Meditation in Southeast Asia - Insight Meditation Center

4. Nepal
Some years ago travelling within Nepal was absolutely safe and easy. At the moment
the situation in the country is a bit difficult from the point of view of domestic policy.
But in March 2005 two travellers evaluated the situation in Kathmandu as being safe.
Travelling by public busses may be very strenuous. Most Nepalis are very friendly
and obtaining a visa is simple. Medical care, however, is not up to Western
standards. Hygienic conditions are a bit better than in India, but regarding food and
potable water you should strictly adhere to the usual precautions applicable to travel
in the Far East. The country’s cuisine is considered rather simple and little varied, but
tasty.
In the Buddha’s country of birth there are a number of outstanding meditation
teachers and some monasteries and centers with very good conditions for practice.
The range of retreat options is very wide. Beginners can find several meditation
courses, but there are also study centers for Buddhist scholarship and possibilities
for long-term retreats. Aside from some interesting locations for Vipassana
meditation Nepal is especially interesting for students and practicants of the Tibetan
traditions. Particularly around the Great Stupa of Bodnath monasteries of nearly all
Tibetan traditions can be found.
We recommend the English travel guide „Nepal – A Travel Survival Kit“, published by
Lonely Planet Verlag.
Entry: A visa is needed for entering Nepal. You can obtain it quickly and easily at
Nepalese consulates or at the airport in Kathmandu (bring passport pictures). Tourist
visas can be extended in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
The cheapest visa for a single entry and stay for up to 60 days is 40 Euro in Europe
or 35 US$ in Kathmandu (2002). An extension can be obtained easily (1 US$/day, up
to 4 month per calendar year).
Up to date information on visas for Nepal are available on H.M. Ministry of Home’s
Department of Immigration website www.immi.gov.np
Airport Tax: The Airport tax on exit is presently Rs. 1700 to all foreign destinations.
82