NEPAL

BUSINESS HOURS IN THE VALLEY REGION

The working hours for banks are from 10:00 A.M to 3:30 P.M from Sunday to Thursday. On Fridays, banks remain open until 12:00 P.M only and closed on Saturdays. The government offices open from 9:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M. from Monday to Friday. While the working hours for business offices are from 10:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M from Sunday to Friday. Embassies and international organisations open from 9:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M from Monday to Friday. And the shops from 10:00 A.M to 8:00 P.M and are usually closed on Saturdays.

BUSINESS HOURS OUTSIDE THE VALLEY REGION

The working hours for government offices are from 10:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M. Sunday to Thursday. On Fridays, the offices hours are till 3:00 P.M and on Saturdays are closed. Banks open from 10:00 A.M to 3:00 P.M. from Sunday to Thursday. On Fridays, banks remain open until 12:00 P.M only. Business offices open from 10:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M from Sunday to Friday. The working hours for Embassies and international organisations are from 9:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M from Monday to Friday. Shops open from 10:00 A.M to 8:00 P.M and are usually closed on Saturdays.

Nepal is 5 hours 45 minutes ahead of GMT.

Passengers arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) have to declare all their baggage and get clearance through the customs at the port of entry. The passengers without any dutiable goods can proceed through the Green Channel for quick clearance without a baggage check. However, if you are carrying dutiable articles, you have to pass through the Red Channel for detailed customs clearance.

CONDITIONS FOR IMPORT IN NEPAL

The visitors are allowed to bring duty-free products to Nepal such as cigarette, cigars, liquor, apart from their personal belongings. You can also bring the duty-free articles on condition that you take them out with you when you leave: binoculars, movie or video camera, still camera, laptop computer, and portable music system.

CONDITIONS FOR EXPORT FROM NEPAL

Visitors are advised not to purchase the objects which are over 100 years old such as sacred images, paintings, manuscripts as these are valued for culture and religious reasons. These items belong to Nepal's cultural heritage and belong from here, it is not allowed to take them with yourself. The Department of Archaeology at Ramshah Path near Singha Durbar has to certify all metal statues, sacred paintings and similar objects before they are allowed to be sent or carried out of the country. If you want we can assist you in this process.

For more information on customs matters, contact the Chief Customs Administrator, TIA Customs Office; tel: 4470110, 4472266.

AIRPORT TAXES IN NEPAL

Civil Aviation of Nepal has announced a hike in the airport taxes at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and other domestic airports from 2002/02/19, with the immediate effect. The new Airport Tax is equally applicable to Nepalese as well as non-Nepalese citizens flying from Nepal.

Tourists can consult with their physician and get a complete check-up before the departure. Nepal does not require any particular immunisation for your visit. Vaccinations for Cholera, Meningitis, Tetanus & Diphtheria, Typhoid and Gamma Globulin should be considered for your trip. Most of the hotels have a doctor on call.

High mountainous regions experience the stronger sunshine than you are used to and it can cause heat or digestive upsets, insect bites for which you have developed no immunities. All these things can spoil your trip. So please take a few basic precautions and carry a kit which comprises sunscreens and other lotions for protection from the sun, insect repellents and sting relief creams, water sterilising tablets and medicines for possible stomach upsets or indigestion. Use insect repellent on exposed skin and wear socks, trousers, and long-sleeved shirts during the evening, to protect yourself from mosquitoes.

WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK WHILE TRAVELLING TO NEPAL?

Drink the purified water and try not to drink directly the tap water as it is not purified. It is safer to stick to bottled water. It is advisable to avoid ice in your drinks outside your hotel. Avoid ice cream or food sold by roadside vendors, uncooked or undercooked foods, fruit or vegetables that cannot be peeled.

English is widely spoken and understood in urban centers and especially in areas that are frequented by tourists. However, accents and grammar may vary considerably. Different ethnic groups have their language or dialects, but Nepalese is the national language. The script is Devanagari.

Note: We always ensure that our clients are paired with guides who can speak their language.

WAYS OF COMMUNICATION

The major cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara are well-equipped with cyber cafes and communication shops where tourists can make long-distance calls and access internet services. You can receive and send the fax and provide a computer for internet access for a fee. These shops comprise the landlines from which you can make direct calls. Fax and Telex facilities are now ubiquitously available. Internet facilities are also readily available in most cities and tourist centers, cybercafes, and business centers, but free wireless connectivity is rare.

The hotels' wireless or conventional broadband services tend to be many times more expensive than cybercafes in the same areas. The postal service is relatively comprehensive, and you are likely to find post offices in the most remote towns of the country. You can usually buy stamps and leave letters for posting at most hotels.

The markets of Nepal are so vibrant and colourful. The crowded bazaars and roadside markets also lure a large number of tourists. There are several modern malls and air-conditioned hotel arcades where people can visit and enjoy shopping. Most of the shops and clothing stores have fixed price tagged on the goods. However, we would be happy to provide you with expert shopping assistance.

Nepal is renowned for its cultural diversity, which comprises many ethnic groups. All have their specialties, which provide ample space for the growth of several cuisines. Hence, Nepalese cuisine encompasses a whole array of different cuisines rather than one type of cuisine. Dal Bhat is a lentil soup served over boiled rice, a staple dish of Nepal.

Snacks commonly eaten include popped or parched corn, Chiura (beaten rice), Samosa (turnovers stuffed with meat or vegetables), biscuits or packaged cookies, and Indian-style sweets.

The famous beverages comprise tea, usually taken with milk and sugar, and Jard, a homemade beer made from rice, Sharbat, or juice. Raksi is a spirit made in rustic distilleries. At higher elevations, Chang or millet beer is a famous local beverage.