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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
South African citizens need a visa to visit Nepal for tourism or business.
VISA INFORMATION
WEATHER
General Climate: Nepal’s climate ranges from subtropical to temperate and alpine, with significant variations due to altitude.
Spring (March to May): Warm temperatures with blooming flowers and clear skies.
Summer (June to September): Rainy season with average temperatures ranging from 30 to 34°C (86 to 93°F). The Terai Plain is consistently warmer.
Autumn (October to November): Post-monsoon season with clear skies and pleasant temperatures, ranging from 21 to 25°C (70 to 75°F) during the day, and 8°C (47°F) in the early morning and evening.
Winter (December to February): Dry and cool with temperatures averaging 8°C (47°F) in the early morning and evening, and 21 to 25°C (70 to 75°F) during the day. The high-altitude regions experience much colder temperatures.
GENERAL INFORMATION
| Country: | Nepal |
| Capital City: | Kathmandu |
| International Airports: | Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) Pokhara Airport (Domestic and limited international flights) |
| Area: | 147,516 sq km (56,956 sq miles) |
| Population: | 30 million (2024 est.) |
| Time Zone: | UTC + 5 hours, 45 minutes |
| Religion: | Predominantly Hinduism Buddhist Muslim Other minority communities |
| Language: | Nepali (official), Various regional languages spoken |
| Currency: | Nepalese Rupee (NPR) – Units: 1 rupee = 100 paisa – Coins: 1 & 2 rupees – Notes: 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 rupees |
| Exchange Rate: | Please consult your local bank as exchange rates fluctuate. |
| Credit Card Payment Availability: | Availability: Major credit cards (MasterCard and Visa) are accepted by most local hotels, restaurants, and shops. |
| ATM Accessibility: | Available in major cities and tourist destinations; accepts all major cards. |
| Dialing Code: | +977 |
TRAVEL TIPS
| Electricity: | 220 V/50 Hz. Sockets may have either three round pins or two thick round pins. |
| Water: | Drink only bottled or treated water to avoid gastrointestinal issues. |
| Business Hours: | Government Offices:
– Monday – Thursday: 10:00 – 17:00 hrs (Summer) / 10:00 – 16:00 hrs (Winter) Shops: Typically close after office hours; tourist areas often have stores open late. Small towns may close around 20:00 hrs. Restaurants and bars have varied closing hours, usually around midnight. Coffee shops in five-star hotels are open 24 hours. |
| Banking Hours: | Sunday – Thursday: 10:00 – 15:00 hrs. Friday: 10:00 – 12:00 hrs. |
| Photography Restrictions: | Always ask for permission before taking photos inside temples or of local people. Many villagers may be uncomfortable with cameras due to religious or personal reasons. |
| Tipping: | General Tips: Around 10% of the bill total is usual. For establishments with a service charge, a separate tip may not be required.
Specific Amounts: – Porters: NPR 100 per piece of luggage |
| Vaccination Requirements: | Consult a vaccination centre before traveling. Check recommended inoculations at least a month prior. |
| Dress Code Restrictions: | – General: Wear adaptable, layered clothing. Cotton or cotton-blend fabrics are ideal. In cities, avoid shorts, miniskirts, and tank tops. Women should wear skirts below the knee or loose slacks; men should avoid going shirtless. – In Fall/Winter: Bring thick sweaters, fleece sweatshirts, and light jackets. A hat and collapsible umbrella are useful. |
| Peculiar Customs to Observe: | – Eating: Use the right hand for eating; the left hand is considered unclean. – Feet: Avoid pointing the soles of your feet towards someone or placing them on furniture. Apologize if you accidentally touch someone with your foot. Remove shoes when entering homes, places of worship, and burial sites. – Garlands: Remove flower garlands after a few minutes as a sign of humility. – Greetings: The traditional greeting is “Namaste” or “Namaskar,” with hands together in front of the chin and a slight head bow. |
FESTIVALS
- Dashain (October): A major Hindu festival celebrating the victory of good over evil.
- Tihar (October/November): Known as Deepawali, it is a five-day festival of lights and honours various animals.
- Holi (March): The festival of colours, celebrating the arrival of spring.
- Teej (August/September): A festival dedicated to women, celebrating marriage and fasting.
MAP
“Heaven is a myth, Nepal is real.”
– Unknown