Nepal Travel Guide: Useful Things to Know When Planning Your Trip
When planning visit to Nepal, here are important things to know before setting out on your trip.
Layout of the country
Covering an area of 147,181 square kilometers, Nepal is divided into three main geographical regions: Himal, Pahad and Terai.
Himal comprises the snow-capped mountainous regions of the north, including the Himalayas and Mt. Everst top.
Pahad includes rugged mountains in the south, including the Lower Himalayas. It is home to river valleys and hills. Some areas of this belt also receive little snowfall in the winter.
Terai covers the areas on the border between Nepal and India. It consists of the southern lowlands, including the Churia range and the inland valleys of Tarai.
Transportation
The best way to travel in Nepal is by bus or plane. Nepal operates intercity tourist buses and minibuses. These go between Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini, Giri, Dunch, and Kantipath. Domestic airlines operate scheduled flights between many destinations in Nepal.
For an adventurous experience (and shorter distances), you can rent bikes. These bikes are available in popular tourist destinations across the country, including Thamel, Rani Pokhari, and Jhochhen.
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For intra-city or intra-city transportation, typical options include taxis, buses, and automated (three-wheeled) rickshaws. App-based taxi services like Easy Taxi Nepal and Sarathi are safer transportation options. You can even arrange a taxi or private car rental through your travel agent or hotel.
Language
The official language of Nepal is Nepali. Approximately 44 percent of the population of Nepal speaks this language. The second most widely spoken language in Nepal is Maithali. Many people in tourist destinations, hotels, and businesses know the basics of English and can communicate well.
However, if you wish, it may be beneficial to learn the basics of the Nepalese language. A little knowledge can help you get around, talk to the locals, and help you experience the culture. It can also help you build rapport with the people you know.
Weather and seasons
In southern Nepal, winters are mild to cold, while summers are hot. The maximum summer temperature in the south can exceed 40 ° C in many areas. In the northern region of the country, winters are cold, but summers are cool.
The country has four seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter. Kathmandu has a pleasant climate throughout the year, with a winter temperature ranging between 2 ° C and 12 ° C and a summer temperature of 20 ° C to 35 ° C.
The weather does not usually hamper travel through Nepal. Even in winter, you can enjoy the sun and great views in many places, including Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, and Nagarkot Chisapani. If you are a hiker, try to escape to Nepal in spring and autumn.
Top Highlights
Get a first-hand experience of the culture of Nepal by visiting the royal city of Patan. It is home to many temples, monasteries and monuments, in addition to its fame for its arts and crafts.
Head to the Himalayas if you love adventure, mountains and landscapes. Head to 2,175-meter-high Nagarkot for magnificent views of the Kathmandu Valley and the majestic Himalayan Mountains, including Mount Everest.
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For hikers and nature lovers, the Annapurna region is paradise. Walking trails will take you through picturesque villages, pine forests, and beautiful lakes. This area is also popular for rafting and paragliding.
Other important landmarks in Nepal include the great stupa at Boudhanath and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. You can also enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing and canoeing on Lake Phewa, or a safari in Chitwan National Park, Terai.
Food
Nepal is an excellent place for foodies. The restaurants here are famous for their traditional and international cuisine. When in Nepal, remember to try the famous traditional dish called Dal Bhat. It is prepared with rice and lentils. Nepalese like to eat fresh vegetables. However, the food often contains a lot of spices. You must specify the amount of spices you want when ordering your food in restaurants.
Health safety
Do not drink water from the taps. Instead, always use bottled or boiled water. Also, maintain reasonable standards of hygiene, such as carrying hand sanitizer with you to keep your hands properly clean.
Rabies is common in the country, so be careful around dogs. Animals are everywhere in the countryside and streets of Kathmandu. Avoid getting close to or touching them. Better safe than sorry.
Malaria is common in the Terai region. You should take all precautions and seek medical advice before traveling to this area. Use insect repellent as a preventative against mosquitoes and other insects.
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Kathmandu is also known for air pollution. If you are here, take precautions to avoid asthma, chest infections, and sore throats. Consider bringing a respiratory mask with you, which may help.
Summary
Nepal is a beautiful and culturally rich country. The people of Nepal are helpful, friendly, and calm. As with travel to any other country, there are basic things to know before visiting Nepal. This article summarizes 10 important things to keep in mind before starting your trip to this South Asian country. Follow these tips and have great experiences in Nepal.
