Nepal Tourism Board

Travel Update

February 8, 2005

Tourism Industry witnesses more Confidence, Peace and Stability

After the Royal Proclamation of February 1, 2005, life in Nepal has geared towards greater normalcy with the restoration of better sense of peace, safety and security throughout the kingdom. The public vehicles, national and international flights have also resumed their scheduled services from the very next day (Feb 2, 2005). Likewise, buses to tourist destinations like Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini have run smoothly. And, the travel industry has shown consolidated enthusiasm to entertain all the tourists coming over to Nepal with greater vigour and warm hospitality and the upcoming high season of tourist arrival from India and other major markets is at the threshold. Now onwards, tourists can plan their holidays to Nepal without any hindrances as strikes and bandhs have become past phenomenon.  In a proclamation to the nation on February 01, 2005, His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev said, "We are convinced of the fact that the Nepalese people have deep faith in and are firmly committed to constitutional monarchy and multiparty democracy. We have no interest other than the restoration of sustainable peace and exercise in meaningful democracy for the welfare of Nepal and the Nepalese people." His Majesty further said, "It is our belief that upholding human rights not only preserves and promotes democratic values but also enhances a way of life and civilizational values commensurate with the 21st century."  Responding to the present situation, Hon'ble Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mr. Buddhiraj Bajracharya, says, "His Majesty's Government is committed to provide all kind of facilities and hospitality to tourists without flinching from its core responsibility. The Government has accorded high priority to tourism industry because of its multidimensional approach and largest trickle down effect. At this juncture, I would like to extend hearty welcome to all tourists coming to Nepal and would like to assure that as the country is heading towards restoration of peace, security and democratic values, the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal would attract more tourists in the coming days with commitment of the present government to ensure better services and facilities to the tourists." Meanwhile, Travel Experts said that tour operators have conducted the sightseeing tours in and around the Kathmandu Valley as per itinerary and the tourists have  fully enjoyed their holidays in destinations like Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini, Annapurna region, Everest region as tourist establishments in these areas are running in complete normalcy and their movement is not restricted anywhere in the tourist destinations so far, and all communication services are running smoothly. The tourism history of Nepal has proved that no untoward incident has taken place aiming at the tourists. His Majesty's Government has also assured the industry that it will not leave any stone unturned at any stage to provide appropriate facility and necessary support to make the stay of tourists memorable. Moreover, it is specially advised to book holiday tours in Nepal through registered travel/tour operators.

In order to better facilitate tourists, the Tourism Crisis Response Action Unit at Nepal Tourism Board responds to the queries and facilitates or takes necessary initiatives. This operation has been supported by Media Center of Nepal Tourism Board. The staff on duty is available at number 977-1-4227381. The telephone number of Media Center is 977-1-4225709.

INTRODUCTION:
Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and latitudinal variation. This wild variation fosters an incredible variety of ecosystems, the greatest mountain range on earth, thick tropical jungles teeming with a wealth of wildlife, thundering rivers, forested hills and frozen valleys. It has extensive tourist facilities, which vary in quality according to price and location. Tourism has been a major source of foreign currency earning and also a major contributor to our national economy.

ENTRY AND EXIT REQUIREMENTS:
A passport and visa are required for visitors other than Indian nationals. Tourist visas can be purchased upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at all other ports of entry. All foreigners must pay an airport exit tax, regardless of the length of their stay. Travelers may contact nearest Royal Nepalese Embassy/Consulates for further information.

Indian nationals do not require visa. However, effective from October 1, 2000 Indians travelling to Nepal by air will have to show upon arrival at entry point either a passport, voter's identity card issued by Election Commission of India, or an identity card with photograph issued by the Central or State Government of India. Children under 10 years need not show any identification.

INFORMATION FOR TRAVELERS:
Nepal has abundance of offers to establish it as a round the year travel destination. Based on this fact, many international tourists are indeed incorporating Nepal in their wishful travel itinerary. Popular tourist areas in Nepal like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Everest Region, Annapurna Region, Langtang Region, Lumbini, Janakpur and others are absolutely free from any sorts of disturbances. This is a clear testimony that travel safety in Nepal is more a perception problem than the actual state of affairs. Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) always recommends travelers to get services through the registered companies which guarantee you safe, reliable, standard and value for money travel services.

Travelling in Nepal typically involves walking for an extended time over rugged, steep terrain, to various luxurious stays during the course of their trip. Many popular trekking routes in Nepal cross passes as high as 18,000 feet. The Nepal Tourism Board requests all existing and potential travelers to exercise extreme caution while trekking at higher altitudes. The safest option for all trekkers is to join an organized group and/or use a reputable firm that provides an experienced guide and porter who communicates in both Nepali and English.

MEDICAL FACILITIES:
Medical care is widely available in the District head quarters and the towns and cities. Moreover, Kathmandu has the most modern medi-care facilities, equipment and most qualified doctors in order to provide a quality care. Serious illnesses often require evacuation to the nearest adequate medical facility. Illnesses and injuries suffered while on trek in remote areas often require rescue by helicopter. Various private Helicopter Companies including the Royal Nepal Army (at the
Airport) provide rescue services. The cost is typically not much. For further information, please contact Himalayan Rescue Association (Phone: 262746, Kathmandu) or your local travel or trekking agent.

MEDICAL INSURANCE:
After the establishment of various international Insurance Companies in the form of joint venture (JV), medical insurance is becoming popular in Nepal. Hence, all travelers are requested to insure through the reputed agencies. However, travelling within Nepal is adequately safe except in some remote government cautioned areas. Please check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation, and for adequacy of coverage. Supplemental health insurance that specifically covers overseas treatment and air evacuation to the nearest adequate medical facility is strongly recommended.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS:
In major tourist destinations the condition of the Roads are fairly well maintained. Those travelling by their own vehicles must carry valid road maps. The East West Highway connects all major cities and towns. Further information may be sought from NTB or local agents. The accident rate in Nepal is comparatively very minimal and relatively fatalities from such accidents are rare as compared to other big cities of the globe. Likewise, there are several domestic private airlines operating within the nation, which has tremendously helped to connect the remote part of the country to the capital.

AIR TRAVEL:
Travelling to Nepal by air is considered safe. Nepal is well connected by a dozen of international airlines from all major cities of Europe and Asia. It also has a fair no of domestic airlines, which cater to the needs of the travelers domestically. Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) infrastructures have been duly extended in order to meet the rising demand of the air travelers.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS:
All travelers are requested to abide by the custom regulations of Nepal. The facilities that are given to travelers are of international norms except in the cases of heavy-duty import such as valuable metals, articles of archeological and religious importance, wildlife and related articles, drugs, arms and ammunition, and communications equipment.

ENVIRONMENT:
His Majesty's Government (HMG) is very conscious about maintaining the ecological balance. The preservation of the natural resources and conservation of the national heritages has been our prime concern. In order to give a fillip to this concept, His Majesty's Government of Nepal (HMG/N) has already brought in to effect the emission control norms for the vehicles. Similarly HMG is coordinating with various experts, donors, INGOs and NGOs and others to manage the Solid waste management and also controlling the effluents discharged by the industries. As far as conservation and preservation is concerned, Annapurna Conservation (ACAP) area and Nepal's densely populated forests are greatly appreciated models in the world.

Questions?
If you still have questions regarding travel to Nepal and surrounding areas, please do not hesitate to contact us for up to the minute information, or visit the U.S. Department of State's Travel Advisory page for Nepal at http://travel.state.gov/nepal_announce.html.