Preparing a Trip for Nepal

How do I get to Nepal?
In order to fly directly to Nepal from your home country, Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu is the only international airport in Nepal. Thai Airways, Gulf Air, Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Korean Air, Etihad Air, Silk Air, Air Arabia, Druk Air, Jet lite, Dragon Air, Air China carry most of the foreign travelers to Kathmandu. If you buy tickets from any other airlines, you will probably connect with one of these airlines for the final leg of your flight.

Alternatively, if you have valid visa, you can also travel to Nepal via India and Tibet (China).

When is the best time to visit Nepal?
October and November are considered the best time of the year. The main festivals of Dashain and Tihar (greatest Hindu festivals) fall during these months. The sky will remain clear and pleasant temperature. February-May are also good time for travel, as you will see rhododendron blooming in the mountains while you are on trek. December and mid-February will be snowy and cold in the mountains.

What are my options to come to Nepal from India?
You can fly between Delhi and Kathmandu as there are many flights available in this sector.

Do I need visa to enter Nepal?
All foreign nationals, except Indian citizens, need visa to enter Nepal.

What do I need to get my visa?
You need a valid passport, two passport size photos and money.

Where do I apply to get my visa?
The best way to apply for visa is from the Royal Nepalese diplomatic missions in your home country. The other choice is to get it from Immigration office at the entry points of Nepal.

How to book the trip?
To book any of our trips, you are requested to fill our online booking form or just send us a simple e-mail with your requirements. We charge 5% of the total trip cost, which is non-refundable. Then we will send you a comprehensive trip itinerary after booking.

 What are the entry points of Nepal?
They are:

• Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
• Kakarvitta(Jhapa)- Eastern part of Nepal that has border with India
• Birgunj, (Parsa)- Central part of Nepal that has border with India.
• Jamunaha (Nepalgunj)( Banke, mid-western part that has border with India)
• Mohana(Dhangadi)(Kailali, Far western part that has border with India)
• Gadda Chauki (Mahendranagar)(Kanchanpur, Far western part that has border with India)

What are my options to come to Nepal from India?
Please note that Delhi-Kathmandu-Delhi flight is very busy and without proper reservations in advance it is difficult to get the seats.
Alternatively, you can travel overland to Nepal from India by bus. There are three main entry points: Sunauli-Bhairahawa, Birgung-Raxual and Kakarvita. The sunauli border crossing is the best option to make entry into Nepal from Varanasi, the Birgunj crossing is the easiest from Calcutta and Kakarbhitta is the best crossing point from Darjeeling and Sikkim. These overland trips from India can be quite long and stressful and do not recommend for those people who want to have carefree travelling.

What is the Payment Method?
You can pay us by cash or Travel/check/visa or master card while booking the trip with us. There will be certain bank charge if you pay by credit card.

Preparing a Trip for Tibet

Can I travel to Tibet by myself?
No, according to Chinese immigration rules and regulations, individual travel to Tibet is not allowed. You need to join a group and we can help you to make your travel permit and visa for Tibet.

What is the best time to visit Tibet?
The best time to travel to Tibet is between May and October. The weather during this time is pleasant, sunny and mild.

Do I need a guide when I go to Tibet?
The Chinese government requires that all travelers be accompanied by a tour guide at all times to take care of travel’s safety.

Could you give me some advice on clothing when traveling in Tibet?
Temperature differs dramatically between day time and night. Lhasa, the capital city, could have a temperature during daytime of around 10-25 centrigade, but at night, temperature may plummet to 0 centigrade or lower. You are advised to bring thick, warm jackets when traveling to Tibet. The roads are very dusty so you may also wear dark colored clothing.

What’s the standard of food in Tibet?
Tourism in Tibet is still in its infancy stage; therefore the quality of restaurants will not be as high as in other parts of China. In Lhasa, Shigatse, and Lhatse you will have varieties of western food but in other parts of Tibet Tibetan/ Nepalese food are the main cuisines. However, the restaurants are usually clean even if they are basic in remote or far away from major cities/ towns.

Is custom tailoring possible in Tibet?
Yes, you can design your own tour with our help to meet your unique interests. Let us assist you to tailor make your own Tibet experience.

What are the hotels like in Tibet?
The number of 5 star hotels in major cities of Lhasa, Shigatse and Gyantse is limited. These hotels have central heating which is used in winter but no cooling is available in summer.

preparing a trip forBhutan

When is the best season to travel to Bhutan?
The best season to visit Bhutan is from March to May and September to November. However, some tourists prefer to visit Bhutan in the low season as well. Because there are abundant choices in terms of accommodation and flight booking can be done very easily.

Do we need to cover travel insurance?
Yes, we advise you to get your insurance cover from you home country.

How do we make the payment?
Once the tour is confirmed with us, we will provide you secure and safer mode of payment.

Is my advance payment safe and secure?
Yes, your payment is safe and secure because your advance payment goes directly to the government account. As a rule, the tour operator receives their service charge after the tour is completed satisfactorily.

What kind of hotels do you use?
We use the best available hotels in each tourist destination, which are approved by the Royal Government of Bhutan for the tourist.

What kind of tour guide do you use for the trip?
We use the knowledgeable, experienced and English speaking guide. French, German and Japanese speaking guides be arranged for a group of 3 or above persons upon the additional tour cost.

What kind of transport vehicles are used for the trips?
We use 4 WD Toyota vehicles such as Hiece and land cruisers for a group of 1 to 2 persons, Hiece bus for a group of 3-7 persons and Deluxe Coaster bus for a group of 8-20 persons. All these vehicles are periodically checked and maintained and will be at your disposal at all times, with the drivers.

How to book a tour to Bhutan?
First of all we suggest you to visit “Bhutan Tours” page on our website, which includes various tours of Bhutan. Then, please select one of the tour of your interest. If you want to make any changes like having a day or more then in that case you need to inform us so that we can customize your itinerary accordingly. You can use our online tour booking form or send us an e-mail at info@royalmt.com.np.

Is it necessary to have visa and passport to visit Bhutan?
Yes, all foreign nationals, including children require a visa and passport to enter Bhutan.

What currency is used in Bhutan?
The main currency is of Bhutan is the Ngultrum (nu). The approximate exchange rate is 45.00 nu for one USD which varies according to the different exchange rates from time to time.

Can I pay in Euro, US Dollars or through credit card in Bhutan?
All the major currencies including Euro, US Dollars and Pounds are accepted in Bhutan. All the major credit cards like Visa, Master card and American Express are also accepted in the main hotels restaurants and shopping centers in Bhutan.