GENERAL INFORMATION ON NEPAL

Astride the great Himalayan frontier, is a country ranging from the vast lowland jungles at around 200m above sea level to the highest mountains on earth, which include ten of the world’s fourteen eight thousand meter peaks.

From the jungles of the Terai, stronghold of the Royal Bengal tiger and the Greater One-Horned rhinoceros, the land begins to rise. At first it climbs gently through hills chequered with fertile terraces, small villages and ancient cities. Then the slope of the earth steepness and merges into massive walls where trees cease to exist and snow and ice begin. Even higher, the savage beauty culminates in himalaya – abode of the snow,  and to  the highest mountain on earth, Mount Everest!

This is Nepal, the home of 20 million people whose customs and languages are as diverse as the terrain. Nepal is a land where deities mingle with mortals, and strange legends follow yak caravans down from the mountain passes to become part of the Hindu and Buddhist folklore. Here live the Gurkhas, famed for their courage; the Sherpas, legends in mountaineering and the Newars, skilled craftsmen who contribute to the rich artistic heritage of the Kathmandu Valley. And Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, is a unique blend of religions, temples, palaces and people.

It is in this mystical land of diversity, beauty and excitement, a land unparalleled in the world, that the name South Asiaa Treks has for over 10 years been synonymous with prestigious, high quality, Eco-responsible adventure travel. South Asiaa Treks offers a range of exciting holidays to suit all ages and requirements. You may participate in just one of the adventures that we have to offer or combine several to create a complete adventure package.

cLIMATE:

You must be aware universally mountain weather is unpredictable. In this respect, an umbrella is an extremely useful item to have as it can be used both as a walking stick and as shelter against the sun and rain. There is often heavy snowfall above 9,000 ft./2,953 meters during January and February and, of course, sometimes even earlier, so a thick, woolen sweater during this period is recommended. An equipment list for this purpose will be provided to you, separately. In any event, when above 5000 ft/1524mtrs, be sure to carry your down jacket or thick sweater in your daypack. You might be suddenly caught by a sudden change of weather. Also carry a long trouser if you are wearing shorts to protect your legs from the scorching sun or biting cold.

As far as temperatures are concerned the mercury level, generally speaking, (below 5000ft./1524mtrs.), the days are warm and the mornings and nights cool. Above this altitude, the days will be warm and the morning and nights freezing. If the sky is clear and there is no wind, you will feel hot while walking at any altitude but when you stop, you will cool down rapidly, and this phenomenon is common especially, from December to early March.

GENERAL WEATHER CHART

GENERAL MATTERS/DOCUMENTATION

VISAS AND DOCUMENTATION:

Your must have a passport that is valid for a minimum period of six months. For Nepal we advise that you obtain a tourist visa from your nearest Royal Nepalese Embassy or consulate before traveling. However, if this is not convenient, then a visa can be obtained on arrival at the Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport or at the renty points on the payment of following fees:

1. Single entry for up to 60 days is US$ 30 for first visit in the calendar year and US$ 50 for each successive month up to a maximum of five months in one calendar year.

2. Double entry for up to 60 days is US$ 70.00 per person

3. Multiple entry for up to 60 days is US$ 90.00 per person

Forms are available in the arrival lounge and one passport photograph is required and visa fee in cash US Dollar. Please note that certain special regulations/fees apply if re-entering Nepal within one year. Please check with us if you have any queries.

If traveling via India we strongly advise that you obtain an Indian visa. Note that these must be obtained in your home country before traveling and are NOT available upon arrival in India.

Bureaucracy in this part of the world means that it is useful to carry a few extra passport photographs. These often come in useful for permits, visas etc.

TREKKING PERMITS:

Due to a recent change in regulations many areas no longer require trekking permits. However, should one be required we will forward you a trekking permit application form.

This should be completed by your client as soon as possible and returned to us with three passport-sized photographs and a photocopy of the relevant pages of their passport. Your actual trekking permit will be handed over in Kathmandu.

CUSTOMS:

All baggage must be identified and has to pass through Nepal custom’s inspection at the port of entry. Standard duty-free allowances apply. Import of items such as video camera etc are permitted but will be registered in your passport.

AIRPORT TAX:

There is a Nepal departure tax of Rs 660 per person for SAARC countries – India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan Maldives and Rs. 1,100 per person per departure for the rest the countries, subject to change, to be paid on all international flights out of Kathmandu. There is also a departure tax of Rs 165 per person per flight from all domestic airports. The raters are subject to change.

WATER:

It is not advisable to drink tap water. Boiled and filtered water or mineral water is recommended.

Stomach upsets can be a problem but avoidable if you are careful with the diet. Do not drink tap water that has not been first boiled and sterilized, nor food or unwashed, fruit in the city bazaars. Local tea is usually safe.

OFFICIAL WEEKLY HOLIDAY:

Saturday is the official weekly holiday in Nepal. Most of the shops and offices are closed on this day while Government offices are closed on Sunday in Kathmandu Valley as well. Please be informed with local festival.

INSURANCE:

Please ensure that you are fully insured. Note that, especially for trekking, we advise that helicopter evacuation is also included. Note that special insurance may be required when trekking. Please note adequate insurance is not readily available in Nepal so you should arrange this prior to arrival in Nepal.

FINANCE:

Most international credit cards are accepted in the larger hotels and shops. However, we suggest that you also takes a supply of traveler’s cheques or cash.

On arrival it is a good idea to change some money into small denominations - useful for tipping and paying taxis (no-one ever has any change).

Please remember that you are advised to hold back enough Rupees for airport departure (int’l departure) tax.

ELECTRIC CURRENT:

Sometimes a little irregular in supply and wattage, but when it’s “on” -220V AC 50 cycles.

TIME:

Nepal is 5 hours 45 minutes ahead of GMT and 15 minutes ahead of Indian Standard Time.

VACCINATIONS AND IMMUNIZATIONS:

No inoculations are legally required for Nepal. However, we recommend shots against Typhoid, Tetanus, Meningitis and Gamma Globulin/Havrix for hepatitis. Please also check on their polio immunization (only a sugar lump!). You are advised to consult a doctor well in advance of departure and remember to carry certificates as proof of immunizations, should they be required.

CLOTHING:

To generalize, regardless of area visited and time of year, you are advised to bring both lightweight clothes for tropical wear and a set of warm clothes. With these you can cope with every eventuality. We can send specific information depending on your itinerary.

AIRPORT TRANSFER:

On arrival at Kathmandu airport and after completing immigration and customs formalities, please look for our representative holding South Asiaa Treks sign along with your name. 

After your/clients’ arrival in Nepal, we will take care of their arrangements from start to finish.

MAIL FROM HOME/CONTACT ADDRESSES: