Sightseeing and Overland Tour
The drive between Kathmandu, Chitwan and Pokhara is about 6 hours. Roads are generally not up to Western standards and may be very rough in some areas. For coaches, general driving speed is low due to poor road conditions and heavy traffic. There are no emergency bathrooms or curtains on the windows on the coaches. Getting around in Nepal can be challenging, and sometimes involves walking through narrow streets with busy traffic to reach some tour locations.
Currency and ATMS Machines
The Nepalese Rupees is the currency of Nepal. We suggest getting a small amount of currency before you depart. It’s also a good idea not to carry too much money. Nepal have ATM machines that accept most ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers-the keypads on ATMs don’t always have letters.
ATM machines will only dispense cash in local currency. Use your credit card whenever possible. Should you decide to carry cash, please note that exchange at banks is typically more favorable than at hotels or exchange bureaus. However, bank hours are limited to Sundays through Fridays and sometimes only morning hours on those days. Please note that many banks and most vendors will not accept or exchange $100 bills. We suggest to carry $20 bills or smaller. we suggest to bring between $50 to $100 in $1 bills which may be used to pay gratuities.
Shopping in Nepal
Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Local handicrafts and artwork, carpet, jewelry, semi-precious stones, inlay marble stone work, pashmina wool, silks, Thangka painting, singing bowl and custom 24-hour tailoring are among the most popular items.
Tipping
Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. During the tour, you may encounter multiple drivers and local guides throughout. It is recommended to keep small bills on hand for tipping.
Locally Purchasing Tours
On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Please do not book optional tour from your tour guide.
Independent Activities
Our itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time. These suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration.
We are not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides such as horses and elephant.
Local Emergency Phone Numbers
Ambulance: 228094
Police: 100
Languages
Nepali Language and dialect varies by region. English is generally spoken in tourist areas of Nepal.
Electricity
The voltage used in Nepal is 220 volts. You can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.
Nepal Code of Conduct
- Shaking hands is generally an appropriate greeting. Refrain from public displays of affection, as this can be seen as rude. In the event that you encounter people begging for alms, it is suggested that you do not give, as this often attracts the attention of many other alms-seekers.
- Refrain from wearing colognes, perfumes and/or personal products containing excessive fragrance in respect for other guests who may be allergic
- Avoid smoking cigarettes, e-cigarettes or cigars in the vicinity of other tour members, including in outdoor areas where smoking may be permitted but may still affect other tour participants.
- No Smoking of any kind (medical or recreational) is allowed on any transportation that is exclusively provided. This includes e-cigarettes, e-cigars or any other smoking device.
- Avoid attire with political or religious messages that may offend other travelers
- Respect your fellow passengers. Guests come from all walks of life and varied lifestyles.
- Make use of the available hand sanitizer on the coach to support a healthy environment
- Seek approval before taking photographs of other tour participants
- Respect tour departures times to avoid delay and loss of sightseeing opportunities
Meals and Dietary Requests
Food in Nepal differs greatly from the typical Western diet. It is recommended to eat fully cooked meats, fruits and vegetables. Accordingly care should be taken to avoid undercooked meat and uncooked fruits and vegetables.
The warm climate and reduced use of refrigeration, combined with the use of salt and spices for instance in curry, may not be palatable to every taste and may result in stomach ailments. It is also recommended to pack digestive aids like antidiarrheal or anti-bloat medications and antacids.
The visitors should only drink bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered because tap water is not potable. Avoid ice, as it is usually made from tap water.
Getting Ready to go Nepal
Traveling to Nepal is a rewarding and exciting experience. The following tips are provided to better prepare you for challenges you may come across during your visit to Nepal. Getting around in Nepal can be challenging, and sometimes involves walking through narrow streets with busy traffic to reach some tour locations. Despite these realities, traveling to Nepal offers many rewards. we are pleased to introduce you to the people, history, and culture of incredible Nepal.
Passports and Visas
The passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of your travel. Visa is required for Nepal. Visa can get upon arrival at Kathmandu-TIA airport. The multiple entry visa fee will be USD 30 for 15 days and USD 50 for 30 days visa.
Trip Preparation
A little pre-planning can make your trip, go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver’s license) are in order. Also, make sure that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed.
Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out.
We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you loose the originals while traveling, you’ll have copies for easier reporting and replacement.
Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills.
We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead.
Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks.
Travel Safety Advice
The safety of our guests is our concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice.
Mobile Phones
Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan’s talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype.
Making Telephone Calls from Nepal
When dialing a number from Nepal to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country’s Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number. If you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code by pressing and holding the 0 key.
WiFi Access
WiFi is available in airport, and hotels as well as on some flights, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries.
Staying Healthy While Traveling
All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal healthcare provider. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
Watch what you eat. Try new foods in modest quantities, and depending upon your destination, you may want to avoid street foods, salad bars, raw vegetables and fruits, unless they have thick peels like bananas or grapefruit.
Stay hydrated. Drink bottled water and avoid consuming ice cubes made with tap water. If you have allergies to foods, medications or insect bites, or have any other unique medical issues, consider a medical alert bracelet and/or a physician’s note detailing required treatment should you become ill.
Wash your hands regularly and carry hand sanitizer.
Where appropriate, pack sunscreen and insect repellent (for both active and warm destinations).
You may also want to bring a small first-aid kit with Band-Aids, antibiotic cream, pain killers, bug bite cream, digestive aids like antidiarrheal or anti-bloat medications, antacids, and cold medicine. This is in addition to any prescription medications which should be adequate for the entire trip.
Climate and Clothing
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter: No shorts or short skirts, knees must be covered by long pants or a long skirt. No sleeveless tops, shoulders must be covered and a shawl or scarf is frequently not accepted as a cover. A good pair of sunglasses is highly recommended.
Seasons for Nepal Tours
Nepal has four seasons-Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. During periods of high heat in the summer months, the order of sightseeing might be altered. Kathmandu Nagarkot Tour is possible all around the year. But Autumn, Winter and Spring are good seasons.
Optional Activities
Mount Everest Flight-seeing
Enjoy an early morning flight on a small aircraft with a window seat. It is an hour flight tour of spectacular scenery over the tallest mountain peak on earth. You will be able to view some of the most incredible, and famous sights that Nepal has to offer. This is a weather permitting mountain flight, so tour might be delayed or an alternative day may be scheduled. The approximate tour duration will be 3 hours. The tour price from USD 240 to USD 280.
Traditional Nepalese Dinner
The evening savor an authentic Nepalese meal at a traditional style Nepali restaurant. It is accompanied by a cultural program while you enjoy your dinner. The approximate tour duration is 3 hours. It costs USD 50.
