Tips If you are Travelling in Nepal

Nepal is one of the favorite travel destinations for people all around the globe. Many mountain freaks come to the country to climb Mt. Everest and other tall mountains. Nepal is also a popular destination for exploring biodiversity and trekking. However, it is always nice to know some tips before visiting the Himalayan nation of Nepal. Here, I present to you some of the tips if you are visiting Nepal.

Make sure you have enough cash in local currency:

People in Nepal still use cash for the payment. Although some of the places in the capital Kathmandu provide the options of cashless payment, it is mostly not available. While visiting remote places in the country, you can have no access to banks for days. So, it is always advisable to make sure you have enough local cash in your wallet.  

Local Buses are Crowded:

If you plan to travel on a local bus, you must know that the buses are mostly crowded. Not many people in Nepal going to offices and schools. The buses are crowded in-office hours around 9-10 in the morning and 4-6 in the evening. It is always advisable to take taxis but they can be expensive.

The Internet is slower:

It is true that in most hotels these days, you will get a Wi-Fi connection. However, be prepared for the slow internet speed. Compared globally in the internet speed, Nepal ranks 127th among 140 countries.

Carry a power bank and a universal adapter:

There can be several days of treks and some places may not have electricity. Similarly, power cuts are quite common in the country. Therefore, always carry a power bank to charge your phones and electronic gadgets.

Likewise, Nepal uses 220V plugs. Therefore, make sure to carry a universal adapter for your electronics.

Local vs Tourist Prices:

There can be different sets of prices for tourists and locals in most of the tourist destinations across the country. The locals are expected to pay way lesser than the foreigners.

For example, visiting Kathmandu Durbar Square requires foreigners to pay NPR.1000, people from SAARC nations need to pay NPR 150 while locals are not expected to pay any.

Bargaining skills are useful:

In Nepal, most of the things are not fixed price even if you are told so. So, it is always beneficial to bargain for the items you are interested in. Therefore, whatever it may be from taxi fares to souvenirs, always be prepared to bargain for a much cheaper price and save money.

The air is polluted:

Kathmandu, the country's capital is ranked among the top cities when it comes to air pollution. The smog coming from vehicles and dust in the road can cause certain lung problems. So, always wear a mask if you are going out.

Don't drink tap water:

As a general rule, foreigners should never drink the tap water in Nepal. The tap water is generally not of quality. So, always make sure you have only bottled or boiled water.

Don't travel alone:

You may be excited to travel or trek various places alone but don't be too tempted for it. You may get lost in an isolated place or in a place where the local people cannot speak and understand English. Therefore, it is always advisable to hire a local guide.

Exchange the Local Currency Before leaving:

The Nepali currency cannot be exchanged in foreign banks. So, unless you want to keep a souvenir of Nepali money, make sure you exchange it before you leave for your country.