What are the different accommodation options?
We have two lodging facilities. One is Hotel lodging within the IDEC venue and Guest House and Hostel lodging within the IDEC Venue.
What is the difference between the two options?
Hotel lodging facility will be available to those who would like to have hotel like services, which is a bit more expensive than the Guesthouse/hostel accommodation. Hotel accommodation can be only single or double. If you are with children you need to book for a suit room.
How far is the accommodation from the conference site?
It is within one single campus. You can explore just by walking a few minutes or even less.
How is the accommodation in Hotel? Hotel accommodation consists of a well furnished bedroom with an attached toilet and Bathroom. You have comfortable beds, water boilers and hot shower.
What if I am differently abled?
The hotel is friendly for differently abled participants. There is an elevator to take you to higher floors.
Is there room service available?
Yes, In the hotel room service is available. You will have to be a bit early with your request because of large number of guests during that time.
Is it cold/hot during night?
October is the best time of the year in Kathmandu. It is neither cold nor hot during the day. During the night the temperature can drop to 14/15 degrees. We will provide you warm quilts and an extra blanket if needed.
How is the Guest House accommodation ?
Guest house/ Hostel accommodation are of different types. It is cheaper but does have most of the facilities. You will have hot water shower, toilet and bathroom (some attached and some non-attached). You also have an option to opt for dormitory with common Toilet and bathroom. We will provide you with enough bedding material and quilts to keep you warm and cozy.
How are the rooms?
Rooms are clean, some carpteted some not carpeted. Freshly painted, well lit, and cozy.
What are the toilets like?
We have squat and sitting toilets as common toilets. All the attached toilets are sitting toilets. All the toilets will have both toilet paper and water.
What kind of food should I expect?
You will have plenty of options to choose from. Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Will be an array of Nepalese, Indian, and continental dishes. We have kept in mind the needs of those who love spices and those who need a bit less.
Will there be non-vegetarian dish?
We do not offer any meat. But keeping in mind the nutritional needs of participants, we will have ample dairy products and food varieties.
What about drinking?
Within the IDEC venue drinking is prohibited. But we have a bar set up near the IDEC venue, where you can enjoy your drinks.
What is Himalayan IDEC 2.0?
Himalayan IDEC 2.0 is an extension of IDEC 2023 conference that combines Conferences with the opportunity to experience the Himalayas and the Mountains trails of Nepal. It includes trekking, village walks, and workshops.
Where will we stay?
You will be accommodate in a resort at the top of a Mountain with the beautiful view of the Himalayas and morning sunrise bath.
What about the Food?
Variety of food options that includes Nepalese/Indian + Continental. Everything included in the same price.
What about Drinks?
Drinks are available but at your own personal costs.
Is it only for those who are fit?
No, the location is chosen in a manner that it is accessible by car or bus as well. Anyone who doesn’t want to walk will be picked up from Kathmandu and taken to the venue.
How challenging are the walks?
There are multiple options, those who are willing to walk challenging trails will have different option than those who would like to opt for a mild walking trail.
What are the gears that I might need?
Good walking shoes, warm clothes for morning and evening, woolen hat, sunglasses, suncream.
When should I book for Himalayan IDEC 2.0?
Himalayan IDEC 2.0 is an exclusive event, and because we have to book in advance we suggest you to make it as early as possible. The maximum number of participants can be only 100. Book your ticket now!
What about the Guides ?
We will be guided professional guides along the way.
Is there transportation facility if needed?
If you need transportation in between the conference, we can surely organize it for you. But the costs will be on you.
Do I need visa to Travel to Nepal?
Yes, citizens from most of the countries require visa to travel to Nepal. For Indian nationals, visa is not necessary. The details can be found here: nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/
How can I acquire Nepalese visa?
For most of the countries, you can get Visa on Arrival at the airport. If you want to get it at Nepal Embassy in your city, that is also possible. To get visa on arrival, you might have to wait in a long queue. You have to fill up Arrival Card before proceeding to the kiosk where the officials will issue visa.
Can I apply for online visa?
Yes, if you want to avoid long possible queue upon arrival, you can opt for online visa. Please visit : nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/onlinevisa-mission/application. Online visa processing time can be up to 15 days, so be early.
What are the different tourist visa tariffs?
On Arrival Visa Fee at Entry Points
- 15 Days – 30 USD – 35 Euros
- 30 Days – 50 USD – 55 Euros
- 90 Days – 125 USD – 135 Euros
I have to cancel my reservation. What are the conditions?
You will find all information here: www.idecnepal.org/cancellation/
Is it possible to attend for a single day?
Yes, the day tickets are valid until 23:00 of the purchase day.
Will there be interpreters?
We will not have any official interpreters. Although, during the conference we can help you find someone who might be interested in volunteering as a translator.
Will events be cancelled if there is bad weather?
The event is organized during the best time of the year. Clear sky, beautiful view of the mountain and amazing sunshine is expected. If incase there is rain, the conference will continue as we have enough space indoors.
Can I donate towards the IDEC 2023?
You are of course welcome to donate to the IDEC 2023. Your donation will help us spend on things that are of immediate concern. And also, we are working towards making the IDEC 2023 an inclusive program for those who cannot think about attending such program. Your donation will be great help towards making it more participatory and inclusive.
How can I help? I would like to volunteer during the festival.
Thank you for wanting to give your precious time and work with our wonderful team! Please write to us and let us know what you would like to do.
I have a business. How can I be part of the festival?
We look forward to invite you to be part of the conference. Let us find out ways in which it is mutually beneficial. Write to us
What’s the camera and filming policy?
You are welcome to take pictures and videos according to our terms and conditions. Please do contact us.
Are bicycles allowed?
Bicycles are permitted on site. Please note that the safe keeping of bicycles is completely at your own risk.
How can I connect with other people who are planning to attend the Festival?
You can connect to other prospective conference participants through the following social media sites:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/IDEC2023
Instagram: www.instagram.com/idec2023/
How do I get to Nepal?
From the west: Most flights connect in the Middle East, often in Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi where you can easily connect to Kathmandu.
From the south: Most flights will connect in Delhi, and you are welcome to fly from their directly to Kathmandu.
Do I need COVID certificate or Vaccination certificate to fly to Kathmandu?
The regulations are always changing so we suggest you to have a Vaccination certificate with you. If you are not vaccinated please have negative COVID test certificate with you taken within 72 hours of departure from the port of embarkment.
Where Should I Fly?
The only International Airport in Nepal is in Kathmandu, it is the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). The airport is about 25 kilometers away from the IDEC venue.
Are there any ways to get to Nepal ?
Yes, if you fly to Delhi or any part of India, you can get to Nepal by road. You have to get visa on arrival at the Nepal – India border. This can be quite an adventurous ride if you haven’t travelled in Nepal and India previously.
Where should I exit at the airport?
There is only one exit at TIA, no need to worry. Once you are done receiving your baggage, and Visa, you will come to the exit through a tunnel where the IDEC team will be waiting to receive. (provided you have informed your arrival)
How will I get to the venue?
The IDEC team will come to receive you at the airport. There is no extra fee for pick up and drop off; we have it all covered. Please send us your arrival details as early as possible, we want to make sure you have a smooth transfer. Use free WiFi available to contact us once your arrive. You can buy SIM card at the airport exit or after reaching the Venue.
What sort of vehicle will receive us at the airport?
The pick up can be a taxi or a mini- tourist van depending on the number of participants arriving along with you.
How do I find my accommodation after arrival at the Venue?
The IDEC team will be waiting for you to receive at the site of the Conference. The team will guide you to your room/accommodation according to your booking. Get refreshed, we have tea/coffee snacks ready for you.
What are the things I should be aware of at the IDEC venue?
IDEC venue is within a community, Sri Aurobindo Yoga Mandir. Smoking and Drinking is prohibited within the campus. But don’t worry, we have a nice place for those who would like to smoke or drink just out of the campus.
Should I be worried about my safety?
Nepal is an incredibly safe country to visit. Crime rates are low, and everyone you meet will be very friendly, we have a local saying her (i forget the saying) and we hope you feel that when you’re here. That said, we will have an emergency line you can reach here(Veda: +9779851101539)) and have also linked numbers of local police and embassies. We recommend adding your nation’s embassy contact to your phone in order to contact them if you every need to. We also recommend purchasing a SIM card either at the airport or when you get to the IDEC Venue (Ashram), particularly if you plan to visit around the Kathmandu Valley.
What are some phrases I should learn?
See our Nepali Language Basics to learn a little Nepali before you come! It’s a wonderful language and it means the world to use when foreigners pick up even a little during their stay. Namaste is our traditional greeting and you can ask people how they are by saying tikchha? (teek-chah) which mean “are you doing good?” It’s a simple one because you respond the same way: tikccha! (I am doing well!)