Ecotourism in Nepal:
Naturally Tuned for Amazing Adventures

Ecotourism in Nepal is a special journey rich in history, culture, arts, and green adventure opportunities.

Nepal is a kingdom nestled between India and China's Tibetan Autonomous region. Home to Mt. Everest and the Himalayas or Himal (a Nepalese word meaning range), some of the highest mountains in the world, Nepal is a magnet for mountaineers of all skill levels and ages. But its geography varies dramatically, offering something for everyone--the lowlands in the Jhapa district go from 70 meters above sea level to the highest peak in the world, Everest, at 8,848 meters.

Mount Everest lures climbers for one of the ultimate summit gambles.

The Himalayas form the northern border of Nepal, then cede to the Hills region, which includes the capital Kathmandu and ranges in elevation from 500 to 3,000 meters. And finally, the Terai region in the south flatter forested and cultivated areas. It is also home to exotic wildlife including the rare one-horned rhino and the Royal Bengal tiger.

In addition to spectacular geography and wildlife, the tapestry of ancient history and culture in Nepal is captivating on its own. The architecture, art and culture of ancient Asian civilizations are on display in temples and monuments all over the Kathmandu valley. UNESCO declared it a world heritage site in 1979. And the remote Karnali zone, home to the Shey Phoksundo National Park, is a fantastic region for wildlife viewing.

Nepal: Before You Go

Health Care. Check for the latest requirements for vaccinations and health warnings in Nepal. Generally, you want to be up to date on Hepatits A and Typhoid. Depending on the area you'll be travelling in you may also need immunizations for Hepatitis B, malaria and Japanese encephalitis. For a link to vaccination recommendations and health watches, check our health and safety page.

Water must be purified before drinking or using it to brush your teeth. Beware of ice as well. And milk should be boiled.

Timing. If trekking is your dream, Fall (early October to early December) and Spring (early March to the end of April) are the best times to head to Nepal. Fall is mostly clear weather with chilly nights while Spring mornings usually start clear and then move to showers by the end of the day. Summer is the monsoon season, and Winter is much colder.

Entry. With the exception of Indian nationals, everyone entering Nepal must carry a valid passport and must have a visa for entry.

Safety. Nepal has historically experienced unrest between the government and Maoist rebels. Checking travel warnings before you leave home and while you are there are a good way to keep aprised of current situations. Our health and safety page will link you to current travel warnings and alerts. If you do have encounters with Mao rebels, they are generally polite and not violent with tourists. However, they may ask for and expect tourists or tour groups to pay a donation to them in certain regions. It is not advisable to get into an argument with them, but to let your guide do the communicating and settle the situation. Just budget and be prepared for these arbitrary charges along the way.

In general, taking the same precautions in Nepal as elsewhere are a good rule of thumb: watch your belongings and guard against pickpockets and petty theft in your hotel rooms. When in the country, keep an eye on the local news and media to keep up to date on any political unrest so you can steer clear of it. A good just-in-case insurance policy is to budget for air travel within the country to bypass any road closures or blocks from any political upset.

Marijuana and hashish are grown in the Himalayas but are illegal to possess and even tourists can face harsh penalties, including jail, for possession.

Etiquette. A few behavioral guidelines can help make friends and keep your trip on good footing:
• dress modestly
• do not give or take anything with your left hand or touch things with your feet
• remove your shoes when entering a temple-some Hindu temples do not allow westerners
• greet people by pressing your palm against theirs and saying, "Namaste"
• ask permission before you take photographs, and
• avoid public displays of affection.

Considering Ecotourism in Nepal? Check out Ecotravel Packing Essentials.