Since things are changing so rapidly in Nepal, many of the most popular tourist guidebooks are quickly getting out of date.

Revisions are needed urgently before the next tourist season so that visitors are familiar with the country and won't feel lost. A quick rundown, therefore, of the chapters that need tinkering.

FACTS ABOUT NEPAL: Nepal is a landlocked Himalayan kingdom of eternal fascination. Situated between India and China, it has history, geography and some arithmetic. It is 56,000 sq miles in area, but visitors are advised before departure to make sure it still exists.

GETTING THERE: Half the fun and excitement about Nepal is getting there. Kathmandu is connected to the rest of the world by a national flag carrier which makes the journey both unpredictable and full of surprises, giving visitors a taste of Nepal even before they get there. It is advisable to get to the airport at least two days before departure just to make sure your flight has not been pre-poned, and to stay on for a day or two after the scheduled departure in case it is post-poned. Make sure you are well-stocked on food and water.

WHAT TO BRING: Due to the global greenhouse effect, Nepal's climate is changing fast. Before leaving for Nepal, it is a good idea to check the forecast and pack your flipflops for the trek to the stupendous Khumbu Waterfall by the green meadows of the Western Cwm.

HEALTH TIPS: The good news for travellers is that small pox has been eradicated from Nepal, however there are still some exotic diseases left, like: diptheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, B, C and D, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, giardiasis, Japanese encephalitis, kala azar, meningococcal meningitis, malaria, amoebic dysentry, whooping cough, dengue, tuberculosis, gonorrhea, diarrhoea and motion sickness. It is recommended that you start taking your injections at least one year prior to your intended departure date.

ELECTRICITY: Nepal has the highest per capita hydropower generation potential in the world, but you wouldn't be able to tell because Nepalis are a modest people and they keep their energy capacity a closely-guarded secret.

NATIONAL SHUTDOWNS: Nepal is a land of festivals and shutdowns. Predicting the exact date for shutdowns is not easy, since unlike the Gregorian calendar, the country is governed by a lunatic calendar.

USEFUL PHRASES:

Greetings and civilities:
Very beautiful! = La-la, chha-chha!
How's it hanging, bro? = Bhat khanu bho?
Hi, no money. = Namaste, ma bideshi datri sanstha hoina.
Whose father can do what? = Kasko bau ko ke tagat?

On arrival at airport:
Is this the line for visa? = Yo visa ko line ho?
Is this the line for visa fee? = Yo visa fee ko line ho?
Is this the line for immigration? = Yo immigration ko line ho?
Is this the line for x-ray? = Yo x-ray ko line ho?
What the &*%$#?@! = Ke garne.

While trekking:
You want my binoculars and a $100 revolutionary tax? You must be kiddin' me. = Nai, dinna ke.

Around town:
There are fleas in my bed, I'm going back to Tokyo = Malai udus ra upiya le tokyo. I want donut and jam. = Euta chukka jam dinos.
Is your taxi meter working? = Unh, bheri-bheri fast working.
Which way to Pashupatinath? = Pashupatinath le hami sab ko rakshya garun.