Travel Information
General Information
Travelers are ever-searching for the untrained path, for places and peoples unspoiled and exotic. But, tourism can no longer afford to spoil new discoveries. Litter and cultural pollution soon erode visitor appeal and more important, indigenous lifestyles dependent upon a delicate natural balance vanish forever. Responsible tourism is a more sound investment where everybody wins.

Nepal heartily welcomes you, the visitor. But, whether you are trekking in the mountains or touring the Kathmandu Valley and beyond, we ask that you treat the land and its peoples with care and respect. Below are some tips on how you can keep the environment clean and show appreciation for age-old culture and traditional religious beliefs.

Green Trekking
In Nepal, eco-tourism is more than a catch phrase to mean outdoor adventure travel. Green or eco-trekking practices are sound measures such as carrying out or disposable of garbage and burning no wood on the trail. Ask your trekking agent and lodge operator about their conservation policies. Green trekking may cost a little more but is much better for the environment.

Dress and Attire
Baggy pants or calf-length skirts with a loose top are appropriate trekking and touring wear for women. Men should wear a shirt at all times. Men's knee-length hiking shorts are fine for trekking but not when visiting temples, monasteries or homes.

Nudity is particularly offensive. Whether bathing in a stream or at a village tap, men should wear shorts or underwear, women can wrap in a loongi (sarong) and douse themselves as the village women do. Only sport a swimsuit if well secluded from village eyes. Public affection is likewise frowned upon.

Artifacts and Antiques
It is illegal to export anything older than 100 years. Please do not take any religious objects (prayer stones, statues, temple ritual objects, prayer flags, etc.) away from sacred sites and discourage others from doing so.

Taking Photos
Most Nepalese don't mind being photographed, but some do. Ask first, especially if photographing ceremonies or older people. Paying for a picture reinforces a hand-out mentality. Try instead to establish a friendly rapport with a few words or gestures.

Beggars
Do not give candy, pens, trinkets or money to children but instead donate to a school, monastery or hospital. Nepalese give a few rupees to the handicapped and religious mendicants; you can do the same.

Bargaining
Bargain for souvenirs and trekking services but respect posted prices in restaurants and lodges. Ask around to establish a fair price: paying too much adds to inflation and paying too little denies the merchant of a fair return.

Giving Tips
Tipping is a newly accepted custom in Nepal. Hotel, restaurant, touring and trekking organization staff members often make up for relatively meager wages with tips. But, it should only reward good work. Don't tip for short taxi rides in town or any service person you've bargain with. Groups might give a reasonable amount per day to a tip pool to be divided among the staff, generally relative to rank, for good service.

Medical Attention
Even if you are an experienced medical practitioner, it is not wise to give medicine to a sick Nepali on the trek unless you can watch his or her reaction. Most Nepalese have never been exposed to Western medicine and may react unpredictably. Encourage villagers to wash cuts with soap and boiled water, and to see their closest clinic for medical treatment.

Entry to Nepal:
There are more than 22 international airline connecting Nepal to the rest of the world. The national carrier of Nepal Nepal Airlines, Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Jetlite, Thai International, Druk Air, Pakistan Airlines, Qatar Airways, Eithad Air, Gulf Air, Biman, Bangladesh Airlines, Air China, Dragon Air, Silk Air, China Southern, Korean Air have regular flights to Kathmandu. There are few more airlines that will be flying to Kathmandu in the near future.

Entry Formalities:
A valid Passport is required fro all Nationals except Indians

Visa: All national except Indians must posses a valid Nepali Visa obtained from any Nepalese Embassy/Consulate abroad.

On arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or other entry point, Nepal visa can be obtained for one week after filling up the relevant visa application form with 1 passport size photograph attached and paying the visa fees of USD 25.

Time: 5 hrs 45 minutes ahead of GMT

Climate:
Nepal’s climate varies from area to area depending upon altitude of the place. A visit to Nepal is possible around the year but Rafting, Trekking, Mountain flights and Jungle Safaris are at their best from October to May.

Climatic Season:
Autumn (September to November), winter (December to February), Spring (March to May) and Summer (June to August)

Clothing:
Tropical wear is required from March to October and warm clothing from November to February.

Electricity:
220 Volts AC, 50 Cycles throughout the country

Accommodations:
Kathmandu: From Guest houses to deluxe ***** hotels
Pokhara: From Guest houses to deluxe ***** hotels
Chitwan National park: Deluxe to standard lodge/Resort