Tourist Informations
Nepal offers so much for the tourist by way of natural beauty and adventure that it is pity to let the fear of unrest deter you from going there. There are certain areas that should be avoided by travelers but if you follow certain ground rules you can still have wonderful holiday here. Make sure that you are well equipped with medicines and comfortable gear on your travels and that all your documents are in order. Read and ask others about the local situation when you plan to go to a particular area. Do remember though that the ultimate responsibility for going to a place is your own. No one can guarantee you anything. Please follow local rules and be on the right side of the law at all times. Obey any restrictions or curfew that may be in place temporarily. Never travel alone and budget for air travel within the country just in case there is a strike or road block. Do not get involved in political discussions or look for that exclusive photograph. Use a reputable travel agency to plan your local travel – they will know what you can do safely. More than political risks, one has to respect the vagaries of Nature in Nepal. Though the troubles with Maoists may have ceased, it is possible that you may encounter some persons from these rebel groups in certain areas. They are usually polite with tourists and are rarely violent with them. However they may ask for a donation that varies in amount depending on where you are. The rebels will even give you a receipt for the same. It is best not to get into an argument with them. Let your local guide tackle the situation. He can speak to them in the local language and settle the matter for you. Please remember that the donation made by you to one group in a particular region may not be valid in another. It is possible that you may have to pay up once again when you go to another area. Do not let this deter you from travel to Nepal. The pleasures outweigh the risks if you are sensible.Getting into Nepal
How to Enter Nepal ?
By Air Some of the major International airlines operating scheduled services to Nepal are Nepal Airlines, British Airways, Biman Bangladesh, China South West Airlines, Druk Air, Gulf Air, India Air, Thai Airways, Qatar, Pakistan Air and Singapore Airlines. By air, you will arrive at the Trivuwan (Also spelt as Tribhuwan) International Airport in Kathmandu.
Air Ticket
Please note, departure location, number of stop-overs, number of passengers, travel dates (such as flexible or exact dates), selection of airline, when, where and how you buy your air-tickets greatly affect the final air-price! Contact your nearest travel agent, or use online air ticket purchasing sites such as expedia.com or travelocity.com. Tickets are generally cheaper during off holiday seasons, for maximum stop-overs, and purchase made well in advance!
By Road
By Road
There are several entry points by land route mainly from Nepal / Indian borders;
a) Kakarvita
b) Birgunj
c) Bhairahawa
d) Nepalganj
e) Dhangadhi
f) Mahendranagar
Scheduled public as well as tourist buses run to and from Kathmandu. Traveling by bus is recommended If you can cope with long hours ride in return for fascinating views of valleys, mountains and snail-tail roads. Road trips takes longer to reach, can be less expensive if your choice of accommodation and mode of transporations are kept cheap, but it allows you to explore other countries that are linked to Nepal.
Accomodation
Accommodation in Nepal is cheap. Nepal's reasonably priced budget hotels, and the lavish and luxurious star hotels will surprise you on just how far your money can go in this country. Some hotels extend special discounts for reservations made through their websites, for reservations made for a group, and for reservations during off tourism season. Be sure to visit their website and look discounts. It is also ok to ask for discounts, even if you didn't find that information on their website. Also, be sure to check if room rates include 10% Value Added Tax (VAT), and 2% Tourism Tax, as they have to be paid also. If you haven't booked your travel package, get an idea of how much it will cost if your Hotel's Travel Desk were to arrange it for you. Sometimes, you get even an better deal for combining accommodation and travel package from one single source.Nepali Visa
Nepal extends trouble-free issuance of visas to all citizens worldwide at Nepalese Embassies or Consulates abroad and at the entry-points of Immigration Offices. Presentation of a valid passport, two passport size photos and fees mentioned below are required. Government of Nepal has announced a new policy of waiving visa fees for any tourist visiting the country for a period of 3 days. Similarly tourists coming from South Asian countries (SAARC) as well as neighboring People's Republic of China will also get a free visa to Nepal. Likewise arrangements have been made to provide a free visa for any national for re-entry to Nepal provided those tourists have stayed at least for 15 days in the country in a visa year.
Immigration Offices in Nepal
One can apply for tourist visa upon arrival in any of the following immigration offices located in the country.
List of offices with telephone numbers
City Region Office Name Contact Phone Kathmandu, Capital Central Nepal Tribhuvan International Airport Immigration office 977-1-4470650
Birganj Parsa (Central Nepal) Birganj Immigration Office 977-51-527747
Belahia Bhairahawa, Rupandehi (Western Nepal) Belahi-Bhairahawa Immigration Office 977-71-520926
Kakarvitta Jhapa (Eastern Nepal) Kakarvitta Immigration Office 977-23-562054
Kodari Sindhupalchowk, Northern Border Kodari Immigration Office 977-11-633004
Mohana Dhangadhi Kailali (Far Western Nepal)Mohana-Dhangadhi Immigration Office 977-91-523246
Visa Fees and Requirements
• The fee for a Single Entry Tourist Visa to Nepal for 60 days is US $60 or equivalent foreign currency
• Additional $50 grants Multiple Entry Visas
• Tourist visa can be extended for a maximum of 150 days. Visa extension free for 30 days is US $ 30
• To apply for visa, you will also need a valid passport, and two passport size photos
• Business Visa fee is US$ 100 for one year with multiple re-entry and US$ 250 for five years with multiple re-entry.
Contact for Department of Immigration
Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, Nepal Phone 977-1-4223590 4222453 4223681 4221996 4224757 Fax 977-1-4223127 Email deptimi@ntc.net.np Website: http://www.immi.gov.np/
Travel Tips
Nepal offers so much for the tourist by way of natural beauty and adventure that it is pity to let the fear of unrest deter you from going there. There are certain areas that should be avoided by travelers but if you follow certain ground rules you can still have wonderful holiday here. Make sure that you are well equipped with medicines and comfortable gear on your travels and that all your documents are in order. Read and ask others about the local situation when you plan to go to a particular area. Do remember though that the ultimate responsibility for going to a place is your own. No one can guarantee you anything. Please follow local rules and be on the right side of the law at all times. Obey any restrictions or curfew that may be in place temporarily. Never travel alone and budget for air travel within the country just in case there is a strike or road block. Do not get involved in political discussions or look for that exclusive photograph. Use a reputable travel agency to plan your local travel – they will know what you can do safely. More than political risks, one has to respect the vagaries of Nature in Nepal. Though the troubles with Maoists may have ceased, it is possible that you may encounter some persons from these rebel groups in certain areas. They are usually polite with tourists and are rarely violent with them. However they may ask for a donation that varies in amount depending on where you are. The rebels will even give you a receipt for the same. It is best not to get into an argument with them. Let your local guide tackle the situation. He can speak to them in the local language and settle the matter for you. Please remember that the donation made by you to one group in a particular region may not be valid in another. It is possible that you may have to pay up once again when you go to another area. Do not let this deter you from travel to Nepal. The pleasures outweigh the risks if you are sensible.
Tourist Police
we would like to state that the Tourist Police is a special unit of Nepal Police, which is working under Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Tourism Industry Division. Our office is located at Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu, Tourist Service Center Building, and also we have complaint counters at the Airport and Basantapur Durbar Square. We are always attentive to deal with the problems of tourist and we are very sensitive in your security. Tourist Police assures a safe and pleasant stay to all the visitors in Nepal. Tourist Poice is a special unit of Nepal Police, which was established in 1979 under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. The main function and responsibility of Tourist Police is to look after the welfare of tourist and to assure them a pleasant and a memorable stay in Nepal. Our functioNo. of Tourist Policemen Inspector - 1
Sub Inspector - 10
Asst. Sub Inspector - 3
Head Constable - 8
Constable - 19
Total - 41
Activities
1. Daily patrolling within the Tourist interested area in Kathmandu valley.
2. Opening Tourist Police Post in different area including Airport (TIA) and Basantapur.
3. Quick action and investigation have taken seriously in any tourist complaints.
4. To provide information on travel security.
5. To ensure hassle free trip by keeping hawkers, beggars and street children away from tourist.
6. To assist tourist whenever need arises. Tourist Police would like to make your visit to our country as pleasant and safe as possible.You can help them further by following these.
Simple Tips
1. Tourists are requested to follow up the rule of Government of Nepal.
2. Inform about your problems and complaints to the nearest Police Station/Tourist Police.
3. Avail the services of government registered travel/ trekking agencies only.
4. Inform your whereabouts immediately upon arrival to the local Police or concerned Embassy/ Consulate.
5. Stay at government registered hotels/resorts/guest house/lodges only.
6. Use only those porters who are authorized by your travel agency or hotel.
7. Exchange foreign currency only at authorized places. Never carry your wallet in the back pocket.
8. Make sure your wallet is in the inside jacket pocket or side pocket of the trousers.
9. Carry certified copies of documents and leave the originals and other valuables in the safe deposit box of your hotel.
10. Never leave these items unattended in your room or carry large sums of cash on your person. 11. Carry traveler's cheaques and limited amount of cash while on tour.
12. Never leave your luggage and other valuables unattended at any time, any place.
13. In case of any theft/loss, immediately contact the nearest Police Station/Tourist Police.
Our Duties
To provide information regarding security aspect of your travel and tours.
To respond promptly to your problems or complaints.
To try our best to provide you a hassle free trip by keeping you away from hawkers, beggars and street children.
To assist you wherever and whenever you need us. Please Keep in Mind.
To inform your whereabouts immediately upon arrival to local Police or concerned Embassies.
To be aware of unauthorized agencies and unlicensed person.
Always make Travel and Trekking arrangement with authorized agencies only.
To make sure to deposit your valuable items in safe deposit.
Please allow your luggage to be carried by porters authorized by your travel agency or hotel only.
To discourage hawkers and beggars.
To note Taxi number which you hired or travel.
To send your complaints in a prescribed form by Post / Fax / person (Which is distributed in our Tourist Police Counters).
Drug-abuse, trafficking and sexual relation with children are strictly prohibited. The offenders will be punished according to the National law.
You are here for enjoyment not for punishment.
We do not want to see you inside the Police custody & behind the bars.
Tourist Police Unit Tourism Industry Division Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: 977-1-4247041 Fax: 977-1-6213591Email: touristpolice@ntb.org.np
Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: joint border commission continues to work on contested sections of boundary with India, including the 400 square kilometer dispute over the source of the Kalapani River; India has instituted a stricter border regime to restrict transit of Maoist insurgents and illegal cross-border activities; approximately 106,000 Bhutanese Lhotshampas (Hindus) have been confined in refugee camps in southeastern Nepal since 1990.
Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 106,248 (Bhutan), 20,153 (Tibet/China) IDPs: 100,000-200,000 (ongoing conflict between government forces and Maoist rebels; displacement spread across the country) (2006)Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis and hashish for the domestic and international drug markets; transit point for opiates from Southeast Asia to the West.
No comments:
Post a Comment