6 things you should know before traveling to Nepal

Nepal is a landlocked country in Asia, which neighbors China and India. The highest mountains on the planet are found in this country, so its beautiful landscapes are breathtaking. Its capital, Kathmandu, is famous for its Buddhist and Hindu temples. That’s why it’s called the “City of Temples”. If you’d like to travel to do an internship or volunteer program in Nepal, here we share some tips with you! 

Don’t go trekking on your own

Trekking is a very popular activity among travelers in Nepal. However, it is also a risky activity. As we said before, the mountains in Nepal are very high (Mount Everest is among them!), so going trekking alone can be risky. Make sure to go in groups, and always communicate where you are going. Cases, where solo trekkers had disappeared and haven’t been found, are not few.

Be careful when cycling or walking on the road

Traffic in Nepal is heavy in most Nepalese highways, and most drivers are not very careful. As a result, riding your bike or walking on the road is not advisable. There are however some streets and bike trails that are fine for you to cycle on.

Be fully prepared when you go to the toilet 

More often than not, there won’t be toilet paper available in public toilets. It’s highly advisable that you bring tissue paper and hand sanitizer with you. You should also be ready to squat and do your business in a hole on the floor. Western toilets are not very common in Nepal.

Make sure the water you use has been boiled

Not all water in Nepal is drinking water. For that reason, you have to procure to boil the water that you will use for drinking, cooking, or washing vegetables. You can also use bottled water, which is safe. Also, try to avoid raw vegetables and pre-cut fruit.

Beware of the monkeys

In some temples, you will find monkeys dwelling around. They might look cute, but trust us, they can be dangerous. Do not try to play with them and don’t touch them. If they bite you, you will have rush to the hospital. Monkeys are also great thieves, so try to keep your belongings and your food safe and away from them.

Even if it grows on the street, you shouldn’t take it

We are talking about marijuana here. Ganja is a common weed that grows on hillsides in Nepal. However, taking it for your consumption is illegal and can get you in real trouble. Until 1973, hashish and marijuana were legal in Nepal, and prominent musicians such as The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix are known to have traveled there to consume them. However, nowadays having weed for personal consumption can get you 5 days to a month of imprisonment, so better not risk your holidays.

We hope these tips have been helpful and that you now know some things about Nepal that you didn’t know before! If you are interested in traveling to do an internship in Nepal, Connecting Worlds offers volunteering programs in Kathmandu and other cities. Check them out and volunteer in Nepal with us!