Cultural Etiquette in Nepal
It is beneficial to read up on some cultural etiquette points before traveling to Nepal.
- The formal greeting in Nepal is Namaste, which is said during the meeting and departure.
- Before entering a temple or gompa, take your shoes off. If you are entering in the prayer room of a house, the same rule is applied.
- Left hand is used while using the restroom. It is not considered polite to eat or shake hands with the left hand.
- Notice the level of modesty in the area that you are traveling. In Kathmandu, short garments are acceptable, though in the mountain regions it is not so common. Use your own judgment depending on where you are.
- It is prohibited to wear leather inside of a temple.
- Public displays of affection are not common in Nepal, although hugging is acceptable.
- If drinking from a shared bottle of water, do not let your mouth touch the jug or bottle.
- Always ask permission before photographic people, religious festivals, cremation grounds, and the inside of temples/gompas.
Currency, Credit Cards and Foreign Payment
- Most places do not accept foreign currency and many do not accept credit/debit cards. However, most travel companies and hotels do accept cards. There are currency exchange booths throughout Thamel in Kathmandu and the main street along lakeside in Pokhara. You can find up to date exchange rates on the Nepal Rastra Bank website (www.nrb.org.np).
Communication in Nepal
- Telecommunication is rapidly developing in Nepal, in the form of both landline and mobile services. For the most part, two companies are operating in all the parts of Nepal- Nepal Telecom (NTC) and Ncell. Coverage spans most cities, though many small towns and villages do not have adequate cell service.
- The country code for Nepal is +977.
- Internet services can be found in all the major cities of Nepal and even in many hill side areas. WiFi services are typically available in hotels, bars, restaurants, and hospitals.
Safety and Security
- When traveling to a new place, safety and security is one of the primary concerns of visitors. Nepal is known for having exceptionally friendly and hospitable people. That being said, there is the occasional pickpocket/thief. Keep your belongings close to you and be aware of your surroundings.
- You are more likely to get food poisoning than have a local give you trouble. In regards to food, use your best judgment when choosing a restaurant. There is no perfect rule for avoiding foodborne illness. It is advisable to take mineral water rather than drinking what is normally offered on the table.
- During the treks and expeditions, we take safety very seriously. Activities can only be enjoyed to their fullest if all safety measures are followed. We operate all our packages with utmost alertness and consciousness for your safety and security. Please be open with us if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe and we will treat you with the best care.
Best Time to Travel to Nepal
Come to Nepal any time of the year! Each season has its perks and downfalls. In general, the spring and autumn are considered the best times to travel. Because of this, they are also the times when there are the highest number of tourists in Nepal.
Spring Season
Spring falls during March to May. It is a popular traveling season with warm days (25-30 degrees) and cool nights. Spring is the most colorful season,when you can see beautiful flowers blooming, including Nepal’s national flower – the rhododendron. It is an amazing sight to see these deep red flowers covers the hills while hiking in the mountain regions.
Autumn Season
Autumn is the most popular season for travel and trekking in Nepal. During September to November, tourists fill the street of Thamel as well as the mountain trails. This is because the weather is perfect – not too hot and not too cold – and the mountain views are the best. Days are generally warm and nights are chilly. Also, two of Nepal’s biggest festivals, Dashain and Tihar, take place in the fall. So, autumn is the best for mountain views and cultural festivals.
Winter Season
Traveling in winter season (December to January) is suitable in the lower altitude. High altitude trekking is possible, but becomes of bit more challenging due to the possibility of heavy snowfall. The mornings, days, and nights are quite cold in the high-altitude regions.
Summer Season
Mid-June to the middle of September is the rainy (monsoon) season in Nepal. The days are hot and the temperature goes above 30 degrees in the afternoon. Trekking is possible, and there will be less tourists on the trails, but you face the possibility of leeches and heavy rainfall. It is best to trek in the rain shadow areas of Nepal, like the Dolpo and Mustang regions. Please ask us about other available tours during this time.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
More than anywhere else in the world, it is possible to get Acute Mountain Sickness in Nepal. We do our best to prevent this by ascending slowly and not spending too much time at high-altitude, but it is always a concern. Above 2500 meters, the level of oxygen in the air drops dramatically. If you start to feel dizzy, nauseous, vomiting, headache, and/or shortness of breath, do tell us immediately. Most cases are mild and heal quickly, but some are serious and require helicopter evacuation.
Trekking Permits
Nearly all treks in Nepal require at least one permit. The Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS) Card is mandatory for nearly all trails in Nepal. It costs NRS 2,000 for the individual trekkers and NRS 1,000 if you are in a guided group. For SAARC countries, the group trekker pays NRS 300, and individuals pay NRS 600 for the permit. You must buy these in an office in Kathmandu or Pokhara (or through an independent agency). We will guide you through the process when you arrive in Kathmandu. For the TIMS Card, you will need a copy of your passport and two passport-sized photos.
In additional to the TIMS Card, most trekking areas require an additional fee to enter a given national park or conservation area. For example, Annapurna Conservation Area costs NRS 2,000 to enter (NRS 200 for SAARC countries), and Langtang National Park costs NRS 3,390 per person to enter. Check on the Nepal Tourism website or ask us if you would like to know how much the national park/conservation area fees are.
