Nepal is located in South Asia between China in the north and India in the east, west, and south. The latitude and longitude of Nepal is 28.3949° N, 84.1240° E. It is a landlocked country and covers an area of 147,181 sq.km. The country is also a part of the Great Himalayan range that extends from Pakistan to Tibet.

One of the most distinguishing factors of Nepal is that it houses 8 of the 10 highest peaks in the world including the Mt. Everest (8848m) - the highest in the world. Nepal is also the birthplace of Lord Buddha who is credited with the establishment of Buddhism. Above all, Nepal is known for its enchanting natural beauty and cultural diversity.

Over 100 languages are spoken in Nepal but the national language in Nepal is Nepali. Sayau Thunga Fuul Ka Hami (Made of Hundreds of Flowers) is the national anthem of Nepal. Byakul Mailla was the lyricist of the anthem and Late. Amber Gurung was the musician. Nepalese Rupees or NRs. is the national currency in Nepal.

Nepal is relatively cheaper to travel in comparison to other western and Asian countries. The budget mostly varies as per your stay and the activity you are doing in Nepal. On an average stay for 2 weeks, you can carry a budget of USD 5000 which includes contingencies. You might have to carry an additional budget if you plan to engage on trips like trekking, mountaineering, or peak climbing. The prices of such trips are provided by the travel agencies and trip operators so, you can contact the trip operator of your choosing and decide the budget you need to carry when you come to travel Nepal.

The best sites and time to visit Nepal solely depends upon the activity you want to indulge in. If you are a mountaineering and trek fanatic, then we advise you to focus on the Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, Kanchenjunga, Upper Mustang, Dolpo, and Manaslu regions are the best choices. There are a number of choices to indulge in and an even greater number of customizations that you can do. In terms of tours, do take the Kathmandu, Lumbini, Chitwan, Pokhara, Bandipur, Ilam, and Palpa are some of the popular choices. As of adventure sports, there are various destinations across Nepal.

The best time to take treks, expeditions, and peak climbing trips are during autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) whereas tour can be done throughout the year.

Whenever you meet or talk with someone, be sure to join your hands and greet them with ‘Namaste’. Before you enter someone’s house, take off your shoes. Similarly, you must take your shoes off before entering a Hindu and Buddhist shrine or monument. Public display of affection like kissing can be considered offensive. Don't point your finger at anyone as it is considered rude and offensive. Except for the major cities, it is also inappropriate to wear revealing and provocative clothes.

These are a few customs and social norms that a traveler has to know when traveling in Nepal.

In recent years, the Government of Nepal has made a strict policy on the punishment of illegal activities. The illegal activities include under-age marriage, cyberbullying, dowry, prostitution, human and child trafficking. Other activities include drugs, betting, vandalism, rape, murder, kidnapping, and terrorism. There are many other activities which are deemed to be illegal in Nepal so, you can refer to the Constitution of Nepal 2015 for further information. You can find the Constitution of Nepal 2015 at the official website of Nepal Law Commission at http://www.lawcommission.gov.np/en/archives/category/documents/prevailing-law/constitution/constitution-of-nepal

Prostitution is illegal in Nepal and there are no designated red-light areas in Nepal. However, there are small and unofficial red-light areas which are established without the knowledge of the general public and the regulatory forces. If a person is involved in such activities, then it is a criminal offense.

Foreigners must need a visa in order to visit Nepal. To get a visa, foreigners must have a valid passport. As per your nationality, you can obtain the visa at the Nepalese Diplomatic Missions stationed around the world prior to arriving in Nepal.

Yes, you can also get a Nepalese visa at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. There are Kiosk machines where you can fill the ‘Tourist Visa’ form. After submitting the form, you will receive a receipt which you will have to print to acquire the visa. You can issue a visa for 15, 30, and 90 days as per your choices. The cost for a visa for 12, 30, and 90 days are USD 25, USD 40, and USD 100 respectively.

The best place to buy souvenirs in Nepal is in Thamel, Kathmandu. Besides Thamel, the entire Kathmandu is suitable for souvenir shopping. Basantapur, Boudhanath, and small alleyway markets offer incredible variety and reasonable prices as well. There are souvenir shops in other cities like Pokhara, Chitwan, and Palpa as well. There are a variety of souvenirs which range from collectible items to Thangkas, Khukuri, and paintings. Handicrafts and local products like tea, clothes, and herbal medicines are also great options to buy as souvenirs.

Trekkers in Nepal are allowed to trek as Free Individual Trekker but there are certain trekking regions which are known as restricted areas. These areas are regulated by the Government of Nepal and they require a permit from the Department of Immigration. Only the authorized agencies can apply for trekking permits. Documents needed for permits include a copy of passport, program schedule, and tax clearance certificate. You can refer more information about trekking and trekking permits at the official website of the Department of Immigration at http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/page/about-trekking-permit

Yes, you can easily use your electronics in Nepal. Nepal mostly uses 3 plug types, namely of Type C, D, and M. Nepal operates on a 230 V supply voltage and 50 Hz. If you are coming from abroad then chances are that your adapter might not work. Do not fear as there is easy availability of chargers and adapters in the major cities and towns.

You can reach Nepal through two means. They are by air and by land. As Nepal is a landlocked country, there is no facility for water transport. The most recommended method to reach Nepal is by air.

There are a number of restrictions on what a tourist can bring along with him/her in Nepal. As such, the following items can be imported by foreign travelers without incurring customs:

• One bottle of liquor Up to 1 liter or 12 cans of beer
• Cigarette up to 200 sticks cigar up to 50 sticks, tobacco up to 250 grams
• Medicine up to the value of NRs. 1000/ ( except the medicine banned to import into Nepal)

Apart from these, there are many other rules and restrictions regarding the items that a tourist can bring along. You can refer to the information available at the official website of Department of customs at:

https://www.customs.gov.np/upload/documents/Notice%20regarding%20the%20Baggage%20Rules_2017-03-30-13-48-08.pdf

There are no strict regulations and guidelines regarding vaccinations before visiting Nepal. However, you can remain at the safe side and consult your doctor concerning any vaccines before your arrival in Nepal. You can also pack your medications as per the length of your stay or bring the doctor’s prescription. It is advised that you maintain a certain level of physical fitness for your visit to Nepal.

In Nepal, you should refrain from wearing any sort of revealing clothes except in the major cities. With the exception of a few modern cities, Nepalese societies are still conventional and are not completely open to the idea of wearing such clothes. For men, it is advised to wear pants and T-shirts. For women, you can wear jeans and even try on the local costumes that you feel comfortable with. Be sure to not hurt the sentiments of the local people.

To maintain good health while traveling in Nepal, you need to avoid eating any sort of uncooked and unhygienic food. Don't drink tap water and always carry bottled water. You can also use portable water purifiers to ensure that you consume safe water on your trips. You need to carry your medications if you have any. Do include light exercise and training schedule during your travel. Besides these, you must practice the obvious hygienic habits to stay in good health.

In the major city and town areas, almost all of the children go to school. However, there is a small number of children in some rural areas who do not go to schools. This is due to the poor situation of infrastructures in remote areas.

The education system in Nepal involves schooling for 10 years. After class 10, they go for + 2 which is a 2 years higher school course. After + 2, the undergraduate level starts which normally lasts for 4 years. After undergraduate, the master level starts which lasts for 2 years.

There are buses, micros, and taxis easily available in all the major cities and towns. In small towns and villages in Terai and lower Hilly regions, you can find tempo and rickshaws. In remote mountainous areas, donkeys, horses, mules are the popular modes of transportation.

To drive in Nepal, you must be 18 years old and have a valid Nepali license. If you are a foreigner, then you need an international driver’s permit. Depending on your nationality, you need to take some few tests in order to drive in Nepal.

The popular TV channel in Nepal are Nepal Television, Kantipur, Avenues Khabar, Image Channel and Himalayan TV. The popular FM stations are Image FM, Ujjwalo FM, and Radio Kantipur FM. The main media house in Nepal is mostly Kantipur and Annapurna Media Hub.

The Tourist Police in Nepal works under the Department of Tourism. The major objective of the police force is to ensure that the rights of tourists are protected. Its main office is in Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu. You can file any sort of complaints at the Tourist Police stationed in various parts of the country. You can find the information about their location and activities at the official website of the Crime Investigation Department at:

https://cid.nepalpolice.gov.np/index.php/cid-wings/tourist-police or at the official website of the Department of Tourism at http://www.tourismdepartment.gov.np/tourist-police.

The Nepali cuisines and their recipes tend to fluctuate from ethnic tribes, climate, and living conditions. Similarly, most of the traditional Nepali cuisines are prepared in a traditional way without the use of modern machines.

The most common Nepali cuisine consumed throughout the country is Dal Bhat Tarkari. Nepali cuisines from the Newar community tend to be spicy whereas, in the Terai region, they are sweet. On the higher Himalayas, they tend to be bland yet full of carbohydrates.

The most popular trekking region in Nepal is undoubtedly the Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang, and Mustang regions. You can even explore the uncrowded yet amazing regions like Makalu, Manaslu, Dolpo, and Far West.

In terms of touring and sightseeing, the must visit place include popular cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, and Lumbini. You can even head towards Lamjung, Bandipur, Ilam, and Ghalegaon for tours and sightseeing.

Nepalese are naturally charming and friendly. They value the tourists and guests in high regards and offer similar hospitality. As such, besides the Himalayas and diverse culture, Nepal is widely popular for the hospitality that the people provide. Nepalese follow their societal norms and traditions and treat tourists as God. So, they are ever-ready to help you and will do so with the purest of intentions.

The postal system in Nepal is a bit unpredictable but fairly reliable. The timing duration for the letter to reach Nepal mostly depends on your location. On average, you can expect a letter from your country to reach Nepal within 2 weeks. Alternatively, you can parcel your letters via DHL and FEDEX which is best option to send/receive your letters and belongings.

Yes, you can bring your medication with you provided that you have the doctor’s prescription. However, Nepal Customs only allows you to bring in medications up to the value of NRs 10,000.

You can also bring your doctor’s prescription to make sure that you can buy the medications in Nepal as well. You must inform your trekking or travel operator pre-hand regarding medical conditions and medications.

Yes, you can bring your pets along with you. Pets must enter Nepal via the Tribhuvan International Airport. Two dogs or cats can enter per person.

However, pets need to have a 15-digit ISO compliant pet microchip. They need to be vaccinated and need to pass a rabies titer test. They need to have a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinary in your country.

Nepali music is classified into genres like pop, folk, rock, and, to some extent, metal.

Each culture and ethnic group has its own music and identity. Folk music is the traditional form of Nepali music which differs from one ethnic community or a geographical region to another. These traditional music and songs are sung in various languages and dialects.

In recent years, there is an increasing trend towards the creation of pop and Western-influenced music. Rap music is also popular among the youth.

During your stay in Nepal, you must be sure to follow the social norms and etiquette. Be sure to greet people with Namaste before starting conservation. Refrain from making noises or talking loudly in public. Also, be sure to talk in a polite way. Do make sure to tip your porters and guides. Do not give any sort of money to beggars.

You have to be extra careful when visiting temples, stupas, and religious shrines. Most of them require you to take your shoes off before entering the premise whereas some might not allow foreigners to enter at all. Similarly, look out for signs that restrict the use of camera within the premise of a religious structure. When traveling, especially if you are a solo traveler, inform your friends, family, and official authorities about your destination and trip itinerary.

If you are visiting Nepal for the first time, then we advise you to travel along with a travel agency. Since you may not be familiar with the customs, language, and routes here, you will have an easier time when traveling with a travel agency. The advantage of traveling with agencies guarantees cost effectiveness and better safety.

Having said that, you can also travel solo and enjoy all the intricacies of Nepal. When you travel without a travel agency, you will have to face all the issues of transportation, food, accommodation, and other stuff on yourself. This can be hectic but exciting.

Thus, the choice of choosing to travel solo or with a travel agency solely depends on you.

You can exchange your money at the airport or in the banks and money exchange counters in the major cities. However, we do advise you to be updated with the exchange rates. You can find the updated exchange rates at the official website of the Nepal Rastra Bank at https://www.nrb.org.np/fxmexchangerate.php

The ATM facilities are available in almost all major cities and towns with the exception of villages. In small towns, ATM facilities are rarely available. Thus, it is always best to carry sufficient cash so that you can easily carry out your transactions, especially when you travel to rural and remote areas.

There are multiple ways to transfer money from abroad to Nepal such as Western Union Money Transfer, Global IME Money Transfer and similar other money transfer service providers. You can easily transfer your money via banks or use different payment cards like Master/Visa/American Express/Union Pay/JCB/SCT Card.  In critical situations, you can consult with your travel organizer or your respective embassies for money transfer facilities.

You can reach Nepal by numerous land entry points from India and Tibet. Six of them are located at the Nepal-India border whereas only one of the entry points is located at the Tibet-Nepal border.

The entry points at the Nepal-India border are:

Kakarvitta, Jhapa District, Eastern Nepal

Birgunj, Parsa District, Central Nepal

Belhiya, Bhairahawa, Rupandehi District, Western Nepal

Jamunaha, Nepalgunj, Banke District, Mid-Western Nepal

Mohana, Dhangadi, Kailali District, Far Western Nepal

Gaddachauki, Mahendranagar, Kanchanpur District, Far Western Nepal

Likewise, Kodari in Sindhupalchowk District is the only entry point at the Nepal-Tibet border.

If you need to learn about the weather conditions, then you can visit the site http://www.mfd.gov.np/weather/.

If you need to learn about flight costs, then you can compare prices at the websites of the airline's agencies in Nepal.

The medical facilities in Nepal are mostly clustered in the major cities and towns. Hospitals and other health institutions provide modern health services. As you move away from the major cities, the health facilities decrease in number. In villages, health stations and clinics are available in the span of large distances.

However, the medical facilities in Nepal are relatively cheaper in comparison to those western countries.

The food in Nepal is very different from what you are used to. To avoid trouble, don’t eat undercooked meat and be cautious of unpasteurized dairy products. Don’t eat food from the street vendors. Always eat cooked food which is made from fresh ingredients. Don't drink tap water and always carry bottled water. Carrying portable water purifiers can also be highly beneficial when you travel. Be sure to include some light exercise in your daily schedule.

During your stay in Nepal, there might occur contingent situations which include your flight being delayed, health problems, and accidents. In case these situations occur, we advise you to carry an extra amount for such situations. A budget of around USD 3000 might be sufficient for contingencies.

However, we do advise you to get the insurance that covers unforeseen events like flight delay, trip cancellation, and Heli rescue during your travel.

Although inoculation is not mandatory before visiting Nepal, it is recommended that you take immunization for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Meningitis. You can consult your doctor for further inoculations as per your medical conditions before you arrive in Nepal.

It is mandatory for a traveler to have insurance for traveling in Nepal. The insurance must cover the cost of the contingent situation and emergency evacuations. So, you must choose your insurance company wisely in order to make sure that every aspect of your travel is covered.

The clubs, bars, and discos are mostly found in the major cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan. The culture of nightlife is still on the developing phase in Nepal and many people are not positive with the idea of going to clubs. In recent years, the number of bars and discos have increased and there is a live performance by international DJ as well. Thamel and Durbarmarg in Kathmandu and Lakeside in Pokhara are the places you must not leave if you are a fan of nightlife and parties. Club Déjà vu, LOD: Lord of the Drink, Purple Hage Rock Bar, Ibyza, Karma bar, The Victory Lounge are some of the most popular clubs and bars in Nepal situated in Kathmandu

During your stay in Nepal, you can choose to do some major trekking, hiking, sightseeing, and touring activities. Peak climbing and expeditions are for experienced and brave souls. There are options for extreme sports like rafting, mountain biking, zip lining, paragliding, canyoning, skydiving, and bungee jumping as well. You can indulge in some social service activities like teaching children, reconstruction activities, and helping the poor and disabled. All in all, there are endless options to choose from during your stay in Nepal.

Although there are rare cases of strikes in Nepal, none of them affect tourism in Nepal in any way. The strikes occur mostly due to political reasons and on rare occasions only will your travel be affected. People in Nepal have begun silent protests instead of riots so, you will not have any difficulty due to these events. Your travel operator shall make it sure that you are not adversely affected by it.

And, yes, it is perfectly safe since strikes mostly address social and political causes. As such, in most cases, they will not affect your travel plans.

Nepal has an only one-time zone which is called as the Nepal Standard Time. It is GMT + 5:45. The phone code in use in Nepal is +977  9851214548 (WhatsApp and Viber available)