Staying Safe
You've planned, booked, trained, and packed – now it's about your time in Nepal itself! To ensure you can enjoy your adventure without worries, it's good to be prepared for the practicalities on site. How do you stay safe? How does money work? And how do you stay in touch?
Don't worry, Nepal is generally a very safe country for travelers, and the people are incredibly friendly and helpful. As your guide, my absolute priority is to look after your safety – be it on the trek, in the jungle, or in the hustle and bustle of the city. We take care of the organization in the background so you can focus on the experience. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind yourself:
Safety at Every Step
No matter where you are, a healthy dose of mindfulness is always good.
Listen to Your Guide!
This is perhaps the most important tip, especially when trekking. I know the trails, the potential dangers (weather changes, trail conditions, altitude), and the local conditions. Please follow my instructions and advice – they are for your safety and well-being. Stay on the trails and close to the group.
Keep an Eye on Weather & Trails
The weather in the mountains can change in a flash. Always be prepared for rain, wind, or even snow (layering principle!). Pay attention to the trail: Is it slippery? Are there loose stones? Especially after the monsoon, paths can be damaged or landslides can be a risk. We will adjust the route if necessary.
Interacting with Animals
Whether it's yak herds on the trek, monkeys at temples, or rhinos in the national park: always maintain a respectful distance from wild animals and also from pack animals. Do not feed or provoke them. You can find detailed information in the Wildlife Chapter
General Caution - City & Country
Even though Nepal is safe: Be mindful of your valuables in crowds (markets, bus stations) (pickpocketing can occur, but is not extremely common). Avoid walking alone through unknown alleys at night. Use the hotel safe for valuables you don't need. For solo travelers, especially women, the usual precautions as in other countries apply.
Money Matters: Dealing with the Nepalese Rupee (NPR)
The currency in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). The exchange rate fluctuates, but roughly you can expect about 1 EUR = 140-150 NPR or 1 USD = 130-135 NPR (as of early 2024 – please always check the current rate!).
- Cash is King: Especially outside of Kathmandu and Pokhara, and particularly on trekking tours, you will need cash. Card payment is usually not possible in lodges, small shops, or for local transport. Make sure you have enough cash with you, ideally also in smaller denominations (100, 500, 1000 NPR).
- ATMs: In Kathmandu (especially Thamel) and Pokhara (Lakeside), you will find numerous ATMs that accept international cards (Maestro, Visa, Mastercard).
- But: Fees can be high (both from the Nepalese bank and your home bank).
- There is often a withdrawal limit per transaction (e.g., 10,000 or 35,000 NPR).
- ATMs can be empty or have technical issues. Don't rely on them at the last minute!
- Important: Inform your bank about your trip abroad before you leave so your card doesn't get blocked!
- Exchanging Money: You can easily exchange EUR or USD at official exchange offices or banks in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Compare rates and watch out for any commissions. There are also exchange counters at the airport (often with a slightly worse rate). Do not exchange money on the street!
- Credit Cards: Are only accepted in larger hotels, upscale restaurants, and some larger shops in the cities. They are unsuitable for everyday use and in rural areas.
Bargaining: In markets, souvenir shops, or for taxi rides (without a meter), bargaining is common and part of the experience. Always remain friendly and respectful! Start with a counter-offer that is about 50-70% of the asked price, and meet somewhere in the middle. In restaurants, lodges with fixed prices, or regular grocery stores, bargaining is not done.
Stay Connected: Phone & Internet
Even on vacation, you sometimes want to communicate with home or look something up.
- Local SIM Card: Highly recommended! A Nepalese prepaid SIM card (from NTC or Ncell) is cheap and easy to get (at the airport or in many shops in the city). You will need a passport copy and a passport photo. This allows you to make cheap calls and use mobile internet.
- Coverage: In cities and lower altitudes, network coverage is usually good. On trekking tours, it quickly becomes patchy to non-existent the higher and more remote you get. Don't expect continuous connection in the high mountains!
- Wi-Fi: Most hotels and guesthouses in tourist centers, as well as many lodges along the main trekking routes (e.g., Everest, Annapurna), offer Wi-Fi.
- But: It is often chargeable (per hour/day or data volume) and can be very slow and unreliable, especially when many people are using it. Don't stream movies; use it for important messages.
- Emergency Communication: On very remote treks, I often carry a satellite phone or radio for safety. Inform your family that you may be unreachable for extended periods during the trek.
Important Documents & Contacts
Safety first – also for your papers.
Make sure to make copies (digital on your phone/cloud AND as paper printouts) of your most important documents:
- Passport (page with photo and data)
- Visa for Nepal
- Flight tickets
- Insurance policy (incl. emergency number!) Keep the copies separate from the originals! In case of loss of the originals, this greatly facilitates their replacement.
Also, note down important phone numbers:
- My contact details (which you will receive upon booking).
- The 24-hour emergency number of your international health insurance.
- The contact details of your home country's embassy in Kathmandu.
With these practical tips in mind, you can set off more relaxed. And don't forget: I'm here to support you with any questions and problems on site!
In the last chapter of preparation, we'll discuss respectful travel – how to behave appropriately culturally and protect the environment.