Why We Love Nepal…

This landlocked Himalayan nation is home to 10 of the world’s 14 highest mountains, a myriad of fascinating cultures and welcoming people and boasts awe-inspiring sights at every turn. A wealth of intrepid outdoor adventures will satisfy even the most daring traveller, whilst world-class spas and immersive cultural experiences are perfect for those seeking something a little more relaxing.

Entry Requirements

Passports

If you’re visiting Nepal, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months when you submit your application for a visa.

Visas

You can obtain a visa on arrival. The visa fee is USD 30 per person, this can usually be paid on card but it is also good to carry cash, just in case. If you wish to make the process quicker, you can fill in the visa form online and bring it along with you. You will not be required to bring anything along with you as the machine will take your photograph.

If you do complete the application in advance, once you fill in the form, you will get submission receipt, please download this, print it out and bring it along with you to acquire your visa. It works for fifteen days and becomes invalid after that.

For more information please check out this website. Please also speak with our concierge team, if you are wanting to apply in advance, as we can assist with the information required to complete the form.

Insurance

Please check out the Gov UK Website for information on insurance, when travelling to Nepal. Especially if trekking, it is strongly advised to have adequate insurance that covers the cost of any medical treatment abroad, repatriation and evacuation by helicopter.

Transfers & Luggage Allowance

We’re able to arrange your transfers for you, just let us know your flight number, and we’ll plan the route and let you know the cost! For multi-stop trips, we can also arrange your transfers between hotels/regions.

Climate

Our favourite time to visit Nepal is between October and December when the weather is dry and beautifully clear, so you can make the most of those spectacular views. This dry weather continues until April, but temperatures vary between regions. May is another stunning time of year when the rhododendrons burst into bloom – but you might be in with a higher chance of rain. June until the end of August is monsoon season, and we’d advise against travelling during this time as the heavy rain and landslides mean many places temporarily closing down.

Laws and Customs

Before you travel, please take a look at Nepal’s Laws & Customs here. 

A few key items to mention:

– Women should avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless tops where this might be seen as inappropriate, eg temples and other holy places.

– Remove shoes before entering certain holy places.

– Non-Hindus are not permitted in some temples.

Plug Type

For Nepal there are three associated plug types, types C, D and M. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins, plug type D is the plug which has three round pins in a triangular pattern and plug type M has three round pins.

Currency

Nepalese Rupee (NRP). You will have to declare any amount exceeding US$5,000 in bank notes, or US$10,000 in notes and travellers’ cheques combined on your Customs Declaration when you arrive in the country. On departure, you need to present the receipt for the exchange you made during your entry into Nepal. The airport desk will then help convert your Nepali currency back to your desired currency.

Nepalese Rupees are generally not available outside of the country. You can bring cash or travellers’ cheques (in pounds sterling or another foreign currency – please note Scottish and Northern Ireland bank notes are not accepted) and/or a bank card with you and exchange or withdraw US dollars or Nepalese rupees from ATM machines in Nepal. There are ATM cash machines in most large towns, cities and hotels in Nepal.

Vaccinations

We aren’t certified to give medical advice so always recommend you consult your doctor or a travel doctor, as they will know which vaccinations you have already and any additional ones necessary for your trip. You can also take a look here for travel vaccination information and advice on bringing medication into the country.

Tipping

Tipping in Nepal is regarded as a personal matter and should only be given if you feel the service deserves it. Please give any tips discreetly and from the right hand, handing out money with the left hand is considered impolite. If you do wish to tip, we recommend US$100 to the guide and US$80 to the driver for a 3- to 5-day tour. US$150 to the guide and US$100 to the driver for 6 to 9-day tour.

Flights & Time Zone

The average total flight duration from London to Nepal is 11.5 hours. 

Nepal is GMT +5:45 (this unusual time difference is due to Nepal’s meridian of Nepal Standard Time at Gaurishankar, a mountain east of Kathmandu.)

Language

The national language of Nepal is Nepali.

Food

Traditional Nepalese cuisine is nutritious and delicious, featuring chunky vegetables, lean meats, pickled ingredients and salads. Whilst Nepalese cuisine takes some influence from its geographic neighbours like India and Tibet, this mountainous country only opened its borders in the 1950s and relies heavily on its own produce, much to the delight of foodie travellers!