This Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) is designed to answer many of the questions for people who are planning and preparing a first trip to Nepal. The questions listed here, and their respective answers are meant only as a general guide to help you plan and organize your trip before you actually hit the road. They are not meant to be a detailed out-on-the-road guide.
Note that the monetary unit used in this FAQ is in US dollars ($), or in Nepalese rupees (Rs) unless otherwise stated. Frequently asked questions regarding a Visit to Nepal are designed to be informative and re-assuring.
Do I need a Via to Visit Nepal?
You can get a Visa either on arrival in Nepal in the Airport Arrival Halls, from the Nepalese Embassy, Consulates or other mission offices in your home country.
Visa fee:
- A single entry visa costs US$ 25 for 15 days.
- Additional re-entry costs US$ 40 for 30 days.
- Visa Costs US$ 100 for 90 days.
What are the main attractions?
Many people come to Nepal just to trek among the Himalayas (Check out carnival Vacation trekking regions), but there is also a lot more to the country. If trekking isn't your thing there are many other options such as:-
Explore Kathmandu and its surrounding valley, walk the streets of Kathmandu on an extensive guided tour, visit the medieval cities of Bhaktapur and Patan, Visit the Buddhist and Hindu Temples at Pashupatinath, Syambhunath, Bouddhanath, Namobuddha and Nagarkot to take in the sweeping views of the giant majestic Mountains as the sunrise and sunset. Take a mountain flight to through the Everest regions and the Tibetan plateau. Fly over Annapurna's and rest in the sleepy town of Pokhara sipping cappuccinos at this lakeside. Experience the wildlife safari flying to Chitwan National Park from Kathmandu, Visit Lumbini a birth place of Lord Buddha which stands for Peace and other immemorial pilgrimage sites around the country. You can experience the adventurous activities such as Para Gliding, Bunjee jump, Hot- Air Ballooning, Wave running, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Hiking, Pony Treks, Expedition and more. You can explore the different types of tours and packages. For detail please visit our website: www.greenplanetnepal.com
When to Travel?
The Nepal Himalayas is governed by the southerly monsoon which brings heavy between the months of June and September as it rains a lot. There are great treks available in the rain shadow during these months but if you are planning more popular treks it is best to avoid the monsoon months. Autumn through to spring is the best time to fully experience Nepal.
Is trekking for me?
If you are reasonably fit and enjoy walking you will find a trek in the Brochure to suit you. Normally the shorter treks tend to be easier whilst the longer ones often require a better standard of fitness. All treks in the Brochure have been graded. it is also worth remembering if we are tailoring your tour , you can choose the pace and direction of your experience.
What is rafting like and how safe is it?
Nepal has some of the most magnificent rivers in the world. Deep gorges surrounded by lush green forests, village perched on rocky ledges, white water rapids and flat, warm sandy beaches. Cruising gently down a river on a raft in Nepal can be either relaxing or adrenalin pumping, depending on how you like it.
Safety:
Natural surrounding beauty and away from towns and roads providing a feeling of remoteness. Tents, Sleeping mats, Sleeping Bags, foods and campfire are all provided. Just bring along your spirit of adventures…
Carnival vacation gives paramount importance to safety and it is without questions our number one priority, regardless of the activity. In terms of rafting trips, the following is provided to ensure your safety.
- Helmets and life jackets are compulsory at all times on the water.
- A safety briefing is mandatory before the raft is put in the water.
- All raft guided are first aid trained
- Our raft guides are some accompanied by a minimum of two safety kayakers
- We always use a separate, extra raft for equipment
- Strictly hygiene practices are followed at campsites.
Where to stay on trek?
In the most popular trails (Annapurna, Everest and Langtang), there are well –established Mountain Lodges providing sleeping accommodation and meals. Gone are the days when almost all trekkers had to share dormitories but nowadays furnished private rooms are provided. Also many Lodges have the solar showers and clean toilets facilities. You can also accommodate in a campsite but many campsites are connected to lodge. So it is better to accommodate in a lodges.
Is food/water safe to eat and drink?
Everybody should be fit and fine. These will be possible due to the Hygienic food and water. The experienced cook will prepare all meals to high standards, fruit and vegetables are soaked in iodine before preparation. Most lodges serve boiled and filtered water, which is generally safe, so we suggest a drop of iodine to be totally sure. We discourage the purchase of bottled water for the obvious environmental seasons.
Essentials to bring on a trek:
- Good & Comfortable trekking shoes.
- Rucksack & day bag.
- Some pairs of warm socks as well as light socks.
- Toiletries & medical kit including headache tablets.
- Couple of T-Shirts and short for the day.
- Scarf & Gloves- it can get very cold out of the sun.
- Slippers and down Jackets.
- Sun Hat and Sun block- very important to protect against sunburn.
- Flash Light- most important on the trekking since there is electricity problem.
- Camera with adequate films
What is altitude sickness?
A number of measures can be adopted to prevent Mountain Sickness known as Altitude sickness.
- Ascend slowly- have frequent rest days, spending two to three nights at each rise of 1000 meters. If you reach a high altitude by trekking, acclimatization takes place gradually and you are less likely to be affected tan if you fly directly to high altitude.
- If possible, it is always wise to sleep at the lower altitude than the high altitude reaches during a day. Also once above 3000 meters. Care should be taken not to increase the sleeping altitude by more than 300 meters per day.
- Drink plenty of fluids and Eat light, high carbohydrate meals for more energy. The mountain air is dry and col. Moisture is lost as you breathe. Evaporation of sweat may occur unnoticed and the result in dehydration.
- Avoid alcohols and smoking's as it may increase the risk of dehydration.
What happens if there is an Emergency?
All of our guides are trained in basic first aid and can deal with the basic matters that may occur in a trek. In the event of an emergency Carnival Vacation will cover initial expenses of any rescue operations. It is a condition of booking that you are adequately insured for such an event as these expenses will need to be recovered from your insurance company. In the most frequented regions, health post is available which have been established by foreign Doctors.
Further useful Information’s:
By exploring alternative travel choices, you can have a unique trip and avoid leaving negative marks on cultures, economics and the environment.
- Greetings: The form of Greeting in Nepal is “Namaste” and is perform by joining the palms together.
- Behavior: Be respectful of the local citizens’ privacy. Ask permission before interring scared places, private lands, Nepali homes, temples and stupas. Westerners are strictly prohibited in all Hindu temples. Also avoid kissing and hugging in Public between Men and Women. It is taken as a social offence in most of the areas of the country
- Photos: Be sensitive to when and where you take photos/videos of the people. Always ask first.
- Eating: Be careful not to use your spoons, forks or hands being used for your eating, cooking utensils for the serving dish. Do not eat from people’s plate and don’t drink from others bottle or glass. It is considered as “JUTHO” or impure by Nepalese.
- At the Hotel: Ask about environmental polices and practices. Talk with the staff about working conditions. Does the Hotel support community projects?
- Language: Learn a few words of the local language and use them.
- Dress: Read up on local conventions and dress appropriately. Women should especially avoid dressing in skimpy outfits.
- Environment: Respect the natural environment. Never touch or harass animals. Always follow designated trails. Support conservation by paying entrance fees to parks and protected areas.
- Animal Product: Never Ever buy crafts or products made from protected or endangered animals.
- Pay the fair price: Don’t engage in overly aggressive bargaining or souvenirs. Don’t short-change on the trips for services.
- Buy Local: Choose locally- owned lodges, Hotels and resorts. Use local buses, vehicle rental agencies and airlines, Eat in local restaurants, shops in local market and attend local festive/events.
