Nepal - basics - Countries Guide

Safety: On 1 February 2005 the king dismissed the government, assuming direct control of the country. In April 2006 he finally agreed to give up his power following weeks of violent protests by political parties and the Maoists. The Maoists extended their truce in a bid to support peace talks between themselves and the government, and on 21 November 2006 reached agreements on major issues in the peace process negotiations; an interim government was formed on 1 April 2007. Both sides have agreed to a UN monitored permanent ceasefire, however, the security situation is still uncertain and anyone travelling to Nepal, and particularly to Kathmandu, should be aware that the situation could change rapidly. Elections took place on 10 April 2008, which has seen a Maoist majority vote, but the political situation is still uncertain, and is likely to remain so until a new government is formed, expected to be late May 2008. Violent incidents, including bombings, continued in 2007 despite the cease-fire. Demonstrations and public gatherings should be avoided, as there is still a high risk of violence. The security situation in Terai is particularly unstable. Due to previous bomb attacks and shootings in public places, including the main tourist areas of Kathmandu, Pokhara and Lukla, as well as on popular trekking routes, visitors are warned to be particularly vigilant; foreign tourists have been involved in several incidents. Foreigners have been the target of recent attacks in the Thamel district of Kathmandu, and are advised to be cautious after dark and to stay in a group if in the area at night. There have been incidences of violent robbery against trekkers and there is an armed Maoist presence on many of the major trekking routes who demand a 'tax' before allowing trekkers to pass; failure to pay resulted in a Swiss trekker and his Nepali guide being badly beaten in December 2007. Trekkers are advised to stay on established routes and walk in a group or with professional guides. Foreigners were seriously injured in two attacks in the Nagarjun Forest Reserve just outside Kathmandu in October 2005 and visitors are advised to be cautious in the area and to travel in a group.

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, but this does not extend to the summit of Mount Everest! In the main tourist centres of Kathmandu and Pokhara there are Internet cafes on every corner.

Duty Free: Travellers to Nepal do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or the equivalent in other tobacco products; 1 litre of alcohol and perfume for personal use. It is illegal to export goods that are over 100 years old.

Climate: Nepal has two seasons - the dry season from October to May and the rainy, monsoon season from June to September. Early spring (March to April) and late autumn (October and November) are the best times to visit, and also offer the clearest mountain views and good weather for trekking. From December to February there is snow on the mountains with freezing temperatures at high altitudes, while the summer months of June to August can be very hot for general travel.
Cities & Regions: Pokhara | Himalayas | Kathmandu