Getting ready for my next adventure to the "Land of Himalayas" or the "home of snow", Nepal.
Mt. Everest is part of the Himalaya Mountain which is known all around the world for its great height.
To say greetings in their local language and to respect are just a few should know when visiting a new place and meeting new people.
Customs and Etiquette
"Namaste", "Namaskar", "Namaskaara" or "Namaskaram" is a traditional greeting of the Nepali and for showing respect to one another.
"Namah + te" = namaste which means “I bow to you” - my greetings, salutations. It is done with the palm facing close together near the chest,just below the chin and bow head to the person to greet, "Namaste".
Take off shoes when entering their temple or home.
Be prepared to hear a lot of horn. It serves as the best help for drivers to save lives as there are a lot of narrow roads.
When it's Yes! - move your head side to side. No! - nodding head up and down. This is awkward for me since in my country it is totally the opposite. Yes, nodding head up and down and for No - is the side by side head movement.
Stepping on someone's feet accidentally, you pay back the respect by tapping the person's shoulder, and then your forehead.
Now this is the pain when I have few days there. Don't expect punctually. Public buses don't run on time, road traffics are unpredictable. So expect delay at all levels from getting a bus, taxi, plane and getting a room in your hotel. Awwww!
People spit and throw stuff everywhere- there is no law against littering. Don't complain, just go about your business, ignore it. This explains why our passengers simply throw their rubbies in the cabin.
Getting Nepal Tourist Visas
A Visa is necessary to enter Nepal and can be obtained from any Royal Nepalese Embassy or Consulate or at the entry points in Nepal.
Single entry tourist visas can be obtained by paying US $30 for 60 days. Presentation of a valid passport, two passport size photos and fees.
Airport Tax
Passengers departing from the Tribhuvan International Airport are required to pay an airport tax of Rs. 900 if going to SAARC countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) and Rs. 1100.00 to all other international destinations. Domestic airport tax is Rs. 165.
Foreign currency exchange rates are published in local English daily newspapers such as The Rising Nepal and The Kathmandu Post. Nepalese Rupees are found in denominations of 1000, 500, 250, 100, 50, 25, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are found in denominations of 10, 25 and 50 paisa. One rupee equals 100 paisa.
Office Hours
Embassies : Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
Government : Sunday - Friday 10am - 5pm
Banks: Sunday - Friday 9am - 3pm, Saturday : till 12pm
Shops : 10am - 8pm, usually closed on Saturdays
Food Corner
Nepalese Momo-cha is a must try. Dumplings filled with minced meat, served steamed or fried, popular appetiser hmmm.
Chatanmari - Rice flour pizza with meat or egg topping or plain. A just reward after a hard day’s sight-seeing.
Ask Me, No not me. Ask the telephone operator for some information Tel:4427806.
Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) 4472256 / 4472257. Police 100.
Lover's In Nepal Song
"Love Will Keep Us Alive" by Eagles
... i will die for you
... climb the highest mountain ...
:-)
I am coming.
