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Nepal Visitor Information |
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NATIONAL
PARKS:
Eight
areas of Nepal have been designated national parks. They are Langtang,
Rara, Royal Chitwan, Sagarmatha (Everest), Shey Phoksundo, Khapad, Bardiya
and Barun National Parks. To trek in any of these national park areaa
part permit in necessary which can be obtained at the park entrance on
payment of Rs. 650/- each. Similarly trekkers are required to pay Rs. 200/-
for every trekker going into the Annapurna Region payable at the Immigration
offices while getting trekking permit, which is utilized for the environment
conservation and maintenance of the area. There are several government
registered trekking agencies in Nepal to conduct such trekking programmes.
In order to have assumed quality and safe treks it is advisable to use
them.
FLIGHT
TO REMOTE AREAS
Nepal Airlines, the national flag carrier, offers extensive domestic air
services to almost all the parts of the country. Taplejung, Bhojpur, Meghauli,
Pokhara, Jomosom, Manang, Jhumla, Dolpa, Sanphebagar are the the remote
destinations where one can take a flight from Kathmandu. The other domestic
airlines such as Nepal Airways, Everest Air, Necon Air and Himalayan Helicopter
also provide regular and charter services to different popular domestic
destinations.
CLOTHING
EQUIPMENT AND PERSONAL EFFECTS
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Light
weight walking boots. |
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A
pair of track shoes. To wear in the camp at night or when boot is wet. |
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Warm
jacket. Fibrefill or down should be adecuate. This is especially necessary
during winter from December to February. |
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A
rain proof jacket with a hood or a puncho |
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Woollen
shirts and thick sweaters. During winter months these items are essential. |
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A
pair of light weight/heavy weight trousers. Jeans are unsuitable to wear
on treks. Heavyweight trousers are useful higher up in the morning and
at night. |
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Windproof/waterproof
trousers. Necessity on all treks going above 3,000 meters (10,000 ft.) |
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Thermal
power underwear. These are excellent to sleep in at night. In winter months
thermal underwear are quite invaluable. |
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A
tracksuit. Useful for wearing in camp and in the tent. |
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1-2
pair of loose fitting long shorts/skirts, gloves, woollen socks, swimming
costume etc. |
EQUIPMENT
Duffle
bag or kit bag to carry to gear while trekking. - Day pack. This is a small
rucksack to carry personal requirement for the day e.g., toilet item, camera,
film, soap etc. - Snow glasses, water glasses, wallet, small torch etc.
- Snow gaiters essential during winter . - Trekking map - personal medical
supplies.
WORKING
HOURS
The
Immigration Office is open from 10.00 to 17.00 hours from February 13th
to November 16th from 10.00 to 16.00 hours from November 17th to February
12th sunday through Thursday. On friday it is closed at 15.00 hours . Visa
extension and trekking permit applications are accepted from 10.00 to 13.00
p. m on Friday. The immigration Offices remain closed on saturdays and
on other government holidays.
Value
Added Tax (VAT)
According
to a Financial Ordinance-2061 provision, which the government has recently
decided to implement, Value Added Tax (VAT) paid by tourists on goods worth
more than Rs 15,000 would be refunded at the time of their departure. The
decision will come into effect from May 1. Any international tourist, who
has not been employed in Nepal for the past six months and has not stayed
for more than 183 days in Nepal, can claim VAT refund on his purchases.
The VAT refund applies only to goods being taken out of Nepal within 60
days of the date of purchase. For the time being the provision will benefit
tourists leaving through the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). The
Ministry of Finance (MoF) has directed the Rastriya Banijya Bank (RBB)
to open a branch at the TIA lounge to provide refund services to tourists,
according to a bank source. The RBB unit will refund the amount in foreign
currency to the tourists. The Ministry of Finanace has directed the Inland
Revenue Department (IRD) to provide application forms VAT Refund for Tourists
at department stores with immediate effect.
MONEY
SOME
USEFUL HINTS
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During
trekkings in the hills and the mountains of Nepal you should be aware and
remember that you are travelling back in time and into the wilderness not
usually frequented by many foreigner, away from Nepal, policing. Although
the people of the hills of Nepal are exceptionally hospitable, honest and
friendly by any standards, the possibilities of some trekkers encountering
bad elements who take advantage of foreigners, cannot be eliminated. It
would be wise to exercise the following basic rules as regards security
and safety during your trekking. |
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All
foreign nationals are required by law to pay their hotel, travel and trekking
agents bill in foreign currency. Exchange your money through authorized
banks/money changers only. Insist on a receipt when exchanging your money
and retain all exchange receipts with you. |
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Littering
mars the purity of environment. Avoid the use of non- biodegradable items
as much as possible. Your attempts to burn oddments and carry out the unburnable
ones will be a great help in the efforts to conserve the environment. |
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Avoid
dispute with local people, most particularly when you are alone. Avoid
drunkards and lunatics. Do not encourage beggars by giving them money or
other articles. |
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Be
most economical with all fuel. Avoid hot showers which use firewood and
discourage campfires. Avoid lodges using firewood and insist on use of
kerosene for cooking to trekking agents. |
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We
strongly recommended not to be travel insurance to cover against illness,
accidents, loss and theft of items and materials, travel alternations and
deviations, rescues and evacuations. |
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It
is recommended not to travel alone in the remote areas while travelling
in Nepal particularly in the case of females. If you don't have a fellow
trekker as companion, you should engage a guide/porter except through a
third party who has responsibility for the person engaged. |
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Please
check the travel advices issued by the embassies before leaving the capital.
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