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| Travel Advisory |
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SAFETY/SECURITY ADVICE |
| 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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