Nepal Travel guide

Nepal is a beautiful place to go trekking and enjoy the wonderful sights that surround you. Nepal is a place to just go and indulge in everything that nature has to offer. While trekking in Nepal you will notice the many beautiful mountains, rivers, and countryside. One of the most stunning beauties is Mt. Everest, in which you will find a good reason to stare in awe and amazement. Nepal is one of the planet's most beautiful places to visit. What better way to experience such wonder with trekking. Trekking is the sport of walking or hiking while enjoying your surroundings. This guide will give you some ideas on what you will need to know when trekking in Nepal.

The best time to plan your stay in Nepal for a trekking journey would be October through November or February through April. When traveling at the right time of the year you will be able to enjoy the views and scenery much more. Once you have made plans for a trekking trip to Nepal you will need a place to stay. There are many extremely affordable accommodations for your trekking adventure. Some places that you may consider if you don't mind camping out in Lower Dolpo and Annapurna Circuit. Make sure to bring enough camping supplies so you can enjoy your trip comfortably. Other places that you may want to consider staying on your journey are places that have lodging accommodations. Some locations of lodging include Gokyo Lakes, Peak, and Renjo La as well as Siklish, Begnas Lake and Lamjung. These are just a few recommendations on places to stay while visiting Nepal. There are many other options out there and or worth the research.

Maybe you are wondering what types of clothing and other items you should bring with you on your Nepal adventure. The accepted apparel would be long pants and shirts that are not revealing. Don't bring cutoffs or low cut shirts, this type of outfit is not readily accepted in Nepal. When packing your clothing for your trip make sure to add good sturdy well-supported boots. Other essentials are a first aid kit, hat to cover your head, sunscreen and lotion, bath supplies, water bottle, urination bottle, sunglasses and trekking poles to name a few. The list can go on and on pick and choose what you may think is essential to your Nepal trek.

Some may wonder if it would be worth it to set up a guided tour. A trekking tour through Nepal is offered by many professional guides. Guides can be very affordable and most of the time the price will also include food and drinks. Check around for a good guide they can really help the new trekker get the most out of their trip. Some rather enjoy their trek solo and this is fine. Just make sure that you know where you are going and have an emergency plan if one arises.

When trekking through the beautiful mountains of Nepal you will want to bring a camera or video recorder. The memories you will be able to capture of this wondrous place will entertain you for years to come. Some sights to see while you are on your trek include the beautiful Mount Everest and you can also view the splendid sight of Himalayas. Trekking throughout Nepal isn't only about the mountain views it's also about the culture. View the many villages, streams and farms along your trek. Take in the many smells of the different cuisines being cooked up in the small towns. This will be a trip to remember and a good quality camera or video equipment is highly recommended.

Be careful on your trek and watch out for altitude sickness. This ailment can strike the most experienced trekker and cause lots of misery. The symptoms of altitude sickness are vomiting, nausea, fatigue and problems with sleeping. Make sure not to trek extremely high distances when first starting out as a Nepal trekker. The best way to prevent this sickness is to drink plenty of water and take an over the counter motion sickness medication.

What if you're on your trek in Nepal and an emergency arises? This could be anything from a fall or suddenly falling ill. The best way to be prepared for an emergency is to keep a cell phone or a radio with you to alert emergency personal of your distress. Another good thing to do is to trek in groups. Trekking in groups is always the safer recommended way to trek Nepal. Always be safe and know who to alert in case of an emergency. Keep a first aid kit with you at all times as well as any medication you may need to take on a daily basis. Be safe and enjoy the many beautiful mountains that Nepal has to offer on your next trekking adventure.

Responsible Trekking in Nepal

If you're heading on holiday to Nepal, and you plan to trek the Annapurna or visit Everest Base Camp, you need to know about responsible and safe trekking in Nepal. Here's a handy guide about responsible trekking during your Nepal trip.

Water - Nepal is trying to minimize the number of plastic water bottles that are littering and polluting the countryside and the cities too. To not add to this problem you can take your own water bottle with you and purification tablets during your Nepal trek. If you need to do some laundry then don't soap up and rinse your clothes in a stream or river as it is very likely to be a drinking supply for villagers and animals too. Use a bucket or bowl and then dispose of the dirty water away from the fresh water source. There is a government scheme set up in the Annapurna region that supplies purified water to trekkers at some of the stops on the popular Annapurna circuit trek. Take advantage of this scheme during your Nepal holiday.

You can also treat water with iodine to purify it without having to boil it.

Litter and waste - Take some matches with you to burn any toilet paper or tissues that you may use rather than litter the trail while you're trekking in Nepal. Or, even better, learn to wash with a little water as local people do instead of wipe! Some people undertaking longer Nepal treks carry a small, light-weight trowel to bury their 'doings' and away from any water sources. Carry your litter with you until you have somewhere suitable to dispose of it during your Nepal trek. Do keep in mind that to the Nepalese the hearth is the heart of the home and so the fireplace is sacred. Therefore it is very bad manners for you to throw your rubbish onto the family fire.

Trekking safely - Muggings, attacks, and theft do happen, but mostly in the city areas. Of course, they can occur from time to time in rural regions. It is good to be aware of the most up to date advice on the region you are heading to during your Nepal trip. You can check on the FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) website for country-specific warnings and general advice. The golden rule is to never trek alone as you are putting yourself unnecessarily in a vulnerable position. If you have a reliable guide and porter accompanying you then you have someone to watch your pack if you need to nip into the bushes, you have someone to go for help if you are injured or sick and a distance away from the next trek stop. Someone who knows the terrain will also prevent you from taking a wrong turn and getting lost.

Porters and guides - When you hire a guide or porter locally and privately, you have effectively become their employer for the duration of your Nepal trek. Porters can carry extraordinary loads, but it is irresponsible to overload them with unnecessary luggage when you can travel light and carry a few of your essentials in your own day pack. If your porter or guide becomes unwell or gets injured then you are responsible, as their employer, and need to help them and make sure they are taken to safety. You do hear terrible stories of travelers in Nepal leaving porters behind to fend for themselves and even die alone. Equally, if your guide turns out to be a heavy drinker and a liability (as was my sister's experience) then you may sack him and have to leave him behind (at a safe point) if he is too drunk to continue! So, perhaps it is safer to go through an agency or guesthouse to find a good porter or guide and not just some guy off the street.

I set off from Pokhara with a group of friends, carrying our own packs to do a few days trekking in Nepal, on a tight budget, in the Annapurna region. Our first days' trekking was very stressful as we did not appreciate how hard it is to bear heavy packs for hours on end and we could not find the start of the trek for some time. I was wearing the wrong kind of boots and consequently lost a toenail by day four! We had to cut our 7 days Nepal trek effort short and take a bus back to Pokhara. In retrospect, it would have been nice to have guidance and do it properly!

It is always best and much safer to be prepared with the right assistance, gear, and planning and to offer employment to the guides and porters who depend on tourism to earn a living.

Register with your Embassy or Consulate in Nepal - This is a good idea so that someone knows where you are and when you are trekking in Nepal and remember to let them know that you are back safely!

Insurance - Make sure that your insurance policy covers you fully for personal accident, medical and evacuation insurance for your Nepal trekking holiday. It needs to cover you for the possibility that you may need a helicopter rescue from a remote spot back to Pokhara or Kathmandu where you can get medical attention. You can also take out insurance specifically for trekking when in Nepal prior to setting out.

Altitude - If your Nepal trek involves steep ascents and descents and you are heading to the higher altitudes then you need to make sure you take time to acclimatize during your Nepal trekking holiday. You should try to sleep at a lower altitude than the highest point you reached by day and this is often factored into the trek route on the longer high altitude Nepal treks such as the Everest Base Camp trek.

Medical kit and useful tips - Make sure you have well-worn comfortable walking boots with you and are in good health with a good level of fitness before you set off on your Nepal trekking holiday. Take a good sunscreen as the sun is more powerful at altitude and you can be exposed to strong sunlight for hours at a time, so good sunglasses (mountaineering glasses if you are heading for the snow-line) and a hat are advisable too. Plasters, antiseptic and anti-histamine cream and elastic support bandages are also a good idea during your Nepal trip. Some people take trekking-poles (light-weight and collapsible) for extra stability and they generally come in handy. A Swiss army knife has many useful functions too; with the knife, tweezers and scissor options.

Basic pain-killers are a good thing to take with you for headaches and pains and the anti-inflammatory ones to help with swollen sore joints, water-purification tablets/or iodine and medication to stop Diarrhoea for emergencies and perhaps and some anti-biotics for emergencies too. I took a light-weight umbrella to use as a parasol to keep the sun off me as my hat did not have a very wide brim. Rehydration sachets are very useful if you are exerting yourself in a hot climate and if you get sick they can aid recovery. If you have a pre-existing medical condition that may hinder your Nepal trekking capabilities then be sure you are covered by your insurance.

Have a look at one of the reputable travel guides for a more comprehensive list of what to consider packing for your Nepal trip. Finally, always consult a medical professional such as your GP or a travel clinic regarding the recommended vaccinations and sterile medical kits.

See the sunrise at Poon Hill and spot rhinos in Chitwan National Park. Try a Helambu homestay trek and venture into the jungle with the Tharu. We'll help you build your very own Nepal adventure

Weather and climate

Topographical extremities control the climate conditions of Nepal. It ranges from tropical to arctic level. During the summer, Low-land Terai region with its maximum altitude at 305m, which lies in the tropical southern part of the country, has a hot and humid climate that can rise above 45 Degree. The winter night will be cool and Mid-land regions are pleasant almost all year round. At an altitude above 3,300m has an alpine climate with considerably lower temperatures in winter.
People say migrating birds can easily adjust in Nepal. Nepal’s weather is generally predictable and pleasant according to the way of the weather forecast.
The year is divided into 4 seasons of Nepal

• Winter (December – February)
• Spring (March-May)
• Summer (June – August)
• Autumn (September – November)

If you are spring lover will be the best and exciting time when the flowers are in full bloom and mountain slopes covered with colorful flowers. Likewise, if you are interested to observe the exotic views of the mountain, autumn is the most popular tourist season to visit with temperatures in the low to mid 20’s with clear blue skies. Though its cold in winter but a short trek can be easily accomplished at this time of year. Summer is the Monsoon season of Nepal. There is heavy rainfall in mid-summer but this is the best time of the year to watch the cascading waterfalls. Winter and summer are considered the fewer tourist seasons of Nepal but nowadays people are traveling with various taste and desire to Nepal.

Festivals and holiday

The schedule of the government office is 10 a. m. to 5 p. M. Closed on Saturdays (including immigration) and embassies. The banks are open from Sunday to Friday, some open on Saturday mornings, and you can always use ATMs because they are not closed, although they are used to running out of money. Shopping for souvenirs and sightseeing is possible every day.
Nepal has a colorful festival, especially for the less affluent, and its celebrations are very energetic. The date is usually determined by the lunar calendar, so there will be different days each year. The following will be of particular interest to tourists.
Dashain (Bijaya Dasami): this is the largest and best-known Hindu national festival in Nepal, usually in early October. It started with Ghatsthapana. Throughout the two week celebration, the eighth, ninth and tenth days were the most active and auspicious day. The main god worshiped during Dashain is the Goddess Durga. On a ninth day, thousands of devotee visit to worship her in important temples of Durga. The tenth day is the culminating day. People visit their elderlies to get Tika (blessing).
Tihar (Deepawali): this is another Hindu festival held in Nepal and India. This is the Festival of Lights at the end of October or the beginning of November. The celebration lasted five days. This is a festival held every autumn in the bright blue sky. The festival begins with adoration of crows and dogs of adoration the next day. On the third day, the waxed goddess Laxmi was worshiped. The fifth day, worship your own soul. The sisters also worship their brothers on this day. This is called Bhai Tika, it is the main day of this festival.
Mani Rimdu: This is one of the most attractive Buddhist festivals in the Himalayas that are observed every year, usually in November. Tengboche, one of the highest monastery in Solu Khumbu district of Nepal, is the focal point of this festival. The main attraction of this festival is a variety of masked dances with religious significance.
Losar: This is one of the most important holidays for Sherpas and Tibetans. Celebrate around mid-February of each year. The festival focuses on celebrating the Tibetan New Year. Many fascinating rituals and celebrations have been observed in the Buddha and in the Tibetan settlements, such as the Tibetan Refugee Camp in Jawlakhel and Pokhara.
Buddha Jayanti: Celebrate the birth of the Buddha on the first day of May.
Shiva Ratri: The night of Shivaratri or Shiva is observed in March. It was celebrated in memory of Shiva. Thousands of Sadhus and pilgrims from Nepal and India visit the Pashupatinath temple.
In addition to these great festivals, there are many small festivals and holidays in Nepal, such as New Year's Day, Constitution Day, Prithvi Jayanti, National Day of Democracy and others. Nepal is the meeting point of two different religions, Hinduism and Buddhism, two races, and two civilizations, India and China. The population has a variety of ethnic groups, each with its own unique identity. Polygamy persists in parts of Nepal despite the ban on polygamy in the 1960s.

Culture and custom

Nepal is a meeting place for two different religions: Hinduism and Buddhism, two races, the Caucasus and the Mongols, two civilizations, India and China. The population has a variety of ethnic groups, each with its own unique identity. Polygamy is still practiced in some areas of Nepal despite the prohibition of polygamy in the 1960s.
Many Hindu temples do not allow Westerners to enter, but they are free to look from the outside. Always walk around the Buddhist stupa clockwise direction, Chortens or walls of Mani. Everyone should take off their shoes and any article made of leather, such as belts and bags are not allowed to enter the religious places.
Public perceptions of emotions are not accepted and should not be pushed into rivers or lakes. In the northern mountains, polygamous wives also have more of a husband habit. On the other hand, the Gurung Group has a place for entertainment called Rodihgar, destined to unite people and then consider marriage. New widow getting married is not socially acceptable in some groups. Brahmins and other ethnic groups are forbidden to drink and are sometimes restricted by vegetarians, and among Brahmin families, men get married the first time they meet their wives. The Sherpas have a very free and simple code of ethics.

Some cultural shocks

The lifestyle of the people in these villages is a true manifestation of the traditional culture of Nepal, which, unlike the cities, has minimal
Western influence. Because of this, visitors should be aware that they may encounter some cultural shock when they arrive.

• Villagers can be more daring and aggressive than visitors, although this is just a normal conversation.
• Physical training (such as wrestling and the use of belts) is a common and old practice in public schools and, although the government is phasing out, it will take some time.
• Some traditional cultural practices involve the abuse of animals. Sacrifices animals during traditional Hindu festivals and visits to Witch Doctor and other cultural events.
• Many villagers smoke.
• Rural health is often much lower because local people have a much higher infectious capacity. Volunteers should pay attention to this when interacting with their children and accepting food from the villagers in order to reduce the chances of illness.
• Take off your shoes before entering the temple or the house.
• Ask for permission before entering Hindu temples.
• Taking pictures in most of the temples is considered illegal. Request the approval of Nepalese people before photographing.
• Public expressions such as kissing and other emotions can be considered offensive.
• The road is narrow and crowded, so the horn helps the driver save lives. They mark pedestrians with every heartbeat! So get ready to hear the noise from the speaker and accept it, do not worry!
• Khana Khanu Bhayo? - The Nepalese can ask you in Nepali, Khana Khanu Bhayo (have you eaten)? This is more than a matter of greetings. So, if you have eaten, say " Khaya", or if you say (Chaainaa), they'll let you join your table!
• It is uncommon to see people of the same sex side by side. This is a gesture of friendship common in Nepal. The feeling of friendship is achieved before the terms as a man or a woman. When someone talks to you and speaks to you, you think that person is trying to get your attention, a form of Nepal's friendship.
• Pointing a human finger is considered bad, it means waiting, I will have something against you!
• When you are at a table in Nepal, you are usually a senior member of your family, usually a woman, who serves all people. She will provide food many times. Think about it, as an aspect, do not get angry, spend a little more, say thank you. In Nepal, mothers generally eat and make sure that everyone is well fed. That's why you have repeated proposals!
• Buying in Nepal starts with a bargain. Most products do not have a price tag, so you must negotiate with the owner. If you do not negotiate, do not buy anything or do it if you believe that the additional dollars will not harm the poor in Nepal. Negotiation is common when buying things like vegetables and groceries, taking a taxi, buying gifts like Nepali Kukuri, carpets and anything really.
• When someone accidentally touches someone's foot, he respects himself by touching the other's shoulder and then touching his forehead.
• Names like father, mother, sister, brother, uncle are common. For example, say "Love" (mother) or Bubba (dad) to your friend's parents, but do not name them in your name.
• Never tell a girl that you do not know if she is beautiful or if you congratulate her. The girls think he's rude, they think you're flirting with them. Most Nepalese girls will not flirt, except for some bunches that live in cities that breathe west!
• Share a meal: always ask the people around you if this person wants to share their food. If you eat something, always ask your colleagues if they want a little. When a Nepalese family prepares a special meal at home or even a special pickle, they give it to their neighbors before they receive it. Share a meal and make them feel good. This is especially common in remote villages.
• ‘Nepal Topi’ is the national cap of Nepal: it is part of a man's national outfit. Many Nepalis are proud of Topi, which makes them feel good. One of the best ways to show that you care about Nepal is to put it on. Many tourists return to Nepal and use it on special occasions, such as accepting Nepalese friends during an airport or a celebration. Topi, to make a unique and easy way to show your feelings for Nepal and Nepal. If you can wear a Nepalese hat while traveling in Nepal. By wearing a Nepali hat, you feel like a Nepalese, what a great experience it is!
• It is not common to use poor language, even among friends. Tourists in Nepal should avoid the use of poor language, remember that most people in the cities understand spoken English.
• Licking your finger is considered a bad way. Most countries, like the United States, lick their fingers if they touch any edible substance. Nepal doing the same in public is considered serious.
• Blowing your nose in front of people is considered rude. If you must fly, do it silently and/or alone.
• Women monthly (menstruation) go to sleep, eat alone, do not touch anyone in the family for three or four days, and separate during a week during childbirth. Such traditions have been modified to adapt to the wishes or needs of families. In a period of inaccessibility, women do not visit temples or worship (offer sacrifices to God). Some do not even celebrate the festival. • Most Nepalese eat especially for Nepal's Dal Bhat and Tarkari foods
• Most Nepalis will not eat it once someone has eaten the dish because it is considered impure (Jutho). They think they could get the bacteria out of him. However, it was discovered that many Nepalese women eat remains of their husband's plate, sharing food is a gesture of love.
• Traditional Nepalese marriage is a transaction between parents. The child, his mother, and father visit the girl and her parents in the future. She will give you tea. He will go to see her for a while, the transaction is made by the parents. If it is not good enough, they will look for another deal.
• People who do not look like normal people in Nepal can look and even look constantly. Especially since it is far from major cities like Kathmandu, many will notice, including the beautiful Nepalese children, whose eyes will be on their side. Smile and enjoy!

Shopping and mall

The more places you visit in Nepal, the more you explore. Nepal is an incredibly beautiful and diverse fairyland. And, in the last places in Nepal have been the most visited places by travelers from around the world. Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal. This is the most populated city in Nepal, full of lively life. People can even replicate their lives in city shopping and nightlife. Kathmandu is considered the best place to buy a local product according to its brand. People can find many shopping centers in Kathmandu to buy according to their needs. Import and export of different types of clothing, shoes, accessories, appliances, electronic products, etc., can be found in the same place, the price is cheap. Kathmandu shopping center, city center, public squares, shopping centers can give you the best chance until the best. Your guide can always provide you help, and you will be the best person during the trip and travel in rural areas. In addition to the equipment we offer, you can also buy the equipment you need in your daily life.

Water
People can even drink water directly from rivers and taps. Although we recommend that you buy and drink bottled water, Nepal's water is pure and less polluting.

Electricity
You can find transformers, plug adapters and converters easily purchased in Kathmandu and other major cities.

Transportation
The convenience of city traffic, convenient transportation. Buses, taxis, fast cars, vans, and rickshaws can be found everywhere.
Taxi: Taxis are very common and are usually identified with black plates front and back. You can even get a taxi in the evening, but the fare is higher than during the day. You can also get a private car through a travel agency or a car rental agency. The hotel or resort can also provide this service.
Bus: Nepalese buses are especially full during the holiday season. People can take the minibus (Hiace) in the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur, Patan and other remote areas. Other popular buses scheduled and in good condition, such as Makalu Yatayat, Burning Buses and buses to and from the main cities of Kathmandu and Nepal. The main bus terminal is located in New Buspark of Gongabu. The new law also introduced a night bus system in Kathmandu with its "Ratri Sewa" terminal (night service).
Motorcycles: Motorcycles can be rented in the Thamel and Lazimpat areas of Kathmandu. These motorcycles are generally 90-250cc bicycles, the most popular motorcycle in Nepal is the Hero Honda Splendor. The hotel or travel agency can provide you with a detailed guide to your hiring process.
Rickshaw: the rickshaw can give you the fun of roaming, but it is also very interesting. It's cheaper than taxi facilities. Rickshaws are available even in touristic areas. Thamel, Basantapur and Durbar Marg in Kathmandu

Communication
In cities and developed areas, communication facilities are cheap and available. For your phone to work, you must contact your service provider and verify if the countries of Nepal are included in your global roaming packages. You can also get the buying facilities of the SIM card at the Tribhuvan International airport.
The rural areas do not have Internet, and the only possible wireless mode (CDMA technology, wireless Internet through the telephone company) cannot generate high-speed connections. If you want to book a wireless CDMA SIM card and a USB modem in advance, let us know.
However, there are receptions for the local telephone operator. Buying a local SIM card for a local phone is another good option for international communications.

Clothing
Nepal has a wide range of climates, so it is appropriate to wear light and warm clothing that is casual and comfortable. In the mountains, warm wool clothing is necessary, while cotton clothing at low height is ideal. Bring something so you can use comfortably. Do not worry if you lose your clothes. Buy Nepalese clothes, a snow jacket, a pair of pants and a T-shirt with less than 50 dollars.

Health and safety measures
You must take precautions. While entering Nepal you need to receive one or two vaccines against common diseases such as malaria. In Nepal, eat cooked food. Avoid the salad. Only drink bottled water from well-known brands. Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and other soft drinks are good for drinking. Avoid fast food. Wear a mask (if possible) when walking on dusty and polluted streets, especially in Nepal's summer, on the streets. During the day, many private clinics and hospitals are open. The pharmacy near the hospital is open 24 hours (Bir Hospital, Teaching Hospital, Patan Hospital, etc.).

Pre-departure information
Passport & Visa; You need a visa to enter Nepal. Embassies and consulates in Nepal to grant visas. You can also obtain a tourist visa to reach the Tribhuwan International Airport or any immigration office/entry point. Any foreigner who intends to visit Nepal must have a valid passport or a travel document equivalent to a passport issued by the local government before applying for a visa. Indian citizens do not need a visa to enter Nepal.
Citizens of these countries must apply for visas in advance through the Nepal Consulate in Nepal, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, and Afghanistan.
The visa of arrival to trip is a variety of visa, available 15 days, 30 days and 90 days. When you apply for a visa, your passport must be valid for at least six months and you will need two passport photos
Visa Fees:

• 15 Days – 30 USD
• 30 Days – 50 USD
• 90 Days – 125 USD

Entering Nepal
By Air; The Tribhuvan International Airport is the only international airport in Nepal. Nepal Airlines is the flagship airline of Nepal and other international operators operate many international flights to different cities in the world.
By Land; Kathmandu is connected to India through the most beautiful highway through the fertile plains. Tourists can drive their own cars, but their vehicles must have international credentials. There is a regular bus service from Kathmandu at all border points. Bus service from India to Nepal is easy. Lhasa buses only have less snow time. The entrances to the border between Nepal and India are Kakarbhitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Dhangadi, and Mahendranagar. The entrance to the border between Nepal and China (Tibet) is Tatopani and Kerung.

Travel insurance
Travel insurance is an obligation to make any trip. Adequate protection must be provided throughout the trip to cover personal injury, death, medical expenses, repatriation costs, helicopter rescue, air ambulances and adequate baggage insurance.