source Nepal Tourism Board
Getting Around
Nepal Airlines (RA) has an extensive network of air services in the interior of Nepal. It has scheduled connection flights from Kathmandu to Taplejung, Bhadrapur, Rajbiraj, Bhojpur, Phaplu, Lukla, Lamidanda, Tunmlingtar, Rumjatar, Biratnagar Simara, Janakpur, Ramechhap, Bharatpur, Meghauli ,Pokhara, Jomsom, Manang, Baglung. Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj Chaurjhahari, Surkhet, Dang, Dolpa, Jumla, Bajura, Baitadi, Dipayal, Darchula, Mahendranagar, Dhangadi, Tikapur and Sanfebagar. Besides Nepal Airlines, other domestic airlines such as Buddha Air, Sita Air Yeti Airways and Agni Air provide regular and charter services to popular domestic destinations.
City Buses
There are many buses, minibuses and microbuses available at Ratna Park (old Bus Park) which depart for various destinations in the valley. Safa tempos run on electric power (battery) and are available in Kathmandu for commuters.
Metered Taxi
Consult the Kathmandu Valley map to find out the direction of your destination. Hail a taxi, which is easily recognizable by its taxi sign on top and black license plate. No tip is expected. A metered taxi from the airport to downtown will cost about Rs. 200 to Rs. 400. Private taxis may charge slightly higher than the ordinary taxis. There is also an arrangement of a Night Taxi Service operated by major hotels. The fare is much higher than the metered taxi. One can rent a private car through a travel agent or a car rental company. Hired Mountain Bike / Ordinary Bicycle
Mountain bikes and ordinary bicycles can be hired cheaply and the best form of transportation for economy tourists. One can hire them at Thamel, Rani Pokhari and Jhochhen.
Long Distance Bus Service
Long distance day or night bus services are available from Kathmandu to all cities of Nepal. The Gongabu Bus Park on the Ring Road near Balaju is the main bus terminal from where buses depart for most destinations within the country. Six-seater Sumo Tata vans, 12-seater vans and air-conditioned mini buses are also available for long distance travel. Greenline runs special tourist bus services to a limited number of destinations like Pokhara and Chitwan.
Travel information
Tourist Police
We would like to state that the Tourist Police is a special unit of Nepal Police, which is working under Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Tourism Industry Division. Our office is located at Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu, Tourist Service Center Building, and also we have complaint counters at the Airport and Basantapur Durbar Square. We are always attentive to deal with the problems of tourist and we are very sensitive in your security.
Tourist Police assures a safe and pleasant stay to all the visitors in Nepal. Tourist Poice is a special unit of Nepal Police, which was established in 1979 under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. The main function and responsibility of Tourist Police is to look after the welfare of tourist and to assure them a pleasant and a memorable stay in Nepal. Our function is to advise and assist tourist in safety and security during traveling, trekking, rafting and hotel stay in any part of Nepal.
With a dedicated workforce of 41 (Forty One) policeman, Tourist Police conduct various activities. The main office of the Tourist Police is situated at Bhrikutimandap in the building complex of Nepal Tourism Board Phone No. 4247041. We remain open 8 AM to 8 PM weekdays and 10 AM to 5 PM on Public Holidays. The function of Tourist Police is carried out by local Police specially outside Kathmandu valley.
No. of Tourist Policemen
Inspector - 1
Sub Inspector - 10
Asst. Sub Inspector - 3
Head Constable - 8
Constable - 19
Total - 41
Activities
1. Daily patrolling within the Tourist interested area in Kathmandu valley.
2. Opening Tourist Police Post in different area including Airport (TIA) and Basantapur.
3. Quick action and investigation have taken seriously in any tourist complaints.
4. To provide information on travel security.
5. To ensure hassle free trip by keeping hawkers, beggars and street children away from tourist.
6. To assist tourist whenever need arises.
Tourist Police would like to make your visit to our country as pleasant and safe as possible. You can help them further by following these Simple Tips: -
1. Tourists are requested to follow up the rule of HMG of Nepal.
2. Inform about your problems and complaints to the nearest Police Station/Tourist Police.
3. Avail the services of government registered travel/ trekking agencies only.
4. Inform your whereabouts immediately upon arrival to the local Police or concerned Embassy/ Consulate.
5. Stay at government registered hotels/resorts/guest house/lodges only.
6. Use only those porters who are authorized by your travel agency or hotel.
7. Exchange foreign currency only at authorized places. Never carry your wallet in the back pocket.
8. Make sure your wallet is in the inside jacket pocket or side pocket of the trousers.
9. Carry certified copies of documents and leave the originals and other valuables in the safe deposit box of your hotel.
10. Never leave these items unattended in your room or carry large sums of cash on your person.
11. Carry traveler's cheaques and limited amount of cash while on tour.
12. Never leave your luggage and other valuables unattended at any time, any place.
13. In case of any theft/loss, immediately contact the nearest Police Station/Tourist Police.
Our Duties
· To provide information regarding security aspect of your travel and tours.
· To respond promptly to your problems or complaints.
· To try our best to provide you a hassle free trip by keeping you away from hawkers, beggars and street children.
· To assist you wherever and whenever you need us.
Please Keep in Mind
·To inform your whereabouts immediately upon arrival to local Police or concerned Embassies.
· To be aware of unauthorized agencies and unlicensed person
· Always make Travel and Trekking arrangement with authorized agencies only.
· To make sure to deposit your valuable items in safe deposit.
· Please allow your luggage to be carried by porters authorized by your travel agency or hotel only.
· To discourage hawkers and beggars.
· To note Taxi number which you hired or travel.
· To send your complaints in a prescribed form by Post / Fax / person (Which is distributed in our Tourist Police Counters).
· Drug-abuse, trafficking and sexual relation with children are strictly prohibited. The offenders will be punished according to the National law.
· You are here for enjoyment not for punishment.
· We do not want to see you inside the Police custody & behind the bars.
Tourist Police Unit
Tourism Industry Division
Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation
Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: 977-1-4247041
Fax: 977-1-6213591
Email: touristpolice@ntb.org.np
In case of Emergency please call on Toll Free Number of Police Operartion- 16600141516 and 16600141113.
Travel information
Direct flights to Nepal
BY AIR:
Nepal Airlines is the national flag carrier of Nepal with flights to/from Delhi, Dubai, Doha, Bangkok, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur. Other international airlines operating from/ to Kathmandu are Air Arabia (Sharjah), Air China (Lhasa), Arkefly (Amsterdam), Bahrain Air (Bahrain), Biman Bangladesh, (Dhaka), Buddha Air (Paro), China Eastern Airlines (Kunming), China Southern Airlines (Guanzhou), Dragon Air (Hong Kong), Druk Air (Delhi, Paro), Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi), Flydubai (Dubai), GMG Airlines (Dhaka), Gulf Air (Bahrain), Indian Airlines (Delhi, Kolkotta, Varanasi), Jet Airways (Delhi), Jet Lite (Delhi), Kingfisher Airlines (Delhi), Korean Air (Seoul), Oman Air (Muscat), Pakistan International Airlines (Karachi, Islamabad), Qatar Airways (Doha), Silk Air (Singapore), Thai Airways (Bangkok) and United Airways (Dhaka).Airport Tax:
Tourists are levied NRS. 565 (including VAT) at the departure terminal along with the Passenger Service Charge (Airport Tax)
Note: The new Airport Tax is equally applicable to Nepalis as well as non-Nepalis flying out from Nepal.
Traveling by road/Entry Points
All visitors entering Nepal by land must use these designated entry points and may not enter from any other point:
Nepal-India border
Kakarbhitta
Birgunj
Belhiya, Bhairahawa
Nepalgunj
Dhangadi
Mahendra Nagar
Kodari, Nepal-China border
Overland tourists entering the Kingdom with their vehicles must possess an international carnet.
Travel information
How to get there?
Nepal Airlines is the national flag carrier of Nepal with flights to/from Delhi, Dubai, Doha, Bangkok, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur. Other international airlines operating from/ to Kathmandu are Air Arabia (Sharjah), Air China (Lhasa), Arkefly (Amsterdam), Bahrain Air (Bahrain), Biman Bangladesh, (Dhaka), Buddha Air (Paro), China Eastern Airlines (Kunming), China Southern Airlines (Guanzhou), Dragon Air (Hong Kong), Druk Air (Delhi, Paro), Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi), Flydubai (Dubai), GMG Airlines (Dhaka), Gulf Air (Bahrain), Indian Airlines (Delhi, Kolkotta, Varanasi), Jet Airways (Delhi), Jet Lite (Delhi), Kingfisher Airlines (Delhi), Korean Air (Seoul), Oman Air (Muscat), Pakistan International Airlines (Karachi, Islamabad), Qatar Airways (Doha), Silk Air (Singapore), Thai Airways (Bangkok) and United Airways (Dhaka).
Airfares fluctuate with the changes in exchange rates and are to be paid in foreign currency by foreign nationals. Only Nepalese and Indian nationals are permitted to pay in rupees for air passage between Nepal and India. Departure flight tickets should be reconfirmed three days in advance to avoid inconveniences by possible flight cancellation or changes in the flight schedule. Overweight luggage charges are levied in foreign exchange.
BY LAND:
All visitors coming to Nepal by land must enter only through one of these entry points (1) Kakarbhitta (2) Birgunj (3) Belhiya, Bhairahawa (4) Nepalgunj (5) Dhangadi and (6) Mahendranagar in the Nepal-India border and (7) Kodari in the Nepal-China border. The overland tourists entering the country with their vehicles must possess an international carnet or complete customs formalities.
Customs:
All baggage must be declared and cleared through the customs on arrival at the port of entry. Passengers arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) without any dutiable goods can proceed through the Green Channel for quick clearance without a baggage check. If you are carrying dutiable articles, you have to pass through the Red Channel for detailed customs clearance.
Import:
Apart from used personal belongings, visitors are allowed to bring to Nepal free of duty cigarette (200) or cigars (50), distilled liquor (one 1.15 liter bottle), and film (15 rolls). You can also bring in the following articles free of duty on condition that you take them out with you when you leave: binoculars, movie or video camera, still camera, laptop computer, and portable music system.
Export:
It is illegal to export objects over 100 years old (sacred images, paintings, manuscripts) that are valued for culture and religious reasons. Visitors are advised not to purchase such items as they are Nepal's cultural heritage and belong here. The Department of Archaeology (tel: 4213701, 4213702) at Ramshah Path near Singha Durbar has to certify all metal statues, sacred paintings and similar objects before they are allowed to be sent or carried out of the country. Handicraft dealers and travel agents are able to assist you in this process. For more information on customs matters, contact the Chief Customs Administrator, TIA Customs Office; tel: 4470110, 4472266.
Airport Tax:
Effective form January 14,2005 ,the tourists would be levied NRS. 565(including VAT) at the departure terminal along with the Passenger Service Charge (airport tax)
Note:The new Airport Tax is equally applicable to Nepalese as well as non-Nepalese citizens flying from Nepal.
Travelling by road
All visitors entering Nepal by land must use no other entry points other than:
Nepal-India border
* Kakarbhitta
* Birgunj
* Belhiya, Bhairahawa
* Nepalgunj
* Dhangadi
* Mahendra Nagar
Nepal-China border
* Kodari
The overland tourists entering the Kingdom with their vehicles must possess an international carnet.
Travel information
Suggested Itineraries
DAY ONE : Kathmandu
Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport and get transferred to a hotel.
DAY TWO : Kathmandu - Nagarkot
After breakfast proceed for city tour of Kathmandu visiting Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. Pashupatinath Temple is situated 5 km east of Kathmandu, the temple of Lord Shiva, Pathupatinath with two tierd golden roof and silver doors is considered one of the holiest shrines of Hindus. The stupa of Boudhanath lies 8kms east of Kathmandu. This ancient colossal stupa is one of the biggest in the world and the center of Buddhism in the world. It was listed in the UNESCO Heritage Monument in 1979. After lunch we drive to Nagarkot. Nagarkot is situated at 32 km east of Kathmandu and at an altitude of 2175 m above sea level, Nagarkot is a popular destination for the view of sunrise and sunset and panoramic view of Himalayas including Mount Everest.
DAY THREE : Nagarkot - Kathmandu
Wake up call early in the morning to enjoy the beautiful sunrise view from your room or from the terrace. After breakfast, we have some free time to enjoy panoramic view of Himalayas and short trek. We have lunch and then drive back to visit the ancient city of Patan Durbar Square, Tibetan Refugee Camp and Handicraft Industrial Estate. Patan City is an enchanting melange of palace buildings, artistic courtyard and former palace complex. One remarkable monument here is a 16th century temple dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Krishna, built entirely of stone.
DAY FOUR : Kathmandu
After breakfast proceed for city tour of Kathmandu visiting Durbar Square, complex of palaces, courtyard and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, use to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. In the afternoon visit the Swoyambunath Stupa and Patan City. Swoyambhunath Stupa, atop the hillock is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal enlisted in the World Heritage Site. Free time at Kathmandu until transfer to the airport for departure.
Discover Best of Nepal (5 days / 4 nights)
DAY ONE - Kathmandu
Arrive Kathmandu. Meet and Transfer to Hotel Afternoon Sightseeing Tour of Swayambunth & Kathmandu Durbar Square. Swayambunath is one of the world's most glorious Buddhist Chaitya. It is said to be 2000 years old. Painted on the foursides of the spdire bases are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is three kilometeres west of Kathmandu city and is situated on a hillock about 77 m. above the level of the Kathmandu Valley. Kahmandu Durbar Square is the historic seat of ty. The Durbar Square, with its old temples and places, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. It is here that Kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. Interesting things to seek here are; Taleju Temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 A.D., Kal Bhairav, the God of destruction, Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal Chowk, the Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the Big Bell, Drum and the Jagannath Temple.
DAY TWO : Kathmandu, Patan & Nagarkot
After breakfast Tour of Chovar Gorge & Patan Durbar Square. Chovar is situated nine kilometers South-west Kathmandu. This place is famous for its gorge. All the water of the valley drain through it. There is a small but picturesque temple of Adinath on the top of a hill. From this top one can have a panoramic view of snow capped mountain peaks. In Patan Durbar Square, most prominent place to see is Krishna Mandir which was built in the seventeenth century. This temple holds a commanding position in the palace complex of Patan. It is supposed to be the first specimen of Shikara style architecture in Nepal. It is the only temple in Nepal having 21 spires and is completely made of stone. Golden Temple and Durbar Square are some important places to see. Transfer to Nagakot for Sunset view over Himalayas. Nagarkot is situated at 32 km east of Kathmandu and at an altitude of 2175 m above sea level, Nagarkot is a popular destination for the view of sunrise and sunset and panoramic view of Himalayas including Mount Everest.
DAY THREE : Nagarkot / Pokhara
Wake up early morning to catch the sunrise over the Himalayan range. Breakfast at Hotel & drive to Pokhara (lunch en route) On the way visit to visit Manakamana Temple by cable Car. Manokamana is believed to be a temple of goddess who fulfill the wishes.
DAY FOUR : Pokhara / Kathmandu
Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the Annupurna range. After breakfast at hotel boatride on Phewa lake and city tour. The Pokhara Valley one of the most picturesque spot of Nepal, is enchanted by its lovely lakes Phewa, Begnas and Rupa. Situated 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu, Pokhara is connected by air as well or by road from Kathmandu. Situated at an altitude of 827 meter from the sea-level, Pokhara offers the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, five peaks of Annapurna and others. Pokhara’s numerous lake, known as ‘Tal’ in Nepali offer fishing, boating and swimming. Lunch at hotel. Transfer to Pokhara airport to fly back to Kathmandu.
DAY FIVE : Kathmandu and fly back
Morning tour of Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. Pashupatinathi is situated five kilometers east of Kathmandu and it is the temple of lord Shiva-Pashupatinath with two tiered golden roof and silver doors which is famous for its superb architecture. Boudhanath lies about 6 km to the east of downtown Kathmandu and is the largest stupa in the Valley. It looms 36 meters high and presents one of the most fascinating specimens of stupa design. Bouddhanath, a World Heritage Site, is also known as Khast. There are more than 45 Buddhist monasteries in the area. Transfer to Tribhuvan International airport for flight.
Kathmandu - Chitwan - Pokhara (7 days / 8 nights)
DAY ONE : Kathmandu
Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport and get transferred to a hotel.
DAY TWO : Kathmandu
After breakfast proceed for city tour of Kathmandu visiting Durbar Square, complex of palaces, courtyard and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries use to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. In the afternoon visit the Swoyambunath Stupa and Patan City. Swoyambhunath Stupa, atop the hillock is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal enlisted in the World Heritage Site. Patan City is an enchanting melange of palace buildings, artistic courtyard and former palace complex. One remarkable monument here is a 16th century temple dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Krishna, built entirely of stone.
DAY THREE : Kathmandu - Chitwan
After breakfast drive to Chitwan and check in upon arrival. Lunch will be served at the resort/lodge. In the afternoon proceed for a tour to Tharu Village and witness the Tharu Cultural Performance.
DAY FOUR : Chitwan
After breakfast, your adventure holiday starts off with canoeing in the Rapti River where you can see Gharial and then, a visit to the Elephant breeding centre. After Lunch proceed to the jungle for a guided safari on Elephant where you are free to see animals such as rhino, antelope and other wildlife as you move through the jungle.
DAY FIVE : Chitwan - Pokhara
After breakfast take a quick tour of Birdwatching after which we drive to Pokhara. Pokhara is a place of remarkable natural beauty. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the Fishtail Peak rising behind it create an ambiance of peace and tranquility. Pokhara is a perfect place to see the panoramic view of Himalayan region including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
DAY SIX : Pokhara
After breakfast, proceed for a half-day sightseeing tour of Pokhara City and 1 hour boating at Lake Phewa. Free at leisure for the remainder of the day. (BLD)
DAY SEVEN : Pokhara - Kathmandu
Free time at Kathmandu after arriving from Pokhara
DAY EIGHT : Kathmandu
Free for adequate personal activities till departure transfer from hotel to the International Airport.
Kathmandu - Chitwan - Nagarkot
DAY ONE : Kathmandu
Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport and get transferred to a hotel.
DAY TWO : Kathmandu
After breakfast proceed for city tour of Kathmandu visiting Durbar Square, complex of palaces, courtyard and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, use to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. In the afternoon visit the Swoyambunath Stupa and Patan City. Swoyambhunath Stupa, atop the hillock is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal enlisted in the World Heritage Site. Patan City is an enchanting melange of palace buildings, artistic courtyard and former palace complex. One remarkable monument here is a 16th century temple dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Krishna, built entirely of stone.
DAY THREE : Kathmandu - Chitwan
After breakfast drive to Chitwan and check in upon arrival. Lunch will be served at the resort/lodge. In the afternoon proceed for a tour to Tharu Village and witness the Tharu Cultural Performance.
DAY FOUR : Chitwan
After breakfast, your adventure holiday starts off with canoeing in the Rapti River where you can see Gharial and then, a visit to the Elephant breeding centre. After Lunch proceed to the jungle for a guided safari on Elephant where you are free to see animals such as rhino, antelope and other wildlife as you move through the jungle.
DAY FIVE : Chitwan - Nagarkot
After breakfast take a quick tour of Birdwatching after which we drive to Nagarkot. Nagarkot is situated at 32 km east of Kathmandu and at an altitude of 2175 m above sea level, Nagarkot is a popular destination for the view of sunrise and sunset and panoramic view of Himalayas including Mount Everest.
DAY SIX : Nagarkot - Kathmandu
Wake up call early in the morning to enjoy the beautiful sunrise view from your room or from the terrace. After breakfast, we have some free time to enjoy panoramic view of Himalayas and short trek. We have lunch and then drive back to visit the ancient city of Patan Durbar square, Tibetan Refugee Camp and Handicraft Industrial Estate.
DAY SEVEN : Kathmandu
Free time at Kathmandu until transfer to the airport for departure.
Travel information
Accommodation
In the last few decades, Kathmandu and Pokhara with the rest of Nepal has seen the mushrooming of world class hotels. During spring and fall, the better hotels work at near full capacity and are booked well in advance. There are, however, plenty of less glamorous but decent hotels to suit everyone's fancies and finances. Most hotels offer a choice: bed and breakfast; bed, breakfast and one other meal; or room and full board. Rates listed however, are for room only, unless otherwise indicated. Toilets and showers in this case are generally communal and heating is extra. These small hostelries are located in the older parts of Kathmandu and in the Thamel district. With the boom of tourism in Nepal since the early 1970s, even Nepalis living in remote parts of the country have improved the standard of local tourist facilities. Hence accommodation and meals for tourists are more easily available than ever before.
Travel information
General Information
a. Tourist Visa
Visa Facility Duration Fee
Multiple entry 15 days US$ 25 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 30 days US$ 40 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 90 days US$ 100 or equivalent convertible currency
b. Gratis (Free) Visa
• Gratis visa for 30 days is available only for nationals of SAARC countries. However, for extension of visa for SAARC nationals, the rule is same as that of other nationals.
• Indian nationals do not require visa to enter into Nepal.
For Visa Extension:
Tourists can stay for a maximum of 150 days in a visa year (Jan 1 to Dec 31) extending the visa at the rate of 2 US $ per day. However, a minimum amount of 30 US$ has to be paid for a period of 15 days or less.
(For further information, please, contact Department of Immigration, Maitighar, Impact Building, Kathmandu, Tel: 00977-1-4221996/ 4223590/ 4222453, Web: www.immi.gov.np )
Custom Formalities
Customs:
All baggage must be declared and cleared through the customs on arrival at the entry point. Personal effects are permitted free entry. Passengers arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) without any dutiable goods can proceed through the Green Channel for quick clearance without a baggage check. If you are carrying dutiable articles, you have to pass through the Red Channel for detailed customs clearance.
Import:
Apart from used personal belongings, visitors are allowed to bring to Nepal free of duty: cigarettes (200 sticks) or cigars (50 sticks), distilled liquor (one 1.15 liter bottle), and film (15 rolls). You can also bring in the following articles free of duty on condition that you take them out with you when you leave: binoculars, movie or video camera, still camera, laptop computer, and portable music system.
Export:
The export of antiques requires special certification from the Department of Archeology, National Archive Building, Ram Shah Path, Kathmandu. It is illegal to export objects over 100 years old, such as sacred images, paintings, manuscripts that are valued for culture and religious reasons. Visitors are advised not to purchase such items as they are Nepal's cultural heritage and belong here.
For more information on customs matters, contact the Chief Customs Administrator, TIA Customs Office (Phone: 4470110, 4472266).
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Foreign Currency and Credit Cards
Payment in hotels, travel agencies, and airlines are made in foreign exchange. Credit cards like American Express, Master and Visa are widely accepted at major hotels, shops, and restaurants. Remember to keep your Foreign Exchange Encashment Receipt while making foreign exchange payments or transferring foreign currency into Nepalese rupees. The receipts may be needed to change left-over Nepalese Rupees into hard currency before leaving the country. However, only 10 percent of the total amount may be converted by the bank. ATM is widely in use in Kathmandu.
Major banks, hotels and exchange counters at Tribhuvan International Airport provide services for exchanging foreign currency.
Exchange rates are published in English dailies such as The Rising Nepal, The Kathmandu Post and The Himalayan Times. Nepalese Rupees are found in denominations of Rupees 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are found in denominations of Rupees 5, 2 and 1. One rupee equals 100 paisa.
Time and Business Hours
Nepal is five hours 45 minutes ahead of GMT.
Business hours within the Valley: Government offices are open from 10 am to 5 p.m. from Sunday through Thursday and close at 3pm on Friday in the Kathmandu Valley. During the winter, they close at 4 pm. Most Business offices are open from 10 am to 5 p.m. Sunday through Friday. Embassies and international organizations are open from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. Most shops open after 10 am and close at about 8 pm and are usually closed on Saturdays.
Business hours outside the Valley: Government offices outside Kathmandu valley open from 10 am to 5 p.m. from Sunday through Thursday. On Fridays they remain open until 3 pm. Banks are open from Sunday through Thursday from 10 am to 3 pm. On Fridays, banks remain open until 12 pm only. Business offices are open from 10 am to 5 pm Sunday through Friday. Recently many private banks have re-organized to have different branches open at various different times making banking hours longer. If one branch is closed another will be open.
Holidays: Nepal observes numerous holidays, at the least a couple in a month. So please check the holiday calendar. The longest holiday in Nepal is during the Dashain festival in late September or October. Government offices observe all the national holidays and banks observe most of them. Businesses observe major holidays only.
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Communication Facilities
Postal Services: The Central Post Office located near Dharahara Tower, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Friday. The counters are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and provide stamps, postcards and aerograms. Post Restante is available Sunday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Express Mail Service (EMS) is available at GPO and at Thamel, Basantapur and airport postal counters.
Telephone Services: Telephone and fax services are available at the Nepal Telecommunications Corporation at Tripureshwar. Hotels and private communications centers provide long distance telephone and fax facilities. For calling from outside, country code for Nepal is 977 and the area code for Kathmandu is 1.
Internet Services: There are countless Internet cafes and communication centers have opened up in the Valley and around the country. Visitors only have to find a place they are most comfortable in to use the facilities to keep in touch with home. Internet services are also offered by hotels.
Media: Nepali media has made a gigantic leap ahead in just a few years time and what used to be a controlled and tight knit community, is no more. The government audio and television news networks are Radio Nepal and Nepal Television respectively. However, numerous FM radio stations and regional television stations are dominating the market. Major Nepali daily newspapers are Gorkhapatra and Kantipur, while the English dailies are The Rising Nepal, The Kathmandu Post and The Himalayan Times. A number of other newspapers and magazines are also available.
Electricity: Major towns have electricity and the voltage available is 220-volts and 50 cycles. Load shedding is a seasonal phenomenon during the dry season and eases off once it begins to rain. However, most major hotels have uninterrupted power supply through their own generators.
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