Nepal: A Tourist's Manual: February 2014

Monday, February 24, 2014

How a Person Can Live in Nepal on a Very Small Income

I am an American widow living abroad on a small retirement income. I live very well in Nepal and truthfully, my lifestyle is a lot higher than if I lived in the US. However, I did have some savings when I arrived in Nepal.

The situation in the US has changed substantially since I left-for the worse. It’s been a record year for cold weather and homelessness. American people are suffering. I want to encourage those hit hardest to get out and live a better lifestyle, too, like me. But the poor seem trapped, just as trapped in the US as the poor are here in Nepal.

I’m talking about a widow/widower/retired person with $700-800 per month in retirement. I’ve read about ways to live abroad on a shoestring, but the advice never seems to be the answer. One of the budget travel guides tell you it can teach you how to live in Nepal on only $40 per day, which is about $25 more than necessary. OK, if you are trekking it can get a bit pricy, but seriously, I know it is very possible to live here, very nicely, on $15 per day. I want to get to know people who would like to give it a try. I particularly want to mentor women from the West who never thought they could get away to have some adventures.

----So, here is the offer to anyone willing to explore this.

$600 per month total charge includes:

1. Housing

a. Private room in our guesthouse

b. Private bathroom with Western toilet

c. On-Demand hot water/24 hr. electricity and broadband WIFI

2. Food

a. All the food you can eat, prepared fresh and to your order

b. Vegetables are primarily organically grown

c. Three meals per day will be prepared for you when you are home

d. If you would like to suggest a meal it can be prepared for you

e. The kitchen in the apartment/guesthouse will be yours to call home. The kitchen is always open for you to cook in or ask to have something prepared

f. Organic coffee and excellent Nepali teas are always free for you and your guests

3. Transportation

a. Local excursions within the Kathmandu Valley are offered each week by private mini-van

c. There are many places to see nearby

d. Group excursions will be planned to help you to explore Nepal

4. Medical

a. I have explored the medical facilities in Nepal and have relationships with doctors and other health care professionals. Should you become ill you will have the best possible care.

b. I suggest getting a travel insurance policy in case you have a major health challenge. This would allow you to be taken to a world class hospital in India, Thailand, Dubai or back home.

c. In the event that you need hospitalization you will have the facility upgraded to be consistent with Western medical care. A staff nurse, latex gloves, an air filter, etc. will be provided for you during your hospital stay. A day worker will be provided during your recovery time.

What this will do is get you unstuck. You could go back in May and everyone will be happy to see you. You will have escaped the cold, been active for the entire time, been in a safe environment, and will return with more pictures and stories than you ever thought possible. You could spend a few weeks or a month with each of your family members when you get back, since you probably won’t have a house anymore. So, that would give you another year or so to finalize your plans to make a more permanent escape.

This school takes volunteers and doesn't charge a fee.

I would continue to work to bring you back, and I have a lot of ways to help you pay for your travel. If you do not have money to get here I can help you to get the money via a fundraising method I’m working on. Check out my blog of three years to come to know me. Read my references on Couchsurfing.org (FrugalTravelsNepal) to see that I am a person you can trust. This is a big task for anyone to undertake, and I am not the kind of person who would abandon you.

How it works:

Living arrangements: You would share my apartment/guesthouse and have your own bedroom/bathroom with a Western toilet. You would have the entire place for your use; cook a meal for yourself, etc. If your stay is in a guesthouse their will be communal places throughout the property for socializing.

Personal Care: I have a housekeeper who comes in daily. She brings you whatever you need each morning. If you want her to go out to get you something she will be happy to do that.

Food: It’s best to eat vegetarian here because of the refrigeration/electricity issues. You can either make your own food or it can be prepared for you. Of course, if you want to eat lunch or dinner out, that will be on your own rupee.

Medical care: If you get sick I have a doctor who will come to your room. You will be feeling better in no time at all. If you were to develop a serious condition there are many international hospitals, including a world renowned cardiac hospital. You can get a travel insurance medical policy to help in case of a major problem.

Recreation: You will have a taxi at your disposal for daily excursions and for your needs. You could volunteer at just about any school or NGO of your choosing. Create a life, make new friends. What was your dream when you were young?

Safety: First of all, Nepal is a very safe country, particularly for tourists. We are usually treated like royalty, but it is important to understand the culture, laws and other nuances of society. Although many Nepali will be happy to cheat you out of a few rupees, you are very safe here physically.

Coming back home: Each of our guests will be given a large aluminum chest for souvenirs approximately 36X25X40 that can be packed and shipped home with amazingly inexpensive gifts.

You will enjoy gathering up some lovely souvenirs to take back home.

What You Will Need:

You will need airfare to Nepal and money in savings for a return flight. This will allow you a 10-months stay in Nepal if you come in August. You need to have a stable income of at least $1,000 per month, so you can have some spending money and some travel insurance.

You will need to start considering your future plans in/around February or March so we will have enough time to get you settled with long term arrangements. Otherwise, you will need to return to your home country or go elsewhere after your 10 months in Nepal.

I am working to create a circuit whereby you can travel to India, Thailand or Cambodia until you can start the circuit over again by coming to Nepal.

Anyone interested in this should contact Amanda at FrugalTravelsNepal@gmail.com


Not only will you be able to explore Western medical, but there are many shaman and other alternative treatments available.

This is one of the ancient temples in Bhaktapur during a festival.

Did you know I wrote an eBook filled with tips on getting the most out of your visit to Nepal?

Visit my website: Nepal: A Tourist's Manual

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Women's Safety Issues in Nepal

I recently asked a police officer how many Westerners had to report a violent crime recently and he couldn't think of any. Usually crime involving tourists are only about money issues. Well, one issue; we have it and most Nepali do not. But they are not violent, almost never! When there is a problem it's almost always because the tourist got involved in drug abuse or some other illegal activity. It happens.

I've been here for over three years and I've had my share of problems with my Nepali helpers, but never, never, never has there even been a threat of violence. It's mostly pilfering or not showing up. They have their issues, but it's not violence and I feel very safe here.

Although Kathmandu and Nepal is much safer than almost any other place on the planet, there is still a need for prudence. Here are a few suggestions, but the best thing you can do is to be aware of your surroundings.

1. Don’t shop alone. If you must, then bring along an invisible man or two. ‘Are you alone?’ Just look around and say something like, ‘I am at the moment.’
2. Never use a credit card while shopping in Nepal. They usually charge an additional fee (up to 5%), but I have not heard about problems associated with credit cards fraud. Rupees come out of ATMs.
3. Ask the guest house manager to be sure to call you as soon as your husband comes. Leave your phone number and ask if he’s come yet so the staff can hear when you come each evening.
4. You should always plan to be in your guest house within an hour or so of dark, not because of human danger but street dogs.
5. Be sure to take extra business cards of your guest house. There is usually a map on the back. If there is no map just visit a nearby business and take one of theirs. It is very easy to get lost without this map. Also note landmarks like a bank or major guest house. Sometimes it's easier to ask for the Kathmandu Guest House or Himalayan Bank.
6. Shop owners in Asia often invite you to take tea with them. I’ve read that women believe they may get drugged from store owners, but I seriously doubt it it happens in Nepal. Just be aware of how the tea is served. It is usually delivered by a young boy.
7. Log the Tourist Police phone number into your mobile. 01 424 7041. Use it at the first sign of trouble.

If Nepal is such a safe country for women why am I listing these tips? As you can see, there is no need for mace or anything else for your safety. Even the street dogs are just annoying, not usually bad.

Why the invisible husband? Because so many women come to Nepal and have a vacation romance with the locals. I've had offers from Nepali as young as 21. Rumor has it they aren't such a 'big' deal, but, seriously, they just want your money.

My apologies for the book falling off the internet again. It will be available soon. But check out my website for more insights into life in Nepal. http://UnconventionalTourist.com Maybe the link will work there.

Here are a few pictures of the Kathmandu Valley.

I couldn't help but admire this beautiful animal just randomly tied up in Thimi

So laid back in Bhaktapur


These swings can be seen during festivals. If you swing on them		you will be more youthful.