information about nepal

Holidays and holidays

Contact the Nepal Tourism Board for holiday dates - their dates vary from year to year, depending on the lunar calendar or complex astrological calculations. The Nepalese will always be happy to invite you to their festivities, but show respectful and keep your distance. Remember that they remain deeply religious, despite their party-loving nature.

Main holidays

Jan. 10 Anniversary of Prithvi Narayan Shah.

Apr 14 Bisket Jatra (Nepali New Year).

Nov. 9 Constitution Day.

Accommodation

Hotel Room - From Rs 500: economic; from 2500 Rs: moderate; from Rs 5,000: expensive

Restoration

Meal (dish of the day) - From 250 Rs: economic; from 600 Rs: moderate; from Rs 1,200: expensive

Drinks

Bottled beer 350 Rs

Glass of table wine 500 Rs

Transports

Course en taxi Dans Kathmandu : 200-500 Rs
Trajet en bus Kathmandu-Pokhara en “tourist bus” : 500-1 000 Rs

Excerpt from the travel guide book Nepal Traveler

Health

If Nepal does not expose you to deadly infectious diseases, it is better to be proactive about vaccines. Make an appointment with your doctor - ideally 3 months before your departure - to set up a vaccination program and take stock of the drugs to take away.

Do not forget to have your vaccines listed in your international vaccination book - keep them in your carry-on. In addition to tetanus, MMR, polio and diphtheria - essential - do not hesitate to be vaccinated against typhoid, hepatitis A + B, Japanese encephalitis for Terai or any extended journey in rural areas, Rabies and, in winter, meningitis A + C. The cholera vaccine is recommended in case of high-risk activity (first aid).

Most of Nepal is spared from malaria - except the Terai, especially during the monsoon season. There are minimal risks in the Chitwan region, but more real ones in remote areas. Use anti-mosquito lotions, opt for long-sleeved clothing, especially at dusk and dawn, sleep under a mosquito net if possible, and ask your general practitioner about anti-malaria treatments. Purchase travel insurance worthy of the name: it must cover the costs of a helicopter evacuation on Kathmandu and an air evacuation to a regional hospital.

Never drink unboiled or untreated water, and beware of ice cubes as plague. Avoid eating raw vegetables and peel fruits. Never walk barefoot and wash your hands regularly. In case of indisposition, drink abundantly and consume sugar and salt.

The essential glucose / electrolyte packs are not easy to find on site. The famous turista can happen immediately after your arrival - it will disappear in 2 days, but consult a doctor if it persists. Chronic pollution in Kathmandu can cause breathing problems - like Nepalese, wear a mask in the street. Use disinfectant and cover even the most insignificant scratches. Cover your head in the sun, and avoid contact with stray cats and dogs - or any wild animals. As AIDS wreaks havoc in Nepal, unprotected sex is a big risk.

Medical Services - Large hotels may call a doctor if needed. Otherwise, your embassy will tell you which hospitals and which practitioners it recommends. A new ambulance service has been set up in Kathmandu (tel 102). You can also call the Red Cross (tel 01-422 8094). Avoid the Bir Hospital, public property near the Tundhikhel.

Several private hospitals and clinics in Kathmandu specialize in welcoming foreign patients - rates to match. The CIWEC Clinic in Lainchaur (tel: 01-442-4111; www.ciwec-clinic.com ) is renowned for its foreign staff and its ability to manage medical evacuations. On Hitti Durbar, near Thamel, the Nepal International Clinic (tel: 01-443 5357, www.nepalinternationalclinic.com ) offers similar services. Patan Hospital in Lagankhel (tel: 01-452 2278, www.patanhospital.org.np ) has a full service panel and is able to handle the most serious cases.

In Pokhara, only the Fulbari Manipal Teaching Hospital (tel 061-440387) can manage most conditions.

Pharmacies - An impressive amount of medication that usually requires a prescription can be obtained without any difficulty. However, avoid, like other travelers, stocks of antibiotics before going on a hike - or any form of self-medication. Before going to a pasal aushadhi (drug store), it is also strongly advised to go through the "box" doctor. Locate known trademarks made under license in India, and carefully check the dosage, expiry date, and contents, which may differ from what you know. There are pharmacies in all major cities; in rural areas, drugs are difficult to access, even the most common. In Kathmandu, Gust Medicine Concern (Center Mart, Thamel, Tel 01-470 0326, daily 10 am-7pm) is renowned for its knowledgeable staff - you can even find out about immunization issues.

security

If Nepal can be considered a quiet country, Kathmandu, like any other capital, imposes certain precautions, especially in the evening. Beware of pickpockets, especially in the crowds of religious festivals, currency exchange counters, bus stations and on buses.

Since the end of the Maoist insurgency, the country has regained relative stability, and there is no longer any prohibited area, even to foreigners. On the other hand, large-scale demonstrations can still break out. The website of the French Embassy ( www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs ) delivers up-to-date information for travelers.

While violent attacks are extremely rare, trekkers have been victims of petty theft in villages on the edge of the Kathmandu Valley. Scams in tourist areas are more prevalent. Be wary of any tempting proposition about gemstones, or any child or mother who would scold you in almost perfect English to extort money from you.

Locally produced marijuana is widely available throughout the country, and some Nepalese people consume it, but its possession is heavily repressed, and authorities sometimes do not hesitate to attack foreigners. General strikes ( bandhs ) and demonstrations can occur at any time, causing delays in transport - even acts of violence. Avoid large crowd movements.

The English-speaking Tourist Police, which is used to assisting foreigners, has offices in Thamel (tel 01-442 9750) and Bhrikuti Mandap in the Tourist Service Center (tel 01-424 7041).