Kathmandu -- Arrival
Air: The main arrival point for most travelers, Trubhuvan International Airport, is 6km (15-20 minutes) east of Kathmandu center near Pashupatinath Hindu Temple . Every international traveler will make his/her way through the arrival hall to immigration. All foreigners except Indians need a Visa to enter Nepal and if you did not obtain your visa beforehand, you can purchase one at the airport. You are recommended to have two passport size photos for Nepali Visas, however they have a photo booth at the airport that may... or may not be working. Fill out a Visa application (if purchasing at the airport) before going to the counter. You will then queue in the corresponding line based on your Visa status. Make sure to have your international currency available (US Dollars, Euro's, Japanese Yen, British Pounds, Swiss Franks) however check if your currency is valid. They have an ATM at immigration however it may be out of order so PLEASE have your currency ready before hand to avoid any delays. Officials may allow you to use the ATM's outside the airport to purchase your visa. Visa Rates are as follows: $25 (15 days), $40 (30 days), $100 (90 days). After you get your passport stamped and Visa approved go down to luggage and through customs. It's good to get transportation planned ahead of time as the porters and taxi drivers may try to rip you off and usually the better hotels will provide transportation from the airport for free. There are services such as ATM's right outside the airport, & a tourist information booth with a free map of Kathmandu. Please click on Advice/Overview link for more information. Land: Most buses stop at the new North Station about 10 minutes from Thamel. However the station is somewhat chaotic so you may want to ask the driver (if taking a mini bus) to drop you off at Thamel or your lodging along the way. Most travelers enter Nepal by land through various border crossings in India (Sunauli, Mahendranagar: closest to Delhi/Varanasi), (Kakarbhitta: eastern border crossing), (Birganj: closest to Kolkata), & the rarely used western border crossing of (Nepalgaj somewhat close to Lucknow). If entering from China & Tibet you must be part of an organized group and the borders with Tibet often close without warning so check the border status before hand. However, many Nepali travel agencies can organize tours for you to make entering Nepal less hassle. You can also drive into Nepal by various motorized vehicle however you will need the correct permits and an International Driver's License. |