Being an extensive traveler, you need to know everything before traveling to Nepal, located in South Asia. Nepal has long been one of the more popular travel destinations for visitors from all over the world. After all, it can offer you a diverse set of attractions, ranging from several sites of historical interest to being located next to the highest peak on the planet to even being the birthplace of Buddha. Such a combination of factors ensures that touring interest in the country never wanes. But even if the country is very tourist-friendly, there are certain things you should know beforehand.
Every country has its own customs, traditions, and opportunities, and Nepal is no different here. Below you’ll find a number of facts about the country that might be relevant to you as a visitor, including that Nepal is a very affordable place, that visiting it requires a visa, that hiking in Nepal requires a permit, and even that you shouldn’t drink the tap water there. Read on and learn what to expect from this beautiful and mysterious country!
It’s a Very Affordable Place to Visit
The country of Nepal is a very affordable place to visit, especially if you plan on trekking there. The reason for this is simple: Nepal’s currency is the Nepali Rupee, and the exchange rate is usually very good, meaning that the cost of living is very low.
As such, the costs for the majority of tourist attractions are also more than affordable, especially when you go on your own following a Nepal travel guide, making it one of the more affordable places for tourists in South Asia. If you plan to go hiking, the low prices there mean that it’s often a good choice to bring with you only the essential equipment, such as clothing, and procure everything else needed on-site.
Visiting Nepal Requires That You Get a Visa
If you plan on visiting Nepal, you’ll notice that you actually have to apply for a visa before coming there. The process for getting one is not complicated, as all you have to do is apply for it beforehand on the government website. Alternatively, you can get an ‘On Arrival’ Visa. As such, if you plan on doing some hiking on the Annapurna Circuit, you should make sure to get your visa before your trip begins.
Also, if you plan on staying in the country for longer than 90 days, you’ll have to get an extension at the Immigration Office in Kathmandu; this will require you to bring all your documents with you. As mentioned above, if you plan to do some trekking in Nepal, you’ll need to pay attention to the time of year you go there. The reason for this is simple: most trekking routes are open during specific seasons only.
For example, some trails are often too wet to be passable during the monsoon season and sometimes close due to landslides. Similarly, the paths may be too snowy to be safely traversable during the winter season. As such, if you plan on doing some trekking in Nepal, make sure to check out the opening times of each trail and plan accordingly.
Hiking in Nepal Requires That You Get a Permit
Trekking is a very popular activity in Nepal due to its mountainous terrain and diverse selection of trails. However, before you set off on your trek, it’s essential to take note of the fact that Nepal requires that you get a permit to trek beforehand.
You need to get the TIMS, or Trekkers’ Information Management System card, which is a permit that gives you the right to trek. However, some of the trails may require additional permits to be issued, including but not limited to Mustang, Dolpa, and Kanchanjunga.
Drinking Tap Water There is no good Good Idea
There are many things that you need to be careful about when visiting Nepal. One of the more important ones is to avoid drinking tap water there, as it can be dangerous. Even though most hotels have filters for their taps, it’s still best to drink bottled water instead.
For your convenience, it might be a good idea to invest in a good-quality filtration bottle so that you’re no longer limited in your treks by the amount of water you carry. Instead, all you have to do is boil it and pour it into your filtration bottle. Another option is to buy water filtration tablets and use them to purify the local water of any potentially dangerous contaminants.
Conclusion
Nepal is a wonderful country to visit and one where you can have a lot of fun. However, if you plan on visiting it, make sure to keep in mind the information presented above. This way, you’ll be sure not to miss out on some of its great aspects and avoid some of its potential pitfalls. Whenever you plan to travel to Nepal, which is located in South Asia, it has long been one of the more popular travel destinations for visitors. As long as you remember these facts, you should have no issue enjoying your time in Nepal! Good luck!
