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BASICS TRAVEL ESSENTIALS apply in writing to Tribhuvan University (Campus of International Languages, PO Box 4339, Exhibition Rd, Kathmandu T 01 422 8916, W bishwobhasa.edu .np), which runs courses in Nepali, Tibetan, Sanskrit and Newari.
STUDY AND WORK PROGRAMMES Campus of International Languages Tribhuwan University T 01 422 8916, W bishwobhasa.edu.np. Kathmandu’s most highly regarded university. Himalayan Rescue Association W himalayanrescue.org. Accepts doctors to staff its high-altitude aid posts. Naropa Institute W naropa.edu/studyabroad. Colorado institution that runs a pricey course on Tibetan Buddhism each autumn at Boudha. Partnership for Sustainable Development W psdnepal.org. Small, friendly organization, running four-week to five-month programmes for international volunteers – digging wells, building classrooms, hospital internships – often incorporating tourist activities. Peace Corps W peacecorps.gov. Places US citizens with specialist qualifications or skills in two-year postings. Restless Development W restlessdevelopment.org/Nepal. Teaching placements and environmental education programmes for young people aged 18–25. School for International Training W sit.edu. Based in Vermont, with its own campus in Kathmandu. School of South Asian Studies W wisc.edu. Full-year study programmes with the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Study Abroad.com W studyabroad.com. Good list of study and volunteer programmes in Nepal. VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas) W vso.org.uk. Highly respected charity that sends qualified professionals from the UK, US and EU to work for local wages on projects beneficial to developing countries. There are special programmes for young people and the over-60s too.
Naturally, you’ll want to plan a more modest itinerary and travel in greater comfort with children than you might on your own. In tourist areas it should be no problem finding food that kids will eat, though in other places it might be more challenging. Baby food and disposable nappies/ diapers are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but are hard to come by elsewhere. Some toys and books can be bought in Nepal, but bring a supply of your own. Carry small tots in a backpack or papoose – a stroller or pushchair will be virtually useless. Trekking with children is generally a wonderful experience (see p.320), though it can be logistically awkward if they’re too old to ride in a backpack and too young to hike on their own (though mules or horses can often be arranged).
Climate Nepal’s climate varies significantly through the year, with seasons showing themselves very differently at different altitudes. The pre-monsoon period, generally very hot and humid at lower elevations, lasts from mid-April to early June, while the monsoon itself, when travel is difficult but not impossible, dominates the period between mid-June and mid-September. Autumn sees pleasant temperatures and dry weather, while winter is generally cool and clear. There’s a fuller rundown of Nepal’s various seasons and weather changes in the introduction to this guide (see p.7).
Costs
Your money goes a long way in Nepal. Off the tourist routes, it can actually be hard to spend US$30–40 a day, including food, transport and accommodation. On the other hand, Kathmandu Children and some of the other tourist traps can burn a hole in your pocket faster than you might expect. Even Kids always help break the ice with strangers, and so, it’s still possible for a frugal traveller to keep to Nepal can be a magical place for a child to visit. US$20 a day in the capital, although the figure can Arranging childcare is easy, and Nepalis generally effortlessly balloon to US$50 or more simply by love kids. Some children (especially those with fair choosing slightly nicer hotels and restaurants. skin and blond hair) may be uncomfortable with However, if you travel in less-touristed areas, use the endless attention, however. ipi8hfBu+Fu1Tqp6g5eaALs= local buses and live as the locals, it’s perfectly Parents will of course have to take extra precaupossible to live on as little as US$10 a day. If you like tions in the light of Nepal’s poor sanitation, dogs, to travel in greater luxury and do a few activities, crowds, traffic, pollution, bright sun, rooftops and you should reckon on spending US$60–80 or steep slopes. It may be hard to keep hands clean more per day, depending mainly on standard of and yucky stuff out of mouths, and you’ll have to accommodation. keep a firm grip on small children while out and You’ll inevitably pay over the odds for things at about. If your child comes down with diarrhoea, first, and it may even feel as if people are charging keep them hydrated and topped up on salts – have you as much as they think they can get away with, oral rehydration formula on hand.
Travel essentials
