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Friday, 9 August 2019

What to do in Nepal: A first-timer’s guide

Situated in the Northwestern part of Asia, Nepal has been a prime destination for many aspiring adventure-seekers who are out to traverse its beautiful landscapes and trek the mountain ranges that have made this landlocked country of 26 million people an ideal tourism spot.
In fact, at least 7.5 percent of the country’s GDP is shared with its growing tourism sector.
There are a lot of adventures you can expect to find in Nepal, and first-time travellers might as well get started on booking a flight to the country to experience everything it has to offer. Sure enough, it will be an experience that will also astound and surprise even veteran travellers. You will have to make the most out of your first visit to Nepal, so here’s a guide to help you on your trip to this magical country. 
1. Plan your itinerary in advance
Like any well-meaning traveller, you might want to consider crafting your travel plans months ahead. This would mean booking your plane tickets and applying for a visa prior to arrival (although you may have the option of getting one once you get there). A great tip here is to make sure you carry extra passport photos with you just in case. Moreover, you will need to reserve a hotel room if you’re travelling to Nepal during the peak season, which is between September and November.
2. Exchange currencies ahead of time
Before your travel date, you will need to exchange your money into rupees. This will save you a lot of time as not many establishments accept other currencies (unless, of course, you are paying through international credit or debit). This should also spare you from hefty transaction fees when you're  exchanging your money in Nepal. Travellers should also be aware of the fact that it’s illegal to carry the local currency outside of Nepal. So, before departing, you may need to exchange whatever rupees you have left into US dollars.
3. Hire a guide if you consider trekking
Nepal is known for being a mostly mountainous region in Western Asia with tourists coming in to climb up famous peaks such as Manaslu and, of course, the ever-iconic Mt. Everest. However, considering that most of the trails leading up to these peaks are dangerous even for experienced climbers, you may need to hire a guide who can go with you on your journey for fees ranging from $30 minimum. You also need to plan out the best routes to take. For this, you might want to look into travel packages such as the Manaslu Circuit Trek that will show you the best scenery along the way.
4. Satisfy your gastronomic urges
Aside from offering breathtaking mountain views, Nepal also offers travellers some of the best food this side of Asia. Blending local and Indian influences, the exotic culinary tradition of the country has turned it into a foodie destination. You might want to start with famous dishes such as dal bhat and kwati, which is made from soybeans, mung beans, and chickpeas.
Nepal is beautiful in its own right. You just have to make the best out of your first-time journey to this unassuming yet amazing country!



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