Nepal

First time travelling in Nepal?

If you are traveling to Nepal for the first time, there is plenty to experience and many diverse regions to explore. Situated between neighboring countries, India, China and Bhutan, Nepal is rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. Nepal is a melting pot in the truest sense of the word, being home to people of many different ethnicities and religions. Travelers and trekkers alike continue to come to Nepal to experience the glorious landscapes the Himalayas provide. Apart from outdoor activities, the people of Nepal are known for their warm and compassionate nature, whose sensibilities have continued to charm people throughout the ages.
 
We recommend that all first time travels check with their local government to see which documents are required to travel abroad. Some countries require some vaccinations to be administered prior to travel, though the Nepal Government does not require any proof of vaccination upon arrival in Nepal. Tourist visas are easily obtained at the Tribhuvan Airport (the International Airport of Nepal) on arrival in Kathmandu and the Nepalese Government requires no preliminary documentation to be submitted by travelers prior to arrival. Unlike some countries, Nepal makes the process for tourist visitation remarkably easy, as a way of promoting the tourism industry, which is a substantial contribution to the national economy.
 
Coming to Kathmandu can feel overwhelmed when traveling to a new country with a different native language. However, many first time visitors to Nepal have remarked on the ease in which they were oriented when traveling with Breakfree Adventures. Having a fluent Nepali-English speaker as a liaison is an important feature Breakfree Adventures
provides to aids in the transition to a foreign land. Having someone who is available at all times of day to ask questions or express concerns is a feature of our organization that many clients have found comforting. From the first inquiries to last farewells, from airport pickups to hotel accommodations, we know the importance of having the 24 hour support and care our customers require when traveling abroad. We make sure that our customer’s needs are met throughout the entire travel process, start to finish. Whether trekking the Everest Base Camp trek or experiencing the sights and sounds of downtown Kathmandu, we at Breakfree Adventures provide first time travelers the tools to get the most out of their travel experience.
 
Have any preliminary questions about Nepal or our organizations services? Feel free to contact us at anytime and our staff will gladly answer any questions you may have regarding a visit to the wondrous land of Nepal.

Nepal Entry/Visa
A visa is required to enter Nepal which can be issued at the Nepalese embassy or Consulate or at the airport upon arrival. Children under 10 years need not pay any visa fees. Two passport sized photos are mandatory for visas on arrival.

Foreigners who intend to visit Nepal must hold valid passport or any travel document equivalent to passport issued by the govt. for visiting foreign country prior to applying for the visa. No foreigner is entitled to enter into or stay in the Kingdom of Nepal without valid visa. Tourist entry visa can be obtained for the following duration from Nepalese embassy or consulate or other mission offices or immigration offices located on entry points in Nepal.

Chinese citizen are requested to apply in the Nepalese embassy or other Nepalese diplomatic missions as there is no provisions of on arrival visa for them.
 
Foreigners who indent to visit Nepal can get ‘multiple entry visa’ for 15 days from the date of entry for US$25 or equivalent convertible foreign currency and multiple entries for 30 days US$ 40.00 or equivalent convertible foreign or Nepalese currency and multiple entry visa for 90 days from the date of entry US$100. A tourist visa can be extended up to 120 days from the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu and Pokhara Immigration Office on request. The additional 30 days can be extended from the Department of Immigration on reasonable ground, which ensures one’s departure from the country within 150 days in one visa year.
 
Tourist Visa can be extended by paying US $ 2 or equivalent Nepalese currency per day. Likewise, Multiple Entry facility can be obtained only for the extension period by additional US $ 20 and visa fee for the extended period. Similarly, tourists can renew their visa by paying Nepalese currency equivalent to US $ 3 on the regular visa extension fee.
 
Transit visa
A Transit visa can be obtained from the Airport Immigration Office for a period of 48 hours on presentation of confirmed air ticket.
 
Entry
Tourist entry visas can be obtained from Nepal Embassy/ Consulate or Mission offices abroad, or at the following immigration offices in Nepal:
• Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
• Kakarvitta, Jhapa (Eastern Nepal)
• Birganj, Parsa (Central Nepal)
• Kodari, Sindhupalchowk (Northern Border)
• Belhiya, Bhairahawa (Rupandehi, Western Nepal)
• Jamuna, Nepalgunj (Banke, Mid Western Nepal)
• Mohana, Dhangadhi (Kailali, Far Western Nepal)
• Gaddachauki, Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur, Far Western Nepal
 
Click here to download visa form.

Single Traveller
You'll see many foreigners in Nepal traveling alone and this should come as no surprise. Since tourism is the staple of the Nepalese economy, individuals of all walks of life are welcomed graciously.

Though solo travelers have little to worry about in the urban districts of Nepal, it is advisable to have a guide or liaison in the outer regions that speaks fluent English and Nepali. One reason that we recommend a guide is strictly for comfort. Traveling with a native Nepali speaker significantly reduces the likely hood of scam artists and thieves targeting travels. Travelers have also noted that they do not get the notorious “tourist” prices on food and other purchases. Many shopkeepers will charge up to three times the normal price of items to those who travel without a native Nepali speaker.

Similarly, on treks it is highly advised that travelers go with at least one guide. Even the most experience travelers know the importance of having a helpful guide along the trail. Not only are guides important for safety, but often our clients have often remarked that the friendships formed with guides along the trails have been among the most meaningful experiences they’ve had throughout their journey.
 
A benefit of traveling individually is that single travelers have room for much more spontaneous decision making. In fact, a larger percentage of the travelers you will see in the urban districts are not in groups and that attests to the individual and independent nature of the people that come to this beautiful land. Most of those who wish to do volunteerism in schools and orphanages come as single travelers but are surprised to find that their social schedule is soon filled. Breakfree Adventures is experienced in providing individuals interested in doing volunteer work the opportunities to become involved in the community.

Nepal Currency - Nepal RupeesRupees:
Nepal’s currency is called the rupee, the smallest unit being the paisa. One rupee equals to a hundred paisa, a relation similar between dollar & cents. There are paper notes of denominations 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 rupees. The King’s photo that all notes used to carry have been replaced by the image of Sagarmatha(Mt. Everest) on newly printed notes after country was declared a republic in 2008. The notes are printed in Nepali language, the English equivalent in figures printed on the upper or lower right corners.

Coins:
Although there are coins of all denominations, mostly the coins of denominations 2 and 1 are found in the market. Exchange Rate: The exchange rate for Nepali currency is determined by the central bank called Nepal Rastra Bank. The exchange rate fluctuates slightly according to the market, but the exchange rate against the Indian currency remains fixed. At the current exchange rate, 100 Indian rupees equal 168 Nepali rupees.

Credit Cards Vs Cash:
There are several banks national and international banks throughout Nepal’s urban places. Hundreds of money exchange counters are scattered in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Credit Cards & travelers cheques are also accepted by hotels & restaurants in major tourist hubs & towns. However, cash is still most preferred mode of transaction in Nepal, and in rural trekking areas, cash is the only mode of payment.

Money Transfer/receipt
Normally there is no problem to transfer and receive money from Nepal; however, here are few restrictions to send money out of Nepal. If someone wants to transfer money from Nepal to any other foreign countries more than US$500 need authorization from Nepal Rastra Bank (Central Bank of Nepal). You need to furnish proper documents and good cause for the same.

Basically there is no any restriction to transfer money to Nepal. There are many banks and money transfer agents who offer services to transfer money in Nepal.

Exchange Rates
Nepal's currency is set at a fixed exchange rate with the Indian Rupee. 100 Indian Rupees = 160 Nepali Rupees. The US dollar is about US$ 1 = NRS 71 (January 2011).

Banking
Banks are open between 10:00 A.M. to 2:30 P.M., Sunday to Thursday and between 1 0:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. on Friday. Closed on Saturday and national holidays. Some Banks in Thamel, Kathmandu are open till late hour.

Weather
Although Nepal has a diverse climatic pattern, the weather is quite predictable in most parts of the country. Unlike the western calendar, Nepali calendars divide the year round weather into six categories of seasons. The higher mountain regions and above observe heavy snow fall during winter. On the other hand, The trans-Himalayan region of Dolpo & Mustang remain untouched by the monsoon rains. Pokhara receives the greatest amount of rainfall in Nepal during the monsoon time.
 
Summer temperatures in the Terai may reach up to 45 degrees. The temperature generally declines with increasing altitude. The weather remains pleasant in the mountains. However, traveling by road might become dangerous during the monsoon season of heavy downpour. The climate in the Himalayan region remains chilly throughout the year.

Best time to visit Nepal
The best season to visit Nepal is Autumn, from early October until early December and Spring, from the beginning of March until the end of April. During Autumn, the weather is generally clear with mild to warm days and cold nights. In the Spring, the mornings are usually clear but afternoon cloud build-up brings occasional showers. The days are warm and the displays of wildflowers, such as rhododendrons, are spectacular at this time of year.

It is also possible to trek during Winter, from December until the end of February. Daytime temperatures will be cooler, however, and the nights will often be very cold. The days are generally clear but occasional winter storms can bring snow as low as 2500m.

Summer in Nepal , from June to September, is the monsoon season. 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.

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.

Nepal has four climatic seasons.
Spring (between March – May): The temperature is mildly warm in low lands while moderate in higher altitudes with plenty of opportunities to have tryst with the mountain views. It is also the time for flowers to blossom and the national flower of Nepal – rhododendron sweeps the ascending altitudes with its magnanimous color and beauty.

Summer (between June – August): This is also the monsoon season in Nepal. The weather is hot and wet at times. It rains almost everyday with occasional thunderstorms in the evening. The rain spreads the pleasantness around with lush green vegetation.
 
Autumn (between September – November): This is the best tourist season in Nepal with the summer gone by and the winter to set in. The weather is highly pleasant so are the mountain views. This is the peak season for trekking as mountain views are guaranteed so better book your flight in advance. This is also the season of festivities as Nepal celebrates the biggest Hindu festivals Dashain followed by Tihar.
 
Winter (between December – February): The weather is cool and the sky is clear with occasional snowfalls at higher elevations. This season is good for trekking in lower elevations. The morning and night is cold and the days are warm when sunny.