Nepal Visa (Tourist Visa):
Regarding Nepal Visa procedure, it can be easily obtained upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal. Importantly, in this regard, you should be holding your valid passport. (Single Entry Visa for 60 days - US$ 30.00).
UPDATED: July 16, 2008
Government of Nepal revises in Visa Fee:
The government has revised existing tourist visa fee to be effective from Shrawan 1, 2065 (July 16, 2008). As per the new fee structure, US $ 25 or equivalent foreign currency is required to obtain Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 15 days. Likewise, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 100 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100.
Likewise, the government has also revised fee required to extend days of stay and visa renewal. As per the revise fee structure, Tourist Visa can be extended by paying US $ 2 or equivalent Nepalese currency per day. Likewise, Multiple Entry facility can be obtained only for the extension period by additional US $ 20 and visa fee for the extended period. Similarly, tourists can renew their visa by paying Nepalese currency equivalent to US $ 3 on the regular visa extension fee.
Pre-departure information Packing List for trekking in Nepal
You are kindly advised to bring following items for trekking in Nepal
- Down Jacket
- Sleeping bag
- Hiking pants
- Waterproof jacket
- Full - sleeves shirt
- Jumper or pile jacket
- T - shirts
- Trekking shoes/boots
- Camp shoes
- Mountain trekking boots
- Polypropylene/wool socks
- Light cotton socks for under wool socks
- Woolen socks to wear with boots
- Rucksack
- Sun hat
- Woolen hat
- Gloves
- Sun block for lips
- Sun lotion
- Goggles or sunglasses
- Long underwear
- Insulated pants
- Nylon windbreaker
- Nylon wind pants
- Water bottle
- Sewing kit
- Medical & first aid kit
- Flash light
- Batteries and bulbs
- Swiss army knife
- Personal towel
Some Dos and Don'ts
Like others Nepal has its own ways of regulating life. Nepalese life is guided by the social customs and traditions. Tourists coming to Nepal are naturally from different societies and culture. They may not be familiar with our customs and traditions, so one may find many things unfamiliar or unacceptable. However, with friendly and hospitable behavior of the Nepalese people one have no difficulty in adjustment. It is our motto to help the visitors to get a chance to interact with the villagers and get to know their culture, traditions, and way of life. In this spirit, the some practical guidelines will contribute in order to make your holiday trip to Nepal pleasant and enjoyable.
The religious way of life:
Nepal enjoys the distinction of being the only Hindu kingdom in the world. The life of Nepalese people is associated by religions norms and values that is why Nepal is the multi - religious nation. Being the principal religions of the country, Hindu and Buddhist have occupied a vital position in Nepalese society followed by majority of the population. Other major religions include Christan, Muslim, and Jainism etc. However, there is harmonious blending of all these religions in our Nepalese society. As a mark of respect, one is expected to be unshod while visiting to Hindus temples and Buddhist shrines. At the time, a pair of open sandals is more convenient and comfortable.
- Entry to some of the temples may be restricted to foreigners. So, you should confirm with local people and watch signboards.
- Leather articles like belts, jackets, shoes and bags are prohibited in most of religious places. Please leave them outside precinct of such places.
- Do not touch offerings or people when they are on the way to shrines.
- Among the Hindus and Buddhist, beef is strictly prohibited, as well as no female animal is killed for food.
- Walking around temples and stupas is traditionally done clockwise as a sign of respect.
- It is better to confirm with authorized person before using camera at temples, stupas and monuments.
Social Outlook:
Majority of our people live in rural parts. They live typical Nepalese lifestyle. Their outlook to life is simple and traditional. In fact, they take special delight in the company of foreign guests. However, there are certain things that are alien or embarrassing to Nepalese people. Here under we offer some important things to keep in mind:
- It is better to be decently clad when visiting any place. Sun and beach wear is not appreciated when roaming around. The dress code for men is as important as that for women. Men should never bare their chest, except when bathing. Wear a shirt at all times. Woman should attempt to wear long skirts, mid - calf at least. One needs to be stiff and overdressed but comfortable and decently covered.
- Do not offer if a Nepalese lady hesitates to shake hands. In Nepal, people, especially woman, do not normally shake hands when they greet one another, but instead press palms together in a prayer - like gesture known as "Namaste".
- Public display of affection between man and woman is frowned upon. Do not do something that is totally alien to our culture.
- We are hard on drug abuse; trafficking and possession of drugs are taken as serious offences.
- Do not encourage beggary by being benevolent. Help the Nepalese to maintain their self-respect.
Some other important Tips:
- Beware of touts who claim to be representing companies and offer to take you bargain hunting.
- Use hotels safety boxes for your valuables. Do not display large sum of money. Do not leave cash and other valuable things lying around in the room.
- Table manners in Nepal are quite different from those at home. In typical and traditional Nepali houses, plates, knives, forks and spoons may be absent from the dinner table. While eating, Nepalese people use their right hand. But this does not mean, however, that the guests are not to use forks and spoons.
- Do not offer anything from your plate if you have taken a bite, it would humiliate a person if such food is offered to him. This is called "Jutho" - contaminated for others - if any food is touched by the lips, the food, glass, bottle, entire plate is contaminated. The utensils must be washed properly before anyone else uses them.