Nepal

Nepal's acronym of Never Ending Peace And Love, does well to characterise this nation of good natured and accommodating people; a land of majestic Himalayan scenery comprising eight of the world's ten highest mountains, including Mt Everest: the uppermost place on earth at 29,029 feet (8,848m).

Situated between India and Tibet, the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal is filled with many different ethnic groups, customs and traditions reflected in a wonderfully diverse geography. From the hot Indian plains and steamy southern Tarai lowlands, the terrain crosses the Kathmandu Valley and rises to the frozen heights of the Himalayan peaks towards the Tibetan plateau known as the 'roof of the world'.

Spread across these varied altitudes are communities of colourful cultures and people (many untouched by modern development), animated cities and towns, and far-flung mountain villages. Life here revolves around an intricate intermingling of ancient Hindu and Buddhist religious rituals. Numerous festivals are celebrated throughout the year coloured by a diversity of religious and tribal traditions. The capital of Kathmandu brings an assortment of these different societies together into a vibrant collection of brilliant sights and exotic smells, with modern shops co-existing with street sellers, while pyramidal Buddhist temples, holy Sadhus of the Hindu faith and medieval palace squares fill the urban landscape.

Nepal is well endowed with glorious scenery - verdant terraced valleys, rushing rivers and ice-blue lakes that originate in the 'abode of snows', or Himalayas. The uplifting sight of soaring mountains is a magnet for mountaineers and trekkers, offering some of the greatest challenges and most scenic walking opportunities on earth. Its diverse terrain offers tremendous opportunities for adventurous activities, and although mountain climbing and trekking are the most popular, there is also superb white-water rafting on steep mountain rivers, as well as elephant-back safaris or tiger tracking in the Royal Chitwan and Royal Bardia National Parks situated within the jungles of the southern Tarai belt.

Nepal has many attractions, but the essence of the country is its smiling, friendly people with their heartfelt palm-pressed greetings, and together with its inspiring scenery, this beguiling kingdom is a place where one visit is usually not enough to satisfy the captivated traveller.

Climate

Nepal has two seasons: the dry season from October to May, and the rainy monsoon season from June to September. Early spring (March to April) and late autumn (October and November) are the best times to visit Nepal, and also offer the clearest mountain views and good weather for trekking. From December to February there is snow on the mountains with freezing temperatures at high altitudes, while the summer months of June to August can be very hot for general travel.

Money

The official currency is the Nepali Rupee (NPR), which is divided into 100 paisa. As change can be a problem it is recommended that visitors have a supply of small notes handy. Tourist activities are often quoted in US Dollars and it is advisable to carry new dollar bills in varied denominations. Both Euro and US dollar travellers cheques are widely accepted in tourist areas and can be cashed easily in most banks and major hotels throughout the country. There are ATMs in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards are accepted in many tourist hotels, shops, restaurants and travel agencies. Banks and moneychangers are present in all tourist places and in the major cities; all receipts from foreign exchange transactions should be kept so rupees can be exchanged back into foreign currencies on departure. Cash is needed when trekking.

Passport Visa

All foreign passengers to Nepal can obtain a tourist visa on arrival in the country. These visas are valid for a maximum of 90 days, and cost between USD 25 and USD 100 (depending on the length of intended stay). Note that extensions of touristic stays (up to 150 days) can be arranged after arrival, by applying at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara (fee: USD 20, plus an additional charge of USD 2 per day extended). All tourist visas are valid for Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara Valley and Tiger Tops (Meghauli airport) in Chitwan. However, if travellers wish to visit other places, or trek in Nepal, permits can be obtained from the Central Immigration Office. Note also that passengers who need a visa for India, and who also want to visit Nepal, should hold a visa valid for two entries into India; and that persons wishing to re-enter into Nepal, and having in their passports any previous Nepalese visas cancelled (invalidated) by the Central Immigration Office, will be refused entry and deported. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required, if arriving in Nepal within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Nepal. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
• British citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Nepal. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
• Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Nepal. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
• Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Nepal. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
• South African citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Nepal. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
• Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Nepal. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
• New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Nepal. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

Health

Malaria is a health risk between June and September in the low-lying areas of Nepal, including Chitwan National Park, but not in the common trekking areas. Outbreaks of Japanese encephalitis occur annually, particularly between July and December; vaccination is advised. Cholera outbreaks occur and food and water precautions should be followed. Untreated water should be avoided; visitors can buy bottled water or purify their own. When trekking it is preferable to treat river water rather than leaving a trail of plastic bottles behind. Purifying water with iodine is the cheapest and easiest way to treat water. Altitude sickness is a real risk for trekkers. Many trekkers may suffer from altitude sickness above 8,202ft (2,500m); if symptoms persist it is wise to descend as quickly as possible. Standard of care in hospitals varies, but there are traveller's clinics in Kathmandu and numerous pharmacies in the major towns. Medical insurance is essential, which should include air evacuation. Travellers arriving from infected areas require a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Embassy Consulates

• Royal Nepalese Embassy, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Canada): +1 202 667 4550.
• Royal Nepalese Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7229 1594.
• Royal Nepalese Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6162 1554.
• Royal Nepalese Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 346 2399.
• Royal Nepalese Consulate-General, Auckland: +64 (07) 552 4324.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Kathmandu: +977 (0)1 400 7200.
• British Embassy, Kathmandu: +977 (0)1 441 4588.
• Canadian High Commission, New Delhi, India (also responsible for Nepal): +91 (11) 4178 2000.
• Australian Embassy, Kathmandu: +977 (0)1 437 1678.
• South African High Commission, Colombo, Sri Lanka (also responsible for Nepal): +94 11 268 9926.
• Irish Embassy, New Delhi, India (also responsible for Nepal): +91 (0)11 2462 6733.
• New Zealand Consulate, New Delhi, India (also responsible for Nepal): +91 11 2688 3170.