Traveling Luck for Nepal. Nepal, Asia

Nepal is located in Southern Asia, between China and India.

Land in Nepal is Tarai or flat river plain of the Ganges in south, central hill region, rugged Himalayas in north.

Nepalese land covers an area of 147181 square kilometers which is slightly larger than Arkansas

Nepal has borders with China for 1236km and India for 1690km.

Nepalese flag Nepalese national flag (Flag of Nepal)

As for the Nepalese climate; varies from cool summers and severe winters in north to subtropical summers and mild winters in south.

Nepalese (singular and plural) speak Nepali 47.8%, Maithali 12.1%, Bhojpuri 7.4%, Tharu (Dagaura/Rana) 5.8%, Tamang 5.1%, Newar 3.6%, Magar 3.3%, Awadhi 2.4%, other 10%, unspecified 2.5% (2001 census)
note: many in government and business also speak English.

Places of note in Nepal

Nepalese Map Nepalese map

Regions of Nepal

In 1951, the Nepalese monarch ended the century-old system of rule by hereditary premiers and instituted a cabinet system of government. Reforms in 1990 established a multiparty democracy within the framework of a constitutional monarchy. A Maoist insurgency, launched in 1996, has gained traction and is threatening to bring down the regime, especially after a negotiated cease-fire between the Maoists and government forces broke down in August 2003. In 2001, the crown prince massacred ten members of the royal family, including the king and queen, and then took his own life. In October 2002, the new king dismissed the prime minister and his cabinet for "incompetence" after they dissolved the parliament and were subsequently unable to hold elections because of the ongoing insurgency. While stopping short of reestablishing parliament, the king in June 2004 reinstated the most recently elected prime minister who formed a four-party coalition government. Citing dissatisfaction with the government's lack of progress in addressing the Maoist insurgency and corruption, the king in February 2005 dissolved the government, declared a state of emergency, imprisoned party leaders, and assumed power. The king's government subsequently released party leaders and officially ended the state of emergency in May 2005, but the monarch retained absolute power until April 2006. After nearly three months of mass protests organized by the seven-party opposition and the Maoists, the king allowed parliament to reconvene on 28 April 2006.

Country Profile for Nepal

Nepal is among the poorest and least developed countries in the world with almost one-third of its population living below the poverty line. Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy, providing a livelihood for three-fourths of the population and accounting for 38% of GDP. Industrial activity mainly involves the processing of agricultural produce including jute, sugarcane, tobacco, and grain. Security concerns relating to the Maoist conflict have led to a decrease in tourism, a key source of foreign exchange. Nepal has considerable scope for exploiting its potential in hydropower and tourism, areas of recent foreign investment interest. Prospects for foreign trade or investment in other sectors will remain poor, however, because of the small size of the economy, its technological backwardness, its remoteness, its landlocked geographic location, its civil strife, and its susceptibility to natural disaster.

Nepalese natural resources include quartz, water, timber, hydropower, scenic beauty, small deposits of lignite, copper, cobalt, iron ore

landlocked; strategic location between China and India; contains eight of world's 10 highest peaks, including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga - the world's tallest and third tallest - on the borders with China and India respectively

Nepalese religion is Hindu 80.6%, Buddhist 10.7%, Muslim 4.2%, Kirant 3.6%, other 0.9% (2001 census).

Natural hazards in Nepal include severe thunderstorms, flooding, landslides, drought, and famine depending on the timing, intensity, and duration of the summer monsoons.

Travel Advice for Nepal

Nepal

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary and Political Situation section (Riots & roadblocks in the Terai, petrol rationing).  The overall level of this advice has not been changed.

SUMMARY

  • The Government of Nepal and the Maoists signed a peace agreement on 21 November 2006, thereby officially ending eleven years of conflict in the country. Both sides have agreed to a UN monitored permanent ceasefire.  The security situation in Kathmandu and elsewhere in Nepal has improved.  However, it is too early to say how the peace agreement will affect the security situation in the country.  See Safety and Security section of this travel advice for more details.

  • Throughout January 2007 there was civil unrest and violence in the Terai district.  Riots and roadblocks in the Terai are preventing supplies reaching the rest of the country and disrupted transport.  In Kathmandu, petrol is being rationed.  Fewer taxis and buses are operating. If the riots continue, internal flights may be cancelled. You should check with the airline before flying.  See the Political Section of this travel advice for more details.

  • You should be aware that demonstrations and strikes can be called at short notice and some demonstrations have suddenly turned violent.  You are therefore strongly advised to avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings and remain vigilant at all times. See the Political Situation section of this travel advice for more details.

  • You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could take place in public areas, including those frequented by foreigners.

  • During 2006, a number of bombings, shootings and armed clashes took place across Nepal. See Safety and Security section of this travel advice for more details.

  • The main types of incident for which British nationals require consular assistance in Nepal are generally as a result of either trekking accidents or drug-related incidents.  You are strongly advised to use a reputable travel agent and only trek with an experienced guide and in a group.  If you plan to travel to remote areas, please contact the British Embassy in Kathmandu on arrival for latest advice on the security situation in the area.

  • We also strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check for any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you plan to undertake.  Please see Travel Insurance page of the FCO website.


SAFETY AND SECURITY

Crime

Incidences of Maoist extortion of money from trekkers and climbers continue to occur on all main trekking routes.  There are reports that tourists have faced demands for "taxes" upwards of 5000 Nepalese rupees.  Although there is no evidence that violence has been used during these incidents, this could not be ruled out if trekkers were to decline to pay. It is too early to say whether the signing of the peace agreement will lead to any reduction in these incidents.
In 2005, there were several incidents of female tourists being attacked, including cases of rape, by bands of criminals. If you are a female travelling alone, then refer to our Women traveller section.
There have been reports of trekkers being robbed where violence or the direct threat of violence has been used.
If trekking, you are strongly advised to use reputable trekking agencies, to remain on established routes, and to always walk in groups.  We strongly recommend that you do not trek alone and avoid becoming separated from your group at any time.

Political Situation
Nepal Country Profile

A peace agreement between the Government of Nepal and the Maoists was signed in Kathmandu on 21 November 2006 thereby ending 11 years of conflict in Nepal.  Under the terms of the agreement the Nepali Army and Maoist cadres will be confined to barracks and cantonments.  Both sides have agreed a permanent ceasefire and an arms management arrangement, which will be monitored by the UN.  The agreement also provides that the Maoists will eventually become part of the political mainstream as a legitimate political party.  A Constituent Assembly will decide on the role of the Monarchy.
You should be aware that demonstrations and strikes can be called at short notice and some demonstrations have suddenly turned violent.  In December 2006 a political strike in Nepalgunj rapidly escalated to violent rioting.  During the rioting, which took place over several days, one person was killed.  In January 2007, five people were killed during violent riots in Lahan in the eastern Terai.  The riots and roadblocks in the Terai are continuing and the unrest has spread to other areas in the Terai.  Transport has been severely disrupted and passengers have been left stranded throughout Nepal.  Riots and roadblocks in the Terai are preventing supplies reaching the rest of the country.  In Kathmandu, petrol is being rationed.  Fewer taxis and buses are operating.  If the riots continue, internal flights may be cancelled. You should check with the airline before flying.You are therefore strongly advised to avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings and remain vigilant at all times.
Local Travel

Transport usually operates freely in the Kathmandu valley, except during times of major demonstrations.  Traffic in Kathmandu normally flows reasonably well though there are sometimes major jams during rush-hour in the city.  Access to the valley from the Pokhara direction has improved with the widening of the road at the major checkpoint entering Kathmandu.
The situation outside the Kathmandu valley remains unpredictable.  It is therefore important that you keep a close watch on the local media for advance notice of upcoming developments.  A good source of local up-to-date information can be found at http://www.nepembassy.org.uk/.  Your hotel or guesthouse will also be able to advise you and the British Embassy website carries up-dated local security advice.
There are frequent army and police checkpoints, including in the capital.  These can result in extended journey times.  At checkpoints we urge you to heed any instructions given to you by the authorities.
Road Safety

Traffic in Nepal drives on the left, as in the UK.  The general standard of driving throughout the country is poor and badly regulated.  Roads in Kathmandu are very congested.  Many drivers are not properly licensed, trained or insured and vehicles are poorly maintained.  There are few pavements outside central Kathmandu and motorists do not yield right of way to pedestrians.

Bus travel is particularly hazardous and multiple-fatality accidents are common.  You should avoid travel on overnight buses.

Road conditions are generally poor and difficult even in the best of conditions.  During the monsoon season (June to September) many roads outside the Kathmandu valley are prone to landslides and become impassable.

You must have an international driving licence to drive a vehicle in Nepal.  You are strongly advised to carry your licence with you at all times when driving as well as any documents relating to the vehicle itself.
Air Safety
There are several internal airlines operating in Nepal offering internal flights across Nepal.  You are strongly advised to check weather conditions before travelling with internal airlines.  Bad weather conditions in mountainous and hill regions can increase the risk to safety.


LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You should not become involved with drugs.  As recent examples have shown, possession of even very small quantities will almost certainly lead to imprisonment.

You should respect local customs.  Women should avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless tops in public places where this might be seen as inappropriate.


ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Visas are required for travel to Nepal.  Single entry tourist visas can be obtained from entry points into Nepal or from the Royal Nepalese Embassy in London.  Visitors wishing to stay more than 60 days can extend visas by up to 30 days by applying to the Nepalese Department of Immigration at Bhrikuti Mandap (adjacent to the Tourism Development Board and opposite City Hall) (Tel:  +977 1 4222453 or 4223590); (Fax:  +977 1 4223127).

Entry to Nepal may be refused, and airlines may not carry you if your passport has less than six months validity.  Overstaying without authority is serious and you can be detained or refused permission to leave until a fine is paid.  For further information you should check with the Nepalese Embassy, 12A, Kensington Palace Gardens, London, W8 4QU (Tel:  +20 7229 1594 or 6231 or 5352); (Fax:  +20 7792 9861) Website: http://www.nepembassy.org.uk/


HEALTH

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.  Please see:  Travel Insurance.
Medical treatment is expensive at Western travellers' clinics. Healthcare is poor in most places outside Kathmandu valley and Pokhara.  You should be aware that it might be difficult to obtain rapid helicopter evacuation if you were to fall ill or suffer a serious accident in a remote area of the country.

In December 2005, nearly 3000 cases of Japanese encephalitis were reported of which more than 300 people died.  The most affected areas were in the western, mid-western and far-western regions of Nepal.  For further details of areas affected please see the World Health Organisation Regional Office for South East Asia website at:  Japanese Encephalitis.

You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date.  For further information on health, check the Department of Health’s website at www.dh.gov.uk.
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
There have been no reported cases of Avian Influenza (also known as Bird Flu) in Nepal during the current series of outbreaks.  But the World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed cases elsewhere in the region.
You should read this advice in conjunction with:  Avian and Pandemic Influenza Factsheet.


GENERAL

If things go wrong when overseas, please see:  What We Can Do To Help
You should take out full insurance cover for medical treatment, accidents and evacuation by helicopter (presently costing between 1,500 US Dollars and 2,500 US Dollars per flying hour).  It is advisable to have cover for unexpected losses such as cancelled flights, stolen or lost cash, cards, passport, luggage and any loss damage or liability resulting from terrorist action.
To make your trip as smooth and as safe as possible, the British Embassy recommends that you take the following precautions.
  • Register with the Embassy on arrival.
  • Carry your passport with you at all times.
  • Leave a photocopy of your passport and your itinerary with a contact in the UK.
  • Enter next of kin details into the back of your passport.
  • Do not enter 'Restricted' areas.  Strict terms and conditions apply.  Check with a reputable trekking company.
  • Remember:  altitude can and does kill.  To avoid acute mountain sickness ascend slowly and acclimatise fully.  Take professional advice.
  • Reconfirm your flights (both internal and international) before departure as they are often cancelled with very little advance warning, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
For security reasons, the British Embassy in Kathmandu does not operate a Poste Restante facility.  Any such correspondence should be addressed to the Central Post Office, Kathmandu.
Money
ATMs are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.  Credit cards are also useful in most major hotels, restaurants and shops.  However, it is always prudent to check first that a particular card is acceptable.  Both Euro and US Dollar travellers’ cheques can be cashed relatively easily in most banks and major hotels throughout the country.