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Fascinating NepalNepal holiday tipsNepal is a fascinating, versatile travel destination. The country’s capital, Kathmandu, is a curious mixture of Tibetan Buddhism and Indian Hinduism visualised in colourful prayer flags and heavily decorated saris. The Himalayas make up a significant part of Nepal, so naturally many places in Nepal overlook snow-capped mountains. Right on the border between Tibet and Nepal lies the giant of all giants, Mount Everest. It reaches up to an elevation of 8848m! Nepal is home to 8 out of the 10 highest mountains in the world, making Nepal the ideal destination for a adventurous Nepal trekking holidays through the Annapurna or Everest Mountain Range.More than 28 million people inhabit Nepal, of which most live in the Kathmandu Valley and along the Indian border. The population is made up of various ethnic groups, each with its own language, dialect, architecture and cuisine. Southern Nepal is home to the Chitwan National Park and its elephants, rhinos and crocodiles. This is an entirely different kind of Nepal. In preparation for your trip to Nepal, we'd like to give a you a few Nepal holiday tips to help you during your travel planning. |
Did you know?Time difference: its 4 hours and 45 minutes later in Nepal than it is here in the UK. During the winter it's actually even an hour later. If it's 13:00 in the afternoon here in the summertime, it's 17:45 in the afternoon in Nepal.Language: the official language in Nepal is Nepali. It's based on Sanskrit and spoken by approximately 60% of the Nepalese population. A multitude of other languages and dialects are also spoken in Nepal. The guides that will take you sightseeing in Kathmandu and trekking through Nepal speak English, our drivers do not. When you go out to eat you'll find that most restaurants also offer English menus. Voltage: like most other countries in the South-Asian regions, Nepal has a 230-volt, 50-hertz cycle power supply. There are many different types of electricity supply sockets, so you may want to bring along a universal socket adapter. The power supply in this region drops out from time to time, especially during the dry season when very little energy can be generated from the water power stations. Having a torch with you during a black-out will definitely come in handy when spending the night in remote villages. Drinks/ food: traditional Nepalese cuisine is dominated by lentils, rice and vegetable curries. Most Nepalese Hindis are vegetarians, however the Newari are devout meat eaters. Although Nepalese dishes usually boast a variety of herbs and spices, most meals aren't as spicy here as they are in India. Tap water is not suitable for consumption in Nepal, however you'll find bottles of water for sale on every corner. Make sure to check that the bottles of water you buy are sealed properly and avoid having ice in your drinks. It's also best to avoid eating unwashed or raw foods since they could give you diarrhoea. |
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Telephone calls: if you want to keep in touch with friends and family in the UK by using your mobile phone, you'll need to have a tri-band phone. Contact your mobile phone service provider for more information on your coverage. Most hotels have phone service within Kathmandu and Pokhara and there are also special telephone shops that you can use as well. If you plan on trekking through the Annapurna, Langtang or the Everest Mountain Range, it will be difficult to stay in touch for the duration of your trek. Internet access: there are countless internet cafés in Kathmandu and Pokhara where you can use the Internet for about £1. Most hotels also have Internet access so that you can read and send e-mails to folks back home. Another alternative would be to send a postcard, although postal service in Nepal tends to be unreliable and very slow. Photography: Most Nepalese feel honoured if travellers want to take their picture; but be sure to ask permission before taking one. It's a special treat for the Nepalese to see themselves on the screen of your digital camera. However, Sherpas that accompany you on a trekking do not appreciate having their picture taken. Kathmandu's holy men love to have their pictures taken during your Nepal holiday, tips are expected in return. Also keep in mind that taking pictures is not allowed in all parts of Nepal, so it's best to always ask permission and show some restraint. Taking pictures is usually prohibited at the airport, check points and in temples. |
What to pack?When travelling through Nepal naturally you'll bring along the logical items such as a Nepal travel guide, sturdy shoes and a camera. Don't forget to also bring along enough batteries and memory cards for your digital camera, you won't be able to find these all over Nepal. Because of the differences in altitude and the sun receding behind the mountains by early afternoon, it can get quite cool while travelling. That's why it's important to bring along enough warm clothes. Be sure to pack rain gear, a universal adapter, a torch, alarm clock, cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug repellent and ear plugs (Nepalese roosters have the nasty habit of waking up way to early....). If you plan on going on a trek during your trip, read our additional Nepal holiday tips for Nepal trekking holidays.Fill out our online Nepal travel quote form to create your own customised Nepal travel plan or click here for more info on Nepal climate or Kathmandu travel information. |
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