Narayan

Travelers will need a valid passport prior to your departure from the country of origin. A valid passport is the one that is at least 6 months valid beyond your date of departure. Tourist visas can be purchased upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at all other ports of entry. All foreigners must pay an airport exit tax, regardless of the length of their stay. The web address of the Royal Nepalese Embassy in the USA is http://www.nepalembassyusa.org

Narayan’s Travel & Resort will obtain you a VISA for Nepal. In order to do so, we need you to do the following:
Complete a visa application, make sure you sign it and attach a passport size picture. These forms can be obtained from our office along with the instructions to fill out the form. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully.
Send the completed form to us along with your passport via Certified Mail, UPS, or Fed Ex.
Allow us about 2 (two) weeks to process your visa application.

If your visa expires while you are in Nepal, Narayan’s Travel & Resort staff in Nepal will help you in the process of applying for extension of visa.

Customs Regulations: Nepalese customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Nepal of items such as valuable metals, articles of archeological and religious importance, wildlife and related articles, drugs, arms and ammunition, and communications equipment. It is advisable to contact Royal Nepalese Embassy or Nepal's Consulate General in your country of origin.

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In-Country Transportation

Mountain bikes are available for rent for approximately $2-4 per day in Kathmandu. Buses are the most common form of transportation from village to village within Nepal. Bus trips in Nepal generally take much longer than one would expect because of road conditions, weather, and some times local factors. Domestic air travel is available within Nepal. For sightseeing and personal travel taxis are also available, and are very reasonable.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions: While in a Nepal, travelers may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in their home country. The information below concerning Nepal is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Safety of Public Transportation : Poor
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance : Poor
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance : Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance : Poor

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Nepal Climate

The climate in Nepal is governed by the monsoon, which originates in the Bay of Bengal. The monsoon creates a rainy season from mid-June to mid-September, during which time it is totally unsuitable for trekking. Our trekking season extends from mid-September to May. However within this period there are obvious variations in the weather.

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Crime Information

Although the rate of violent crime is low in Kathmandu relative to comparably sized American cities, street crime is prevalent in Kathmandu as well as in other areas frequented by foreigners. To avoid falling victim to crime, visitors should take prudent safety precautions. Visitors should avoid walking alone after dark and carrying large sums of cash or expensive jewelry. In addition, visitors should consider exchanging money only at banks and hotels and limiting shopping to daylight hours. Valuables should be stored in the hotel safety deposit box and should never be left unattended in hotel rooms. Travelers should be especially alert at or near major tourist sites, where most pick-pocketing occurs. Passports and cash should be carried in a protected neck pouch, not in a backpack. The loss or theft of passport should be reported immediately to local police.

Criminal Penalties: While in a foreign country, travelers are subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from the traveler’s country of origin, and may not afford the protections available to the individual under law of their country of origin. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than the country of origin for similar offenses. Persons violating Nepalese laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs in Nepal are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

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Meals/Diet

It is the responsibility of the traveler to remind Narayan’s Travel & Resort of any particular needs regarding food allergies and requirements. It is not difficult to accommodate a vegetarian diet however; it is more difficult to meet low-sodium, low-cholesterol dietary needs. Individuals with preferences along these lines are suggested to be as flexible as possible in trying to match their needs with the local diet and cooking methods. Participants might want to bring a small supply of foods that they prefer such as dry soups, granola bars, special coffee or tea, etc. While it is not possible due to customs laws to bring fresh fruits, vegetables or meats into most countries, canned or packaged products are acceptable. Many canned food items are available locally.

Staples of the Nepali diet:

Spiced Tea - Chia

Rice - Bhat

Vegetable Curry - Takari

Lentil Soup - Daal

Mustard Greens - Saag

Spicy dish - Achar

** Occasionally you will be offered chicken, lamb, or goat dishes.

Food Precautions: It is difficult, if not impossible, to guarantee the safety of a country's food products. Agricultural practices, local water supplies and personal hygiene of food handlers all have an impact on the food you eat. Food quality is a particular concern in countries without strict public health standards, where bacteria or parasites may go undetected. You can continue to enjoy local foods—this is part of the pleasure of international travel. Just be sure to follow food and water precautions, and concentrate on eating the types of food that tend to be safest.

Beverage Precautions: Drinking tap water carelessly is a big mistake in developing countries, which don't always have the resources needed to ensure a pure water supply. Even if the people, who live there can drink the water, don't assume you can. They have built up immunity to organisms in the water which you have not. As a result, tap water can make you sick. If you are traveling through areas with less-than-adequate sanitation, or with water sources of unknown purity, you can reduce your chances of illness by following these precautions.

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Clothing

Depends on the time of year you travel. In Kathmandu or in the villages, women should not wear shorts or sleeveless shirts at any time. In Nepal, it is not in good taste for a woman to show her thighs or her shoulders. Therefore, skirts, jeans, or shirts with mid-arm sleeves or long sleeves are recommended. Men can get away with wearing shorts or tank tops. Remember to bring some nicer clothes for parties or holiday festivals.

Refer to the packing list for a suggestion of items to bring to Nepal.
For trek please bring water filter or water purification tablets.

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948 Pearl Street, Boulder, CO 80302, USA / Phone: 303 . 440 . 0331 / Fax: 303 . 440 . 7328 / E-mail: info@narayanstravel.com