Sherpana FAQ

Kathmandu International Airport now has computer visa processing stations in the immigration room which will take your picture for the visa, so technically you shouldn't need one. There is also the option of filling out the information and uploading a picture online before you arrive at: https://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/ However, I would recommend you still bring some hard copy passport pictures. If there is a really long line for the stations, then you can fill it out by paper and use the photos you have. A passport photo is also required to purchase a local sim card, which are very inexpensive. Basically, it doesn't hurt to have some and they don't need to be fancy, just take a selfie against a white wall and print them out at passport photo size. - view answer

Yes, SIM cards are cheap in Nepal and easy to get from any phone shop. You will need a copy of your passport and 2 passport photos in most cases. There are two networks in Nepal, NTC (Nepal Telecom) is the government run company, and Ncell is the private phone company. - view answer

The usual travel vaccines are recommended when traveling to Nepal. These include: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Meningitis. Up to date boosters are also recommended for Tetanus, Polio, Mumps, and Measles. For trekking, it's recommended that you bring a broad-spectrum antibiotic for potential stomach or respiratory infections (such as Amoxicillin, Norfloxacin or Ciprofloxacin). It is possible to pick up any of these in pharmacies throughout in Nepal, or you can bring it from home if you prefer. If your trek is going up to high altitudes some people like to take Diamox (Acetazolamide) which helps the body adjust to altitude. If you choose to take Diamox you need to start taking it before you get up to high altitude. Generic Diamox (Acetazolamide) is available in pharmacies around Thamel and other tourist locations in Nepal. If you are traveling to the Terai – the southern, flat, low lying region of Nepal – during the monsoon, you may want to take antimalarial medications. Antimalarial medication is usually not necessary outside the monsoon season, but you may want to discuss it with your health care provider. - view answer

There are many very good hotels in all price bracket in Kathmandu this isn't meant to be a list of all options but just some ideas to get you started.

On the budget end, I like the area of Paknajol which is near the northern end of Thamel but not in Thamel (the main tourist area in Kathmandu with lots of restaurants, hotels, and shops catering to tourists). Most guesthouses there have gardens and are much quieter than Thamel. This is the area I used to stay in when I first started coming to Nepal. Some of the hotels include: Nirvana Peace Home, Kathmandu Garden House, Yellow House, and Kathmandu Peace Guest House.

In the mid-range people seem to like Hotel Ganesh Himal, though I haven't personally been there.

The Yak and Yeti and Sharkar Hotel are popular hotels on the higher end and are close to Thamel (a 10 minute walk or so). Kathmandu Guest House, another popular high-end hotel, is in the center of Thamel.

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Most likely yes, but in most cases, you can get the visa on arrival either at the land border or at the airport in Kathmandu. There is also the option of filling out the information and uploading a picture online before you arrive at: https://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/ This can only be done within 15 days of your arrival, and you will need to print out the receipt with the bar code on it (you can't just show it on your phone). At the Kathmandu Airport there are computer stations where you can fill out the form online and it will take a picture for you. You can also do it the old fashion way and bring a visa photo and fill out the paper form at the airport.

Visa fees are:

• $25 USD for 15 days
• $50 USD for 30 days
• $125 USD for 90 days

You can extend the visa for $2 per day with a minimum of 15 days at the immigration office in Kathmandu or Pokhara. You can fill out the form online like you do for the visa at the same website.

For the most up to date information on Nepal visas go to: http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/page/visa - view answer