Essential Nepal Trip Notes

Trip Overview

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Keen to experience the vibrant sites and culture of Nepal? This 9 day Essential Nepal tour lets you experience the wonders, incredible natural beauty and history of Nepal. Home to the Himalayas, meet with local villagers, visit sacred temples and religious sites and explore the colourful towns and villages. Take a journey to Nepal’s capital Kathmandu, to the green jungle of Chitwan National park and beautiful landscapes in Pokhara.

Duration : 9 Days

Destination : Nepal

Start/Ends in : Kathmandu / Kathmandu

Group Size : 13-35 People

Age Req. : 18+

Trip Theme : Classic, Overland

Hotels : 4 & 3 Star

Departs : All Year Round

Why you will love this tour

• * Tick-off bucket-list experiences in Nepal from jungle safaris to temple sightseeing and mountain trekking through the Himalayas on this 9-day adventure.

• * All airport transfers, private bus transport and all breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 4 dinners are included in this tour package.

• * Spend three days trekking through the Himalayan Mountains. Soak in breath-taking scenery and mountain panoramas by day and relax at local lodges by night.

• * Keep a look out for lurking Tigers, one-horned Rhinos, Elephants, and Crocodiles at one of the largest remaining tall grassland habitats in Asia – Chitwan National Park!

• * Start and finish your adventure in Nepal’s Capital with plenty of time to explore Kathmandu Valley, the surrounding temples, and the small marketplaces scattered around the busy city.

• * Stay in carefully selected hotels and local lodges. Plus, learn of authentic Nepalese cultures and cuisines from your local guide throughout your trip.

Arrival Details

The group welcome meeting with your guide and other travelers is held around 18:30 at the hotel lobby on Day 1 of your tour unless otherwise notified.

Meeting Point:

The meeting point for the tour is :

Truly Asia Boutique Hotel – Kathmandu – 3 Star

Address: J P Marg, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal

Phone :+91 11 4966 4966

Emergency Number: +44 203 14 99 200

Airport Transfers

A complimentary airport transfer from Kathmandu airport to the Travel Talk Hotel will be provided on Day 1 of the tour (the arrival day of the tour) between 07:00 am & 22:00 pm and a departure transfer from the Travel Talk hotel to airports on the departure day of the tour. Please note your accommodation starts at 13.00 on Day 1 and so early arrivals will be required to book pre-tour accommodation if early check-in is required.

To arrange your airport transfer please email us the following information at least 2 weeks before your departure date. [email protected]

Highlights

Kathmandu: The capital of Nepal, Kathmandu is the historic, cultural, and artistic center of the country as well as the traveler’s launchpad to the Himalayas.

Pokhara: Pokhara is the second city of Nepal, casually sprawling on the shore of the dazzling Phewa Lake. It is a tourist attraction with spectacular views of the Annapurna.

Chitwan: Chitwan National Park is listed as a World Heritage Site and consists of a diversity of ecosystems including the Churia hills, Ox-bow lakes, and the flood plains of the Rapti.

Itinerary

Please note that the itinerary may be subject to small changes depending on the conditions during the tour. Alternative accommodation of similar standards may be used depending on the group size and hotel availability.

Inclusions & Exclusions

The tour price covers the following services:

Accomodation : 3 star hotels and local lodge during trekking in Nepal

Airport Transfer : Arrival and Departure transfers on first and last day of the trip

Meals : 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners

Transportation : Air conditioned, modern coach or mini-bus

Guide : Services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licensed by the Ministry of Tourism, trekking guide, naturalist in jungle activities in Chitwan.

Sightseeing : Swayambhunath, Kantipur, Patan, Tolka, Dhampus & Phedi, Chitwan, National Park, Red Fort, Qutab Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Galta Temple, Fatehpur Sikri, Taj Mahal, Agra Fort

What is NOT included in the tour price?

• Any flights not mentioned above

• Travel insurance

• Meals not stated above

• Items of a personal nature

• Tips & gestures

• Entrance fees to the sights and museums

• Optional activities

• Other services not stated in the itinerary

Hotels & Accommodation

Please find below the 4 Star hotels used on our India trips. All accommodation is carefully hand-selected to satisfy our standards in terms of quality, authenticity, and location for you to enjoy a comfortable and unforgettable holiday.

TRULY ASIA BOUTIQUE HOTEL – KATHMANDU – 3 STAR

The hotel is an excellent accommodation located in the sprawling city center of Thamel. It is very close to the famous Kathmandu Durbar Square.

USTAB HIMALAYA HOTEL – POKHARA – 4 STAR

Ustab Himalaya Hotel offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna Mountains from its upper viewing platform. The accommodation offers daily housekeeping and free Wi-Fi in all rooms.

LOCAL LODGE TREK

When you need to take a break after a long day of trekking, local trekking lodges are all you need. These are places where you can cool down, get some rest, and relax before you start hiking again with your companions.

HOTEL WILDLIFE CAMP – CHITWAN – 3 STAR

The Hotel Wildlife Camp is located in Sauraha Village close to Chitwan National Park. Every room has air conditioners or fans and a private bath fitted with running hot and cold water.

Distances

Please find below the distances between the sites visited in India and the approximate driving times. We will always strive to take a short break every few hours to enable passengers to stretch their legs, purchase snacks and use wash facilities during long drives.

– Kathmandu-Pokhara : 4,5 hours

– Pokhara-Annapurna: 4 hours

– Kathmandu-Lumbini: 5,5 hours

– Chitwan-Pokhara: 2 hours

Budgeting

Please note that entrance fees to sights and optional activities are not included in the tour price.

Entrance Fees

Kathmandu Durbarsquire — USD 11

Patan Durbar Squire — USD 8

Boudth Nath Stupas — USD 2

Pashupati NathTemple — USD 11

Syambhu Nath Stupas — USD 2

Pokhara Entry fee with boating — USD 14

Cable Car Ride Pokhara — USD 20

Panauti — USD 3

Bhaktapur Durbar Square — USD 16

Optional Activities

Mountain Flight Over Everest — USD 200

Paragliding in Pokhara — USD 145

Nepali Dinner — USD 15

Shopping

In Nepal, shop till you drop” should be your motto during your stay as Kathmandu is a shoppers’ paradise. Funky, fashionable, chic, and sleek; shopping in Kathmandu is an experience like no other. Kathmandu offers everything from luxury boutiques and shopping centers to bargain outlets and local markets. It’s the experience that goes with making your purchases that make people want to return again and again. Shopping can be very rewarding and exciting in Kathmandu.

There are numerous tourist shops on the main streets and in the hotel arcades brimming with tempting jewellery, statues, and other typical Nepalese handicraft. Each place has its specialty product which is unique. Bhaktapur, for instance, is the place to buy pottery. The Traditional Craftsman’s Colony in Patan is a famous center for Nepalese handicrafts. You may get carved wooden items while at Patan. For a complete variety of products and brands in all price ranges, Kathmandu offers a unique shopping experience.

From glitzy malls to trendy boutiques, you can find almost anything and everything that caters to your shopping list. For premium brands and high fashion, Durbar Marg is a consumers’ Mecca. It has all the high-end fashion requirements. For fashionistas, there is no alternative to Durbar Marg. The Thamel area, in particular, is popular for souvenirs and handicrafts. Kupondole, Lazimpat, and Dillibazaar are famous for their popular boutiques. From affordable to extravagant design, all that is needed to achieve the traditional look is here. New Road caters to the budget-conscious shoppers, Jhamsikhel fulfils the gastronomical, whereas shopping malls like Civil Mall, NLIC City Center, Bluebird Mall, Times Square Mall, Kathmandu Mall, and UWTC make their locations famous because of their presence.

Essential Information: India & Nepal

Passport & Visas

Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after the last day of your trip as some countries may refuse entry if there is any less. All foreign nationals, except Indian citizens, are required to have a valid visa to enter Nepal. Visas can be obtained at your nearest Nepal Embassy or Diplomatic Mission. Most citizens can also be granted a visa on arrival at multiple border entry points. For up-to-date regulations, please check the link: http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/ content/tourist-visa.html

Travel Advice

We are closely monitoring the latest travel updates to Nepal, and following the advice of the UK Foreign Office (FCDO). For the latest travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, please visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/nepal

We recommend all travellers to check their Government National Travel Advisory prior to their departure:

Australia – https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/

Canada – https://travel.gc.ca/

New Zealand – https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/

USA – https://travel.state.gov/

Travel Insurance

All passengers travelling with Travel Talk are required to have personal travel insurance before participating in any of our tours. Your guide will collect your travel insurance details on the first day of your trip. It is your responsibility to make sure you have an adequate and suitable travel insurance for you in place, you may read more at https://www.traveltalktours.com/travel-insurance

Health & Safety

The health and safety of our passengers, staff and communities visited is of utmost priority. As we monitor and comply with the official advice from the UK Foreign Office, as well as World Health Organization and government authorities regularly, we have implemented several policies and precautions on our tours for your wellbeing. You may find our Safe Travels Protocols at https://www.traveltalktours.com/safe-travels

Travel Talk Adventures has received the Safe Travels stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), which allows travellers to recognise companies around the world that have adopted health and hygiene global standardised protocols – so consumers canexperience ‘Safe Travels’.

Please make sure to regularly check your Government’s travel advice before travelling and be well-informed of any requirements. Your tour guide will also notify you of the regulations and protocols to follow throughout your trip with us.

Please note that if any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary or possess a potential risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to remove them from all or part of a trip.

Please consult with your doctor for the latest medical travel information and any vaccinations you may need. We recommend that you bring any personal medical requirements and medications with you as these may be difficult to obtain while on tour.

Weather

Nepal has typical monsoonal conditions with two seasons a year. October-November marks the start of the dry season, which in many ways is the best time of the year in Nepal. With the monsoon only recently finished the countryside is green, lush, and beautiful. At this time of the year, the air is sparkling clean, views of the Himalayas are as near as perfect and the weather is not too hot, nor too cold. For obvious reasons, this is also the peak tourist season. December and January are also good months to visit but it can get cold at high altitudes. From February to April, the weather is warmer, and flowers are blooming but the visibility isn’t as good. May and the early part of June are not ideal months to visit Nepal as the country is extremely hot and dusty. From June to September it is the wet season and the least popular time to visit Nepal. For more, check out our Nepal weather guide.

Monsoon Season in North of India: Please be aware of the monsoon season take
place around the 15th of June to the 15th of September in North India and the peak months are July and August. Monsoons are a weather phenomenon that brings a lot of rain with them. During this time rains are frequent and result in water logging, traffic jams, etc. and it’s quite difficult to visit a monument if rains are heavy moreover it makes it difficult to take photographs.

Money Matters

The official currency of India is the Indian Rupee (INR or ₹). The currency can be divided into 100paise (p). Banknotes are available in the denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 and Rupee coins come in 1, 2, 5, 100 and 1,000. Major credit and debit cards can be used in large-scale hotels, shopping malls or higher-end establishments. However, the most convenient and cheapest method is cash, which can be obtained via ATMs located in most major towns. Please note that foreign currency notes that are old, torn or faded can be difficult to exchange. If looking to exchange foreign currency, Travel Talk recommends you do not exchange bulk sums of money at the airport, as the exchange rates are usually more favourable in the major cities. Your tour leader will be happy to help if you need any assistance.

Nepali Rupee notes come in Rs. 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 500, 1000 denominations. Coins come 5p, 10p, 25p, Rs. 1, 2, 5 denominations. Foreign currencies must be exchanged only through banks or authorized foreign exchange dealers. The receipts from such transactions are to be obtained and retained. Visitors can exchange foreign currency at the foreign exchange counter at the airport upon arrival, a good idea to keep everything safe.

Please remember that everyone has different spending habits, some prefer to spend more on souvenirs, some on experiences and others on a night out! Make sure to budget your trip to your spending habits for shopping, drinking, and tipping.

Tips are a common reward for service staff in Nepal. Your tour guide and crew will be especially appreciative and honored with this kind of traditional gratitude at the end of your tour.

Eating & Drinking

Nepal is a very diverse country when it comes to ethnicity and culture. One of the outcomes of this is that there is an impressive array of local cuisine. Nepalese food has been strongly influenced by both India and Tibet, and in places like Kathmandu, there is a growing interest in western dishes. Most of the local cuisine (particularly from the Himalayan region) can taste a bit bland if people are used to spicy or savoury food, but the diet in Nepal receives a good deal of praise for its health factors.

The nearest thing to a national dish in Nepal would be Dal bhat. The meal consist of steamed rice and a lentil soup. This is a staple meal in Nepal and many Nepalese will eat Dal bhat twice a day. There are many different versions of this meal, but the most popular is Dal Bhat Tarkari which is served with vegetables and sometimes with a yoghurt or curry sauce. Modern Kathmandu is home to many ethnic groups, but the indigenous people of the Kathmandu valley are the Newar (Newa). The
Newar has their own cuisine which is said to consist of about 200 dishes, with a Tibet and Chinese influence evident in their cooking. They also have foods that are similar to western dishes such as Chataamari. Chataamari is a popular snack and is a rice crepe, served similarly to pizza.

For more, check out our Nepal food guide.

Essentials to Bring & Internet

-Face mask/cover and hand sanitiser enough for your personal use throughout the trip – See more at https://www.traveltalktours.com/safe-travels/

-Travel Documents: Passport, Visa (if required), flight or transport ticket (and photocopies)

-Travel Talk Tour Voucher (printed or digital)Travel Insurance Policy (and photocopy)

-Personal medical kit and medicine

-Money (cash, credit card, travellers’ cheques)

-Power Adapter

-Reusable water bottle

-Ear plugs and eye mask

-Sun protection – hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

-Comfortable, closed walking shoes

-Wind/water proof jacket

-Warm clothes, hat, and gloves for cold weather

-Sandals, swimwear, shorts for warm weather

Internet Access

Internet access is good across Nepal and many cafes, hotels and restaurants in cities of Nepal provide free WiFi, but the connection may be spotty or slow. WiFi coverage may be limited in remote areas. If you wish to use your own 3G/4G Data, be sure to enable data roaming on your mobile. Purchasing a Nepal SIM card for the duration of your tour may be a cost-effective alternative. Make sure that your phone is unlocked before you leave home so a local SIM will be compatible. Your local guide will be able to provide advice on where to purchase data SIMs in Nepal.

Religion, Etiquette, and How to Dress

While travelling to other nations as a foreigner, it is important to understand the traditions, cultures and religious beliefs of the populations and regions you visit. Nepal is known for its religious beliefs and practices such as Tibetan Buddhism, Kashmir Shaivism. While your guide will be able to provide further knowledge about these throughout your tour, here are a few important notes to remember.

It is common to remove your shoes as a sign or respect before entering a temple and indeed before entering into someone’s home. It’s not appropriate to walk around in skimpy clothing. Travel Talk strongly recommends all visitors dress respectfully while in Nepal with shorts or skirts that cover past the knee and shirts or blouses which cover the shoulders and chest region. More flexible clothing is possible on the trekking routes. Try to appear friendly and be open to have authentic interactions with the locals, though it’s always smart to keep your valuables safe and covered while travelling.

Solo Travellers

We have many solo travellers joining our tours. Solo travellers will be roomed with another traveller of the same gender. If you would like a private solo room, please contact us. You may see out solo travels page for more details.

Rules to Follow

We are committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. We do not tolerate any form of violence (physical or verbal), bullying or harassment involving customers, partners, Travel Talk staff or locals. Sexual relationships between a tour leader and a passenger are forbidden.

We will not tolerate any illegal activity, including but not limited to: use and possession of illegal drugs, trespassing, and disrupting public order. If you consume alcohol, please ensure that you drink responsibly and follow the local laws and regulations.

You must follow the advice of your tour leader and local officials regarding health and safety measures. We operate all tours under Safe Travels protocols for the wellbeing of our passengers, staff and communities visited. Please ensure that you have read the https://www.traveltalktours.com/safe-travels/ and are fully prepared for your trip.

If someone is acting inappropriately regarding these matters, please notify your tour leader immediately or contact us on the emergency contact number provided below.

Your tour leader has the right to remove from the group anyone not abiding by these rules, with no right of compensation or refund. See more at https://www.traveltalktours.com/booking-terms/

Please remember that our travellers come from different parts of the world and will have various needs and preferences. Be understanding and patient with your fellow travellers, and always strive to be on time.

Responsible Travel

We believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with you, we strive to make a positive impact on local people and economies, respecting the local culture, environment, social fabric and customs; encouraging respectful and meaningful cross-cultural exchange. Read more at https://www.traveltalktours.com/responsible-travel/