gaptrex faq handbook

GAPTrex Activities and Itineraries

Accommodation and Transportation

Electronics and Communication

Entry to Nepal and Visas 03

Money and Currency 04

GAPTrex Activities and Itineraries 04

Accommodation and Transportation 05

Electronics and Communication 06

Health and Climate 07

Local Culture and Customs 09

Refer to our FAQ to have all sorts of questions answered, from

travel planning, information on Nepal, and logistical concerns

such as visa and money considerations. Also, feel free to contact

the GAPTrex team with any additional questions or concerns.

We’re always happy to hear from you!

Entry to Nepal and Visas

How do I get to Nepal?

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu is the only interna-

tional airport in Nepal. Many international airlines directly connect Kath-

mandu with major cities around the world. Alternatively, you can travel

to Nepal overland from India.

What is the time difference in Nepal?

Nepali time is GMT + 5 hours and 45 minutes.

Do I need a Visa to enter Nepal?

All foreign nationals, except Indians, need visas to enter Nepal. Some

nationalities, including US, UK, Canada, and Australia, may obtain a visa

upon arrival. Tribhuvan International Airport, in addition to various

overland entry points, will have the ability to issue visas. In countries

with a Nepali embassy or consulate, you usually have the opportunity to

arrange your visa prior to arrival as well.

What is the process to obtain a

visa on arrival?

If you are eligible for visa on arri-

val, you will need to use the auto-

matic machines in the arrivals ter-

minal. The machines will scan your

passport and take an electronic

photo for your visa.

You then take your receipt to the immigration desk, where your applica-

tion will be authorized and where you will pay your fee. Don’t be sur-

prised if this process takes up to an hour, depending on the number of

people at the airport. The maximum stay for a tourist visa is 150 days

within a calendar year.

What is the process to extend a visa after arrival?

Tourist visas can be extended at the Immigration Department in Kath-

mandu or Pokhara. You have the option of extending your visa by 15,

30, 60, or 90 days. The maximum stay for a tourist visa is 150 days

within a calendar year, including the extension.

What are the requirements to obtain a Nepali visa?

► A valid passport-sized photo

► The requisite visa fee

► A photocopy of your passport photo page, to obtain the initial visa

► A photocopy of your passport photo and visa page, if you are ex-

tending your visa

If you are extending your visa and need new photos, you can get them

in Nepal for about 250 Rupees for a set of eight photos.

How much does a Nepali visa cost?

► 15 days – Initial visa: USD$25

► 15 days – Visa extension: USD$30







► Add USD$20 to the cost of any visa to make it multiple-entry

Upon arrival, your visa fee is payable by credit card, or a selection of

currencies, including US Dollar, Canadian Dollar, British Pound, Euro,

Singapore Dollar, Hong Kong Dollar, Australian Dollar, and Japanese Yen.

Nepali or Indian Rupees are not accepted as payment for the visa fee.

There is a currency exchange counter at the airport if you do not have

any of these currencies. If you’re extending your visa, the only accepted

currency is the Nepali Rupee, and you are required to pay in cash.

If you overstay less than 30 days a fee of US$5 per day is payable, which

includes a USD$2 per day charge, as well as a USD$3 per day administra-

tion fee. In addition, the logistical difficulties associated with overstayed

visas may cause you to miss your departing flight.

Important Notice: As of January 2016, this information was correct to

the best of our knowledge. However, we do not guarantee its accuracy.

You must ensure that you check with Nepali Immigration authorities

before your trip to Nepal for the latest requirements:

www.nepalimmigration.gov.np

Money and Currency

What is the currency in Nepal?

In Nepal the currency is the rupee; the short form is NRs., and the cur-

rency code is NPR. There are many currency exchange outlets where

you can easily change money. Rupee notes are denominated in 5, 10,

20, 50, 100, 500, and 1000. Rupee coins are denominated in 1, 2, and 5.

Can I use my credit card in Nepal?

In Kathmandu and other major cities, you can occasionally use your

credit card. Where credit cards are accepted, all major cards are valid. In

remote areas and rural villages, you will (99% of the time) be unable to

use your credit card to pay for

things. In general, cash is king – be

prepared to use it for most, if not

all, of your purchases.

Are there ATMs if I need to with-

draw cash?

There are numerous ATMs in the

big cities such as Kathmandu, Pok-

hara and Chitwan.

Check with your bank to find out what the charges are to withdraw

money from abroad. Also, most if not all ATMs will charge an additional

fee of 500 Rupees to withdraw cash from a non-Nepali card. In remote

areas, you will most likely not have access to ATMs. On major trekking

routes, an ATM can sometimes be found, but the fees are higher to

withdraw cash and the amount you are able to withdraw often has a

much lower threshold. If you’re venturing outside of the city, the best

bet is to make sure you take enough cash with you to cover your stay.

Are prices in Nepal comparable to those at my home?

Goods and services are often not priced as they are abroad. You will find

that the cost to buy food, basic clothing, and accommodation, is lower

than at home. For example, in most places you can buy dinner for less

than USD$5. That being said, the Purchasing Power Parity in Nepal is

extremely low, so although things cost relatively less than abroad, local

salaries are reflectively and exponentially lower as well.

Will I bargain for goods?

Sometimes. Accommodations and restaurants are often (but not always)

priced to a fixed level, and it would be in bad taste to bargain their cost.

However, for tangible items such as souvenirs, clothing and toiletries,

bargaining is a regular part of the purchasing experience in Nepal. The

best practice is usually to start at half of the requested price, and meet

in the middle of yours, and the shopkeeper’s, expectations. If you’re not

sure how much something is worth or should cost, feel free to ask us!

Activities and Itineraries

What is a “Community Project”?

You may have noticed that on our Communities and Local Living travel

style page, we include an activity called “Community Project”. If you

choose to have this activity included in your itinerary, you will be volun-

teering on a local project! The type of work you would do varies, and

could include anything from teaching English, to gardening and farming.

Because of the earthquake that Nepal suffered in April 2015, many of

our current projects also center on the reconstruction of homes and

schools, or reinstalling damaged water irrigation or purification systems.

Can I join an existing volunteer team?

Yes! We have preexisting reconstruction sites and other projects that

are being attended to by teams of volunteers of VolNepal, our not-for-

profit sister company. Instead of embarking on your own community

adventure or teaching English as a solo volunteer, you can choose to

join a project that is already underway. You would still be able to experi-

ence the local life in rural Nepali villages, while making an impact as part

of a team.

What will I eat?

In Kathmandu and during your tour, meals will be provided according to

the outline of your trip itinerary, and will be taken either at your hotel

or a local restaurant as chosen by GAPTrex. The additional meals that

are not included in your itinerary, you are free to take wherever you

like! If you need suggestions, just ask. In rural villages or if you’re taking

part in a Community Project, you will have dal bhat for two meals per

day; once around 11am and once again in the evening. The locals don’t

eat breakfast, but you’ll often be offered something simple anyways.

Are my special dietary requirements a problem?

Not usually. First of all, it’s extremely easy to maintain a vegetarian diet

in Nepal. Secondly, even if you are lactose intolerant or gluten intoler-

ant, you will be able to eat dal bhat, which is comprised of rice, lentils,

and a selection of vegetables and potatoes. If you suffer from severe

allergies, you should let our staff know when you book your trip, so that

we can make sure we take additional steps to accommodate you.

How difficult are the treks in GAP-

Trex’s Trekking Collection?

Each day you can expect between

5 and 7 hours walking, covering

anywhere from 8km to 14km.

As you ascend in altitude, you will walk for the same amount of time

each day, but cover markedly less ground; sometimes as little as half. All

of our trekking itineraries are quite flexible, and allow for extra days of

time, in case you experience unexpected difficulties with the physical

requirements of the trek, or in case of unexpected weather or geo-

graphical occurrences such as bad weather or rockslides.

What equipment should I bring?

We provide sleeping bags and down jackets on our treks. However, hik-

ing shoes or boots are a must, as well as anything else you think you

may need. Keep in mind that you can also buy many trekking items lo-

cally, in varying qualities based on your budget.

Should I be worried about altitude sickness?

Before you depart on your trek, we will brief you on the signs and symp-

toms of altitude, or acute mountain sickness. GAPTrex trekking guides

have many years of experience with high altitude trekking, and are cho-

sen for their utmost professionalism and safety measures.

Can I trek in Himalayas even I haven’t done so?

Absolutely. In fact, it's a great place to start. As part of our job, one of

the most important things we do is ascertain your experience and ambi-

tions, and find the trek to best match. Whatever level of difficulty you

think you’re capable of, we have the perfect trek for you.

Accommodation and

Transportation

How far is Kathmandu from the airport?

It takes about 25 minutes to drive from the airport to Kathmandu. The

distance is around 8-10 km.

Does GAPTrex offer an airport transfer service?

Yes, one of our representatives will pick you up at the airport on your

scheduled arrival date. We will be waiting at the exit gate with a sign

that has your name on it. You may find that several people at the airport

might try to help you carry your baggage in exchange for a tip. Do not

tip more than USD$1-2, or 100-200 Rupees. If you don’t want or need

help, simply say so.

Does Nepal have public transport?

Yes. In major cities you can use a public bus to get around, or you can

choose to hire a taxi, bicycle rickshaw or battery-operated three-

wheeler. In Nepal, taxis do have meters, but the drivers will often tell

you that the meter isn’t working, and ask you to bargain for your ride. If

you can easily find another taxi and want to avoid the argument, you

can choose that option; you can also inform the driver that you are

aware of their requirement to operate on a meter, and insist upon the

ride. Long routes are operated by busses, and you will have the option

of a less expensive local bus, or a larger and more comfortable tourist

bus. Nepal does not have a railway system connecting cities.

Where will I stay?

Your itinerary indicates what type of accommodation is included, taking

into account your specified preference as much as possible.

► Standard rooms have basic furnishings and an ensuite bathroom

► Tent camps are canvas tents with wooden platforms to raise you

from the ground

► Teahouses are a trekker’s fare; see below for additional information

► Homestays will see you staying with a local family in their home

Depending on your itinerary and

group size, we may house you in a

school or community building in-

stead of a homestay if you have

chosen a Community Project.

If you are traveling with a party of

2 or more, you can keep your costs

down with the double-occupancy

option, though it is not required.

What are the various types of accommodate like?

Standard Hotels have basic amenities and furnishings, with an ensuite

bathroom. Comfort Hotels have relatively basic amenities and furnish-

ings, but usually feature a balcony and/or superior view, and a televi-

sion. Luxury Hotels have upgraded amenities and more comfortable

furnishings, concierge service, and usually feature a well-rated on-

premise restaurant. Hostels provide dorm-style accommodation with a

shared bathroom, and common living space; they’re great if you’re look-

ing for a social atmosphere. Homestays involve staying with a local fam-

ily in their house. Depending on the location, this may be larger and

more comfortable, or a cozy one-room house to share. Teahouses are

mountain lodges featuring simple wooden rooms and a shared bath-

room, though showers are a rarity. Shared living space consists of a

large room with a hot oven and benches around the edge. On your trek,

your teahouse will be where you will you will sleep, eat, and relax.

Electronics and

Communication

What type of sockets are used in Nepal?

Electricity in Nepal is 230 volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second;

therefore, you will need a voltage converter for any device that is not

230 volts at 50MHz. Power sockets vary. Technically, Nepal operates on

Type D plugs, but it’s not uncommon to find British, American or Portu-

guese socket types (Types A, B, E, G, and M). Your best bet is to bring a

universal converter; you can always buy inexpensive converters locally

as well.

What is load shedding?

Nepal undergoes regularly scheduled power cuts, called load shedding.

Load shedding is a fact of life both in major cities as well as rural com-

munities, but you will find that many hotels, and some larger restau-

rants, have backup generators for critical processes, and usually lights.

Load shedding occurs between 8 and 14 hours per day depending on

where you are; you can check the schedule at any time by visiting the

Nepal Electrical Authority website; the schedule is usually quite accu-

rate. It’s a great idea to purchase a power bank or battery pack to store

extra energy for your small devices.

Will I have internet access?

In the big cities such as Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan, internet ac-

cess is so common that it’s almost expected. In tourist hotspots such as

the Thamel district of Kathmandu, most hotels and restaurants offer

complementary WiFi as well. In remote areas and rural villages, it’s pos-

sible but not guaranteed that you will have online access. Is you have a

Nepali SIM card, you may have access to 2G or 3G networks, but that

also isn’t a guarantee. If you have a need to be connected for a specific

purpose, contact GAPTrex and we will let you know for sure if we will be

able to accommodate you.

Can I get a local Nepali SIM card?

You can buy a SIM card at the airport, or once you get to your hotel in

Kathmandu; mobile shops are widespread. To get a local SIM card, you

will need a passport-sized photo of yourself, as well as your Nepali visa

(which should be pasted directly into your passport itself). The most

popular mobile carrier is N-Cell, followed closely by Namaste Networks.

Phone plans are reasonably priced, but the most common option is to

purchase a pre-paid phone card. Usually, you can buy pre-paid phone

cards in denominations ranging from 20 Rupees up to 500 Rupees.

Can I bring my own phone to use in Nepal?

Sure, but make sure your phone is unlocked before you leave home.

Alternatively, you can have it unlocked locally, and the cost will be be-

tween 2000-6000 Rupees, depending on your phone.

What is the country code of

Nepal?

The country calling code for Nepal

is +977.

What are some useful phone numbers in Nepal?

► Police 100

► Tourist police 01 422 5709

► Tourism hot line 01 422 570

Health and Climate

What is the climate of Nepal like?

The climate of Nepal varies from warm summers with mild winters in

the low-lying southern region, to alpine conditions with severe winters

in the mountains. The city of Kathmandu lies in a warm temperate zone

and experiences relatively pleasant weather year-round. Even during

the winter in Kathmandu, days are warm, though the temperature

drops to become quite cold during the night. The Everest, Langtang and

Annapurna trekking regions in the mountains are cool throughout the

year. Check out our chart below for the average temperatures and rain-

fall in Nepal’s three most popular cities.

May, June, July Dec, Jan, Feb

Kathmandu High 28° | Low 20°

312 mm rain

High 19° | Low 3°

15 mm rain

Pokhara High 30° | Low 21°

830 mm rain

High 20° | Low 8°

26 mm rain

Chitwan High 33° | Low 25°

404 mm rain

High 24° | Low 8°

14 mm rain

What should I bring to accommodate for the weather?

If you’re coming to Nepal in the monsoon summer months, bring a rain

coat, and an umbrella! Light, loose clothing is a good option for the

spring and summer months. For winter months, pack warm clothes such

as woolens and jackets, and remember your trekking gear if your adven-

turous spirit is taking you on one of our trekking trips.

Do I need any vaccinations?

Although specific vaccinations are not required to enter Nepal, you may

want to contact your doctor or a travel medical clinic before you leave

home to have a professional recommendation for possible vaccines. Try

to go at least 8 weeks before; some antidotes take that long to become

active. Cases of diphtheria, tetanus, polio, rabies, hepatitis A and hepa-

titis B, typhoid, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, tuberculosis, and

malaria have all been reported in Nepal in the past. Taking precautions

to avoid mosquito bites is also a good idea, though you shouldn’t need a

mosquito net when sleeping in most areas of the country.

Important Notice: If you’re traveling to Nepal from an area where Yel-

low Fever is endemic, you will need to produce proof of vaccination

upon entry to Nepal.

Will I have access to a hospital?

In major cities such as Kathmandu and Pokhara, there are many facilities

that offer general and emergency medical care. Nepal’s hospitals and

clinics are typically well-equipped, with competent physicians. If you do

become ill or acquire an injury while in Nepal, your tour guide will bring

you immediately to the nearest facility.

Do I need travel insurance ?

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance, as medical costs

can add up quickly in the unlikely

scenario that you are injured or

sick while abroad. Medical evacua-

tion to facilities of higher quality

and competency can also be astro-

nomically high, in the event that

you require it.

In Nepal, medical facilities request payment upon delivery of medical

service, so try to get a policy which will pay them directly, to save you

the hassle of establishing a claim at a later date.

Can I drink the water in Nepal?

We do not advise drinking the tap water in Nepal. We recommend

bringing a water bottle with a filter, using iodine tablets, purchasing

mineral water, or planning on boiling water before you drink it. It’s also

recommended to order your beverages without ice cubes when dining

out, unless you know specifically that the ice isn’t made from tap water.

How hygienic the food in Nepal?

Where food is concerned, we (or your tour guide!) will always be happy

to point you in the right direction to a clean restaurant known to have

hygienic practices. If you plan on eating at a street food vendor, try to

observe the cleanliness of the stall first. Fruits and vegetables purchased

on the street should be washed with clean water before you eat them,

and always wash your hands before eating.

What are the toilets like in Nepal?

Many of the restaurants and hotels in Nepal use western style toilets.

However, if you use the bathroom in public places, at long-haul bus

stops, in smaller cities or villages, then you will probably find that there

are squat toilets. Always carry toilet paper with you and either soap or

antibacterial gel for afterwards.

Is traveling in Nepal safe?

The short answer is yes. Nepal is generally quite a peaceful country, and

the locals will more often than not to be inviting and accommodating to

travelers. Nepal’s geology is largely stable as well, except during mon-

soon season, when mudslides and rockslides are more common in re-

mote regions. That said, you should always be more cautious when

you’re traveling then when you’re at home, since you’re in new scenar-

ios and unfamiliar territory on a more regular basis. Check out our Safe

Trip Abroad Handbook for more information! It’s posted on our website,

or you can reach out to us directly and we will send it to you. The Hand-

book is a comprehensive collection of safety tips and advice, to help you

prepare for unexpected difficulties during your time in Nepal.

What are the basic Nepali cus-

toms that I should be aware of?

Greeting the locals with the tradi-

tional “Namaste” with your palms

pressed together is very common,

even for foreigners.

Culture and Customs

Is there any dress code for foreigners?

You can wear modern clothes, but you should try to dress conservatively

to respect local customs. For women, try to avoid skirts or shorts that

don’t cover the knees, and everyone should avoid transparent clothing.

Will I get culture shock in Nepal?

The culture and daily lifestyle in Nepal will most likely be quite different

than what you’re used to, and you may need some days or weeks to

adjust to your new environment. But, although culture shock is likely,

Nepalis are very friendly people, and will make you feel at ease.

What is traditional Nepali food like?

One of the most common dishes in Nepal is dal bhat, which is comprised

of rice, lentils, and a selection of vegetables and potatoes. Goat meat is

also popular, as are momos; small, vegetable-filled steamed dumplings.

Many meals, and especially curries, are served with flatbreads such as

roti or chapatti. In Kathmandu, and especially in the tourist hotspot of

Thamel, there are many restaurants that offer a wide variety of cuisines

in addition to Nepali cuisine.

What is the parliamentary structure like?

The government of Nepal forms a Federal Republic. There is a functional

Prime Minister, elected democratically, who presides over the Cabinet,

as well as a President who serves as a figurehead. The government is

officially non-secular.

Questions? Please feel free to contact us with any additional questions

or concerns! The GAPTrex team are experts with numerous years of

experience in the travel industry (and the Nepali region in particular!)

and are happy to provide additional advice.

[email protected]

+977 1 439 0788

Smiles go a long way in Nepal, especially during a greeting. You can ac-

cept a handshake offered by either a male or a female. In addition to

this, keep the following in mind:

► Only touch food or shake hands with your right hand

► When visiting a temple or stupa, always walk clockwise around it

► Take off your shoes before entering a temple, Nepali home or

Nepali office

► Always ask permission before taking a photo of a temple, or some-

one’s home or shop

► Overt public displays of affection or emotion are not usually proper

► When visiting a temple or other holy place, women should cover

their shoulders

► Cows are sacred in Nepal; never harm one, and avoid distributing

them at all if you’re able

What are business hours in Nepal?

In government offices, business hours are from Sunday through Thurs-

day, from 10am til 4pm. Sometimes during the summer, hours will ex-

tend until 5pm, and on Fridays can be shortened to 3pm. Most interna-

tional organizations and private businesses operate from 9am til 5pm.

You will also find that individuals such as farmers, shop keepers and

ware sellers have their own hours, which often start before the sun rises

and end well after it has set. When you come to Nepal, you should

check the local festival calendar, as most everything is closed during

national festivals and holidays.

Are there post offices, and are they reliable?

The post offices are generally reliable. Express Mail Service is available

at the General Post Office in Kathmandu. Additionally, there are many

international carriers such as FedEx and DHL for shipping.

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