Traveling to Nepal soon? Want to prepare yourself for what Nepal has to offer? Well, you’re in the right place. We’re here to discuss if Nepal is safe to travel to, give tips for travelers, and so on.
Nepal is a country rich in diversity, spirituality, religion, landscapes, and the majestic highest peaks. As interesting as it sounds, the country is amazing! The Nepalese are known for their hospitable nature, amiable quality, and helpfulness. A place like this is what we call “ Paradise”! But, some travelers also question whether it is safe to travel to Nepal or not.
So, today we’ll discuss how safe Nepal is for travelers. Let’s begin!
Covid - 19 Protocols
Nepal has opened its borders to foreign travelers while maintaining strict travel protocols.
If you are traveling to Nepal, you must carry and show a full Covid vaccination certificate with you. In case you don’t have a certificate, a negative PCR report must be submitted within 72 hours of your first entry point.
How to be safe
- Carry electronic and physical copies of the vaccination certificate.
- Maintain social distance in crowded areas.
Political Instability
Nepal has experienced periods of political instability in the past, including protests, strikes, and demonstrations.
While the situation has generally been peaceful in recent years, it is important to stay informed about the current political climate and follow any advisories or warnings issued by local authorities or foreign embassies.
How to be safe
- Avoid traveling during protests.
- Contact the police in case of any severe situations.
Weather and Natural Calamities
In the past, Nepal has suffered from natural calamities like earthquakes, landslides, and bizarre rainfall.
During monsoons, it is unsafe to travel via flights or buses since there is a high risk of landslides, thunderstorms, and rainfall.
How to be safe
- Avoid landslide effect treks like Langtang and Manaslu during the monsoon season.
- Carry raincoats and umbrellas.
- Don’t stand under electric poles while it's raining.
- In case of an earthquake, stay at low elevated grounds.
Female Safety
Nepal is a safe country, but when it comes to female safety, it is always better to prepare yourself in a new country.
If you are traveling solo and walking around the city in the daytime or at night, please make sure you are prepared for any dangers.
How to be safe
- Avoid walking in narrow alleys or dead-end roads.
- At night, always keep in contact with your friends or even hotel staff.
- Avoid speaking with people who follow you around the city.
- Always save the number of your hotels and nearby police stations.
Scams
If you are a foreigner traveling in Nepal, there are chances that someone may scam you. These can be taxi scams, shopping scams, hotel scams, or even money scams from a beggar.
Hence, you need to be careful not to fall under these traps.
How to be safe
- Book hotel rooms or taxis only from reliable and trusted companies.
- Don’t give money to beggars. You can buy food instead.
- Don’t pay more than what is shown on the taxi meter to the drivers.
Transportation
Getting around Nepal is easy. There are various mediums for traveling in Nepal via flight, bus, taxi, scooter, and so on.
There are many domestic flights where you can easily book tickets. If flights are too costly, you can opt for public buses too. Even while traveling around the city, you can use public buses. These buses are usually packed; hence you need to be careful of your belongings when you get inside.
If buses are too much for you, there are taxi services available as well. Please be wary of the tax rates and constantly check the taxi meters.
And the most convenient form of transportation in Nepal currently is Pathao and InDriver services. You can download these apps and book taxis or scooters/bike rides to move around the city.
How to be safe
- Be careful of your own belongings in the taxis and local buses.
- Don’t pay the riders more than is shown on the phone after you reach the destination.
- Check the taxi meter and pay accordingly.
Food and Drink Safety
When it comes to food, Nepal is ready to challenge your taste buds! There is an availability of various cuisines that are complimented frequently with spices, so it is evident that your stomach is going to grumble.
Overall, what we’re trying to say is that you need to be aware of your diet. Street foods and tap water is going to cause many troubles on your visit to Nepal.
Stick to freshly cooked meals and purified water.
How to be safe
- Avoid oily and packed street foods.
- Drink purified water.
- Carry anti-diarrhea tablets
Travel Illness
Like any travel destination, Nepal has its share of health concerns. There is a potential risk of altitude sickness, insect-borne diseases ( malaria), and other travel-related illnesses while you are in Nepal.
If you are trekking in the land of the Himalayas, you need to be aware of Acute mountain sickness ( AMS). The risk of AMS is high in the mountains leading to injuries and death.
How to be safe
- Carry first-aid kits with necessary medicines.
- Use water purification tablets when necessary.
- Apply insect-repellent cream
- Avoid eating street foods
Conclusion
With this, we reach the end of the blog. We hope that now you know how to be safe while you travel to Nepal.
We hope that you will have a safe stay in Nepal!
