Getting a visa in Nepal is super easy and painless. You will find a couple of kiosks to enter information at the Kathmandu airport, take the printed slip of paper to the counter to receive your visa. Be sure to carry a passport size photo. Alternatively, you can choose one at the photo booth at the airport. Also, carry small bills to pay for the visa as a credit card is not accepted. It costs $30USD/15 days, $50/30 days, and $125/90 days.
It is recommended to buy a SIM card at the airport where you can get help for activating it. Buying it later may be tricky as you will have to set up the SIM card without help.
Nepal is an inexpensive country to travel to. Decent lunch costs 5 - 7 USD, drinks cost 2 - 3 USD, and double hotel rooms cost 20 - 25 USD.
Nepal is a cash-based society, so be ready to carry some money for your expenses. Convert USD/EUR to NPR as soon as possible. Also, make sure to exchange any Nepalese currency you have as they cannot be transferred outside of the country. Besides, taking the Nepalese currency outside of Nepal is illegal.
Tips at restaurants, cafes, and hotels are included as "service fees" in the bill. However, guides and porters are an exception; aim for 15 - 20% of total tour cost as they are the ones responsible for your safety.
Namaste: Hello Danyavad (pronounced: Dahn-ya-vahd): Thank you
Tap water is not safe to drink for foreigners. Stick to bottled water. You can also use SteriPEN or Iodine tablets to purify water. It is a good idea to drink 3L/day in high altitude.
Toilet papers are rare to come by in Nepalese toilets. Be safe and bring your Toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
Be modest and respectful in your dressing. For women, cover shoulders, chest, below the knees, and for men, long pants are preferable; Especially in temples. Women may carry a long scarf, which may be used to cover shoulders or used as a long skirt.
In many tourist places, there is an entrance fee ranging from 10 rupees to over 1,000 rupees. What's more, the price may vary for tourists and locals. This is a common practice in Southeast Asia.
Momo is a stereotypical food in Nepal. It is mostly eaten as lunch during the day. Various fillings are available such as meat, veggies, paneer cheese, etc.
Weather in Nepal varies according to season and altitude. Plan your travel. For trekking Feb - May and Sept-Oct are considered ideal.
The Internet is not smooth. Buy a Nepalese SIM card at the airport where you can have proper guidance. Wifi hotspots may be erratic.
Although the air is clear in trekking zones, air pollution might bother you in cities. If you have health issues, use a mask.
You can negotiate the price in a taxi. Typically, ranging from 150 - 300 rupees. A ride from Kathmandu airport to the center might cost 500 rupees. They are also available for a few hours or a whole day. Agree on the price before you get in. You may also insist on running the taxi meter. The fare might double after 10 pm which is normal.
If you come across the local explaining history of the building, temple, etc., cut them off or ask the cost of their service. If you think it's just a friendly local, you might be mistaken.
Bargaining while shopping is the accepted norm. Ask around in similar shops before you buy so that you don't end up paying the higher end of the price.
The time in Nepal is 5:45 ahead of UTC; get the correct time for speaking to friends and family.
Lots of monkeys exist, especially in Swayambhunath, to keep valuable in a closed bag and don't show food around these areas. Monkeys are habituated to stealing food, etc.
You'll come across prayer wheels in temples. Prayer wheels are cylindrical wheels that are inscribed with the mantra on the outside. It is supposed to be spun clockwise direction and is believed to balance your karma.
The colorful flags are called Lung ta - wind horse. These are Tibetan prayer flags used to bless the area around it. The five colors of the flag represent the five elements, and text inscribed are prayers.
Weather can vary morning, evening, and day besides season and altitude. In Kathmandu, it can be chilly in the morning and evening while warm during the day. It is a good idea to take a lightweight and waterproof jacket.
Kumari is considered a living goddess in Nepal. You can visit her in kumari ghar. Tradition is that her feet should not touch the ground. She holds her position until puberty. Squat toilets You'll inevitably run into squat toilets in Nepal. Typically, local joints and public restrooms have squat toilets.
Taking a bus in Nepal can be confusing, bus stops are not marked, and the bus routes are written in Nepali. That should not stop you from taking a bus if you know the approximate destination. Bus fare is charged according to distance, and you pay your fare when bus attendant approaches you or when you get off. Ratna Park station near Thamel can take you to the most destinations within the valley. Gongabu bus park near Embassy District will take you outside of the valley. Consulting with your tour company, the guide is a good idea.
The "buff" on the Nepali menu means the meat of buffalo. It does not mean you eat naked. Cows are treated with reverence in Nepal, so they eat buffalo instead.
Street food in Nepal may not agree with your stomach. Refrigeration is poor in Nepal. Sticking to well-maintained and busy restaurants is a good idea.
Surprisingly, most Nepalese identify as Hindu. However, most people celebrate both Hindu and Buddhist festivals. Caste is still a consideration during the marriage; religion much less.
Local's use tikka as a blessing. Your host may put tikka on your forehead as a warm welcome, especially in homestay situations.
Be sure to remove footwear before entering temples and homes in Nepal.
Usually worn by older men as a symbol of national pride.
Do not depend on the verbal or written plan in Nepal. It may disrupt your further schedule. Have a buffer between your significant activities.
Beware of Bandhs. They are common in Nepal and may disrupt your travel plans.
Bring a universal plug and voltage adapter kit. Nepal uses 220V.
To know more about Nepal stick through the Peculiar facts About Nepal
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