Pre Trip Arrival Tips

Welcome to Nepal

 We’re thrilled that you’ll be joining us on this incredible trip. To help you prepare for your journey, we’ve put together some essential information to make your travels as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Visa information:

Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six (6) months from your date of entry into Nepal and contains at least two blank pages. You can apply for a tourist visa online up to 14 days before your departure date.

• Visit the official Department of Immigration website at nepaliport.immigration.gov.np.
• Fill out the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) form completely.
• Print the confirmation page containing the barcode. You must present this physical document to Immigration upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu to make your payment

Visa fee payment

Final payment and visa issuance will take place directly at the Immigration department at Tribhuvan international airport in Nepal.

• Payment method: Please ensure you have the exact cash amount ready in US Dollars.
• Fee Structure:
• $30 USD per person for a 15-day visa
• $50 USD per person for a 30-day visa

(Note: We can also process and issue the visa on your behalf, subject to a local service charge in addition to the standard visa fees).

Travel Insurance:

Don’t forget to secure travel/trek insurance for your tour or trek. If it’s trek then insurance must cover a medical evacuation – this is mandatory. It’s always a good idea to be covered for any unforeseen events during your travels.

Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport: 

Adventure starts in airport! The immigration clearance, baggage claim, and security check processes may take approximately 1-2 hours. Our office representative will be waiting for you outside the airport. Since the airport may be crowded, please don't worry if you don’t immediately spot our representative. He/She will be holding a name card with your details. You can also stay in touch with our representative through Whatsapp.

If you happen to miss your baggage, don’t panic. Fill out the lost baggage form and provide your Kathmandu hotel’s + our airport representative's name and number. Our representative will coordinate with the airline to ensure that your baggage is delivered to you at the earliest.

Road conditions:

In some parts, the roads in Nepal can be bumpy and winding, with traffic that may seem chaotic at times. But don’t worry; we prioritize your safety and comfort. Our friends have years of experience with strong hands behind the wheel. Embrace the journey—it’s all part of the experience! 

ATMs and Currency exchange: 

Card or Cash payment:

Payment for personal expenses in hotels and restaurants in major city areas (Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan) can be done through card. Apart from this, countryside, outskirts and village areas might not have this service. Hence it is recommended to carry some NPR cash during your trip in Nepal.  

 Money exchange:

Carry clean crisp paper bills from home (US Dollars, Euros are preferred). Local money exchangers and banks will reject notes that are torn, creased or stamped. Individuals carrying more than USD 5,000 or equivalent amount must declare the amount in custom duty by filling up the form in Tribhuvan international airport. An authorized money exchanger outlets can be found on streets in Thamel area of Kathmandu, Lakeside in Pokhara or Sauraha in Chitwan. Ensure to get assistance from our guide for the location of an outlet.

 ATM machine:

Credit or debit cards can be used in local ATMS to withdraw Nepalese rupees - NPR (Recommended ones are: Nabil bank, Standard Chartered, or Himalayan Bank).

 Limitation: The official maximum per-transaction withdrawal cap across Nepal's central banking network is 20,000 NPR (approximately $150 USD). In one day, you can withdraw up to 50,000 NPR (approximately $370 USD).

Flat fee: Every time a foreign card is used, the local Nepalese bank levies a flat processing fee of 500 to 800 NPR (~$4 to $6 USD) on top of what your home bank charges. To avoid paying this fee multiple times, it is always most economical to maximize each withdrawal by pulling the full 20,000 NPR at once. 

 Taking NPR Home? (Customs Laws):

The short answer is no. The Nepalese Rupee (NPR) is a closed/restricted currency.

• The Rule: It is legally forbidden to take Nepalese currency across international borders. You are expected to leave the country with zero NPR.
• The Exchange-back process: Keep a few of your original ATM receipts or official money exchange slips from your trip. If you have leftover local cash at the end of your journey, you can convert your NPR back into foreign currency (like USD) at the exchange counters inside Tribhuvan International Airport before you pass through security. They will generally ask to see your original exchange or withdrawal receipts to verify the funds were legally acquired.
• Foreign Currency Export Limit: You can leave the country with your remaining original foreign cash (USD/Euros), but if you are carrying more than $5,000 USD (or equivalent) in cash, it must be officially declared to airport customs authorities to clear security.

(Note: The information is subject to change depending on Government laws and regulation)

Connectivity:

 Adapter:

For your electronic devices, please note that Nepal operates on a standard voltage of 230V with a frequency of 50Hz. The power plugs and sockets are of types C, D, and M. While most hotels have this function, we recommend bringing a universal power adapter to keep your devices charged. You can also buy a portable charging device at nearby shops in Kathmandu.

 SIM CARD & Internet

Wi-Fi is commonly available in hotels and cafes, but it may be less reliable in rural areas. For better connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival. You can buy an NTC (Nepal Telecom) SIM card or assign E-SIM at designated counters in the airport; just bring your passport and a passport-sized photo.

Health and Safety

To ensure a safe trip, consider the following:

• Vaccinations: Check with your healthcare provider about recommended vaccinations for Nepal.
• Pharmacies: Local pharmacies are available in cities, but it's wise to carry any personal medications.
• Altitude Awareness: If you are trekking at high altitudes, stay hydrated and ascend gradually to avoid altitude sickness. Medical prescription for the use of Diamox is necessary.
• Consult with your travel consultant before bringing personal medications; a doctor’s recommendation letter is important for this.

Responsible travelers’ codes for Nepal:

• Discuss with local guides regarding customs and traditions of the places you plan to visit, including festivals, rituals, culture, and social fabric. Being part of the local community is a best way to expereince trip in Nepal.
• Acquiring some basic vocabulary in the local language can enable you to establish a meaningful connection with the local community.
• Honor the distinctive qualities of a destination, including history, ritual practice, architecture, culture, religion, music, art, cuisine and other forms of expression which might not be familiar to you. This is a treasure of Nepal.
• Seek permission before taking photographs of local people.
• When visiting temples, staying in monasteries, or visiting local community homestays, please ensure you are dressed appropriately in long sleeves and pants.
• While English is widely spoken in tourist areas throughout Nepal, conversational fluency can vary among local communities. Your tour guide will be with you to facilitate smooth communication, bridge any language gaps, and ensure meaningful interactions with the locals.
• Opt for locally made handicrafts and products that support the economic growth of small-scale, family-owned businesses, small retailers, and small-scale producers of goods and services.

Respect environment:

• Illegal souvenirs: Purchase goods that do not originate from endangered animal or plant species. This includes endangered species listed as follows:
• Adopt sustainable waste management practices during your travels, such as reducing, reusing, and recycling waste. Carry your own refillable water bottle, steer clear of products with excessive packaging, and decline plastic bags when making purchases.
• Minimize your usage of water and electricity in your lodging (request for your towels and sheets to be utilized for more than one day, and ensure you switch off the lights, heating, and air conditioning before vacating the room).
• Leave only a minimum footprint and a good impression behind.

• IUCN Nepal Red list of endangered animals or plant species.
• Checklist of CITES listed flora of Nepal