Airport
Kathmandu (KTM) (Tribhuvan) is 6.5 km (4 miles) east of the city. There are buses and taxis to the centre; travel time is 20 minutes. |
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Banks
Banking hours are Sunday to Thursday 10 a.m.–2.30 p.m.; Fridays 10 a.m.–noon. A special foreign exchange counter of Nepal Bank Ltd. in New Road is open daily 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
Climate
Best time of year to visit is October–November after the hot, humid and rainy June–September monsoon season. The cold temperatures of December to February are compensated by cloudless skies. March and April, when spring flowers bloom, are popular, too.
Clothing
If you go trekking, the most important item is your shoes. The best are light waterproof walking boots, with a good tread and firm ankle support. Seasoned walkers wear two pairs of socks: a light cotton pair covered by a warm woollen pair. You will also need loose trousers or shorts (baggy cotton trousers are sold in Kathmandu and Pokhara).
Currency
The Rupee (Rs) is divided into 100 paisa. Coins range from 10 to 50 paisa and 1 rupee; banknotes from 1 to 1000 rupees. Indian rupees are accepted in Nepal.
Customs allowance
The following goods may be imported into Nepal without incurring customs duty: 100 cigarettes or the equivalent in other tobacco articles; 1 quart alcoholic drinks; a reasonable amount of perfume.
Driving
Traffic drives on the left. The interior parts of the country are linked with a number of motorable roads. The road system is of unpredictable quality.
Electricity
220 volts. Beware of frequent power cuts.
Health
Health facilities, hygiene and disease risk vary worldwide. You should take health advice about your specific needs as early as possible through either your general practitioner or a specialist clinic.
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Language
The official language is Nepali. There are many other languages, including Maithir and Bhojpuri. English is spoken in business circles and people involved in the travel trade.
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Media
English-language dailies available in Nepal are The Kathmandu PostThe Himalayan Times and The Rising Nepal. Nepali Times is published weekly. The International Herald Tribune, Time and Newsweek can all be found in Kathmandu .. At certain times of day there are radio and television news broadcasts in English.
Post office
The General Post Office on Kanti Path is open Sunday to Friday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (4 p.m. in winter); closed on Saturday. The adjacent Foreign Post Office, for parcels to be sent abroad, is open Sunday to Thursday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. On Fridays it closes at 2 p.m.
Shops
Sunday to Friday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (some shops stay open on Saturday and holidays).
Telephone
Country code: 977. Outgoing international code: 00
Time
GMT + 5.45
Tipping
Avoid tipping except in hotels, restaurants and for helpful taxi drivers, when 10 per cent is customary.
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Tourist information
Nepal Tourism Board Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: (1) 256 909 or 256 229. Fax: (1) 256 910.
www.welcomenepal.com
Transport
There is a network of domestic flights linking major towns, radiating from Kathmandu. Many of these offer spectacular views across the mountains. Nepal Janakpur-Jayanager Railways (NJJR) operates a freight and passenger service in the eastern Terai.
Buses for the different parts of the country are available at the Gongabu bus terminal, located near Balaju. A trolley bus services the Kathmandu–Bhaktapur road, and nearby villages are linked to it by minibus.
Metered taxis are plentiful in Kathmandu; at night the meter reading plus 50 % is standard. Private taxis are more expensive and fares should be agreed before departure. Tempos are metered 3-wheel scooters, which work out slightly cheaper than taxis. Rickshaws operate throughout the city. Fares should be negotiated in advance. Bicycles and motorcycles can be hired from bike-shops or hotels by the hour or day—make sure the bell works. Motorcyclists require a driving licence.
Water
Bottled water is recommended.
