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Nepal FAQ

Is tipping customary in Nepal?

While tipping isn't mandatory in Nepal, it's considered polite to leave service workers in restaurants and cafes a 10% tip if a service charge hasn't already been included in the bill.

What is the internet access like in Nepal?

Travellers will be able to access the internet in large cities like Kathmandu. Smaller towns, isolated areas and rural villages may have limited to no access, so prepare to disconnect when leaving the city.

Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in Nepal?

Mobile phone coverage is generally good in urban areas, but can be patchy and less reliable in rural and mountainous areas. Ensure global roaming is activated on your phone before you arrive.

What are the toilets like in Nepal?

Squat toilets are the most common toilets in Nepal. Always carry your own toilet paper and soap or hand sanitiser, as they aren't usually provided.

What will it cost for a...?

Cup of tea/chai = 70 NPR
Bottle of beer = 200-300 NPR
Simple lunch = 200 NPR
Simple dinner = 400-500 NPR

Can I drink the water in Nepal?

It's not recommended to drink the tap water in Nepal. Filtered water is a better option, try to use a refillable canteen or water bottle rather than buying bottled water. Remember to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit before eating.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Nepal?

Credit cards are usually accepted by modern hotels, restaurants and medium-large shops in tourist areas. Smaller shops, cafes, market stalls and places in remote areas probably won’t have facilities that support credit cards, so ensure you have enough cash to cover expenses while in rural areas or when visiting smaller vendors and bazaars.

What is ATM access like in Nepal?

ATMs can be found in Nepal's large cities. Smaller towns and isolated areas will have very few, or none at all, so have enough cash to cover purchases, as ATM access may not be available.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling in Nepal?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of your trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What public holidays are celebrated in Nepal?

Jan 30 Martyr's Day
Feb 15 Basant Panchami
Feb 18 Rashtriya Prajatantra Divas (National Democracy Day)
Mar 8 International Women's Day
Mar 10 Maha Shivaratri
Mar 26 Holi
Apr 3 Ghode Jatra (Festival of Horses)
Apr 11 Chaite Dashain
Apr 14 Navabarsha (New Year's Day)
Apr 19 Rama Nawami
May 25 Buddha Jayanti
Aug 28 Krishna Janmashtami
Oct 5 Ghatasthapana
Oct 11 Fulpati Saptami
Oct 12 Maha Ashtami
Oct 13 Maha Navami
Oct 14 Vijaya Dashami
Nov 3 Tihar
Nov 4 Govardhan Puja
Nov 9 Constitution Day

Please note these dates are for 2013. Many Hindu festivals are timed according to local astrological observances so it's difficult to predict specific dates ahead of time. Therefore, some of the dates of the festivals listed above are estimates only. For a current list of public holidays go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/Nepal/public-holidays

Do I need a visa to travel to Nepal?

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay.

We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.

  • NEPAL:
    All foreign nationals (except Indians) require a visa to enter Nepal. Visas are obtainable from embassies abroad, the International airport, or on arrival at the India / Nepal border.

    Getting a visa at the airport can sometimes take time due to long queues. There have been instances when passengers were asked to show return flight tickets. You will also need to provide two passport photos and the following fees in US dollars cash only:
    - Multi entry visa valid for 15 days - US$25,
    - Multi entry visa valid for 30 days - US$40,
    - Multi entry visa valid for 90 days - US$100

    Please note if you are staying in Nepal for less than 24 hours while in transit a transit visa can be issued on presentation of your international flight ticket, there is a nominal charge of US$5 and one photo is required.

    Your visa application form may require you to state the dates on which you enter and exit that country. Please note we suggest you list your date of entry a few days before, and date of exit a few days after, your intended dates in case you encounter any delays or problems en route. To help calculate the exact dates of these crossings we have found the timeanddate.com to be very useful.
  • TIBET to NEPAL:
    Australia: Yes - on arrival
    Belgium: Yes - on arrival
    Canada: Yes - on arrival
    Germany: Yes - on arrival
    Ireland: Yes - on arrival
    Netherlands: Yes - on arrival
    New Zealand: Yes - on arrival
    South Africa: Yes - on arrival
    Switzerland: Yes - on arrival
    United Kingdom: Yes - on arrival
    USA: Yes - on arrival

    Visas are obtainable from embassies abroad or at the Tibet/Nepal border for a fee of approximately US$30 depending on nationality. Please check with your local consulate and make sure you bring 2 passport photos with you if you plan to apply at the border.
  • NEPAL to TIBET:
    Australia: Yes - on arrival
    Belgium: Yes - on arrival
    Canada: Yes - on arrival
    Germany: Yes - on arrival
    Ireland: Yes - on arrival
    Netherlands: Yes - on arrival
    New Zealand: Yes - on arrival
    South Africa: Yes - on arrival
    Switzerland: Yes - on arrival
    United Kingdom: Yes - on arrival
    USA: Yes - on arrival

    Current visa regulations require that travellers wishing to enter Tibet from Kathmandu in Nepal need to apply for their Chinese visa (as a group) at the Chinese Embassy in Nepal. Please DO NOT obtain a Chinese visa before you travel. Your tour leader will arrange your visa once you arrive in Kathmandu after your group meeting on day 1. The cost is approx. US$115 for citizens of all countries except for US citizens for whom it is US$200.

    If travelling onto mainland China after your trips you will need to visit the Chinese Embassy and arrange for another visa to China Mainland after you return from Lhasa to Kathmandu. Chinese Embassy accepts visa application on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and can provide visa on the same day to successful applicants.
  • NEPAL:
    Australia: Yes - on arrival
    Belgium: Yes - on arrival
    Canada: Yes - on arrival
    Germany: Yes - on arrival
    Ireland: Yes - on arrival
    Netherlands: Yes - on arrival
    New Zealand: Yes - on arrival
    South Africa: Yes - on arrival
    Switzerland: Yes - on arrival
    United Kingdom: Yes - on arrival
    USA: Yes - on arrival

    Visas are obtainable from embassies abroad or on arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan Airport. If getting the visa at the airport be prepared for long queues. There have been instances when passengers were asked to show return flight tickets. You will also need to provide two passport photos and the following fees in US dollars cash only: multi entry visa valid for 15 days - US$25, multi entry visa valid for 30 days - US$40, multi entry visa valid for 90 days - US$100.

    ***Please note if you are staying in Nepal for less than 24 hours while in transit a transit visa can be issued on presentation of your international flight ticket, there is a nominal charge of US$5 and two photos are required.
  • TIBET PERMIT:
    All nationalities require a permit to enter Tibet. Intrepid will arrange for a permit allowing your entry into Tibet however, Intrepid requires you to provide a clear scanned colour copy of the front page of your passport (photo page) at the time of booking in order to do this. This should be in JPEG format and Intrepid must receive this at least 60 days prior to travel. Please make sure that this copy is for the passport that you will be travelling on.. If you have to renew your passport please bring your old passport with you as well.

    Due to the political sensitivity of this region it is important to understand that there are sometimes unexpected difficulties in obtaining Tibetan permits which are out of Intrepid's control. Three times during 2011 and 2012, and without official announcement by the government authorities controlling permit issue, the region of Tibet has been closed to visitors, or permits denied. It is impossible to predict when or if these sudden changes will occur again in the future. Of course Intrepid and our local ground teams will do everything we can to obtain permits or warn our travellers if they will be affected by last minute closures.
  • NEPAL:
    All foreign nationals (except Indians) require a visa to enter Nepal. Visas are obtainable on arrival at the India/Nepal boarder. You will need to have your original passport along with 2 passport size photos. Visa cost and duration is as follows:
    1) 15 days multiple entry – US$ 25
    2) 30 days multiple entry – US$ 40
    3) 90 days multiple entry – US$ 100
    There have been instances when passengers were asked to show return flight tickets.

    If you obtain your visa prior to travel your visa application form may require you to state the dates on which you enter and exit that country. Please note we suggest you list your date of entry a few days before, and date of exit a few days after, your intended dates in case you encounter any delays or problems en route. To help calculate the exact dates of these crossings we have found the timeanddate.com to be very useful.
  • NEPAL to TIBET to CHINA:
    Australia: Yes - on arrival
    Belgium: Yes - on arrival
    Canada: Yes - on arrival
    Germany: Yes - on arrival
    Ireland: Yes - on arrival
    Netherlands: Yes - on arrival
    New Zealand: Yes - on arrival
    South Africa: Yes - on arrival
    Switzerland: Yes - on arrival
    United Kingdom: Yes - on arrival
    USA: Yes - on arrival

    Current visa regulations require that travellers wishing to enter Tibet from Kathmandu in Nepal need to apply for their Chinese visa (as a group) at the Chinese Embassy in Nepal. Please DO NOT obtain a Chinese visa before you travel. Your tour leader will arrange your visa once you arrive in Kathmandu after your group meeting on day 1. The cost is approx. US$114 for citizens of all countries except for US citizens for whom it is US$198. You will need to send us a quality-scanned copy of your passport in order for us to arrange this approx. 4 weeks before departure.

    The group visa then has to be split into individual visas in the passport due to passengers different travel plans within China and beyond. There is an additional cost of approx. US$50 or US$170 for US citizens. We cannot be held responsible for these additional costs, as it is unfortunately an unavoidable cost due to the laws surrounding the China/Tibet group visa
    .
    Please also be aware that a sudden change in the political situation can especially for Tibet lead to an immediate change in visa issuance policy. This can create unforeseen delays, as authorities suddenly require additional information from visitors or sudden unforeseen price increases for visa issuance.
  • NEPAL
    Alle anderen Staatsbürger (außer die im Besitz der indischen Staatsbürgerschaft) benötigen ein Visum, um in Nepal einreisen zu dürfen. Visa werden bei nepalesischen Botschaften im Ausland, dem internationalen Flughafen und bei der Einreise an der indisch-nepalesischen Grenze ausgestellt.

    Die Beantragung eines Visums am Flughafen kann aufgrund der langen Schlangen sehr zeitaufwändig sein. Es kann auch vorkommen, dass Passagiere in diesem Verfahren ein Rückflugticket vorweisen müssen. Sie werden für die Antragsstellung zwei Passbilder benötigen. Folgende Ausstellungskosten können nur in US Dollar in bar beglichen werden:
    - Mehrfache Einreise Visum, gültig für 15 Tage - USD25,
    - Mehrfache Einreise Visum, gültig für 30 Tage - USD40,
    - Mehrfache Einreise Visum, gültig für 90 Tage - USD100

    Sofern Sie in Nepal einen Transit-Aufenthalt von weniger als 24 Stunden haben, kann Ihnen bei Vorzeigen Ihres internationalen Flugtickets ein Transit Visum ausgestellt werden. Hierfür benötigen Sie ein Passbild und USD5 für die Ausstellungsgebühr.

    Ihre Visumbeantragung wird eine Eintragung der Einreise- und Ausreisedaten erfordern. Wir empfehlen Ihnen, sicherheitshalber ein Datum einige Tage vor dem geplanten Einreisedatum und ein Datum einige Tage nach dem geplanten Ausreisedatum anzugeben, für den Fall, dass es auf der Reise zu Verzögerungen oder Änderungen kommen sollte. Bzgl. der Berechnung der genauen Daten dieser Grenzüberschreitungen, empfehlen wir Ihnen folgende Website: timeanddate.com

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Nepal at a glance

  • 41
  • Kathmandu (population 700,000)
  • 29.5 million
  • Nepali
  • NPR
  • (GMT+05:45) Kathmandu
  • Type C (European 2-pin), Type D (Old British 3-pin), Type M (see D)
  • +977

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