Your first consideration on arrival is to follow the necessary airport procedures.
AFTER YOU GET DOWN FROM THE PLANE
Nepal remains a popular destination for tourists all over the world with its offering of the mystical Himalayas, lush green valleys, and a rich cultural and natural heritage. However, in order to make the initial transition smoother, once you set foot in this enigmatic country, it would be best to follow the following advise.
Dear travelers, please be informed of the following important hints for your safety.
Newspapers and Magazines
Visit www.thehimalayantimes.com or www.ekantipur.com for the latest news & events.
Television
There are a lot of Nepali TV channels nowadays, apart from the government owned Nepal Television (NTV), that broadcasts news and other entertainments. Similarly, numerous regional television stations are dominating today’s market. Some of the major channels include: Kantipur, NTV2, Image Channel, Sagarmatha, ABC etc. Many hotels and lodges provide access to satellite channels such as the BBC, CNN, National Geographic etc.
Electricity
Major towns in Nepal have electricity, and the voltage available is 220-volts and 50 cycles. Though load shedding is existent, most of the major hotels have installed their own generators.
Time and Business Hours
Nepal is 5 hours and 45 minutes ahead of Greenwich Median Time (GMT).
Business Hours within the Valley
Holidays
Nepal observes numerous holidays so, it is important to check the holiday calendar. Government offices observe all the national holidays and banks observe majority of them. Businesses observe major holidays only.
GETTING AROUND
Airport Bus
Airport tourist bus now shuttles passengers between Tribhuvan International Airport and downtown Kathmandu. Metered taxis are also easily available, as are prepaid taxis.
Long distance day or night bus services are available from Kathmandu to all the cities of Nepal. A new bus park has been constructed at Gongabu, on the Ring Road near Balaju, from where buses depart for different destinations.
City Buses
Airport tourist bus now shuttles passengers between Tribhuvan International Airport and downtown Kathmandu. Metered taxis are also easily available, as are prepaid taxis.
There are many buses and minibuses available at Ratna Park (Old Bus Park) which departs to different destinations in the valley. Bus services operate from early morning (5 or 6 am) till 8 or 9 pm.
Metered Taxi
Consult Kathmandu Valley map to find out the direction of your destination. Hail a taxi, which is easily recognizable by its taxi sign on the top of the vehicle and its black license plate. Trips inside the city can cost anywhere between Rs. 50 – 200 depending on the distance you are travelling. No tips are expected.
A metered taxi from the airport to downtown will cost around Rs. 150 – Rs. 200. Private taxis may charge a slightly higher than the ordinary taxis.
Night taxi services, operated by major hotels, can also be arranged. The fare is slightly higher than the metered taxi. One can also rent a private car through a travel agent or a car rental company
Tempos/ Micro Buses
Gas and battery operated vehicles with fixed routes and rates are also available in the valley. The fare is cheaper than metered taxis.
Rickshaws
Three wheeled Rickshaws are also available that transport tourists from one place to the other. However, the charge for the ride varies from one vehicle to the other.
Long Distance Bus Service
Long distance day or night bus services are available from Kathmandu to all the cities of Nepal. A new bus park has been constructed at Gongabu, on the Ring Road near Balaju, from where buses depart for different destinations.
Mountain Bikes / Ordinary Bicycles
Mountain bikes and ordinary bicycles are cheap and the best form of transportation for economy tourists. One can hire them in Thamel, Rani Pokhari and Jhochhen.
Domestic Air Service
Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has an extensive network of air services within Nepal. It has scheduled connecting flights from Kathmandu to Taplejung, Bhadrapur, Rajbiraj, Bhojpur, Phaplu, Lukla, Lamidanda, Tumlingtar, Rumjatar, Biratnagar, Simara, Janakpur, Ramechhap, Bharatpur, Meghauli, Pokhara, Jomsom, Manang, Baglung, Bhairahwa, Nepalgunj, Surkhet, Dang, Dolpa, Jumla, Bajura to name a few. Besides the national carrier, other domestic airlines such as Buddha Air, Yeti Airways, Sita Air and Agni Air also provide regular and charter services to popular domestic destinations.
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