We just got back from a three-week whirlwind private tour of India and Nepal. Susan of Geringer Global Travel was there for us before, during an...
““We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.”
Anonymous
Why Visit Nepal?
Land of The Himalayas
At the top of the world sits one of the world’s most awe-inspiring and enigmatic countries: Nepal. This mystical land has been a refuge for traders, a beacon for spiritual seekers and a dream for adventurers, and a Nepal vacation with Geringer Global Travel introduces you to many facets of this formerly cloistered country.
Adventure and Beauty in the Himalayas
Nepal is place of colorful prayer flags set against white-capped mountains: a truly heavenly landscape. As the home to eight of the world’s top 10 highest peaks—including incomparable Mount Everest, the undisputed number one—Nepal’s pulse-quickening adventure and jaw-dropping beauty are reason enough to travel here. This incomparable setting offers some of the finest hiking in the world; in fact, many travelers come to Nepal solely to experience the thrill of trekking in this pristine nation. Yet the charms of Nepal tours with Geringer Global Travel go well beyond its postcard-perfect mountains.
Kathmandu, Chitwan and Pokhara
Across the varied landscapes (misty jungles, terraced rice fields and natural forests complement the jagged peaks here), a harmonious and abiding culture pervades. Temples and shrines pepper the villages in this largely Hindu nation that is also home to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha. The picturesque town of Pokhara is ideally placed for those trekking in the Annapurna Range, offering a glimpse of local culture and views of mighty Mount Machhapuchhare. Kathmandu’s labyrinthine alleys are filled with hidden temples and a captivating energy, while national parks such as Chitwan National Park feature species such as barking deer, wild boar, Asiatic jackal, leopards, tigers and the rare one-horned rhino. Birders will be astounded by 800 species that can be found here, especially in the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in the Terai Region.
Visiting Nepal brings you in contact with a riveting collection of cultures and landscapes you simply won’t find anywhere else. Join Geringer Global Travel on a Nepal vacation and experience the exhilarating heights and captivating culture of this Himalayan nation. Nepal can be visited alone or as part of an India or Bhutan vacation.
Nepal Trip Reviews
NEPAL TOURS
Our Nepal trips are unique and embrace special immersion experiences to enrich your travel with unusual sights and opportunities to meet local people and create a memorable Nepal vacation.
Preparing For Your Trip to Nepal
Visas Information For Nepal
A Visa is available upon arrival at the international airport, Kathmandu, or at border crossings. You need a passport size photo and US$25 for a 15 day multiple entry tourist visa and US$40 for a one month multiple entry tourist visa. You need to pay in US dollars. Your passport needs to be valid for six months after returning to the US and a full page in your passport for the visa.
Water In Nepal
Do not drink tap water or brush your teeth with tap water. Drink only bottle water. Most hotels will provide bottle water per person in the room to use for brushing your teeth and for drinking. There will be bottle water in your vehicle while traveling.
Language In Nepal
Nepali and tribal languages are spoken. English is widely spoken.
Time In Nepal
Nepal time is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of GMT.
Weather In Nepal
The best time to travel is from October – June. The monsoon is from June – September. Temperatures can be cold form December through February.
Electricity In Nepal
220V 50Hz. There are scheduled power outages.
Clothing In Nepal
Modest dress for women is advisable when visiting religious sites. Women will need to cover their shoulders when visiting temples.
Currency In Nepal
Money is the Nepal rupee. Check on www.xe.com/currencyconverter/ for rates.
ATM machines are located in larger cities but sometimes do not work. In smaller towns, it will be hard to find an ATM machine. Always let your back know that you will be using your ATM card in Nepal otherwise your card will be blocked.
Credit Cards In Nepal
Credit cards are accepted in major tourist destinations but not in smaller towns.
Tipping In Nepal
Most people who provide a direct service (taxi drivers, etc.) do not expect a gratuity. It is customary, however, to tip guides, hired drivers, transfer representatives as well as trekking guides and sherpas. The recommended amount is NPR 100-200 per person for a full day driver and/or guide. For a more experienced trekking guide or Sherpa consider a tip of NPR 300-400/day. Gratuities in Nepalese Rupees (NPR) are preferred.
Trekking In Nepal
All most all of the Tourism Council of Bhutan approved hotels and lodges have access to the Internet. Generally, Internet is free in most of the hotels. In addition, some hotels will have a business center. Some of the remote places like Gangtey Valley have intermittent power and Internet can therefore be erratic.
Recommended Reading
Books of Fiction
Arresting God in Kathmandu by Samrat Upadhyay
Escape from Kathmandu by Kim Stanley Robinson
In the Land of No Right Angles by Daphne Beal
The Ascent of Rum Doodle by W. E. Bowman
Books of Non-Fiction
Against a Peacock Sky, Two Years in the Life of a Nepalese Village by Monica Connell
Kathmandu by Thomas Bell
Lonely Planet Nepal
Nepal by Keith Dowman
Sherpas, Reflections on Change in the Himalayan Nepal by James Fisher
Power Places of Kathmandu: Hindu and Buddhist Holy Sites in the Sacred Valley of
Nepal by Keith Dowman
The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen
Trekking Nepal, A Traveler’s Guide by Stephen Bezruchka