Travel Guidelines
Travel Guidelines offer crucial information to ensure a seamless journey. These guidelines cover visa requirements, cultural norms, electrical standards, and currency details, tailored to your destinations: Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. For a hassle-free experience, carefully review the destination-specific guidelines provided by Jagadamba Holidays.
NEPAL:
Visa Requirements:
Most travelers require a visa to enter Nepal, which can be obtained upon arrival at the airport or from a Nepali embassy or consulate prior to travel. Obtain it upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or in advance from a Nepali embassy or consulate.
Passport Validity:
Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Nepal.
Permits:
Trekking in certain regions requires special permits (e.g., TIMS Card, trekking permits for restricted areas).
Health Precautions:
Recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and tetanus. If you are trekking at high altitudes in Nepal, be mindful of altitude sickness and take necessary precautions to acclimate gradually.
Local Customs and Religion:
Nepal’s cultural diversity is reflected in its predominant Hinduism and Buddhism. Dress modestly at temples and respect local customs by removing your shoes and avoiding public displays of affection.
International Flight Connections:
Tribhuvan International Airport, located in Kathmandu, is the main entry point to Nepal, offering international connections to various global destinations.
Domestic Flights:
Nepal’s domestic flights are essential for accessing remote areas. Popular routes connect Kathmandu with destinations such as Pokhara, Lukla, and Bharatpur.
Transportation:
In addition to domestic flights, transportation within Nepal includes buses, taxis, and rental vehicles. Local transportation can vary from traditional rickshaws to private cars and motorbikes, depending on the region.
Electricity:
Nepal’s electrical system operates at 230V with a frequency of 50Hz. The commonly used plug types are C and D. It’s advisable to carry a universal adapter if your devices use different plug types.
Phone and Internet Access:
Mobile phone coverage is widely available in major cities and popular trekking areas. Internet access is generally good in urban centers, with many hotels and cafes offering Wi-Fi. However, connectivity may be limited in remote regions.
Currency and Denominations:
Nepal’s official currency is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). Common denominations include banknotes of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 NPR, and coins of 1, 2, 5, and 10 NPR. ATMs are readily available in urban areas, and many hotels, restaurants, and shops accept credit cards for payments.
TIBET:
Travel Permits:
Foreign travelers must obtain a Tibet Travel Permit through a registered travel agency. Permits must be obtained through authorized agencies and are not issued directly to individuals.
Visa Requirements:
A Chinese visa is required to enter Tibet, which should be arranged before your trip.
Passport Validity:
Verify that your passport is valid for a minimum of six months from the date you enter to Tibet, China.
Health Precautions:
Vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid are recommended. Be prepared for high altitude and possible altitude sickness.
Local Customs and Religion:
Tibet is primarily Buddhist, with Tibetan Buddhism being the main religion. Show respect when visiting monasteries and religious sites. Dress modestly, and follow local customs, including the practice of turning prayer wheels clockwise.
International Flight Connections:
Lhasa Gonggar Airport is the main international airport in Tibet, with connections primarily through major Chinese cities like Beijing and Chengdu.
Transportation:
Within Tibet, transportation options include flights, trains, and private vehicles. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway offers a scenic route to Lhasa, while local transportation may involve taxis or rented vehicles for exploring the region.
Electricity:
Tibet uses a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz frequency. The common plug types are Type C and Type I. A universal adapter is recommended for travelers from regions with different plug types.
Phone and Internet Access:
Mobile phone coverage is generally good in Lhasa and other major towns, but may be limited in remote areas. Internet access is available in urban centers, though it can be slower and less reliable in more isolated regions.
Currency and Denominations:
The currency of Tibet is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Common denominations in China include banknotes of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 CNY, and coins of 1, 2, and 5 Jiao (a subunit of the Yuan). ATMs are available in cities, and credit cards are accepted in many establishments.
BHUTAN:
Visa Requirements:
A visa is required for entry into Bhutan. This must be arranged through a certified Bhutanese tour operator or travel agency, as individual visa applications are not accepted.
Passport Validity:
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of entry into Bhutan.
Tourism Policy:
Bhutan implements a “High Value, Low Impact” tourism strategy to ensure that tourism benefits both visitors and the environment, emphasizing quality experiences over quantity. All travel arrangements must be made through a licensed tour operator to ensure compliance with local regulations and standards.
Health Precautions:
It’s advisable to get vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid before traveling. If visiting high-altitude areas, allow time for proper acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness.
Local Customs and Religion:
Bhutan, a predominantly Buddhist nation, requires visitors to dress modestly, especially at religious sites and monasteries. Photography restrictions may apply in some areas, and it’s customary to remove shoes when entering temples.
International Flight Connections:
Paro International Airport is Bhutan’s primary gateway, with international flights mainly linking to cities in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
Domestic Flights:
Bhutan’s domestic flight network connects Paro with key locations such as Bumthang and Gelephu, enhancing travel within the country.
Transportation:
Travel within Bhutan is primarily via domestic flights, private vehicles, and taxis. The scenic mountain roads offer beautiful views, with most transportation services organized by tour operators.
Electricity:
Bhutan operates on a 230V, 50Hz electrical system. Common plug types include Type C, Type D, and Type G. A universal adapter is recommended for travelers.
Phone and Internet Access:
Mobile coverage is generally reliable in urban areas, and many hotels and cafes provide Wi-Fi. Internet access may be less consistent in rural regions.
Currency and Denominations:
The Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) is the national currency, pegged to the Indian Rupee (INR). Available denominations are banknotes of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 BTN, and coins of 1, 5, and 10 BTN. ATMs are available in key urban centers, and numerous businesses accept credit cards for convenience.
