TRAVELLER'S INFORMATION

Passport & Visa
Nationals of SAARC countries and China do not need visa when visiting Nepal. As per this rule, Indian nationals do not require visa. However, effective from October 2000, Indians traveling to Nepal by air have to show upon arrival at entry point a valid photo identity like a passport, voter's identity or an identify card issued by the Indian government. Temporary identity card with photographs issued by Nepal-based Indian diplomatic missions is considered in case of exception. Children under 10 years need not show any identification.

Other non-Nepali visitors do not need visa to be in Nepal for three days. Visa must be obtained for staying over the initial period of three days. Free visa is to be given to tourists for re-entry to Nepal provided they stay at least for 15 days in the country in that visa year.

First single entry to Nepal for 60 days from the date of entry is US $ 30 or equivalent convertible foreign or Nepali currency. The second entry in the same visa year for 30 days from the date of entry is US $ 30.

Multiple entry for one visa year is US $ 50 plus US $ 30 for single entry or equivalent convertible foreign or Nepali currency.

Visa Fees and Extensions
Visa can be extended for those who wish to stay for more than 60 days at the Department of Immigration, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. Children under 10 years need not pay any visa fee. Two passport size photos are essential. The visa fee is US $30 for the single entry and US $50 for multiple entries.

Business Visa
For foreign investors business visa (with multiple entry) can be obtained from the Department of Immigration for the period of one year or five years upon the recommendation of the Ministry of Industry by paying the equivalent of US $ 100 and US $ 250 respectively in Nepalese currency.

Transit Visa
A transit visa can be obtained from Airport immigration or at the entry point of Nepal without any problems. There will be no charge for 3 days on presentation of an airline ticket.

Passports
All visitors except the Indian Nationals must hold passport and valid visa.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India has issued a circular conveying that children between the age group of 10-18 years may be allowed to travel between India and Nepal by air on the strength of their national passport or an identity document issued by the Principal of the school in the prescribed proforma, states a letter sent by Embassy of India based in Kathmandu to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, His Majesty's Government of Nepal on February 25, 2004. Earlier, it was mandatory for children to produce passport in traveling between India and Nepal by air.

Entry & Exit

Entry by Air
Nepal's only international airport is located in it's capital, Kathmandu. There are a few direct flights to Nepal, which means most travelers have to change aircraft and/or airline on route. Another option is to fly directly to Delhi in India and then go in by land, visiting parts of India on the way. Flights are also available from Lhasa, Tibet.  

Entry By Land
Traveling by land from India into Nepal can be an experience on it's own. There are three main entry points: Sunauli-Bhairawa, Birganj-Raxaul Bazaar and Kakarbhitta-Siliguri. The easiest way to cross them is by tourist buses from appropriate Indian cities. If you are flying to Delhi, you can enter Nepal quickly through the Mahendrenagar-Banbassa crossing, but the recommended route is to travel first to Varanasi in India, and there cross through Sunauli-Bhairawa.

The crossing between Nepal and Tibet via Kodari is open to organized groups but not to individual travelers. Howver, the rules concerning this has recently been changing very often, so contacting a Nepali based tour operator is strongly advised. Be prepared with alternative plans if you're thinking about using this route, because landslides regularly make it impassable during the monsoon.

Medical Services
Medical facilities in Kathmandu Valley are sound. The services of major general hospitals and private clinics are available. All kinds of medicines, including ones that need to be imported are available in Kathmandu. Health posts have been set up by the government in different parts of rural Nepal. However, facilities are not even comparable to those found in Kathmandu Valley.

Insurance
A travel insurance policy that covers theft, loss and medical treatment is recommended. Make sure the insurance also covers the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal such as trekking, rafting, etc.

Currency
The Nepali Rupee (Rs) is divided into 100 paise. Bank notes are for one, two, five, ten, twenty, twenty five, fifty, hundred, two hundred and fifty, five hundred and one thousand rupees.

Exchanging Money
Major international currency is readily accepted in Nepal. The Indian rupee is like a hard currency. 100 IRs = 160 NRs.However beware, the Indian Rs.500 and Rs.1000 notes are not accepted anywhere in Nepal, apparently due to the presence of forgeries.

Credit Cards
Major credit cards are widely accepted in Kathmandu Valley and at Pokhara. But elsewhere, you’ll have to do with cash.
Various banks make cash advances against Visa and MasterCard in Nepali rupees, and also sell foreign currency travellers cheques against the cards with a 2% commission. The American Express agent, Yeti Travels advance traveller cheques to card holders with a standard 1% commission.

Climate
The Kathmandu Valley has a mild climate most of the year, situated at an altitude of 4,297ft (1,310m). Summer temperatures range from 67-81°F (19-27°C), and in winter temperatures are between 36 and 68°F (2-20°C). During the rainy monsoon season between June and August, there is an average rainfall of between 7.8-14.7 inches (200-375mm) in Kathmandu. May and June can be very hot and humid until the monsoon rains bring relief. In spring (March to April) and autumn (October to November) the temperatures are pleasant with occasional short bursts of rain, while November to February are dry, but can be very cold, especially at night.