Q1.Where is Nepal?
Nepal is a land locked, mountainous kingdom in southern Asia. It is located between India and China. The capital of Nepal is 'Kathmandu.

Q2. What is Nepal known for?
Nepal is known for Mount Everest 8848mt, the highest mountain in the world, spectacular natural beauty that can be seen in its land especially hilly regions, known as the birth place of Lord Buddha, and the Hindu Goddess Lord Sita and known as the home of Gurkha Warriors. It is also known as a country with abundant Natural Water Sources.

Q3. What is the national language of Nepal?
Nepal's national language is called Nepali. It is written in Devnagri Script. This script is the same as the one used in Hindi language - the national language of India. There are more than 72 different spoken languages in Nepal.

Q4. What's the common form of greeting in Nepal?
It is called Namaste or Namaskar. You can say the greeting in words as well as do it using a gesture. Join your palms together and bring them close to your chest and about 5 to 7 inches below your chin. The word Namaste has many meanings such as Hello, How are you? I am glad to see you, nice to meet you, good morning, etc.

Q5. What's the currency of Nepal?
Currency is spelled as Nepalese Rupees or Rupee (Rs) or in short NRS. 100 Paisa equals 1 Rs.  Nepali Notes are 1000, 500, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2, and 1 rupees, and coins are rarely used.

Q6. What are Nepalese (Nepali) people like?
Nepalese are friendly and hospitable by nature. Travelers count Nepalese among the best friends in the world. Nepalese respect Guests as God. And there is a popular phrase every Nepali knows, it says: "Guest equals God". A part of the reasons why people revisit Nepal is because of the friendliness and warmth of Nepali people.

Q7. What can I do in Nepal as a traveler?
So you found this country tiny? Hold your breath and discover what it packs! You can do so much only in Nepal such as Trekking, Hiking, Climbing, Expeditions, Volunteer work, Jungle safari tours, White water rafting etc.

Q8. When is the best time to travel in Nepal?
Best time to travel to Nepal is October to November, and February to April.

Q9. What are some basic Nepali customs that I should know about?

• Take off your shoes before entering a temple or one's home
• Ask for permission before entering a Hindu temple
• Taking photographs inside the most temples are considered illegal
• Ask for permission before taking photographs of objects, and including Nepali people.
•  

Q10. Is gambling allowed in Nepal? Or do you have Casino?
Gambling is illegal in Nepal. There are numerous Casinos in the Capital Kathmandu, which are mostly open to Tourists only. Some of the casino has video games, slot machines, and they are open 24 hours 

Q11. Is sex business legal in Nepal?
Prostitution is illegal in Nepal

Q12. Is my license valid for driving in Nepal?
International Driving license is valid for driving in Nepal

Q13. What is the Night-Life like in Nepal?
Night life in Nepal is almost dead in comparison to other parts of the world.

Q14. Do I need a visa for Nepal?
Visa is required to enter Nepal, and it can be obtained at the point of entry such as Kathmandu Airport
Q15. Do I need to obtain Permit before trekking in Nepal?
Trekking permit is only required to trek in the restricted areas. Before trekking, you should register with your country's Embassy or Consulate located in Nepal. They will also help you obtain trekking permit, if required but Annapurna, Langtang, Everest, Ganesh Himal you have to pay National park fee and TIMS card.

Q16. What is there to buy in Nepal to take back home?
Most popular foreign purchases are Nepali handmade papers, Thankas-Tibetan Paintings, Pashmina, Kukuri / Knives, jewelries, Nepali national dress, cap, and Nepali Carpets.

Q17. What time is it now in Nepal and what's the phone code?
Nepali time is GMT/UTC plus 5 Hours 45 minutes. Area code for dialing to Nepal: Country Code: 977 Kathmandu City Code: 1 (e.g. 977 1 478111 First three digits is the country code, second is the area code, the last digits are telephone numbers. Current Time of Kathmandu | City Area Codes

Q18. Are there ATM facilities in Nepal?
Yes, in Kathmandu and Pokhara. International credit cards (Master Card, Visa Card etc) are also accepted in all leading hotels, shopping centers, bars and restaurants in Nepal.

Q19. Are drugs legal in Nepal?
No. The distillate marijuana and hash are sometimes consumed by some Nepalese during the Holi as part of the colorful festive season. Various sweet products containing the drugs are available in hidden shops! During the festive season which permits some to celebrate the Holi season. Some evidence support that Marijuana and hash are frequent to some Holi monks, priest residing in temples like Pashupatti and Boudha. It is ILLEGAL to grow, buy or sell drugs in Nepal.

Q20. How to enter Nepal?
By Air: all major international airlines operate in Nepal. By Road: From Nepal India borders: Kakarvita, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalganj, Dhangadhi and Mahendranagar

Q21. What are health requirements to visit Nepal?
Nepal does not require any specific immunization for visitors. It is however best to have vaccine before coming to Nepal. Your doctors can advice you on the type of vaccine to be taken to travel to third world countries like Nepal.

Q22. How to stay in good health when traveling in Nepal?
Enter Nepal with one or two vaccine taken for common diseases like malaria. When in Nepal, eat thoroughly cooked food. Avoid salad. Drink only the reputed brand of bottled water. Soft drinks like Coke, Pepsi are fine to drink. Avoid Fast foods. Wear a mask (if possible) when walking in the dusty and polluted streets, especially during the summer season in Nepal it can be tough to walk in the streets. See AlsoEmergency Telephone Directory

Q23. What to wear in Nepal?
In the mountain areas, warm woolen clothing is necessary while at lower altitude cotton clothing is ideal.

Q24. Is Nepal safe to travel?
There are a number of travel warnings to ensure the safety of tourists which have been issued over the last few years to tourists who are planning to travel to Nepal.  It is advisable therefore those tourists intending a trip have a look at the relevant safety warnings which have been issued on governmental / embassy websites regarding Nepal.

General safety for tourists in Nepal unrelated to Maoist activities is primarily good compared to other countries and violent crime is generally low.  However, there are cases of street crime in Nepal and tourist safety is often jeopardized by street robberies.

To ensure your safety whilst visiting Nepal, then the following suggestions aimed at tourists should be considered:

•  never trek on your own.  Always travel with a companion
•  If you come across a protest, then keep well away
• Register with your respective embassy on arrival in Nepal and take on board any safety advice that they may be giving to tourists
• Eat your evening meal early and retire to your hotel – i.e. do not jeopardize your safety by staying out late (even in well frequented tourist areas)
  

Female tourists in Nepal should take extra preventions to ensure their safety and it recommended that females do not travel independently whilst in Nepal.

Q25. Do all children go to school in Nepal?
No. Nepal does not have a law that requires all children to attend school after a certain age.

Q26. How much does accommodation cost?
Facilities and location of accommodation determine the cost. For economic staying in Nepal, go for guest houses where rates are very low.

Q27. Are there any Tourist Police in Nepal?
A Tourist Police is located near the Nepal Tourism Development Board's Office.

Q28. Can I get a visa from the Kathmandu Airport?
Yes. You will get visa upon your arrival at the airport

Q28. What is Nepali Food like? How is it cooked?
Nepali food is called Dal Bhat Tarkari which is Lentil sauce, Rice, and Curry in English. Rice is the basic food of Nepal. See Also About Nepali Food

Q29. What is the popular trekking region in Nepal?
Annapurna region. Here one gets excellent views of the mountains, valley and the remote parts of Nepal where easy to moderate trekking skills are required. And another popular trekking region is the Everest and Langtang

Q30. What is the legal age for marriage in Nepal?
Legal age for marriage in Nepal is 18 for both men and women.

Q31. Will my Cell-phone (mobile phone) work in Nepal?
Yes, Contact your service provider and check if Nepal country is included in their `Global roaming' package.

Q32. How long does it take a letter to reach Nepal or from Nepal to my country?
Commercial courier companies such as DHL, UPS, and FED-EX have their office in Nepal and can guarantee express delivery to and from Nepal with in 5 to 10 business days

Q33. Can I bring my medication with me?
Yes. Make sure to bring prescriptions and the medications in its original containers to avoid custom inspection hassle.

Q34. Are there clubs, bars, disco and stuff like that in Nepal?
Yes.

Q35. Can I bring my pets for an extended stay in Nepal?
Yes you can. Remember not all airlines offer shipment of animals in cabin or as checked baggage.

Q36. Does Nepal have its own calendar?
Yes. Current Nepali year is 2063View Current Nepali Calendar

Q37. What is Nepali Music Like?
Melodic. Moving. and Folk. The real Nepali music is the folk music where local voice and lyrics, together with flute and traditional drum known as Madal is used in music compositions.

Q38. What is Nepalese National Flag like?
Nepali Flag Two triangles being attached to a vertical line - the only flag of this shape in the entire world!

Q39. What kinds of gifts are common to give in Nepal?
Common gift items are watches, jewelries, clothes such as t-shirts, caps, jackets, electronics such as camera, CD-players, and money is also a common gift item here. You won't be able to give gift-cards (i.e. shopping cards) in Nepal as they are not widely used. If buying electronics products make-sure they can operate in 240 Volt, 50MHZ (Nepal's Electricity Standard). If you are visiting Nepal, try bringing items from your country which are unique, such as national flags, t-shirts and caps (with your national flag on it!), music CDs, books, etc!

Q40. What is the caste system of Nepal?
One is considered untouchable based on the cast under which he or she was born. Someone claims to be superior claiming others inferior. For example, those who make the best knives in the world, the Kamis are considered untouchables in rural parts of Nepal!

Q41. What should I bring on the plane, as carry-on?
Bring your daypack and carry inside your hiking boots, emergency clothing, camera and any prescription drugs as carry-on luggage. In the event that your luggage is lost, these items are the most important and hard to replace.

Q42. What can I expect after arrival in Kathmandu, or in other cities?
You are met at the airport by our staff and transferred to the hotel. Usually after getting settled in, we show you where to exchange money and get something to eat. After our meal, we give you a short tour of the area around the hotel, then that evening we have a welcome dinner.

Q43. Will I be able to call home during my trip?
Yes! While in any of the major cities, you will be able to call home, send e-mail, faxes and letters. We’ll show you how and where. You’ll even be able to give the hotel information to your family and they can call you.

Q44. Will I be able to call home while out trekking?
In some locations there are phones and even internet access, but the cost may be very high. Don’t plan on being able to contact anyone during your trek. Make sure your family understands that just because they don’t hear from you, which do not mean there is a problem.

Q45. Can I use my credit card in Nepal? How much American currency should I bring?
You will be able to use your credit card or ATM cash card while in Kathmandu at most places, but bring cash or travelers checks. There are also ATMs in Kathmandu that give you rupees at the current exchange rate, and cost what your bank may charge for an ATM fee. Since everything is paid for except your lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (and tipping local staff after the trip), you’ll need little money while in Nepal. Most people bring $500 in $50 and $100 bills. The people in Nepal are very untrusting of any money that is torn or old looking, so ask the bank at home for very current clean money.

Q46. Can I drink the water in my hotel?
You always remember: DO NOT drink the water from the tap in your hotel room, or any tap water for that matter. Try not to get any water in your mouth while in the shower, and brush your teeth with bottled water. You can purchase bottled water in the hotel restaurant. Always check that the seal at the top of the bottle hasn’t been tampered with. If there is any question, ask for another bottle. Never drink anything with ice in it.

Q46. What medical facilities can I expect during the actual trek?
Depending on your trek, most medical facilities will be a couple days’ walk away. You can be carried or flown out by helicopter in extreme cases. This is why medical and evacuation insurance is so important. Our staff does have medical training and can take care of most emergencies until we can get you to a hospital. If traveling in Nepal, Kathmandu has a medical clinic with doctors from Harvard Medical School on staff, so the care there is excellent!

Q47. Do I need to worry about theft during the trek?
The Nepalese and Tibetan people are very honest, but if you leave a camera sitting and walk away, it is a tempting treasure. Please remember to watch where you leave things. Anything you leave in your tent is generally safe, as a guard will be stationed to watch over things. While staying in teahouses or hotels in cities, don’t leave any valuables in your room.

Don’t be too fast to blame a Nepali or an ethnic local person for your lost item, as some of the other trekkers wandering the country are not of the best character. It wouldn’t be the first time a lone trekker has liberated some article of clothing and watched a poor local take the blame.

Q48. Will I need to worry about my safety while spending time in the arrival city?
Every big city has people that are ready to take advantage of tourists. Always use a travel wallet, the type that is fastened around the waist. Keep all valuable items like credit cards and your visa safely put away. Don’t walk the streets of any city alone late at night; and when changing money, make sure you’ve put all the money away before leaving the money exchange office. Try to be discreet when making purchases – don’t open your wallet so everyone can see exactly how much money you’re carrying around.

Q49.  I’ve heard that it's ok to bring pens and toys to give children. Is this correct?
It is NOT ok to bring items to give begging children. Some trekkers like to bring cigarettes, pens, toys, etc. to give to children and adults, but this has had a bad effect, as children now beg for these things. You might bring hard candy just for our porters and workers (no cigarettes). A good idea to break the ice with our staff is to bring games from home like cards, board games, and easy reading materials. Our Nepalese staff members love to play games to ease their boredom. Remember, we may be on the adventure of a lifetime; but they are working far from their families and may have hiked these trails hundreds of times.

Q50. Will I be able to shower during a trip that travels to a remote area?
Yes, a shower will be available each night of a teahouse trek and every other night during more remote trips. But it is a good idea to carry a pack of baby wipes in the event it’s too cold to shower or you just don’t feel like it.

Q51. What size tents are used during a trip that involves camping? Can I have my own tent?
Our tents are of the highest possible quality, and we only use 3 or 4 person tents for every two people. This gives you enough room to have some privacy. If you really value your “alone time,” a private tent can be arranged for an additional fee.

Q52. What is the toilet situation like? Do I need to bring my own toilet paper?
While staying in Kathmandu (or any city hotel during our trips), you’ll have access to a normal American style sit-down toilet. But once out of town, the norm will be Asian squat-style toilets. During camping trips, we carry a toilet tent with special toilet chair and seat. We also supply all the toilet paper you’ll need, but most people like to bring a roll of the softest toilet paper they can find, just in case of unexpected emergencies.

Q53. Should I bring tampons from home or can I purchase them abroad?
It is always a good idea to bring the tampons you’re used to from home. If you run out, sanitary pads and tampons are sold in Kathmandu regularly now, but we aren’t sure about their availability elsewhere.

Q54. I wear contact lenses. Will this be a problem?
Most people don’t have a problem with their contacts, but you should remember to bring your normal glasses with you in case an eye infection or other irritation was to develop. Also, bring along extra lens cleaner fluid, as this is very hard to find in other countries.

Q55. I’ve heard women should only wear skirts while trekking in Nepal, is this true?
The skirt thing is more myth than truth. Some books on travel to Nepal suggest it’s best to trek in a skirt, but no one really ever does – not even the local ethnic women (except for some Sherpa women) travel in skirts anymore. The truth is you should always dress modestly and not wear really short shorts or revealing tank tops. But as long as you’re not being rude in the way you dress, no one will take offense.

Q56. If an emergency was to occur at home while I’m in Nepal, what should my family do?
You will be given a contact phone number and e-mail address for our office in Kathmandu. Also, you’ll be registered at the Embassy in Kathmandu with details on where you are and how to contact you. If it is urgent that you return home, remember it could possibly take up to a week before you can get there.

Q57. What will happen if my luggage is lost?
First a form will need to be filled out before leaving the airport terminal. A representative from the airline is usually waiting for each flight to finish unloading to help anyone with missing luggage. If your luggage isn’t on the flight, it’s important to fill out the needed form before leaving the terminal. Also, the airline is required to pay you some amount of money for purchasing necessities until the bags show up (usually the next day). If your luggage doesn’t show up before the start of your trip, we will assist you with shopping to replace the missing articles, along with renting others.

Q58. What is done about tipping the trekking staff in Nepal?
On the last day of any trek and tours, our guides and porters will have a party to celebrate the end of another adventure. At this time, it’s customary to tip our workers. Each staff member usually gets what would amount to $7 for each porter, $10 for guides and cooking staff and $20 dollars for the head cook. The head “Sirdar” (who keeps it all together during each trip) gets $30 total. This amount is to be totaled up and divided by the number of clients traveling on the trip. When everyone is paid it will usually cost each client $50. So before we leave Kathmandu remember to set aside $50 USD in rupees to use for tips later. You can also give items of clothing as an extra tip, like a pair of boots or a pack to your favorite worker, but this is in addition to the money given.

Q59. What is the procedure for tipping staff in countries other then Nepal?
Unlike Nepal, the cost of tipping in other countries is much higher. You will be given guidelines for tipping for different types of trips.

Q60. Is it safe to walk alone in Kathmandu at night?
Kathmandu is a fairly safe city to walk around in, even at night. But even if things seem safe, always wear a money belt. The most important item you have is your passport. So either put your passport in a safety deposit box at the hotel or put it inside your money belt. When you go out, always carry a business card from the hotel – if you get lost, just show this to a taxi or rickshaw driver and they will bring you back safely.

Q61. What is the procedure on the day of departure for home?
On your last morning in Kathmandu or the departure city, we’ll all have breakfast together before we take everyone to the airport. For international flights, we need to be at the airport two hours before departure. Transportation is arranged for the short ride to the airport and a staff member will accompany the group, making sure everyone is aware of the procedure.

Q62. What is the departure procedure inside the terminal in Nepal?
There is a departure tax of 1600 rupees (which is about $20) that must be paid in rupees in the airport terminal at a booth marked “BANK.” You will then go through luggage x-ray check and on to departure check-in. During check-in, you will need your ticket, departure tax receipt and your passport. Once your luggage is checked in and your ticket is stamped, it’s time to say goodbye to your guide.

Q63. Since I plan to purchase gifts during my trip to bring home, how much baggage can I take?
Check-in for the return flight home? Or will I need to ship things home?Everyone seems to love to shop on our trips, especially in Kathmandu (even people that usually hate shopping). Each traveler is allowed to check-in two bags weighing under 70-pounds each. Extra duffels can be purchased in major cities, so you don’t need to bring an extra one. If you exceed the check-in limit, there are Fed-Ex and DHL shipping services available in most countries.