Last Updated on January 11, 2022 by Alpha Adventure Treks
Travelers often overlook Nepal because they believe it to be an extension of India; however, this is not the case. Nepal has a rich, fascinating, and beautiful past. The Nepalis are extremely friendly and entertaining—learn a little Nepali and they will adore you. The Himalayan highlands in Nepal provide some of the best hiking opportunities in Asia, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Nepal is home to eight of the world’s ten highest peaks. Nepal attracts both sporty types and volunteers in equal measure because the nation is generally safe.
Things to Know Before Traveling Nepal
“According to the United Nations, Nepal is one of the world’s least developed countries. As a result, visitors will notice significant disparities between living in cities and life in rural communities. The culture and people, on the other hand, have a robust spirit, and it’s a lovely location to visit”.
Nepal’s history stretches back over 2,500 years, yet much of it is lost to time. Many important UNESCO sites date back to the 1400s. It’s useful to have a basic understanding of Nepali politics, as it’s a volatile and ever-changing topic. Nepal was ruled by a monarchy until 2008, when a democratic republic and a constitution were adopted, which were then tweaked over the next few years.
Nepal now is a fascinating and diverse country. Bordering countries have had a significant impact on modern Nepali life. Deep influences from India, Tibet, China, and even Mongolia can be seen by visitors. There are around 30 ethnic groups in the country, with a wide range of religions and dialects. With so much diversity, the country also boasts a diverse range of religions. The country is predominantly Hindu, but Buddhism and animism are also practiced. To summarize, Nepal’s history is as gorgeous as its environment, thanks to centuries of cultural blending.
Facts About Nepal Travel
• Currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR)
• Primary Airports: Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)
Visas:
Most countries’ citizens are granted visas on arrival in Nepal. These are available for 15, 30, or 90 days and cost between $25 and $100.
When to Go:
You’ll have to schedule your visit around your activities. During monsoon season, which runs from June through August, the paths are restricted to hikers. The trekking season runs from September until May. Autumn and spring are both lovely, with the fall being rich and green and the spring being blossoming and cool. Winter at altitude can be frigid, but it’s nice in the Kathmandu Valley.
Food Considerations:
The national cuisine of Nepal, dal bhat, is lentil soup generally served with rice and vegetables, making it ideal for vegetarians. However, don’t be tricked into thinking that the food in Nepal is identical to that in India—there is far less variety, and the Nepalese do eat meat (unlike most of India). Tibetan momos (dumplings) are delicious and are a must-have for any vegetarian in Nepal. In addition, many travelers suffer from stomach problems as a result of the poor sanitation. Fruits and salads that haven’t been peeled should be avoided.
Accommodation:
Nepal offers a diverse choice of activities. From backpackers’ cheap, basic lodgings to considerably fancier hotels, there’s something for everyone. There are also some eco-lodges and entertaining stuff like treehouses. You may easily call ahead and directly reserve spots en route if you acquire a local SIM (which you should). Hotel owners are frequently on Whatsapp, so utilize it if you need a speedy response in-country.
Transportation:
Between-city transportation is simple to arrange and takes the shape of buses. If you’re faint of heart, stay away from the buses as they careen around curves and rusty bus corpses litter the bottoms of the hillsides. Buses are the most common mode of travel, although Nepal has major infrastructure problems, so be cautious. The buses, on the other hand, are efficient and are almost the only affordable choice. In recent years, there has been an increase in micro-buses carrying 10-12 people, which are a little more expensive but presumably safer. If you’re traveling in a group, hiring a private driver or taxi for longer distances is relatively inexpensive. Bicycles and taxis are excellent modes of transportation in Kathmandu.
Safety:
Gastrointestinal problems are one of the most prevalent problems that travelers face. Because of Nepal’s inadequate sanitation, you’ll need to be cautious about what you eat and drink. Make sure you have many courses of antibiotics and a good supply of oral rehydration salts in your medical kit. In the event of a diarrheal infection, these ORS may save your life.
Budget:
Nepal is a very budget-friendly and inexpensive travel destination. Hiking and trekking will add to your costs, but they are still manageable. If traveling alone, a solo traveler might expect to spend as little as $15 per day. If you’re volunteering, daily fees for food and lodging run from $10 to $15 per day. When you are not hiking, a little extra money goes a long way, and you can move to lovely lodgings and eat decent meals for just $30 per day per person. When you factor in trekking expenses, it gets a little more expensive. However, the bottom line is that it is inexpensive. You can also scale up and enjoy a fantastic romantic holiday.
Internet + SIM card:
In Nepal, don’t anticipate super-fast internet. Internet connectivity is available in practically all cities and towns, and it is becoming more common on major trekking routes. Many cafes in Kathmandu provide a fast connection, however they are subject to load shedding. Nepal has 3G phone service, and sim cards are inexpensive to buy. To avoid utilizing Wi-Fi, we recommend getting a data-only sim card.
SAFETY:
Overall, Nepal is considered to be one of the safest nations to visit.
Politically, the country has achieved considerable progress in political stability and is largely peaceful, despite the fact that demonstrations may still occur (do not get involved in these).
The locals are welcoming and generous, and they understand that tourism is an important part of their economy. Travellers will be cordially welcomed and will have little to fear in terms of personal safety.
When hiking in the Himalaya, the majority of problems arise. When trekking, follow standard safety precautions such as telling people where you’re going, not trekking alone or walking alone late at night, keeping valuables out of sight, and avoiding night buses.
Drinking Water:
It won’t take long for you to notice that the water quality in Nepal (especially in Kathmandu) isn’t fantastic. It’s acceptable to shower and brush your teeth with it, but it’s not drinkable. We strongly advise purchasing a water filter and purifying system. It lets you fill up from any water source on the planet (even Kathmandu’s taps!). If the Grayl isn’t for you, consider using water purification tablets, purchasing a SteriPen, or carrying a Water to Go bottle.
Travel Insurance:
The number of people who travel without travel insurance astounds us.
It’s as important to us as buying a plane ticket, backpack, or lodging, and we’ve never traveled without it. Sure, it’s a precautionary measure in case the ‘worst case’ scenario occurs, but as the 2015 earthquake shown, the unexpected can and does occur.
If you become sick or break your leg on the side of a mountain, your camera full of great hiking photos is broken or stolen, your flights are canceled, or you are stranded in a natural disaster, you will be covered by adequate insurance.
It’s a type of insurance that protects you against problems that may develop while you’re on the road and can even save your life (or at the very least, a lifetime of debt).
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