Get Ready!

Volunteering at Chay Ya

At this point we have gathered all kinds of information about a trip to Nepal. This will give you a first look at how to get to Nepal, how to get your visa and what you should take with you.

(December 2019)

There is just one international airport in Nepal, the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. However, there are lots of small airports spread over the country, due to the lack of a proper road system. The best way is to check different comparing sites in the internet to find the most suitable and cheapest flight to Nepal. Sometimes it can be cheaper to fly via bigger airports like Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok or Qatar. You will find flights between 20 and 40 hours, depending on your budget and your place of departure. Normally flights are a bit more expensive in the main season, March-May and cheaper in the rest of the year. Of course, major holiday and festival dates are always pricier. Be that as it may, a single way ticket from Vienna should cost you between 300-500€ and a two ways ticket might cost you between 500-700€ (per person), luggage costs mostly an extra 15-20€. In most cases you will have a flight with two to three stopovers. 8 weeks before departure the airfares are often the cheapest, but you may be lucky to get a bargain much earlier, so check the different homepages regularly and use the “price alarm” option to get informed about a good offer.

Some suggested comparing sites (personal recommendation):

In all probability the flight will be very exhausting, therefore, prepare yourself, take a neck pillow, headphones or earplugs with you, a book to read or something else to do. If you have enough time for a short nap, it is advisable to take care of your own luggage during transits. The airport in Kathmandu will be quite a hustle and different from the airports you know. There are no proper security controls and it will be from the first moment on very crowded and stressful. Make sure you have all your required documents with you in a folder, so that you don’t have to search for it in the middle of the chaos. Also make sure that you have the proper amount in US Dollars for your visa. As soon as you got your luggage and you are walking out the main gate, besides a lot of shouting rikshaw drivers, one of our members will be waiting for you and pick you up, if not otherwise discussed and arranged.

All immigrants except Indians must have a valid visa to enter Nepal. Nepalese consulates and embassies also issue these visas overseas without any problems. You can also get this visa at Tribhuvan International Airport or at national borders: Nepalganj, Birganj/Raxaul Bazaar, Sunauli, Kakarbhitta, Mahendranagar, Dhanghadi and at the Kodari checkpoint on the road to Tibet. Visas are issued for different durations, 15, 30 and 90 days, single or multiple entries. Already in Nepal, you can easily extend your visa at the embassy. In total you are entitled to spend 150 days per calendar year in Nepal. Children under 10 years need a visa but do not have to pay anything. Your passport should be valid for at least another 6 months.

Visa on Arrival at KTM Airport
To issue a visa on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu you must fill out the application form and provide a passport photograph. Those visa application forms are available on a table at the arrival hall at the airport in Kathmandu, to get a head start, you can download the pdf file below and have it already prepared with you, but it should be said, that this form may change over time and should be used as a guide and not official papers.

The costs for the visa vary with the length you intend to stay: 15 days → 30 USD, 30 days → 50 USD, 90 days → 125 USD

Procedure at the Airport:

  1. Have the application form filled out, either in the plane, at home or in the arrival hall.
    If you haven’t filled out the application form prior your landing: In visa application machines, you can usually enter all your details. These are located on the left side of the arrival hall. First, queue up at one of these machines to enter your information and you will receive a receipt.
  2. Go to the end of the hall with your passport, the form, the money and a passport photo (you will probably need two photos). There you will pay your visa and receive a receipt; the color of the receipt differs for the length of your stay.  
  3. Go to your right where you will find different counters depending on the length of your stay. Wait your turn and your visa will be issued to you in your passport. Make sure you entered the correct date and that’s it. The whole process can take from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the season and how well the machines work.

Remarks: After you have filled out your application form DON’T head for the visa counters. First you need to pay for your visa at a different counter at the end of the hall, signposted as “Visa Fee Collection Counter”.

For up-to-date information, please visit the Nepalese Immigration website.

We highly recommend having the money in small denominations and in USD, although bigger currencies like euros and British pounds as well as Nepali Rupee should be accepted, with USD you are on the safer side. If you want your visa to be multiple entry an additional 20 USD are charged, the 90-day visa should include this fee, but ask at the immigration counter at the airport to be sure.

Tip: Always carry some passport photos with you, in case you need an extra one at an immigration office, for a trekking permit or other purposes. If you ran out of pictures, there are several places all over Kathmandu and bigger cities in Nepal where you can get more.

Application abroad
The visa can be issued in any Nepalese embassy. However, since Nepal is a small and developing country, you should check in advance whether the consulate or embassy in your country is still occupied and working. In Austria there is only one Nepalese consulate in Vienna.

Visa extension
Once in Nepal the visa can be extended up to 150 days in total per year. You must go to the Immigration Office (online also possible), fill in the registration form, present another passport photo and pay the fee in USD. The visa renewal fees are:

  • 15 days or less= 30 USD
  • More than 15 days = 2 USD per day
  • More than 30 days = 60 USD for 30 days

In addition to the daily fee of 2USD per day, there is usually an additional fee, which can be very arbitrary, but in most cases is around 10USD.

Visa overstay
You should not stay longer than your visa allows, otherwise you will face an expensive fine of 2 USD per day if you stay up to 30 days longer with an invalid visa. From the 31st day this fee increases to 3 USD and from 90 days onwards to 5 USD per day. If this fee is not paid, imprisonment must be expected.

In any case, a backpack is more practical than a suitcase in Nepal. Many of the volunteer sites can only be reached on foot or by motorcycle, so it is easier if you have a backpack. Pack easily and practicably, but don’t leave important things at home. Personal advice is not to give up certain things that are important for your personal wellbeing, that make you feel at home and make your life easier. May it be your favorite sweater, your tablet, your camera or 5 pairs of underwear. There will be moments when you feel exhausted and wish to lie in your comfortable bed at home. Especially in such moments little things can help you to get better quickly.
Here you will find a subjective packing list, some things you won’t need personally, other things may be missing from the list, but they are important for you.

Most airlines allow you 20kg of luggage for an international flight, but some only 15kg. Therefore, check the conditions of the flight you have booked carefully to avoid unnecessary costs at the airport. Apart from that, it is recommended not to pack more than 15kg, as you will have to carry your backpack for some parts of your trip and experience has shown that it will grow from one souvenir or another anyway. So you’d better start with less and leave a little room for maneuver.

Some things that should be mentioned

  1. Be aware that you will use most of your hygiene products outdoors, in nature and there is no wastewater treatment. This means that the products you use can damage the immediate environment and environment. Be aware of this when you buy detergent, shower gel or toothpaste.
  2. Garbage is a huge problem in Nepal and there is no functioning garbage/recycling system. You can make a positive or at least non-deteriorating contribution by not buying disposable water bottles, but having your bottle with you and filtering the water through tablets, a straw, boiling etc. It might even be worth thinking about buying a water purifier, such as the lifestraw, or a bottle from Dopper, which is the first Cradle to Cradle bottle and supports projects in Nepal itself.
  3. Personally a must is the pacsafe Travelsafe, with which you can safely store and lock your valuables wherever you are.
  4. A silk sleeping bag or a thin insert can protect you from mosquitoes, beetles, bedbugs and unclean/unhygienic bed linen. It is also an additional heat shield and makes your sleeping bag a few degrees warmer.
  5. Don’t use ordinary towels and get either synthetic or linen travel towels that take up much less space and weight, dry faster and are easier to wash. Although synthetic travel towels dry very quickly, they also quickly take on a foul odor. Linen towels feel better and are more environmentally friendly.
  6. A suitcase scale can save you a lot of money when it comes to your dirty clothes, as you pay for them according to KG. Apart from that, if you buy some souvenirs in Nepal, it might be a good idea to know in advance whether you are exceeding the permitted baggage allowance.
  7. Finally, many of the items on the list can be purchased in Kathmandu. There are countless outdoor shops in Thamel offering all kinds of hiking gear, sleeping bags, headlamps, robes, jackets, etc. and other shops where you can find hygiene items such as shampoo and soap.
 

Emphasis on the vowels

  • a like the ‘u’ in ‘hut’
  • ā like the ‘ar’ in ‘garden’ (without the ‘r’ sound)
  • e like the ‘e’ in ‘best’ but longer
  • i like the ‘I’ in ‘sister’ but longer
  • o like the ‘o’ in sold
  • u like the ‘u’ in ‘put’
  • ai like the ‘i’ in ‘mine
  • Ow like the ow in cow

Emphasis on the consonants
Most Nepalese consonants are similar to those in English. Exceptions are the so-called retroflex consonants and the dotted consonants. The retroflex consonants are produced by a curling of the tongue, where the tip of the tongue touches the palate while the sound is pronounced. Dotted consonants sound more energetic than in German or English and are produced by a short expulsion of air. The dotted combinations ph and th in Nepalese are often confused with their English counterparts in words like ‘phone’, ‘teeth’ and ‘thin’. In Nepali ph is pronounced like ‘p’ in ‘pit’ and th like ‘t’ in ‘time’.

Here you will find useful phrases and words clearly arranged, perfect to print out and take with you in your wallet.

Whether you decide to take out special travel insurance or use your credit card insurance is up to you. In any case we advise you to be insured during your time in Nepal in at least one way for medical cases. The health care system in Nepal is anything but good and even with minor problems you will be happy to be able to use a private hospital where the equipment is better, and the doctors have a better education. However, stays in these hospitals can quickly become prohibitively expensive. It is therefore good to have insurance that covers these costs. There is no health agreement between Austria and Nepal, so if you want to be covered in an emergency, you need a special insurance. These insurances can be taken out through different agencies, for short as well as for long periods. For short stays it may be that your credit card provides enough protection.

Things to consider when choosing travel insurance:

  • For how long do you want to be insured? This also raises the question of whether you want insurance for a single trip or multiple trips. If you are planning a longer trip, there are some insurances that offer up to one-year insurance, but there are only a few offers.
  • What is insured? There is a difference between a travel insurance, which simply insures you for travel related problems and emergencies, and a travel health insurance, which covers all health problems, no matter if they were caused by an accident during the trip. Read the policy carefully to see which activities, which accidents and which health problems are covered and which are not. Many insurance policies, for example, do not cover dental problems.
  • What is the excess? The excess is the amount you have to pay yourself in any case of emergency or claim. Some insurance companies have a higher excess than others. Those with a lower excess usually cost a few euros more per month but can be worth it if the deductible drops to almost zero. An example: If you need an operation, you might have to pay 500€ yourself and your insurance only covers you up to 15000€.
  • What is the sum insured? This is usually directly related to the deductible and the insurance fee. A lower insurance fee often results in a higher deductible and a lower sum insured. A few euros more can raise the sum insured from €100,000 to €500,000.
  • Is theft or loss of luggage included? Not all insurance policies include luggage and/or electrical equipment. Read exactly if and if it should be the case if there are also electrical devices included (usually they are not). Sometimes you can include these things in your insurance for an extra charge.
  • Which activities are covered? If you plan to go hiking, check your insurance carefully, because some only cover you for hiking accidents up to 4000-5000 meters above sea level and many do not cover you in Nepal, due to the uncertain government situation or only by a separate surcharge. Apart from that, certain activities may be excluded from coverage if they are classified as high-risk activities. Here, too, they can often be included for an extra charge.
  • Are there hidden clauses? Some insurance companies require you to take out a valid health insurance policy in your home country, which covers part of the sum insured. If you do not have this insurance at home and are not aware of it, you may have to pay a large sum out of your own pocket.
  • Are there age restrictions? Depending on your age, the policy may be more expensive or cheaper. With increasing age, it can also be that certain things are not (more) covered. Choose an insurance according to your needs and requirements.
  • What happens when you must cancel your trip and you must be brought home? Is your insurance covering you for the transportation in case of emergency? Are they coming up for non-refundable tickets?
  • What happens if you cancel your trip early? Can you cancel your insurance earlier? This is usually only possible if you pay your insurance monthly. If you pay the insurance fee in one sum in advance and take out your policy for a certain period, you can cancel the insurance. 
  • Which countries are insured? Many insurance companies offer this option with or without North America and the USA. Without both, the insurance is cheaper in almost all cases. But even if you do not plan to travel to one of these countries, you should make sure that the desired country is included in the insurance. Worldwide insurances are often no problem, caution is advised with Europe-wide insurances.
  • What is the protocol you should follow in case of an emergency? Do you first have to consult your insurance company which doctor you will consult or is this choice entirely up to you and you simply send the bills? Is there a 24/7 emergency number that you can reach day & night in urgent cases?

There are countless good insurances, choose one that best suits your needs and read the entire policy with care. Blogs, websites and comparison pages can help you to find the right insurance. In any case, be aware that:

CHAY YA NEPAL & CHAY-YA AUSTRIA ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY HEALTH/MEDICAL PROBLEMS. WE DO NOT COVER MEDICAL TREATMENT OR RETURN TRANSPORT COSTS AND ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR ORGANISATION. YOUR HEALTH IS YOUR SOLE RESPONSIBILITY.

You should have at least 2 emergency contacts, which you write down in different places, so no matter at which occasion you have them with you.

A personal advice is to note down:

  • a personal emergency contact (name and telephone number)
  • your insurance emergency number
  • the number of your bank account in case you lose your cards, or they get stolen (to lock them)
  • and the number of your embassy in Nepal (if there is no embassy of your home country in Nepal, look up which embassy is responsible for you)

on several small papers or cards and place them in your wallet, backpack, hand luggage etc.

Safe your emergency contacts, addresses and phone numbers somewhere online and/or on a flash drive, in case your whole luggage gets stolen, delayed or lost or you damage or lose your phone. You will also have to provide Chay Ya with an emergency contact and telephone number, which we will contact in case of an emergency if you are unable to do so. Also store a scan of your personal documents, like driving license, passport, passport picture, birth certificate, proof of address (Meldezettel), vaccination pass, medical certificates & information, bank card information, insurance policy etc. online and/or on an external storage device.

Following up the previous chapter, here are some hints on how you can medically prepare for your time in Nepal. In the following you will find some information about the necessary vaccinations and the most common travel diseases for which you should prepare yourself. At the end you will find a suggested first-aid kit, of which you should carry at least the most necessary items. For more detailed information, which is tailored to your personal needs, we recommend consulting a tropical doctor in advance or to inform yourself in your pharmacy.

Tropical institutes:

Here you will find a list of tropical institutes and travel medical centers.

Vienna:
Tropical Institute
Center for Travel Medicine
Travel Medical Centre

Graz:
Travel medical vaccination and counselling centre

Innsbruck:
Group practice for travel medicine

Websites for further information:
Public health portal of Austria
Federal Ministry of Europe, Integration & Foreign Affairs
Center for Travel Medicine
Fit for Travel Travel medical information service
Federal Foreign Office Germany

For flights directly from Europe to Nepal NO vaccination is required.

However, if you have been in a country with a high risk of yellow fever during the last 6 days before entry or have had a transit with more than 12 hours stay in one of these countries, you must have a yellow fever vaccination.

Although there are NO mandatory vaccinations for Nepal, some are strongly recommended:

  • Hepatitis A is transmitted by contaminated water or food. Careful handling of food therefore reduces the risk. It causes infection or inflammation of the liver, resulting in mild fever, dizziness, vomiting, loss of appetite and jaundice.
  • Typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever Also transmitted by contaminated water and food. Both types are almost identical, cause persistent high fever, headache, abdominal pain and diarrhoea, but can be treated with antibiotics and are rarely fatal.
  • Hepatitis B is a more serious version of hepatitis A, which is transmitted by blood and sexual secretions. The vaccination of this is recommended especially for people who work in the medical field.
  • Rabies is a serious problem in Nepal transmitted by wild animals, dogs and monkeys. Rabies can be cured by five injections over a month after infection. These injections are 100% effective when administered in the appropriate time (span). You can also get vaccinated in advance (highly recommended), which is equivalent to three injections over a period of 4 weeks. Nevertheless, the missing two injections must be administered after a bite or infection.
  • Meningococcal meningitis is spread by bacteria in the air. It is a very serious disease, damages the cerebral membrane and can lead to death within a day. The vaccination is very effective and has few side effects (in most cases). The vaccination provides protection for three to five years.
  • Cholera is recommended when you are in contact with the elderly and travel under rudimentary conditions. It is transmitted through food and water. (usually not necessary)
  • Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis-Polio Generally recommended for everyone as a basic vaccination.
  • Japanese Encephalitis Is transmitted by a special type of mosquito. The vaccination is mainly recommended in the monsoon season, you should also be in a jungle-rich area in the Terai region. Rural areas where many pigs are bred pose a high risk. The vaccination consists of three injections spread over one month.
  • Mumps & Measles Is recommended for those who have not been vaccinated as a child and have not yet had the disease. Is especially recommended if you are working with children.

Which vaccinations are especially important for you depends on the length of your stay and the planned activities? To this end, this list is a pure recommendation and collection of recommendations by different embassies & travel medical platforms. You should contact a travel specialist or a tropical institute at least two months before your departure.

Malaria Prophylaxis
The malaria risk depends very much on the travel region in Nepal:

  • Moderate risk: Terai and Jungle region, higher risk during the rainy season and on the entire border with India in the Chitwan and Bardia National Parks.
  • Minimal risk: Kathmandu valley and hilly region in northern Kathmandu
  • No risk: regions higher than 1800m above sea level

The risk of short-term stays is very low, but it is highly recommended and useful to take precautions against mosquitoes, especially in the rainy season.
Prophylaxis = a regular intake of tablets is worth considering you should plan a trip to the Terai region in the months of June-September.

Apart from that, external prophylaxis, especially in the evening hours, is recommended:

  • During twilight, stay in cooled rooms that are protected by mosquito nets.
  • If you are outdoors, cover free body parts (long-sleeved shirts & long trousers)
  • Use repellents on free body parts such as neck, joints, legs and arms joints, hands.
  • Use candles or incense sticks when you are at home to keep mosquitoes away.
  • Sleep under a mosquito net

In all cases it is advisable to take malaria medication with you in case of an emergency, which you can take for yourself in case of an emergency. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

The following things should be in every case in your travel first aid kit:

Medication you are always taking

Medication for:

  • Diarrhoea & electrolytes
  • travel sickness
  • fever, pain and wound disinfection
  • insect and sun protection
  • ointment for insect bites and skin irritations
  • fever thermometer
  • bandages and plasters
  • Malaria medication (if necessary)
  • Gloves and injection set
  • Tweezer

Apart from that you should have:

  • Sun protection
  • Mosquito repellents (if necessary)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Sun glasses, glasses or contact lenses
  • Vaccination certificate
  • Diabetes-, Allergy- or any other emergency certificate

Food
More people get sick in Kathmandu than anywhere else in Nepal. Be especially careful with western dishes and tourist restaurants. Be particularly wary of anything reheated and food that’s been sitting where flies can land on it. Nepali food is usually fine and you can most likely trust anything that has been boiled or fried in your presence, although meat has additional risks. Be very careful with unpeeled fruits and vegetables, pickles, fruit juices, lassis and salads.

Water
Untreated water should be avoided when possible. Use treated or bottled water when brushing your teeth and keep your mouth closed in the shower. Restaurants in Kathmandu/Thamel, generally use clean water for use, but it’s probably still worth steering clear. Many restaurants also offer filtered water, however, you can’t be sure if the water has been boiled before or that the filter is clean. Tea and bottled drinks are generally safe. As mentioned in other sections, the best option is to purify your own water, either through boiling, purifying pills or drops. It safes you quite a lot of money and Nepal a lot of plastic. There are more advanced options like Lifestraw, Katadyn, Steripen , https://toomanyadapters.com/5-best-water-purifiers-travel/.

Air
Kathmandu’s polluted air gives many people respiratory infections within a few days of arrival. Minimize your exposure by staying off the main streets, and consider bringing a filtering face mask if you’re spending much time in the Kathmandu Valley.

Personal hygiene
Wash your hands often, waterless antibacterial soap or gel comes in handy. Keep any cuts clean and disinfected. If you’re staying in Hostels, cheap guesthouses or remote areas bring a sleeping sheet/bag to keep fleas and lice away. Scabies and hookworm can be picked up through bare feet, it’s best to always wear closed shoes.

Mosquitoes
Wear repellent and/or long-sleeved clothes, sleep under mosquito nets and use plug-in mosquito killing/deterring devices or smoke coils if possible. Try not to scratch bites as infection may result.

Sunburn and dehydration
Stay well hydrated and protect your head as well as your exposed skin with sunscreen. High protection will be essential while trekking.

Depending on the field of work you might need the one or the other thing to bring with you:

Reconstruction 
Bring good footwear and clothes that can get dirty with you.

Health
Disposable gloves and possibly medical work clothes (not absolutely necessary).

Childcare & Teaching
Bring your tablet or laptop with you to prepare lessons, worksheets and tests, or play videos and songs for the kids; you can collect ideas for lessons, games and different topics at home; if you want, you can also take games or an instrument with you.

Permaculture
Good footwear, which can get dirty, as well as work clothes and possibly garden gloves; keep in mind that you will be working outdoors and therefore a headgear is a must, your clothes should be light and breathable, but still not permissive.

The voltage in Nepal’s sockets is 220V. The sockets are usually equipped for plugs with three round pins, sometimes the small version, sometimes the bigger one. Some sockets are designed for two round pins. Electric shops in Nepal sell cheap adapters or you bring them with you.

Power outages are very common in all of Nepal, but especially in Kathmandu, here again very common during the monsoon months from June to August, with up to 6 hours per day without electricity. Surges are also very likely, so take a peak suppressed voltage monitor (auto power off) for your laptop if possible, or charge your Power Bank and your electrical devices first. Power to some rural areas may also be cut off by the earthquake(s).

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