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Nepal
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Tibet
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| Travel Advisory |
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- SAFETY/SECURITY ADVICE Safety / Security
Advice
- ENTRY AND EXIT REQUIREMENTS Exit and Exit
- INFORMATION FOR TRAVELERS
- MEDICAL FACILITIES
- MEDICAL INSURANCE
- TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS
- AIR TRAVEL
- CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
- ENVIRONMENT
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| SAFETY/SECURITY
ADVICE |
| The situation in Nepal
has always been tourist friendly. Due to some
sporadic reporting of Maoist activities in some
parts of the Kingdom, extra measures for security
were adopted which has indeed improved the law
and order situation. Major tourist places continue
to welcome tourists in large numbers. Tourists
have never been directly targeted by the Maoists.
Moreover, the Maoist leaders have categorically
stated time and again that they would not disturb
the tourism sanctity neither target the tourist
in future. Hence, tourists have never been the
victims of insurgency activities in Nepal. Travel
to and within Nepal is a safe and enjoyable experience
provided sensible precaution is taken. Tourists
are advised to use the services of registered
and reputed travel/trekking companies and hotels
only. By using the services of government registered
service providers, you will be ensuring
the most comfortable and reliable holiday
possible. Public demonstrations and strikes are
popular forms of political expression in Nepal,
as in other parts of the world and they may occur
on short notice. These demonstrations are usually
nonviolent and not directed towards foreigners.
During general strikes (called "Bandh" in Nepal),
many businesses close, and transportation and
city services may be disrupted. Tourist buses,
airport downtown-airport shuttle service and rickshaws
are the only means of transportation available
during bandhs. Travelers are requested to stay
either at their hotel or homes or at the most
in prominent touristic areas, where no any untoward
incidents have taken place, so far. Tourists can
also visit places of tourist interest within walking
distance from their hotels. |
| ^TOP |
| ENTRY
AND EXIT REQUIREMENTS |
| A passport and visa
are required for visitors other than Indian nationals.
Tourist visas can be purchased upon arrival at
Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and
at all other ports of entry. All foreigners must
pay an airport exit tax, regardless of the length
of their stay. Travelers may contact nearest Royal
Nepalese Embassy/Consulates for further information.
Indian nationals do not require visa. However,
effective from October 1, 2000 Indians travelling
to Nepal by air will have to show upon arrival
at entry point either a passport, voter's identity
card issued by Election Commission of India, or
an identity card with photograph issued by the
Central or State Government of India. Children
under 10 years need not show any identification.
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| ^TOP |
| INFORMATION
FOR TRAVELERS |
| Nepal has abundance
of offers to establish it as a round the year
travel destination. Based on this fact, many international
tourists are indeed incorporating Nepal in their
wishful travel itinerary. Popular tourist areas
in Nepal like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Everest
Region, Annapurna Region, Langtang Region, Lumbini,
Janakpur and others are absolutely free from any
sorts of disturbances. This is a clear testimony
that travel safety in Nepal is more a perception
problem than the actual state of affairs. Nepal
Tourism Board (NTB) always recommends travelers
to get services through the registered companies
which guarantee you safe, reliable, standard and
value for money travel services. Travelling in
Nepal typically involves walking for an extended
time over rugged, steep terrain, to various luxurious
stays during the course of their trip. Many popular
trekking routes in Nepal cross passes as high
as 18,000 feet. The Nepal Tourism Board requests
all existing and potential travelers to exercise
extreme caution while trekking at higher altitudes.
The safest option for all trekkers is to join
an organized group and/or use a reputable firm
that provides an experienced guide and porter
who communicates in both Nepali and English. |
| ^TOP |
| MEDICAL
FACILITIES |
| Medical care is widely
available in the District head quarters and the
towns and cities. Moreover, Kathmandu has the
most modern medi-care facilities, equipment and
most qualified doctors in order to provide a quality
care. Serious illnesses often require evacuation
to the nearest adequate medical facility. Illnesses
and injuries suffered while on trek in remote
areas often require rescue by helicopter. Various
private Helicopter Companies including the Royal
Nepal Army (at the Airport) provide rescue services.
The cost is typically not much. For further information,
please contact Himalayan Rescue Association (Phone:
26 2746, Kathmandu) or your local travel or trekking
agent. |
| ^TOP |
| MEDICAL
INSURANCE |
| After the establishment
of various international Insurance Companies in
the form of joint venture (JV), medical insurance
is becoming popular in Nepal. Hence, all travelers
are requested to insure through the reputed agencies.
However, travelling within Nepal is adequately
safe except in some remote government cautioned
areas. Please check with your own insurance company
to confirm whether your policy applies overseas,
including provision for medical evacuation, and
for adequacy of coverage. Supplemental health
insurance that specifically covers overseas treatment
and air evacuation to the nearest adequate medical
facility is strongly recommended. |
| ^TOP |
| TRAFFIC
SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS |
| In major tourist destinations
the condition of the Roads are fairly well maintained.
Those travelling by their own vehicles must carry
valid road maps. The East West Highway connects
all major cities and towns. Further information
may be sought from NTB or local agents. The accident
rate in Nepal is comparatively very minimal and
relatively fatalities from such accidents are
rare as compared to other big cities of the globe.
Likewise, there are several domestic private airlines
operating within the nation, which has tremendously
helped to connect the remote part of the country
to the capital. |
| ^TOP |
| AIR
TRAVEL |
| Travelling to Nepal by
air is considered safe. Nepal is well connected
by a dozen of international airlines from all
major cities of Europe and Asia. It also has a
fair no of domestic airlines, which cater to the
needs of the travelers domestically. Tribhuvan
International Airport (TIA) infrastructures have
been duly extended in order to meet the rising
demand of the air travelers. |
| ^TOP |
| CUSTOMS
REGULATIONS |
| All travelers are requested
to abide by the custom regulations of Nepal. The
facilities that are given to travelers are of
international norms except in the cases of heavy-duty
import such as valuable metals, articles of archeological
and religious importance, wildlife and related
articles, drugs, arms and ammunition, and communications
equipment. |
| ^TOP |
| ENVIRONMENT |
| His Majesty's Government
(HMG) is very conscious about maintaining the
ecological balance. The preservation of the natural
resources and conservation of the national heritages
has been our prime concern. In order to give a
fillip to this concept, His Majesty's Government
of Nepal (HMG/N) has already brought in to effect
the emission control norms for the vehicles. Similarly
HMG is coordinating with various experts, donors,
INGOs and NGOs and others to manage the Solid
waste management and also controlling the effluents
discharged by the industries. As far as conservation
and preservation is concerned, Annapurna Conservation
(ACAP) area and Nepal's densely populated forests
are greatly appreciated models in the world. |
| ^TOP |
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