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Travel Advisory
SAFETY/SECURITY
ADVICE
The situation in Nepal has always been tourist friendly.
Due to some sporadic reporting of Maoist activities in some
parts of the Kingdom, extra measures for security were adopted
which has indeed improved the law and order situation. Major
tourist places continue to welcome tourists in large numbers.
Tourists have never been directly targeted by the Maoists.
Moreover, the Maoist leaders have categorically stated time
and again that they would not disturb the tourism sanctity
neither target the tourist in future. Hence, tourists have
never been the victims of insurgency activities in Nepal.
Travel to and within Nepal is a safe and enjoyable experience
provided sensible precaution is taken. Tourists are advised
to use the services of registered and reputed travel/trekking
companies and hotels only. By using the services of government
registered service providers, you will be ensuring the most
comfortable and reliable holiday possible. Public demonstrations
and strikes are popular forms of political expression in
Nepal, as in other parts of the world and they may occur
on short notice. These demonstrations are usually nonviolent
and not directed towards foreigners. During general strikes
(called "Bandh" in Nepal), many businesses close,
and transportation and city services may be disrupted. Tourist
buses, airport downtown-airport shuttle service and rickshaws
are the only means of transportation available during bandhs.
Travelers are requested to stay either at their hotel or
homes or at the most in prominent touristic areas, where
no any untoward incidents have taken place, so far. Tourists
can also visit places of tourist interest within walking
distance from their hotels.
ENTRY
AND EXIT REQUIREMENTS
A passport and visa are required for visitors other than
Indian nationals. Tourist visas can be purchased upon arrival
at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at all
other ports of entry. All foreigners must pay an airport
exit tax, regardless of the length of their stay. Travelers
may contact nearest Royal Nepalese Embassy/Consulates for
further information. Indian nationals do not require visa.
However, effective from October 1, 2000 Indians travelling
to Nepal by air will have to show upon arrival at entry
point either a passport, voter's identity card issued by
Election Commission of India, or an identity card with photograph
issued by the Central or State Government of India. Children
under 10 years need not show any identification.
INFORMATION
FOR TRAVELERS
Nepal has abundance of offers to establish it as a round
the year travel destination. Based on this fact, many international
tourists are indeed incorporating Nepal in their wishful
travel itinerary. Popular tourist areas in Nepal like Kathmandu,
Pokhara, Chitwan, Everest Region, Annapurna Region, Langtang
Region, Lumbini, Janakpur and others are absolutely free
from any sorts of disturbances. This is a clear testimony
that travel safety in Nepal is more a perception problem
than the actual state of affairs. Nepal Tourism Board (NTB)
always recommends travelers to get services through the
registered companies which guarantee you safe, reliable,
standard and value for money travel services. Travelling
in Nepal typically involves walking for an extended time
over rugged, steep terrain, to various luxurious stays during
the course of their trip. Many popular trekking routes in
Nepal cross passes as high as 18,000 feet. The Nepal Tourism
Board requests all existing and potential travelers to exercise
extreme caution while trekking at higher altitudes. The
safest option for all trekkers is to join an organized group
and/or use a reputable firm that provides an experienced
guide and porter who communicates in both Nepali and English.
MEDICAL
FACILITIES
Medical care is widely available in the District head quarters
and the towns and cities. Moreover, Kathmandu has the most
modern medi-care facilities, equipment and most qualified
doctors in order to provide a quality care. Serious illnesses
often require evacuation to the nearest adequate medical
facility. Illnesses and injuries suffered while on trek
in remote areas often require rescue by helicopter. Various
private Helicopter Companies including the Royal Nepal Army
(at the Airport) provide rescue services. The cost is typically
not much. For further information, please contact Himalayan
Rescue Association (Phone: 26 2746, Kathmandu) or your local
travel or trekking agent.
MEDICAL
INSURANCE
After the establishment of various international Insurance
Companies in the form of joint venture (JV), medical insurance
is becoming popular in Nepal. Hence, all travelers are requested
to insure through the reputed agencies. However, travelling
within Nepal is adequately safe except in some remote government
cautioned areas. Please check with your own insurance company
to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including
provision for medical evacuation, and for adequacy of coverage.
Supplemental health insurance that specifically covers overseas
treatment and air evacuation to the nearest adequate medical
facility is strongly recommended.
TRAFFIC
SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS
In major tourist destinations the condition of the Roads
are fairly well maintained. Those travelling by their own
vehicles must carry valid road maps. The East West Highway
connects all major cities and towns. Further information
may be sought from NTB or local agents. The accident rate
in Nepal is comparatively very minimal and relatively fatalities
from such accidents are rare as compared to other big cities
of the globe. Likewise, there are several domestic private
airlines operating within the nation, which has tremendously
helped to connect the remote part of the country to the
capital.
AIR
TRAVEL
Travelling to Nepal by air is considered safe. Nepal is
well connected by a dozen of international airlines from
all major cities of Europe and Asia. It also has a fair
no of domestic airlines, which cater to the needs of the
travelers domestically. Tribhuvan International Airport
(TIA) infrastructures have been duly extended in order to
meet the rising demand of the air travelers.
CUSTOMS
REGULATIONS
All travelers are requested to abide by the custom regulations
of Nepal. The facilities that are given to travelers are
of international norms except in the cases of heavy-duty
import such as valuable metals, articles of archeological
and religious importance, wildlife and related articles,
drugs, arms and ammunition, and communications equipment.
ENVIRONMENT
His Majesty's Government (HMG) is very conscious about maintaining
the ecological balance. The preservation of the natural
resources and conservation of the national heritages has
been our prime concern. In order to give a fillip to this
concept, His Majesty's Government of Nepal (HMG/N) has already
brought in to effect the emission control norms for the
vehicles. Similarly HMG is coordinating with various experts,
donors, INGOs and NGOs and others to manage the Solid waste
management and also controlling the effluents discharged
by the industries. As far as conservation and preservation
is concerned, Annapurna Conservation (ACAP) area and Nepal's
densely populated forests are greatly appreciated models
in the world.
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Source: Nepal Tourism Board
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