Nepal

PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION
The Kingdom of Nepal is located in central Asia on the southern slopes of the Himalayan Mountains. This landlocked country of 500 by 100 miles is bordered by India and the Tibetan region of China. Nepal is endlessly fascinating, with scenery ranging from green, fertile valleys to sky-high mountains to desert plateaus; exhilarating trekking; venerable temples; old towns reminiscent of European castles; and some of the nicest and friendliest people on earth.

GETTING READY FOR YOUR TRIP
Passports:
- Passports are required for all countries citizens except Indian Citizens
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your trip – if not, apply or renew immediately
- Keep a copy of the picture page of your passport in a separate place while traveling
- Carry an extra passport photo in case you need to apply for a quick replacement

Visas:
- Visas are required for entry into Nepal
- We recommend applying before departure, if you have enough time
- Apply no sooner than 3 months ahead of your departure date, but with plenty of time for processing
- You may also obtain your Nepal Visa on arrival in Kathmandu, but your wait at immigration may be longer
- If traveling via Delhi, you will need an Indian visa; the Indian Embassy & Consulates are not always reliable – a visa service is highly recommended

Health, Immunizations:
- Some immunizations are highly recommended, but none are required for entry
- Recommended immunizations include: polio, tetanus, typhoid, MMR, hepatitis A & B
- A vaccination certificate for yellow fever is required for entry, if arriving from other infected countries
- SEEK INDEPENDENT MEDICAL ADVICE from your physician or local travelers health service

Time Difference:
- Nepal is 5 hours and 45 minutes ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +5:45)
- Nepal does not observe daylight saving time
- It is 13 hrs 45 min ahead of Pacific Standard Time and 10 hrs 45 min ahead of Eastern Standard Time

Customs:
- You will be asked to complete a customs declaration form and an emigration form before your plane lands in Kathmandu. The emigration form must remain with your passport until you leave the country
- If you plan to get your visa on arrival in Nepal, be sure to bring all required documents and photos
- Anything you are bringing for personal use - camera gear, video cameras, binoculars, etc. - will be
allowed
- It is forbidden to bring Nepal Rupees with you into Nepal
- Prohibited are: fire arms, ammunition and explosives; pornography; drugs and narcotics such as opium, morphine, heroin, etc.; unsanitary food items
- There are limitations on the export of Nepalese antiques and items of archaeological or historical value
- It is illegal to import or export any item made from any endangered species

GETTING ALONG AS A VISITOR
Food & Restaurants:
- In Kathmandu, you will find a wide array of international selections
- All meals while on trek are included
- Look for a restaurant where lots of locals are eating - chances are the food will be delicious and reasonable
- Eat only foods that are thoroughly cooked, and raw fruits and vegetables that you have peeled yourself
- Drink only bottled drinks where possible (or boiled water), and avoid tap water, fountain drinks and ice cubes
- Don't buy food from street vendors or stalls, and don’t eat food that is no longer hot
- Avoid fresh salads unless the vegetables are washed with purified water, and avoid dairy products that are unpasteurized or may not have been refrigerated properly

Money and Currency Exchange:
- The monetary unit in Nepal is the Rupee (NPR)
- It is a good idea to bring newer dated currency that has no rips, marks, folds, or holes
- Check the current exchange rate at http://www.xe.net/ucc/
- Kathmandu and Pokhara have ATM’s, but may or may not work – do not rely on them
- Most major currencies can be exchanged at many hotels and banks in the major cities of Nepal
- You may need to show your passport when you exchange money or travelers checks, so keep it handy
- Be aware that you may need to show your passport when using a credit card. Also, credit card companies are now charging a 3%+ surcharge on all foreign currency purchases (purchases of goods made outside of the US). Check with your credit card company before you travel as the charges change frequently without notice and vary with card and destination.
- Airport departure tax is 1695 NPRs ($25 USD)

Emergency Services:
- Medical treatment is available in Kathmandu at small clinics & hospitals
- There are clinics that specialize in the treatment of altitude sickness
- Medical facilities and services in the countryside are restricted
- Prevention of injury is always the best policy
- Your guide will advise you in the case of urgent medical need during your tour

SPECIAL REMARKS
People:
- You will find the Nepalese to be very open and friendly
- It is best to ask permission before entering houses, or before taking portrait photos
- If in doubt, ask the guide
- Your old clothing (in good condition) is an excellent and appreciated gift idea to your guides and the local people

DON’T:
- Point with a single finger
- Touch holy men
- Eat with your left hand
- Smoke in religious settings
- Offer pens, toys, stickers, etc. to children unless it is to the children of your guide(s)

DO:
- Respect religious customs
- Remove your shoes when entering a home, temple or monastery
- Cover yourself when entering a temple or monastery
- Make donations to monasteries

Time:
- Relax and enjoy the easy-going rhythm of Nepal
- Do not expect everything to happen on time; remember that in some places time is not as important as it is back home, and there is often little concern for punctuality
- Despite best efforts, departures and arrivals could be a little before or after the time given. This applies particularly to aircraft movements. Operating requirements, weather and terrain sometimes present problems, and on these occasions, to ensure your safety, flight times may vary

Restroom Facilities:
- It is a very good idea to carry your own small supply of toilet paper. In cities where there are flush toilets you will usually find a wastebasket next to the toilet - most sewage systems can’t handle paper.
- Most bathrooms will neither look nor smell as sanitary as those you are used to

Safety:
- Observe the same precautions taken at home
- Do not flaunt a bulging wallet, always lock unattended vehicles, do not leave baggage unattended in public
- Make use of security facilities provided for valuables in your accommodation
- In towns, the best place to carry your passport and money is in a pouch worn around the neck inside of the shirt or in a money belt around the waist
- It is highly recommended that you buy travel insurance that covers your baggage before you leave
- Don’t take anything you can’t afford to lose or can’t replace

Climate:
- Nepal’s climate varies with its topography and altitude ranging from tropical to severely cold winters
- Best time to travel to travel to Nepal is from September to November and March to May
- The wet season (monsoon) lasts from June to August
- June and early July are the hottest months
- The cool and dry season is from October to May
- December and January trekkers should be particularly prepared for frigid temperatures
- Every trek to the Himalayas can potentially have nights with frost. November through February, trips above 10,000 feet may have temperatures as low as 10˚ Fahrenheit. In December and January, treks above 12,000 feet may have temperatures as low as -10º Fahrenheit.

Equipment & Packing:
- A good goal is to fit everything into a single piece of checked luggage and a carry-on daypack
- For treks you will need a durable, water-resistant, soft duffel bag without wheels as your luggage – bags are carried by people/porters or on horseback and wheels may get broken off
- On cultural and non-trekking trips, a lightweight soft-sided suitcase or duffel with wheels would be fine
- A small backpack or hip-pack is ideal for carrying bottled water, camera, extra sunblock, etc, while on excursions where the terrain requires your hands to be free
- You should also take sturdy rain gear, especially if you are trekking from April-October
- Choose a distinctive, easily identified bag, and use a VERTICAL ADVENTURES luggage tag for bag identification by staff, and your name and address should be also indelibly affixed inside the luggage.
- Keep in mind that synthetic fabrics dry faster than natural fibers like cotton, especially in humid areas, so you can pack less if you are able to wash and dry your clothes easily, if you need to wash out some clothes en route
- Casual clothing is appropriate at all times

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