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Practical Information

Practical Information

Kathmandu To Pokhara, Nepal

Staying Connected

Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NTC) are main mobile service providers in Nepal. Ncell typically features better tourist packages and reliable coverage.

Getting a SIM

  • Purchase upon arrival at Kathmandu airport or authorized retailers.
  • Passport copy and a passport-sized photo for registration.
  • SIM cards are inexpensive, and data packages are affordable.

Internet and Wi-Fi

Most hotels, guesthouses, and cafes in Bandipur offer free Wi-Fi for guests.

Connectivity Details

  • Connection speed can vary.
  • Usually sufficient for browsing, messaging, basic communication.
  • In remote areas or during power outages, connectivity can be limited.
Portable WiFi from Solis Wi-Fi is an option.

Navigating Language

Nepali is the official language of Nepal. English finds wide use in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and by guides.

Translation Tools

  • Download the Nepali language pack on Google Translate for offline use.
  • A small Nepali phrasebook can prove helpful for quick reference.
  • English less common in very rural settings.
For deeper learning, consider Rosetta Stone.

Operating Schedules

General Times

  • Shops: Generally open from around 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
  • Restaurants/Cafes: Typically 7:00 AM for breakfast until around 10:00 PM.
  • Government Offices: Usually 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Sunday to Thursday), Fridays close earlier.

Essential Nepali Phrases

Common Greetings

  • Hello/Namaste: (Nah-mah-stay)
  • Thank you: Dhanyabad (Dhuhn-yah-bahd)
  • Excuse me/Sorry: Maaf garnus (Mahf gahr-noos)
  • How much?: Kati ho? (Kah-tee ho?)

Helpful Terms

  • Water: Pani (Pah-nee)
  • Yes: Ho (Ho)
  • No: Hoina (Hoy-nah)
  • Delicious: Mitho chha (Mee-tho chhah)

Travel Logistics & Funds

This guide presents direct, actionable advice on daily logistics to blend smoothly into the local environment.

Airport Services

Consider Priority Pass for independent airport lounge access.

Flight Disruptions

For flight delays/cancellations, Compensair offers compensation assistance.

Money Management

Plan cash withdrawals; ATM availability can limit itself in smaller towns like Bandipur.

Banking & ATMs

Banks generally operate from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Sunday to Friday. ATMs remain accessible 24/7.

Cash Access

  • Availability can limit itself in smaller towns.
  • ATMs might occasionally run out of cash.
  • Advisable to withdraw cash in larger cities.

Public & Seasonal Closures

Nepal observes numerous public holidays throughout the year, many linked to religious festivals (e.g., Dashain, Tihar).

Operational Notes

  • Banks, government offices close.
  • Some businesses may have limited hours.
  • Transportation services might see reduced frequency or higher demand.

Financial Planning

Currency Notes

  • Nepali Rupee (NPR) serves as currency.
  • Exchange at banks or authorized centers.
  • Carrying smaller denominations proves useful.

Budgeting Tips

  • Local food typically saves money.
  • Guesthouses generally budget-friendly.
  • Public transport presents cheaper options.

Smooth Operations

This information supports organizing daily needs efficiently.

Engaging with Culture

Engaging respectfully with local culture enriches your experience and fosters positive interactions.

Respectful Greetings

The traditional Nepali greeting is "Namaste" or "Namaskar."

Practice "Namaste"

  • Press palms together, fingers pointing upwards.
  • Thumbs close to your chest.
  • A respectful way to acknowledge others.

Appropriate Attire

Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples, religious sites, or rural villages.

Modesty Guidelines

  • Avoid overly revealing clothing.
  • Shoulders remain covered.
  • Knees remain covered.

Dining Etiquette

Always use your right hand for eating and for giving or receiving items.

Meal Manners

  • Do not share food directly from your plate.
  • Tipping is appreciated but not always expected.
  • Refer to specific guidelines for tipping amounts.

Photography Permissions

Always ask permission before taking photos of people, especially children, or within religious ceremonies or private homes.

Respectful Photography

  • Accept "no" respectfully.
  • Do not photograph inside temples without explicit permission.
  • Respect people's privacy.

Taboos & Social Awareness

Cultural Taboos

  • Do not point with your feet, as feet are considered unclean.
  • Do not touch people's heads, as the head is considered sacred.
  • Avoid public displays of affection, as Nepali society is generally conservative.

Social Sensitivity

  • Do not criticize the monarchy or local politics in public.
  • Step around, not over, people sitting on the ground or their food.
  • While LGBTQ+ rights progress, public acceptance varies.

Gender Considerations

Societal Norms

  • Nepali society maintains general conservatism.
  • Public displays of affection are rare for any couple.
  • Exercise discretion in public.

LGBTQ+ Progress

  • LGBTQ+ rights progress in Nepal.
  • Recognition of a third gender.
  • Public acceptance varies, especially outside major cities.

Positive Interactions

Knowing how to respectfully interact with locals makes your trip more enjoyable.

Accessibility Details

Nepal's infrastructure, including Bandipur's, poses challenges for travelers with mobility needs.

Infrastructure Challenges

Nepal's general infrastructure is not built to be wheelchair-friendly.

Bandipur Specifics

  • Bandipur's cobbled streets present difficulties.
  • Hilly terrain and numerous stairs limit easy navigation.
  • Ramps are rare, and sidewalks are often uneven or non-existent.

Limited Accessible Options

Most public transportation (local buses, shared jeeps) and heritage sites are not designed for accessibility.

Navigation Advice

  • The main street of Bandipur is pedestrian but its surface is uneven.
  • Many guesthouses reside in multi-story traditional buildings with stairs.
  • Very limited specialized services or infrastructure.

Support for Impairments

Visual Impairments:No specialized services
Hearing Impairments:No dedicated infrastructure
Travel Companion:Highly recommended
Navigation:Assistance often beneficial
Communication:Companion support invaluable
Information:Specific resources limited

Tailored Planning

Consider contacting specialized travel agencies for personalized advice and arrangements.