Visa Information
Check Your Passport!
It is a standard requirement for entry into almost any country that you have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you complete your travels. If your passport has only a few months validity or only a few pages remaining, It may be wise to apply for a new one before you set off. Bear in mind that visas, plus entry and exit stamps, can be large – some even take up a whole page, if you need to apply for a new passport, make sure you do this well in advance of your travel date.
In many countries you will need to show your passport when checking into hotels, buying airline tickets, changing money etc.
Make a Copy
It is highly recommended that you make a note of, or better still, take a photocopy of your passport details (Passport number, visa number and place and date of issue of both. ) Keep this information separate from your passport. If you lose your passport you must report it a once to your Tour Leader, the local police and the nearest embassy or consulate of your country.
Passport Size Photo
It is always wise to take with you two passport size photo. You may will need them for applying trekking permit or National park permit.
Indian nationals:
Indian nationals do not require visa. However, effective form October 1, 2000, Indians traveling to Nepal by air has to slow upon arrival at entry point either a passport. Voter’s identity card issued with photograph issued by the Central or State Government of India. Temporary identity card with photograph issued by Nepal based Indian diplomatic missions for Identification o Indian nationals will also be considered in case of exceptions. Children under 10 years need hot show any identification.
Visa Information
A visa is required to enter Nepal. One can get a visa at the Royal Nepalese Embassy or Consulate or at the airport upon arrival. Children under 10 years need not pay any visa fees. Two password sized photos are mandatory for visa an arrival.
General Information
The Department of Immigration is located at Bhrikutimadap, Kathmandu and has nine brach offices at different locations in Kingdom.
Tel: 977-1-223590 / 4222453 / 4223681
Fax: 977 – 1-4223127
Email: [email protected]
Entry / Exit Points in Nepal
The following entry and exit points are prescribed for the purpose of the foreigners entering into and departing form the kingdom of Nepal. Deviation form these ponts at the time of entry or exit hall be treated as the violation of Immigration rules
Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
| Kakarvitta, Jhapa | (Eastern Nepal) |
| Birjung, Parsa | (Cenral Nepal) |
| Kodari, Sindupalchowk | (Northern Border) |
| Belahia, Bhairahawa | (Rupandehi, Western Nepal) |
| Jamunaha, Nepaljung | (Banke, Mid Western Nepal) |
| Mohana, Dhangadhi | (Kailali, for western nepal) |
| Gadda Chauki, Mahendranagar | (Kanchanpur, for Western nepal) |
Tourist Visa
Foreigner who intends to visit Nepal must hold valid password or any travel document equivalent to password issued by the Govt. for Visiting a foreign country prior to apply for visa.
Entry
| Facilities | Duration | Fee |
| Single Entry | 30 days from the Date of entry |
US $ 40 or equivalent converible foreign currency |
| Multiple entry | Same as above | US$ 45 or equivalent Convertible foreign or Nepalese currency |
Tourist Visa Extension
A tourist visa can be extended upto 120 days form the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu and pokhara Immigration office on request. Then after an additional 30 days can be extended from deparment of Immigration on reasonable ground, which ensures one’s departure form the country within 150 days in one visa year.
Tourist visa extension fee and additional late fee as follows
Visa extension for each additional 30 days US $30 in equivalent Nepalese currency
The provision reentry and double entry has been revoked.
Currency Exchange
Foreign currencies must be exchanged only through the banks or authorized foreign exchange dealers. The receipts form such transaction is to bet obtained and retained. Visitor can also exchange money at the foreign exchange money at the foreign exchange counter at the airport upon arrival. Credit cards like the American Express, Visa and master card are accepted. Convertible currencies are as follows
Dollar- Us Australian, Hong King, Canadian, Singapore; Franc- Swiss, Japanese Yen, Euro. From Indian citizens, Indian Currency (Except Rs 500 & 1000 nots ) is accepted in Nepal.
Please retain your encashment slip for changing back local currency to foreign currency on departure at the exit points or at Tribhuban International Airport departure lounge.
Banks
Banks are open between 09.30 am to 02.30 pm.
Form Monday to Friday in the Kathmandu Valley. They are closed on Saturdays, Sundays are other places banks are open from 10.00 am to 2.30 pm form Mondays to Thursday and 10.00 am to 2.30 pm on Fridays and are closed on Saturdays and government holidays.
Changing Money, Credit Cards & ATM’s
Changing money is a quick 10and simple process in the major tourist center (Kathandu or Pokhara) where there are many banks, exchange offices and hotels etc. We recommend that you take either US$ or GB currency and travelers cheque, however it is possible to exchange other major currencies (please note Scottish Pounds are not recognized outside of the UK) ATM’s can also be found in Kathmandu and Pokhara and credit cards are usually accepted here in larger shops and more expensive hotel and restaurants. In more remote areas, particularly while trekking, exchange faculties will not be available so you must make sure you have enough currency to last he duration of your trek.
Left over Nepal Rupees can be exchanged back on production of your original encashment receipt. It is not possible to change back more than is shown on your encashment receipt.
Customs Formalities
All baggage must be declared and cleared through the customs on arrival at the entry. Personal effects are permitted free entry. A tourist may bring in dutiable goods, such a tobacco and liquor within the prescribed quaintly free of duty. Carrying narcotics, arms and ammunition are strictly prohibited; Visitors can export souvenirs to their respective countries. The export of antique requires special certificate form the Departure of Archeology, Natioanl Archive Building, Ram shah path, Kthamdnu (Tel: 250683/ 88, Fax: 4262856)
Airport Tax
There are no more airport tax for international flights but they do have domestic flight airport tax which is Nepali Rs 165.00 for each flight.
Pre Paid Taxi
The prepaid Taxi Counter at the Tribhuwan International Airport is located across the Green Channel. The pre paid taxi have green number plates, you will also find metered taxis with black number plates for downtown transfer.
Tourist Police
A special unit of the Nepal Police called Tourist Police deals with problems related to tourists. One can contact the Tourist Police at Tourist Service Centre, Bhrikutimandap (Tel: 4247041, Bhrikuti Mandap;4429750 Thamel.) to avail the services of Tourist police.
Licensed Guides
All the travel agencies have licensed English – speaking guides. However, many agencies also have guides who can speak other international languages for the convenience of tourists. As unlicensed guides are not allowed to serve clients, it is advisable to confirm that your guide has a valid license. To have quality service it is recommended to arrange the sightseeing programs only through the government registered travel agencies.
Time
Nepal standard Time is 5 hours 45 minutes ahead a GMT and 15 minutes ahead of Indian Standard Time.
Official Holidays
Except Public Holidays, Saturday and Sunday are the weekend holidays in the Kathmandu Valley when most government offices are closed. In other places, government offices are closed only on Saturdays; Most Businesses are closed only on Saturdays.
Working Hours
Government offices within kathmandu Valley open from 9 am. To 5 p.m in the summer and from 9 a.m. till 4 p.m. in the winter. Outside the valley, Government office open from 10 a.m. till 4p.m. in the winter.
Hospitals and Drug Stores
The hospitals, drug house, dispensaries and pharmaceutical shops of Kathmandu sell all kinds of medicines, including those imported form overseas. The major general hospitals and private clinics are available in Kathmandu Valley. Ambulance: 4228094, Blood Bank 4225344
Newspapers and Magazines
The Major newspapers in kathmandu are: The Rising Nepal (Daily) English. The kathamdnu Post (Daily) English, Gorkhapatra (Daily) Nepali, Kantipur (Daily) Nepali. Besides a number of other newspaper and magazines – local and international – are also available in book stalls.
Communications
Email
Internet cafes can now be found in most cities and sizable towns.
Connection times can be slow although this does very form place to place. The average cost for an hours varies between US$0.3 (Kathmandu) and US1$ (elsewhere)
Phone
The Nepali phone system is fairly good look out for shops/ booths labeled with a yellow (“PCO-STD- ISD”) sign which can be found almost everywhere (Except in remote areas.) A 3 minute call (to the UK) will cost approx. US$10 from a hotel and approx. US$5 from a shop / Booth. There si no such thing as international or pre paid phone cards in Nepal
Post
The postal service is fairly good and stamps are available everywhere. An overseas stamps will cost approx US$0.25
Radio
Radio Nepal broadcasts different programs in both short wave and medium wave transmissions through three session in a day 6.00 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fm
Radio stations also broadcast pop music and other programs for entertainment. English news bulletins are broadcasted daily between 8A.M. and 8. P.M.
Television
Nepal television broadcast run from 5.30 a.m. to 11.00 p.m throughout the year. There are also other private television channels like kantipur Television, Channel Nepal, Image Metro and others.
Entertainment
There are many types of entertainment in the city of Kathmandu. These include theatrical shows including classical and light performances, casinos and discos. The cinema halls in Kathmandu screen Nepali, Indian, English and other regional movies. There are private art galleys and a national art galley called NAFA in kathmandu which exhibit and sell all sorts of modern and traditional paintings.
Photo Copies of important documents
We recommend that you photocopy the main pages of your passport, your airline ticket, itinerary, insurance policy, traveler cheques and credit card. Keep one set of photocopies with you, separate from the originals. Leave one set of copies at home with family or friends. It is also worth taking some extra passport photos with you in case of additional visas, permits or other unforeseen paperwork.
A word on illegal drugs
In most countries even the smallest quantity of an illegal substance is considered a very serious offence and can carry lengthy jail terms. Avoid any contact with illegal drugs. Dont put yourself and others at risk and never carry bags or luggage for other people.
Lodge-based Trekking
Our lodge-based treks travel into the popular Everest , Annapurna region, Langtang Region, Mustang valley where you will not get completely off the beaten track. Good campsites in the villages are now harder to find as bigger and better lodge accommodation is being constructed. We do not think it justifiable and sensible to operate these itineraries as camping tours. You will generally sleep in twin-share rooms, on beds, which have comfortable foam mattresses and pillows. Most people use sleeping
bags for warmth, comfort and hygiene.Many lodges now have electricity although the supply can be intermittent. Very occasionally lodges with dormitory-style accommodation have to be used at higher altitudes. Some lodges may have rather basic hot showers available (through solar heating) for a fee, but we cannot give any guarantees. In the colder months, especially at higher altitudes, we find that few people are predisposed to take showers. The cost of hot showers (usually about 200 Rupees) is not included in your trip costs and is payable to the lodge operator. It is also important
that you are aware that toilet facilities in our standard lodges are often basic, consisting of Asian-style squat loos rather than Western-style sit-down flush toilets.
The Trekking Day & the Trekking Team
The Group Leader
A group leader will accompany every trek. The trek leader’s main function is to look after the welfare of group members. Our leaders are all experienced trekkers chosen not only for their knowledge of the Himalaya, but perhaps more importantly, for their "people skills". They are there to ensure you have a safe, informed and enjoyable trek. They are
English-speaking with good knowledge of Nepal.
Trekking Guides (Sherpas)
Under the supervision of the Sirdar, the trekking guides accompany the group during the day to ensure you are following the right path and to assist you where required. In camp they attend to a variety of duties which include setting up and breaking camp, helping at meal times, etc. The guide ratio is usually one to every three trekkers. Do not feel obliged to keep in a group all the time. You may wish to linger through a particularly beautiful rhododendron forest, visit a village school or move off the trail to bird-watch; please do so. We wish you to have as much freedom and flexibility as possible .
Trekking Porters.
Our porters have enjoyed many years working with our groups. They are based different part of Nepal and they are responsible for the carrying of the equipment and luggage of clients. They always serve with a smile. All our porters are fully equipt and insured.
The Trekking Day
The day usually begins between 6.30 a.m. and 7.30 a.m. About half an hour later, after you have packed all your gear , breakfast will be ready. While you are eating, the crew members will make up the loads for the porters.
You will often be on the trail by 7.30 a.m., though at higher altitudes the start is usually later, as we wait for the sun to warm the air a little.
There is plenty of interest along the trail and there is no need to rush. Become aware of all that is around you, and become involved. The day has been planned so that you have plenty of time. The porters will not be in a hurry with their loads, and theirs is a good pace to judge yours by. Faster walkers keep an eye on the guides so that you do not
overshoot lunch and overnight stops!
At a suitable spot, about 11.30 a.m., we stop for lunch for a couple of hours. This is a good time to relax and rest – or even wash some socks, etc., so that they can dry during the afternoon walk (relatively easy at lower altitudes, progressively harder higher up). Sterilised water is provided for washing your hands prior to all meals. The afternoon walk follows a similar pattern to the morning; it is often shorter and your lodge is usually reached between 3 and 4pm. There is plenty of time to relax or explore the surrounding area until the evening meal is served about 6.30pm. After dinner there is time to chat, read or perhaps enjoy a game of cards with our crew. Most members are asleep by 9pm. This comfortable living pattern is amazingly refreshing, and there are those who class trekking as a therapeutic experience!
The Trekking Menu
While in lodges, menus are a mixture of local, Asian and western cuisine. There is a wide range of food available, and consequently, we do not include meals while trekking. ’Set meals’ have limited range we prefer to give you the choice.
The emphasis is on a healthy variety, with many meals given a local touch. Breakfast options consist of porridge or muesli, with local-style breads, then eggs, jam, peanut butter, tea, coffee, and hot chocolate. For lunch, most prefer a lighter meal, maybe a fresh salad with tinned fish and cheese, followed by fresh or tinned fruit with cordial juice and tea. For dinner, if you’re hungry a three-course meal with soup, a main course of rice, dhal, vegetables, a mild curry, followed by chocolate cake, tea, coffee or hot chocolate will round off a great day. All meals are cooked on kerosene stoves and
are prepared to strict hygienic standards.
Photo etiquette
Please ask first if you want to take someone’s photograph. This is just a normal courtesy and if you are refused permission please abide by that person’s wishes. At certain ancient sites, and in most museums, photography (video or still) may be forbidden, or may incur an extra charge for camera-use. Do not take photos of buildings, structures and personnel of potential military significance (including airports, bridges, and police stations).
Flexibility and patience
Travelling with us can provide you with some really rewarding travel experiences. Our tours visit countries where travel modes and lifestyles are often not as sophisticated as our own. There is also a laid-back attitude amongst workers and there will often seem to be huge amounts of red tape and bureaucracy when doing the simplest things. You will enjoy your trip much more if you slip into the rhythm of local life and are prepared to take things as they come.
Important Information
Please note that Single Supplement (if you want your own room) applies only to hotels in Kathmandu , Pokhara, chitwan national park or at any bigger town of Nepal. Single rooms are not available while on trek.
Tipping
Although the culture of tipping may not be part of your own culture, it is nonetheless part of the culture in this area of the world and it is often the way some people supplement their earnings. Tipping has become an accepted all the part of Nepal. On our trips your trek leader can advise you on this matter; however, as a guideline we would recommend a tip of 5-10% in restaurants. The bellboys at hotels will appreciate a small tip for carrying your bags. Taxi and rickshaw drivers do not expect a tip. If you are unhappy with a service, of course, you are under no obligation to leave a tip. However, if the service has been satisfactory, a tip is always appreciated....with a smile!
To protect you from the sometimes seemingly endless soliciting of tips, we suggest you discuss with your trek leader about setting up a tipping kitty whereby everybody contributes an equal amount . At the end of the trek, your trek leader will collect and distribute the group tip to all members of the trekking crew . At the same time if you
have any items of clothing, pens, etc. that you do not wish to take home with you, some members of your trekking crew will be very happy to receive these things.
Responsible Travel and Travellers’ Guidelines
Hard Rock Treks and Expedition love helping our clients experience the beauty and cultures of the destinations we visit. However, hand in hand with this we have always been aware that we have a responsibility to minimise any negative impacts that tourism can bring.
Responsible Travel is twofold. It’s about taking people to the places they want to go in a safe and responsible manner but also about respecting and maintaining the natural and often delicate balance of the destination. Economic gain from tourism is often fundamental to a country, but should never be at the expense of its culture or the environment.
Our Aims
* It is our aim to provide journeys that have minimal negative and maximum positive impact on the places we visit.
* We do not believe that, as visitors, we should impose our own cultures on others; rather that we should experience foreign cultures and appreciate them for what they are.
* Whilst it is our aim to show destinations and cultures in a positive light, we do not believe in papering over the cracks or shielding visitors from the realities of life. This does not mean, however, that we condone or endorse certain situations or regimes that may be in place.
Our guidelines are meant not as rigid instructions but rather as suggestions to make our holidays more enjoyable – for everybody.
Travellers’ Guidelines
*Before coming to Nepal. Please buy a travel guide book( Lonely planet) and read about our country, culture and history. It gives you good idea of country and people.
*Although it is tempting to give out pens, sweets and money to people begging, and particularly tempting to give to children, we feel that this encourages a begging mentality and has a long-term negative impact on communities. If someone begging earns more than someone in the same community who works this can discourage local employment. If children regularly bring home money it may discourage their parents from sending them to school. It is of course your own personal choice but you could consider giving to registered charities .
*Always ask permission to photograph local people and respect their decision if they would prefer not to have their picture taken.
*Respect local dress codes, especially at religious sites. Our Tour guide are always on hand to give you advice about this.
*In many of the countries we visit you might see examples of animal cruelty (for example dancing bears, performing monkeys and snake charmers). Please do not take photographs of this or offer money as it encourages the activity.
*Respect the environment you are in. It sounds obvious but do not throw litter, take it with you or use rubbish bins! You may see locals throwing rubbish on the street but do not follow their example!
*When shopping in countries where haggling is the norm – enjoy it and only pay what you feel is a fair price for the goods you are purchasing. However, remember that the shopkeeper does have to make a living so do stop once you have reached a price you are happy with. Bargaining should be fun but always remember that a small amount can mean much more to the vendor than to you.
*Endeavor to take home souvenirs made locally; the money you spend can be very important to the local communities. However, do use your common sense and don’t buy anything that you think might be made out of endangered animals or plants.
*To help keep as much money as possible in the host country - try to eat in locally owned restaurants and order local drinks and produce rather than international brands.
*In hotels do be conscious of how much water you are using. Many of the areas we visit regularly have shortages; try not to have hour long showers! Don’t leave lights, air conditioners or fans on when you leave the room – you wouldn’t at home!
*Respect the environment you are in, especially when in national parks or reserves. Pay attention to rules about keeping on paths, keeping a distance from animals and not removing any of the natural habitat.
*Relax and immerse yourself in the differences of the culture you are in – you’ll be back home in the familiar soon enough (and wishing you were still on holiday!). These cultural differences are part of what makes your experience special.