A few years ago, Nepal was a very safe country to travel in and easy to get around. Currently, however, the domestic political situation is somewhat tense. If in doubt, check with the German Foreign Office (Tel: 030-50000) whether travel to Nepal is strongly advised against. Most Nepalis are very friendly and obtaining a visa is quite easy. Medical care, however, does not meet Western standards. The hygiene standard is somewhat higher than in India, but when eating, the usual precautions for long-distance travel should be observed and the drinking water offered should be consumed with caution. The country’s cuisine is considered simple and not very varied, but quite tasty. Traveling on public buses is generally strenuous.
In the birthplace of the Buddha, there are some excellent meditation teachers and a few monasteries and centers with very good conditions for practice. In addition, a very wide range of retreat options is available. For meditation beginners, there are various meditation courses, but there are also study centers for Buddhist teachings and suitable places for long-term retreats. Besides some interesting places for Vipassana meditation, Nepal is particularly interesting for students and practitioners of Tibetan lineages. Especially in the area around the Great Stupa of Bodhnath, monasteries of almost all Tibetan lineages have settled.
Entry requirements: A visa is required for Nepal, which can be obtained quickly and easily at Nepalese consulates in Germany or at the airport in Kathmandu (bring passport photos). A 60-day visa is available at the airport for US$30. An extension is easily possible in Kathmandu (US$1 per day, up to four months per calendar year). Current visa information is available on the H.M. Ministry of Home’s Department of Immigration website www.immi.gov.np.
Flight connections: The fastest flight connection from Europe to Nepal is offered by Austrian Airlines with a direct flight Vienna-Kathmandu. The cheapest alternative when booking early is the flight with Transavia Airlines from Amsterdam via Sharja to Kathmandu, though with a long flight time and a stopover of several hours. When departing from Nepal, an airport tax is charged at the airport. Currently, it is 1,700 Rupees to all international destinations.
Literature: The English-language travel guide Nepal – A Travel Survival Kit by Lonely Planet is quite recommendable.