Information

CLIMATE

Nepal’s climate varies with its topography and altitude.  It ranges from the tropical all the way to arctic. For instance, the lowland Terai region (with its maximum altitude to approximately 305 meters), lies in the southern part of the country and has a hot and humid climate that can rise above 40 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) during the summer.  The mid-land regions are pleasant almost all year round, although winter nights are cold.  Then there is the northern mountain region, with around an altitude above 3,300 meters and has an alpine climate with considerably lower temperature in winter as can be expected.

SEASONS:

NEPAL HAS FOUR PRIMARY SEASONS.

Spring  (from  March  until  May):
The temperature is mildly warm in low lands while moderate in higher altitudes with plenty of opportunities to have a tryst with the mountain views.  It is also the time for the gorgeous flowers to blossom.

Summer  (from  June  until  August):
This is monsoon season in Nepal.  The weather is mostly hot and wet.  It rains almost every day with occasional thunderstorms in the evening; however, the rain spreads the pleasantness around by creating lush green vegetation.

Autumn  (from  September  until  November):
This is the best tourist season in Nepal with the summer has gone by and the winter coming to set in. The weather is highly pleasant, and the mountain views are just as pleasant on the eyes. This is the peak season for trekking as mountain views are guaranteed.  This is also the season of various large Hindu festivities.

Winter  (from  December  until  February):
The weather is cool and the sky is clear with occasional snowfalls at higher elevations.  This season is good for trekking in lower elevations.  The morning and night are cold, but the days are warm when sunny.

TEMPERATURE & RAINFALL:

Nepal is the country of extremes.  The lowland plains of the Terai can have tropical temperatures and mosquitoes while the Himalayas can get all the way down to sub-zero temperatures.   However, the blazing sun can bring some warmth during the day, even in the mountains.  The temperature of Kathmandu goes below 1 Degree Celsius (34 Degree Fahrenheit) in winter and rises to an average of 25 Degree Celsius (77 Degree Fahrenheit) in summer.

THE AVERAGE TEMPERATURE IN KATHMANDU DURING THE FOUR SEASONS

• Spring season ranges between 16-23 degrees Celsius (61-73 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Summer season ranges between 23-25 degrees Celsius (73-77 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Autumn season ranges between 15-24 degrees Celsius (59-75 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Winter season ranges between 9-12 degrees Celsius (48-54 degrees Fahrenheit)

During the rainy monsoon season between June and August, it rains an average between 200-375 millimeters in Kathmandu. There is occasional rainfall during the other seasons too.  On average, 1300 millimeters of rain falls in Kathmandu every year.

Travel  Tips:

Monsoon in Nepal is not like the typical monsoons of Asia.  Rains usually occur during the night time leaving the sky clean and clear by the morning making the Himalayan view even more dramatic.  Some parts of the Himalayas in Manang, Mustang, and Dolpa are in rain-shadow areas; the mountains are high enough to block the clouds.

Tibet’s high travel season also corresponds to Nepal’s monsoon.

VISA:

Nepal provides tourist visa on demands at any entry points to Nepal for any nationalities unless it mentions on own passports. No special documents required. A valid passport of six months in advance and a passport size photograph with visa charge is needed.

PERMITS:

No permits required to enter into Nepal. But in case if a traveler planning to spend time in some region protected by laws like National parks and conservation area than the permits required. Most of the trekking routes are either passages through such areas or located in it. These documents are trekking permits and conservation area permits.

If a traveler visiting a neighboring country like Tibet (China), Bhutan, permits required and basically it takes 2-3 weeks in advance to order such document and can be easily obtained from Himalayan Shangri-La Treks.

TOURIST OFFICE:

Most of these inquire and planning you can do with your Agency like Himalayan Shangrila Treks Nepal. There are Tourist information centers and tourist police, in all the main cities, as well as an Information Center in trekking trails.

EMBASSY AND CONSULATE:
An embassy and consulate of almost every country is located in Kathmandu.

COMMUNICATION:
Communication  facilities  in  Nepal  are  accessible  in  almost  every  region.  Internet  services  can  be  limited  or  unavailable  in  rural  areas.  You  can get mobile SIM cards easily. Local telephones are available in almost every lodge along the trekking region.

LAUNDRY:
Laundry services are available in every major city of Nepal and in most of the lodges/hotels along the major trekking routes.

WOMAN TRAVELER:
Woman  travelers  are  safe  in  urban  and  other  short  and  crowded  trekking  trails,  although  it  is  suggested  taking  a  guide  or  supporter  from Travel Company for safety. It is recommended to hire a guide along Long trek and remote trekking trails.

SINGLE TRAVELER:
Single traveler is required to take at least a guide during high altitude trekking.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN:
Traveling  with  children  in  Nepal  is  convenient.  If  you  are  trekking  you  might  need  a  special  person  to  provide  extra  care  to  your  children, which you can easily hire from our agency in advance.

ACCOMMODATION:
From  budget  to  super  deluxe  Accommodation  is  available  in  Kathmandu  and  other  main  cities.  In  the  trekking  trail  or  Everest  region  there  are deluxe hotels available along with budget one.

FOOD AND DRINKS:
Many  restaurants  serve  hygienic  foods  in  Town.  At  other  main  touristic  destinations,  Hotel  provides  good  food  as  well.  In  most  cases  Mo:  Mo is considered as best cuisine in Nepal because it served steamed and hot and is nutritious.

MONEY CHANGE/ TRANSFER:
Easy  way  to  get  your  money  is  by  using  an  ATM.  ATM  machines  are  available  everywhere  in  Touristic  towns  as  well  as  major  cities  and business  centers.  Beside  that  there  are  money-changers  that  provide  you  currency  exchange  facility.  On  the  trekking,  tour  or  in  city,  hotels accept various currencies.

BANK:
Nepali  Banks  are  only  available  in  Main  city  and  business  centers.  Banks  provide  you  exchange  facility.  You  can  take  money  from  your  credit card through bank. However, be sure that you have your passport while withdrawing money.

TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Clients  themselves  buy  medical  or  high  altitude  travel  insurance  from  their  country,  which  includes  rescue  with  helicopter  too.  Besides  that, our  agency  can  provide  Insurance  facility  from  Nepal.  If  we  really  need  to  rescue  someone  from  high  altitude,  we  forward  total  bill  to  your insurance company. Every client should leave their insurance covered letter in our company before departure to trip.

ELECTRICITY:
Voltage – 220 V, 50 Hz.

WHAT TO BRING:

You  may  need  appropriate  seasonal  clothing  and  comfortable  shoes,  sunglasses  and  an  umbrella  if  you  are  traveling  in  monsoon,  sunscreen lotion, and face cap. Photo and video accessories are complimentary.

• Medicine:  General  medicines  and  first  kit  are  recommended  to  have  along  during  travel.  Most  of  the  medicines  that  you  might  need while you are traveling can be obtain in local pharmacy in Nepal.
• Chitwan (National Park): flashlight, swimsuit, mosquito repellent, long-sleeved dark-green outdoor wears, closed shoes/sport shoes.
• Rafting:  T-shirts  and  shorts,  swimwear,  sandals,  some  safety  measures  for  your  wallets  and  valuables  (a  plastic  bag  or  a  waterproof pouch).
• Better  if  you  know  it:  That  while  you  are  visiting  the  country,  we  request  and  expect  that  guests  respect  the  traditions,  beliefs  and  way of life of local people. Nepalese are very friendly and welcome foreigners with immense hospitality.

GROUND RULES:
When  visiting  Buddhist  and  Hindu  temples  you  should  leave  your  shoes  on  the  doorstep  or  at  entrance  of  the  temple/gumba.  The  same  rule exists for visiting Nepali homes.In  all  temples  and  stupas  one  should  move  only  clockwise  while  circling  the  temple  or  stupas.  If  you  are  meeting  with  the  Buddhist  priest,  you are advised to stock up on traditional white scarf (khata), which is presented to the priest, by the visitor when meeting.Try not to encourage beggars for the best experience. If you want to help, it is best to make it through the special. Charity organization.

TELEPHONE:
International code for Nepal is +977Local code for Kathmandu is 01Pokhara 061Chitwan 056Lumbini 071INTERNET:Most  of  the  hotels  in  the  cities  provide  free  internet  access  through  wi-fi.  Some  may  charge  for  it.  While  on  trail,  internet  is  available  at  limited places.  If  you  are  trekking  in  Nepal  and  you  need  to  stay  connected  with  the  world  then  it  is  better  to  get  internet  via  Mobile  Data/  Phone  SIM Card,  which  is  available  in  all  big  cities  and  towns.  They  are  two  major  service  providers,  Namaste  from  Nepal  telecom,  and  Ncell  (A  private company).   TIPPING: In Nepal, typically guide, driver, porters are tipped.