FAQ

Best Time to Visit (September – November & March – May)

The best seasons to travel or trek in Nepal are autumn, from mid September until end November and spring, from the beginning of March until the mid May.

Autumn (mid-September to end-November):

This is the most popular time to trek. Generally during autumn, the weather is clear with mild to warm days and cold nights. However, in the higher altitude, the nights drop into freezing temperature. In this season, the mountains views are astonishingly clear.

Approach to winter and the mid winter (end-November through March):

It is also possible to trek during winter, from December until the end of February. Daytime temperatures will be cooler; however, the nights will often be very cold. The days are generally clear but occasional winter storms can bring snow as low as 2500m. Early October through late November is also the busiest period for trekking. But in mid winter (January through March), trekking is more challenging in the high altitudes with semi-regular snowfall followed by more winter storms, which break the long fine periods. The mid-December to mid-February is the coldest time. As snow gets harder and wind condition remains stabilized in early winter, climbing some of trekking peaks is possible. Climbing Mera peak, Island peak, Chulu, and trekking in Annapurna, Everest, Langtang in early winter have been quite popular over the past few years.

Spring and early summer (mid-March through May):

In the spring, the mornings are usually clear but afternoon cloud build-up brings occasional showers. The days are mix up with warm and rain, which displays wildflowers like rhododendrons. The whole country is lush and an abundant green at this season. This period instigate the second most popular and pleasant trekking season as this is rice-planting time. Late-march into April is especially beautiful. It is also a good time for climbing as the high passes are usually snow free and the mountain views are still clear in April. Up to May, the weather becomes hazy and disturbed with the clouds.

The monsoon (June to mid-September):

From June to September, is the monsoon season. Generally the morning is cloudy and cloud wisps form on random ridges and peaks. Trekking at this time of year is generally difficult and uncomfortable as the weather is hot and it rains almost every day. The trails become muddy and are often leech-infested and the mountains are usually obscured by cloud. During April and May, there is an expectation of thunderstorm, hail shower and strong winds among the fine periods. There are, however, possibilities for summer trekking in the trans-Himalayan regions of mustang, Dolpo and Tibet. These regions lie in a rain-shadow and therefore receive significantly less precipitation than the more southerly areas.

Green Channel

Passengers arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) without any dutiable goods can proceed through the Green Channel for quick clearance without a baggage check. If you are carrying dutiable articles, you have to pass through the Red Channel for detailed customs clearance.

Basic Information about Travelling to Nepal

Found great article about  getting to Kathmandu, travelling to Nepal, Nepal Airlines Information, andVisa Baggage Policies Import

BY AIR:
Nepal Airlines is the national flag carrier of Nepal with flights to/from Delhi, Dubai, Doha, Bangkok, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur. Other international airlines operating from/ to Kathmandu are Air Arabia (Sharjah), Air China (Lhasa), Arkefly (Amsterdam), Bahrain Air (Bahrain), Biman Bangladesh, (Dhaka), Buddha Air (Paro), China Eastern Airlines (Kunming), China Southern Airlines (Guanzhou), Dragon Air (Hong Kong), Druk Air (Delhi, Paro), Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi), Flydubai (Dubai), GMG Airlines (Dhaka), Gulf Air (Bahrain), Indian Airlines (Delhi, Kolkotta, Varanasi), Jet Airways (Delhi), Jet Lite (Delhi), Kingfisher Airlines (Delhi), Korean Air (Seoul), Oman Air (Muscat), Pakistan International Airlines (Karachi, Islamabad), Qatar Airways (Doha), Silk Air (Singapore), Thai Airways (Bangkok) and United Airways (Dhaka).

Airfares fluctuate with the changes in exchange rates and are to be paid in foreign currency by foreign nationals. Only Nepalese and Indian nationals are permitted to pay in rupees for air passage between Nepal and India. Departure flight tickets should be reconfirmed three days in advance to avoid inconveniences by possible flight cancellation or changes in the flight schedule. Overweight luggage charges are levied in foreign exchange.

BY LAND:
All visitors coming to Nepal by land must enter only through one of these entry points (1) Kakarbhitta (2) Birgunj (3) Belhiya, Bhairahawa (4) Nepalgunj (5) Dhangadi and (6) Mahendranagar in the Nepal-India border and (7) Kodari in the Nepal-China border. The overland tourists entering the country with their vehicles must possess an international carnet or complete customs formalities.

Customs:
All baggage must be declared and cleared through the customs on arrival at the port of entry. Passengers arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) without any dutiable goods can proceed through the Green Channel for quick clearance without a baggage check. If you are carrying dutiable articles, you have to pass through the Red Channel for detailed customs clearance.

Import:
Apart from used personal belongings, visitors are allowed to bring to Nepal free of duty cigarette (200) or cigars (50), distilled liquor (one 1.15 liter bottle), and film (15 rolls). You can also bring in the following articles free of duty on condition that you take them out with you when you leave: binoculars, movie or video camera, still camera, laptop computer, and portable music system.

Export:
It is illegal to export objects over 100 years old (sacred images, paintings, manuscripts) that are valued for culture and religious reasons. Visitors are advised not to purchase such items as they are Nepal’s cultural heritage and belong here. The Department of Archaeology (tel: 4213701, 4213702) at Ramshah Path near Singha Durbar has to certify all metal statues, sacred paintings and similar objects before they are allowed to be sent or carried out of the country. Handicraft dealers and travel agents are able to assist you in this process. For more information on customs matters, contact the Chief Customs Administrator, TIA Customs Office; tel: 4470110, 4472266.

Airport Tax:
Effective form January 14,2005 ,the tourists would be levied NRS. 565(including VAT) at the departure terminal along with the Passenger Service Charge (airport tax).

Note: The new Airport Tax is equally applicable to Nepalese as well as non-Nepalese citizens flying from Nepal.

Travelling by road
All visitors entering Nepal by land must use no other entry points other than:
Nepal-India border
* Kakarbhitta
* Birgunj
* Belhiya, Bhairahawa
* Nepalgunj
* Dhangadi
* Mahendra Nagar

Nepal-China border
* Kodari

The overland tourists entering the Kingdom with their vehicles must possess an international carnet.

source: http://www.tourismkathmandu.com/visitors_info/getting_to_kathmandu

Nepal is five hours 45 minutes ahead of GMT. Government offices are open from 10 am to 5 pm from Sunday through Friday. Banks are open from Sunday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm. mostly banks remain open until 12 pm on Saturday.

Embassies and international organizations are open from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. Most shops open after 10 am and close at about 8 pm and are usually closed on Saturdays.

Although Nepal works seven days a week, it observes numerous holidays, at the least a couple a months. So please check the holiday calendar. Government offices observe all the holidays and banks observe most of them. Businesses observe the major holidays only.

Information centers

• Department of Tourism, Tripureswor (near the national stadium), Kathmandu.
• Nepal Tourism Board – NTB is a national organization established in 1998 and promote and market Nepal as an attractive tourist destination. NTB’s office is located at Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu, Phone: 4256909 or 4256229.
• Kathmandu Environmental Education Project Trekker’s Information Center, P.O.Box 495, Tridevi Marg, Kathmandu.
• Nepal Association of Travels Agents – NATA, Lal Durbar, Yak & Yeti Plaza, Kathmandu, Ph: 4228787.
• Trekking Agents Association of Nepal – TAAN, Ganeshthan, Maligaun, Kathmandu, Phone: 4440920 or 4440921.
• Kathmandu Environmental Education Project – KEEP provides trekkers with information about responsible trekking and also has a travelers’ information center in Thamel. Through slide shows, lectures, videos, and other activities staff and volunteers provide trekkers with information about promoting positive environmental and cultural interactions when trekking.KEEP is located at the Potala Tourist Home, off Tridevi Marg, and is open from 10 am to 5 PM daily expect Saturdays and major holidays Ph: 4410303

Domestic

Sworna Travels & Tours (P) Ltd operates the different domestic air services in Nepal. The Nepal Airlines is the national flag carrier governmental air service. In addition, other domestic airlines operate an extensive network of air service in the interior parts of Nepal. Major domestic carriers operating in the Nepali skies includes:

• Nepal Airlines
• Buddha Air
• Yeti Airlines
• Tara Air
• Himalaya Airlines
• Summit Air
• Sita Air
• Shree Airlines

In Nepal, the regions in mountains and high Himalayas are not well connected with roads and highways. People are forced to walk several days and carry the goods by animals to reach to the convenient urban place. Considering the same and the government of Nepal has built several airfields with Short Take-off and Landing (STOL) facilities and even the cost for the domestic air-tickets has been subsidized for its people. However, attractive fares for tourist have also been worked out for the places, which are considered as the important tourist destination. Write to us for more information and reservation.

International Ticket

Sworna Travels & Tours (P) Ltd manages not only internal air service it provides the international air service also.  There are numbers of major international airlines connecting this beautiful country to rest of the world. Nepal has only one international airport, which is named as Tribhuwan International Airport & is at Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. Nepal is connected to outside world by the direct flights from Europe such as London, Paris, and Munich. Asian destinations to Doha, Dubai, Dhaka, Paro, Lhasa, Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Osaka. Karachi and Indian sectors to Delhi, Bombay, Varanasi, Calcutta, and  Banglore etc. Major international airline includes:

• NEPALI LANGUAGE GUIDE

  • Hello – Namsate / Namaskar
  • Thank you – Dhanyabad
  • Lunch /Dinner – (khana)
  • Water-Pani
  • Fruit – Phalphul
  • Meat- masu
  • Milk- Dudh
  • Baby – nani- Bachha
  • Elder brother – dai
  • Younger brother – bhai
  • Elder sister – didi
  • Younger sister – bahini
  • Father – buwa / baba/
  • Mother – aama / mummy
  • Drinking water- Khane pani
  • Downhill- Oraalo
  • Flower- Phul
  • Foreigner- Bidesi
  • My friend – Mero sathi
  • Hill- Pahad
  • Medicine- Ausadhi
  • River- Khola
  • Village- gaun
  • Snow peak- Himal
  • Tree- Rukh
  • To eat- Kahnu
  • To drink – piunu
  • To go- jaanu
  • To come- aaunu
  • To sit- basnu
  • To work- kaam garnu
  • After- pachi
  • Clean- safa
  • Beautiful- ramro
  • Cold- chiso
  • Hot- tato
  • Delicious- mitho
  • Good- ramro
  • Dirty- phohor
  • Long- lamo
  • Short- choto
  • Inside- Bhitra
  • Outside- bahira
  • Sweet- guliyo
  • Where- kahan
  • Which- kun
  • Now- ahile
  • Morning- bihana
  • Early morning- saberai
  • Night- rati
  • Afternoon- diuso
  • What time is it- kati bajyo?
  • No- hoina
  • Yes- ho
  • Toilet- charpi
  • Alcohol- daru/ raksi
  • Mountain- Himal
  • Lake- tal
  • How much per day?- dinko kati?
  • Do you have warm clothes? – nyano luga chha?
  • Go slowly- bistarai jane
  • Go quickly- chhito jane
  • Please cook food- Khana pakaunus
  • Tea- chiya
  • Bread- roti
  • Are you hungry?- bhok lagecha?
  • Do you want to rest?- aaram garne ki?
  • Don’t be late- dhilo nagarnos
  • I am Travelling alone- ma ekklai janchhu
  • Impossible. Cannot be done- skakidaina
  • Let’s rest- aaram garau
  • Where are you coming from?- kahan bata aayeko?
  • Is the trail very uphill? – bato dherai ukalo chha?
  • Is the trail very downhill?- bato dherai oralo chha?
  • There- tyahan
  • Here- yahan
  • Please sit down-basnos
  • Where can I stay? – kahan basne?
  • Where is the toilet?- charpi/toilet kahan chha?
  • You cannot stay- baas paindaina
  • I will eat later- ma pachhi khanchhu
  • It is tasty- mitho chha
  • That is enough- pugyo
  • One day- ek din
  • Altogether, how much?- jamma kati bhayo?
  • This is too expensive- yo jyadai mahango chha
  • All right – hunchha
  • Very well, give it to me- la, dinos ta
  • Girl- keti
  • Sunday- aaitabar
  • Monday – somabar
  • Tuesday – mangalbar
  • Wednesday- budhabar
  • Thursday- bihibar
  • Friday- sukrabar
  • Saturday- sanibar
  • Bird- chara
  • Animal- janawar
  • Plant- biruwa
  • What is your name- tapaiko naam k ho?
  • You are very beautiful- tapin dherai ramro/ramri (for girls) hunuhunchha
  • I like Nepal- malai Nepal man parcha
  • What to do? – k garne ?
  • May I please take a picture of you- tapaiko photo khichau?
  • I am sick- ma birami chhu
  • Where is a hospital? – hospital kaha chha?
  • I like you- malai timi man parcha
  • I love you – ma timilai maya garchu

Nepal Travel Tips

It is always better to tune in to up to date information on political, weather, health conditions at your destination. Before you travel try to update with travel documents, weather and other travel related information.

1. Put your travel documents in your email address so that you can recover if you lost original one while travelling.
2. http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/ – Know about documents for VISA to enter Nepal and many more about permits/entrances
3. http://www.tourism.gov.np/ – for Nepal travel information
4. Currency Converter

Biodiversity- Flora

• Nepal occupies only 0.1% of the earth’s landmass, but as per size of the country, she possesses one of the richest genetic biodiversity in the world.
• Nepal has the world’s maximum physiographic and climatic diversity ranging from the tropical to Nival type( Permanent snow)
• Kaligandaki is the river older than the Himalaya. Therefore, it acts as a major ecological dividing line of the whole eastern and western Himalaya.
• Because of its outstanding altitudinal variation, there are many opportunities to farm any plants from any parts of the world in Nepal.
• Nepal is an Amazon of Asia. The hidden treasure of its rich biodiversity is not yet fully explored. Many new species could be discovered from Nepal.
• Nepal harbors 5980 species of flowering plants which covers 2.4% of the world’s total.
• Thirty six percent of the world’s Meconopsis species “poppy” including Blue Poppies are found in Nepal of which four are endemic, only found in Nepal. In Nepal, one of the Blue poppy grows as high as 5400-meter altitude. This is perhaps one of the highest limits for the poppy to be found in the world.
• Edelweiss is the Austria’s national flower. In Austria, is it almost extinct in the wild bout found abundantly in Langtang valley of Nepal.
• Nepal has more than 360 species of Orchid which constitute over 2% of the world’s orchid.
• Nepal comprises 6% of the world’s rhododendron species.
• Over 250 species of the flowering plants are endemic in Nepal (not found elsewhere)
• Nepal has record of tallest grassland in the world that exists in Chitwan.
• Sal tree forest Shorea robusta in Chitwan is considered the finest in the world (Champion)
• Dr. Francis Hamilton first initiated plant exploration in Nepal in 1802 in Kathmandu valley followed by Nathanial Wallich in 1820.
• Nepal has one of the richest contribution and distribution of biomaterials in the world. Lots have yet to be explored for economic benefits of the country.
• World in much sought after Ayurved. Nepal has an incredible wealth of medicinal and aromatic plants for the preparation of traditional and Ayurvedic medicines.
• Genetic resources related to present day crop- species of Nepal has tremendous potential for improvement of numerous valuable plants.

Biodiversity- Fauna

• Nepal has one of the largest concentrations of Royal Bengal Tiger in the world.
• Second largest population of One-horned Rhino is found in Nepal.
• Nepal has one of the best habitat for Snow Leopard
• Sukla Phanta in West Nepal harbors the world largest herd of Swamp deer.
• It is said that Nepal has largest moth in the world (Atlas Month)
• Some of the largest wild honeybees are found in Nepal.
• The only natural breeding ground of the Long Snouted Gaviall crocodile exists in Nepalese river.
• Nepal constitutes more that 8.5% of the world’s total bird species.
• Nepal has nearly 870 species of birds, which arguably more than the whole continent of Europe and North Africa combined.
• Nepal has 4.2% of the world’s butterfly species which is over 650 species of butterflies.

Nature conservation efforts

• Shivapuri National Park at Budhanilkantha in Kathmandu is the only World’s National Park close to the capital and international airport.
• Over nineteen percent of the total country’s landmass is protected under National Park and Protected Area in Nepal.
• Nepal is the leader of community forestry campaign in the world.
• The conservation effort undertaken by the local communities in the buffer zone areas such as Baghmara and Kumrose forest is the pride of the nation.
• In many developing countries, park/people conflict is a major challenge, but in Nepal, this complex issue is amicably resolved.
• Chitwan National Park and Everest National Park is listed in World Heritage Site.
• Multi conceptual park management system was first successfully implemented in Annapurna Area and now ACAP is the world model for conservation and sustainable development.
• During 70s, there were less than 80 rhinos in Nepal, now we have more than 500 remnants. This is undoubtedly an excellent result in the context of global wildlife conservation record.
• In 25 years of conservation work, Nepal has managed to save Blackbuck from extinction, increase a very good tiger population, bring back endangered wildlife species such as Gharial, Indian bison, wild buffalo and many others to a healthy and viable population.
• Koshi Tappu wildlife reserve is supposed to be one of the finest bird sanctuaries in Asia and it is listed in the Ramsar Site.

Cultural Facts

• Nepal is the future of Asia’s medieval past.
• Kathmandu has one of the richest Buddhist icons in the world.
• Religious tolerance and cultural harmony is the living force of Nepalese society.
• Kathmandu is the living cultural museum of the world.
• Not a single drop of blood has ever been shed in Nepal in the name of religious and ethnic riot.
• When America and Australia was not even born as a nation, Nepal built finest monuments which are now listed in World Heritage Sites.
• The style of Pagoda was introduced in china and beyond by Nepali architecture Arniko in 12th century. Legend said that Chinese emperor Kublai Khan invited Nepalese architectures to build his palace Xanadu.
• The United Nation has agreed the proposal of developing Lumbini as a WORLD PEACE CITY.
• Nepal is known as the land of Living Goddess.
• Nepal is the country of Non Stop Festivals.
• Nepal is the land of victorious Ghurkha.
• Nepal is the birth Place of Lord Buddha.
• Birth place of Janaki Sita.
• Fountain of World Peace, 2nd World Buddhist Summit.
• Dolpo in Nepal is the last stronghold of Bonpo religion.
• Mystic Bajrayana; an important Buddhist sect is found in Nepal
• Nepal has as many gods as many people, as many temple as many houses and as many festivals as many days of the years.

Tourism Facts

• Nepal is the country of the highest mountain and deepest gorges.
• The Third Pole of the Earth is the Mt. Everest.
• Nepal is an adobe of “Eight Thousanders” (mountain above 8000 meters).
• Some of the highest permanent human habitat exists in Nepal.
• Some of the highest placed lakes including Tilicho are found in Nepal.
• Nepal has the second largest number of Everest summiteers.
• “Annapurna is a Nature’s Amphitheatre”. Chris Bonington.
• “Kathmandu is the Wildest Dream of Kew”, Rudyard Kipling.
• Nepal has the second largest hydro power resources in the world.
• Nepal is one of the best arenas for Extreme & Adventure Sport tourism such as mountaineering, cannoning, paragliding, mountain biking, kayaking, rafting, bungee jumping, high altitude marathon etc.
• Karnali in Simikot is one of the best rivers in the world for kayaking and most of the upstream Nepalese rivers offer the best rapids for white-water rafting.
• There are always the Nepalese Expatriates who always win the World Famous Outdoor Marathon Quest organized by Mild Seven in Deli in Indonesia.
• Elephant polo match is played only in Nepal.
• One of the most popular trekking routes in the world is Annapurna circuit.
• Trekking companies in Nepal are best known professional outfitters in the world tourism market.
• Nepal is one of the few countries, which has many airports as per the size of the country.
• Nepal has higher number of repeated visitors than any countries of South Asia.
• Soaltee Hotel is listed as one of the 300 best hotels in the world.
• Kathmandu Guest House is listed as one if the Asia’s 300 most popular ICON hotels, Insight Guide Magazine.
• One the occasion of 30th anniversary, Tony Wheeler, the founding publisher of the world famous Lonely Planet Magazine listed Kathmandu Guest House as one of the most popular tourism highlights of the world
• Dwarika Hotel is awarded as Heritage hotel by PATA.
• Tiger Tops is one of the best Jungle safari Hotels in Asia.

The purpose of our safety guidelines is to make your peace of mind so that you can travel without any unnecessary burden in mind. Nepal has been very safe destination for any foreigners. That is why many foreigners visit this country again and again. As far as you concern the news from different international Medias they show you only political upheavals in Nepal but in reality you would find much better situation than perceive.
We recommend you to go through our following safety guidelines and stay tune with latest happening.

• The unique culture of Nepal is that the guests/tourists regarded as a god; that’s why you will receive great hospitality in Nepal-as many foreigners praise about this tradition. This proves that you will remain safe and treated well in Nepal.
• Always find a reliable travel/trekking agency to travel in Nepal. For trekking always choose a registered responsible trekking agency. Never go alone for trekking. Always take a company of a guide.
• Learn about travel health and travel insurance
• Inform yourself on the climate, temperature and environment of Nepal. It is also important to know about the diverse geographical nature of Nepal.
• Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance, before you leave, to cover baggage, flight cancellation and emergency medical care. Bear in mind that basic policies will not cover winter or extreme sports activities.
• For long stays in Nepal get yourself registered with your country’s consulate or embassy.
• Speak to other travelers, locals or tourist information offices about which areas are safe to visit and places to avoid. There are some high passes trekking in Nepal in which normal trekker cannot go easily.
• Preferably do not leave any valuables out in the open as temptation induces crime.
• Keep your passport, money and other important belongings in a secure place at all times. All the hotels provide safe to keep your valuables until you return from trekking.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry while traveling and keep your money belt out of sight. However, theft and crime is not big problem in Nepal particularly for tourist.
• Do not carry too much in cash as far as possible. Make use of your credit cards instead.
• Don’t keep all your money in one place and make sure you have noted the numbers of your traveler’s checks so they can be replaced if they are stolen.
• Drug-abuse, trafficking and sexual relation with children are strictly prohibited.
• Read and understand the terms and conditions of trekking/travel agency that you agreed.
• Ask every health related information that required for the activities that you are interested on.
• For any emergency while trekking don’t hesitate to contact to your travel agency. They are always ready for your help.

Tips is quite common in service industry. It is extra expenses from your pocket. You want to give to the service provider when you are happy/satisfy with their services. Like other country; in Nepal also tips are taken as a token of love and as a gesture of satisfaction from the guests. Nepali people are quite friendly by nature and they are self-expressive. Most of the clients return with satisfaction and promise to come back again. Because of the friendly nature of guides, local people and hotel crews, your travel become quite enjoyable. Due to all these factors the service providers get good tips from the clients.

However, tips are not the mandatory and nobody can force you to give tips. The service providers never ask for the tips because it is the only clients who decide whether to give or not to give tips to them. But in most instances the service providers expect tips from the clients though they do not ask verbally from the client.

Usually tips are given to those persons who are directly involved in your service. To name; guide, hotel staff, driver and other trekking attendants who assist you carrying your luggage and other stuffs are supposed to get tips.

How much shall I give for tips?

Though there is no specification of the amount, tipping small amount of money would harass the receiver rather than appreciation. Therefore, it is recommended that to give at least Rupees 100 which is less than USD 1.00 for bell boy or cleaning lady . The amount of tips may differ from nature of services. Some guests do give tips more than 10% of their total travel package.

For an example, if you go for 7 days trekking then we recommend you to give at least USD 10 per day which equals to USD 70 to the guide. However, it is your intuition to give or not to give the tip.

There is hand-knotted pashmina shawls, woolen carpets, woolen knit-wears, jewelry, embroidery, woodcarvings, ceramics Thanka paintings, metalwork’s, woodcarvings, stationary, rice paper and pottery. Except these items Nepalese shopping center will also offer wide variety of imported merchandise in quality and price.

Except Government office, most of business office has a six-days week working days in Nepal. Saturday is weekly holiday and generally Government business hours starts from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. and the Government offices will be close one hour earlier in the winter. During national festivals and other special government days the office will be closed.