Around The Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Ride-sharing services (bikes and cars) for convenient transport.
Download offline maps of the Kathmandu Valley for navigation without internet.
A helpful app for quick currency conversion.
Download the offline Nepali language pack for basic translation.
The official tourism body of Nepal, offering general tourism information.
Official website for accurate and up-to-date visa information, including online forms.
Consult well-regarded travel blogs and forums for recent traveler experiences.
Search for official local tourism boards or reputable travel agencies for inspiration and updates.
Search for podcasts about Nepali culture, history, or travel experiences related to the Kathmandu Valley.
Review broad travel information for Nepal.
Consider a comprehensive Guidebook for Nepal or the Kathmandu Valley. Detailed city maps of Patan are useful for navigating intricate alleys.
"Nepal" by John Whelpton provides a broad overview. "The Gurkhas" by Byron Farwell offers military history insights. Reading before your trip truly supports appreciation.
The Kathmandu Post and The Himalayan Times are English daily newspapers. They offer current events, local insights, and sometimes sections on tourism or culture.
Confirm specific visa requirements for your nationality. Apply for your visa if advance application is needed.
Secure your international flights, especially if traveling during Nepal's peak tourist seasons (Oct-Nov, Mar-May).
Begin researching and booking your accommodation in Patan, especially important for unique properties.
Visit a travel health clinic or your doctor to discuss recommended vaccinations and get prescription refills.
Obtain comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, evacuation, cancellation, and lost baggage.
Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel dates.
Confirm all flight, hotel, and tour reservations. Make several copies (digital and physical) of your passport, visa, and insurance. Store these separately from originals. Begin planning your packing list, considering climate and cultural norms. Install and familiarize yourself with essential apps.
Finalize packing, including a TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter and a LifeStraw water filter bottle. Share your itinerary and contact information with a trusted person at home. Obtain some Nepalese Rupees or small US dollar denominations for initial expenses. Fully charge all your electronic devices and power banks.
Secure your home. Stop mail and newspaper deliveries. Arrange for pet care and plant watering. Inform a trusted neighbor or friend of your travel plans.
A well-prepared traveler experiences a smoother and more rewarding journey.
