Read more about vaccinations, climate, transport, price levels and more in connection with your trip to Nepal

• Language: Nepali and local languages

• Capital: Kathmandu

• Number of inhabitants31, 5 million

• Religion: Hinduism

• Currency: Nepalese rupee

• Surface: 147,181 km2

Worth knowing

Time difference

Time difference between Sweden and Nepal depends on whether Sweden has summer or winter time:

Summer time + 3.45 hours
Winter time + 4.45 hours

Transport in Nepal

Bus
The buses in Nepal do not meet the standard we are used to in Europe. We have of course chosen the best category, with air conditioning whenever possible.

Flights
On our round trips in Nepal and the Himalayas, we often fly the longer distances with domestic flights. In that case, the tour guide will inform the tour participants about check-in, flight times and other practical information.

Price level

The price level in Nepal is mostly lower than in Sweden. You can get a main course for about 75 kronor and when it comes to pocket money, you should bring at least 75 kronor per day. If you buy extra drinks etc., you should bring 25 kroner a day.

Tip

On our travels, you come into contact with everyday life and the country’s customs and usages. There may be certain conditions that you do not like or that you are not used to, such as tipping. In many countries, the system of tips is more organized than we Swedes are used to and there is an expectation that local guides and drivers will receive a certain amount of tips during the journey. We enter an amount in our travel program so that you can count on this when you make up your travel budget at home. The price of the trip does not include the cost of tips as you decide how much you want to give during the trip. The system of tips can be said to be part of the culture you visit and which you should therefore follow and respect. It can be tricky to know how much you are leaving to different people.

Although the system of tips is expanding more and more in Nepal in step with the influx of tourists, tips are expected first and foremost in more expensive restaurants.

Currency and credit cards

The Nepalese currency is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). Bring USD if you want to change to the local currency – this can be done in most major cities and at the airport. You can pay with Visa and MasterCard and withdraw cash in the larger cities.

Electricity

Nepal has 220 volts. The sockets can vary from Swedish standards so it is a good idea to bring an adapter set with different options.

Telephone and internet

The international code for Nepal is + 977. It is expensive to call home, so feel free to contact your mobile operator regarding coverage and prices for calls from Nepal.

Internet cafés are now available in most cities, but we know from experience that it can be difficult to manage to visit such places other than during your own time or after the end of the day’s program. Most hotels in Nepal have internet service, but expect slower connection compared to home. Some hotels charge extra for this.

Customs and traditions

The Nepalese are a wonderfully nice, kind-hearted and smiling people who receive tourists with warmth and big hospitable smiles. Although Sri Lankans are generally accustomed to many tourists, their shrines and customs are expected to be respected with humility and proper manners and dress. As in all places in Asia, certain golden rules apply in connection with visits to temples and mosques. You take off your shoes before entering a temple, a mosque or a private home. Also pay attention to keeping the soles of your feet facing away from shrines and other people when sitting down. It is rude to point at statues of gods and other people. Short shorts and t-shirts without arms are not suitable – this is especially true for women. If you are going to visit temples or other shrines, it is recommended (and sometimes it is mandatory) to cover both shoulders and knees so as not to clash with the local population. At some Muslim shrines, hair is to be covered and shawls handed out at the entrance. You always take off your shoes before visiting a temple. A pair of socks is good to bring to the very cold – or very hot – temple floors. However, there will be places where you have to be completely barefoot. As a traveler in Nepal, you will inevitably come in contact with the country’s many poor people. Beggars occur in many places and it can be difficult to experience. Listen to the tour guide’s advice and never give money to the children. You always take off your shoes before visiting a temple. A pair of socks is good to bring to the very cold – or very hot – temple floors. However, there will be places where you have to be completely barefoot. As a traveler in Nepal, you will inevitably come in contact with the country’s many poor people. Beggars occur in many places and it can be difficult to experience. Listen to the tour guide’s advice and never give money to the children. You always take off your shoes before visiting a temple. A pair of socks is good to bring to the very cold – or very hot – temple floors. However, there will be places where you have to be completely barefoot. As a traveler in Nepal, you will inevitably come in contact with the country’s many poor people. Beggars occur in many places and it can be difficult to experience. Listen to the tour guide’s advice and never give money to the children. Visit vaultedwatches.com for best time to travel to Nepal.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited during all flights and bus transport. You are not allowed to smoke indoors in public places, unless there are special smoking areas.