGUAGE: NEPALI
CLIMATE: SUBTROPICAL TO POLAR
CURRENCY: NEPALESE RUPEES
RELIGION: HINDUISM, BUDDHISM, ISLAM – THE COUNTRY IS KNOWN FOR ITS ECLECTIC MIX AND PRAGMATIC ATTITUDE
INFORMATION NEPAL
Welcoming Nepal
Nepal has a fascinating allure and you notice it right away in the capital Kathmandu where bicycles, cars, pilgrims and persistent street vendors are crowded between beautiful temples, golden monasteries and lively markets. Nepalese are incredibly hospitable and curious – there is always time for a sympathetic and gentle smile. Here you have a pragmatic but profound attitude to life and religion that fascinates us westerners and usually makes a deep impression. It is said that Nepal and its inhabitants are surrounded by a very special energy and that visitors are captivated and enchanted by the surroundings and people.
Contrast-filled Nepal
In northern Nepal, the sky-high Himalayas tower with mighty and mythical Mount Everest. The mountain’s glaciers give rise to many icy rivers that flow down to the lowlands. Along narrow, steep river valleys, small villages cling to the mountain sides. Up here in the most mountainous parts of Nepal, most of the inhabitants are Buddhists. Everywhere you see beautifully decorated stupas and monasteries with prayer flags fluttering in the wind and massing, red-clad monks. Here in the beautiful mountains you can challenge yourself on a hike or if you feel more philosophical you can live in the monastery Kopan with meditation and teaching on the schedule.
In the lowlands where the rivers change color from clear blue to clay brown, most Hindus are with saffron yellow saris. Everywhere you see small mud houses scattered on the rice fields. The yak buffaloes have been replaced by water buffaloes that lazily wallow in the swamps to cool off when the sun burns the worst. The contrasts of nature become clear with the dense, moist and lush jungle that is filled with wildlife such as tigers, rhinos, elephants, leopards and crocodiles.
