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| Travel
Advisory |
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| SAFETY/SECURITY ADVICE
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| The situation in
Nepal has always been tourist friendly. Due to some
sporadic reporting of Maoist activities in some parts of
the Kingdom, extra measures for security were adopted
which has indeed improved the law and order situation.
Major tourist places continue to welcome tourists in
large numbers. Tourists have never been directly
targeted by the Maoists. Moreover, the Maoist leaders
have categorically stated time and again that they would
not disturb the tourism sanctity neither target the
tourist in future. Hence, tourists have never been the
victims of insurgency activities in Nepal. Travel to and
within Nepal is a safe and enjoyable experience provided
sensible precaution is taken. Tourists are advised to
use the services of registered and reputed
travel/trekking companies and hotels only. By using
the services of government registered service
providers, you will be ensuring the most
comfortable and reliable holiday possible. Public
demonstrations and strikes are popular forms of
political expression in Nepal, as in other parts of the
world and they may occur on short notice. These
demonstrations are usually nonviolent and not directed
towards foreigners. During general strikes (called
"Bandh" in Nepal), many businesses close, and
transportation and city services may be disrupted.
Tourist buses, airport downtown-airport shuttle service
and rickshaws are the only means of transportation
available during bandhs. Travelers are requested to stay
either at their hotel or homes or at the most in
prominent touristic areas, where no any untoward
incidents have taken place, so far. Tourists can also
visit places of tourist interest within walking distance
from their hotels. |
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| ENTRY AND EXIT
REQUIREMENTS |
| A passport and
visa are required for visitors other than Indian
nationals. Tourist visas can be purchased upon arrival
at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at
all other ports of entry. All foreigners must pay an
airport exit tax, regardless of the length of their
stay. Travelers may contact nearest Royal Nepalese
Embassy/Consulates for further information. Indian
nationals do not require visa. However, effective from
October 1, 2000 Indians travelling to Nepal by air will
have to show upon arrival at entry point either a
passport, voter's identity card issued by Election
Commission of India, or an identity card with photograph
issued by the Central or State Government of India.
Children under 10 years need not show any
identification. |
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| INFORMATION FOR
TRAVELERS |
| Nepal has
abundance of offers to establish it as a round the year
travel destination. Based on this fact, many
international tourists are indeed incorporating Nepal in
their wishful travel itinerary. Popular tourist areas in
Nepal like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Everest Region,
Annapurna Region, Langtang Region, Lumbini, Janakpur and
others are absolutely free from any sorts of
disturbances. This is a clear testimony that travel
safety in Nepal is more a perception problem than the
actual state of affairs. Nepal Tourism Board (NTB)
always recommends travelers to get services through the
registered companies which guarantee you safe, reliable,
standard and value for money travel services. Travelling
in Nepal typically involves walking for an extended time
over rugged, steep terrain, to various luxurious stays
during the course of their trip. Many popular trekking
routes in Nepal cross passes as high as 18,000 feet. The
Nepal Tourism Board requests all existing and potential
travelers to exercise extreme caution while trekking at
higher altitudes. The safest option for all trekkers is
to join an organized group and/or use a reputable firm
that provides an experienced guide and porter who
communicates in both Nepali and English. |
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| MEDICAL
FACILITIES |
| Medical care is
widely available in the District head quarters and the
towns and cities. Moreover, Kathmandu has the most
modern medi-care facilities, equipment and most
qualified doctors in order to provide a quality care.
Serious illnesses often require evacuation to the
nearest adequate medical facility. Illnesses and
injuries suffered while on trek in remote areas often
require rescue by helicopter. Various private Helicopter
Companies including the Royal Nepal Army (at the
Airport) provide rescue services. The cost is typically
not much. For further information, please contact
Himalayan Rescue Association (Phone: 26 2746, Kathmandu)
or your local travel or trekking agent. |
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| MEDICAL
INSURANCE |
| After the
establishment of various international Insurance
Companies in the form of joint venture (JV), medical
insurance is becoming popular in Nepal. Hence, all
travelers are requested to insure through the reputed
agencies. However, travelling within Nepal is adequately
safe except in some remote government cautioned areas.
Please check with your own insurance company to confirm
whether your policy applies overseas, including
provision for medical evacuation, and for adequacy of
coverage. Supplemental health insurance that
specifically covers overseas treatment and air
evacuation to the nearest adequate medical facility is
strongly recommended. |
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| TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD
CONDITIONS |
| In major tourist
destinations the condition of the Roads are fairly well
maintained. Those travelling by their own vehicles must
carry valid road maps. The East West Highway connects
all major cities and towns. Further information may be
sought from NTB or local agents. The accident rate in
Nepal is comparatively very minimal and relatively
fatalities from such accidents are rare as compared to
other big cities of the globe. Likewise, there are
several domestic private airlines operating within the
nation, which has tremendously helped to connect the
remote part of the country to the capital. |
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| AIR TRAVEL |
| Travelling to
Nepal by air is considered safe. Nepal is well connected
by a dozen of international airlines from all major
cities of Europe and Asia. It also has a fair no of
domestic airlines, which cater to the needs of the
travelers domestically. Tribhuvan International Airport
(TIA) infrastructures have been duly extended in order
to meet the rising demand of the air travelers.
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| CUSTOMS
REGULATIONS |
| All travelers are
requested to abide by the custom regulations of Nepal.
The facilities that are given to travelers are of
international norms except in the cases of heavy-duty
import such as valuable metals, articles of
archeological and religious importance, wildlife and
related articles, drugs, arms and ammunition, and
communications equipment. |
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| ENVIRONMENT |
| His Majesty's
Government (HMG) is very conscious about maintaining the
ecological balance. The preservation of the natural
resources and conservation of the national heritages has
been our prime concern. In order to give a fillip to
this concept, His Majesty's Government of Nepal (HMG/N)
has already brought in to effect the emission control
norms for the vehicles. Similarly HMG is coordinating
with various experts, donors, INGOs and NGOs and others
to manage the Solid waste management and also
controlling the effluents discharged by the industries.
As far as conservation and preservation is concerned,
Annapurna Conservation (ACAP) area and Nepal's densely
populated forests are greatly appreciated models in the
world. |
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| Source: Nepal Tourism
Board |
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