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Here is some helpful information if you're planning a trip to Nepal: We recommend that you talk to friends, and family, who have been to Nepal, read various travel books, online, magazines, and/or online resources so you can become familiar with the country. As people we share many similarities, but we also differ in many ways such as our economic conditions, political systems, trade, culture, cuisine, employment opportunities, language, and traditions. This can be very evident when comparing Nepal to Western countries. We request that you, as a guest, respect Nepal’s land, and traditional culture. Nepal still remains one of the poorest countries in the world despite its breathtaking mountains, rich culture, beautiful arts, and untouched wildlife. You should be prepared physically, and emotionally to get the most out of your travel in Nepal.
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Culture & People:
Nepal has a diverse cultural landscape with 101 different ethnic groups, most of which practice Hinduism, and Buddhism. Some of these ethnic groups are Sherpa, Tamang, Gurung, Magar, Shakya, Newar, Tharu, Chettri, Bahun and Brahmin. There are close to 28 million people living in 56,830 square miles of land, which is about equivalent to the size of Arkansas. Most of Nepal is still very rural, and mountainous, which makes it very difficult to build roads, airports, and other infrastructures. Due to the extremely mountainous terrain, being landlocked, and Nepal's poor government, the country suffers from a poor economic environment, and needs improvements in roads, electricity, hospitals, buildings, financial, agriculture, and education systems. Despite these poverties, Nepal is home to eight of the highest mountains in the world and it offers the world’s best mountain climbing and majestic views. People in Nepal are friendly, loyal, optimistic, hospitable and welcoming with a rich heritage and traditions. The English language is quite common, however, most of the Nepalese speak broken English. The men are seen as the main breadwinner of the household and women as the housewife. Generally, Nepalese people are shy but very thoughtful, considerate and helpful. There is a very strong family oriented culture in Nepal where most of the family members live together in the same house and are very close with day to day lives. Most Nepalese are very social and they often gather with a big group of people to celebrate many different occasions.
Communication:
The best way to contact someone in Nepal is by using international calling cards recommended for Nepal, and by internet. Emails are easily accessible in Kathmandu and you can readily make a call from almost anywhere in Kathmandu at a very reasonable charge. To make a call from USA to Nepal, you have to dial 011-977-1 before the local number; make sure you do not use the operator by dialing 0 in the USA or your phone bill will be very expensive. To make a call from Nepal to USA, dial 00-1-area code and then the local phone number. You can buy a cell phone at a reasonable price (around Rs. 2000), and then buy prepaid minutes. Most of the Verizon phones will not work in Nepal, but anything that can have sim card will work. If you are planning to bring a laptop or battery recharger for your camera or other things, you will need a voltage converter which you can buy in outdoor travel stores in America or in Kathmandu.
Nepal's Electricity is 220 Volt and 50 MHZ (50 Cycles per Second). The electric plug is two or three round prongs, but flat prongs as found in the United States or in other countries. If your electronics use 110 Volt 60 MHZ electricity, you will need a voltage converter. Nepal's availability of electricity is not consistent. Voltage fluctuation is very common and it is advised that you use a robust power surge protector for your electronics. Nepal does not produce enough electricity so there are seasons when power may be disrupted for hours - they call it load shedding. Keep in touch with local newspapers or your hotel reception about the hours power may be off. Also, Nepal's electricity goes on and off randomly all the time. If you are working on the computers found in the hotels, make sure they have UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) otherwise save your work often.
Most hotels, including our family’s home, have back-up power and you may be able to use internet at various cyber cafes if they have back up power. Our family’s lodging facility also comes with an access to high speed cable internet. There are also lots of solar units used in Nepal to heat hot water and generate other power. Electricity in trekking areas is limited and inconsistent so it is always great idea to have a flash light or headlamp at all times. So, during your travel in Nepal please conserve energy by using only needed water, limiting fuels, and turning off lights when you leave your room
Nepal's Electricity is 220 Volt and 50 MHZ (50 Cycles per Second). The electric plug is two or three round prongs, but flat prongs as found in the United States or in other countries. If your electronics use 110 Volt 60 MHZ electricity, you will need a voltage converter. Nepal's availability of electricity is not consistent. Voltage fluctuation is very common and it is advised that you use a robust power surge protector for your electronics. Nepal does not produce enough electricity so there are seasons when power may be disrupted for hours - they call it load shedding. Keep in touch with local newspapers or your hotel reception about the hours power may be off. Also, Nepal's electricity goes on and off randomly all the time. If you are working on the computers found in the hotels, make sure they have UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) otherwise save your work often.
Most hotels, including our family’s home, have back-up power and you may be able to use internet at various cyber cafes if they have back up power. Our family’s lodging facility also comes with an access to high speed cable internet. There are also lots of solar units used in Nepal to heat hot water and generate other power. Electricity in trekking areas is limited and inconsistent so it is always great idea to have a flash light or headlamp at all times. So, during your travel in Nepal please conserve energy by using only needed water, limiting fuels, and turning off lights when you leave your room
Time Difference:
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Political Strikes:Even despite ongoing political problems, the Nepalese have always welcomed and shown great hospitality to travelers coming from all over the world. We do recommend that you check with various experts about the current situation in the area where you will be traveling before you depart for Nepal. While you are in Nepal, we strongly suggest that you talk and check with locals daily about the frequent political strikes like Nepal Bandh, Chakka Jam and other protests. When a Nepal Bandh is announced, almost everything will close for that day, and during Chakka Jam, both public and private transportation will not be operating.
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Travel Insurance:We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance which covers things such as:
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Nepal Weather/Travel Season:
The best time to travel in Nepal is mid to late September to November and in March to May. Fall season is great for incredible views of Himalayas and many different festivals like the Hindu’s biggest festival Dashain, Deewali (festival of lights) and Buddhist’s Mani Rimdu festival in the Everest/Khumbu region. Nepal’s weather is generally predictable and pleasant. There are four climatic seasons: March to May (spring), June to August (summer), September to November (autumn) and December to February (winter). The monsoon is approximately from the end of June to the middle of September. About 80% of the rain falls during that period, so the remainder of the year is dry. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons; winter temperatures drop to freezing with a high level of snowfall in the mountains. Summer and late spring temperatures range from 28ºC (83ºF) in the hill regions to more than 40ºC (104ºF) in the Terai. In winter, average minimum and maximum temperatures in the Terai range from a brisk 7ºC (45ºF) to a mild 23ºC (74ºF). The central valleys experience a minimum temperature often falling bellow freezing point and a chilly 12ºC (54ºF) maximum. Much colder temperatures prevail at higher elevations. The Kathmandu Valley, at an altitude of 1,310m (4,297ft), has a mild climate, ranging from 19-27ºC (67-81ºF) in summer, and 2-20ºC (36-68ºF) in winter
Payment Method/Currency:
There are two ways of making payments to us:
- In USA: by mailing checks, pay pal, money orders, bank checks or by handing cash or check in person
- In Nepal: by paying cash in US dollars, Nepalese currency or travelers check
- We accept domestic and international wire transfers depending on the group size and amount
- Please make check payable to US Sherpa International LLC
