Rope-Fixing Team Reaches the Summit of Mt. Everest

Rope-Fixing Team Reaches the Summit of Mt. Everest

It has been a long and challenging spring on the world’s highest peak. In addition to seeing the mountain all-but completely shut down due to the coronavirus, the past few weeks have seen two summit pushes turned back due to bad weather. But now, as the seasonal monsoon looms on the horizon and time is starting to run out, a team of rope-fixing Sherpas has reached the top of the mountain at long last, with two more teams expected to follow over the next day or two.

Today, at approximately 2:25 PM local time in Tibet, a group of six Tibetan climbers reached the top of Mount Everest 8848M installing fixed ropes along the way. That group included. According to The Himalayan Times the group included: “Dorjee Tsering, Tenzing Norbu, Dunpa, Tashi Gombu, Tsering Norbu and Dorjee.” Upon reaching the top, the group used the new 5G cellular service that was installed o the mountain a few weeks back to broadcast live from the summit.

Their successful completion of installing the fixed lines resulted in the first summits of the season, but others may soon follow. A team of surveyors that have been sent to Everest to remeasure the height of the mountain has reportedly reached Camp 1 after leaving Advanced Base Camp this morning. According to ExWeb, their goal is to depart from C1 directly for the summit tomorrow, although that seems like a rather ambitious goal all things considered. C1 is located at 7000 meters (22.965 ft), leaving more than 1800 meters (5905 ft) of vertical climbing to go. That seems highly unlikely to happen in a single day.

Queuing up behind the survey team, the lone commercial squad on Everest this year is waiting in the wings. This team, which has roughly 26 members, is led by an operator called Yarla Shampo. They’ll look to summit sometime in the next few days as well, provided the weather continues to cooperate.

Traditionally speaking, most of the summits on Everest have come somewhere around May 15 in recent years. Bad weather has delayed any real attempts on the summit this season however, which is why it is now May 26 and we’re just now seeing any success this spring. Usually, the monsoon arrives in early June, which will of course close things down once again. In other words, this is likely to be the final summit push of the spring—and possibly the year—on the mountain.

Stay tuned. We’ll bring further updates as we get them.

International travel may not return to normal until 2023, experts say

International travel may not return to normal until 2023, experts say

The international travel industry likely won’t return to normal for at least three years as it tries to bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic, a major travel association says.

The slower-than-expected reopening of world economies coupled with continued travel restrictions and COVID-19 fears among travelers could ground most of the world’s passenger jets until 2023, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said, Lonely Planet reported.

Air travelers are also being turned off by the inconvenience of flying during the pandemic. A recent survey found that 69 percent of travelers would rather stay home than face a 14-day quarantine when they arrive at their destination, the outlet said — something which the IATA is urging governments to reconsider.

“To protect aviation’s ability to be a catalyst for the economic recovery, we must not make that prognosis worse by making travel impracticable with quarantine measures,” Alexandre de Juniac, the association’s director and CEO, told Lonely Planet.

“We need a solution for safe travel that addresses those challenges,” de Juniac said. “It must give passengers the confidence to travel safely and without undue hassle, and it must give governments confidence that they are protected from importing the virus.”

Why the future of air travel post-coronavirus may include more private airlines

The association said it expects domestic travel will lead the way when the recovery does get going, but global passenger traffic isn’t likely to return to pre-pandemic levels until at least 2023, they said. The group estimates international travel demand will be 24 percent below 2019 levels by next year.

In a release Tuesday, the IATA set out principles for a reopening of the airways, vowing to put safety first and to use new science and technology to make that happen.

However, recent reports have suggested that commercial air travel may never fully rebound, and private air carriers may see an uptick in business.

Major airlines have also come under fire during the coronavirus for continuing to pack planes despite social-distancing restrictions and promises by air carriers.

The international travel industry likely won’t return to normal for at least three years as it tries to bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic, a major travel association says.

The slower-than-expected reopening of world economies coupled with continued travel restrictions and COVID-19 fears among travelers could ground most of the world’s passenger jets until 2023, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said, Lonely Planet reported.

Air travelers are also being turned off by the inconvenience of flying during the pandemic. A recent survey found that 69 percent of travelers would rather stay home than face a 14-day quarantine when they arrive at their destination, the outlet said — something which the IATA is urging governments to reconsider.

“To protect aviation’s ability to be a catalyst for the economic recovery, we must not make that prognosis worse by making travel impracticable with quarantine measures,” Alexandre de Juniac, the association’s director and CEO, told Lonely Planet.

“We need a solution for safe travel that addresses those challenges,” de Juniac said. “It must give passengers the confidence to travel safely and without undue hassle, and it must give governments confidence that they are protected from importing the virus.”

Why the future of air travel post-coronavirus may include more private airlines

The association said it expects domestic travel will lead the way when the recovery does get going, but global passenger traffic isn’t likely to return to pre-pandemic levels until at least 2023, they said. The group estimates international travel demand will be 24 percent below 2019 levels by next year.

In a release Tuesday, the IATA set out principles for a reopening of the airways, vowing to put safety first and to use new science and technology to make that happen.

However, recent reports have suggested that commercial air travel may never fully rebound, and private air carriers may see an uptick in business.

Major airlines have also come under fire during the coronavirus for continuing to pack planes despite social-distancing restrictions and promises by air carriers.

Please Sign Petition: Has Mount Everest Been Stolen? Google/Apple Must Rectify

Please Sign Petition: Has Mount Everest Been Stolen? Google/Apple Must Rectify

Photo: Mount Everest/Sagarmatha

Mt. Everest and its peak are located in Nepal. It is one of the most famous natural wonders on earth, so how has Apple Maps and Google Maps failed to identify its correct geographical location as Nepal? This mistake is more significant than a simple technological error – it has stripped the country of Nepal of its natural wonder, its national landmark, and a significant recognition point for their homeland.

Please click here to sign this petition – We request Google and Apple to fix their maps and label Mount Everest and its peak’s location correctly inside Nepal. 

On Top of the World

Bordering Nepal and Tibet Autonomous region of Asia sits a breathtaking mountain on the crest of the Great Himalayas. As the tallest mountain in the world, the peak of this beautiful mountain reaches an elevation of 29,035 feet. The Nepali name for this holy mountain is Sagarmatha, translating to “Peak of Heaven.” Sagarmatha is also known as Mount Everest and is revered by the Nepali people as a symbol of their identity, strength, and pride. Nepal may be small in terms of size, but the Nepali people have a powerful voice.  Regardless of the large size of the two countries bordering it, Nepal deserves the ability to celebrate its most recognizable asset. While this would seem obvious, the dignity of the country has been thwarted by Apple Maps and Google Maps.

The technological giants have stripped the country of their national treasure by identifying Mt. Everest as solely in China – the label MT. EVEREST appears in China – and that is factually wrong. Anyone with an inkling of general knowledge will let you know that Mount Everest is in Nepal. For many, Nepal and Mount Everest are synonymous with each other. So how did this mistake happen and when will it be rectified – this is an urgent question for Apple and Google? Click here to sign the petition

Subscribe to Hollywood Insider’s YouTube Channel, by clicking here. 

Apple and Google’s Error in Locating Mount Everest?

The editorial team at Hollywood Insider had been working on a film project involving the seven natural wonders of the world. As they began researching each wonder and their locations, they noticed a significant error on iPhone maps and that error was Mount Everest being marked inside Tibet/China. To their shock, both Google maps and iPhone maps showed the same incorrect labeling. 

Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambrose remarks, “I was in the middle of breakfast and working from home on this project. I got quite the shocker. I made a few calls and the confusion continued. When my entire team confirmed that all of their devices showed the same error – it became important to help in rectifying it. Nepal and Mount Everest are synonymous with each other. Mount Everest and its peak is in Nepal and thus must be correctly labeled as such. Rather than being a political issue, this is a moral one. Mount Everest and its location being in Nepal are beyond a debate or ever-changing political ambitions. Nepal is a very small country in size but not in terms of influence and contribution on a global scale. Nepal may be small – but it has its very own distinct and strong identity. It is neither like India nor like China – their two large and ambitious expansionist neighbors. Nepal is simply its very own nation with a significant contribution to the world despite its small size. The Nepali are among the kindest and most compassionate. Never will you meet a person who has been to Nepal and does not talk about the extraordinary compassion and kindness of its people. A country that has never been conquered and has retained its sovereignty. A country that is home to a multitude of races, languages, and cultures – yet live harmoniously amongst each other. The country that is the home to Gurkha soldiers that served in both the World Wars. Mount Everest is a significant part of Nepal’s identity. It is our duty to protect the history of our world, and Mount Everest is a major part of it.” 

Limited Time Offer – FREE Subscription to Hollywood Insider, for substance and meaningful entertainment that is free of gossip and scandal, click here

Mount Everest – Apple and Google Error confirmed by map experts/surveyors

This fact that Apple Maps and Google Maps have gotten the placement wrong has been confirmed by Buddhi Narayan Shrestha, an internationally recognized and award-winning expert surveyor/maps researcher and also the Managing Director of a mapping company. He also noted the technical fact that the highest peak of the mountain with the sloping terraced portion definitely being within Nepal’s borders.  

Chinese Teams Launch Summit Bid on Everest - Everest Expeditions Nepal

Chinese Teams Launch Summit Bid on Everest

Everest Expeditions Nepal 2021

The moment we’ve all been waiting for in this highly unusual 2020 Everest climbing season may finally be here. Today, the two teams on Everest have launched their summit pushes at long last, with an eye on topping out this coming Friday. This news comes after poor weather stymied their attempts last week, throwing the schedule into disarray and causing delays that have extended past the traditional weather window.

According to The Himalayan Times, the first group to go for the summit will be the rope-fixing team. This unit consists of seven very experienced Sherpas whose job it is to install the climbing ropes to the summit, allowing other mountaineers to follow. The team had hoped to complete that work last week, but high winds turned them back at 8600 meters. Since then, they’ve been waiting for conditions to improve before heading back up towards the summit. If all goes according to plan, they should open access to the top of the world’s highest peak by tomorrow or Wednesday.

Meanwhile, not far behind them will be a team of surveyors. With Everest closed down to everyone except Chinese nationals this year, China has taken advantage of the empty mountain in order to send a research team there. That squad is working on remeasuring the height of the summit, promising to get the most accurate measurement of its altitude ever.

That team has actually been in Base Camp since late March and is now approaching the end of its second month on the mountain. That’s a long time to be waiting, but the group should finally get their crack at the summit in the next few days.

Finally, there is the lone commercial climbing team, which is organized and supported by an outfitter by the name of Yarla Shampo. This group consists of somewhere around 26 total climbers, all of whom completed an acclimatization climb on Lhakpa Ri last week, returning to BC on Everest last Friday. If they are rested and ready to go, they should be following not far behind the surveyors as well, potentially topping out on Friday too.

Right now, the weather window looks clear, calm, and long, which is exactly what these climbers want as they head up. Of course, over the next few days we’ll be keeping a close eye on their progress and will report on how events unfold. There won’t be many summits this season, but there will still be some worth noting for sure.

Good luck to all the climbers as they set out up the slopes of Everest. Go up safely, get down swiftly.

Lone Everest Expedition Prepares for Summit Push

Lone Everest Expedition Prepares for Summit Push

News from the North Side of Everest has been difficult to come by this spring. Following the closure of the mountain due to the coronavirus, China announced that it would allow a team of Chinese nationals to attempt the mountain. From what we know, that squad has about 26 members, but how well the expedition has been progressing has largely remained a mystery. Updates have been few and far between, although we have had occasional new from the mountain. Now, we have more information at long last, and it looks like the group is now preparing for a summit push, which could come as early as this weekend.

According to Stephen Nestler’s Adventure Mountain blog, the team has now wrapped up its acclimatization efforts and is waiting for a proper weather window. According to Nestler, who has received his information from Mingma Gyalje Sherpa—who in turn has close ties with the expedition leader—the Chinese squad is currently in Base Camp resting up for their summit push. Originally, that was expected to begin in the next day or two, with potential summits coming on Sunday. Right now, however, the team is in standby while it waits to see if the weather will cooperate.

While we haven’t had good updates on the team’s progress at all this spring, we could make educated guesses as to when a summit push would get underway. In recent years, May 10-15 is pretty much when most climbers would top out on the world’s highest peak, although this year this team can afford to be patient. Since there won’t be any crowds on the route to the summit this year, the mountaineers who are there will not have to rush to take advantage of a narrow window. That said, they will need about four days of relatively good weather to get up and down the mountain safely, which means they will likely take the first good opportunity that comes their way.

In addition to this lone commercial team, which is led by a Chinese outfitter known as Yarla Shampo, we also know that there is a large contingent of climbers and surveyors who are on Everest to remeasure the height of the mountain. They will likely be launching their summit push around the same time. So while it won’t be nearly as busy as it is in a regular year, there will still be a reasonably sized group heading up the North Side sometime in the next few days.

Stay tuned for further updates. We should know more soon.

COVID-19 pandemic sounds the death knell for Nepal’s tourism sector

COVID-19 pandemic sounds the death knell for Nepal’s tourism sector

KATHMANDU: Nepal’s tourism sector has been staring at its deathbed, following the nationwide lockdown induced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the start of 2020, the year in which Nepal had anticipated to receive over two million foreign tourists, the global pandemic has flung the country’s tourism sector into chaos, bringing all the tourism activities to a grinding halt.

The coronavirus crisis has not only led to the cancellation of the much-touted Visit Nepal Year 2020 campaign but it has also injected an unprecedented amount of uncertainty into the country’s tourism-based economy, as the business fraternity doesn’t know whether the tourism activities will resume this year.

“We don’t know how to survive if the tourism businesses don’t resume anytime soon,” the tourism entrepreneurs said.

The Hotel Association of Nepal has already decided to close all tourist standard hotels across the country till mid-November, by paying 12.5 per cent of staff’s basic monthly salary. The decision has resulted in closure of nearly 1,300 star and tourist standard hotels, with bed capacity of over 41,000 per day, across the country.

 

According to HAN, the country’s hotel sector is losing nearly Rs 1.80 billion monthly after the coronavirus crisis brought the business to a sudden halt.

“We have already had no business at all for almost two months. Now, we are compelled to shut all hotels till mid-November as there was no business due to halted tourist mobility to combat the spread of coronavirus,” Shreejana Rana, president of HAN, said.

From the Kathmandu’s busiest tourist hub Thamel to the scenic lake city of Pokhara, from one of the popular trail circuits in Annapurna to the Mount Everest region, or from Pashupatinath to Lumbini, no one knows whether the world visitors will return this year. Also, the stakeholders from Chitwan’s national park area to Bardiya’s wildlife zone don’t know how to survive if they don’t receive visitors.

“The crisis is deepening and set to get even worse,” Santa Bir Lama, President of Nepal Mountaineering Association, said. The COVID-19 crisis has severely impacted the country’s travel, trekking and mountaineering sectors. More than 3,500 travel and 2,600 trekking agencies across the country have already closed their operation due to the nationwide lockdown, according to Lama.

Nepal is renowned for adventure tourism due to its prominent peaks while mountaineering is one of the major components of the tourism industry. The spring season (March-May) is the time when maximum mountaineering activities take place in the country. “But, all adventure activities have been suspended this time.”

 

There are thousands of people who depend on the money spent by foreign tourists in Nepal. Especially, the closure of the mountains including Mt Everest and tour and trekking activities has made nearly half a million people jobless in the mountaineering community. It has created a situation in which the country will be losing the revenue equivalent to nearly Rs 600 million annually from mountaineering, according to Lama.

“It seems that there will be no trekking and mountaineering activities in the upcoming autumn or winter season and thousands of people, who depend on tourism activities and products, will be unable to make their daily ends meet,” Lama further said.

Once the situation becomes normal, the government should immediately reutilise the budget allocated for VNY 2020 and Nepal Tourism Board to boost up domestic tourism in the country, according to operators. “Besides, the government should also mobilise all trekking and mountaineering workforce to clean up mountains and renovate the trekking and hiking trails across the country,” Tashi Lakpa Sherpa, Managing Director at Seven Summit Treks, said.

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, travel and tourism sector pumped around 240 billion rupees into the Nepal’s economy and supported over 1 million jobs. The central bank data also reveals that total foreign currency exchange (less return) for 2018 stood at around US$ 617,263 thousand.

Tourism, which accounts for nearly eight percent of Nepal’s GDP, is vital to national economies. The WTTC report also stated that travel and tourism investment in Nepal last year was 16.5 billion rupees – three percent of the total investment.

In 2019, Nepal witnessed a total inflow of more than 1.17 million foreign tourists via air and land routes while the average length of stay of a tourist in Nepal was recorded at 13 days with per day expenditure at US$ 44.

According to the World Tourism Organisation – UNWTO, the world will see a decline in international tourism receipts between USD 300 to 450 billion in 2020, almost one third of USD 1.5 trillion generated in 2019, with 96 percent of worldwide destinations having travel restrictions.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation estimates that there will be an overall reduction of international passengers ranging from 44 percent to 80 percent in 2020 compared to 2019. If there is no immediate relief package, Nepali airlines could also be bankrupt anytime soon because of the COVID-19 crisis, an airlines operator reacted.

The government should immediately bring the stimulus package to save Nepal’s tourism industry, NMA President Lama demanded, adding that they have been lobbying with the government for relief and bailout packages of Rs 20 billion for the tourism industry. “However, this crisis is going to end sooner or later and all stakeholders also need to put more effort to bring tourists into Nepal than before.”

World’s biggest 5G tower installed on Mount Everest

MOUNTAIN FEAR 

 World’s biggest 5G tower installed on Mount Everest 

using yaks to lug ‘controversial’ equipment up tracks

·   

SKYWARD ambitions to expand the controversial 5G network worldwide have literally gone high-tech, after yaks lugged eight tonnes of infrastructure up Mount Everest.

At a height of 6,500 metres, it's the highest 5G antenna installation in the world, say organisers China Mobile Hong Kong and Huawei.

Yaks carrying equipment up Mount Everest as Huawei and China Mobile staff install the world's highest 5G tower at 6,500 metres (21,325 feet)Credit: AsiaWire

Huawei staff install a 5G communications tower on Mount EverestCredit: AsiaWire

Huawei and China Mobile 5G towers at Mount Everest's North Base CampCredit: AsiaWire

China Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK) announced completion of the joint installation on Facebook, saying that it had "successfully built more 5G base stations, including 6,500 meters above sea level on the highest peak, Mount Everest".

The firm said that it would help improve communication for "mountaineering friends" for whom it was no longer "a dream to reach 8K live broadcasts with relatives and friends on 5G network".

Huawei said the extremely compact technology it has developed for 5G made it particularly suitable for deployment in the extreme environment found on Mount Everest, where it could be carried on the backs of the yaks.

Yaks provided transport as they are already widely used in the Himalayas due to their thick fur and layers of fat, as well as large lungs and heart to tackle the high elevation.

It makes them the perfect transport animals for carrying large loads - including eight tonnes of 5G gear - over a long period of time.

Huawei and China Mobile staff hike to Mount Everest base campCredit: AsiaWire

Controversial 5G technology has been installed on Mount EverestCredit: AsiaWire

Both companies have a network of engineers on site to maintain and continue to optimise the new technology.

They also plan to use the network in order to properly measure the true height of Mount Everest, currently officially listed as 8,848 metres (29,029 ft).

Unwire said that China’s mainland telecommunications firm, CMHK, announced the "5G on Mount Everest" project earlier this month.

Three 5G base stations have been built at Everest Base Camp at an altitude of 5,300 meters, and a transition camp at 5,800 meters.

A further two stations have now been installed at the 6,500-meter-high elevation camp, so the signal will be able to cover the summit of Mount Everest.

About 25 kms of fibre optic cables were laid as part of the project.

More than 150 employees took part in the construction and maintenance of the equipment, including the upgrade of the 177 km transmission trunk line and route along Everest, Unwire added.

Mainland China has a vast territory, and not all places will have 5G signal coverageCredit: AsiaWire

They also plan to use the network in order to properly measure the true height of Mount Everest,Credit: AsiaWire

Remote: the controversial 5G gear has been placed in five locations on the famous rangeCredit: AsiaWire

The firms said the technology was invented in the region to help provide 5G high-definition video of the magnificent mountain vistas available in the area.

It would also be a useful tool for mountaineers, scientists and other specialists working in the area.

CMHK said the network speed of 5G was "more than ten times that of 4G.

"In a 5G network environment, downloading a 1GB file can be completed in one-to-three seconds."

FAQs related to Nepal Tourist Visa?

FAQs related to Working Visa

1. What is the processing fee for Working Visa ?

​- 60 USD per month.

2. How much should I pay to get Dependent (Working Visa) for my spouse?

- 60 USD per month.

3. What additional document do I need to produce to get Dependent visa for my dependents?

- Recommendation letter from concerned line agency (Ministry of Nepal Government) asking DOI to issue Dependent Visa;

- The Recommendation letter should include details of each dependent (name/passport number/ relationship with the main applicant).

4. If I need to get working visa for 15 days, how much should I pay?

 - It is 30 USD for half a month (15 days). If it exceeds 15 days, it is 60 USD / month. However, number of Visa days depends upon labour permit issued by the Department of Labour. You can apply neither for more or less.

5. I have three children below 10 years as my Dependents. How much should I pay to get them Dependent (Working) Visa?

- Children below 10 years get Gratis Visa without any charges.

6. Is my spouse allowed to work?

- No. As a Dependent of Working Visa holder, your spouse is not eligible for taking up jobs. Employment is prohibited. He/she should get separate 'Working Visa' to be able to work.

FAQs related to Arrival to Nepal

1. How can I get On Arrival Visa?

- Visit the link for detail information Click here to Visit Visa on Arrival Page

 2. What are the different kinds of On Arrival Visa?

- All 'On Arrival Visas' are Tourist Visas. In other words, Tourist Visas are Entry Visas. If you are travelling to Nepal for purposes other than tourism (sightseeing, travelling, visiting friends and families), you will have to change your visa status. Contact Department of Immigration with necessary documents to change Visa category.

3. I am travelling to Nepal for a business meeting. What kind of visa should I get to enter Nepal?

- You have to get Tourist visa as a entry visa. You can get it either from Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad or On Arrival (if eligible, check our website for detail). If you are investing and running business in Nepal for long term, you might consider getting Business Visa.

4. I need Tourist Visa with Multiple Re entry facility. What can I do?

- All Tourists Visas issued by Nepalese diplomatic missions and 'On Arrival' at the Entry & Exit points including Immigration office, TIA bear multiple Re - entry facility.  Whereas, Tourist Visas  extended at DOI (Department of Immigration) and Pokhara Immigration Office comes with Multiple Re entry facility if you pay additional 20 US dollars.

5. I have children of 5 years and 6 years to they need a visa, Does he/she need a Visa?

- Yes, However, they get it for free. Minors below 10 years get Gratis visa.

 6. What is Gratis Visa?

- It is a kind of Visa that is issued for free.

 7. I am an Indian citizen? Can I travel to Nepal with my Aadhar card or driving license?

- No.  We need a document that exclusively proves your nationality. Hence, you need to produce either valid Indian Passport or Election Card (issued by Election Commission) to enter into Nepal.

8. I am an Indian passport holder. I am travelling to Nepal with two kids below 12 years. They do not have passport. What should I do?

- Minors of an Indian passport holder (if accompanied by their parents) can travel to Nepal with their Student Identity Card or Birth Certificate.

9. I am an NRN card holder. How many days Gratis visa do I get?

- Gratis visa to an NRN is issued for 30 days at the moment. It is subject to change as per directive issued by our line agencies (Department of Immigration and Ministry of Home Affairs)

 10. I want to bring a dog to Nepal. What should I do?

- Immigration and Customs are different entities in Nepal.  As it does not come under our jurisdiction, please contact (link of Department of customs) for necessary information.

11. I am an Afghan citizen. I learnt that I need Visa prior to my Arrival to Nepal. What should I do?

- Please contact your closest Nepalese diplomatic missions to obtain Visa. Make sure you have valid visa and passport before you board on plane.

12. I do not want to wait in queue for visa at the Tribhuvan International Airport? What can I do?

- You can get Pre Arrival Visa to Nepal from Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad.

 13. How long does it take to get Visa On Arrival at the TIA?

- We have made things very simple and easy for travelers. Usually, you can get visas in less than an hour. Nevertheless, you can expect some delays and queues especially during the peak tourist season.

 14. What currency is accepted for payment of required visa fees?

- It is better to carry American dollars (in cash) for payment even though we accept other currencies too.

 15. Does my Visa/Maestro/American Express card work?

- Yes. But we advise you to carry cash (American dollars) as well at least to cover your Visa expenses.

 16. I have obtained visa from Nepalese Embassy in London (United Kingdom).  When should I enter Nepal?

- You should come to Nepal within 6 months (from the visa issued date).

FAQs related to trekking Permits

1. Can I apply for a trekking permit on my own?​

- No. Only authorized trekking agencies can apply for trekking permits. Contact the trekking agency for the permit.

      ​2. Should I carry my permit while I am on trek?

- Yes. Carry your passport and trekking permit throughout your trek. Make sure you take care of your valuable document like a passport.

3. Can I explore the route not included in my trekking permit?

- No. Deviation from prescribed routes of trekking permit is treated as violations of law.

4. Do I need to register at the Police checkpoints or Immigration Points?

- Yes, you should. It would be wise to register your trekking schedule and destination at your concerned embassy/consulate

FAQs relating to Study Visa

1. Can I take job or work if I hold Study Visa?

- No. You are not allowed to work –paid or unpaid—under your Student Visa. Student Visas are issued to students pursuing their academic and non academic courses in Nepal.

2. I would like to apply for Study Visa (Volunteer). What additional documents do I need to produce?

    You should produce following additional documents along with other documents needed for regular Study Visa:-

- Recommendation letter from Ministry of Education,

- Work Agreement from Ministry of Home Affairs,

- Recommendation letter from Institution receiving volunteer in Nepal.

- Also Labour Permit from the Department of Labour (only for paid volunteer work)

3. Do I need to show my bank statement even though I am here on fully funded student exchange program?​

- Yes. We need to make sure that you have a bank account with sufficient fund to cover your expenses during your stay in Nepal.

4. I would like to apply for Study Visa to work (Teaching). What are the required documents?​

- Recommendation letter from Ministry of Education

- Labour Permit issued by Department of Labour

- Work Agreement issued by Ministry of Home Affairs

- Other Documents (Appointment letter, tax clearance, copies of passport and Visa)

- Online form (Study)

​

      5. How much should I pay to get Study Visa (Teaching)?

- 40 USD per month.

      6. How is my Visa Fee determined for Study Visa (Teaching)?

- Total number of days is calculated by deducting end date of your Labour Permit (as mentioned in Work Permit issued by the Department of Labour) from visa issue date. Total numbers of days are then divided by 30. Half a month visa fee (i.e 20 USD) is charged for less than or equal to 15 days. A whole month fee (i.e 40 USD) is charged for any number of days exceeding 15 days.

7. What is the minimum amount of bank balance for Non Academic Program?​

- 1500 USD for six months /per individual.  Additional 1000 USD per dependent (spouse/children of 10 years and above)

8. What is the minimum balance for  Academic Program?​

- 3000 USD for six months /per individual per annum. Additional 2000 USD per dependent (spouse/children of 10 years and above)

9. Is it mandatory to produce my progress/Academic report card for the renewal or extension of my Study visa?​

- Yes. It is mandatory.

10. I have a Tourist Visa. What happens if I change my visa status to Study Visa before my Tourist visa expires?​

- Your Tourist Visa gets cancelled.  As you will have changed the category of your visa from Tourists to Non-Tourist, your new visa date starts from the day your Study visa is issued.

11. What determines the beginning date of a student Visa?​

- The beginning date of your Student Visa is the date specified in your Recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education.

12. How much should I pay for a Dependent Visa for my children below 10 years?​

- It is issued for free. Minor below 10 years gets Gratis visa.

13. What are the documents I need to produce for a regular (non volunteer non teaching) study visa?​

- Visit the link

14. What are the visa fees for a volunteer study visa?​

- 40 USD per month. It can be issued for free only if recommended to do so by concerned line Ministry (Ministry of Education) based on pre-existing agreement.

15. What are the visa fees for a regular (nonteaching non-volunteer study visa)?​

- It depends upon your academic program and your nationality. please visit the link for details.

FAQs related to Relation Visa

1. How broad is the relationship basis to get Relation Visa?

- You can establish your relationship with any of your kin related to you by blood (within your three generation) via Relationship Certificate (issued by the concerned Local Government Body)

2. How long is the Relation Visa?

- It is issued for maximum of one year.

3. How much should I pay for Relation Visa processing?

- It is 5 USD per month. Additional 60 USD if you need multiple Re entry facility.

     4. What is the minimum time period I can apply for Relation visa?

- You can get it for minimum of one month. Consider opting for tourist Visa if it is for shorter period.  These kinds of Non Tourist Visas are intended for foreign kins of Nepali citizen having to stay in Nepal for longer period of time.

     5. Do I get Relationship Visa at the airport?

- No. It is issued from the Department of Immigration only. You should get Tourist Visa from the airport as your Entry Visa.

     6. Can I get 15 days Tourist Visa at the airport and apply for Non Tourist (Relation Visa) at the Department of Immigration and get my visa extended for a month?

- Yes. You can absolutely do so. However, if you are visiting Nepal for shorter period of time, you can consider some other options such as getting Tourist visas for 90 days issued at airport "On Arrival". Relation Visa is meant for foreign passport holders related (by blood) to Nepali citizens who need to stay in Nepal for longer period of time for various reasons. We expect you to be considerate enough not to take this Visa option as means for saving some buck for you.

    7. I cannot bring my kin in person every time I need to renew my visa. What should I do?

- For renewal of Relation Visa (Non Tourist), physical presence of your kin (as mentioned in Relationship Certificate) is mandatory. If it is not possible, you always have options of extending Tourist Visa (if you have not exceeded 150 days limit of Tourist Visa) in a given visa year (January to December). Or you can also get Non Residential Nepali (NRN) card issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

      8. What should I do to get NRN card?

- Contact your closest Nepalese embassies/consulates/diplomatic mission to find out procedures to obtain NRN card.

     9. Am I allowed to work if I hold Relation Visa?

- No. You are allowed to work only after obtaining labour permit from Department of Labour. We at the Department of Immigration can facilitate the process by forwarding your labour permit application to our line ministry (Ministry of Home Affairs). Contact DOI (Non Tourist Visa Section) for details obout necessary documents. You will then have to go to Department of Labour and follow its procedures to obtain work/ Labor permit. 

    10. Can I apply for work/labour permit without having a job at hand?

- No. You can apply only after you are offered job by potential employer.

     11. Do I have to renew work permit every time I renew my Relation Visa?

- Yes, as of now you should renew both your Visas and Work/Labour permit if you work and stay in Nepal for extended period of time.

Arrival/Departure Information

• Other Information’s
• Arrival/Departure Information

Immigration Office, TIA is the key frontline office under the Department of Immigration assuming central role in regulating Arrival and Departure of Nepali and foreign nationals. It is based on only International Airport of Nepal, i.e. Tribhuvan International Airport. Therefore, it happens to be the only entry and exit point for 'By Air' passengers travelling to and from Nepal. 

It is committed to supporting border control and national security in addition to serving other national and international interests including tourism promotion, curbing cross border crimes such as trafficking in person and terrorism. Striking delicate balance between tourism promotion and border control is one of our primary goals.It operates through Arrival and Departure Zone at TIA. It screens on an average 10,000 passengers daily.

Visa on Arrival

We have been facilitating tourism promotion through "Visa on Arrival". We have made things easier for tourists visiting Nepal. Our On Arrival Visa Procedure is very simple. Before you board on the plane, make sure you are national eligible for Visa on Arrival. 

Steps to acquire "ON Arrival Visa"

1. Get your Arrival Card ready. Fill out all your details accurately.
2. Fill out Online ’Tourist Visa' form (It can be filled in prior to your arrival  visiting official website of Department of Immigration / by using Kiosk machines upon your arrival at the airport). You will get submission receipt (with barcode). Get the print out of receipt (if you filled it online from website). A kiosk machine however automatically produces small receipt with barcode.
3. Make payment  at the bank according to your visa requirement ( 15/30/90 Days)
4. Get the receipt 

5. Visa Fee Structure

    15 Days – 30 USD 

     30 Days – 50 USD

     90 Days – 125 USD

6. Proceed to the Appropriate Immigration (Visa) Desk with receipt of your online form, Arrival card payment receipts and your passport (with validity of minimum six months).
7. Hand in your documents to an immigration officer for visa processing.

Passport and Visa

Nepalese nationals travelling abroad require valid Nepali passport and visa for the destination country except in case of countries where "Visa on Arrival" is available.

Foreigners travelling to, within and from Nepal are required to hold a valid and genuine passport and visa. We do not accept handwritten Passport for your entry and departure. We refuse entry and deny departure if you are not travelling with valid Machine Readable Passport (MRP).

Nepali Citizens arriving from India: Passport /Citizenship Certificate

Indian Nationals arriving from India:  Passport/Election Card (Voter ID issued by Election Commission). 

Birth Certificates for minors below 18

Arrival to Nepal

Both domestic and foreign nationals should go through immigration checks after arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport. Passport or any other valid travel documents along with properly filled in arrival card should be presented to an immigration officer at concerned Immigration Desk. If you are wearing sunglasses and hats, please take them off so that the immigration officer can see you clearly while verifying your travel documents. Immigration officers might ask you related questions while screening through your documents. Kindly cooperate by answering questions patiently.There are designated desks for different categories of passengers. Follow the directions and proceed to your respective queues.

Immigration Desks are categorized as follows:

1. Gratis
2. Tourist Visa (15 Days)
3. Tourist Visa (30  Days)
4. Tourist Visa (90  Days/ Transit)
5. Foreigner with Visa ( Foreigners who have already acquired visa )
6. Official/Diplomatic (Priority given to Official/Diplomatic Passport holders)
7. Crew (Exclusively for Crew Members. Crew members are required to produce General Declaration and Passport and their valid ID)
8. General Entry  (Nepali and Indian citizen / Passport holder)

Visa Waiver / Exemptions

Based on reciprocity, we have provision of visa waiver to certain nationality and official status. Indian nationals travelling to Nepal by land or air do not need a visa. However, they are required to produce passport/election card (Voter ID issued by Election Commission) sufficient enough to prove their Indian nationality. Similarly, Birth Certificates for minors and School Identity Card for children below 18 years (accompanied by parents) is required.

Diplomatic and Official or Service Passport holders of the following countries are exempted from the visa requirement to enter and stay in Nepal, exit from Nepal and transit through Nepal.

1. Thailand – Exemption up to 90 days
2. Russian Federation – Exemption up to 90 days
3. People’s Republic of China – Exemption up to 30 days
4. Federal Republic of Brazil – Exemption up to 90 days
5. Myanmar - Exemption up to 90 days   
6. Vietnam - Exemption up to 90 days
7. Cambodia - Exemption up to 30 days
8. Mongolia - Exemption up to 90 days
9. Jordan - Exemption up to 90 days

Gratis Visa (Tourist) Eligibility

1.  Minors under 10 years except U.S citizens as per visa reciprocity with United States of America
2. Up to 30 days for SAARC Citizen (except Afghanistan) visiting Nepal for the first time in a given visa Year
3. Non Residential Nepalese(NRN) card holder issued by MoFA and Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad
4. Chinese Nationals

Departure

Both domestic and foreign nationals exiting out of Nepal from Tribhuvan International Airport should go through immigration checks. Valid travel document (Passport) and properly filled embarkation card should be presented to an immigration officer.

Desks are separated for different categories of passengers for quick and efficient immigration clearance. Identify your desk and proceed by following the signs placed for your convenience. Categories of Departure Desks are:

• Foreign employment
• Nepalese travelling on Student and Visit Visa
• Foreign nationals / Indians/ Diplomats

Crew Members should proceed to the crew desk for immigration checks with valid passport and ID. You are required to submit a General Declaration (as per I.C.A.O. Annex E 9 Appendix I ) of crew members from your airlines.

Nepalese citizens travelling on Tourist/Visit Visa should produce following evidences for Immigration clearance:

1. Valid passport and Visa clarifying the purpose of travel, 
2. Two-way air-ticket,
3. Hotel booking
4. A letter exhibiting details of the sponsor ( individual or institution)
5.  1000 dollars ( cash/dollar stamping)

Nepali Citizens Travelling For Institutional Purpose:

1. Invitation Letter
2. Two-way air ticket
3. A document showing institutional association

If you are travelling to visit your spouse (husband/wife) working in Gulf countries, you must produce recommendation letter issued by the concerned Nepalese Embassy verifying that you have been invited by your husband/wife.

Nepalese Citizens travelling for Foreign Employment

1. Valid passport and Visa
2. Boarding Pass to the final destination
3.  Labour Permit issued by Government of Nepal

After you are done with immigration checks at Departure, proceed to security checks. Make sure you have your departure certified in your boarding pass and travel document (Passport). 

Visa Exemption

• Rules & Regulation
• Visa Exemption

Visa Exemption for holders of Diplomatic and Official or Service Passport

Based on the reciprocal agreements between the two countries Nepali visa exemption facilities are available to the followings:

1. Diplomatic and Official or Service Passport holders of the following countries are exempted from the visa requirement to enter and stay in Nepal, exit from Nepal and transit through Nepal.

1.  Thailand – Exemption up to 90 days.
2.  Russian Federation – Exemption up to 90 days.
3.  People’s Republic of China – Exemption up to 30 days.
4.  Federal Republic of Brazil – Exemption up to 90 days.
5. Myanmar - Exemption up to 90 days   
6. Vietnam - Exemption up to 90 days
7. Cambodia - Exemption up to 30 days
8. Mongolia - Exemption up to 90 days
9. Jordan - Exemption up to 90 days

 However, they are subjected to visa regulation after the stipulated duration of exemption.

2. Diplomats and officials with Diplomatic and Official or Service Passport working at the following diplomatic mission in Nepal and their dependents with Diplomatic and Official or Service Passport, staying with them in Nepal are exempted from the visa requirement till the former’s tenure in Nepal.

 A) Russian Federation

 B) Peoples Republic of China

 C) Federal Republic of Brazil

3. Those Diplomatic and Official Passport holders are required to move through the following Immigration Posts:

 A) Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu

 C) Kakarbhitta, Jhapa

 D) Birgunj, Parsa

 E) Belhia, Bhairahawa

 F) Nepalgunj, Bake

 G) Mohana, Kailali

 H) Gaddachwoki, Mahendranagar

 I) Kodari, Sindhupalchwok

 J) Rashuwagadi, Rashuwa

About Trekking Permit

• Trekking
• About Trekking Permit

Trekkers in Nepal are allowed to trek as FIT (Free Individual Trekker) or in a group of various sizes. However, there are certain trekking regions known as 'Restricted Areas' that are highly regulated by the Government of Nepal and hence FITs are strictly forbidden. Trekking in these areas is allowed only upon acquiring permit from the Department of Immigration. 

Interested trekkers should contact the authorized trekking agencies who then can apply for permits (on behalf of trekkers) at the Department of Immigration fulfilling all the necessary formalities. Trekkers should be trekking in a group (of minimum two persons) accompanied by licensed trekking guide. Individual trekker cannot apply for the permit.

There are different rates (trekking Permit fees) applicable for different routes to acquire the Permits. Visit the link for detail. Permit fees are quoted in US dollars but payable in Nepali Rupees. Trekking permit is not issued beyond visa expiration date. Hence, trekkers must have valid visa for sufficient number of days covering their trekking schedule.

Conditions to be followed by Trekkers

1. Trekkers should respect local customs and traditions and must not indulge in any activity that goes against the established norms and culture of the society.
2. Individual trekking in Restricted Areas is strictly forbidden. There should be minimum two trekkers.
3. Daily remuneration, safety gears and appropriate clothes, Personal Accident insurance must be provided to Nepali citizen accompanying travel group as guide/porter/any other supporting roles.
4. Trekkers should trek only in the specified or designated route as per the Trekking Permit. They are not allowed to change route. Or concerned trekking agency/trekking guide accompanying the group must not let trekkers change the route.
5. Trekkers should comply with instructions given by authorized Officials in trekking zone (Restricted Area).
6. Mountaineers with expedition permit should get trekking permit as well if they have to pass through Restricted Areas to climb peaks. In this case, they do not need to pay fees for (Trekking) Permit.

Authorized agencies can apply for trekking permits along with following documents

1. Online application form (trekkers) Link to Trekking Permit Application
2. Copy of Passport
3. Copy of  valid Visa sufficient to cover trekking days
4. Name lists of trekkers
5. Program Schedule of trekking
6. Guarantee letter of Agency
7. Agreement with Agency
8. Tax clearance Certificate of Trekking Agency
9. Documents relating to insurance of the trekkers (foreign nationals) and Nepalese staff accompanying the trekkers
10. License issued by The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation to operate trekking business
11. License  issued by Nepal Rastra Bank allowing exchanging of foreign currencies
12. Program schedule of trekking
13. Registration Certificate of Permanent Account Number
14. Voucher of Bank payment (fees) for permits

---