Visa and Travel

Travel Guide to Nepal

1. Visa Procedures

Procedure No 1: Visa from Embassy

You can obtain direct visa from Nepal Embassy, Mission & Consulates located in your nation or town before visiting Nepal by filling up the form https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/onlinevisa- mission/application and paying the visa fees as mentioned below.

Procedure No 2: Visa on Arrival:

In order to avoid long ques during arrival you can fill up the online form, where you will get submission receipt with barcode, please print it out and bring it along for acquiring visa. Online Forms can be submitted through https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/on-arrival/IO01. It works for fifteen days and becomes invalid then after. If so, you will have to fill it up again. You can also fill up the forms manually during arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport.

  • Where to get it: Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu and land entry points.
  • Documents required:
    • Valid passport (with at least six months validity from the date of entry).
    • Completed visa application form (available online or at the immigration office).
    • Passport-sized photo
    • Visa fee (payable in USD or other major currencies).

Visa Fees:

  • 15 days: USD 30
  • 30 days: USD 50
  • 90 days: USD 125

Note: If you are an Indian citizen, visa is free but you must provide Valid Indian Passport, Voter ID issued by the Government of India and Emergency certificate issued by the Embassy of India in Nepal.

Extending Your Visa:

  • Can be extended at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
  • Extension fee is USD 45 for the first 15 days and USD 3 per day thereafter.
  • In the case of delay less than 150 days additional USD 5 per day as late fine.

2. Ticketing

International Flights:

  • Main entry point: Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu.
  • Major airlines: Nepal Airlines, Air India, Indigo, Spicejet, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Etihad Airways, Emirates, Himalaya Airlines, Thai Air and others.

Booking Tips:

  • Book tickets well in advance, you can buy tickets from KFA Hospitality for best rates.

3. SIM Card

Where to Buy:

  • Available at the airport, mobile shops, and convenience stores in Kathmandu.
  • Major providers: Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NTC).

Required Documents:

  • Copy of Passport or Refugee Card.
  • Passport-sized photo.

Plans and Costs:

  • SIM card cost: NPR 100-200.
  • Data packages vary from NPR 200 for 1GB to NPR 1000 for unlimited data for a month.

4. Money Exchange

Currency:

  • Nepalese Rupee (NPR).

Where to Exchange:

  • Authorized exchange counters at the airport and in major tourist areas in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Money exchange at tourist area will give you the better rates. You can also manage to pay in Nepal through debit and credit cards. Payment from UPI and Google pay is also available in Nepal.
  • Banks and larger hotels also offer exchange services.

ATMs:

  • Widely available in cities; international cards are accepted.
  • Transaction fee: Around NPR 500 per transaction. These charges are as per your card type.

Tips:

  • Carry small denominations for local purchases. Smaller denominations of INR (Below INR 100 is accepted in most of the places)
  • Keep some USD or EUR as a backup.

5. Drive to Budhanilkantha

Location:

  • KFA Hospitality will arrange to pick you up at the airport and drop to Park Village resort. Vehicle and guide will be available at the airport parking with the playcards of your name.
  • Budhanilkantha is about 10 km north from center point of Kathmandu city and 11 km North from Tribhuvan International Airport.

Other Options:

  • Taxi:
    • Easily available throughout Kathmandu.
    • Cost: Around NPR 700-1000 (negotiable).
  • Public Bus:
    • Buses to Budhanilkantha run from Ring Road.
    • Cost: NPR 30-50.
  • Private Car Rental:
    • Available with or without a driver.
    • Cost: Depends on duration and type of car.

Road Conditions:

  • Generally good, but traffic can be heavy during peak hours.
  • Scenic drive with views of the Kathmandu Valley.

Additional Tips

  • Health: Ensure you have travel insurance. Consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid, and Japanese encephalitis.
  • Language: Nepali is the official language; English is widely understood in tourist areas.
  • Safety: Nepal is generally safe, but be cautious with personal belongings in crowded places.

Enjoy your trip to Nepal!