Mi Bella Mondo

    EXPLORE NEPAL

    Your Comprehensive Destination Guide

    At a Glance

    Total area: 147,516 km² (56,956 sq mi)

    Capital: Kathmandu

    Religion: Hinduism (~81%), followed by Buddhism (~9%) and Islam (~4%)

    Population: Approx. 30 million

    Language: Nepali; English is widely spoken in tourist areas

    Currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR)

    Banking Hours: Sun–Fri, 10:00 am–4:00 pm 

    Telephone/Communication: The country code is +977. SIM cards (e.g., Ncell, Nepal Telecom) are cheap and easy to purchase with a passport. Wi-Fi is available in hotels and cafés; rural areas may have limited coverage

    Climate:

    • Spring (Mar-May): Warm, rhododendron blooms, best for trekking
    • Summer/Monsoon (Jun–Aug): Heavy rains, slippery trails, lush landscapes
    • Autumn (Sep–Nov): Clear skies, the best time for trekking
    • Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold, especially in the mountains; fewer crowds
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    VAT in Nepal

     
    Eligibility Criteria

    To qualify for a VAT refund in Nepal, you must:

    • Be a non-resident foreign tourist not employed in Nepal for six months.
    • Depart Nepal via Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu.
    • Make purchases totaling at least NPR 15,000 (excluding VAT) from VAT-registered shops that offer VAT refunds.
    • Ensure that the goods are taken out of Nepal within 60 days from the date of purchase.
    How to Claim Your VAT Refund
    1. Shop at Participating Stores: Look for retailers displaying a “VAT Refund for Tourists” sign. Ensure each purchase is at least NPR 1,500 (excluding VAT).
    2. Obtain Necessary Documentation: At the time of purchase, present your passport and request a tax invoice along with the “Tourist Application for VAT Refund.” 
    3. Customs Clearance at TIA: Before checking in for your flight, present your purchases, VAT refund form, and original invoices to the customs officer for verification and stamping.
    4. Submit at the VAT Refund Counter: After clearing immigration, proceed to the VAT refund counter in the departure lounge. Submit the stamped VAT refund form and original purchase invoices.
    Refund Details
    • Refund Method: Cash refunds are available for refund amounts up to NPR 20,000, subject to an NPR 500 processing fee. For amounts exceeding NPR 20,000, a bank draft will be issued, with applicable fees and commissions deducted.
    • Time Limit: Refund claims must be made within 60 days of the purchase date.

    Travel Requirements

     
    Visa Requirements

    Tourist Visa: Required for U.S. citizens.

    Visa on Arrival: Available at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and various land border crossings.

    Pre-Arrival Application: To expedite the process, travelers can complete the visa application online up to 15 days before arrival.

    Visa Fees:

      • 15 days: $30
      • 30 days: $50
      • 90 days: $125
    Passport Requirements

    Validity: The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the entry date.

    Blank Pages: At least one blank visa page is required.

    Health & COVID-19 Protocols

    COVID-19: As of May 26, 2023, travelers entering Nepal by air or land must no longer present a COVID-19 vaccination certificate or a negative PCR test.

    Vaccinations: No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry. However, it’s advisable to be up-to-date on routine immunizations. 

    Customs & Currency Regulations

    Currency: Travelers must declare amounts exceeding USD 5,000 upon entry and exit.

    Gold & Silver: Strict regulations apply. Female travelers can bring up to 50 grams of gold jewelry; male travelers can bring up to 25 grams. Silver jewelry is limited to 100 grams. 

    Additional Tips

    Trekking Permits: If you plan to trek, secure necessary permits, such as the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card.

    Travel Insurance: Highly recommended, especially for trekking or adventure activities.

    Emergency Contacts:

    U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu:

    • Phone: +977-1-423-4000
    • Email: consktm@state.gov

    Getting there from the US

    • Main Airport: Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Kathmandu
    • No direct flights from the U.S. Common routes include layovers in Doha (Qatar Airways), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), or New Delhi (Air India, IndiGo)
    • Flight Duration:
      • From New York or L.A.: ~20–24 hours with layovers

    Travel Safety Tips

    Trekking & Altitude Safety

    • Plan ahead: Always use registered trekking agencies and consider hiring a licensed guide or porter—especially for remote or high-altitude treks.
    • Altitude sickness is a real risk in places like the Everest or Annapurna regions. Acclimatize slowly and stay hydrated.
    • Register your trekking plans with the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) and always inform someone of your route.

    Natural Hazards

    • Nepal is in an earthquake-prone zone. Familiarize yourself with basic earthquake safety and follow local advisories.
    • During the monsoon season (June–September), landslides and flooding can occur, especially in mountainous or rural areas. Check road and weather conditions before traveling.

    Urban Safety

    • Kathmandu and Pokhara are generally safe, but petty crimes like pickpocketing can happen in tourist-heavy areas and busy markets. Keep your belongings secure.
    • Avoid demonstrations or large gatherings—political protests can happen unexpectedly and may become tense.

    Transportation Caution

    • There may be poor road conditions and loose adherence to traffic rules outside major cities.
    • Use reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps when available. Avoid riding motorbikes or scooters unless you’re experienced and insured.

    Health & Hygiene

    • Drink bottled or filtered water—tap water is unsafe to drink.
    • Carry basic medications, as rural areas may have limited medical supplies.
    • Vaccinations like typhoid, hepatitis A/B, and tetanus are recommended before traveling.

    Money & Scams

    • Use ATMs in major cities and avoid exchanging money with unauthorized dealers.
    • Be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering “special tours” or deals—it’s okay to decline politely.

    Emergency Info

    • Local emergency number: 100 (police)
    • Tourist Police (Kathmandu): +977-1-4247041 or 1144 (hotline)
    • Keep the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu’s contact info handy in politely declining an okay emergency.

    Fun Facts!

      • Home to the World’s Highest Peak. Nepal is home to Mount Everest (8,848.86 meters/29,031.7 feet), the highest mountain on Earth. It’s known locally as Sagarmatha in Nepali and Chomolungma in Tibetan.
      • Nepal is the only country with a Non-Rectangular Flag. Its national flag comprises two stacked triangles—the only non-rectangular flag in the world. It symbolizes the Himalayas and the two major religions: Hinduism and Buddhism.
      • People speak over 120 languages. Nepal is incredibly diverse, with more than 120 languages spoken nationwide. Although Nepali is the official language, people also widely use regional and indigenous dialects.
      • Birthplace of Lord Buddha. In southern Nepal, Lumbini is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha. It’s one of the holiest places for Buddhists around the world.
      • Cows Are Nepal’s national animals, and they are considered sacred. Killing a cow is illegal and punishable by law.
      • Nepal, unlike most South Asian countries, has never experienced colonization. It maintained its independence even during the height of British rule in India.
      • Land of Living Goddesses. Nepal is home to the tradition of the Kumari, a young girl selected to be a living goddess and worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists. The Kumari lives in a temple palace and appears at special ceremonies.
      • World’s Tallest Grasslands. The Terai region of Nepal is home to the tallest grass species in the world—some reaching over 8 meters (26 feet) in height. It’s part of the habitat of the endangered Bengal tiger and one-horned rhinoceros.
      • Saturdays Are for Rest. In Nepal, Saturday is the official weekly holiday, not Sunday—government offices, schools, and most businesses close on Saturdays.
      • Altitude Diversity. Nepal’s geography ranges from 60 meters above sea level to the top of Everest—all within less than 150 miles. It’s one of the most vertically diverse countries on the planet!

    Top Places to Visit in Nepal

    Kathmandu - The spiritual and cultural heart of Nepal.

    • Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

      The ancient stupa offers breathtaking views of the Kathmandu Valley.

    • Pashupatinath Temple

      Sacred Hindu temple on the Bagmati River, with daily cremation ceremonies.

    • Boudhanath Stupa

      One of the world’s largest Buddhist stupas — a center for Tibetan Buddhism.

    • Thamel District

      Backpacker haven filled with shops, cafés, gear rentals, and eclectic nightlife.

    • Durbar Square

      UNESCO World Heritage site with palaces, temples, and historic architecture (some areas still under reconstruction post-earthquake).

    • Shopping

      Handmade pashminas, thangka paintings, singing bowls, prayer flags, silver jewelry, trekking gear.

    Pokhara - Lakeside charm and a gateway to the Annapurna region.

    • Phewa Lake

      Rent a boat and float to Tal Barahi Temple.

    • World Peace Pagoda

      Hike up or take a taxi for panoramic views of Pokhara and the Annapurna range.

    • Paragliding

      Soar over Pokhara with views of the lake and snowy peaks.

    • Caves and Waterfalls

      Explore Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave and Devi’s Fall

    • Lakeside District

      Chill cafés, yoga retreats, bars, and plenty of places to gear up before treks

    • Shopping

      Handmade pashminas, thangka paintings, singing bowls, prayer flags, silver jewelry, trekking gear.

    Sarangkot - A mountain viewpoint just outside Pokhara, ideal for sunrise magic.

    • Sunrise Viewpoint

      Watch the sun rise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges — truly unforgettable.

    • Paragliding Launch Site

      Considered one of the best paragliding spots in the world.

    • Short Hikes

      Trek up from Pokhara (1.5–2 hours) or drive up and hike to the summit

    • Village Stays

      Connect with locals and experience authentic village life.

    The Annapurna Circuit Trek

    This is one of the most iconic long-distance treks in the world.

    • Trek Duration: 14–20 days (variable depending on side trips and pace)
    • Distance: ~160–230 km (100–145 miles), depending on route
    • Elevation: Starts at ~800m (2,600 ft), peaks at Thorong La Pass (5,416m / 17,769 ft)
    • Best Seasons: March-May and September–November

    Highlights by Segment:

     
    Besisahar to Chame
    • Terrain: Lush valleys, rice paddies, waterfalls
    • Villages: Ngadi, Jagat, Dharapani
    • Altitude: Gradually ascends to 2,650m
    • Activities: Suspension bridges, cultural immersion, cozy teahouses
    Chame to Manang
    • Landscape: Alpine forests, river canyons
    • Villages: Pisang, Ghyaru, and Manang
    • Activities: Acclimatization day in Manang — side treks to Ice Lake or Gangapurna Glacier
    • Cultural Insight: Manang is a Tibetan-influenced village with excellent bakeries and yak cheese
    Manang to Thorong Phedi
    • Terrain: Rugged and dry, high altitude
    • Highlights: Yak sightings, stark mountain views
    • Thorong Phedi: Base before crossing Thorong La
    Thorong La Pass (5,416m)
    • The most physically demanding part of the trek
    • Start before sunrise; freezing temps and wind
    • Views: Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Dhaulagiri
    • After crossing, descend steeply into Muktinath
    Muktinath to Jomsom
    • Muktinath: Sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists
    • Landscape shifts to arid Mustang region
    • End Option 1: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara
    • End Option 2: Continue trek to Tatopani (hot springs) and up to Ghorepani for the Poon Hill sunrise trek

    Trek Logistics

    • Permits Needed:
      • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
      • TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
    • Accommodation: Teahouses (basic lodges with meals and cozy vibes)
    • Food: Dal Bhat (lentils & rice), momos, Tibetan bread, and surprising Western food like apple pie
    • Guides/Porters: Optional but recommended — enrich the experience and support the local economy
    • Packing Essentials:
      • Layers (it gets cold!)
      • Sleeping bag
      • Water purification tablets or filter
      • Altitude sickness meds (Diamox if needed)
      • Travel insurance with evacuation coverage

    Other Unique Experiences

    • Volunteer or stay at a monastery in Kathmandu Valley
    • Yoga and wellness retreats in Pokhara
    • White-water rafting on the Trishuli or Seti Rivers
    • Jungle safari in Chitwan National Park (rhinos, elephants, and even Bengal tigers!)

    Nepal is more than a destination — it’s a journey into your heart and spirit. Whether summiting peaks or sharing tea with monks, Nepal invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and feel profoundly alive. From Kathmandu’s bustling alleys to the Annapurna’s sacred heights, Nepal is an experience that will change you

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