Tuesday, 16 October 2012

Important tips for travellers in Nepal

Nepal is one of the most favorite tourist destinations that people love to visit. Being located on the regions of Himalayas, Nepal not only has awe-inspiring scenery, but also has loads of options for the adventure enthusiasts. These are just two from the exotic highlights of Nepal, but the list is very long. But, those travelers, who are planning to visit Nepal during these vacations, must be aware of several things that might help in enjoying every moment to the best. Let us glance over few of those things that can make the Nepal tour problem free & full of fun.

Starting with Nepal general information, we’ll look at certain things that must be known to every person, who is planning to visit the place. 

First, just quickly glance over certain facts:

•    Location: Between India and Tibet
•    Area: 140,800 sq km
•    Population: 26 million
•    Capital city: Kathmandu (1.5 million)
•    Language: Nepali
•    Religion: 75-80% Hindu, 15% Buddhist, 3% Muslim, rest others
•    People: Brahmins, Chhetris, Newars, Tibetans, Gurungs, Magars, Tamangs, Bhotias, Rais, Limbus, Sherpas
•    Time: GMT plus five hours 45 minutes
•    Government: Parliamentary democracy

Now, the most important thing is to know about the Visa to get into Nepal:

To visit Nepal, a 6 months valid passport is required. This would help in getting the Visa to step into the place. However, the Indian citizens do not require Visa to go to the place, but they are required to carry passport or the election card. The tourist visa can be availed from Nepalese Embassies or Consulates abroad and Kathmandu airport as well.



The next important thing that one must know relates to money. So, let’s have a look over Banks & ATMs

The working hours of banks in Nepal are generally 09:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and that too on Sunday to Friday. The banks in Nepal are closed or have shorter working hours on Saturdays & national holidays. However, there are other banks that operate during evening hours ( till 6 or 7 Pm) in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

In Nepal, local currency is Nepali Rupees and everyone accepts this currency only. The travellers can exchange the foreign currency at hotels, banks, and even with travel agents. In Nepal, Visa and Master cards are acceptable, but smaller hotels and restaurants do not accept them.

Note: The travelers from India can use Indian rupees in Nepal, but carrying Indian Rupees of 500 denominations in Nepal is illegal.


The Eating Styles: Food in Nepal

The best part about Nepal is that the place has great options for Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Continental, French, Mexican, Italian, Korean, and Thai food. There are restaurants in Kathmandu and Pokhara, which serve best of typical Nepali dishes. One can also enjoy the traditional whisky of Nepal that is made of rice.

The condition of Weather and temperature


The four seasons, i.e. spring, monsoon, autumn, and winter plays an important role in deciding the weather of Nepal.

o    Winter: December-February
o    Spring:  March-May
o    Summer: June-August
o    Autumn: September-November

All the seasons, have beautiful serene view that can be explored round the year, so for sightseeing, Nepal can be visited any time of the year. However, those who plan to visit the place for the adventurous activities must consider the seasons, as it is not allowed to do most of the activities all the time. For trekking in Nepal, one must visit in end of September to the beginning of the June. 

The Health Issues in Nepal:

Before visiting Nepal, you should immunize against various illness such as Cholera, Typhoid, Malaria, Meningitis, Hepatitis, etc. Consulting a physician before going to a different land with different atmospheric conditions is important. To take proper care of the health and avoid being trapped by any infection, special care must be given to drinking water. If necessary, Iodine tablets can be used to clean the water.

However, in case of emergency one can visit a renowned hospital in Nepal.



These are certain things, which one must be aware of before visiting to a different country. Being precautious and well-informed about several things, helps in making the trip much memorable and enjoyable. These are just the over views, to know in deep about the Nepa, you can visit the official tourism page of the country.

Friday, 5 October 2012

Nepal and Adventure: The inseparable pals

Nepal tour makes people adventurous, even if they are not. Yes! This is true. With so many opportunities to experience and explore the adventurous activities in Nepal, it has been one of the favorite destinations of the adventure freaks. With so many audacious activities to do, Nepal tour can be defined as adventure trip. Various adventurers across the globe never miss the chance to visit Nepal as it holds so much that can be explored deeper and deeper. If you are also among the ones, who are daring and want to make their life worth by experiencing such activities, then this Himalayan region is the ultimate place. 

Let us glance over those activities that would make you look at the different side of life that is full of voyage and can be learned from to make life valuable.

Mountain Biking in Nepal       

One of the best ways to explore the Himalayan region and have fun around is with mountain biking. Travel the way you want to, make your own routes, and stop where ever you want to, go deeper in the valleys, plateaus, or mountains, and explore towns, temples, Buddha stupas, and whatever you want to. Being a rider riding on the mountains of Himalayas, you are like a free bird, which can fly as much high as it wants. There are several trails and backroads in Nepal, where riding can be done. Especially the ride to Royal Chitwan National Park is simply nerve-racking. If you are physically & mentally fit, have your biker gang, then what you are waiting for just bash in the place and make the best of the best moments.  

Expedition & Nepal

This is especially for the ones, who want to have the real experience of adventuring. Doing this basic mountaineering using ice axe, crampons ropes and climbing gears to get above the snow line is what the challenge is. This activity requires few days of training and then only adventures freaks having strong psychological and physical stamina get the permission to explore it.
Some of the routes for Expedition in Nepal are:   
•    Mt. Manaslu Expedition (8163m)
•    Mt. Dhaulagiri Expedition (8167m)
•    Mt. Makalu Expedition (8463m)
•    Mt. Kanchanjunga (8,586m)
•    Mt. Everest Expdition (8,848m)

Bungee Jumping

To sense the actual experience of doing bungee jumping, what it can be other than doing in Himalayan regions. In one high jump on the bungee, you would be able to see the Himalayas from a different angle. The experience is simple enthralling and can sizzle anyone. For experiencing the ultimate trill, it is the time to do bungee jumping off the grill.


Jungle Safari in Nepal

Nepal is a place that is blessed with amazing wildlife, as a result of which, there are various wildlife reserves like Sukla Phanta Reserve, Parsa Reserve, Koshi-Tappu Reserve and others. The wildlife national park in Nepal that is a habitat of various animals & endangered species offer a chance to do jungle safari in Nepal.

The various animals & species at the national park includes:

Royal Bengal tiger, One horned rhino, wild elephant, buffaloes, bisons, Show-Leopard, Clouded-Leopard, Red panda, blue bell, Brown, bear, Sloth bear, Leopard, crocodiles, Blue-sheep, and long snouted fish eating Gharial. Along with these, there are many varieties of cat, dog, deer, and antelope families.



Paragliding in Nepal

If you are going to visit Nepal to explore the adventure that the country holds, then you must not skip do paragliding out there. Sharing the sky with Himalayan griffin vultures, eagles, kites, and rover over temples, monasteries, jungles, and lakes would be whimsical. Pokhara is one of the famous places, where one can tryout best of paragliding experience in Nepal

Hot Air Ballooning in Nepal

When we are talking about Himalayas and adventure, then skipping hot air ballooning activity in Nepal simply won’t be fair. The Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayan ranges, if to be seen on the best, then going for this activity is must. Choose a clear day and get set to perceive the breathtaking beauty of Himalayas from over 6000m height above the sea level. For doing this activity October - November and March is said to be the best time. You can try out these activities at Thimi, near the historic town of Bhaktapur.