Nepal - Terai Plains, Nepal - more info
MEETING and DROP-OFF
We'll meet at 17:00 on 18th July 2009 / 29th August 2009.
We will spend the first night in a hotel in Kathmandu - this will be advised in the final details. To allow flexibility for arrival times, this will be our meeting place. Taxis from the airport are cheap, readily available and can be arranged at a fixed price on arrival. Alternatively, if we know in advance of your arrival time, it may be possible to arrange courtesy transport through the hotel. The next day we’ll travel to Rampur by minibus, which will take us approx. seven hours including plenty of stops to appreciate the scenery.
Drop-off: As with the first night we will spend the last night of the project in Kathmandu. We recommend that onward travel is planned for at least one day after the project end date to allow for any travel delays - accommodation is easily arranged.
VISA AND PASSPORT
Information is correct at time of going to press. Please check with the relevant embassy for any changes. Any traveller in Nepal can stay on a tourist visa for 5 months each year at c.US$1 per day. You can arrange visas in advance through the Nepalese embassy in your country or at Tribhuvan International Airport on arrival (although this can take some time). The visa fee is renewable up to 5 months.
HEALTH
The best up-to-date information on health issues can be found at the NHS 'Fit For Travel' website.
MONEY
The rupee (Nepali: रूपैयाँ) is the official currency. It is subdivided into 100 paisa.
There are lots of shops, restaurants and hotels and a few banks where you can change money in Kathmandu. US Dollars are generally preferred, although English pounds are usually accepted. Travellers cheques are the safest method and there a few cash machines in Kathmandu. When changing money, bear in mind that it is difficult to change it back. This can only be done at the airport with a high level of commission and requires you to submit receipts for the initial exchange to prove you have not changed it on the black market. Therefore bring with you small amounts of cash and travellers cheques in small units, nothing bigger than £20. We suggest you bring approx £100 for your own expenses.
FOOD
We try to use local produce on BTCV holidays. There may not be snacks so please bring your own if you want them. Please ensure to notify us of any dietary requirements. Nepali food will be provided three times a day. It includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. Nepali food mostly consists of rice, wheat bread, vegetable curry, Dhal (lentil soup) and occasional meat.
WEATHER
Nepal has a diverse climate; summer is normally the hot, humid and rainy season. Expect hot weather and the possibility of occasional dramatic rainstorms.
Lightweight clothes and hats that protect from the sun are often best.
Have a look at the weather here
LANGUAGE
Official language in the country is Nepali.
CULTURE
You may find the following cultural issues useful to know:
- Do not enter the kitchen unless invited
- Do not touch food etc with your left hand, unless you are left handed and you explain this
- Take your shoes off when entering a house (sandals are useful).
This Wikipedia Entry on Nepal provides a very comprehensive guide to the country, its history and culture. Essential reading!
LIFE
We'll be living with families in the villages - why not get a head start and learn a couple of basic greetings?
Namaste (pron: Namasdea) = Used to respectfully greet people at any time. Its meaning is near to good morning, welcome or hello.
Dhanyabad (as it sounds) = Thank you
Life in the village will be quiet, it is a good idea to bring one or two books and some games. Games which don’t require any verbal communication are great for playing with the families. If you are musical, then bring along a musical instrument. Magic tricks are always a hit as well!
A WORD ON SECURITY IN NEPAL
Political instability and the activities of the so-called 'Maoists' have increased in the past few years since BTCV has been working here. It has always been our desire to continue our support for this valuable project and we have determined to continue working as long as it is possible. With the recent peace accord and new political structures in place, we believe that this is behind us. In recent years we have developed a lot of experience of dealing with the inconveniences of local troubles - mainly expressed in country-wide strikes that affect transport. We continue to take security seriously and liaise closely with the British Embassy when we are in Nepal. In the event of significant changes to the situation, we will continue to keep you informed.
TIME ZONE
Nepal is in the Nepalean Timezone, which is UTC+5:45 and therefore 6:45 hours ahead of the UK.
PHONE International country code: +977
RISK ASSESSMENT
All BTCV projects are subject to a detailed assessment of associated risks and threats. View a summary of the Risk Assessment for this project.
