LOCAL LANGUAGE
Local language is Nepali, however there is numerous cast languages which are still used across Nepal. English is spoke by many Nepali people working in tourist areas where you will also find signage in English.
LOCAL CURRENCY
The local currency is Nepalese’s Rupee or US dollar. Best to use Rupee for small cost items such as taxi’s and food. US Dollar is usually used to pay for larger items such as tours or expensive accommodation.
ATMs are easy to find in tourist locations of Kathmandu and Pokhara, however you will not find them in small towns, villages, during the river journey’s or many local areas of the cities. You will develop an understanding with your local ATM machines as you may need to try a few before you are successful, but don’t worry, locals and travellers alike all play this ATM game
Local language is Nepali, however there is numerous cast languages which are still used across Nepal. English is spoke by many Nepali people working in tourist areas where you will also find signage in English.
LOCAL CURRENCY
The local currency is Nepalese’s Rupee or US dollar. Best to use Rupee for small cost items such as taxi’s and food. US Dollar is usually used to pay for larger items such as tours or expensive accommodation.
ATMs are easy to find in tourist locations of Kathmandu and Pokhara, however you will not find them in small towns, villages, during the river journey’s or many local areas of the cities. You will develop an understanding with your local ATM machines as you may need to try a few before you are successful, but don’t worry, locals and travellers alike all play this ATM game
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KATHMANDU – NEPAL’S CAPITAL (All international flights to Nepal land in Kathmandu)
Kathmandu is the international airport which you will need to fly into from your respective countries. A vibrant, fast paced city with deep history, extensive temple and brilliant shopping. Our accommodation is based in the tourist area of Thamel with in walking distance of shops, restaurants, and The Garden of Dreams. GETTING FROM THE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO KATHMANDU: Our private driver will meet you with a sign at the front of the airport. Note: Kathmandu airport is relatively small compared with airports you may be use to. Most signs are in Nepali and English and many of the staff at the airport will have basic to advanced English language skills. POKHARA If you are meeting our team in Pokhara we provide Airport and Bus Station transfers. Pokhara is Nepal’s second biggest city, although its hard to notice this once you are settled in its main tourist centre of Lakeside. Traveler friendly with many locals speaking English at some level, western and local dinning and loads of little shops. It is often easy to find all those little things you might need on just the main street. Pokhara operates at a relaxed pace, with easy access to day activities, great view and friendly people. |
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VISAS
Many nationalities are able to purchase a tourist visa upon arrival and a few will need to apply for visas online. USD is recommended as the visa office does not accept Nepali Rupee.
For more information and visa costs depending on the amount of time you would like to spend in Nepal please visit: http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np, then click on Visa Info which is located below the header photo. Make sure you check the dates on the visa stamp, as lost in translation moments can occur and will become problematic if its to do with visas.
Many nationalities are able to purchase a tourist visa upon arrival and a few will need to apply for visas online. USD is recommended as the visa office does not accept Nepali Rupee.
For more information and visa costs depending on the amount of time you would like to spend in Nepal please visit: http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np, then click on Visa Info which is located below the header photo. Make sure you check the dates on the visa stamp, as lost in translation moments can occur and will become problematic if its to do with visas.
IMMUNISATIONS AND MEDICATIONS
Please check with your local travel doctor regarding immunizations. If you require medication, please bring enough for your entire trip.
KEEPING YOUR VALUABLES SAFE
Please do not bring your passport and credit cards on the river. We are able to keep them safe in our office.
Please check with your local travel doctor regarding immunizations. If you require medication, please bring enough for your entire trip.
KEEPING YOUR VALUABLES SAFE
Please do not bring your passport and credit cards on the river. We are able to keep them safe in our office.
THINGS TO PACK
· Sleeping bag (We can lend you a sleeping bag, however its much nice to have your own)..
· Sleeping mat (Many experienced travelers prefer to bring their own mat, we all provide a mat if required.)
· River shoes
· Shoes for in camp – something that packs small such as sandals or volleys.
· Head torch (with AA or AAA batteries as the battery selection may be limited locally)
· Waterproof camera
· Thermal, top and bottoms (One set for on the river and one set for off the river)
· Swim wear, rashi, and board shorts
· Long sleeve clothes, and pants for evening
· Warm jumper
· Towel (small one for the river, larger one for hotel accommodation)
· Clothes for camp (long pants and long sleeve shirts for bug protection)
· Hat and sunglasses
· Clothing for in town
Things you can purchase in Pokhara or bring from home
· Toiletries
· Repellent and Sunscreen
· Sleeping bag (We can lend you a sleeping bag, however its much nice to have your own)..
· Sleeping mat (Many experienced travelers prefer to bring their own mat, we all provide a mat if required.)
· River shoes
· Shoes for in camp – something that packs small such as sandals or volleys.
· Head torch (with AA or AAA batteries as the battery selection may be limited locally)
· Waterproof camera
· Thermal, top and bottoms (One set for on the river and one set for off the river)
· Swim wear, rashi, and board shorts
· Long sleeve clothes, and pants for evening
· Warm jumper
· Towel (small one for the river, larger one for hotel accommodation)
· Clothes for camp (long pants and long sleeve shirts for bug protection)
· Hat and sunglasses
· Clothing for in town
Things you can purchase in Pokhara or bring from home
· Toiletries
· Repellent and Sunscreen
CLOTHING - On and off the river and for being culturally sensitive.
To be culturally sensitive: Ladies please keep consider wearing a long skirt or pants and your shoulders covered in village areas. Singlet tops and shorts are suitable for beach camps, Kathmandu and Pokhara. Please avoid wearing short skirts, really short shorts or bikini tops. Gentlemen please wear a shirt when you are in both villages and cities.
On River - We recommend you bring a thermal layer or two for the river as an extra. Please bring your own river shoes. The instructors/guides work with foreign guests daily and are respectful and understanding of western clothing. However both to respect the culture of the guides and the locals who many come and visit us, please be considerate. Sunbaking in a tiny bikini is not the goal of the trip, we recommend to wear at least a rashi on the river (also for sun protection) and longer board shorts (its not comfy to paddle with short, short shorts anyway.
To be culturally sensitive: Ladies please keep consider wearing a long skirt or pants and your shoulders covered in village areas. Singlet tops and shorts are suitable for beach camps, Kathmandu and Pokhara. Please avoid wearing short skirts, really short shorts or bikini tops. Gentlemen please wear a shirt when you are in both villages and cities.
On River - We recommend you bring a thermal layer or two for the river as an extra. Please bring your own river shoes. The instructors/guides work with foreign guests daily and are respectful and understanding of western clothing. However both to respect the culture of the guides and the locals who many come and visit us, please be considerate. Sunbaking in a tiny bikini is not the goal of the trip, we recommend to wear at least a rashi on the river (also for sun protection) and longer board shorts (its not comfy to paddle with short, short shorts anyway.
WEATHER & WATER TEMPERATURE
Dry Season – March to May
Most of our trips operate in this season and is perfect for exploring all the rivers of Nepal.
Wet Season – June to September
We do not operate paddle trips between June and September due to high water levels.
Dry Season – October to November
Fantastic season fro trips! Clear sky's, beautiful mountain views, great water levels.
Winter - Dec to Feb
We avoid running paddling trips in January due to the cold. Early December has warmer days and cooler nights.
Discounted off peak trips December to Mid March.
Nepali varies widely in climates due to altitude and due to the length of our rivers we can find temperature differenced from the start to the finish of a river journey. Every month has different benefits and challenges in regards to weather, temperatures, and river levels.
The Lower Seti river has a thermal input which will makes the river a great temperature for role practice. No its not like a heated pool, but it is comfortable for swimming and rolling your kayak. All the other rivers come from the mountains so can be rather fresh, but you will appreciate this between April and November where air temperatures are warm. April to October air temperatures can be quiet hot and our guests are often found swimming at camp.
Dry Season – March to May
Most of our trips operate in this season and is perfect for exploring all the rivers of Nepal.
Wet Season – June to September
We do not operate paddle trips between June and September due to high water levels.
Dry Season – October to November
Fantastic season fro trips! Clear sky's, beautiful mountain views, great water levels.
Winter - Dec to Feb
We avoid running paddling trips in January due to the cold. Early December has warmer days and cooler nights.
Discounted off peak trips December to Mid March.
Nepali varies widely in climates due to altitude and due to the length of our rivers we can find temperature differenced from the start to the finish of a river journey. Every month has different benefits and challenges in regards to weather, temperatures, and river levels.
The Lower Seti river has a thermal input which will makes the river a great temperature for role practice. No its not like a heated pool, but it is comfortable for swimming and rolling your kayak. All the other rivers come from the mountains so can be rather fresh, but you will appreciate this between April and November where air temperatures are warm. April to October air temperatures can be quiet hot and our guests are often found swimming at camp.
BARTERING
Yes
· Taxi
· Clothes
· Equipment
· Fruit and veg at the little stalls or markets
No
· Food
· Drinks and alcohol
· Supermarket items
· Tourist bus and local bus
Situation Dependent
· Local bus with longer trips (especially when you take a kayak!)
· Tours – depends on the company
· Services (such as massage) - Depending on the establishment.
TIPPING LOCAL ESTABLISHMENTS
Tipping is much appreciated for guides and meals. Some establishments will have a surcharge and then there is no need to tip.
TIPPING JOIN ADVENTURES NEPALI CREW
If you feel that our crew did a great job, you are invited but not obligated to offer a personal tip. All tips to Join Adventures crew will be shared amongst the Nepali team. It is the whole team that makes our trips possible so we make sure we include everyone from the junior who makes tea in the morning to the Trip Leader who makes it all happen.
Yes
· Taxi
· Clothes
· Equipment
· Fruit and veg at the little stalls or markets
No
· Food
· Drinks and alcohol
· Supermarket items
· Tourist bus and local bus
Situation Dependent
· Local bus with longer trips (especially when you take a kayak!)
· Tours – depends on the company
· Services (such as massage) - Depending on the establishment.
TIPPING LOCAL ESTABLISHMENTS
Tipping is much appreciated for guides and meals. Some establishments will have a surcharge and then there is no need to tip.
TIPPING JOIN ADVENTURES NEPALI CREW
If you feel that our crew did a great job, you are invited but not obligated to offer a personal tip. All tips to Join Adventures crew will be shared amongst the Nepali team. It is the whole team that makes our trips possible so we make sure we include everyone from the junior who makes tea in the morning to the Trip Leader who makes it all happen.
WATER
Drinking from the tap is not recommended. You can buy bottes water in most places, however to be considerate to the environment please consider using filtered water (available to purchase at some locations in Pokhara and free at our office). You can also treat your water with a treatment such as iodine, chlorine, aqua tabs, or mircopure. I recommend bringing some from home although iodine and sometimes chlorine can be bought locally. We treat our water on the river.
Drinking from the tap is not recommended. You can buy bottes water in most places, however to be considerate to the environment please consider using filtered water (available to purchase at some locations in Pokhara and free at our office). You can also treat your water with a treatment such as iodine, chlorine, aqua tabs, or mircopure. I recommend bringing some from home although iodine and sometimes chlorine can be bought locally. We treat our water on the river.
ELECTRICITY AND CHARGERS
Electricity come in block times for some areas that do have electricity, and many areas do not have electricity at all. Your accommodation will have electricity in block times, which will allow you to charge your phones/cameras. You will need an adaptor. Nepalese sockets take plugs with two round prong, I recommend purchasing and international adaptor, which will allow you to adapt for multiple countries (great for transit airports too).
INTERNET – Is slow and unreliable, bring patience for internet speeds
Electricity come in block times for some areas that do have electricity, and many areas do not have electricity at all. Your accommodation will have electricity in block times, which will allow you to charge your phones/cameras. You will need an adaptor. Nepalese sockets take plugs with two round prong, I recommend purchasing and international adaptor, which will allow you to adapt for multiple countries (great for transit airports too).
INTERNET – Is slow and unreliable, bring patience for internet speeds
- Local internet kiosk
- Wifi in many restaurants in Lakeside, Pokhara and Thamel, Kathmandu
- WiFi is available for participants in our office.
TOILETS
Squat toilets are the traditional use toilets in Nepal. Western restaurants and most tourist accommodation will have western toilets. In Nepal it is traditional not to use toilet paper and to use your left hand. Please do not place toilet paper in any toilet (including western toilets) most places that service travelers will have a bin provided for toilet paper. It is suggested you carry a pack of tissues with you if your would like to use toilet paper as it in not often provided. You can buy tissues and toilet paper from local shops.
Squat toilets are the traditional use toilets in Nepal. Western restaurants and most tourist accommodation will have western toilets. In Nepal it is traditional not to use toilet paper and to use your left hand. Please do not place toilet paper in any toilet (including western toilets) most places that service travelers will have a bin provided for toilet paper. It is suggested you carry a pack of tissues with you if your would like to use toilet paper as it in not often provided. You can buy tissues and toilet paper from local shops.
SUPPLIES ON THE RIVER
Along you may at some camps be able to purchase items such as beer and chocolate from locals who kindly hike the items in and bring them down to the river at some campsites.
LOCAL SERVICES and things to do in Pokhara
· Shops for basic food items, batteries, toiletries, clothes.
· Many places to eat
· Massage
· Shopping for clothes or many other items
· Day walks
· Day paddle on the lake
· Viewing locations of Annapurna Range, Himalayas (taxi or hike)
You will receive more information in your welcome pack upon your arrival.
SUPPLIES ON THE RIVER
Along you may at some camps be able to purchase items such as beer and chocolate from locals who kindly hike the items in and bring them down to the river at some campsites.
LOCAL SERVICES and things to do in Pokhara
· Shops for basic food items, batteries, toiletries, clothes.
· Many places to eat
· Massage
· Shopping for clothes or many other items
· Day walks
· Day paddle on the lake
· Viewing locations of Annapurna Range, Himalayas (taxi or hike)
You will receive more information in your welcome pack upon your arrival.
ADDITIONAL TOURS / TREKKING / ADVENTURES
If you are interested other aspects of Nepal and would like suggestions, please feel free to email Laura anytime.
If you are interested other aspects of Nepal and would like suggestions, please feel free to email Laura anytime.
Join Adventure Nepal expeditions are operated by Rapid Runner Expeditions PVT LTD
