Go Nepal e-Magazine

Foreword
We knew but yet we chose to ignore the fact that nature is the
very fabric within which we exist, a source of our survival and
the subject of our imaginations – and emotions…radiated to
us through its immaculate beauty. What went past our mortal
thoughts was that Mother Nature can also be cruel and merciless,
destructive in the course of its complex characteristics and unforgiving
if not respected and understood.
Our beautiful landlocked country Nepal paid the price on April
25, 2015, when the ground below our feet shook to the dance of
death that comes with an earthquake, and this followed with
a chain of powerful aftershocks leaving death and destruction
in its wake. Our tourism structures were affected just like the
many houses of the people that crumpled to the earth in a pile
of bricks, wood and dust; and people lost all sense of their lives,
groping in the dark for that bit of light…
GonepalHolidays chose to be that light when it launched its
emagazine to inspire a nation, instill hope among the masses and
revive our biggest asset, our tourism, from what was left. Much
was spared, and now that the dust has settled, we call upon all of
Nepal’s lovers to join us in awakening a country that almost lost
hope—by visiting Nepal come the fall, and witness a nation being
rebuilt by hand…and powered by foot. Stand witness to the
winds of change of a new Nepal. GonepalHolidays will be with
you when you are here, ensuring that Nepal is still one of the
safest countries in the world to enjoy a holiday with loved ones –
always.
Hariman Lama
CEO
IGC Group of Companies

Contents
Come September 3
From the Horses Mouth 5
Nepal is Safe to Travel 8
The Best Way to Help Nepal Recover from the Quake?
Go There on Vacation 10
Nepal Reopens Heritage Sites Despite UN Concerns 11
Tourism Envisions Rebound Plan After Deadly Quake 12
What can Tourists Do to Help
- Not Hinder - Nepal’s Quake Recovery? 14
Quake-Hit Nepal Seeks Experts’ Advice on Tourism 16
Post Earthquake: Situation Update 18
About Trekking Routes 19
Travel Tips/ Travel Guide 20

COME SEPTEMBER: WE ARE READY TO WELCOME YOU
It’s been more than two months
since the massive earthquake hit
Nepal. More than 8,000 people
died in the disaster and many
were left homeless, forced to live
in tents and under tarpaulins.
Heartbreaking images of rubble
heaps and dead bodies strewn
around flashed across TV screens
world-over.
Almost all the foreign visitors
in the country left immediately
after the earthquake, affecting
the business of hundreds of restaurants,
hotels and retail stores.
Both domestic and international
airlines have suffered huge losses
following the mass departure of
tourists. Tourism is the worst-hit
sector, with an estimated economic
loss of Rs 62.37 billion,
according to the Post Disaster
Needs Assessment report prepared
by the National Planning
Commission.
The tourism sector requires Rs
41.33 billion for reconstructing
and rebuilding, the report said.
The sector has sustained damage
worth Rs18.86 billion, while
the accumulative loss could total
Rs 81.24 billion. Meanwhile, the
country’s heritage sites have suffered
damages worth Rs 19.22
billion, while Rs 20.56 billion
will be required for their reconstruction.
However, the government and
private sector have been taking
various measures to rebuild tourist
confidence post-disaster. The
country is trying to get back on
its feet. Everything is slowly being
rebuilt.
The need of the hour is to
attract more international
tourists. And this can be done
because barring a few major
tourist destinations in Nepal,
the rest of them were virtually
unaffected by the temblors.
According to the Nepal Tourism
Board, only 14 out of the
75 districts in the country have
been affected by the earthquake.
Places like Chitwan, Pokhara,
Lumbini, Bardia, the Annapurna
and Everest regions and the
Eastern and Far-Western parts
of Nepal were unharmed by the
quake and are ready for business.
Most trekking routes, except
Manaslu and Langtang, are
intact and trekking can be
undertaken during the autumn
season—which falls between
September to November—in
these areas. The birthplace of
the Buddha, Lumbini, did not
suffer damage and is all set to
welcome visitors back to its
sacred soil.
Among the 19 protected areas,
only three were affected. More
than 90 percent of hotels and
restaurants in the Kathmandu
Valley are in operation. Road
and air transport remain intact
across the country. The government
has already initiated
myriad projects, and is working
to audit most of the trekking
routes to ensure visitors that it
is safe to travel.
Perhaps the government might
allocate a chunk of budget to
foster tourism. It has initiated
a Built-Back-Better approach
to restore the damaged heritage
sites and some of the infrastructure.

It is very sad that more negative rather than
positive news about Nepal were disseminated
around the world. We want to tell the world
that Nepal is safe and open for tourists,” says
Tourism Minister Kripasur Sherpa.
Tourism industry in Nepal boasts potential
to be the topmost adventure tourism destination
in the South Asian region. Nepal is home
to eight of the 14 highest peaks in the world.
There are hundreds of rivers suitable for rafting
and dozens of verdant forests and wildlife
sanctuaries that can fulfil the safari dream of
anyone.
But despite all this, Nepal’s tourism industry
has not been able to fully harness the potential.
It was crippled by the decade-long Maoist
rebellion and the political uncertainty that rose
in the revolution’s aftermath. And just when
the industry had started to recover, it has been
hit by another worst disaster.
The powerful earthquake may have changed
the perception of the rest of the world towards
Nepal, but no matter how big the tremors were,
the country has embarked upon an aggressive
rebuilding binge. New opportunities have
opened up and there is much to learn from the
disaster. That’s why Hollywood actor Jackie
Chan said during his recent visit to Nepal,
“Nepal can’t be defeated by the devastating
earthquake because Nepal is not alone and can
rebuild itself better than before with the support
of the international community.”
Tourism, the mainstay of Nepal’s economy,
needs more visitors than ever to thrive and
flourish. The scenic beauty of panoramic
mountains, gushing waters sprouting from the
Himalayas and the lush forests of the Tarai are waiting for visitors to come and soak in them.

FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH
“It is very sad that there have been more negative rather than positive news about the
tragedy disseminated around the world. We want to tell the world that Nepal is safe
and we are open for tourists.”
- Tourism Minister Kripasur Sherpa
“Nepal’s tourism will bounce back soon. We proudly invite the foreign tourists
for natural, cultural and adventure tourism. Their safety will be our priority.”
- Tulsi Prasad Gautam, Director General at Department of Tourism.
“There are many monuments that haven’t fallen
and there many beautiful places to visit. I will
carry the message back home when I return to
my country. We should help the people of Nepal
to come back to their work and make them able
to support themselves.”
- Susan Sarandon, Oscar-winning
American Actress in her visit to Nepal after April
25 Earthquake.
Susan Sarandon talking with the earthquake
victims
Actor Jackie Chan in a relief program
“Nepal can’t be defeated by the devastating earth
quake because Nepal is not alone and can rebuild
itself better than before with the support of the
international community. I feel that my attendance
in person matters more than a simple donation, my
appearance here can give the people more confidence
and show that the world is with Nepal.”
- Hollywood actor Jackie Chan

“The international media reports showed that everything
had been destroyed. But when I arrived here, it was much
better than I had anticipated. To be honest, I didn’t have
any problems visiting the country. No dangers at all. In
general, I don’t find Nepal unsafe to visit. There are many
places in Nepal that have escaped the disaster, and there are
many places to visit.”
- Andrew Jones, Vice Chairman, PATA
“I think I’d conquered the biggest
thing, which was fear. I felt there was
no need to be afraid, it was very important
to come back, to come back to
show the appreciation for the people
who took such great care of us and to
show the people here in Nepal that we
care.”
- Hollywood Actress Michelle
Yeoh who was in Kathmandu during
the April 25 earthquake.
“ Actress Michelle Yeoh with kids
“And consider this: how good you
will feel knowing that you were
among the first to show the rest of
the world that Nepal is once again
a safe place to visit and explore;
that there is nothing to fear and
everything to be gained by witnessing
first-hand the indomitable
spirit of its people as they set about
constructing a new identity, a new
architecture, a new legacy on top
of the still living and breathing vestiges
of the old identity, the old architecture,
and the old legacy.
“Lives have been devastated,
homes destroyed, families
bereaved and children
orphaned. It is so incredibly
sad. Despite all that has
happened I am optimistic.
The Nepalese are resilient
and resourceful, but they
need our help.”
– Doug Scott, a famous
mountaineer
“Go to Nepal that really is
the best thing, encourage
your friends to go there...
when the new trekking season
comes around, the best
thing for Nepal is for people
to visit, to let tourism takes
off again.”
-Peter Hillary, Everest Summitter
and son of Sir Edmund
Hillary who was near
Everest Base Camp during
the earthquake.

INTERVIEW
Andrew Jones is a vice-chairman of the
Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).
An experienced crisis management expert,
he has worked as a key person in various
countries that have suffered disasters like
the 2002 Bali bombing, 2004 Thailand
tsunami and 2014 Philippines typhoon
besides Egypt and Japan. As PATA has
taken the initiative to help and support
the bounce-back campaign for Nepal’s
tourism industry, in his recent visit to
Nepal, he highlighted PATA’s initiative to
help rebuild Nepal tourism and the perception
tourists have towards the quakeaffected
country.
NEPAL IS SAFE
TO TRAVEL
Is Nepal safe for travellers? What kind of message
has been disseminated abroad? How do you assess
the current and future scenarios?
I have visited Nepal several times. My first impression
towards Nepal after the April 25 deadly
earthquake was that the country had been devastated.
The international media reports showed
that everything had been destroyed. But when I
arrived here, it was much better than I had anticipated.
To be honest, I didn’t have any problems
visiting the country. No dangers at all. In general,
I don’t find Nepal unsafe to visit. There are many
places in Nepal that have escaped the disaster, and
there are many places to visit. But businesses are
not normal yet. Like me, visitors need to know the
reality that many places are safe to visit. We are
not actually saying that the situation has become
normal and come from tomorrow. But it’s going to
be on the right track soon.
Can Nepal emerge as an attractive tourism destination
from the devastation caused by the earthquake?
How long will it take?
Except for a few places, every destination is intact.
As tourism is a mainstay of the country’s economy
and has created a big impact on the livelihoods of
the people, Nepal should focus on rebranding and
diversifying its products in a unique and sustainable
way. We are also holding discussions with some
branding experts to rebrand Nepal’s image. Bailing
out the industry is challenging, but it is also
an opportunity for Nepal to focus on sustainable
tourism. It’s the right time for the government and
the private sector to concentrate on good and quality
infrastructure, particularly road networks and
airports.
Obviously, good infrastructure is the driver of
business as well as the country’s prosperity. Nepal
currently should look for its traditional market
segments like India and the European countries.
Focused promotions in new markets like China
could be a key to reinvigorating tourism. However,
it’s too early to say how long Nepal will take to
recover fully. But I am sure many people across the
world are interested in visiting here, if they know
the reality and feel a sense of safety and security.
When is the right time to invite tourists?
Yes, I would say September is the valid goal. The
autumn season augurs well for Nepal’s tourism.
There is a lot of work to be done to motivate tourists
to visit Nepal. Some of the restrictions like
the travel advisories and insurance policies of a
number of countries are the factors that PATA
is looking into currently. We are working on how
such policies can be modified to encourage visitors
to come here. Based on our initial assessment,
there is enough room to make tourists visit Nepal
this autumn. After all, Nepal needs business at this
time.

So, how can Nepal motivate travelers to visit?
The best way is celebrities, high-profile people and
the media. They are the medium to disseminate
a positive message at a time when visitors are
traumatized. Oscar-winning Hollywood actress
Susan Sarandon has urged tourists to come to
Nepal amid concerns that the nation’s vital tourism
industry could be seriously hurt, and this is a
gesture of goodwill to encourage others. After all,
world-of-mouth promotion is the best strategy to
promote tourism. Besides, social media can play
an effective role to build the visitor’s confidence.
Among several aspects, PATA is also considering or
is in the process of bringing celebrities and highprofile
people to Nepal.
How is PATA helping to revive Nepal’s tourism?
PATA is currently engaged in supporting the Nepal
government and the private sector in both the
technical and financial aspects. Our experts are
currently assessing the tourism recovery initiatives
in the aftermath of the earthquake. We need to be
transparent to inform people which place is safe to
visit. Safe and unsafe areas should be categorized
and highlighted. Within a few weeks, we will have
a clearer picture on such areas, and subsequently
after some assessment, we will be working on a
strategy—short, medium and long term—and
recommend Nepal to act accordingly to bring Nepal’s
tourism into the right and sustainable track.
Besides, technical resources, we are collecting
funds from various international organizations for
the recovery process. Similarly, we have the PATA
international travel mart in Bangalore this September.
The mart’s major focus will be on engaging
buyers and sellers to help sell Nepal’s destinations.
What role should the government play at this critical
time?
Don’t you think that earthquake-proof tourism
infrastructures are the need of the hour?
The Tourism Ministry should be able to bring all
the stakeholders under one roof. Not only the
government, it’s time for everyone to join hands to
promote Nepal. In fact, the April earthquake is a
wakeup call. Its lesson learning for a country like
Nepal because natural disasters could occur again
and the country should be well prepared to tackle
them. The aftermath of the quake has not only
made things challenging, but also provided an opportunity
for Nepal to do things in the right way.
After all, Nepal, which relies heavily on tourism,
has an opportunity to rebuild its infrastructure in
a sustainable way.
Tourism entrepreneurs are very worried and they
have started offering heavy discounts and started to
engage in price cutting. Is this a good sign?
Not at all. Instead of cutting prices and offering
heavy discounts, the industry should maintain
their quality and enhance the service level. If you
adopt undercutting measures, it will affect your
business greatly, and ultimately you will have
to lay off your staff and that could make many
people jobless. So discounts and undercutting
measures practically do have adverse effects on the
whole industry.

FEATURE
The Best Way to Help
Nepal Recover From
the Quake? Go There
on Vacation
“We are pleased to inform you that Nepal is now
safe to visit,” reads an email from Adventure
Mountain Explore Treks & Expedition (AME
treks) sent out on Wednesday. “If you have already
booked your holiday or you are planning to, we
welcome you with an open heart.”
The message from the Kathmandu-based mountaineering
and sightseeing organizers represents a
larger plea from the small Himalayan nation, as
it continues to pick itself up from the devastating
April 25 earthquake that claimed over 7,000 lives
thus far.
“Nepal is very safe to travel,” said AME executive
director Tika Regmi. “Life is back to normal.”
The 7.9-magnitude quake laid waste to large
swaths of Nepal’s capital Kathmandu (including
several iconic heritage sites) and entire villages
across the countryside have been flattened, but
companies and officials alike insist visiting the
country is now more important than ever.
The quake came during Nepal’s summer trekking
season, and its aftermath and gradual recovery will
undoubtedly affect this year’s peak autumn trekking
expeditions beginning in September — bookings
for which Regmi says are already starting to
be canceled.
Despite Nepal’s peerless natural beauty — boasting
eight of the 10 highest mountains in the world
— and ancient temples and palaces, this landlocked
nation of 30 million only receives around
600,000 visitors a year, making tourism a key
potential avenue for growth.
Ganga Sagar Pant, CEO of the Trekking Agencies
Association of Nepal (TAAN), says there is no
reason for Nepal’s tourism — currently contributing
around 10 percent of GDP and jobs — to grind
to a halt. “The world must go on,” he said. “The
tourism products are still there — mountains, flora
and fauna, jungles, trails.”
Pant says TAAN is planning “assessment” expeditions
to popular trekking sites like the Mount
Everest circuit, the Annapurna region (which includes
the 10th highest mountain in the world) and
the Langtang National Park in the weeks to come,
so a more concrete picture of the earthquake’s
impact can be formed.
Nepal’s government is also in the process of collecting
data on loss of infrastructure and damage
to heritage sites and popular trekking paths. “But
there are many other areas which could be new
tourism products and destinations, so our focus
is on that as well,” says Mohan Krishna Sapkota,
spokesperson for Nepal’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture
and Civil Aviation. “Our priority is to bring
more tourists and provide them quality, safety,
hospitality and other services to their satisfaction,”
he says, expressing a desire to re-establish
Nepal as a “safe, unique and attractive tourist
destination.”
All three men — Regmi, Pant and Sapkota — insist
that Nepal remains safe and urge people to
come visit. The benefits are especially positive if
visitors reside in home stays and frequent independent
restaurants and shops.
“People from around the world are willing to help
in this situation,” says Pant.
“One important and sustainable way to do that is
to help tourism here flourish
again.” (Time Magazine)

FEATURE
Nepal Reopens Heritage Sites
Despite UN Concerns
The Nepal government declared several damaged
heritage sites open to the public on Monday,
in a bid to recover tourism revenues in
the region hit by an earthquake, but United
Nations officials worried that the buildings were not
entirely ready.
Nepal’s many temples and palaces had been a significant
tourist draw for the impoverished country, and
many were all but destroyed in the April 25 earthquake,
which killed more than 8,700 people.
“World Heritage sites, the treasures of the Nepalese
economy, should not remain closed forever,” said
Nepal’s tourism secretary, Suresh Man Shrestha, who
added that he was hoping to garner visitors for “earthquake
disaster education tourism.”
More than 700 monuments were damaged in the quake,
and Mr. Shrestha said the costs of reconstruction would
run into the tens of millions of dollars. The reopened
monuments include the Durbar Square complexes in
Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan, as well as Swayambhunath,
a shrine on top of a hill at the northwestern
edge of Kathmandu.
Christian Manhart, the head
of UNESCO’s Nepal office
in Kathmandu, said Monday
that the organization had
urged the government to delay
the reopening of the sites, as
he believed that two of them
were still either unsafe or vulnerable to theft because
the rubble from the earthquake was not yet cleared.
“At Kathmandu Durbar Square there is the huge palace
museum — one very big building which is totally
shaky,” he said. “The walls are disconnected from one
another so this big wall can fall down at any moment.”
The country’s Tourism Department said Monday that
the government would instate safety measures, including
providing helmets to visitors and security at the
monuments, and that the museum building at Kathmandu’s
Durbar Square would remain closed. However,
Mr. Manhart said that even allowing visitors close to it
could be dangerous.
Swayambhunath, the hilltop shrine, was both unsafe
and vulnerable to looting because uncleared
rubble remains, he said. Mr. Manhart said he had
written the director general of Nepal’s Archaeology
Department, Bhesh Narayan Dahal, two weeks ago to
urge him to delay the reopening.
“Now, Nepal is safe,” said Kripasur Sherpa, Nepal’s
minister for culture, tourism and civil aviation, in
televised comments at the reopening of the Durbar
Square in Bhaktapur on Monday.
“They say that there is some pressure to reopen those
sites so they can request entrance fee, which is badly
needed for the rehabilitation of the monuments,” Mr.
Manhart said of the letter he received in response.
(The New York Times)

Tourism envisions rebound plan after
deadly quake
The devastating earthquake of April 25 has
left the country’s fragile infrastructure in
ruins, its popular trekking trails scarred by
landslides and iconic World Heritage Sites in
tatters. In just one short
week, almost all the foreign
sightseers have left
the country. It’s unclear
when the tourists will
return.
However, travel trade
entrepreneurs are
very optimistic about
the future of Nepal’s
tourism industry. The
importance of the tourism
sector in Nepal can
be gauged from the fact
that it has a multiplier
effect on the economy in
the form of job creation
and rural earnings.
According to Tourism
Employment Survey
2014 conducted by the
Tourism Ministry, every
six tourists create one
job in Nepal, and the
tourism industry provides
poor communities
better access to revenues generated by the tourism
market.
The private sector and the government has joined
hands to bring about a speedy recovery from the devastating
earthquake ’s repercussions by setting up a
recovery taskforce to recommend appropriate measures
for the industry’s turnaround.
“In the short-term, tourism is likely to drop almost
to zero, but things are going to get better in the days
ahead,” said Ashok Pokhrel, president of the Nepal
Association of Tour Operators. “Before going for global
marketing and preparing new itineraries, the recovery
taskforce will sketch out a plan and hire international
experts who will recommend actions to produce a solid
rebound in the country’s tourism industry.”
As per the plan, the taskforce will study the damage
caused to the trekking routes, World Heritage Sites and
varied infrastructure and list the resources required for
their reconstruction. However, a number of experts
say that the damage to the tourism infrastructure and
cultural zones would have a negative impact on the
country’s tourism economy
and traveler confidence in
the long term.
Nepal’s travel and tourism
sector directly generated
487,500 jobs last year
representing 3.5 percent of
the total employment in
the country, according to a
World Travel and Tourism
Council (WTTC) report. In
terms of absolute contribution
to job creation by the
travel and tourism sector,
Nepal is ranked 38th
among 184 countries.
The direct contribution of
Nepal’s travel and tourism
to the GDP in 2014
was Rs83.7 billion or 4.3
percent of the GDP. This is
forecast to rise 5.4 percent
to Rs88.2 billion in 2015.
Nepal has observed sustained
growth in international
tourist arrivals since
June 2009. The country received 509,956 tourists in
2009 and in 2013 the figure jumped to 800,000.
Trekking and mountaineering are the main draws for
tourists. “Therefore, we need to assure travellers that
their favourite trekking and hiking trails are intact,”
said Ramesh Dhamala, president of the Trekking
Agencies Association of Nepal (Taan). An estimated 30
percent of the total tourists go trekking in the Himalayan
foothills.
According to Dhamala, some of the popular trekking
trails like Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Ruby Valley, Langtang
and Rolwaling have been destroyed completely.
“Some routes can be repaired while most need to be
restored from scratch,” he said, adding that Taan was
conducting a detailed study of the damaged trails.
Dhamala estimates that at least Rs150-200 million will

e needed to reconstruct the walking paths.
A Tourism Ministry survey shows that the trekking
sector is the largest employer in the tourism industry
followed by tourist standard hotels, travel agencies,
star hotels and international airlines. According to the
survey, the 1,636 trekking agencies in the country provided
50,004 jobs in 2014.
Meanwhile, an increased number of deaths on the
scenic mountains, particularly Everest, has emerged
as another worry. Last year on April 18, an avalanche
on Everest killed 16 guides. This year too, at least 19
climbers including high-altitude guides died in an avalanche
triggered by the April 25 earthquake.
Peak climbing in Nepal is considered to be high-end
tourism as it brings income to porters, kitchen staff,
high-altitude guides and expedition and gear agencies.
A guide on Everest normally earns $6,000 to $7,000
during the three-month climbing season. Government
revenues amount to about $3.9 million annually in
climbing fees, $3.5 million from Everest alone.
Luxury and budget hotels, restaurants and bars in
Pokhara, Thamel and other tourist areas have borne
the brunt of the slump n tourism. There has been a noticeable
absence of backpackers and budget travellers
on the streets of Thamel and Pokhara since the tremor
despite this being the height of the tourist season.
While European and American visitors prefer adventure
activities, tourists from Southeast Asia come to
Nepal mainly to visit religious sites. “And they will
certainly feel let down if the cultural and architectural
structures are not restored speedily,” said Pokhrel.
The earthquake reduced a majority of the valley’s
Unesco World Heritage Sites to rubble. Damage has
been caused to numerous historic buildings and archaeological
locations, including six Unesco World Heritage
Sites, namely Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan
Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar Square and the
shrines of Swayambhu, Changu Narayan and Boudha.
(The Kathmandu Post)

What can tourists do to help - not hinder
- Nepal’s quake recovery?
Every year 800,000 international visitors travel to
Nepal to experience its unique attractions. These
include Sagarmatha National Park (Mt Everest),
the Annapurna and Langtang trekking regions,
and the Kathmandu Valley, which is dotted with UNESCO
World Heritage sites such as the Durbar Squares in Patan
and Bhaktapur. The April 25 earthquake and aftershocks
seriously affected all these places.
Tourism is critical to Nepal’s economy. The World Travel and
Tourism Council reports that the industry contributed 8.9
percent to Nepal’s gross domestic product in 2014, supporting
1.1 million jobs. Before the earthquake, Nepal was the
26th fastest-growing tourism economy out of 188 countries.
What impact will the earthquake have on tourism? Based on
the Nepalese culture, tourism and civil aviation ministry’s
tourism statistics, about 23,000 visitors would have been in
the country on April 25, 2015. It is not yet known exactly
how many tourists were among those who lost their lives in
the earthquake.
Nepal is one of the most hazard-prone countries in the world.
This is due to its location in a high-intensity earthquake zone
and extreme topography. The risk profile is known with relative
accuracy, and so is the fact that rural communities are
considerably more vulnerable than the urban population.
Based on research in other hazard-exposed destinations
around the world, tourists were probably not fully aware
of the risks involved in travelling to Nepal. Yet the tourism
industry will also be critical to Nepal’s economic recovery.

When thinking about the future of Nepal and its tourism
industry, there are several dimensions to consider.
Tourist destinations are becoming increasingly aware of the
devastating impacts that natural disasters can have on their
industries. Organisations at all levels have begun to promote
or develop tools to increase disaster preparedness and management
of the sector.
Examples include the Global
Sustainable Tourism Council’s
destination standards,
the best practice guide for
tourism risk management
developed by APEC (Asia-Pacific
Economic Cooperation),
and local action plans (for
example, in New Zealand).
To date, not many destinations
have implemented these
tools. Tourists are typically
not accounted for as vulnerable
groups in national
disaster plans. Nepal’s 2008
National Strategy for Disaster
Risk Management does
not mention tourism at all.
A similar omission has
also been revealed for New
Zealand’s civil defense and
emergency management
plans in an assessment of the
impacts of the Christchurch
earthquakes on the visitor
economy.
The Christchurch evaluation
identified areas where tourism-specific
plans are critical.
These include the evacuation
of foreign visitors (involving
embassies, airlines and a
range of other stakeholders),
dedicated communication
channels for visitors inside
and outside the affected area,
and industry assistance to aid
a speedy recovery of tourism infrastructure and businesses.
The limited availability of helicopters seriously hampered
rescue operations in Nepal. Many of the most devastated
regions can only be accessed by helicopters, but Nepal has
only about a dozen functioning ones.
that tourism is the backbone of the economy and perceptions
of safety are critical to future tourist arrivals—or
whether a life is a life.
Another critical touch point between disaster relief and
tourism is the airport. Following a disaster, airports become
a bottleneck for fleeing foreigners (and locals who can afford
it) and incoming assistance. As part of a country’s critical
infrastructure network, airports need to be highly prepared
and drilled for disasters.
Several newspapers and social media reported chaotic scenes
at Kathmandu’s airport. The airport was unable to handle
incoming cargo planes.
More than five years ago, it had been decided to upgrade
Gautam Buddha Airport as a secondary hub to Kathmandu
that can handle larger international flights. The Asian Development
Bank agreed on a loan in 2012, and the foundation
stone was laid in January 2015. The process has been too
slow to be of assistance in this present disaster.
As the case of the Christchurch earthquakes has already
demonstrated, tourism businesses can provide invaluable resources
to the disaster response. For example, a scenic flight
operator in Nepal reported having brought 1,000 victims
back to Kathmandu in its helicopters. Holidaymakers were
seen helping dig locals out of the rubble. Trekkers reportedly
shared food and other provisions with locals in remote villages
and carried valuable equipment such as satellite phones
and first aid kits.
However, it is important to proceed with caution in restoring
the tourism industry. A statement by Mountain Explore
Treks & Expedition in mid-May to encourage travellers to go
to Nepal—“We are pleased to inform you that Nepal is now
safe to visit”—is irresponsible as long as the rescue and recovery
operations are not complete and large aftershocks are
to be expected. Buildings are compromised, mountain slopes
are unstable and large aftershocks pose a serious risk.
A more measured response, adopted by several other tour
companies, is to raise funds and provide support (for example,
to donate tents) to earthquake survivors.
From a management and marketing perspective, Nepal will
benefit from communicating clearly to prospective tourists
which areas of Nepal are safe to travel (for example, the
Royal Chitwan National Park) and how the rebuild of infrastructure
in other areas (for example, the Mt Everest Valley)
is progressing. In addition, it is important that the global
tourism industry and inter-governmental bodies support a
swift recovery process.
Most importantly, in the long term, it is essential that people
travel to Nepal again in the future and contribute to its recovery
by spending generously. (The Conversation)
To a large extent, the immediate rescue effort focused on
climbers and Sherpa’s in the Mt Everest region, raising ethical
concerns. Leading mountaineers such as Reinhold Messner
commented on a morally questionable two-class rescue.
Fights over life-saving helicopter space were also observed in
the devastated Langtang Valley.
Clearly, a debate is necessary over whether it is in the interest
of the country to save foreign tourists—for the sole reason

Quake-hit Nepal seeks experts’
advice on tourism
Tourism operators in earthquake-hit Nepal
say they are seeking guidance from international
experts on which areas can be declared
safe for trekking and mountaineering.
They want to secure an assessment from top geologists
because of the increased risks from earthquake-torn
mountains. This type of tourism is a
major source of income for Nepal.
Major destinations are still facing landslides, after
the quake and its aftershocks left mountains unstable.
Places seen as highly risky are mainly in the Manaslu,
Langtang, Rolwaling and Helambu trekking
areas in central Nepal. But there are also concerns
for the Annapurna and Everest regions, which see
the highest numbers of trekkers and mountaineers.
“Before we announce that the earthquake-hit
areas are safe as tourist destinations, we are determined
to get an assessment report from international
geologists and experts who will be visiting
the ground,” said Ramesh Dhamala, president of
Trekking Agents’ Association of Nepal.
“Without them first saying which areas no longer
have the risk of mountains coming down, we will
not be doing this risky business just for an immediate
benefit.
“We are also recommending to the government, in
writing, that these areas should not be reopened
(for trekking and mountaineering) before the team
of experts makes their assessment public internationally.”
Trekking agents say they are worried that if tourists
are allowed to visit the earthquake-hit areas
under present circumstances, and if disaster strikes
such areas again, the country’s tourism industry
will suffer irrecoverably.
Mountaineering operators are similarly worried.
“We too think the same way, and we have joined
forces with trekking agents and the government
to ascertain a scientific assessment - because it is
equally, if not more, risky for mountaineers to be
in the region that has been so badly shaken by the
earthquake,” says Ang Tshering Sherpa, president
of Nepal Mountaineering Association.
But there are some operators who believe business
should resume as soon as possible, because not
everywhere has been badly hit and that there are
some areas with lesser risks.
Nearly 800,000 tourists visited Nepal in 2013, and
a similar number in 2012. Around 13% of those
visitors were trekkers and mountaineers.
The Annapurna region sees the highest number of
trekkers, followed by the Everest region.
The April 25 quake had its epicenter in Gorkha to
the west of Kathmandu, but it shook mountains
as far away as Everest to the east.
That quake ruinously rattled mountains mainly
in the Langtang valley, where entire villages were
buried under avalanches and landslides and debris
killed nearly 200 people including foreign trekkers.
The main quake zone also shook many mountains
in the Annapurna region, where landslides have
continued and one of them even blocked a major
river on Sunday.
The biggest aftershock - a 7.3 magnitude quake
on 12 May - had its epicenter to the northeast of
Kathmandu where there are popular trekking regions
including the Rolwaling and Helambu.
That tremor caused huge devastation in these

areas and there was damage in the Everest region
again.
Officials said a small glacial pond near Mount Everest
burst its containment on Monday night, causing
panic among villagers because they fear the
earthquake and aftershocks may have destabilized
bigger glacial lakes in the region.
Geologists say the quakes triggered more than
3,000 landslides in the affected areas and the upcoming
monsoon could worsen conditions.
“The reason why the mountains remain unstable
is that earthquakes cause intense shaking of the
landscape, which damages the rock and soils on
hillsides,” says Prof Alex Densmore from the Institute
of Hazard, Risk and Resilience at Durham
University in the UK.
“This means that even hillsides that did not fail
during the earthquake are more damaged, and
thus more prone to failure, than they were before
25 April.
“In some cases this damage may be visible at the
surface in the form of cracks or fractures in the
ground, but this is not necessarily the case; the
damage may be at depth and not immediately visible.”
Prof Jeffrey Kargel, a glaciologist at the University
of Arizona who has studied landslides on Nepalese
mountains and their impacts on rivers, says an
assessment of the situation is absolutely critical.
“We have seen so much activity of the earth following
the main shock and the largest aftershock
that we have to presume that there is going to be
a state of greatly heightened activity during this
monsoon, and quite possibly into coming years,”
he said.
“It’s very clear that we have to do what’s possible,
not just to keep trekkers and climbers safe, but
also the people who service the trekkers and climbers
and the entire economic structure of these very
hard-hit areas.”
But given Nepal’s difficult topography in the
Himalayan region, assessing the risks would not be
easy.
“It will take quite a bit of work because every
valley, every glacier, every mountain is going to be
different depending on the circumstances of the
glaciers, the moraines and possible fracturing of
the rocks,” Prof Kargel said.
International tour operators are waiting and
watching as well.
“To rush out and simply say it’s safe to come to
Nepal without factual knowledge is a little bit foolhardy,
potentially,” said Nicholas Cowlie, Nepal
general manager for Intrepid Travel - the largest
international provider of trekking tourists to the
country.
“At this point, our clients are holding on to their
(Nepal) holiday bookings and our major focus is
to report back to them and show them that we are
ready for business when we know that it is operationally
safe.” (BBC World Service)

Nepal is ready to welcome tourists:
Nepal Tourism Board
On 25th April 2015 an earthquake struck the
central region of Nepal in the Gorkha district just
north of the main highway between Kathmandu
and Pokhara. The earthquake was followed by a
number of severe aftershocks and as a result, there
were more than 8000 people found dead, thousands
more injured and it destroyed houses, trekking
trails and monuments including centuries-old palaces
and temples listed as UNESCO World Heritage
Sites.
Despite damage to some of its historical and
cultural monuments and trekking trails, Nepal is
now ready to welcome tourists. Some of the monuments
in the heritage sites will be reopen for tourists
from June 15, 2015. Roads and air transport
links remain intact across the country; the majority
of hotels and restaurants are in operation. Most
trekking areas except Manaslu and Langtang have
not been damaged by the Earthquake and trekking
can be undertaken any time in these areas.
Chitwan, Pokhara, Annapurna region and Bardia
also escaped widespread damage, and are thus
ready to showcase their abundance of natural life.
The birthplace of the Buddha, Lumbini, did not
suffer damage and is thankfully all set to welcome
visitors back to its sacred soil.
There are many beautiful and captivating cultural
and natural sites in the West, Mid-West, Far West
and East Nepal that await tourists to welcome
there. Out of 75 districts of Nepal, only 14 districts
are damaged. Apart from Langtang, Manaslu
and Gaurishankar, other 14 national parks and
conservation areas including Everest, Annapurna,
Kanchanjunga areas withsood the earthquake
with strength and power.
The Government of Nepal request international
travelers to visit the magnificent and bustling
country of Nepal, and support her by visiting it
as she attempts to stand proudly on her feet once
again. Walk the beautiful trails in the shadow of
the most magnificent mountains on earth as you
help the Nepalese people reset their course on the
path to prosperity. Nepal is now embarking upon
the most fascinating period in all of its ancient history,
and you could be right there to see it happen
and your contribution will be a part of rebuilding
new Nepal.
Tourism is one of the mainstays of the Nepalese
economy, and Nepal will certainly need the income
that tourism brings in as it attempts to recover
from this disaster.

POST EARTHQUAKE:
SITUATION UPDATE
Can I visit Nepal this year?
Yes! Nepal is open to tourists! Much of the tourist
and trekking infrastructure has escaped disaster
and is back in business. Hotels and restaurants in
the Kathmandu valley, including Pokhara, Lumbini
and Chitwan—major tourist destinations—are
open.
When is the best time to visit Nepal?
It is recommended to skip the monsoon season
(mid-June to mid-August), particularly for trekkers.
But for visitors looking for a cultural tour
and peaceful environment to enjoy a relaxed vacation,
Nepal is an ideal destination throughout the
year. Right now it’s the off season and the start
of the monsoon. Airfares, hotels tariff, restaurants
bills and tour packages cost are relatively cheaper
during this period. The peak tourist season is in
the autumn (September-November). This is just
after the monsoon season so the air is dry and
clear. This is the perfect time for visiting Nepal if
you are going trekking or culture sight seeing.
Nepal has Four Climatic Seasons.
Spring (March-May): The temperature is mildly
warm in low lands, while moderate in higher altitudes
with plenty of opportunities to have tryst
with the mountain views. It is also the time for
flowers to blossom. It is also Nepal’s second peak
tourist season as it offers best climate for Mt Everest
expedition, including other peaks.
Summer (June-August): This is also the monsoon
season in Nepal. The weather is hot and wet at
times. It rains almost everyday with occasional
thunderstorms in the evening.
Autumn (September-November): This is the best
tourist season in Nepal with the summer gone by
and the winter to set in. The weather is highly
pleasant so are the mountain views. This is the
peak season for trekking.
Winter (December-February): The weather is cool
and the sky is clear with occasional snowfalls at
higher elevations. This season is good for trekking
in lower elevations. The morning and night is cold
and the days are warm when sunny.
Where should I avoid the disaster zones?
Gorkha, Sindhupalchok, Dolakha and the Langtang
valley has been hit by worst April 25 earthquake and
subsequent aftershocks. It is recommended to adopt
precautionary measures while visiting these areas in
terms of tourism. Popular cities like Kathmandu,
Bhaktapur, Patan, Chitwan, Bardia, Lumbini, Trishuli
and Pokhara are all open to tourists and you will not
be in any disaster zone.
Kathmandu: The Kathmandu valley comprises three
ancient cities—Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur.
The historic value of the three Durbar Squares of
Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan has been very
badly affected by the earthquake. Most of Kathmandu
Durbar Square has been destroyed, Bhaktapur
has lost many of its fine historic buildings and Patan’s
Durbar Square is severely damaged. However, Nepal
government on June 15 re-opened some of its centuries-old
cultural heritage sites, including these three
Durbar Square that were closed after the country was
hit by a series of earthquakes in April, in an effort to
attract foreign tourists. It is estimated to take at least
seven years to fully restore these damaged golden era
architectures.
Pokhara: The city is famous in the world for a plethora
of adventure sports activities like paragliding,
para-hawking, zip-flyer, trekking, stand up paddle,
ultra-light flights, boating and many more. You can
experience the most exciting and thrilling bungee
jump experience with the first tower bungee of Nepal
in Pokhara. It is also the gateway to the Annapurna
circuit, Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp, which is
fully open.
Chitwan: The city literally means “heart of the jungle”.
In recent years Chitwan tops the list of things to
do in Asia. It is a truly wildlife adventure of a different
kind – jungle safaris on elephant backs or jeeps,
bird-watching, canoe rides and jungle walks. The
Chitwan National Park is Asia’s best preserved conservation
area, where wildlife thrives and their habitats
remain intact.
Bardia: The jungles of Bardia are completely unaffected
by the earthquake. Elephant sanctuaries, jungle
treks, tiger spotting and so much more are all open!
Lumbini: The birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha is
open and unaffected.

ABOUT TREKKING ROUTES
EVEREST BASE CAMP: The trail from Jiri-Thaksindo–Kharikhola–Lukla-Phakdin
is fine, with the
locals travelling along this every day. The trail near
Phakdin was blocked by a landslide about 20 metres
wide, but the locals have already made a new
trail. The trail from Monjo to Namche is fine. Few
lodges are damaged in Phakdin, Monjo, Namche,
Tyangbuche, Debuche, Pheruche, Dingbuche and
Lobuche, but most of them have been rebuilt and
are ready to business.
DOLPO: All the trails are intact. This area didn’t
even feel the tremor of the earthquake. Some
private groups are still trekking from Juphal to
Jomsom. All the locals are busy in Yarsa Gumpa
harvest and traveling to high mountains to collect
Yarchagumba.
DHAULAGIRI CIRCUIT: No damage to the trekking
trails. The Beni-Darbang-Italian base camp
has escaped damages.
NAAR PHU: No damage to the trekking trails,
but there is a section in-between Koto and Metha
through the woods which is prone to rock fall. This
appeared after the second earthquake, with locals
warning of precaution moving across this section.
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT: The trails in this area are
fine, though some sections are prone to landslides
when descending to Jomsom via Tilicho Lake.
Likewise, trails in Annapurna Sanctuary are also
fine, with lodges running as normal.
ANNAPURNA FOOTHILL TREK: The Annapurna
foothill trek is accessible. The trails from Demuwa-
Thulo Chaur-Jogikuti-Ghorepani-Tada Pani–
Ghandruk and Nayapul are fine.
MUSTANG: Trails in this region are fine but most
of the monasteries were damaged in the quake and
a few collapsed.
MERA PEAK: There is no damage to trails but a
few tea houses suffered damage. Rebuilding is in
progress and all affected lodges are expected to be
in working condition for the autumn season.
MANASLU: Most of the trail has been affected by
the earthquake.
LANGTANG: The Langtang Valley was devastated
by the earthquake. It is difficult to imagine trekking
being possible here for some time to come.

Travel Tips/Travel Guide
If you are planning visits to Nepal then these are
the following things to be considered before you
visit the place:
Entry Requirements
Visa can be obtained on arrival at the Tribhuvan
International Airport, Kathmandu, at border
entry points in Kakadvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa,
Nepalgunj, Gaddachowki on Nepal-India border
and Kodari on Nepal-China border. Visa can also
be obtained at the nearest Nepal Embassy or
Diplomatic Mission in your country. Visa can also
be obtained (renewal purposes) at Department of
Immigration, Kalikasthan, Kathmandu. A valid
passport and one passport -size photo with a light
background is required. Immigration Department
has not specified the size of the passport-size
photo.
Visa fee can be paid any currencies except Indian
and Nepalese Rupees. However, US dollar is highly
recommended.
Tourist Visa
Visa Facility Duration Fee
Multiple entry 15 days US$ 25 or equivalent
convertible currency
Multiple entry 30 days US$ 25 or equivalent
convertible currency
Multiple entry 90 days US$ 100 or equivalent
convertible currency
For Indian National
Indian nationals do not require visa to enter Nepal.
As per the Nepalese Immigration, Indian Nationals
Travelling to Nepal must possess Passport
or Driving License with photo, Photo Identity
card issued by a Government Agency of India, Ration
Card with Photo, Election Commission Card
with Photo, Identity Card issued by Embassy of
India in Kathmandu or Identity Card with Photo
issued by Sub- Divisional Magistrate or any other
officials above his rank.
Also, please check with your nearest travel agents
for documents required by the Indian Immigration
for Indians travelling to Nepal. For further information
please visit: www.immi.gov.np
Other Information
Nationals from Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland,
Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq,
Palestine and Afghanistan will need to obtain visa
from Nepal Embassies or Diplomatic Missions in
their respective countries, as they do not get visa
on arrival at the immigration entry points of Nepal.
Visa Extension
Tourists can stay for a maximum of 150 days in a
visa year (Jan 1 to Dec 31).
International Airlines Connectivity
Nepal is a country which has been linked to many
countries. Nepal Airlines is the national flag carrier
of Nepal with flights to/from Kuala Lumpur,
Dubai, and Bangkok, Doha and Hong Kong and
few Indian cities. Other International airlines
operating from and to Kathmandu are Air Arabia
(Sharjah), Air Asia (Kuala Lumpur), Air China
(Lhasa, Chengdu), Biman Bangladesh (Dhaka),
China Eastern Airlines (Kunming), China Southern
Airlines (Guangzhou), Dragon
Air (Hong Kong), Druk Air (Delhi,
Paro), Etihad Airways (Abu
Dhabi), Flydubai (Dubai), Indian
Airlines (Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi),
Indigo Airlines (Delhi), Jet Airways
(Delhi, Mumbai), Jet Lite (Delhi),
Korean Air (Seoul), Air Asia X
(Kuala Lumpur), Malaysian Airlines
(Kuala Lumpur), Qatar Airways
(Doha), Silk Air (Singapore), Spicejet (Delhi),
Thai Airways (Bangkok) and United Airways
(Dhaka)

Travel Tips/Travel Guide
if traveling to Nepal in the peak season.
Moderate accommodation facilities are also available
in some parts of Kathmandu like Thamel.
In such cases, room rates may not include toilets
and showers, unless otherwise indicated. Toilets
and showers in such cases are generally communal
and heating may require additional charges. Such
small hostelries are preferred by budget tourists
and FITs.
Travelling by Road
All visitors entering Nepal by land must have a
passport with a valid visa and can only use these
designated entry points i.e. Nepal-India or Nepal-
China border and may not enter from any other
point:
1. Kakkarvitta (Nepal-India border)
2. Birgunj (Nepal-India border)
3. Belhiya, Bhairahawa (Nepal-India border)
4. Nepalgunj (Nepal-India border)
5. Dhangadi (Nepal-India border)
6. Mahendranagar (Nepal-India border)
7. Kodari (Nepal-China border)
Please note that overland tourists entering Nepal
with their vehicles must possess an international
carnet or complete customs formalities.
Driving into Nepal
Overland tourists entering Nepal with their vehicles
must possess an international carnet. For more
information on customs matters, Please Click on
http://www.customs.gov.np (official Web site of the
Department of Customs) or Please Contact the
Chief Customs Administrator, TIA Customs Office
at 4470110, 4472266.)
Accommodation
Nepal has every category of accommodation facilities
that range from international standard star
hotels to budget hotels and lodges. To ensure quality
service, it is advisable to use the facilities and
services of Government registered hotels, lodges
and home stays. Most hotels offer a choice: bed
and breakfast; bed, breakfast and one other meal;
or room and full board. During spring and fall, hotels
work at near full capacity and are booked well
in advance. Therefore, it would be a good idea to
check well in advance and book hotels as per need
Accommodation facilities are available in the
mountain tourist areas. While trekking to some
areas tenting may be the only alternative if resident
villages are scanty and long way off trekking
routes. However, most trekking routes have lodges
or tea houses to accommodate tourists. Still to be
on the safer side, we recommend that tourists look
up on such information before embarking on their
journey. For accommodation in rural areas, please
contact the local home stay authorities.
Custom Formalities
Customs
All baggage must be identified and have to pass
through customs inspection at the port of entry.
Personal effects are allowed in duty free. Goods
that are free of duty include: cigarettes (200
sticks) or cigars (50 sticks), distilled liquor (one
1.15 litre bottle), and film (15 rolls). You can also
bring in the following articles free of duty 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.
Foreign tourists are permitted by Nepalese Customs
to take with them goods purchased in Nepal
(except banned items) without any value limit,
provided the goods are purchased out of funds
brought from abroad. Some shops and emporia
also undertake to send the goods abroad as unaccompanied
baggage at the request of the tourists.
Import
Apart from used personal belongings, visitors are
allowed to bring to Nepal free of duty: cigarettes
(200 sticks) or cigars (50 sticks), distilled liquor
(one 1.15 litre bottle), and film (15 rolls). You can
also bring in the following articles free of duty 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.

Export
The export of antiques requires special certification
from the Department of Archaeology, National Archive
Building, Ram Shah Path, Kathmandu. It is illegal
to export objects over 100 years old, such as sacred
images, paintings, manuscripts that
are valued for culture and religious reasons. Visitors are
advised not to purchase such items as they are Nepal’s
cultural heritage and belong here.
Foreign currency encashment and credit cards
Foreign currency and travelers cheque notes can be easily
converted into Nepalese currency with any branch
of a bank authorized to deal in foreign exchange or
licensed money changers. The rates for purchase and
sale of Euro, Pound-Sterling and US Dollar currency
notes are quoted by authorized dealers/money-changers
within the floor and ceiling rates worked out daily in
accordance with guidelines prescribed by Nepal Rastra
Bank (Central Bank of Nepal). For other currencies,
banks quote rates based on market conditions. Currencies
like Euro, Pound-Sterling, US Dollar, German
Mark, Swiss Francs, French Francs and Japanese Yen
are widely accepted.
Payment in hotels, travel agencies, and airlines are
made in foreign exchange. Credit cards like American
Express, Master and Visa are widely accepted at major
hotels, shops, and restaurants. Remember to keep your
foreign exchange encashment receipt while making
foreign exchange payments or transferring foreign currency
into Nepali rupees. The receipts may be needed
to change left-over Nepali currency into hard currency
before leaving the country. However, only 10 percent of
the total amount may be converted by the bank. ATM
is widely in use in Kathmandu.
Major Banks, hotels and exchange counters at Tribhuvan
International Airport provide services for exchanging
foreign currency. Exchange rates are published
in English dailies such as The Rising Nepal, The
Kathmandu Post and The Himalayan Times. Nepali
currency notes are found in denominations of Rupees
1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are found in
denominations of Rupees 5, 2 and 1. One rupee equals
100 paisa.
Business Hours
Nepal is five hours 45 minutes ahead of GMT. Government
offices are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
through Thursday in summer and from 10 a.m.to 4
p.m. in winter. On Fridays Government offices open
from10 a.m. to 3p.m. Most business offices including
travel, trekking and tour agencies are open from 10
a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Friday. Embassies and
international organizations are open from 9 a.m. to 5
p.m. Monday through Friday. Most shops open after 10
a.m. and close at about 8 p.m. and are usually closed on
Saturdays and on public holidays as designated by the
Government of Nepal. The public holidays are based
on international calendars and also based on lunar
calendar.
Communication
Telephone Services
Landline and mobile phone services are available
throughout Nepal. Network covers Kathmandu, major
cities and towns and most of Nepal, except some rural
Himalayan places. Nepal Telecommunications Corporation
at Tripureshwor, Kathmandu, is the national service
provider. There are also private service providers
like Ncell. Hotels and private communication centers
also provide long distance telephone and fax facilities.
For calling from outside, country code for Nepal is 977
and the area code for Kathmandu is 01.
To call Nepal from other countries 00 + country code
(977) + city code + telephone number
Internet Services
Internet is easily accessible in Nepal. There are countless
Internet cafes and communication centers at major
cities. Wi-fi services are also provided at various hotels
and restaurants. Visitors only have to find a place they
are most comfortable in to use the facilities to keep in
touch with home. Internet services are also offered by
hotels.
Postal Services
The Central Post Office located near Dharahara Tower,
is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Friday.
The counters are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and provide
stamps, postcards and aerograms. Post Restante is
available from Sunday through Friday from 10 a.m. to
5 p.m. Express Mail Service (EMS) is available at GPO
and at Thamel, Basantapur and airport postal counters.
Electricity
Major towns have electricity and the voltage available
is 220-volts and 50 cycles. Load shedding or power cut
is scheduled during the dry season and eases off once
it begins to rain. However, most major hotels have
uninterrupted power supply through their own
generators. Besides generators, people also use
solar powered inverters for the lighting purpose.

Permits and Fees [Tour, trekking and mountaineering]
Heritage Sites/ Museums / Zoo
Entrance fees must be paid before touring heritage sites
around Kathmandu Valley like Bhaktapur Durbar Square,
Patan Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bouddhanath,
Swayambhunath and Changu Narayan Temple.
Entrance fees must be paid before touring Lumbini
Gardens, the sanctuary of the Mayadevi Temple, the
birthplace of Lord Buddha, in Lumbini, Rupandehi. Entrance
fees must be paid before touring the Central Zoo in
Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, and museums in Kathmandu Valley.
Entrance fees must also be paid before touring local
museums in different parts of Nepal.
Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS)
Trekkers must acquire Trekkers’ Information Management
Systems (TIMS) Card before the onset of their trek.
TIMS Card has been mandatory to control illegal trekking
operations and ensure the safety and security of the
trekkers in the general trekking areas. TIMS Card helps
to store the database of trekkers recording their would-be
whereabouts for safety of tourists. Fees, passport copy,
and passport size photograph are required to obtain TIMS
Card from Tourist Service Centre, Bhrikutimandap, and
Trekking Agencies’ Association Nepal (TAAN) Office in
Maligaon and Government registered trekking companies
in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Each visitor who goes trekking
through a trekking company must pay US $ 10 and
each free individual trekker (FIT) must pay US $ 20 per
trekking route per person per entry in equivalent Nepali
Rupees only. Part of the collection will go into maintaining
the trekkers’ database and in the rescue of trekkers in
need of emergency services.
Trekking Permit
Special trekking permit must be acquired from the Department
of Immigration, Kalikasthan, Kathmandu, for
trekking to areas that fall under the Restricted Zone.
Mountaineering
Mountaineering royalties must be paid at the Tourism
Industry Division, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil
Aviation, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu or at the Nepal
Mountaineering Association at Naxal, Kathmandu, before
starting on a mountaineering expedition.
National Parks/ Wildlife Reserves/ Conservations
Entry fees must be paid to enter the 20 Protected Areas in
Nepal that have been divided into National Parks, Wildlife
Reserves, Conservation Areas and Hunting Reserve. One
must also obtain hunting license to hunt in the Dhorpatan
Hunting Reserve. Please note that Dhorpatan is the only
protected area where hunting is licensed.
Health Guide
Health care services in Kathmandu Valley are sound. All
kinds of medicines, including those imported from overseas
are available in Kathmandu. Kathmandu Valley also
offers the services of major general hospitals and private
clinics. Health posts have been set up by the Government
in different parts of rural Nepal. For major health crisis or
emergency, one may have to be evacuated to Kathmandu.
Useful Tips
- A travel insurance policy that covers medical treatment
is recommended for all tourists.
- Similarly, we recommend you to make sure that the
insurance covers activities such as trekking, rafting etc.
that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal.
- Getting special vaccinations are not necessary when
visiting Nepal.
- We still recommend that you consult with your
physician regarding special immunizing against any
tropical disease.
- It may be a good idea to get a complete check up before
departure.
- We recommend that you undertake training programs to
be physically fit if you plan to go high-altitude trekking
or mountaineering when you’re visiting Nepal.
- Please read up on altitude sickness (AMS), diarrhea,
Giardia, Dysentry, Cholera, Hepatitis, Rabies, Typhoid,
Tetanus, Meningitis, Diptheria, Malaria and HIV/ AIDS.
Information and little precautions can often save lives.
- Please make sure that food is thoroughly cooked and
served hot when eating out.
- Please make sure that salads and fruits are washed with
purified water or peeled when eating out.
- Beware of food that has been kept out in the open for
long.
- Always make sure that your water is clean by opting
for boiled and then cooled water, treated water or sealed
water from reputed brand.
- Always carry a bottle of water when trekking or ventur
ing off away from the city/ town.
- Do not walk bare feet on damp mud and grass in un
known areas.
- Please do not swim in lakes and water bodies, especially
where depth and vegetation are not known.
- Always carry and use mosquito repellant when in Terai
region or during summers.
- Please have a handy medical first aid kit ready for any
situation.
Medical Kit
A simple but adequate medical kit can be very useful
while travelling. The following items are recommended:
Aspirin of Panadol, for pain or fever; Antihistamine, as a
decongestant for colds, allergies and to help prevent motion
sickness; Antibiotics, useful if travelling off beaten
track but they must be prescribed; Kaolin preparation
(Pepto-Bismol), Imodium or Lomotil, for upset stomach;
Rehydration mixture – for treatment of severe diarrhoea;
Antiseptic, mercurochrome and antibiotic powder or
similar dry spray- for cuts and grazes.

Other things to be included are: Calamine lotion to ease
irritation from bites or stings; bandages and band aids for
minor injuries; scissors, tweezers, thermometer, insect
repellent, sun block lotions, chopsticks, water purification
tablets, throat lozenges, moleskin, Sulamyd 10 percent eye
drops, paracetamol and antacid tablets.
Cultural Etiquette
• Some tips on the common etiquettes practiced by
Nepali people should be useful to visitors.
• The form of greeting in Nepal is “Namaste” perform
ing by joining both palms together. It literally means
“the divine in me salutes the divine in you”.
• As a mark of respect Nepalese usually take their
shoes off before entering someone’s house or place of
worship.
• Food or material that has been touched by another
person’s mouth is considered impure or “jutho” and,
therefore, is not accepted unless among close friends
or family.
• Touching something with feet or using the left hand
to give or take may not be considered auspicious.
• Women wearing skimpy outfits are frowned upon
especially in the rural parts of the country.
• As a part of the tradition some Hindu temples do not
allow non Hindus to enter.
• Leather articles are prohibited inside some temple
areas.
• Walking around temples or stupas is traditionally
done clockwise.
• To avoid conflict photography is carried out after
receiving permission from the object or person.
• Public displays of affection are considered scandal
ous.
• Nodding of head means “Yes” while shaking of head
means a “No”. A slight dangling of head from left to
right means “OK”.
Responsible Tourism
• Please be a responsible tourist. Like someone said,
we request you to, “Leave only footprints, and take
only photographs.”
• Use designated routes, campsites and resting places
to reduce trampling and other negative environmen
tal impacts.
• Respect local culture and traditions, use home stays,
locally owned hotels/ lodges or campsites as much as
possible to support the local livelihood.
• Avoid/ minimize using firewood. Use common space
for heating. Opt for alternatives to minimize defor
estation.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene. Use the litter box
locally available. Carry back your own garbage while
traveling through ecologically sensitive areas.
• Encourage to place mobile toilets at a considerable
distance from sources of water, river banks and
springs while camping along the river sides.
• Use the services of local guides and porters as much
as possible to explore more about local environ
ment and culture.
• Money spent here will contribute directly to the local
livelihood, women’s empowerment and environ
mental conservation.
• Before you begin your journey we request you to
abide by the above guidelines in order to
safeguard the nature and culture of the area and
be a responsible tourist.
Exchange Rates and Banking Hours
The rates for purchase and sale
of Euro, Pound-Sterling and US
Dollar currency notes and foreign
currency travellers’ cheque, where
applicable, are quoted by authorized
dealers/money-changers
within the floor and ceiling rates
worked out daily in accordance with guidelines prescribed
by Nepal Rastra Bank (Formal National Bank of Nepal).
For other currencies, banks quote rates based on market
conditions. Currencies like Euro, Pound-Sterling, US
Dollar, German Mark, Swiss Francs, French Francs and
Japanese Yen are widely accepted. Large numbers of commercial
banks are also available for the money exchange
purpose. And if the banks are closed then you can also
find local money-changer shops all over the tourist major
destinations. ATM facilities can also be found in the major
cities widely.
Purchase of Goods
Shops/emporia selling goods or providing services to foreign
tourists are permitted to accept payment in foreign
exchange in the following manner:
*Against internationally recognized Credit Cards.
By bank drafts drawn in approved foreign currencies on
banks in Nepal; By travelers cheque in foreign currency
Foreign tourists are permitted by Nepalese Customs to
take with them goods purchased in Nepal (except banned
items) without any value limit, provided the goods are
purchased out of funds brought from abroad. Some shops
and emporia also undertake to send the goods abroad as
unaccompanied baggage at the request of the tourists.
Restaurants and Food around Nepal
Nepal – and specifically Kathmandu a range of dishes can
be found. A vast range of flavours can be found just in
daal bhaat, the national dish of rice, lentils, lightly curried
vegetables and pickles; though it can also, sometimes,
be disappointingly bland. In the Kathmandu Valley, the
indigenous Newars have their own unique cuisine of spicy
meat and vegetable dishes, while a vast range of Indian
curries, breads, snacks and sweets comes into play in the
Terai; in the high mountains, the traditional diet consists

of noodle soups, potatoes and toasted flour. “Chow-chow”
packet noodles, cooked up as a spicy soup snack, are ubiquitous.
Vegetarians will feel at home in Nepal, since meat
is considered a luxury. Tourist menus invariably include
veggie items.
vegetables and ginger, steamed, and served with hot
tomato salsa and a bowl of broth. Fried momo are called
kothe. Shyaphagle, made from the same ingredients, are
Tibetan-style pasties. Tibetan cuisine is also full of hearty
soups called thukpa or thenthuk, consisting of noodles,
meat and vegetables in broth. For a group feast, try the
huge gyakok (chicken, pork, prawns, fish, tofu, eggs and
vegetables), which gets its name from the brass container
Local Nepali diners (bhojanalayas or, confusingly enough,
“hotels”) are traditionally humble affairs, offering a limited
choice of dishes or just daal bhaat. Menus don’t exist,
but the food will normally be on display or cooking in
full view, so all you have to do is point. On the highways
they’re bustlingly public and spill outdoors in an effort to
win business.
Teahouses (chiyapasal) really only sell tea and basic
snacks, while the simple taverns (bhatti) of the Kathmandu
Valley and the western hills put the emphasis on
alcoholic drinks and meaty snacks, but may serve Nepali
meals too. Trailside, both chiyapasal and bhatti are typically
modest operations run out of family kitchens. Sweet
shops (mithaipasal or misthan bhandar) are intended to
fill the gap between the traditional mid-morning and early
evening meals; besides sweets and tea, they also do South
Indian and Nepali savoury snacks. Street vendors sell
fruit, nuts, roasted corn, and various fried specialities. As
often as not, food will come to you when you’re travelling
– at every bus stop, vendors will clamber aboard or hawk
their wares through the window.
Momo, arguably the most famous and popular of Tibetan
dishes, are available throughout upland Nepal. Similar
to dim sum, the half-moon-shapes are filled with meat,
it’s served in. In trekking lodges you’ll encounter pitta-like
Tibetan or “Gurung” bread.
The average peasant seldom eats any of the above. Potatoes
are common in the high country, and Sherpa potatoes
– usually eaten boiled in their skins with a dab of salt
and chilli paste – are justly famous for their nutty sweetness.
Tsampa (toasted barley flour) is another staple, and
often, especially for trekkers, mixed with milk or tea to
make a porridge paste.
Road Food
Common food on the road includes pakora (vegetables
dipped in chickpea-flour batter, deep fried), and bean
curry served with puris or roti. Another possibility is dahi
chiura, a mixture of yoghurt and beaten rice. If you’re
in a hurry, you can grab a handful of samosas (curried
vegetables in fried pastry triangles), baara (fried lentil patties),
or other titbits on a leaf plate. In the hill towns and
around Kathmandu, huge aluminium steamers placed by
the restaurant door advertise momo. If nothing else, there
will always be packet noodles (“chow-chow”).
Source: (Nepal Tourism Board)