Nepal is five hours and 45 minutes ahead of GMT.

Business hours within the Valley and out side valley

Government offices are open from 10 am to 5 pm from Sunday to Friday in the Katmandu valley. Banks are open from Sunday through Friday from 10 am to 3.30 pm and until 12 pm on Friday. Most business offices are open from 10 am to 5 pm Sunday through Friday. Embassies and international organizations are open from 9 am to 5 pm from Monday to Friday. Most shops open after 10 and close at about 8 pm and usually closed on Saturdays.

HOLIDAYS
Nepal observes numerous holidays, at the at least a couple in a month. So please check the holiday calendar. Government offices observe all the national holidays and banks most of them. Businesses observe major holiday only.

Travelling in India and Nepal whilst the Holi festival (a lunar festival but generally held in March every year) is on can at times be dangerous - a lot of locals participate in consumption of intoxicating substances. The day has been associated with physical violence and danger. Your leader will be advising you and your group on what places to avoid on this day and it may even be necessary for us to alter your itinerary for the day to avoid putting you or our group leader in high risk situation.

Travelling during the Hindu festival Diwali (a lunar festival but generally held between mid October to mid November every year) can be dangerous. During this time there are many displays of fireworks in the streets. It can be very noisy for several days and there is also a lot of pollution caused by the fireworks. As there are no restrictions on buying fireworks in India there are often injuries caused by people exploding them inappropriately. During this festival your leader may be required to alter your itinerary to avoid any dangerous areas to avoid putting the group at risk.