Friday, October 7, 2016

Load Shed in Nepal-What You Need to Know



Batti ayo! ("Electricity Come")

UPDATE:Although I am leaving the blog post about load shedding up, we have a wonderful update to post. It seems they had a change in government ministers and the new guy isn't corrupt. He found where all the electricity was going and now there is so much electricity we have it ALL THE TIME! Thank you to the powers that be for all this electricity. They have asked that we try to conserve from 5 am to 8 am, but if we can manage to cooperate maybe Nepal will have enough electricity now.

Lonely Planet has put Nepal on the list of 'Must See' destinations in 2017, so please come. Lot's of electricity now and much of the earthquake mess is cleaned up. It's a lot easier to clean up after the earthquake when there isn't as much infrastructure in place.  The Boudhanath Stuppa is fully restored now, as are many other UNESCO sites.
The people of Nepal are ready to receive guests and the government is pretty welcoming, being one of the last countries where you can get a visa upon entry. There has been an effort toward development and many of the roads reflect that goal. There is even recycling now. Nepal is a wonderful place to find your next adventure. The people are friendly and kind and the landscape is breathtaking.

ORIGINAL POST:Monsoon is almost over and that means more load shedding and less electricity. People thinking of coming to Nepal wonder how the lack of electricity will impact their travels while here. People from the West who are looking for a home in Asia wonder how anyone can live without electricity for hours throughout the days. Prior to monsoon the electric runs mostly from 12-6 am with a few short hours throughout the day-brutal!
First, if you know something is going to happen you aren't likely to be so disappointed when it does. There is a schedule that you can download from several places. Here's one in English: http://battigayo.com/schedule Note that the cut-off times are the times listed between the dashes.
You'll notice there are 7 groups, all in the Kathmandu Valley. Many places, such as Panauti, outside the valley have water reserves and hydro plants, which means they may not even have loadshed. But while you are in Kathmandu you'll need to deal with it, depending on your budget. We have beds from only $6 with breakfast and private rooms with bath for $12, but most places with these prices are not likely to have 24 hr. electricity and WIFI like we do.
Be sure to check with the guest house prior to booking if you are a budget traveler. Otherwise, if you pay $20 or more you'll hardly notice. If one light in your room suddenly goes out, try another switch. One light in your room and toilet will be on the inverter line, so be sure to try the other switches. You will notice the electric switches work the opposite of most places with the 'off' position at the top. Next to the door you will notice several switched on the wall  and two plug-ins. It's best to use the bottom plug-in for charging things when the light comes on. Most plug-ins have a red light so you know when the electricity is running. This bottom plug usually works all night, so plug your computer or mobile in at night to conserve the electricity. Otherwise, there will be no lights for anyone until the grid is working.
Also, please make sure all light switches are in the óff' position before you leave your room. Additionally, check to make sure the water is not running in the bathroom. Water and electricity
What to buy? There are 15-25 NRs. cigarette lighters with a little flashlight on the end. They don't always work so be sure to check that it works before you pay. There are also people on the street selling rechargeable lights. I don't usually buy from them for fear of inferior quality, but many small stores sell these rechargeable lamps. Try to avoid Chinese products and opt for Indian made. I had two fires from the thin cords that come with the Chinese brands. Try not to leave it charging at night or when you are out. These lamps cost from $6-12 (I think I'm including Chinese brands in the prices here). You can also ask for a better cord. They sell them at any of the electrical shops for about a dollar.
Many families are still living in earthquake shelters

These rechargeable lamps make great 'leave behinds' for any of the children who go to government schools. It is difficult for many children to do their homework because they don't have electricity in their homes and they live in earthquake shelters that don't typically have windows.
This is one of our sponsored families. Fortunately, she will soon be able to move out of this earthquake shelter and into a home with some family members.

You might want to get a headlight flashlight if you like to read from hard copy books. The little CFL light bulbs don't light up the room well enough to read by. You can find these in any trekking store in Thamel.
Never leave your room without a flashlight of some kind. You just never know when you'll need it.
What if you want to stay in Nepal for an extended time? You can get an inverter and battery to make your computer last an extra 3 hours for under $65 or you can just get an extra battery for you computer for $25. They have Mac batteries, but are more expensive and harder to find. You can find any harder to find electronics in the "New Road" area in Kathmandu.



You can also get an inverter system if you rent a flat, under $300 with a battery and installation. I have a battery so heavy three men could hardly get it up the stairs. We also have a solar panel that we bought for around $300. The solar is a bit more expensive because the panels don't come with the battery or inverter. I think I over-paid for my solar.
If you found this helpful and are coming to Nepal, you will enjoy my eBook It's filled with helpful information that you aren't likely to find elsewhere.
For a copy of my free eBook that will get your trip to Nepal off to a great start, click here for your free download. 
Batti Gayo ("Electricity Go")


My eBook is available now at https://payhip.com/b/sQu5 If you are planning a trip to Nepal you'll enjoy it. It will save you time as well as money, but more importantly, it will help you to have a better time in Nepal. Many people wonder if they can eat the street food like in Thailand or Vietnam. 

Here's my spoiler alert: Do not eat the street food in Nepal, nor should you eat at any buffet. The eBook addresses such things as this and what to do if you become ill, etc. Whether or not you get my book, please read this short, free eBook. It will help you get your time here off to a great start. http://bit.ly/2aGxcuHIf there is a problem with the download or code please let me know at FrugalTravelsNepal@gmail.com 


Promotion code for discount: GR5X4BCHX2 


If you''d like to connect on social media with me here's how:Twitter: @FrugalTravelsNe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frugal.travels 




No comments:

Post a Comment