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TRAVEL GUIDE - NEPAL

With this travel guide I try to gather in one place the main information you need to travel more and better.

It aims to prepare you to arrive at this new destination, knowing everything you need to have a smooth, safe trip and avoid the vast majority of problems that every traveler faces.

With this information you will be able to make the best decisions, transforming your view as if it were a place.

Here you will find the main places to visit, what the costs are, a great way to save money, recommendations on places to stay, restaurants, transport tips and safety advice.

Even with different ways of traveling, from backpacking, or on a family vacation, cruise, two week vacation, around the world trip.

Here you will find everything you need to travel more, better, longer and cheaper.

If you do not find any information, do not hesitate to contact me and I will be happy to answer.

About Nepal

Where it is?

Nepal is located in the center of the Asian continent, in the Himalayan region, north of Tibet, which is in the autonomous area of China. On the east, south and west side, the country borders India.

The capital of Nepal is Kathmandu, which is also the largest city in the country.

There is located the highest mountain in the world, Everest with 8,849 meters.

Climate.

Nepal has a variety of climates due to its diverse topography, which ranges from the plains of the Terai in the south to the high mountains of the Himalayas in the north.

Winter (December to February):

Winter is cold and dry across the country. In lowland regions, daytime temperatures generally range from 15°C to 20°C, while in mountainous regions, temperatures can drop well below freezing, especially in higher areas.

In the Khumbu region. Where it can reach -50 degrees at the top of the mountains.

Spring (March to May):

Spring is one of the best times to visit Nepal as the weather is mild and the flowers are in full bloom. Temperatures begin to rise, with daytime averages ranging from 20°C to 30°C in the lowlands and 10°C to 20°C in the mountainous regions.

It is the peak season for climbing Everest and the surrounding mountains, that is, there are many people on the mountain, and therefore prices are higher.

Summer (June to August):

Summer in Nepal is characterized by monsoons, which bring heavy rainfall to the country. Temperatures are higher, with daytime averages reaching 35°C in the lowlands and 25°C in the mountainous areas. Mountain regions can also experience clouds and fog during this season.

Autumn (September to November):

Autumn is another popular time to visit Nepal, especially for hiking and mountaineering. The climate is dry and generally sunny, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C in the plains and from 10°C to 20°C in the mountains. It is considered the ideal trekking station due to the clear views of the mountains.

Time zone.

Nepal follows the Nepal Standard Time (NST) Time Zone, which is 5 hours and 45 minutes ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+5:45).
Regarding Brasília time (BRT): Nepal is 10 hours and 45 minutes ahead. For example, when it is 12:00 in Brasilia, in Nepal it is 22:45 on the same day.

Money.

The official currency of Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). The Nepalese rupee is subdivided into paisa, however, due to inflation, paisa coins are rarely used these days. Rupee banknotes are available in various denominations including 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 rupees.

Credit card.

Basically, all cards are accepted and the most easily accepted are MasterCard, American Express, Cirrus, Maestro, and Visa

It is important to know that some establishments charge a fee if you pay by credit card, but most do not.

ATM.

They are available everywhere, you just have to be careful when going to very remote places.

Many restaurants and hotels accept dollars, but it is good to have rupees for day-to-day expenses.

Exchange dollars only as much as you need.

A little of history

We have evidence from the discovery of Neolithic tools, dating from 9000 BC, that the history of Nepal began some 11,000 years ago.

For many centuries, the kingdom of Nepal was divided into many principalities, with many wars and invasions. It was only in 1768 that the King of Gorkha, Prithvi Narayan Shah, conquered and unified Nepal.

It suffered from British rule and in 1923 was declared independent, but remained a great ally providing one of the most feared regiments of the British army, the Gurkhas and their famous weapon the Kukri knife. The regiment served the British in the first and second world wars.

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Culture

Nepal is made up of over 40 different races and tribes. It is a mixture of Indians, Tibetans and Mongols. Due to geography, ethnic groups have evolved into distinct patterns.

From the valleys and plains to the Himalaya mountains.

Religion.

Religion is an important part of Nepalese life. There is a strong connection between Hinduism (80%) and Buddhism (10%), even sharing a temple and gods.

Nepal is the only country in the world with a majority presence of Hinduism at 80%.

Both religions have a significant influence on Nepalese culture, with temples and monasteries playing important roles in people’s everyday lives.

Gastronomy.

It is quite difficult to define Canadian cuisine due to the large mix of immigrants. But it has English/French predominance.

Famous dishes

Dhal Bhat:

Dhal Bhat is the staple dish of Nepalese cuisine. Dhal bhat means “Lentils and Rice”, but it comes with other ingredients but is just like our beans and rice.

Mo Mo:

It is a dumpling similar to a gyoza, it can be stuffed with different products, but the most popular are vegetables, chicken, and meat.

On my trekking to base camp, it was my main option.

Chow Mein:

It’s noodles fried with vegetables, spices, and a savory sauce. You can add, meat.

NOTE: beef can be found in the tourist area, but the cow is sacred to Hindus.

Chia:

Pronounced (chi-ya) and traditional. It is part of the culture to drink tea. There are dozens of stores with the most varied tea. It’s usually pretty sweet and seasoned with anything from cloves, cinnamon, pepper, etc.

Mountain trekking is a great option because in addition to warming up the cold, it is delicious and helps with acclimatization.

What to do

When talking about Nepal the first thing that comes to mind is the trek to Everest base camp, however, there are many other treks, temples to see

Top attractions of Kathmandu.

Durbar Square:

The main attraction of the old city brings together temples and buildings from the 12th century,

Boudhanath Stupa:

It is one of the most sacred places for Buddhists, in addition to being the largest stupa in Nepal.

Thamel District:

It is located in the oldest part of the city and is the destination for tourists. Here you will find everything you need for your trip to Nepal, from hotels, restaurants, equipment, clothes, antique shops and all kinds of souvenirs.

A warning: In Nepal, everything is a copy (fake) and in Thamel, it is the center, so you will be deceived in everything you do, be very careful.

Swayambhunath Temple:

Known as the temple of the monkeys. Installed on top of a hill where a white stupa with Buddha’s eyes dominates the buildings.

Pokhara and Annapurna.

The Annapurna trek is certainly the most famous in this region.

The trekking takes between 7-8 days, with a length of 110 KM and a maximum elevation of 4,130 meters.

It is considered moderate, although the greatest difficulty is in the altitude.

It is very similar to Everest base camp trekking but much easier.

Phewa Lakes

Phewa Lakes is where the main attractions of the city of Pokhara are located.

In the lake there are several activities and it is the way to visit the Barahi Temple on an island in the middle of the lake..

Sport and temples.

Pokhara has several sports like paragliding, Zip flyer, and Bungee Jumping.

Temples, various other trekking, and mountain range observation point.

Where to stay

Kathmandu.

In Kathmandu, there are several popular areas to stay. Here are some of the best areas to stay in Kathmandu:

Thamel:

Known as the tourist district of Kathmandu. Its narrow streets are full of shops, restaurants, bars, exchange offices, and a wide variety of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury hotels, is the preferred area for tourists.

Durbar Marg:

It is an area located near the Royal Palace.

Where you will find luxury hotels, designer boutiques, fine dining, and a quieter atmosphere compared to Thamel. Durbar Marg is an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality stay but who want to be close to the city’s main attractions.

Bodha:

It is in the northeast of Kathmandu, with its main attraction, the famous Boudhanath Stupa.

A sacred place for Buddhists. Boudha offers a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere, with plenty of accommodation options, vegetarian restaurants, and religious shops.

Neighborhood for those who want to immerse themselves in Buddhist culture and enjoy a quieter atmosphere.

Patan:

The city of Patan (Lalitpur) is a short drive away and is an area with good accommodation options.

Being famous for its traditional architecture, temples, palaces, and cobbled streets.

A great option for anyone looking for an authentic cultural experience and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Pokhara:

Pokhara is 200 km from Kathmandu and is known for its natural beauty and being the base for the Annapurna region.

Lakeside:

It is the most popular neighborhood among tourists in Pokhara. It is located on the shores of Lake Phewa and offers a wide range of accommodations, restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and travel agencies. The area has a lively atmosphere and you can enjoy beautiful views of the lake and mountains.

Damside:

Popular neighborhood, located next to Phewa Lake. It is a quiet residential area with a few options for accommodation, restaurants, and shops.

A great option for those who want a quieter area.

Lakeside-6:

Being an extension of the main Lakeside area, but it’s a little more quiet and secluded. It’s a popular choice for those who want to stay close to the Lakeside hustle but prefer a quieter atmosphere.

Trekking in the Himalayas:

Nepal is the perfect destination for trekking lovers, with a variety of stunning trails in the Himalayan regions. Annapurna Circuit, Everest Base Camp Trek, and Langtang Valley Trek are some of the most popular trekking routes offering spectacular mountain views, traditional villages, and a unique experience in nature.

When to go

Nepal has four main seasons. And your choice mainly depends on the altitude where you want to go.

Winter (December-February).

Extremely difficult in attitudes. Most Nepalese go to low altitudes during winter.

Spring (March-May).

Everest climbing season. The mountain region is full of tourists. The cold is still quite intense, staying below freezing most of the time.

Summer (June to August).

During monsoon season, a lot of rain, difficult for trekking the mountains and it can be bad weather for many days.

Autumn (September-November).

Best season for trekking in the mountains, where the weather is clean, dry and the mild cold only reaches below zero at altitudes above 3,500 meters, but the view is spectacular.

How to get

Air.

The easiest way is to arrive by plane. Kathmandu is Nepal’s only international airport and the gateway for over 90% of tourists.

Terrestrial.

Some more adventurous tourists combine a trip to Nepal with a visit to India and Tibet by land.

Although there are several points between these countries, it is a trip for those who really like to venture out, as it is not easy and not very safe, with small thefts and scams.

I flew from Kathmandu to Delhi and when I was in Tibet (on my round-the-world trip) the border with Nepal was closed due to conflict with the Chinese army. I witnessed a caravan of more than 100 Chinese army vehicles heading towards the border.

Costs

What are the costs to visit the country?

To stay up-to-date, I like to use the Numbeo website, which shows the cost of living in your city and where you want to go.

So it will have an approximate cost of how much you will spend. Costs can vary greatly depending on your travel style.

As a reference, let’s define 3 styles and their costs:

First of all, define that alcoholic beverages can greatly increase the cost of travel. In any style here, we are talking low consumption, that is, only a few local beers and mostly outside restaurants.

The sale of alcohol in Canada is controlled by the government, usually if you buy it in specialized stores, some territories are more restricted than others. Find out the restrictions before buying.

These costs are on average, that is, some days will be much lower and others higher.

3 styles and their costs

Backpacker:

Staying in hostels (hostels) using shared dorms, doing your own food and/or local and cheap restaurants, using local transport, exploring the city on foot, and taking tours for free or cheaper.

Daily Spend: From $30.00 to $50.00 per day

Intermediary:

staying in hostels/economical hotels in private rooms, eating in an average restaurant, going to the main paid attractions, and using some taxis and Uber.

Daily spending is from USD 50.00 to USD 100.00 per day.

See if Uber is available in the city you are visiting

Luxurious:

Staying in the best hotels, going to all the attractions, hiring more sophisticated packages such as using a helicopter, etc.

Daily spend: $100.00 and above per day

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Getting Around

Transport in the country is precarious, especially at remote airports and in dangerous places.

The roads are also not the safest due to conservation, the mountains and the drivers.

Seeing cars, buses and/or trucks falling over cliffs is commonplace.

Air transport is the best option because it allows you to cover distances quickly and safely.

Land transport can take too long due to the mountain terrain and road conditions. Road congestion due to accidents is super common.

200 km can take 6 to 8 hours easy.

I like to use Rome2Rio to find out about my transport options.

Safety

Nepal is considered one of the moderate destinations, according to the Global peace index 2018.

He is in position number 84 while Brazil in position 106, Argentina 66 and Chile 28.

Average crime rates, there is a lot of corruption and fake products.

I’ve been to several cities and never witnessed any dangerous situation. The sense of security is reasonable.

What you have to be careful with is buying products and services, the vast majority of which are fake, and also small scams, fake money, etc.

Recommendations for Everyone:
Always keep your personal objects under your supervision and care.
Do not leave valuables within sight of a parked vehicle
Take a copy of your passport, leave the original safe at the hotel.
Circulate with the money needed for the day, avoiding large amounts.
Countries position:

Download the global peace index.

Documents and Vaccine

Passport.

In any international trip, the passport is the most important document and, as a general rule, it must have at least 6 months of validity from the date you enter the country.

In more extreme cases, entry can be barred if the validity of the passport is less than 6 months.

Visa.

To get a visa to Nepal we have two options:

1 – Through the Embassy of Nepal in Brasilia.

The following documents must be sent along with the visa application to the Nepalese embassy in Brasilia:

The original passport is valid for at least six months. (with at least one blank page).
A duly completed printed visa application form indicating the type of visa required. (After final submission of online visa application).
A 3×4 cm size photo for each applicant, including children and babies, if applicable.
If you cannot be present, the applicant or his authorized representative will send correspondence to the Embassy with a self-addressed envelope and with a stamp for the return of the passport. In case of urgency to return the passport, the express mail fee will be required.
The original receipt for payment of the visa fee or visa fee is mentioned on the visa application.

The Embassy will not be responsible for any damage or loss of the passport or posted documents and the non-delivery of the same due to errors in the address or insufficient postage cost.

2) Visa on Arrival:

I got the visa on arrival and it was very simple, just stand in line, present the documents, and receive the visa.

A tourist visa can also be obtained on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at your designated entry points in Nepal. However, the following cases are kindly advised to contact the nearest Embassy of Nepal before entering Nepal: a) Person with a refugee travel document, and b) Citizens of the following countries: Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iraq, Liberia, Nigeria, Palestine, Somalia, Swaziland, Syria, and Zimbabwe.

The cost of a Nepal visa depends on the length of stay and the type of visa applied for.

The following are the values for tourist visas:

Tourist Visa for 15 days: US$ 30
Tourist Visa for 30 days: US$ 50
Tourist Visa for 90 days: US$ 125

See here in detail all the options and documentation for the visa, direct from the Embassy of Nepal in Brasilia.

PERMISSIONS FOR TREKKING.

Anyone going to Nepal will do some trekking so they have to have permission for this

1 – Acquire the TIMS card at the Tourist Service Center, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu at a cost of US$ 20.00.

2 – Obtain permission for each trek you are going to do. For Everest Base Camp it costs US$30.00.

Without the TIMS card and the permit, you will not be able to do the trekking.

It is necessary to pay the fee, a copy of the passport, and a photo of the size of the passport to obtain the TIMS card.

Vaccines.

There are no mandatory vaccinations to enter Nepal. It’s always good to have yellow fever. If you take the vaccine, don’t forget to ask for the international vaccination card.

Brazilians, see here on the Anvisa Portal how to obtain it.

Planing your Travel? Tips and Tricks

Here are tips and tools to make the journey more enjoyable.

If you still have doubt.

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Book your flight.

Finding cheap air tickets can be difficult and stressful, but with my blog’s tips and using Skyscanner or Momondo the task can be even fun. Today are the most complete tools on the market . In my experience I have seen that even using others these two end up having the best prices.

Book your accommodation.

If you prefer Hostel a great tool is Hostelwold, If you want besides hostels, other options use the Booking.com. I have used both very often and always find the best prices.

Travel insurance.

Insurance is what we never want to use, but it is traumatic if we need and not have it.
It will cover the costs of any eventuality of illness, injury, theft and / or ticket cancellations, etc. It is extremely important to have as you never know what can happen.
I have used the WorldNomads, which always have the insurance coverage that travelers need, in addition to having coverage worldwide.