SAFETY/SECURITY ADVICE
The situation in Nepal has always been tourist
friendly. Due to some sporadic reporting of Maoist
activities in some parts of the Kingdom, extra
measures for security were adopted which has indeed
improved the law and order situation. Major tourist
places continue to welcome tourists in large
numbers. Tourists have never been directly targeted
by the Maoists. Moreover, the Maoist leaders have
categorically stated time and again that they would
not disturb the tourism sanctity neither target the
tourist in future. Hence, tourists have never been
the victims of insurgency activities in Nepal.
Travel to and within Nepal is a safe and enjoyable
experience provided sensible precaution is taken.
Tourists are advised to use the services of
registered and reputed travel/trekking companies and
hotels only. By using the services of government
registered service providers, you will be ensuring
the most comfortable and reliable holiday possible.
Public demonstrations and strikes are popular forms
of political expression in Nepal, as in other parts
of the world and they may occur on short notice.
These demonstrations are usually nonviolent and not
directed towards foreigners. During general strikes
(called "Bandh" in Nepal), many businesses close,
and transportation and city services may be
disrupted. Tourist buses, airport downtown-airport
shuttle service and rickshaws are the only means of
transportation available during bandhs. Travelers
are requested to stay either at their hotel or homes
or at the most in prominent touristic areas, where
no any untoward incidents have taken place, so far.
Tourists can also visit places of tourist interest
within walking distance from their hotels.
ENTRY AND EXIT REQUIREMENTS
A passport and visa are required for visitors other
than Indian nationals. 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. Travelers
may contact nearest Royal Nepalese
Embassy/Consulates for further information. Indian
nationals do not require visa. However, effective
from October 1, 2000 Indians travelling to Nepal by
air will have to show upon arrival at entry point
either a passport, voter's identity card issued by
Election Commission of India, or an identity card
with photograph issued by the Central or State
Government of India. Children under 10 years need
not show any identification.
INFORMATION FOR TRAVELERS
Nepal has abundance of offers to establish it as a
round the year travel destination. Based on this
fact, many international tourists are indeed
incorporating Nepal in their wishful travel
itinerary. Popular tourist areas in Nepal like
Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Everest Region,
Annapurna Region, Langtang Region, Lumbini, Janakpur
and others are absolutely free from any sorts of
disturbances. This is a clear testimony that travel
safety in Nepal is more a perception problem than
the actual state of affairs. Nepal Tourism Board (NTB)
always recommends travelers to get services through
the registered companies which guarantee you safe,
reliable, standard and value for money travel
services. Travelling in Nepal typically involves
walking for an extended time over rugged, steep
terrain, to various luxurious stays during the
course of their trip. Many popular trekking routes
in Nepal cross passes as high as 18,000 feet. The
Nepal Tourism Board requests all existing and
potential travelers to exercise extreme caution
while trekking at higher altitudes. The safest
option for all trekkers is to join an organized
group and/or use a reputable firm that provides an
experienced guide and porter who communicates in
both Nepali and English.
MEDICAL FACILITIES
Medical care is widely available in the District
head quarters and the towns and cities. Moreover,
Kathmandu has the most modern medi-care facilities,
equipment and most qualified doctors in order to
provide a quality care. Serious illnesses often
require evacuation to the nearest adequate medical
facility. Illnesses and injuries suffered while on
trek in remote areas often require rescue by
helicopter. Various private Helicopter Companies
including the Royal Nepal Army (at the Airport)
provide rescue services. The cost is typically not
much. For further information, please contact
Himalayan Rescue Association (Phone: 26 2746,
Kathmandu) or your local travel or trekking agent.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
After the establishment of various international
Insurance Companies in the form of joint venture
(JV), medical insurance is becoming popular in
Nepal. Hence, all travelers are requested to insure
through the reputed agencies. However, travelling
within Nepal is adequately safe except in some
remote government cautioned areas. Please check with
your own insurance company to confirm whether your
policy applies overseas, including provision for
medical evacuation, and for adequacy of coverage.
Supplemental health insurance that specifically
covers overseas treatment and air evacuation to the
nearest adequate medical facility is strongly
recommended.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS
In major tourist destinations the condition of the
Roads are fairly well maintained. Those travelling
by their own vehicles must carry valid road maps.
The East West Highway connects all major cities and
towns. Further information may be sought from NTB or
local agents. The accident rate in Nepal is
comparatively very minimal and relatively fatalities
from such accidents are rare as compared to other
big cities of the globe. Likewise, there are several
domestic private airlines operating within the
nation, which has tremendously helped to connect the
remote part of the country to the capital.
AIR TRAVEL
Travelling to Nepal by air is considered safe. Nepal
is well connected by a dozen of international
airlines from all major cities of Europe and Asia.
It also has a fair no of domestic airlines, which
cater to the needs of the travelers domestically.
Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA)
infrastructures have been duly extended in order to
meet the rising demand of the air travelers.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
All travelers are requested to abide by the custom
regulations of Nepal. The facilities that are given
to travelers are of international norms except in
the cases of heavy-duty import such as valuable
metals, articles of archeological and religious
importance, wildlife and related articles, drugs,
arms and ammunition, and communications equipment.
ENVIRONMENT
His Majesty's Government (HMG) is very conscious
about maintaining the ecological balance. The
preservation of the natural resources and
conservation of the national heritages has been our
prime concern. In order to give a fillip to this
concept, His Majesty's Government of Nepal (HMG/N)
has already brought in to effect the emission
control norms for the vehicles. Similarly HMG is
coordinating with various experts, donors, INGOs and
NGOs and others to manage the Solid waste management
and also controlling the effluents discharged by the
industries. As far as conservation and preservation
is concerned, Annapurna Conservation (ACAP) area and
Nepal's densely populated forests are greatly
appreciated models in the world.
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