Nepal is a real stunner. You’ve got the rugged Mustang region, ancient Muktinath, wild Chitwan, and bustling Kathmandu. It’s like a whole world in one place. Namaste Nepal!
Last updated on 9th April 2024.
Nepal offers a captivating blend of awe-inspiring landscapes and rich cultural heritage. With its majestic Himalayan backdrop, including the world’s tallest – Mount Everest – Nepal attracts outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world.
In contrast, Nepal is also home to the luxurious jungle, as in the Chitwan National Park, filled with exotic wildlife, offering a contrast of warmer climates and thrilling encounters with nature.
Away from the mountains and the jungle, Nepal’s urban centres and rural communities harbour a wealth of historical depth and traditional customs, providing a window into centuries-old heritage and ways of life.
Nepal is an overall safe destination who welcomes all kinds of travellers. Be mindful of your surroundings and valuables in crowded areas, and stay informed about local customs and traditions to avoid unintentional ofenses. Additionally, keep an eye on weather conditions, especially in mountainous areas, and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Almost everyone needs a visa to visit Nepal. Visa applications are made online at nepaliport.immigration.gov.np, and costs 30 USD (for 15 days). Here’s a list of the documentation required to apply for a visa:
In Nepal, the official currency is the Nepalese rupee, which has the symbol Rs or रु (in Nepali) and the code NPR.
Cash is the most accepted form of payment.
There are several ATMs available in Nepal, and VISA and Mastercard are widely accepted for withdrawals (fee of Rs 500 per withdrawal).
At the time of writing, 1€ = 144.57 Rs
Nepal’s international dialling code is +977. It is advisable to find out about the tariffs and conditions of your tariff before activating roaming, as charges can be really high.
It is possible (and recommended) to buy a local SIM card. A SIM card with 20Gbs of data from NCell costs around Rs 500 (approx. €4). We recommend NCell as it has the widest coverage in Nepal, including in the Mustang region.
If you don’t want to buy a SIM card with mobile data, you’ll find free WiFi in most accommodations.
Nepalese cuisine is a delightful fusion of flavours influenced by Indian, Tibetan, and Southeast Asian culinary traditions. From savoury momos (dumplings) to hearty dal bhat (rice and lentil dish) and comforting thukpa (noodle soup), there’s no shortage of delicious dishes to try!
Prioritise your health during your Nepal journey by ensuring you’re up to date on routine vaccinations. Altitude mountain sickness (AMS) is a concern when trekking to higher elevations, so acclimatise slowly and stay hydrated. Carry a basic medical kit with essentials like pain relievers, rehydration salts, and altitude sickness medication if necessary.
Altitude mountain sickness, or AMS, can occur when ascending to high elevations too quickly. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. To prevent AMS, ascend gradually, allowing your body time to acclimatise to the altitude. Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and listen to your body. If symptoms worsen, descend to a lower altitude and seek medical attention if necessary.
Nepal’s weather varies greatly depending on the region and time of year. Generally, the best time to visit is during shoulder seasons: spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November),when the weather is mild and dry.
Monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rains and potential landslides, while winter (December to February) can be cold, especially at higher altitudes.
Accommodation options in Nepal range from basic teahouses along trekking routes to luxury hotels in major cities. Public transportation includes buses, microbuses, and taxis, though be prepared for crowded and sometimes bumpy rides. Domestic flights are available for longer distances and provide stunning views of the Himalayas. It’s essential to plan your transportation and accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Nepal’s culture is a vibrant tapestry woven from Hindu and Buddhist traditions, reflected in its temples, festivals, and daily rituals. Respect local customs, such as removing your shoes before entering temples, and dress modestly, especially in religious sites. Embrace the warmth and friendliness of the Nepalese people, and take the time to learn about their customs and way of life. Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in cultural events and festivals for a deeper understanding of Nepal’s rich heritage.
There are lots of things you can learn about a country through its literature, music, cinema or any other art. Here are some suggestions:
Hermann Hesse’s moving and inspirational chronicle of spiritual enlightenment, with an introduction by Paulo Coehlo
Siddhartha is perhaps the most important and compelling moral allegory our troubled century has produced. Integrating Eastern and Western spiritual traditions with psychoanalysis and philosophy, this strangely simple tale, written with a deep and moving empathy for humanity, has touched the lives of millions since its original publication in 1922. Set in India, Siddhartha is the story of a young Brahmin’s search for ultimate reality after meeting with the Buddha. His quest takes him from a life of decadence to asceticism, from the illusory joys of sensual love with a beautiful courtesan, and of wealth and fame, to the painful struggles with his son and the ultimate wisdom of renunciation.
After the deaths of 11 climbers, Austrian Heinrich Harrer decides to add glory to his country and to the Austrian pride by climbing Nanga Parbat in British India, and leaves his expectant wife behind. An egoist and a loner, he does not get along with others on his team, but must bend to their wishes after bad weather threatens them. Then WWII breaks out and they are arrested and lodged in Dehra Dun’s P.O.W. Camp. He attempts to break out several times in vain, but finally does succeed along with Peter Aufschnaiter, and they end up in the holy city of Lhasa–a place forbidden to foreigners. They are provided food and shelter, and Peter ends up marrying tailor Pema Lhaki, while Heinrich befriends the Dalai Lama. They meet regularly; while he satiates the child’s curiosity about the world, including Jack the Ripper and “yellow hair”; he is exposed to the teachings of Lord Buddha, He even constructs a movie theatre, while getting news of the end of the war, his divorce, and his son’s refusal to communicate. But nothing will prepare him for the devastation about to descend when Communist China decides to attack, leading to the deaths of over 1 million Tibetans, the destruction of over 6000 monasteries, and betrayal from their very own people.
In a small medieval palace on Kathmandu’s Durbar Square lives Nepal’s famous Living Goddess – a child as young as three who is chosen from a caste of Buddhist goldsmiths to watch over the country and protect its people.
To Nepalis she is the embodiment of Devi (the universal goddess) and for centuries their Hindu kings have sought her blessing to legitimise their rule. Legends swirl about her, for the facts are shrouded in secrecy and closely guarded by dynasties of priests and caretakers.
How come a Buddhist girl is worshipped by autocratic Hindu rulers? Are the initiation rituals as macabre as they are rumoured to be? And what fate awaits the Living Goddesses when they attain puberty and are dismissed from their role?
Weaving together myth, religious belief, modern history and court gossip, Isabella Tree takes us on a compelling and fascinating journey to the esoteric, hidden heart of Nepal. Through her unprecedented access to the many layers of Nepalese society, she is able to put the country’s troubled modern history in the context of the complex spiritual beliefs and practices that inform the role of the little girl at its centre. Deeply felt, emotionally engaged and written after over a decade of travel and research, The Living Goddess is a compassionate and illuminating enquiry into this reclusive Himalayan country – a revelation…
The Tibetans refer to the Dalai Lama as ‘Kundun’, which means ‘The Presence’. He was forced to escape from his native home, Tibet, when communist China invaded and enforced an oppressive regime upon the peaceful nation of Tibet. The Dalai Lama escaped to India in 1959 and has been living in exile in Dharamsala ever since.
Although somewhat dated in style these days, French author Michel Peissel’s account of being the first foreigner permitted to enter the isolated and remote Kingdom of Lo in the 1960s is a remarkable book. It’s also a particularly good companion when trekking in the Annapurnas or Mustang, as it’s fascinating to learn how the region has changed (or not) over the decades.
While Lo is no longer a kingdom, and Mustang is no longer as inaccessible as it was in Peissel’s time, travel here still feels like a real adventure, something that Peissel captures.
“Unchained” is a documentary about the peaceful and educational activism Carol Buckley (Founder and CEO at Elephant Aid International) about elephants in captivity and how they are trained, forced to long working hours and living in a clearly improvable conditions.
Jon Krakauer’s Into Thin Air is the true story of a 24-hour period on Everest, when members of three separate expeditions were caught in a storm and faced a battle against hurricane-force winds, exposure, and the effects of altitude, which ended in the worst single-season death toll in the peak’s history.
In March 1996, Outside magazine sent veteran journalist and seasoned climber Jon Krakauer on an expedition led by celebrated Everest guide Rob Hall. Despite the expertise of Hall and the other leaders, by the end of summit day, eight people were dead. Krakauer’s book is at once the story of the ill-fated adventure and an analysis of the factors leading up to its tragic end. Written within months of the events it chronicles, Into Thin Air clearly evokes the majestic Everest landscape. As the journey up the mountain progresses, Krakauer puts it in context by recalling the triumphs and perils of other Everest trips throughout history. The author’s own anguish over what happened on the mountain is palpable as he leads readers to ponder timeless questions.
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