Nepal Travel Advice

So, you have packed your bags and are all set for a thrilling, adventurous trip to Nepal, right? Well, amidst all the fun, frolic, and enjoyment, there are some precautionary measures that you need to keep in mind when visiting Nepal. Adhering to all the rules and regulations helps to make your travel hassle-free. So, let’s look at some travel advice that will make your stay in Nepal convenient. Things will be easier when you know the rules and regulations to follow and the precautions to maintain. 

Some of the Important Travel Advice to Keep in Mind When Visiting Nepal

Travel Advice Related to Safety

• Incidents of violence from explosives in Nepal aren’t unknown. Data from January 2008 to December 2011 have revealed incidents of injuries (fatal and non-fatal) in Nepal from intentional explosions. Bandhs or strikes are pretty common in Nepal. Sometimes, strikes may manifest into violent incidents. 

Schools, public offices, and transport may even halt then. Strike supporters could harass or even assault individuals who do not comply with strikes. If you’ve booked your flight on the day the bandh is scheduled, you must remember that transportation from the airport to the hotel may be affected. 

Usually, the strike organizers permit specially marked buses to ply from the airport and tourist hotels. Ensure you keep track of the same for your convenience. 

• Do not approach checkpoints or political demonstrations during strikes. If they turn violent, you may injure yourself. 

• Even if it isn’t political, you should avoid demonstrations, as even peaceful ones can become violent at any moment. Do not go to areas where there are big gatherings. This is for your safety. Keep track of the local authorities’ instructions. For information on ongoing strikes or demonstrations, follow the local media for updates.

• You may fall prey to pickpocketing in Nepal; it’s pretty common there, especially if you aren’t careful about your belongings. To avoid these hassles, keep your wallet in your front pocket, keep your handbag close to you, and carry your backpack in front to avoid any hassle. The festival season in Nepal sees an increase in crime rates. So, if you visit the country during that time, i.e., the September – November duration, ensure that you take extra care of your passport and personal belongings. 

• Though our intention isn’t to scare you, yet you must be aware that in any place you go, you may fall victim to armed robbery and assaults that might include sexual assault as well. That’s why it is advised never to accept any edible from strangers. You should even not leave your food or beverages unattended. In that way, you may stay safe. 

• Nepal isn’t unsafe for solo women travelers. However, some incidents of the past show a woman’s vulnerability to verbal and sexual abuse and harassment. That’s why taking precautions is essential. Avoid traveling alone at night, especially in troubled areas. If going to remote areas, then dress conservatively. 

• You must travel in groups, particularly at night, to take precautions against harassment, bullying, or assault (which even includes sexual assault). 

Travel Advice Related to Your Health

As per the CDC, there are some health-related tips to follow while visiting Nepal. Let’s check them out: 

• Ensure that your routine vaccines are updated before every trip. These include chicken pox, flu, diphtheria, measles, polio, and shingles. 

• Unvaccinated travelers aged one and above visiting Nepal must be vaccinated for Hepatitis A. The same applies to travelers aged 6-11 months. Unvaccinated travelers aged 40 and above with chronic or immunocompromised conditions must get the vaccine’s initial dose. Unvaccinated travelers are recommended to get vaccinated for Hepatitis B before visiting Nepal. 

• Malaria isn’t prevalent throughout Nepal but in some parts of the country. So, travelers going to those areas must take anti-malarial medicines as a precautionary measure. You should begin the medicines a couple of days before your trip and continue them in the course of your journey as well. Consult your doctor about the dosage and timespan to take the medication. Malarial transmission hasn’t been recorded in Pokhara, Kathmandu, and the Himalayan trekking routes. However, transmission in certain parts of Nepal has been recorded. So, taking precautions is mandatory. 

• JE (Japanese Encephalitis) is endemic to Nepal’s Terai region. It is at its peak from June to October after the monsoon. The JE vaccine is recommended for travelers spending long periods or frequently traveling to areas at the risk of Japanese Encephalitis. 

• The Ministry of Health reported around 18000 dengue cases in Nepal in 2019; in 2022, the number crossed 46,000. Travelers going to Nepal in the warmer and wetter months must carry insect repellent in their travel kit. If you are traveling to dengue-prone areas, you must also take care of the clothes you wear. Dress in long pants and sleeved shirts to save yourself from mosquito bites.

• Air pollution is a menace in Kathmandu, resulting in many health hazards. If you have an underlying respiratory disorder, consult your doctor before you visit Nepal. Exposure to high levels of air pollution may result in respiratory tract infections (upper and lower). If traveling with kids, you must take extra precautions, as they are more vulnerable. 

• One of Nepal’s biggest USPs is its alluring trekking destinations. However, amidst the fun and adventures comes the risk of mountain sickness and altitude illness, of which you must be cautious. Increased exposure to high altitudes can lead to several health hazards, which travelers must know beforehand. They must also carry specific medications as the doctor prescribes to prevent any hassles. 

You must take one thing at a time and not hurry. Instead of going for a hike right away after you’ve reached a place, spend a day to acclimatize and then begin your journey. You should also follow the climb high but sleep low rule applicable to all trekkers to ensure safety. 

You can climb to a new height each day. There’s no harm in that. However, you must descend a little when sleeping. In this way, your body adjusts to the decreased oxygen pressure. Also, avoid taking shortcuts. If your guide commits to cover an eight-day route in just five days, he isn’t adhering to the sleep-low rule. Those who do not follow acclimatization and try to hurry to cover a long distance in a short span may experience acute mountain sickness. 

• Rabies is quite prevalent in Nepal. In addition to dogs, bats, and monkeys transmit the disease to humans. There are over 20,000 stray dogs in Kathmandu. Other cities like Biratnagar, Pokhara, and Lalitpur have many dogs. 

If talking about any dog-prone areas specifically, I would like to mention the Swayambunath Temple, where you will see the four-legged friends in abundance alongside an immense population of monkeys. So travelers must maintain caution while visiting this area. 

Monkeys may get aggressive, especially if they smell food. Before traveling to Nepal, ask your healthcare provider if you need a rabid pre-exposure vaccination. 

• You should also avoid contaminated soil and water, stay away from bug bites, and avoid the company of sick people to prevent contracting leptospirosis, dengue, leishmaniasis, and tuberculosis. 

• Diarrhea is quite common among travelers and visitors in Nepal. An exit poll at the Kathmandu airport showed that around 68% of the visitors were affected by diarrhea. Maintain proper hygiene by avoiding contaminated foods, drinks, and other substances. Consult your healthcare provider and take prescription medicines to find relief if you are affected by bouts of diarrhea. 

Travel Advice Related to Natural Disasters

The 2015 earthquake, which caused major devastation in Nepal, isn’t unknown. It led to the loss of human lives; around 9000 people died, 22,000 were injured, and 7.50,000 people were rendered homeless. 

The avalanche triggered by the earthquake claimed the lives of 19 climbers. Around thousands of people remain stranded at the base camp. While trekking, one may even encounter sudden snowstorms, which are rare, and get stranded. If you experience a natural disaster during your trip to Nepal, follow the local officials’ directions. Also, carry a disaster kit that includes water, food, first aid kit, medications, clothing, etc. Keep track of the news for any updates of any disaster before your journey date. You must keep your passport in a secured location to prevent any damage. Also, don’t travel unnecessarily to the affected regions. 

Travel Advice Related to Road Safety

While traveling across Nepal, you can encounter bumpy and rough roads. So, you should maintain caution while traveling. Pokhara and Kathmandu have immense potholes that may result in hazards if you aren’t careful. If you wish to trek, know about the road’s condition beforehand. 

Many have said that hiking along muddy and dusty roads wasn’t a pleasant experience. It is advisable to avoid traveling at night in Kathmandu and other parts of the country since the street lighting isn’t sufficient, leading to hazards. 

Travel Advice Related to Trekking

Nepal is famous for mountaineering and trekking, two of the country’s most sought-after activities. Alongside the joy and adventures associated with these sports, there are risks and dangers. During trekking, several guides and hikers have encountered fatal accidents and were even stranded and injured. However, you cannot deny the sudden avalanches and landslides that could make things challenging, especially if you are hiking or trekking. 

• You should always hike with the assistance of a guide. NEVER TREK ALONE. 

• Ensure you are in good health and strong enough to undergo a strenuous, challenging trek. 

• Be well-equipped with your first aid kit and informed about the weather conditions well in advance. 
• Include some essential trekking gear, such as a down jacket, thermals, rain jacket, waterproof boots, trekking poles, and rain covers. 

• Follow a healthy diet while trekking for proper nourishment. Getting the right kind of food in proper amounts helps you gain the energy to partake in the adventure. Carry dry fruits along to boost your energy. 

Avoid caffeine, as it could cause dehydration. Chocolates, energy bars, sugar candies, alcoholic drinks, sugar candies, creamy biscuits, etc., must also be avoided. One of the most nutritious meals you’ll get at most trekking trails is the famous Nepalese dal-bhat, a combination of rice and lentils teamed with a spread of delectable vegetable curry. It is nutritious and also a welcome change to your taste buds. 

• Keep yourself hydrated, as that will help maintain your overall fitness. 

• You must purchase a TIMS  (Trekker’s Information Management System) card from any authorized trekking company, Nepal Tourism Board, or Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal. The TIMS card ensures the trekker’s safety and security. The company collects information from trekkers and often tracks their locations if a crisis arises. It even provides rescue services if needed. 

• A National Park Permit is required before you enter official trekking routes or regions, such as the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit. You may obtain the Nepal Tourism Board’s permit upon arriving in Kathmandu or Pokhara. 

Other Tips

• Foreign citizens require a visa to visit Nepal. A tourist visa “on arrival” is available at the Nepal Embassy. Visas are even available upon arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You can even avail of them at some border crossings like Birganj, Bheemdatta, Dhangadhi, Kakarbhitta, Nepalganj, etc. All of the locations mentioned here are Indian borders. These visas are valid for a maximum time of 90 days. You can apply for an extension of not more than 150 days. 
• It is considered an offense to overstay your visa without notifying the authorities. The authorities may detain you and impose a fine. You can even face a seven-year ban upon entering the country. 
• You must be aware of the local laws in Nepal. If you violate them even unknowingly, you may face severe penalties and even get arrested. Diving under the influence of alcohol can result in an arrest. Purchasing or consuming illegal drugs is a punishable offense, leading to fines or even imprisonment. It is also recommended not to carry over 50 grams of gold and 100 grams of silver to Nepal. 
• You may have to undergo helicopter evacuation in an emergency, especially when trekking. Ensure you have your health insurance and credit card details to receive prompt helicopter services. 
• It is safe to commute by bus during the day. However, avoid a bus ride at night, especially in remote areas, as it might be unsafe. Buses in Nepal often travel at a high speed, which may result in accidents.

Conclusion

Nepal is a beautiful location with immense scope for adventurous activities. However, safety comes first. When you follow the rules and regulations and maintain safety precautions, your journey becomes memorable and fulfilling. If you are a citizen of the United States and plan to visit Nepal, it will help when you enroll in the STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program). You will be sent alerts, and locating you during an emergency is easier. 

FAQs – Nepal Travel Advice