Solo Female Travelling in Nepal

Solo Female Travelling in Nepal

As a female solo traveller , travelling in various  countries can sometimes feel as if there’s a restriction based upon your gender. This in hindsight can discourage you to visit/explore places that can ultimately bring new experiences, perspective in your life.

Nepal is a beautiful  country in its own right and has its own cultural diversity. So, it can all be overwhelming for a foreigner at first. But trust me, the people here are kind, helpful and friendly as they can get. So, even if you are a woman travelling alone in Nepal you can rest assured that you will have a wonderful time here.

How to get a ride from the Airport?

Once you land at the airport and exit to the arrival hall you can see many individuals from different companies and taxi drivers as well. If you are associated with a company then a representative of that company should be waiting for you at the arrival hall. But if you are not then no need to worry as you can easily find cabs to reach to your destination and you won’t have to go through much haggling as well.

How is the local Transport?

For travelling through different places here in Nepal via local transport it can be tricky at first but once you get the hang of it’s fairly easy. It’s not necessary that you would require a ticket for travelling on a local transport most of the time and if you’re in a hurry then a ticket can be exceptionalized. Also the people here understand personal space and go out of their way to help you reach your destination. And also if you want a comfortable ride there’s always the option for a tourist bus. It can be a bit expensive but it’s more comfortable.

Is there Communication barrier here in Nepal?

Anyone travelling to a foreign land is curious to know if there is any kind of communication barrier. Well most of the people even if they are not fluent in English understand and can speak English for the most part  so you don’t have to worry about the communication being a hindrance. And even if you get stuck in a situation where the locals don’t understand you, they will try to find someone who does for you and help you out.

What kind of Dress Code is preferred For Solo Female Travelling in Nepal ?

For the most part Nepal is pretty much relaxed and you can wear shorts ,dresses, tank tops and locals here get it that you’re a tourist. But one also needs to have one’s own wit about how to dress as Nepal is a very traditional place and the people also have their norms and rules. If you avoid anything too provocative then you will be just fine.

How is Accomodation For Solo Female Travelling in Nepal ?

For accommodation here in Nepal you can find guesthouses in every town and in bigger cities you can find hotels to stay in. You can also get a private room with a private or shared bathroom which is totally up to your preference. But it’s always wise to stroll around and check for other best options as you can find other reasonable places with nicer accommodations and a lovely family who essentially can take you in as their own.

Is It Necessary To Travel With Tissues and Feminine Hygiene Products For Solo Female Travelling in Nepal?

For  a solo woman travelling here in Nepal I would recommend one to carry tissues and other female hygiene products even though they are available throughout Nepal. It’s always wise to be carrying just in case as most of the public toilets may not be as you expect them to be as most of them are not maintained well and normally lack of running water and toilet papers can be seen. So, it is best to prepare oneself for any female emergency.

What are the Safety Measures to Consider For Solo Female Travelling in Nepal?

Although Nepali people here are quite friendly and helpful it is always wise to be on alert and be cautious while travelling to a new foreign land. Here are some points that need to be taken under consideration while travelling in Nepal:

• It is always advised that you do not walk alone in the midnight through the streets as you can never know what may happen. Always travel in a group if you’re planning for a late night stroll.
• Always keep your necessary documents and details properly secured in your daypack or backpack and if possible put a lock on the chains. As most places are crowded here and it’s crowded places that you need to be alert while travelling.
• Though people are friendly and kind here in Nepal not everyone is guaranteed to be the same so be cautious who you are interacting with.
• Try to avoid alleyways or “Galli” is what it is referred by the Nepalis.

Trekking Alone In Nepal As A Female?

As for solo trekking here in Nepal, it is best considered that you go in with a group or bring a companion along as the weather and uncertainty of mother nature. You can book a guide from any company and travel along as it is better to travel with a guide than travelling solo. And also its much more enjoyable to travel in a group rather than travelling alone. And having a guide can also prove to be quite useful as he can give you information about the places you will be visiting and also explain you about the native culture and tradition of the place you will be visiting. And also will help you learn more about the biodiversity of the region.

Preparing for the trek is also a breeze here so you won’t have to worry if you forgot to bring any necessary items. The stores in Kathmandu can provide you with most of your requirements in a very reasonable price.

Here are some necessary items that needs to be taken under consideration while starting the trek.

Equipment and Packing List For Solo Female Travelling in Nepal

This list is a guideline to help you pack for your adventure. Also, understand that the items listed below will vary a little according to the season and the trek duration. The weight limit for your luggage is 33 pounds or 15 kg. Remember that your luggage will be carried by your porter but you are required to carry a day-pack (with your valuables or anything important) on your own. We also suggest that you pack what is necessary.

Important documents and items For Solo Female Travelling in Nepal :

• Valid passport, 2extra passport size photos, airline tickets
• Separate photocopies of passport, visa form( easily obtained at Kathmandu airport), proof of insurance
• Dollars, pounds or Euros in cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, for paying for restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks, and to purchase your own drinks and gifts
• Credit cards, Bank/ATM/Cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines(bring a photocopy of your cards), traveler’s checks, etc.

Head

• Bandana or headscarf, also useful for dusty conditions
• Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic)
• Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Prescription sunglasses (if required)

Upper Body

• Polypropylene shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves)
• Light and expedition weight thermal tops
• Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
• Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
• Down vest and/or jacket
• Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable

Hands

• 1 pair of lightweight poly liner gloves.
• 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves
• 1 pair of mittens, consists of 1 Gore-Tex over mitt matched with a very warm polar-fleece mitt liner (seasonal)

Lower Body

• Non-cotton underwear briefs
• 1 pair of Hiking shorts
• 1 pair of Hiking trousers
• 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms (seasonal)
• 1 pair of fleece or wool trousers
• 1 pair of waterproof shell pants, breathable fabric

Feet                                                                        

• 2 pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks
• 2 pairs of heavy poly or wool socks
• 1 pair of Hiking boots with spare laces (sturdy soles, water-resistant, ankle support, “broken-in”)
• 1 pair of trainers or running shoes and/or sandals
• Cotton socks (optional)
• Gaiters (winter only), optional, “low” ankle high version

Sleeping

• 1 sleeping bag (good to -10 degrees C or 14 degrees F)
• Fleece sleeping bag liner (optional)

Rucksack and Travel Bags

• 1 medium rucksack (50-70 liters/3000-4500 cubic inches, can be used for an airplane carryon)
• 1 large duffel bag
• A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables should have good shoulder padding
• Small padlocks for duffle-kit bags
• 2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional)

Medical

• Small, personal first-aid kit. (simple and light)
• Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
• 1 skin-blister repair kit
• Anti-diarrhea pills
• Anti-headache pills
• Cough and/or cold medicine
• Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetazolamide
• Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Do not bring sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressant.
• Water purification tablets or the water filter
• 1 set of earplugs
• Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies

Practical Items

• 1 small roll of repair tape, 1 sewing-repair kit
• 1 cigarette lighter, 1 small box of matches
• 1 compass or GPS(optional)
• 1 alarm clock/watch
• 1 digital camera with extra cards and batteries
• large Ziplocs
• 2 water bottles (1 liter each)
• 1 small folding knife
• Binoculars (optional)
• 4 large, waterproof, disposable rubbish sacks

Toiletries

• 1 medium-sized quick-drying towel
• Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
• Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
• Deodorants
• Nail clippers
• Face and body moisturizer
• Female hygiene products
• Small mirror

Personal Hygiene

• Wet wipes (baby wipes)
• Tissue /toilet roll
• Anti-bacterial handwash

Extras/Luxuries

• Reading book
• Trail map/guide book
• Journal and pen
• iPod
• Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble, playing cards (to help you pass the time at tea- houses and/or camps)
• 1 modest swimsuit
• Binoculars (optional)
• Voltage converter (from 220 to 110)
• Plug adapter (2 round pegs to 2 flat pegs)
• Lightweight   (in case your tea houses provide you with pillows) or use your own stuff as a pillow

Visa Details:

All nationalities except for that of India should get a Visa to enter Nepal. It is easy to get a Nepali visa. Some nationalities can get a visa on arrival or when entering Nepal at one of the border entry points. Check which nationals can get a visa on arrival or consult with the embassy.

Fee structure for a visa is as follows:

US $30 for 15days

US $50 for 30days

US $125 for 90days

For extension, fee structure is as:

US $45 for 15days extension

US $90 for 30 days extension

US $3 per day after the first extension

Insurance:

While traveling to Nepal, you are requested to have travel insurance that should cover any comprehensive expenses possible to acquire due to medical issues or accidents. Especially, your travel insurance must protect air ambulance, treatment charges, rescue and evacuation, product cancellation and refundable charges, flight delays, and cancellations.

Insurance Policy:

Traveling in the Himalayas is full of adventurous; hence it is wise to choose a proper insurance policy. While choosing your insurance policy, make sure that it will protect all such unforeseen expenses. You must ensure that the policy you do take provides an adequate level of protection, well familiar with your itinerary and covers you for the activities involved. You must carry proof of insurance (e.g. your insurance certificate) with you on holiday or send us a scanned copy and it must be issued from your homeland.

RECOMMENDATION:

1.            Global Rescue

2.            World Nomads

NOTE:

Please, kindly note, this given reference of the insurance company above is only a recommendation, which is based on the recommendation of our previous travelers who have used them for their Treks Planner Nepal holidays. You could review their update insurance policy by contacting them directly.

So, if the above mentioned things are taken into proper consideration than you will have a wonderful time travelling and trekking in the most spectacular region of Nepal. Carry all the necessary equipment as mentioned above take all the precautions and there’s no way you are not going to have a wonderful time. You won’t even realize how fast the time flew by while travelling to the beautiful places of Nepal and interacting with various people of different ethnicity and exploring the beautiful flora and fauna that this country has to offer.

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