Travel Guide

Travel Guide to Nepal Tour

Nepal at a Glance

  • Capital City: Kathmandu
  • Official Language: Nepali, but you can usually communicate in English in major tourist areas. 
  • Religions: Predominantly Hinduism and Buddhism.
  • Currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR/NRs.). Check the foreign exchange rate for the day.
  • Time Zone: Nepal Standard Time (NST), UTC+5:45
  • Geography: Varied, from Terai altitude of 100m to Mt. Everest altitude of 8,848m. Out of the 14 peaks above 8,000m in the world, 8 of them are in Nepal. 
  • Climate: Varied, from subtropical in the south to alpine in the north.
  • Electricity: 220V/50Hz (Type C and Type D plugs)
  • Safety: Nepal is generally safe for tourists but be cautious in crowded areas and remote regions.

Visa & Documentation for Nepal

  • Most tourists require a visa to enter Nepal.
  • Tourist visas can be obtained on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, other land border crossings, or from Nepali embassies/consulates abroad.
  • Visa fees vary depending on the duration of stay. For a 15-day multiple-entry tourist visa, the fee is $30. For a 30-day visa, it’s $50. For a 90-day visa, it’s $125.
  • Visitors must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended departure date.

Best Time to Visit Nepal

  • Autumn (September to November): Most popular time for tourists, Pleasant weather, Clear skies, Favorable trekking conditions.
  • Spring (March to May): Excellent season for travel, Blooming flowers, Stable weather.
  • Winter (December to February): Ideal for low-altitude treks and city tours, Cold in the mountains.
  • Monsoon (June to August): Least recommended time for travel, Heavy rainfall, Landslides, Limited visibility in the mountains.

Nepal Visa Duration & Extension

  • Initially, tourist visas are typically issued for 15 days, 30 days, or 90 days.
  • If you plan to stay longer, visa extensions can be obtained at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu and some other major cities. Extensions are usually available in 15-day increments up to a maximum of 150 days per visa per year.
  • Overstaying your visa may result in fines, so it’s essential to extend it legally.

Must-Visit Places in Nepal

  • Kathmandu valley: Explore the capital city’s ancient temples, stupas, and historic sites. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, and Boudhanath.  
  • Pokhara: Known for its serene lakes, stunning mountain views, and adventure sports, Pokhara is the ultimate location to enjoy the natural beauty of Nepal.
  • Chitwan: Home to diverse wildlife, Chitwan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site where you can spot rare animals like one-horned rhinoceros and Royal Bengal tigers. 
  • Lumbini: The birthplace of Lord Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lumbini is rich in culture, tradition and heritage, overall a spiritual journey.
  • Annapurna and Everest Regions: Nepal consists of some world-renowned trekking destinations of the Himalaya range.

Travel Insurance

  • It’s highly advisable to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, evacuation, trip cancellation/interruption, and personal belongings.
  • Check if your insurance includes coverage for high-altitude trekking if you plan to trek in Nepal.

Recreational Activities

  • Trekking: Nepal offers some of the world’s best trekking routes, including the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit treks.
  • Rafting: Nepal has pristine rivers where you can enjoy white-water rafting adventure.
  • Paragliding: Soar above Pokhara’s picturesque landscape.
  • Ultralight Flight: Enjoy the aerial sightseeing of the mountains, valleys and lakes with through ultralight flights. 
  • Wildlife Safari: Explore the jungles of Chitwan and Bardia National Park.
  • Cultural Tours: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Nepal with historic monuments and temples all across the country.

Health & Safety

  • Carry a first-aid kit and medications for common ailments.
  • Stay hydrated and follow proper hygiene practices.
  • Altitude sickness can be a concern in high-altitude area trekking, so acclimatize gradually during treks. 
  • Receive complete vaccinations such as dysentery, typhoid, cholera and tetanus. Don’t drink raw water that is not boiled, and try to avoid eating raw vegetables, salads and fruits.
  • Anti- mosquito agents should be taken during hot weather, and the body should be guarded during the rainy season.

Cultural Considerations

  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
  • Remove your shoes before entering temples and homes.
  • Seek permission before taking photos of locals.

Respect for Nature

Follow eco-friendly trekking practices, such as avoiding single-use plastic bottles and properly disposing of trash.

Travel Guide to Tibet & China Tour

Tibet & China at a Glance

  • Capital City: Lhasa (of Tibet)
  • Official Language: Chinese/Tibetan (Tibeto-Burman language family)
  • Religions: Predominantly Tibetan Buddhism and Bon
  • Currency: Chinese Yuan (CN¥, ¥) is used primarily, but US Dollar ($) is also accepted in many places. Credit card acceptance is very limited. 
  • Time Zone: China Standard Time (CST), (GMT+8)
  • Electricity: 230V/50Hz (Type A, Type C and Type I plugs)
  • Phone Usage: Nepali SIM cards do not work in Tibet, but SIM cards can be purchased upon arrival in Tibet for communication with family and friends.
  • Transportation: Reliable buses, jeeps, and helicopters are available for local travel through the rough terrain.
  • Accommodation: Accommodation ranges from hotels to guesthouses, with meals provided at hotels or local restaurants. Tents are available for higher elevation zones. 
  • Climate: Tibet experiences cold winters, cool summers, and low precipitation, averaging only 45 cm (18 inches) of rain or snow annually. Temperature fluctuations can be significant, ranging from 29°C (85°F) in desert areas during summer to below 4°C (40°F) at night. 
  • Safety: China is generally safe for tourists, especially in the Tibet area. 

Visa & Documentation for China & Tibet

  • A passport with a validity of at least six months is required for travel to Tibet, along with ample blank pages for visas and stamps. 
  • Travelers entering Tibet via mainland China must obtain a Chinese visa from the Chinese Embassy in their home country, with a Tibet travel permit for Mount Kailash region. 
  • For those arriving in Lhasa from mainland China, travelers must apply for a Chinese visa from the Chinese Embassy in their home country. Once obtained, the visa and passport copies must be provided to Dream Himalayan Travel and Tours for Tibet Travel Permit processing. The Tibet permit is essential for entry into Tibet from mainland China.
  • For those entering via Nepal, a Chinese Group Visa is necessary, that can be obtained through Dream Himalayan Travel and Tours in Kathmandu. 
  • For travelers entering Tibet via Kathmandu or overland routes, arrival in Kathmandu at least 2 to 6 days prior to entry into Tibet is required. The Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu issues visas on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Dream Himalayan Travel and Tours will facilitate the visa process, requiring the original passport for visa issuance. 

Best Time to Visit Kailash Mansarovar

  • April to October: Favorable weather, High visibility, Comfortable temperatures ranging from 15-25°C with clear skies.
  • July to August: Onset of monsoon season, Light rains, Occasional fog.
  • November to March: Heavy snowfall, Freezing temperatures, Challenges traveling conditions. 

Travel Insurance

  • We highly recommend obtaining comprehensive travel insurance before embarking on your journey. Travel insurance provides coverage for unforeseen circumstances such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost baggage, and other travel-related mishaps. 
  • Ensure that your insurance policy includes coverage for the destinations you’ll be visiting and the activities you’ll be participating in.

Cultural Considerations

  • Respecting the local culture and customs is essential during your travels. Familiarize yourself with the cultural norms, traditions, and etiquette of the regions you’ll be visiting, including Tibet and China. 
  • Dress modestly, ask for permission before taking photographs, and be mindful of local sensitivities and taboos. 
  • Embracing cultural differences enriches your travel experience and fosters mutual respect with the local communities.

Health & Safety

  • Due to the harsh climate and challenging terrain of Kailash Mansarovar, travelers must be in good physical condition to undertake the journey. 
  • While no special inoculations are required for Tibet, travelers with pre-existing heart, lung, or anemia conditions should consult a doctor before their trip. 
  • Given the high altitude of Mansarovar Lake and Mount Kailash Parikrama, travelers may experience Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). It is essential to engage in physical activities like yoga and pranayama beforehand to mitigate the effects of AMS. We advise staying hydrated, avoiding excessive exertion, and taking frequent rests during the trip.
  • Cold weather and altitude may lead to colds and coughs, so adequate vitamin intake is recommended. Antigiardial medication such as Flagyl or Tiniba is advised for stomach bugs, and tap water should be avoided. 
  • Additionally, precautions should be taken against dog bites, as there are reports of incidents involving foreigners.

Respect for Nature

  • As you explore the breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders of Tibet and China, it’s important to prioritize environmental conservation and sustainability. Respect nature by minimizing your ecological footprint, disposing of waste responsibly, and adhering to designated trails and protected areas. 
  • Help preserve the pristine beauty of these destinations for future generations to enjoy.