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Where is Nepal?
Nepal is landlocked country located in southern Asia squeezed between two giants, India and China. Geographically, culturally and linguistically diverse, the capital city is Kathmandu, commonly known as city of temples. Nepal is where the ice-cold of the Himalayan mountains meets the steamy heat of the Indian plains. Moreover, it’s a land of yaks and yetis, stupas and Sherpas and some of the best trekking on earth. The three great mini kingdoms of the Kathmandu valley- Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur are home to a world-class artistic and architectural heritage. Pokhara is known for its beautiful lakes, mountain views and the starting place for treks and adventure.
Why should I go to Nepal?
Once an enchanting kingdom, nestled in the Himalayas between India and China, Nepal has gone through huge transformation in the last few decades. As a small country, the terrain with 8 of the world’s top 10 highest mountains it has become legendary for adventure and culture. Culture is the essence of community structure and it has been widely unaffected from outside influences, although tourism is steadily increasing.
How do I get there?
You are responsible for purchasing your return tickets to/from Australia. There are no direct flights from Australia, but connecting flights to Kathmandu are normally through Bangkok, China, Malaysia or Singapore. The main airlines are Etihad, Thai Airways, China Southern, AirAsia X, Malaysia Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines.
What about money?
The official currency of Nepal is the Nepali rupee (NPR). Its symbol is often displayed as Rs. AUS and USD are also widely accepted in Nepal. ATMs are found in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Bhaktapur. Money exchange facilities are available in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Bhaktapur. Credit cards are not widely accepted and you will need to carry a small amount of cash for the trek for personal items.
Do I need a visa?
All foreign nationals (except Indian passport holders) require a visa to enter Nepal. Visas are obtainable from embassies abroad, land borders and on arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan Airport.
Getting a visa at the airport is straight forward and this is the way we do it. You will need to provide two passport photos and the following fees in US dollars (subject to change, cash only). Other currencies are also accepted although rates may differ. The following costs were correct at time of writing:
– Multi entry visa valid for 15 days – US$25– Multi entry visa valid for 30 days – US$40
– Multi entry visa valid for 90 days – US$100
What is included in the tour package?
We organise a complete tour, meaning everything is taken care of from the moment you arrive in Nepal to the moment you leave, including all of your airport transfers, accommodation, meals and in-country travel as per our detailed itinerary.
Do I need to purchase travel insurance?
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Time to Yak are required to purchase their own travel insurance before leaving Australia. Your travel insurance details will be submitted before you leave Australia for the tour. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.
What is the usual group size for this tour?
We like to keep our tours personal. Therefore, group sizes will never be more than 8 people.
Will I see a Yak?
Depends if you like shopping! There are some great Yak ornaments and paintings to buy but unfortunately yaks live way up above.
Do they have internet?
Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara generally have excellent WiFi connections. Most hotels offer free WiFi in public areas and rooms as well as most restaurants have free WiFi as well. This is a great way to keep in touch with home and a lot cheaper than phone plans even though you can purchase a Nepalese SIM card or organise an international package from your telecommunication supplier.
While trekking WiFi may be available in tea houses and lodges for a small cost. Please note that most teahouses do not have electrical outlets in rooms to charge devices but are shared in the main dining area, for an additional fee. You might find a portable solar charger to be very useful.
What should I pack?
Generally speaking, Nepal is a conservative country. We recommend that travelers not wear clothing that is too short, tight, or revealing. Medium-weight and easy to wash cottons are recommended year-round in the Kathmandu valley. From October to February, we also suggest woolen sweaters, jackets or similar warm outfits. Pack comfortable walking shoes, including sandals, sneakers and/or hiking boots. For trekking, no more than 10kg of luggage can be taken, your extra baggage will be stored at our Pokhara accommodation, a list of suggested clothing items and supplies can be provided.
What is the food like?
The staple diet of most Nepali people is dal bhat tarkari. This is a spicy lentil soup (dal) served with boiled rice (bhat), curried vegetables (tarkari) and pickles or chutney. Beef is rarely consumed in Nepal, as cows are considered sacred by most of the population. Chicken, buffalo, goat and pork are more likely to be used in Nepalese meals, if possible and affordable.
Pokhara and Kathmandu have an array of restaurants and cafes which cater for all types of international food including Japanese, Korean and German as well as plenty of choices for vegans and vegetarians.
Can I drink the water?
It’s not recommended to drink the tap water in Nepal. There is plenty of filtered water, which is a better option. Try to use a refillable canteen or water bottle rather than buying bottled water. Remember to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit before eating.
Are there any extra expenses not include in my trip price?
Personal expenses (tips, soft drinks, bar bills, laundry, telephone calls, personal hygiene needs, donations, and extra snacks, etc) are not included in your tour price. On the trek, the only things you’ll need to pay for out of pocket are wifi and battery charging (when available), extra meals outside of what’s included, alcohol, and soft drinks.
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