nepal introduction

The tiny Kingdom of Nepal, nestled in the Himalaya between India and China, is one of the most diverse and fascinating countries of the world. Nowhere else on earth can visitors trek among snowy mountain peaks, raft on rushing rives and ride elephants through teeming jungles – all available within a few hours travel by coach from Kathmandu. Nepal is not only famous for its adventure, it is also renowned for the friendliness of its people. Throughout the country, the Nepalese are smiling and helpful. Our guests soon discover that people everywhere take great pleasure in helping guests enjoy their country by explaining customs, giving directions and telling them about their village or neighborhood.   




GEOGRAPHY

The remarkable geography of Nepal has attracted visitors for decades. Covering an area of only 147181 square kilometers, Nepal encompasses the world’s highest mountains and deepest valleys as well as low-elevation forests filled with rare animals. The terrain is divided into three elevation zones: the cool Himalaya, the moderate hills and the warm lowland Terai. Precipitation ranges from dry in the west to pleasantly moist in the east. Thus, Nepal has every kind of climate and can be enjoyed any month of the year.

PEOPLE

The people of Nepal are as variable and intriguing as the country’s geography. Throughout the country is an unfolding tapestry of ethnic groups, such as Newars, Tharus and Sherpas each with its own distinct language, customs, houses and dress.
Budhanath Stupa, Nepal Tourism.

HISTORY

In the middle of the 18th century, the country of Nepal was unified from numerous small principalities by King Prithvi Narayan Shah. In 1846, the power was usurped by the Rana prime ministers, who ruled the country for more than 100 years. In 1951, the Shah Dynasty was reinstated and Nepal opened its doors to the outside world. Today, Nepal is a democratic constitutional monarchy, under the aegis of His Majesty King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev.

RELIGION

Hinduism is the official religion of the Kingdom of Nepal and is practiced by the majority. Many people throughout the country are Buddhists and the two religions have co-existed in harmony throughout Nepal’s history. In fact, Hinduism and Buddhism are so intertwined that their temples often share the same location and rites of both faiths may be practiced by a single family. Christianity and Islam have a small number of adherents. Whatever their major religion, almost all the people of Nepal also have animistic beliefs. Shamans are widely used for curing, and mountains, trees and stones are revered in every corner of the country.

LOCATION

South Asia. Bordered by the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China in the north and India in the south, east and west.

LAND

Nepal spans 885 kms east to west and 193 kms (widest) north to south. Great altitudinal variations exist – from the flat an fertile land of the Terai in the south, barely 150 m above sea level, the land rises abruptly in several chains of hills and valleys to the towering Himalayan mountains to the north within a distance of less than 200 km.

LANGUAGE

The official language of Nepal is Nepali and written in Devanagari script. English is understood and spoken by majority of people in Kathmandu valley and other major cities.

CLIMATE

The climate range from tropical to alpine. Hot in the Terai with temperatures hovering around 37 degrees Celsius in summer. Mid hills have pleasant weather with 30 degrees in summer and 20 in winter. Mountain temperatures progressively lower towards the north ranging from 16 degrees Celsius to several degrees below freezing point. A visit to Nepal is possible all the year round. But activities like mountain flight, jungle safari excursions, rafting and trekking are best from October till May.

CLOTHING

Warm clothing is required from November to February and tropical wear from March till October. But a trip to higher altitude will require special clothing depending on the places visited. A checklist is available on request.

WATER

In Nepal tap water is not recommended for drinking. All the major hotels and restaurants in Kathmandu, Pokhara & Chitwan avail customers with boiled and filtered water. Mineral water is available in most of the places. Elsewhere, it is advisable to use water sterilization tablets or stick to tea and bottled soft drinks.

ENTERING NEPAL

The capital Kathmandu is linked by air with direct flights from London, Paris, Frankfurt, Vienna, Amsterdam, Shanghai, Osaka, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, Bombay, Calcutta, Varanasi, New Delhi, Banglore, Moscow, Lhasa, Frankfurt, Paris, London, Paro, Dubai, Dhaka, Karachi and Doha. Travelers may also enter the country by surface through six major entry points to Nepal – Kakarbhitta, Biratnagar, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Mahendranagar from India and Kodari from Tibet.

CUSTOMS

Passengers arriving at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) without any dutiable goods can proceed through the Green Channel for quick clearance. If you are carrying dutiable articles, you have to pass through the Red Channel. The goods that can be brought in without any duty are cigarettes (200 sticks) or cigars (50 sticks), distilled liquor (1.15 liter bottle), and film (15 rolls) apart from used personal effects. Export of object over 100 years old (sacred images, paintings, and manuscripts etc.) is illegal. The export of metal statues, sacred paintings and similar objects has to be certified by The Department of Archaeology.

PASSPORT

A valid passport is required for all the nationals except Indian.

NEPAL ENTRY VISA

All the nationals are required to obtain visa except Indian nationals for the entry into the country. The visa can be obtained from Royal Nepal Embassy or Consulate or at the entry points in Nepal.

Visa Fee : US$ 30 for 60 days. US$ 25, US$ 40 and US$ 60 respectively for single, double or multiple re-entry visa.

TREKKING PERMITS

The fee of a trekking permit is as follows:

Kanchenjungaand Lower Dolpo – US$ 10 per week for first four weeks and US$ 20 per week thereafter; Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpo – US$ 700 for first 10 days and US$ 70 per day thereafter; Manslu – US$ 90 per week (September to November) and US$ 75 per week (December through August); Humla – US$ 90 for first seven days and US$ 15 per day thereafter.

AIRPORT TAX An airport tax of Rs.600 for the passengers departing to a member country of SAARC and Rs.1000 for the travel to a third country has to be paid.

Domestic Airport Tax from major tourist destinations is Rs. 100.00 per person.

TIME & OFFICE HOURS & WEEKENDS

The Nepal Standard Time is 5 Hours 45 Minutes ahead of GMT. Government offices, Embassies and International Organizations are open from 9 AM to 5 PM; Banks are open from 10 AM to 3 PM Monday through Friday while most of the business houses are open from 9 AM to 5 PM Sunday through Friday. The museums throughout the valley remain closed on Tuesday and other government holidays.

CURRENCY REGULATION

Import of Indian currency by any national except Indian is strictly prohibited. Any other currency either in traveler’s cheques or cash can be brought in any quantity provided it is declared upon arrival. The money can be exchanged from a bank or an authorized currency dealer.

LOCAL CURRENCY Nepalese currency unit is Rupees (locally pronounced Rupiah) and denoted by currency symbol Rs. One Rupees is subdivided into 100 paisa. The denomination of the currency notes in use are Rs. 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 500, 1000 and the coins are found in the denomination of 5, 10, 25, 50 paisa and Rs. 1, 2, 5, 10.

ELECTRICITY
220 Volts AC at 50 hertz throughout the country.