Nepal
Capital:
Kathmandu
Official Language: Nepali
Religions:
90% Hindu, 5% Buddhist, 3% Muslim and 2% Other
Currency:
Rupee = 100 paisa
Placements:
Rhino Resort, Nepal
Jungle Lodge, Ecotourism Jungle Lodge, Nepal Wildlife Camp
Map
Background
Draped along the greatest heights of the Himalaya, Nepal is a land of sublime
scenery, time-worn temples, and some of the best walking trails on earth. It's a
poor country, but it is rich in scenic splendour and cultural treasures. The
kingdom has long exerted a pull on the Western imagination.
It's the kind of country that lingers in your dreams long after you leave it.
This is why so many travellers are drawn back to Nepal, armed the second time
round with a greater appreciation of its natural and cultural complexity, a
stout pair of walking boots and a desire for sculpted calf muscles.
Special Events
Nepal's festive calendar is hectic. Dasain, celebrated nationwide in
October, is the most important of all Nepalese celebrations and features the
biggest animal sacrifice of the year. Running a close second is Tihar
(November), but unlike Dasain, animals are honoured rather than slaughtered.
Other festivals celebrated nationally include the water-tinged Holi
(March) and Chaitra Dasain (April), which is yet another bad day for
animals. Hindu festivals include the Haribodhini Ekadashi (November) and
Maha Shivaratri (March), both celebrated in Pashupatinath, the Gai
Jatra (August) in Kathmandu and the Krishna Jayanti
(August/September) in Patan. Buddhist celebrations are just as thick on the
ground, and include Mani Rimdu (November) in Solu Khumbu, Buddha
Jayanti (May) in Kathmandu, and Losar (Tibetan New Year) (February)
in Swayambhunath, Jawalakhel and highland communities.
Climate
Higher parts of Nepal have pleasant months either side of the rainy season,
which lasts from May to September. Days from March to April and October to
November are generally warm with little rain, decent sunshine and temperatures
in the 24-28°C (75-83°F). Nights can get a bit fresh between November and March.
Lower parts of the country experience the same rain patterns but with heavier
rainfall and much colder temperatures during the day, averaging a high of just
19°C (66°F) in July.
Travel Info
There are few direct flights to Nepal, which means most travellers from
Europe, North America and Australia have to change aircraft and/or airline en
route. Nepal's only international airport is Kathmandu's Tribhuvan Airport. If
you want to see the mountains as you fly into Kathmandu, make sure you sit on
the right-hand side of the plane. The departure tax for international flights is
15.00, or
10.00 to
destinations on the Indian subcontinent.
The classic overland routes between Nepal and India are still popular. Buses
are usually the quickest and easiest form of transport between Nepal and India.
There are three main crossing points: Sunauli-Bhairawa, Birganj-Raxaul Bazaar
and Kakarbhitta-Siliguri. The Sunauli border crossing is the best one from
Varanasi, the Birganj crossing is the easiest from Kolkata, and Kakarbhitta is
the obvious choice from Darjeeling. A trickle of travellers enter Nepal at the
Mahendrenagar-Banbassa border crossing in the extreme west of Nepal, which is
handy for travellers coming overland from Delhi who do not want to visit
Varanasi. The crossing between Nepal and Tibet via Kodari is open to organised
groups but not to individual travellers heading north. Be prepared with
alternative plans if you're thinking about using this route, because landslides
regularly make it impassable during the monsoon.
Visas
All foreigners (except Indian nationals) require visas, which can be obtained
in advance or on arrival. Single-entry tourist visas costing 30.00 are issued for up to 60 days and can be extended for a
maximum of three months (for an extra 50.00). Double
and multiple-entry visas are also available. Visas permit travel around the
Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara and Chitwan National Park in the Terai. Trekking
permits are required if you intend striking out from the main areas; they can be
obtained from immigration offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara. National park and
conservation fees have risen substantially: it now costs 2000.00 to enter the Annapurna Conservation area.
Safety
Terrorism
There is a high threat from terrorism in
Nepal.
On 26 April 2006, the Maoists announced a unilateral ceasefire for
three months with immediate effect. During the previous ceasefire from
September 2005 to January 2006, the levels of violence reduced but did not stop
completely.
On 26 April 2006, the Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) soldiers shot
and killed six civilians in Belbari area of the eastern district of
Morang. They allegedly opened fire on a crowd of around 100 people who
were protesting, in front of a security base camp, over the alleged rape and
killing of a 22-year-old local girl.
Since 6 April 2006 large-scale
demonstrations have taken place across Nepal organized jointly by the opposition
political parties and the Maoists, many of which have turned violent. A
number of people have been killed and hundreds injured as the police opened fire
on crowds and beat them with batons. Since the King announced the reinstatement
of Parliament, the parties and the Maoists have called off their strikes and
demonstrations. However, the Maoists have rejected the King’s address and have
threatened to resume their blockade if further demands are not met when
Parliament reconvenes on 28 April 2006.
Since the end of the previous
Maoist ceasefire on 2 January 2006, and throughout 2005, there have been
significant numbers of bombings, shootings and armed clashes across Nepal,
including in areas frequented by foreigners, resulting in the death and injury
of many Nepalese civilians. Tourists have also been injured. The
situation remains unpredictable and with a high probability of further violence
and disturbances.
Targets for bomb attacks have included government offices, private
companies, bus terminals, hotels, police checkpoints, bridges, and local
airports. These sometimes take place without warning and have occurred in
public areas, indiscriminately killing and injuring civilians.
There have also been large-scale Maoist attacks on rural towns
resulting in many casualties.
On 23 April 2006, one policeman, one
civilian and four Maoists were reported to have been killed during a Maoist
attack on Chautara, Sindhupalchowk.
On 5 April 2006, clashes between the
Maoists and the army, outside of the KathmanduValley, led to both civilian and
military deaths in Malangwa (Sarhali district, Terai), Dailekh district (Mid
Western Nepal) and in Sindhupalchok district (80 kilometres north east of
Kathmandu).
Throughout March 2006, Maoists carried out attacks in Palpa
(south west of Pokhara), Ilam (Eastern Nepal), Kavre district (40 km east of
Kathmandu), Dhading district (west of Kathmandu), and in the Jhapa district
(south-east Nepal), resulting in both civilian and military deaths. Maoists also
mistakenly attacked the UN World Food Programme (WFP) office in Damak (east
Nepal).
In February 2006, there were Maoist bombings in Kathmandu,
Bhaktapur, Achham district and in Pokhara, which caused numerous deaths to
civilian bystanders.
In January 2006, the Maoists launched attacks in the
Kathmandu valley for the first time in a year, killing a number of security
force personnel. Throughout the rest of January 2006, the Maoists launched major
co-ordinated attacks on security checkpoints, police posts and Government
buildings across Nepal, resulting in large numbers of deaths and injuries
amongst Government security forces and civilians. In total in January 2006,
there were approximately 40 explosions, more than 340 kidnappings and around 70
clashes by Maoist forces.
The security situation in Nepal can change
rapidly. You should contact the British Embassy for advice on the latest
security situation before going to areas not normally visited by
tourists.
You should also be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate
terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places
frequented by foreigners.
Crime
In October 2005,
there were two serious attacks on foreigners in the Nagarjun Forest Reserve just
outside Kathmandu. You are advised to use the utmost caution whilst in
this area and not to travel there alone. It is not yet clear who carried
out these attacks.
Incidences of Maoist extortion of money from
trekkers and climbers occur on all main trekking routes. There are reports
that tourists have faced demands for "taxes" upwards of 1500 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.
In 2005, there were several incidents of female tourists being
attacked, including cases of rape, by bands of criminals.
There have also
been reports of trekkers being robbed where violence or the direct threat of
violence has been used. These incidents are not at this time thought to
have been carried out by Maoists but by others using the deteriorating security
situation to their own ends. Nonetheless, you should be aware of the real
risk of robbery.
If trekking, you are strongly advised to remain on
established routes, and to walk in groups with reputable trekking
agencies. We strongly recommend that you do not trek alone and avoid
becoming separated from your group.
Political Situation
On
24 April 2006 the King announced the reinstatement of the parliament following a
three week programme of nationwide political demonstrations and street agitation
by the political parties and the Maoists. The Royal Government
subsequently lifted all curfews and the ban on public gatherings. Many of
the large scale demonstrations from 6-24 April 2006 had turned violent as
security forces opened fire on crowds, beaten protestors with batons and made
hundreds of arrests. A number of people were been killed and it has been
estimated that up to 2,000 people have been injured in Kathmandu Valley since
the demonstrations began, with another 2,000 people injured in the rest of the
country.
Protestors threw bricks and blocked roads with burning tyres and trees.
There is no evidence that tourists have been targeted, but some have been caught
up in sudden demonstrations, and at least one British national has been injured
in the past. On 25 April 2006, victory rallies took place in Kathmandu and
passed peacefully. The situation across Nepal is slowly returning to a
reasonable level of normality and calm. Our overall advice against all but
essential travel will be kept under review.
Local Travel
Following the King’s reinstatement of
Parliament, the political parties have called off strikes, which began on 6
April 2006. All curfews have now been lifted, the mobile phone network has
been restored and traffic has started moving again. However, the political
and security situation still remains unpredictable and violent flashpoints could
occur. While the security situation has improved since 25 April 2006, it could
change rapidly and you should avoid all demonstrations and large
gatherings.
Due to the uncertain security situation we continue to judge that there may
be a risk of being caught up in violence on the streets and are continuing to
advise against all but essential travel until the security situation becomes
stabilised. We will keep this advice under close review. Those British
nationals already in Nepal should decide whether their continued presence there
is essential.
Road transport in and out of the Kathmandu valley has been severely
disrupted since 6 April 2006, although many roads have now reopened.
Travel within towns and cities are currently not affected, however travel
between towns and cities may be disrupted.
If, against our advice, you do decide to travel to Nepal, or are already in
the country you should continue to monitor the situation carefully
and ensure you are comfortable with your personal safety arrangements.
Countrywide strikes (bandhs) have been regularly called by the
Maoists, and have resulted in widespread disruption, including to transport.
Bandhs cause major disruption to all walks of life in Nepal (including local
transport, road travel, shops etc) and can be violent. Tourists have been
temporarily stranded. You should note that such strikes could seriously affect
your travel arrangements. The situation remains tense and unpredictable, and
sporadic Maoist violence continues.
Transport usually operates freely in the Kathmandu valley, except during
times of major demonstrations. Traffic in Kathmandu normally flows 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. Local
bandhs are regularly called and travel by road can be difficult, even when a
bandh is not officially in operation.
Unofficial curfews can be declared at short notice throughout the Kathmandu
valley and other major towns and districts in the country. Often the areas
affected by the curfew are not clearly defined. Curfews are rigorously enforced
and the security forces have previously been given instructions to shoot on
sight any person defying a curfew. The announcement of official curfews can be
uncoordinated. It is therefore essential that you keep a close watch on the
local media for advance notice of upcoming curfews. A good source of local
up-to-date information can 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. You must abide by curfew
restrictions.
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.
Mobile phone networks have been suspended since 22 April 2006, but
landlines are currently working.
Road Safety
Road travel in
general carries risk. Remotely detonated bombs have been laid in some
areas and have injured tourists. On 6 June 2005, a Maoist landmine attack
destroyed a bus in the Chitwan district. At least forty-one people were
killed and over 70 injured.
Maoists have also been known to attack public
transport buses. So far, buses specifically intended for tourists
(e.g. hotel/trekking company buses) have not been targeted while carrying
passengers.
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.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
You should not become involved with drugs. 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.
Health
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.
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.
For medical and inoculations advice, contact your GP before travel. The
Department of Health’s website provides travel health information for people
travelling abroad from the 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.
Injections required
Immunisations advised
Diptheria/Tetanus,
Poliomyelitis, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow fever
Immunisations that
maybe required
Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Meningococcal, Japanese B
encephalitis
Malaria Yes
Reciprocal Health Care None
