Yes, Visas are required for foreigners (except Indian citizens) For the latest details on costs and application procedures visiting the Nepal Immigration website: http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/content/visa-info.html will give you the most updated information necessary. Generally you will need passport photo(s) for your application and also for any trekking permits, so it is helpful to come prepared with some in your pocket!
As with any overseas travel, insurance which covers your flights, personal belongings and health is highly recommended. If you are planning adventure activities such as trekking or rafting or any volunteering then we ask that you check that your insurance provider does indeed cover these “extras”.
Yes, we can highly recommend the services of Birendra Adhikari and his team at “Visit Nepal-Tibet expeditions & tours” http://www.visitnepaltibet.com/ for all your local travel needs, as well for trekking and other adventure based activities. Birendra also organises all our Hands with Hands Charity Treks. Birendra can arrange a German speaking (or other languages) guide if you require. If you have any interest in Tibet and Bhutan he is very experienced organising these tours, which require detailed support and can compliment your Nepal travels.
The mountains here in Nepal are an amazing experience – what the rest of the world calls mountains, Nepal calls “foothills”, the mountains here are truly something else. And to be respected, it does need good health and level of fitness to ascend the higher altitudes with safety. However... if you do then you may indeed taste what many say is a closer experience to god...
The places to stay in Nepal are varied in many ways! Google accommodation Nepal for yourself! However, HwH founder Kira Kay, makes the following personal comments:
Kathmandu Hotel recommendations:
For those who prefer a quiet, peaceful location adjacent a monastery I suggest here three options:
http://www.shechenguesthouse.com.np/
http://www.benchen.org/monastery-nepal/benchen-vihar.html
http://www.sakyatharig.org.np/guest-house/index.html
For those of you who prefer some luxury, but wish to be connected to the Nepal culture, this hotel is a living architectural & cultural Heritage site:
http://dwarikas.com/
For those of you who might like something in-between (where I stay when in Kathmandu): http://www.hotelvajra.com/
Aside from that there are many options for accommodation in Kathmandu to meet a wide range of budgets and taste. Plus there are various apartments for rent to foreigners at various levels if wish to be more independent. I would suggest simply land for the first few days and get a feeling first as there is so much that may unfold.
Tips: Some of these hotels offer a complementary pick-up service from the airport, I would suggest that you book to ask for this option as it can make your entry to Nepal more relaxed. If you choose a hotel that has no airport pick-up, then I would recommend you organize a ‘pre-paid’ taxi at the exit of the airport, otherwise as you enter into the airport car park to find your own taxi it can be overwhelming!
Additional tip – please check your accommodation on arrival for cracks, if the building room has significant cracks please choose another location, many buildings have been structurally weakened in the recent earthquakes and the often time the owners do not fully realise this fact.
Hands with Hands incur costs for bank fees, auditing accounting fees and PayPal fees. These are the only “costs” that are taken from donated money. Overall our costs each year amount to approximately 1% of all donated funds.
Kira and others who regularly visit to Nepal to oversee the projects pay their own travel and other expenses as well volunteering their time for bookkeeping, administration, translation, graphic design and internet/webpage maintenance.
To organise your own Charity Trek we can suggest you be in touch directly with our Nepalese Tour & Trekking partner, Birendra Adhikari, who will help you arrange all your travel and trekking needs in Nepal specific to your group’s requests and needs. Birendra will liaise directly with our Hands with Hands projects for you to visit directly with your Trekking group as a part of your visit in Nepal. The price/charity donation you can determine yourself after discussion with the actual costs of the Trek considered in line with your own budget.
In the past few years Nepal has been undergoing a major transition from a Kingdom ruled by a Monarchy to a democratic republic. This process is still underway and there is significant progress towards this end including a recently ratified democratic constitution. In the recent weeks (October/November 2015) there has been unrest at the border of Nepal/India – this is a complex political issue but is not affecting the direct transit of tourists. It is however affecting the supply of common goods, especially fuel, medicines and essential food items. This is impacting the general ease of travel and daily life activities such as cooking of food.
It depends on where you are in Nepal. Generally speaking you should bring winter clothing/more layers in the months between November and February, and light summer clothing the rest of the year. May and June are the hottest time of the year. If you are planning to visit Nepal between June and September you should bring a waterproof jacket, as this is the rainy season. The temperature in the daytime can rise to between 30-40C in the summer and in the winter it can still reach 20C - but can be near freezing at night. Although you shouldn’t be too concerned if you don’t get it quite right because you can buy almost anything relatively cheaply in Kathmandu.
It is also important to respect local tradition & sensitivities - it is therefore not appropriate for women to wear short skirts or shorts, skimpy tops or clothing that is considered too revealing. For women it is best to have your shoulders covered and skirts/trouser till below the knee. For men t-shirts/shirts at all times, as being bare-chested is not deemed appropriate, nor are skimpy shorts. Shorts just above knee are fine, although in general for your own comfort and safety longer pants (e.g. lightweight trekking trousers) are most suitable. In rural areas good footwear is essential for safety given the often-rugged terrain.
It depends on what you may have already had. Please check with your doctor or local health professional for guidance on immunisations. In terms of medical care whilst in Nepal the larger towns have pharmacies, although the dispensing agent usually has only basic medical training so it is best if you know what you need. As gastric problems are common we suggest you consult with you local doctor before coming to bring appropriate remedies. It is also helpful if you travel with your own primary first aid kit.