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Trekking on the Annapurna Circuit, Nepal

Nepalese Child, Demah, Nepal

Trekking on Thorang La Pass, Annapurna Circuit

Lonely Planet: Nepali Phrasebook
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Highlights

• Kathmandu is a, hectic city with fascinating history and culture hiding around every corner.

• The surrounding valley is often overlooked by most travellers who have come specifically for the trekking. If you have time check out the temples at Bhaktapur, Patan and Swayambhunath as well as numerous little villages and shrines dotted about the valley.

• The Terai is the lowland area of Nepal which follows the whole length of the Indian border. Here the Royal Chitwan allows the chance to see rhinoceros and the royal Bengal tiger.

• Pokhara is usually the next stop for travellers after Kathmandu as it is a great place to start many of the best known treks. It rests on the side of a lake with the towering Himalayan mountains nearby.

• Annapurna Skyline Trek (3 days) is a relatively easy warm up trek and offers great views of the Pokhara Valley and the Annapurnas.

• Trekking in the Himalayas is the main reason why most travellers come to Nepal. The top 6 treks are the Everest Base Camp Trek, the Annapurna Circuit, the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, and the  Helambu, Langtang and Jomsom treks.

Main travellers routes

• Most travellers arrive by flying into Kathmandu's international Airport.

• It is also possible to travel overland from India. This is a much cheaper option but may test your nerve.

• Buses and minibuses are the cheapest form of transport in Nepal but the roads are often in such bad condition that journeys are extremely uncomfortable. Travel on the rooftop is 'normal' and also allows you to keep an eye on your bag (as well as awesome views - just hold on tight!)

• More travellers are preferring to hire bikes.

• Organised Tours are a great way to see the country if you only have a limited time. These can be bought locally or in advance from the UK, (see Getting Around section for more details).

Capital

• Kathmandu

• Patan is the second largest city but is only separted from Kathmandu by a river.

Languages

• Nepali

• Engilsh is widely spoken in tourist areas, including the main trekking trails.

Currency  

• Nepali Rupee (Rs)

• The Indian Rupee is pegged to the Nepali Rupee and so can be used in Nepal.

Visas

• Visa required for UK Tourists.

Foreign Office Advice

• http://www.fco.gov.uk/travel/

Links

• Altitude Sickness

• Nepal Department of Tourism

• Nepal Travel Plan - Construct your own tour

Bhutan Links

• Bhutan Lha-Yul Tours & Travels