General Info

Getting To and Around Nepal

Getting to Nepal and Around Nepal The main airport in Kathmandu is Tribhuvan International airport, and it is located about six kilometers from the city center. A number of airlines serve Nepal, Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok are common transit stops for international travelers. Getting Around The easiest way to get to the regional destination in Nepal is by domestic flight. Because of the nature of our terrain and unpredictable weather - flights are often delayed or cancelled.  In the event of a cancellation, airlines will rebook you on the next available flight.  The easiest way to book domestic flights is through a travel agent. There is a departure tax of 200 Nepali Rupees for Domestic Flights. It is also possible get around Nepal by bus.  Travel agencies run a number of useful bus services to popular tourist destinations, leaving from the Tourist Bus Park in Pokhara and the Thamel end of Kantipath in Kathmandu.

When to Trek

We have four main seasons in Nepal: Summer is from April to September, and is referred to as monsoon season, where the weather gets hot and rain showers are common. Monsoons can cause landslides, which present risks in all over Nepal. Fall from September to November is the high season in Nepal because the weather makes it perfect for trekking. The mountains are at their most visible, although prices are at their peak as well. The best time to trek the GHT is during Fall. Winter is from December and January, and it is fiercely cold along the GHT. Many accommodation providers will shut down during this season. However, the skies are very clear and those who brave the cold will be rewarded with spectacular views. Spring is from February to April, and is a popular time to trek the GHT as the days are longer and warmer. However, the skies are not always clear. Though, as its spring, the flowers in the hills will be blossoming.

What to pack

The average recommended weight that a trekker should carry is around 10-12 kg. If the luggage is more than that, it is wise to hire a Sherpa to carry your bags to avoid unnecessary physical strain in severe mountain conditions. Here are some essentials that you won't want to forget for your trip to Nepal:

  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Camera (Dust proof bags for your camera if you have one)
  • Battery pack to charge your camera
  • A good day pack
  • A good pair of hiking boots
  • Warm clothes
  • Rain gear
  • Several good pairs of quick dry socks
  • A sarong for bathing
  • A first aid kit
  • Wet wipes
  • Headlamp or torch
  • Quick dry towel
  • Waterbottle
  • Snacks
  • Wet wipes / toilet paper /
  • Disinfectant gel
  • Maps / GPS / Compass
 

Money

The currency in Nepal is the Nepali Rupee. ATMs are easily found or travelers can exchange money at banks or money changer. Credit cards are widely accepted.  

Visas

Travelers require a visa to enter Nepal. These can be obtained upon arrival at Tribhuvan International airport or at a Nepali embassy in your home country.   Your passport must be valid for six months following the date of entry to Nepal and you must have at least one blank page in your passport. The price of the visa depends on your length of stay:

  • 15 days - $25 USD
  • 30 days - $40 USD
  • 90 days - $90 USD
All visas are multiple entry visas. You may pay for your visa with Euro, Swiss Franc, Pound Sterling, US Dollar, Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Hong Kong Dollar, Singapore Dollar and Japanese Yen. Credit cards and any currencies not mentioned above are not accepted. For more details on visas, please visit the official tourism website of Nepal.

Water

Tap water in Nepal is not potable.  It is best to drink filtered water.

Washing

When washing along the trail, its important to be modest and cover yourself appropriately. Use a sarong to cover yourself while bathing, whether with a bucket or in a stream.

Nepali Culture

Nepali people are welcoming and hospitable and a kind smile and respectful attitude will go along way in building relationships with your hosts. Here are a few additional tips of how to act respectfully in Nepali culture:

Greeting
Nepalis greet each other by placing both hands in prayer and saying 'Namaste.' This is a universal greeting that will be reciprocated all along the GHT.
Eating
Never use your left hand to eat or pass objects. In Nepal, people mostly eat with their right hand, and the left is considered unclean. If you take a sip from someone else's water bottle or cup, don't let it touch your lips. Don't eat off someone else's plate or offer food after you have taken a bit.
Dress
Nepalis are fairly conservative in their dress and while visiting the country, you should endeavor to do the same. It is especially important to dress appropriately when visiting a sacred place. For men, it is necessary to wear a shirt and long trousers. For women, shoulders and legs should be covered. Other important customs Do not point your feet at anyone. They are regarded as the most unclean part of the body. The forehead is regarded as the most sacred part of the body and it is taboo to touch an adult on the head.