Hanuman Dhoka (Old Royal Palace)
Address Durbar Square, Kathmandu Hours Feb-Oct: Tue-Sat 09:30 – 17:00
Nov-Jan: Tue-Sat 09:30 – 15:00 Keyword castle The old royal palace is a part of Durbar Square, which remains the traditional heart of the old town and a spectacular example of traditional architecture. The king no longer lives here – the royal family moved to Narayanhiti more than a century ago – and the 1934 earthquake damaged the complex, but it remains a fascinating place to explore.
The western part of the palace, overlooking Durbar Square, is home to an interesting museum that celebrates King Tribhuvan’s successful putsch against the Ranas. Wander inside and you get an eerie insight into his life: lots of personal effects, extensive photos and newspaper clippings and magnificent furniture and knick-knackery.
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
Phone tel: (025) 530897 (info) Transport bus: Mahendra Hwy bus, drop-off at park turn-off Keyword national park This rarely-visited reserve is a great place to escape the crowds for a few days and do some animal- and bird spotting. Water-bird species outnumber tourists 400:1, and the reserve is home to the last surviving population of wild arna (water buffalo), various deer, nilgai, mugger crocodiles and Gangetic dolphins.
Royal Chitwan National Park
Hours 06:00 – 16:00
ticket office opening hours only Keyword national park Royal Chitwan National Park provides one of the finest wildlife experiences in Asia. While you’d have to be lucky to see one of the tigers or leopards, an elephant safari is an unforgettable experience and you are almost certain to see rhinos, deer, monkeys and numerous bird species, as well as the jumbo underneath you!
Nepal: Money & Costs
If you stay in rock-bottom accommodation and survive on a predominantly Nepali diet, you could live in Nepal on US$5.00 a day. If you prefer to stay in comfortable lodgings, eat in tourist-oriented restaurants and take the occasional taxi, your living costs are likely to be between US$15.00 and US$40.00 a day. At the top end, the sky is the limit. Organised treks with porters and guides cost US$40.00 – US$80.00 a day, depending on the level of luxury. Shoestring trekkers can save money by organising things themselves and staying in local teahouses along the way – you can get by on as little as US$10.00 – US$15.00 a day in the hills, as long as you stick to dhal bhaat (plate meals of curried lentils with rice) and avoid ‘luxury’ items, like beer and chocolate.
The official exchange rate is set by the government’s Nepal Rastra Bank, but private banks and moneychangers often offer better deals. Cash and travellers cheques in major currencies can be changed in larger towns and cities, and ATMs are fairly common in Kathmandu, Pokhara and the Terai. Exchange rates and commissions can vary quite significantly, so shop around. There is no point changing money on the black-market – nine times out of ten, this is just an excuse for a scam.
When you change money legally, you are issued with a Foreign Exchange Encashment Receipt showing the amount of hard currency you have exchanged. If you leave Nepal via Kathmandu airport and haven’t spent all your rupees, you can exchange up to 15% of the amount shown on these unused receipts back into hard currency. ATM receipts may also be acceptable.
Major international currencies such as the US dollars, Euros and pounds sterling are readily accepted, and the Indian rupee is also considered a