Adventurous Nepal

Nestled between India and China lies the mysterious Nepal. Colorful prayer flags flutter in the Himalayan winds, yaks graze peacefully on the slopes, and Buddhist temples adorn the rugged landscape of one of the world's highest countries.

Nepal is among the most exceptional countries in the world. Between modernity and rural poverty, Nepal harbors an indescribable, mysterious character. The birthplace of Buddha captivates every visitor with its hospitable locals and peaceful religions. Admire ancient temples, experience serene solitude in the Himalayas, celebrate with the locals at one of the many vibrant festivals, and overnight in a mountain village above the roofs of the world. Many artists and authors have drawn inspiration from Nepal-yet none have found the right words. Nepal is something you simply must experience for yourself!

Situated between India in the south and China in the north, the democratic federal republic of Nepal is one of the poorest countries in Asia. It has endured a long-standing monarchy and a ten-year civil war. However, the Nepalese are very peaceful and hospitable. The country's population consists of over 50 different ethnic groups, and more than 120 languages and dialects are spoken here.

In tourist regions, English is also spoken. Most Nepalese are Hindu, but Buddhists and followers of other religions are also present. The country is characterized by the Himalayas, which is home to several eight-thousanders and, naturally, the highest mountain in the world-the Mount Everest.

In Nepal, you pay with the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). One Euro is roughly equivalent to 127 NPR (as of August 2018). ATMs can be found in all major cities, and credit card payments are generally accepted there. However, in more rural areas, it is advisable to carry adequate cash.

Unfortunately, the infrastructure in Nepal is (still) not on par with that of other, more tourist-friendly countries in Asia. There are buses that run within cities and to surrounding areas, but they can be unreliable due to strikes or breakdowns. The roads in Nepal can be quite adventurous, especially if you're heading into the mountainous regions. For about 50 km, you should plan for a good two hours of travel time. With an international driver's license, you may drive in Nepal for 15 days; after that, a Nepalese driver's license is required.

Nepal boasts a diverse climate due to its varying altitudes. Generally, the south of Nepal experiences a subtropical to tropical climate, while in the highlands, you can expect a temperate climate with cold temperatures depending on the season and altitude.

From June to September, regular rainfall occurs, especially in mountainous regions, leading to floods and landslides. If you are planning a hiking or trekking vacation, it is advisable to avoid this travel period. We recommend travel during the months of February to May or October and November. In December, temperatures can be very cold depending on the region, which can be uncomfortable as not all hotels have heating.

Nepal is not Mallorca. This should be clear to you if you are planning a trip to this distant land. Nepal is situated in a seismically active zone, so earthquakes can occur from time to time. You may remember-a devastating earthquake in 2015, which claimed thousands of lives, brought the world's attention to Nepal.

Spontaneous strikes, roadblocks, or accidents on the sometimes poorly developed road network are common. Exploring Nepal on your own is only recommended for truly experienced solo travelers. Otherwise, it is advisable to book your trip through a reputable and well-organized tour operator. That way, nothing will stand in the way of your adventure in this fascinating country!

If you plan to hike in Nepal, you should prepare well and not underestimate the height of the mountains. At an elevation of around 3,000 meters, there is a risk of altitude sickness, so be sure to allow enough time for acclimatization.

Only undertake guided hikes and do not overestimate your abilities. However, there are also plenty of hiking trails in Nepal for those who do not consider themselves extreme sports enthusiasts. A certain level of physical fitness is advised for a hiking holiday in the Himalayas. Additionally, current vaccination protection is beneficial since large parts of the Nepalese population are not adequately vaccinated.

To enter Nepal, you need a visa. You can obtain it either at border crossings or at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Conveniently, visa issuance in Nepal is handled by machines rather than border officials. However, remember to bring a recent passport photo, which is a requirement for your visa. The fee for a Nepal visa varies by length of stay: a 30-day tourist visa costs around 50 US dollars. Additionally, you need a passport that is valid for at least six more months. Entering with a temporary passport is currently also permitted according to the Foreign Office.

Alternatively, you can apply for your visa for Nepal at the embassies in Munich, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Cologne, or Hamburg. You can read all necessary information about entering Nepal in detail on the Nepalese embassy's website.

You can arrive either by airplane or through one of the border crossings from India or Tibet. However, the border crossings in Tibet are not always open depending on the political situation. For air travel, the best airports are Kathmandu or Pokhara. Unfortunately, there are currently no direct flights, so you should expect at least one layover-usually in China or India. Round-trip flights to Nepal can sometimes be found for as low as €400.

Prices in Nepal vary greatly by region and standards. Generally, prices are very affordable. Especially in rural areas, you can find really nice accommodations for very little money. However, it is wise to read a few reviews in advance, especially for cheaper hotels, as the standards can be quite low. Those who aren't bothered by that can easily find hostels in Kathmandu for €2 per night, with breakfast included for €3. A higher-standard hotel in a central location can start at about €50-100 per night. However, generally speaking, there is an option for every price category. Be sure to check out Airbnb if you're looking for accommodations in Nepal, where you can stay in homestays with Nepalese families.

In Nepal, you'll encounter not only majestic mountains and foreign cultures but also numerous attractions. Wander through ancient royal palaces, discover the largest lake in Nepal, and embark on adventurous safaris.

The Kathmandu Valley is nestled among snow-capped peaks, spanning approximately 950 km². At around 1,300 meters above sea level, the climate here is temperate and ideal for exploring numerous temples and stupas. The valley includes, besides the capital Kathmandu, the royal cities of Patan and Bhaktapur, as well as some smaller towns and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. During the great earthquake of 2015, many areas of the Kathmandu Valley were severely damaged but have largely been rebuilt since then. Currently, some monuments still appear on the UNESCO Red List of endangered world heritage.

The capital of Nepal is densely populated by local standards and impresses with vibrant culture and stunning temples. The old town is narrow, tight, and colorful. Here, both tourists and locals mingle. Stroll through Durbar Square, visit the old royal palace, let yourself wander through the city, and enjoy the decorated streets. Try local food and simply experience daily life in Nepal.

Moreover, here await the Swayambhunath temple complex, the Stupa of Boudhanath, and the Budhanilkantha temple. Experience the Hindu temples and shrines, let numerous monkeys accompany you along your way, spin the prayer wheels of Boudhanath, and see the God Vishnu on his serpent bed in Narayanthan. Allow yourself to be transported to another world and immerse yourself in the Hindu and Buddhist religions.

Patan, sometimes referred to as Lalitpur, is located just a few kilometers south of Kathmandu. The former royal city boasts its three-part royal palace and the adjacent Patan Durbar Square, which is significantly less crowded than the Durbar Square in Kathmandu. Surrounding the palace, you will find some smaller temples and shrines dedicated to various deities. In Patan, be sure not to miss the Kwa Bahal or Golden Temple. Admire the numerous gilded statues and prayer wheels inside the temple.

Bhaktapur, the city of the pious, is the smallest of the three royal cities in the Kathmandu Valley. Here, again, you can visit the royal palace and the corresponding Durbar Square, as well as the Taumadhi Square with its characteristic Nyatapola Temple, which is a worthy excursion destination.

Approximately 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu lies Nepal's second-largest city. Pokhara borders the deep blue Phewa Lake, framed by the panorama of the Himalayas. Especially in terms of beautiful temples and shrines, it doesn't fall short compared to the capital. Explore the Bindhya Basini temple in the old town, visit the Devi Falls, or take a stroll through the Lakeside district.

At the beautiful Phewa Lake in Nepal, numerous outdoor activities await you. Walk along the lakeside promenade, take a boat tour out on the water, or soar into the skies while paragliding. If you haven't had enough of Nepal's temples yet, you can also take a little hike up to the Peace Stupa.

Are you ready for an adventure? Then go on a safari through Chitwan National Park. Here, rhinos, monkeys, Asian elephants, dense jungle foliage, indigenous people, and, with a bit of luck, even one of the rare Bengal tigers await you.

Covering almost 1,000 km², this tropical park promises an experience you won't forget quickly. Drive through the jungle with the jeep, go crocodile spotting by boat, and gain insight into the raising of baby elephants. There is also a strong emphasis on animal protection here, so you can enjoy your adventure without any guilt!

No other place in the world is as significant to Buddhists as Lumbini. Here, over 1,500 years ago, Siddhartha Gautama was born. The birthplace of Buddha is now a major pilgrimage site.

While the city itself may not offer much, visiting the Maya Devi temple is certainly worthwhile. Visually, there are far more elaborate and beautiful temples in Nepal, yet there is a truly unique atmosphere here. The historic ambiance within the temple and the adjacent holy garden will captivate you.

In Nepal, hikers and trekking enthusiasts will find a wealth of opportunities, as it boasts several eight-thousanders. The most famous hiking destination is the Mount Everest. The roof of the world attracts numerous ambitious mountaineers each year who wish to fulfill a lifelong dream.

Unfortunately, in recent years, real overtourism has developed at the highest mountain in the world, leading to pollution and even increased fatalities. Since tours from the Nepalese side are significantly cheaper and conducted under less stringent controls than from the Chinese side, more and more people attempt to ascend the mountain. This has resulted in traffic jams and long wait times that have tragically cost lives.

The Mount Everest is not a tourist area. Only true professionals with years of preparation should attempt to go there. Popular treks to Everest Base Camp are, unfortunately, no longer allowed without a permit for tourists. Although they can be manageable for experienced amateur hikers (depending on the starting point), they do not counteract the increasing littering and mass tourism at Mount Everest.

If you want to hike in the Himalayas, there are numerous routes available in Annapurna National Park. The park around the namesake eight-thousander offers countless trekking routes for both beginners and experts and boasts fantastic views of the Himalayas.

You should never embark on your trip alone, but always with an experienced guide. However, other exciting activities await you in the Himalayas as well. Whether it's mountain biking, parasailing, rafting, or kayaking-there are plenty of opportunities for you to exert yourself!

Festivities in Nepal are lively and extensive-but quite different from what we know. Here, festivals are often celebrated over several days, usually in honor of a deity or the moon. What we now recognize from some larger cities as the Holi Festival of Colors has a long-standing tradition here. The colorful Holi festival is celebrated by Hindus in March to honor the deity Krishna and lasts approximately a week. Pilgrimage to Buddha Jayanti, the birthday of Buddha on April 30, in Lumbini, celebrate with disguised locals during Gai Jatra, the Cow Festival on August 19, or learn the elephant dance during the festival marking the end of monsoon season, Indra Jatra, also known as Yenya, which will again be celebrated from September 10 to 17, 2019.

The food in Nepal is truly fantastic. Vegetarians, in particular, will find a delight here, as the majority of the population abstains from meat for religious reasons or only consumes it on special occasions.

Meals are often eaten sitting on the ground and with hands. The proximity to India is also evident on the plate: lentils, beans, and vegetables are staples of the local cuisine. Seasonings include primarily onions, garlic, ginger, coriander, chili, lemon, and various chutneys. The highly spiced and often very hot pastes are served with most dishes and create an explosion of flavor. In Nepal, tea is widely consumed. Spiced teas and butter tea (made with yak butter) are the most common, while alcohol is consumed sparingly.

Nepal is a country for advanced travelers. With a little preparation, however, nothing can go wrong. The country enchanted us and transported us to a completely different world. The friendly people, the peaceful silence in the high Himalayas, and the feeling of having arrived where nothing is more important than simply existing. Although this may sound a bit esoteric, it is a sensation that will surely overcome you when you first gaze over the endless expanses of Nepal. Enjoy the fresh wind that plays with the colorful prayer flags and observe the peacefully grazing yaks. Nepal is a country that undoubtedly leaves a lasting impression.