Kathmandu (1345m/4412ft), is the capital city of Nepal. Please note that Nepal time is 5 hours 45 minutes ahead of GMT. Although Kathmandu is actually a very safe city it is still wise, while walking around town, to be careful with your belongings, especially in the crowded areas. At night it is best to walk as a group or take a taxi.

NEPAL VISA - information.

Tourist entry visa can be obtained for the following duration from Nepal Embassy/ Consulate or Mission offices abroad, or at the following immigration offices in Nepal:

» Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
» Kakarvitta, Jhapa (Eastern Nepal)
» Birganj, Parsa (Central Nepal)
» Kodari, Sindhupalchowk (Northern Border)
» Belhiya, Bhairahawa (Rupandehi, Western Nepal)
» Jamuna, Nepalgunj (Banke, Mid Western Nepal)
» Mohana, Dhangadhi (Kailali, Far Western Nepal)
» Gaddachauki, Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur, Far Western Nepal)

 Tourist Visa

Visa Facility Duration Fee
» Multiple entry 15 days US$ 25 or equivalent convertible currency
» Multiple entry 30 days US$ 40 or equivalent convertible currency
» Multiple entry 90 days US$ 100 or equivalent convertible currency

 

Tourist Visa Extension

» Visa extension fee for 15 days or less is US $ 30 or equivalent convertible currency and visa extension fee for more than 15 days is US$ 2 per day
» Tourist visa can be extended for a maximum period of 150 days in a single visa year (January – December).

 

Gratis (Free) Visa

Gratis visa for 30 days available only for tourists of SAARC countries.
Indian nationals do not require visa to enter into Nepal.

Transit Visa

Transit visa for one day can be obtained from Nepal's immigration offices at the entry points upon the production of departure flight ticket via Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal, by paying US $ 5 or equivalent convertible currency.
For more information please visit the website as www.immi.gov.np

Health and safety:

Remember never to drink the hotel tap water, do not use tap water for cleaning your teeth, and keep your mouth closed when taking a shower! Always ask for boiled drinking water. In town it is safer to drink tea, coffee or bottled drinks. If you buy mineral water make sure that the cap-seal is intact and has not been tampered with. Kathmandu has many good restaurants but, especially before trek, be selective about where and what you eat. It is better to avoid uncooked vegetables and salad, and fruits should be washed or peeled. Avoid ice cubes, salads, ice-cream, under-cooked meat and seafood. It is also a good idea to try to keep your hands as clean as possible and always try to wash your hands before you eat anything.
You may experience some diarrhea in Nepal. Mostly this is so called ‘travellers-diarrhoea’ which is the body’s natural reaction to a new diet and drinking water with a different mineral content. There is no immediate treatment for this type of diarrhea. During the first 24 hours it is important to stop your normal diet as your stomach needs a rest. Eat bland foods such as dry toast, plain biscuits, boiled rice a nd bananas. Avoid dairy products. The most important thing is to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. It is also a good idea to add some electrolyte powder (such as dioralyte) to your drinking water. Personal hygiene is also very important to avoid diarrhea spreading throughout the group. DO NOT start taking any medication for at least 24 hours as unnecessary treatment may complicate the issue. ALWAYS tell your guide of your condition so that they can advise you further. If you have any serious health problems while you are in Kathmandu you can ask either our local agent or reception staff at your hotel for advice on the most appropriate medical help. Kathmandu has several clinics, staffed by western doctors or western-trained doctors, which provide high standards of medical care. Malaria is not endemic in Kathmandu valley nor in the hills and mountains. However it is common in the low-lying Terai belt bordering India (e.g Chitwan National Park).It is advisable to take malaria prophylaxis. A combination of Paludrine (proguanil) and Chroloquine are recommended for this part of south Asia.

Accommodation at Hotel:

You might like to tip bell boys, porters or maids in your hotel. 50-100 Rupees would be appropriate for individuals. In larger, smarter restaurants a government tax is also added to the bill. If you wish to have laundry done you need to allow a full day for it to be returned. We suggest you pay any bills for incidentals as you go along to save time on the morning of departure, but if you do sign for anything please pay the bill the night before you leave. Please remember to return your room key to reception and ensure that you have checked thoroughly that you have not inadvertently left anything in your room. If you are sharing a room it is especially important to leave your key at reception whenever you go out.

Changing Money:

You can change either travelers cheques or cash at your hotel or at a bank, or at an exchange counter in town, You will get a slightly less favorable rate of exchange at the hotel but it is much more convenient. Try to ensure that you get small denomination notes if possible. One thousand rupees notes can be a nuisance for you to change in the hills. Ensure that you get Exchange Receipts when you exchange mo ney as you will need these if you wish to change money back at the end of your stay. The airport bank will only refund 15% of amount shown on the exchange receipts. There are several ATMs in Kathmandu where you can use a credit/debit card to draw local currency. Ask at your reception where the nearest one is situated. Be ware that during public holidays these often run out of cash so you should never depend on them for cash. Make sure you have changed enough money into local currency before you go on trek. You may not have another opportunity to change money once you have left base hotel. What you take with you should include money for tipping your trek crew.

Electricity in Nepal 220 volt/50 cycles:

You will need a two pin adaptor for any appliances. A voltage stabilizer is recommended for the use of high value electronic appliances. Power cuts are frequent due to low supply of electricity. Most hotels have their own generators for emergency lighting.

Communications- mail/telephone/email:

Post cards or letters can be mailed by your hotel. Hand them in at hotel reception. They will also be able to sell you stamps. You can make international calls from your hotel but it can be quite expensive. There are also many communication shops and internet cafes around town where you can quite cheaply make phone calls or send emails.