Volunteer Travel Guide Nepal - Volunteering Abroad Nepal www.abroaderview.org

Nov. 5, 2008 - PRLog -- Nepal's acronym of Never Ending Peace And Love, does well to characterize this nation of good nature and accommodating people; a land of majestic Himalayan scenery comprising eight of the world's ten highest mountains, including Mt Everest: the uppermost place on earth at 29,029ft (8,848m).

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Situated between India and Tibet, the Kingdom of Nepal is filled with as many different ethnic groups, customs and traditions as it is diverse in geography. From the hot Indian plains and steamy southern Tarai lowlands, the terrain crosses the Kathmandu Valley and rises to the frozen heights of the Himalayan peaks towards the Tibetan plateau known as the 'roof of the world'. Spread across these varied altitudes are communities of colourful cultures and people (many untouched by modern development), animated cities and towns, and far-flung mountain villages. Life here revolves around an intricate intermingling of ancient Hindu and Buddhist religious rituals. Numerous festivals are celebrated throughout the year colored by a diversity of religious and tribal traditions. The capital of Kathmandu brings an assortment of these different societies together into a vibrant collection of brilliant sights and exotic smells, with modern shops co-existing with street sellers, while pyramidal Buddhist temples, holy Sadhus of the Hindu faith and medieval palace squares fill the urban landscape.

Nepal is well endowed with glorious scenery - verdant terraced valleys, rushing rivers and ice-blue lakes that originate in the 'abode of snows', or Himalayas. The uplifting sight of soaring mountains is a magnet for mountaineers and trekkers, offering some of the greatest challenges and most scenic walking opportunities on earth.

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The Basics
Time:
Local time is GMT +5.5.

Electricity:
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two- and three-pin plugs are used.

Language:
Nepali is the official language. English is spoken in all major tourist areas.

Health:

There is a risk of malaria between June and September in the low-lying areas including Chitwan National Park, but not in the common trekking areas. Outbreaks of Japanese encephalitis occur annually, particularly between July and December; vaccination is advised. Cholera outbreaks occur and food and water precautions should be followed. Untreated water should be avoided; visitors can buy bottled water or purify their own. When trekking it is preferable to treat river water rather than leaving a trail of plastic bottles behind. Purifying water with iodine is the cheapest and easiest way to treat water.

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Customs:

Nepal has numerous cultural practices that are unusual to foreigners. In the tourist areas there is a high degree of tolerance towards visitors, but away from these places foreigners should be sensitive to local customs. Never accept or offer anything, or eat with the left hand. Do not eat from someone else's plate or offer food from one's own. Women should dress conservatively and cover as much as possible. Permission should be sought before taking photographs, particularly at religious sites. Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon.

Communications:

The country code for Nepal is +977, and the outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the UK). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)1 for Kathmandu and (0)41 for Pokhara. Two mobile phone operators provide GSM 900 network coverage in the main cities and towns.

Contacts
Visa Agencies
Travel Visa Pro, San Francisco, USA. 1-888-470-8472 or www.TravelVisaPro.com

Tourism
Nepal Tourist Office, Kathmandu: +977 (0)1 4256909 or www.welcomenepal.com

Nepal Embassies

Royal Nepalese Embassy, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Canada): +1 202 667 4550
Royal Nepalese Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7229 1594/6231.
Royal Nepalese Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6162 1554.
Royal Nepalese Embassy, Cairo, Egypt (also responsible for South Africa): +20 (0)2 361 6590.
Royal Nepalese Consulate-General, Auckland: +64 9 520 3169.

Foreign Embassies in Nepal

United States Embassy, Kathmandu: +977 (0)1 400 7200.
British Embassy, Kathmandu: +977 (0)1 441 0583.
Canadian High Commission, New Delhi, India (also responsible for Nepal): +91 (11) 4178 2000.
Australian Embassy, Kathmandu: +977 (0)1 4371 678.
South African High Commission, Colombo, Sri Lanka (also responsible for Nepal): + 94 11 5635 966.
Irish Embassy, New Delhi, India (also responsible for Nepal): +91 (0)11 2462 6733.
New Zealand Consulate, New Delhi, India (also responsible for Nepal): +91 11 2688 3170.

Nepal Emergency Numbers
Emergencies:100 (Police); 228094 (Ambulance)

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Airports
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)

Location: The airport is situated four miles (6km) east of Kathmandu.
Time: GMT +5.45.
Contacts: Tel: +977 (0)1 470 274.
Facilities: Facilities include banks and bureau de change, shops, duty-free, snacks, Internet, post office and tourist information. The airport is well equipped with facilities for those with disabilities.
Departure Tax: Rs. 1,130 (international), Rs. 169.50 (domestic).
Website: www.tiairport.com

Climate

The Kathmandu Valley has a mild climate most of the year, situated at an altitude of 4,297ft (1,310m). Summer temperatures range from 67-81°F (19-27°C), and in winter temperatures are between 36 and 68°F (2-20°C). During the rainy monsoon season between June and August, there is an average rainfall of between 7.8-14.7 inches (200-375mm) in Kathmandu. May and June can be very hot and humid until the monsoon rains bring relief. In spring (March to April) and autumn (October to November) the temperatures are pleasant with occasional short bursts of rain, while November to February are dry, but can be very cold, especially at night.

Passport & Visa
Visa Agencies:
Avoid the stress and queues, get a visa agency to arrange your visa.
Travel Visa Pro, San Francisco, USA. 1-888-470-8472 or www.TravelVisaPro.com
Global Visas, London, UK. 0207 190 3903 or www.globalvisas.com

Entry requirements for Americans: United States citizens must have a passport and visa.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens must have a passport and visa.
Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians must have a passport and visa.
Entry requirements for Australians: Australians must have a passport and visa.
Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans must have a passport and visa.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens must have a passport and visa.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish citizens must have a passport and visa.

Passport/Visa Note: Tourist visas can be issued on arrival to most nationalities. A 60-day visa costs US$30 and a 150-day/multiple-entry visa costs US$80. Tourist visas are valid for Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara Valley and Tiger Tops in Chitwan. Visitors intending to trek or visit other areas should obtain a permit from the Central Immigration Office.

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