Travel FAQs

How do I get to Nepal?

 

Tribhuvan international Airport (TIA) is the major airport and is in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. This will be the first step towards your trip, alternatively you travel over land which is via India plus Tibet too.

 

Entry points via India and Tibet are;

 

  • Pani Tanki (Kakarbhita)

  • Rexull/Birgung

  • Sonauli/Belahiya

  • Rupaidiya / Nepalgunj

  • Mohana / Dhangadi

  • Banbasa /Mahendranagar, Gaddachauki

  • Via Tibet Khasa, Liping /Tatopani on the Tibet, china –Nepal borber respectively

 

Air Access to Nepal

 

All the major international airlines fly to Nepal

  • Thai Airlines

  • Singapore Air

  • Silk air

  • Malaysian air

  • Nepal airline

  • Himalayan air

  • China southern air

  • Gulf air

  • Fly Dubai

  • Dragon air

  • Etihad airways

  • Indian airlines from (Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi

  • Jet airways

  • Oman air

  • Qatar airways

 

From airport to Hotel

 

Adventure Hub Nepal (AHN) representative will meet you at the airport holding a sign board outside the exit gate across the little road. You just must look for that sign, after we meet you then our staff will take you to your hotel by car or van where you can settle in and have shower and relax.

  

Is there airport tax in Nepal?

 

Yes, it is but it should be already included in your flight ticket, but on the domestic route a separate airport tax which is around $3 USD is charged.  Please check with our staff about this when you do book a flight.

 

What you need to get a visa?

 

A valid passport of at least six months and one passport size photos with a light background. Visas can be obtained via all the entry points of Nepal, for visa payment the Immigration Department only take cash in these currencies; $USD, Euro, Pound Sterling, Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Swiss Franc, Singapore Dollar, Hong Kong Dollar and Japanese Yen.

 

Credit card, Indian currency or Nepalese currency are not accepted for visa fee.

 

What to wear?

 

In Nepal, we need to respect the local culture. Therefore, it is important that the women wear modest dress and where possible cover their shoulders.

 

What is currency of Nepal?

 

Nepalese rupees (Rs.) and they are divided into 100 Paisa bank note. These come in denominations of Rs. 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000. Coins are in 1, 2, and 5 rupees.

 

Where can I exchange money?

 

It is illegal to exchange foreign currency with an individual person or organizations other than authorized organisations such as banks, licensed money changers.  Adventure Hub Nepal can assist you with that.

 

There are lots ATM available in Kathmandu and Pokhara or Major towns and tourist hubs in Nepal which accept all the major cards.

 

Is credit card accepted in Nepal?

 

Yes, all major hotels, restaurants, travel agent and banks accept all the card.

 

If I run out of money how do I get access to more funds?

 

You can withdraw funds against your major credit card in Kathmandu and premiums for doing this can be very high. You can also have money wired to Kathmandu via western union or money gram.

 

Is an international driving license accepted in Nepal?

 

Yes

 

What inoculations are recommended before visiting Nepal?

 

Although specific immunization is not required when you visit Nepal however it is best to protect yourself against any diseases. We do recommend that you check with you GP, and you may want to have immunisations; such as Hepatitis, Meningitis, Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria, these have all has been reported in the ‘Terai’ flat plains of Nepal so please take precautions against being bitten by Mosquitos. Please notify the authorities, your hotel or AHN if you notice any symptoms of bird or swine flu.

 

What health precautions should be taken?

 

After you arrive in Nepal Adventure Hub Nepal recommends not having any uncooked food like green salad, or sandwiches.  Wash your hands thoroughly always before eating and use bottled water only, unless you add water tablet or drops to your water.

 

When is the best time to Travel Nepal?

 

Really you can travel to Nepal all year round but we would recommend not coming to visit in the monsoon (wet season) time which June, July and August.

 

The high seasons to travel to travel Nepal are from mid-February to mid June and between September to November.

 

Climate and Terrain

 

Nepal is divided into three different zones which are classified due to the elevation. These are; High mountains (peaks), the mid hills and the flat plains called the Terai which has an abundance of wildlife.

The High mountains just to name a few are Mt Everest, Langtang, Annapurna and these major trekking destinations are generally cooler throughout the year due to their elevation however it does depend on the time of year.

 

The temperatures are cooler in the mid hills including Kathmandu and Pokhara except in the summer months from May to July. Temperatures in these cities during the summer remain much cooler than many other cities in Nepal.

 

Lumbini, Chitwan, Janakpur and Bardia in the Terai plains are hot through summer March to July, but cold in winter from December to February.

 

So, if you are planning to do a trek then the best months are February to May and September to November when the weather is clear and the temperatures are warm approximately 20’s during the day with cooler night temperatures which can lower to 5-10 degrees.

  

If I need to see a doctor where can I go?

 

There are well equipped GP and specialized private hospitals, private clinics with western doctor in both major cities Kathmandu and Pokhara. But if you fall sick you need to let your trip leader know as soon as possible that you not well and the Adventure Hub Nepal trip leader will arrange for you get to the doctor. Please note that these additional costs will need to be paid by you self and 10% percent service charge for AHN.

 

What is Acute Mountain sickness and how do you prevent it?

Acute mountain Sickness is (AMS) caused by thin air when you go above 3000 meters upwards and may even lead to death. The main precaution you can take is while trekking above 3000 meters is not to go too quickly high up and always plan for a day or two to acclimatize so your body should get use to the system. AHN trips always ensure that the trekking to elevation is done slowly and all participants are closely monitored when walking above elevations of 3000 metres.

 

If you get symptoms like headaches, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, inability to sleep, swelling of the face, loss of appetite of hands and feet you must descend to lower elevation. Then you must seek immediate medical help which at some locations can require a flight with helicopter to Kathmandu straight way and cost of that will paid by you.

 

Are there clinics to treat AMS on the Trekking routes?

 

Yes, there is the not profit organization Himalayan Rescue Association and they are based at Everest base camp, Annapurna circuit trek Manang and Khumbu village. This is only during the trekking seasons and is run by volunteer doctors. At Adventure Hub Nepal, we put our client’s safety as the number one priority and will make sure you will get to hospital as soon possible is this incident arises.

 

Is travel insurance necessary for Nepal?

 

Yes, travel insurance is necessary when travelling to Nepal. It is not included in your trip package cost. Please ensure you advise your travel insurance company which type of activities you will be doing while you are in Nepal. For example; trekking, rafting, mountain biking and so on. If an incident occurs during the trip and you need to be evacuated and need the use of a Helicopter, private car or anything arises that needs a rescue service it can be so we recommend you have comprehensive travel insurance. That will cover helicopter rescue as well as other evacuation costs within your trip plan. Adventure Hub Nepal will charge 10% for our service if required.

 

How safe is Nepal?

 

Nepal is a very safe country to travel around and the Nepali people are very open and welcoming. However, Adventure Hub Nepal would like to advise you to check with our staff if you are planning to have a late night or anything like that, so we can better inform you about the area you are going. Kathmandu and Pokhara are very safe and all the shops are open until 10pm which mean you can still walk around safely but you are advise not walk alone in the middle of the night. We also advise that you don’t carry too much cash in your pocket too, do not display your cash in the street and always lock your room before you leave the hotel.

 

If there any problem related with security, please contact the Hotel reception or Adventure Hub Nepal Kathmandu office straight way.

 

Are there public toilets in Nepal?

 

Yes, there are public toilet in Nepal but we recommend that you use hotel or restaurant toilet or shopping mall they are cleaner then the public one. If you are using a public toilet you must pay a small fee which might be somewhere 5 or 10 rupees.

 

What is the country code of Nepal?

 

The country code for Nepal is +977 and the area code for Kathmandu is 01, for Pokhara 061, Chitwan 056 and Lumbini 071. Remember if you are dialling from your home country mobile network you must drop the zero.

 

What is the time difference in Nepal?

 

Nepal time is GMT plus 5 hours 45 minutes.

 

What are some basic Nepali customs that I need to know?

 

  • When visiting a temple always circumnavigate it in a clockwise direction.

  • Take off your shoes before entering a temple or Nepalese home.

  • Entrance to some temple is forbidden, so look out for such notice or sign

  • Seek permission to take photographs inside temples or of religious ceremonies

  • You can accept a handshake offered by either a male or female but never offer your hand first

  • Show decency in dress and avoid any show of public affection

 

How do I get around the cities and to other destinations?

 

There are lots of option which are taxi, public buses, rickshaws, long route tourist buses with deluxe seat, or by plane. If you need more options please contact the Adventure Hub Nepal office.

 

How reliable is the post office in Nepal?

 

The Post office in Nepal are very reliable and in Kathmandu it is located at Sundhara and at Thamel and Basantapur. There is also an airport postal counter in the capital city has restante of the country.

 

How are the communication facilities in Nepal?

 

In all the Adventure Hub Nepal trips, we carry satellite phones with us in case of emergency. Now all the major cities and remote area off Nepal now is covered by a mobile network as well as some part of trekking routes. You might even be able to get internet in the Annapurna, Everest regions.

 

Accommodation?

 

Adventure Hub Nepal can organise all your accommodation needs from basic lodge to 5-star hotel. Just let us know your budget and we can book it for you. Be aware that you must pay 10% service charge and 13% Tax top of the cost.

 

What kind of food is available in Nepal?

 

Nepal has amazing food called Dal Baht (Dal is lentil) (Bhat is rice) and when you order that in a restaurant you will get a mixed vegetable curry and its healthy and fresh food, you also get all international cuisine, continental, Indian, Chinese, Mexican, Japanese, Italian and Korean and many more.

 

What souvenirs can I take home?

 

Popular among the visitors to take home are handmade apparel like woollen Pashmina shawls, sweaters and jackets.  Then there are ethnic and contemporary carpets, gems, jewellery, metal and wooden products Khukuri which is Gorkha knife, Thangka paintings.

 

If you need to buy all your trekking items and outdoor gear/equipment please talk to Adventure Hub Nepal beforehand because lots trekking item you can buy in Kathmandu or Pokhara are cheaper than your home country plus they good quality as well.

What type of charger or adaptor do I need to bring?

Electricity Voltage, Electricity in Nepal is 230 volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. A voltage converter is needed for a device that does not accept 230 volts at 50 MHZ. Sockets in Nepal accept only round three or two pins. So if your electrical device uses flat pins, please bring a universal electric plug adaptor.