NEPAL:
Useful information to organize your trip
BHAKTAPUR
5 REASONS TO VISIT NEPAL:
1. BUDGET: NEPAL IS A VERY AFFORDABLE DESTINATION, WITH AN EXCELLENT PRICE-QUALITY RATIO.
Nepal is a veteran in tourism; tourist services and everyone working in the sector know exactly what you want and what you are looking for, and are extremely efficient in providing services and facilities at very affordable costs. We were fortunate to pay only 15 USD for three nights in a very clean room, with hot water and a fan. In cities, we spent about 20-25 USD per night for accommodations in boutique hotels with fantastic locations, impeccable services, cleanliness, air conditioning, and breakfast included!
2. SAFETY: NEPAL IS A VERY SAFE DESTINATION:
Walking alone at night through narrow streets with few people around is not frightening in Nepal. Nepal's tourism tradition, dating back to the 1970s with the hippie trail, is based on love and respect for tourists and the tourism industry. Generally, it is rare to be cheated or exploited in tourist places like hotels, restaurants, or travel agencies. However, it is always advisable to use common sense and handle transactions gracefully.
3. AUTHENTICITY: NEPAL IS A DIFFERENT AND UNIQUE DESTINATION:
Nepal has been isolated for centuries and has maintained its independence, preserving its unique culture and vibrant traditions. It is one of the few authentic countries that still exist in a world tending towards homogeneity. A trip to Nepal may seem like a journey back in time, with many features reflecting a traditional and ancient way of life. From local markets to cities, to hour-long bus journeys through rural landscapes, you can meet sincere and simple people, immersing yourself in an atmosphere that seems to belong to a bygone era. The astonishing spiritual beliefs, such as the "living goddess" figure or the child monk, along with the evocative Cremation Temple, h
4. VARIETY: A DESTINATION WITH A VARIETY OF THINGS TO SEE:
Exploring Nepal offers a rich and varied itinerary, ranging from nature to history, architecture to adventure. Among the available experiences are safaris to spot endangered animals like the rhinoceros and Bengal tiger, rafting, trekking, excursions, encounters with ethnic groups, yoga practices, and moments of spirituality, just to name a few.
5. FOOD: NEPAL IS A DESTINATION WHERE YOU EAT WELL:
Although dal bhat is often considered the only Nepalese dish, in reality, with over 120 ethnic groups, each with its culinary culture, along with immigration from Tibet and proximity to India, Nepalese cuisine is extremely diverse and delicious. It's not just about spicy and "scary" dishes, but you can find interesting, delicious, and even surprising culinary experiences, such as hot beer, dried fermented spinach soup, or niche products like Nepalese tea and coffee grown on the slopes of the Himalayas.
Nepal is a veteran in tourism; tourist services and everyone working in the sector know exactly what you want and what you are looking for, and are extremely efficient in providing services and facilities at very affordable costs. We were fortunate to pay only 15 USD for three nights in a very clean room, with hot water and a fan. In cities, we spent about 20-25 USD per night for accommodations in boutique hotels with fantastic locations, impeccable services, cleanliness, air conditioning, and breakfast included!
2. SAFETY: NEPAL IS A VERY SAFE DESTINATION:
Walking alone at night through narrow streets with few people around is not frightening in Nepal. Nepal's tourism tradition, dating back to the 1970s with the hippie trail, is based on love and respect for tourists and the tourism industry. Generally, it is rare to be cheated or exploited in tourist places like hotels, restaurants, or travel agencies. However, it is always advisable to use common sense and handle transactions gracefully.
3. AUTHENTICITY: NEPAL IS A DIFFERENT AND UNIQUE DESTINATION:
Nepal has been isolated for centuries and has maintained its independence, preserving its unique culture and vibrant traditions. It is one of the few authentic countries that still exist in a world tending towards homogeneity. A trip to Nepal may seem like a journey back in time, with many features reflecting a traditional and ancient way of life. From local markets to cities, to hour-long bus journeys through rural landscapes, you can meet sincere and simple people, immersing yourself in an atmosphere that seems to belong to a bygone era. The astonishing spiritual beliefs, such as the "living goddess" figure or the child monk, along with the evocative Cremation Temple, h
4. VARIETY: A DESTINATION WITH A VARIETY OF THINGS TO SEE:
Exploring Nepal offers a rich and varied itinerary, ranging from nature to history, architecture to adventure. Among the available experiences are safaris to spot endangered animals like the rhinoceros and Bengal tiger, rafting, trekking, excursions, encounters with ethnic groups, yoga practices, and moments of spirituality, just to name a few.
5. FOOD: NEPAL IS A DESTINATION WHERE YOU EAT WELL:
Although dal bhat is often considered the only Nepalese dish, in reality, with over 120 ethnic groups, each with its culinary culture, along with immigration from Tibet and proximity to India, Nepalese cuisine is extremely diverse and delicious. It's not just about spicy and "scary" dishes, but you can find interesting, delicious, and even surprising culinary experiences, such as hot beer, dried fermented spinach soup, or niche products like Nepalese tea and coffee grown on the slopes of the Himalayas.
Ason Market, Kathmandu
aRRIVAL AT THE KATHMANDU AIRPORT
NEPAL VISA ON ARRIVAL - SIM CARD - EXHANGE MONEY - TAXI TO THE CITY
For the arrival visa, we filled out a form online before leaving Italy. This expedited the procedures, but there were still QR code announcements on the walls at the airport explaining how to proceed with the visa on arrival. We showed them our first hotel's address, paid in USD or EUR per person, and immediately got the visa. There is an exchange office with very expensive commission rates that can resolve your currency problems for the visa on arrival, as they only accept EUR or USD. We wanted to change our money there, but they recommended we try outside since their exchange rate was not convenient. We loved the honesty.
There were no other forms to fill out, contrary to what we had read on other blogs. After the arrival visa, we headed to the immigration police, who asked for our boarding cards and hotel address—nothing more.
After collecting our baggage, there was a long queue for security where they x-ray your luggage and search your clothes. After this security control, we found a shop to purchase SIM cards, along with an official taxi reservation desk and Yetimoney exchange office. We did everything at this point, but we saw many more while we were exiting the airport. We changed 1 EUR for 139 rupees, while inside the rate was 108. The next day in Kathmandu, we saw the same exchange rate. Over the next few days, we observed higher rates as it fluctuates, but mostly the exchange offices apply similar rates, even in tourist areas.
For a SIM card, you need to bring a photo, fill out a form, and provide your passport for a copy. (Bring more than one photo of yourself, as during your trip in Nepal, you may be asked for more photos, like for Durbar Square entrance permits, etc.)
We paid 950 rupees (almost 8 USD/9 EUR) for the taxi from the airport to Thamel. This is the honest taxi rate for the night shift. If you download the Idrive App, which is like the Uber of Nepal, you need to pay cash, but you can pay around 600 rupees on the way back from Thamel to the airport. Our hotel wanted to charge us more, as they included the return trip.
After exiting, there were more money exchange shops, SIM card vendors, and even travel offices in the corridor.
Considering that it was midnight when we arrived, they were all open and provided very efficient service.
For the arrival visa, we filled out a form online before leaving Italy. This expedited the procedures, but there were still QR code announcements on the walls at the airport explaining how to proceed with the visa on arrival. We showed them our first hotel's address, paid in USD or EUR per person, and immediately got the visa. There is an exchange office with very expensive commission rates that can resolve your currency problems for the visa on arrival, as they only accept EUR or USD. We wanted to change our money there, but they recommended we try outside since their exchange rate was not convenient. We loved the honesty.
There were no other forms to fill out, contrary to what we had read on other blogs. After the arrival visa, we headed to the immigration police, who asked for our boarding cards and hotel address—nothing more.
After collecting our baggage, there was a long queue for security where they x-ray your luggage and search your clothes. After this security control, we found a shop to purchase SIM cards, along with an official taxi reservation desk and Yetimoney exchange office. We did everything at this point, but we saw many more while we were exiting the airport. We changed 1 EUR for 139 rupees, while inside the rate was 108. The next day in Kathmandu, we saw the same exchange rate. Over the next few days, we observed higher rates as it fluctuates, but mostly the exchange offices apply similar rates, even in tourist areas.
For a SIM card, you need to bring a photo, fill out a form, and provide your passport for a copy. (Bring more than one photo of yourself, as during your trip in Nepal, you may be asked for more photos, like for Durbar Square entrance permits, etc.)
We paid 950 rupees (almost 8 USD/9 EUR) for the taxi from the airport to Thamel. This is the honest taxi rate for the night shift. If you download the Idrive App, which is like the Uber of Nepal, you need to pay cash, but you can pay around 600 rupees on the way back from Thamel to the airport. Our hotel wanted to charge us more, as they included the return trip.
After exiting, there were more money exchange shops, SIM card vendors, and even travel offices in the corridor.
Considering that it was midnight when we arrived, they were all open and provided very efficient service.
Kathmandu Airport, midnight, all services wide open and efficiently operative.
Purchasing SIM CARDS in Nepal
Arrived at Kathmandu Airport, Kumari had our curiosity..
TRANSPORTATION IN NEPAL
HOW TO MOVE WITHIN THE CITIES:
IDRIVE:It is recommended by everybody as it is safe and cheaper. Just download the app IDRIVE (not EDRIVE!). You still need to pay in cash after the ride, but at least you know the amount, which may vary according to peak hours, similar to Uber.
Moreover, the drivers tend to call you immediately when you reserve one, as they know that the shown pick-up point on the app might not be the right one. Since not all of them speaks English, it's better to send messages with the exact spot where you are waiting for the cab.
We almost always used Idrive, as it saved us the time of negotiating. However, we may have spent more time meeting with the driver since the map does not always recognize your exact location, so you should be careful about specifying your pick-up point.
And the funniest difficulty is recognizing the Nepali numbers on the license plates! The Nepali numbers are different from ours, so it is necessary to memorize some of them to avoid getting into the wrong cab!
Moreover, the drivers tend to call you immediately when you reserve one, as they know that the shown pick-up point on the app might not be the right one. Since not all of them speaks English, it's better to send messages with the exact spot where you are waiting for the cab.
We almost always used Idrive, as it saved us the time of negotiating. However, we may have spent more time meeting with the driver since the map does not always recognize your exact location, so you should be careful about specifying your pick-up point.
And the funniest difficulty is recognizing the Nepali numbers on the license plates! The Nepali numbers are different from ours, so it is necessary to memorize some of them to avoid getting into the wrong cab!
how to move BETWEEN the cities
TOURIST BUS: The bus is the only option you have if you do not want the risky, expensive, and unreliably scheduled plane option or renting a car with a driver. Renting a car to save time won't work due to the current condition of the roads, which seem likely to remain this way for at least the next five years. For example, traveling a distance of 120 km can take 7-8 hours! All buses traveling between cities are called tourist buses; the term "tourist" is not reserved for foreigners. You will be traveling with locals as well.
You can choose between deluxe tourist buses and sofa tourist buses. The buses are the same, with identical routes and schedules; the only difference is the passenger seats. We tried both. The first time, from Kathmandu to Chitwan, we took a normal (deluxe) tourist bus as we didn't want to take a cheesy tourist bus with exaggerated TV sofas inside. Since it was our first bus trip in Nepal, and hopefully the shortest, we enjoyed it but were exhausted. The next time, as we couldn’t find seats on the deluxe bus, we took the sofa tourist bus. We then understood the appeal of these enormous sofas. You feel fewer bumps on the road due to these sofas, making the 199 km journey in 12 hours relatively comfortable.
The buses stop every 2.5 hours in convenient places with many (rather clean) bathrooms. To purchase bus tickets, you can ask your hotel or visit a travel agency. Otherwise https://nepaltouristbus.com/ shows all the schedules and prices and you can purchase online.
BUS FROM KATHMANDU TO CHITWAN/SAURAHA: The deluxe bus costs 850 rupees, and the sofa lux bus costs 1200 rupees. It is only 120 km, but due to the curves and road conditions, it took 7 hours. Our bus departed at 7 AM from Thamel. Since we were in Bhaktapur that day, we took the bus from Baba Petrol Station at 7:45 AM. We reserved our tickets by phone, calling Chitwan Safari Travel's WhatsApp number from their website and pay on the bus. We had the number of the bus driver's assistant, who kept us informed of their arrival as we were literally waiting in the middle of the highway! We arrived in Chitwan at 2 PM, although we were told we would arrive at 12 PM!
BUS FROM CHITWAN/SAURAHA TO POKHARA: We left the Chitwan Bus Station in Sauraha at 7:30 AM and arrived in Pokhara at 2:30 PM. The distance is only 150 km, with nice views, and it took us 7 hours. We purchased our bus tickets at the hotel. There were other options at 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM as well. The cost was 900 rupees for deluxe and 1200 rupees for sofa buses. Online, they cost a little bit more.
BUS FROM POKHARA TO KATHMANDU: Buses leave in the morning and at night. Given the road conditions, it is not safe to travel at night. The distance between Pokhara and Kathmandu is around 200 km, and it took us 10,5 hours to reach. The bus left at 7.30 and we arrived at around 18.00. The bus left us on the road instead of a terminal and we took a taxi after a little negotiation taking reference from idrive app.
Buses leave in the morning and at night. Given the road conditions, it is not safe to travel at night. The distance between Pokhara and Kathmandu is around 200 km, and it took us 10.5 hours to reach. The bus left at 7:30 AM, and we arrived at around 6:00 PM. The bus dropped us off on the road instead of at a terminal, and we took a taxi after a little negotiation, using the Idrive app for reference.
You can choose between deluxe tourist buses and sofa tourist buses. The buses are the same, with identical routes and schedules; the only difference is the passenger seats. We tried both. The first time, from Kathmandu to Chitwan, we took a normal (deluxe) tourist bus as we didn't want to take a cheesy tourist bus with exaggerated TV sofas inside. Since it was our first bus trip in Nepal, and hopefully the shortest, we enjoyed it but were exhausted. The next time, as we couldn’t find seats on the deluxe bus, we took the sofa tourist bus. We then understood the appeal of these enormous sofas. You feel fewer bumps on the road due to these sofas, making the 199 km journey in 12 hours relatively comfortable.
The buses stop every 2.5 hours in convenient places with many (rather clean) bathrooms. To purchase bus tickets, you can ask your hotel or visit a travel agency. Otherwise https://nepaltouristbus.com/ shows all the schedules and prices and you can purchase online.
BUS FROM KATHMANDU TO CHITWAN/SAURAHA: The deluxe bus costs 850 rupees, and the sofa lux bus costs 1200 rupees. It is only 120 km, but due to the curves and road conditions, it took 7 hours. Our bus departed at 7 AM from Thamel. Since we were in Bhaktapur that day, we took the bus from Baba Petrol Station at 7:45 AM. We reserved our tickets by phone, calling Chitwan Safari Travel's WhatsApp number from their website and pay on the bus. We had the number of the bus driver's assistant, who kept us informed of their arrival as we were literally waiting in the middle of the highway! We arrived in Chitwan at 2 PM, although we were told we would arrive at 12 PM!
BUS FROM CHITWAN/SAURAHA TO POKHARA: We left the Chitwan Bus Station in Sauraha at 7:30 AM and arrived in Pokhara at 2:30 PM. The distance is only 150 km, with nice views, and it took us 7 hours. We purchased our bus tickets at the hotel. There were other options at 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM as well. The cost was 900 rupees for deluxe and 1200 rupees for sofa buses. Online, they cost a little bit more.
BUS FROM POKHARA TO KATHMANDU: Buses leave in the morning and at night. Given the road conditions, it is not safe to travel at night. The distance between Pokhara and Kathmandu is around 200 km, and it took us 10,5 hours to reach. The bus left at 7.30 and we arrived at around 18.00. The bus left us on the road instead of a terminal and we took a taxi after a little negotiation taking reference from idrive app.
Buses leave in the morning and at night. Given the road conditions, it is not safe to travel at night. The distance between Pokhara and Kathmandu is around 200 km, and it took us 10.5 hours to reach. The bus left at 7:30 AM, and we arrived at around 6:00 PM. The bus dropped us off on the road instead of at a terminal, and we took a taxi after a little negotiation, using the Idrive app for reference.
Tourist Bus, "Tourist" is not a term reserved for foreigners.
Chitwan Bus Station
Inside the Deluxe Bus
when to go to nepal - the weather
We traveled to Nepal at the end of April and the beginning of May, hoping to see rhododendrons in full bloom. The cold weather was long gone, replaced by temperatures above 30 °C. Despite the lack of humidity, we encountered mist, pollution, forest fires, and locals burning grass, which is typical for this season.
In Nagarkot, where we included in our itinerary solely to enjoy the Himalaya views from our balcony, the locals informed us that it was no surprise we couldn't see the Himalayas during this season unless it rained.
In Pokhara, the view of the Annapurna Range was elusive, even from high vantage points, due to forest fires. Still, we had a wonderful trip, but we regret missing the breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
The weather was hot but not suffocating. In Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, the temperature was above 30 °C. However, it felt like 27-28 °C, which is optimal, as there was no humidity and no direct sun rays due to the mist and pollution. In Chitwan, it was around 40 °C, which initially concerned us, but it was bearable thanks to the dry weather. In Pokhara and Nagarkot, it was slightly cooler, around 26°C, offered us a refreshing change from the heat.
Worst Time to Visit Nepal: During the monsoon season (June-August), it's the worst time to visit Nepal. The heavy rainfall deteriorates road conditions, leading to frequent road closures. Safaris in Chitwan come to a halt during this period. While the cities may still be enjoyable to visit since the rain typically falls at night, it's essential to consider the muddy and inconvenient travel conditions.
Best Time to Visit Nepal: Autumn or winter is the best time ti visit Nepal. Some recommend winter to sidestep the peak season, but I believe there's no need, as costs remain reasonable and tourist numbers are not as high as in popular destinations like Thailand. In the future, we would like to have a vindicating vacation in Nepal just to see the Himalayan views, as we only saw them in pictures during our trip. We would opt for autumn, steering clear of the late season, as I don't fare well in cold weather, and winter months can be quite chilly, especially for trekking.
In Nagarkot, where we included in our itinerary solely to enjoy the Himalaya views from our balcony, the locals informed us that it was no surprise we couldn't see the Himalayas during this season unless it rained.
In Pokhara, the view of the Annapurna Range was elusive, even from high vantage points, due to forest fires. Still, we had a wonderful trip, but we regret missing the breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
The weather was hot but not suffocating. In Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, the temperature was above 30 °C. However, it felt like 27-28 °C, which is optimal, as there was no humidity and no direct sun rays due to the mist and pollution. In Chitwan, it was around 40 °C, which initially concerned us, but it was bearable thanks to the dry weather. In Pokhara and Nagarkot, it was slightly cooler, around 26°C, offered us a refreshing change from the heat.
Worst Time to Visit Nepal: During the monsoon season (June-August), it's the worst time to visit Nepal. The heavy rainfall deteriorates road conditions, leading to frequent road closures. Safaris in Chitwan come to a halt during this period. While the cities may still be enjoyable to visit since the rain typically falls at night, it's essential to consider the muddy and inconvenient travel conditions.
Best Time to Visit Nepal: Autumn or winter is the best time ti visit Nepal. Some recommend winter to sidestep the peak season, but I believe there's no need, as costs remain reasonable and tourist numbers are not as high as in popular destinations like Thailand. In the future, we would like to have a vindicating vacation in Nepal just to see the Himalayan views, as we only saw them in pictures during our trip. We would opt for autumn, steering clear of the late season, as I don't fare well in cold weather, and winter months can be quite chilly, especially for trekking.
Poor visibility in Pokhara due to fires and pollution on May 2, 2024
ACCOMODATION in nepal:
where to stay
We always prefer only very well-reviewed small hotels. Good ratings on Trip.com or Booking.com rarely disappoint; in fact, they were all very clean and provided decent service. In Chitwan, we opted for a homestay, but it turned out to be a family-run small hotel, very efficient and very clean.
WHERE TO STAY IN KATHMANDU:
We usually prefer to stay at the historical hearth of the cities, close to the main square of the city but in Kathmandu it was not the case, at least not just nearby. Thamel is without discussion is the right place to stay in Kathmandu. It is in anyway walking distance to the Durbar Square.
WHERE TO STAY IN BAKHTAPUR:
In this charming town, everything is within walking distance. We chose a small, historic, and very affordable boutique hotel close to Taumadhi Square rather than Durbar Square, which turned out to be the right choice as Taumadhi Square was more lively at night. Its proximity to the highway and the city walls was convenient, as taxis could easily enter and exit to accompany us, eliminating the need to walk.
WHERE TO STAY IN CHITWAN:
Sauraha is often described as the most touristy and crowded option. However, Nepal never feels overwhelmingly touristy. We didn’t want to isolate ourselves in a distant lodge, as we imagined the safari culture here would be different from Africa. We were pleased with our choice of Sauraha, located right at the entrance of Chitwan National Park. It offers travel agencies, numerous restaurants, and riverside bars perfect for sunset views. The area is also ideal for exploring by bike.
WHERE TO STAY IN KATHMANDU:
We usually prefer to stay at the historical hearth of the cities, close to the main square of the city but in Kathmandu it was not the case, at least not just nearby. Thamel is without discussion is the right place to stay in Kathmandu. It is in anyway walking distance to the Durbar Square.
WHERE TO STAY IN BAKHTAPUR:
In this charming town, everything is within walking distance. We chose a small, historic, and very affordable boutique hotel close to Taumadhi Square rather than Durbar Square, which turned out to be the right choice as Taumadhi Square was more lively at night. Its proximity to the highway and the city walls was convenient, as taxis could easily enter and exit to accompany us, eliminating the need to walk.
WHERE TO STAY IN CHITWAN:
Sauraha is often described as the most touristy and crowded option. However, Nepal never feels overwhelmingly touristy. We didn’t want to isolate ourselves in a distant lodge, as we imagined the safari culture here would be different from Africa. We were pleased with our choice of Sauraha, located right at the entrance of Chitwan National Park. It offers travel agencies, numerous restaurants, and riverside bars perfect for sunset views. The area is also ideal for exploring by bike.
RIVERSIDE RESTAURANTS IN SAURAHA, CHITWAN
WHERE TO STAY IN POKHARA: Places stay in Pokhara are around the long street surrounding the lake and the steep, sloping streets that intersect with this avenue. The areas with the market, caves, and waterfalls in Pokhara are far and less enjoyable.
POKHARA STREETS
SAFARI GUIDE to CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK AND PRICES
Your hotel might offer tour packages, but you can also explore options at travel agencies along the main street and riverside in Saurahu Town. If you head to the riverside, independent guides might approach you with potentially cheaper tour options. Be cautious with walking tours, as prices may vary.
We have chosen to get a complete safari package canoe + walking tour + jeep safari from our homestay Rhinoceros Homestay there were many good reviews in internet. Actually we were quite satisfied with the tour and the competency of our guides.
Here's a breakdown of some park entrance fees and tour costs:
* Park Entrance Fee: 4,000 rupees
* Elephant Breeding Center (ethics debatable): 100 rupees
* Combined morning canoe ride, walking tour, and afternoon jeep tour (group): 6,500 rupees per person
* Private jeep tour (full day): approximately $250 for two people
* Private walking tour (full day): approximately $120 for two people
Read more about Chitwan National Park and Saurahu
We have chosen to get a complete safari package canoe + walking tour + jeep safari from our homestay Rhinoceros Homestay there were many good reviews in internet. Actually we were quite satisfied with the tour and the competency of our guides.
Here's a breakdown of some park entrance fees and tour costs:
* Park Entrance Fee: 4,000 rupees
* Elephant Breeding Center (ethics debatable): 100 rupees
* Combined morning canoe ride, walking tour, and afternoon jeep tour (group): 6,500 rupees per person
* Private jeep tour (full day): approximately $250 for two people
* Private walking tour (full day): approximately $120 for two people
Read more about Chitwan National Park and Saurahu
kathmandu durbar square:
hOW TO EXTEND YOUR TICKET for free
- Kathmandu Durbar Square entrance ticket costs 1000 NPR per person, which is around 6-7 EUR/USD (as of now, July 2024, considering currency fluctuations).
- This ticket is typically a single-entry pass. However, you can extend it by visiting the municipality office within Durbar Square until the end of your trip in Nepal.
- To extend your ticket, you'll need your passport, arrival visa, and a passport-sized photo. It's advisable to carry extra passport photos and a copy of your passport while in Nepal.
- The extension process is usually quick unless a large tourist group is ahead of you.
The office where you can extend your Durbar Square Entrance Ticket.
5 curiosities about Nepal:
1. Most of the Nepalese eat only this dish every meal, everyday and all day in all their lives:
Dal Bhat.
Dal Bhat is a traditional meal consisting of steamed rice (bhat) and lentil soup (dal), often served with a variety of accompaniments such as vegetables, pickles, and curd.In rural parts of Nepal it is the only way to eat lunch or dinner. In many traditional Nepalese restaurants, when you order Dal Bhat, you often get unlimited refills.
Dal Bhat.
Dal Bhat is a traditional meal consisting of steamed rice (bhat) and lentil soup (dal), often served with a variety of accompaniments such as vegetables, pickles, and curd.In rural parts of Nepal it is the only way to eat lunch or dinner. In many traditional Nepalese restaurants, when you order Dal Bhat, you often get unlimited refills.
Dal Bhat
Rice is not cultivated everywhere in Nepal; therefore, millet or grain flakes serve as substitutes at higher altitudes.
Dal Bhat can be served either vegetarian or with meat options such as buffalo or chicken.
2. THERE IS A LIVING GODDESS IN NEPAL called KUMARI:
Nepalese believe in a living goddess who is a little girl chosen meticulously after severe tests and kept close until her menstruation begins.
The incarnation of Goddess Kali is believed to be in her blood, and whenever she loses some blood, the Goddess changes her body, therefore, a new Kumari must be chosen. You can catch a glimpse of her from her balcony for a few minutes in Kathmandu's Durbar Square. Read Nepal itinerary.
Nepalese believe in a living goddess who is a little girl chosen meticulously after severe tests and kept close until her menstruation begins.
The incarnation of Goddess Kali is believed to be in her blood, and whenever she loses some blood, the Goddess changes her body, therefore, a new Kumari must be chosen. You can catch a glimpse of her from her balcony for a few minutes in Kathmandu's Durbar Square. Read Nepal itinerary.
You are not allowed to take pictures of the Kumari. This is the official portrait displayed all around the city. She is only 4 in this pic., but she is 9 now.
Kumari's balcony, where she appears for non Hindus several minutes during the day.
3. Women during their period are out of home.
In Nepal, Hindu women during their menstrual cycle, stay in a small hut called a Chhau Goth for five days. Efforts to end this tradition are underway by the government,however, in rural areas, changing this practice remains challenging. Regardless of weather conditions, women and girls are still expected to stay in "period huts" during menstruation.
In Nepal, Hindu women during their menstrual cycle, stay in a small hut called a Chhau Goth for five days. Efforts to end this tradition are underway by the government,however, in rural areas, changing this practice remains challenging. Regardless of weather conditions, women and girls are still expected to stay in "period huts" during menstruation.
4. Numbers are different in Nepal.
You will understand as soon as you try to read the car plate of your local uber app, Idrive. The numbers are completely different and not easy to memorize, especially after 10. You have to merely memorize all the numbers as there's no pattern or method to help you combine numbers to form two-digit numbers for easier recall.
You will understand as soon as you try to read the car plate of your local uber app, Idrive. The numbers are completely different and not easy to memorize, especially after 10. You have to merely memorize all the numbers as there's no pattern or method to help you combine numbers to form two-digit numbers for easier recall.
5. Nepal is in Year 2081, 57 years ahead of the rest of the World:
Nepali Sambat, the official and traditional calendar of Nepal. It's a combination of lunar and solar calendars. Nepalese people use it to understand their horoscopes accurately from this calendar as well as the ceremony dates. The months have different names than the rest of the world, and the New Year is usually in October or November.
Nepali Sambat, the official and traditional calendar of Nepal. It's a combination of lunar and solar calendars. Nepalese people use it to understand their horoscopes accurately from this calendar as well as the ceremony dates. The months have different names than the rest of the world, and the New Year is usually in October or November.
IT IS ALREADY 2081 IN NEPAL