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Nepal is a country of ancient civilization which can be
traced thousand of years before the birth of Christ (B.C.). In
its along and glorious history Nepal has remained always
sovereign and never bowed to any foreign power. Although Nepal
was modernized by King Prithivi Narayan Shah of present dynasty
after consolidating number of principalities and conquering the
Kathmandu Valley in 1768 A.D., there were many glorious
dynasties who contributed a lot to its sovereignty, In fact most
of the monuments, Pagodas and Stupas, Monasteries which stand as
an example of our glorious past orginated from the Mall dynasty
i.e. from 12 to 18 century.
With the fall of Rana regime in February 1951 after a popular
revolution, Nepal saw the dawn of democracy. A democratic revolt
of 1990 has restored the Multi-Party-Democratic Country with
constitutional monarchy according to the new constitution of
November 1990.
Nepal lies between 80° 4' and 80° 12' East Longitude and 26°
22' and 30° North Latitude. The total area of Nepal consists of
147181 s1.km. It borders with Tibet Autonomous Region of the
People's Republic of China to the north and Indian States of
Sikkim and West Bengal to the east, Bihar and U.P. to the South
and U.P. to the West. It has a long rectangular shape with
almost 885 km. east-west length and its breadth varies from 145
to 241 km. north-south. Within this narrow breadth it has got a
dramatic diversification in topography as well as in climate.
It' average altitude from the sea level varies from the south to
above 8,000m. in the North. According to the altitude this
country can be divided into three regions
Himalayan Region: This region lies between 4,877m., and
8,848 m. with snowline running around 4877m. It includes 8 of
the existing 14 summits in the World which exceed an altitude of
8,000m. They are (1) Mount Everest-(Sagarmatha) -8,848m.; (2)
Kanchenjunga -8,586m. (3) Lhotse -8,416m. (4) Makalu -8,463, (5)
Cho Oyu -8201m. (6) Dhaulagiri -8167m. (7) Manaslu -8163m. and
(8) Annapurna I -8091m.
Mountain Region: This is the most populated and cultural
part of the Nepalese topography. It covers about 64% of total
land area and inhabitated by 55% of the total population. Its
terraced land cultivation adds the charm of the beautiful
landscape of the Himalayas. The altitude of Churia range varies
from 610 m to 1524 m. and the Mahabharat mountain region varies
from 1524 to 4877m. The most famous Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara
Valley lies in the altitude of 1350 and 850m. respectively.
Terai Region: This narrow stripe of low land Terai Region
lies on the southern most part of the country, running from east
to west with the varied breadth of 26 to 32 Km. and with average
altitude of 300m. above sea level. This region lowers about 17%
of the total land area comprising to dense forest and most
fertile farming land.
Climate
Variation of its
topography has a great impact on its climate. The southern most
part, Tarai region lies in the tropical section of the country
having a hot and humid climate, where as the other region has
typical sub-tropical climate. The Himalayan Region above 4,000
meters has an alpine climate, with considerable lower
temperature in winter.
The climate of Nepal can be classified as follows,
Spring: March-May [25 °C
Days, 10 °C Nights, Occasional Rain
Summer: June-August [30 °C
Days, 20 °C Nights, Wet
Autumn:
September-November
[25 °C Days, 10 °C Nights, Dry
Winter: December-February
[18 °C Days, 4 °C Nights, Dry
The best season to come to Nepal are October-December and
February-April. October is post monsoon time, thus the
countryside is lush green, with excellent visibility and
generally balmy temperatures. In February, temperatures area
little cooler, particularly at the higher altitudes. The land is
dryer and the visibility may not be quite so good, but flowers
are in bloom adding wonderful colour to the landscape. The
temperature can change very quickly at any time of year when the
sun goes behind a cloud, and certainly in the evenings it can be
cold. The weather can vary significantly. July-September is
monsoon season.
Clothing depend on
place and time, however, it is recommended to have both light
and warm clothing in the mountain areas or in the Kathmandu
Valley. Warm clothes are generally a must. Bring warm clothes
(Nov-Feb) specially for the groups going to higher altitude. The
best advice is to take clothing that will layer to cover all
eventualities. Try to bring khaki or green \beige \brown
clothing, as this will greatly enhance the chances of seeing
wildlife in National Parks, for spare clothing several, thinner
layers are better than one thick layer, rain gears, sun
protections. Flat soled shoe for city sight seeing, and walking
boots with good tread & ankle support, no transparent clothes or
shorts for women are acceptable in this society, shorts are
acceptable for men when out walking. But going without a shirt
is not.
The major
religions in Nepal are Hinduism and Buddhism, besides that a
very small percentage of Muslims, Christians and Janis live in
Nepal. The religious tolerance which is a remarkable feature of
Nepal is expressed by the peaceful co-existance and co-operation
among the different religions. The Official census of Hindus,
Buddhist, Muslims, Jains, Christians and other are repesented by
the following percentage respectively 89.5%, 5.3%, 0.1% and
0.23%.
The unique features of Nepalese culture are represented by the
majestic temples of exquisite and artistic architecture of
Nepali Pagodas. Whether it is temple, stupa or shrine the
perfection of art has been featured by intricate woodcarving
super metal work and artistic terracotta and stone sculptures.
Nepalese are generally very welcoming the visitors, and will
make allowances, but it will be appreciated if you make an
effort to respect certain customs. Some people, particularly
women, prefer not to shake hands with opposite sex, and you
should always use the right hand when shaking hands or even when
passing and receiving anything. Footwear should be removed
before entering places of worship and temples. You should always
walk clockwise around temple, and you may have to remove items
made of leather, never touch or point at anything with your
feet, which are spiritually the lowest part of the body.
Begging is relatively common, partly because both Hinduism &
Buddhism encourage the giving of alms, it can be very difficult
to assess whether someone is genuine or not - see if any
Nepalese are giving. Around the main religious shrines there are
long lines of beggars, to whom-pilgrims normally give a coin
each. But some are professionally beggars mostly from India
should be discouraged. Westerners are not really expected to
give here.
Nepal has a
population of about 22 millions which consists of different
ethnic groups, races and tribes. They are mainly derived from
Indo Aryans, Tibetans, Mongolians and Tibeto - Burmese origins
migrated in different course of time. They are divided into
different ethnical groups and sub groups living in different
regions wearing different costumes and speaking different
languages and dialects. The Indo Aryan people have been found
mostly in Terai and lower mountain regions whereas Mongolians
and Tibeto Burmese are found in the valley and mid Himalayan
region. The Tibetan origin people are found mostly in Himalayan
region. All of them are known by different surnames like Gurungs,
Magars, Rais, Limbus, Sherpas, Newars, Tharus, Yadav, Rajbhangsi,
Brahamins, Chettris, Thakuris, Ranas etc., but are proud of
being called a Nepali. The average density of People is 132 per
sq. kms. average live expectation is 54.2 years and average
birth rate 2.47 per annum, infant mortality at birth 107 per
thousand.
Nepalese food
generally consists of vegetables, rice lentils pickles & meat
from different he-animals, i.e. water buffalo, goat, chicken,
pork etc. Religious vegetarianism is often not strictly
followed, but cows, being holy, are definitely not for eating,
beef are imported. In major tourist areas a large variety of
meals available in restaurants.
Kathmandu, the
capital of Nepal, is also known as Kantipur. It is named after
Kasthamandap, an imposing Pagoda near Hanuman Dhoka Palace.
Kasthamandap, supposed to be made from a single tree, along with
Durbar Square is one of the ancient palace of Kingdom. The
Kumari Bahal, the House of the Living Goddess, is the mid-18th
century stucco temple on the left. The Kumari is considered to
be the incarnation of the "Taleju Bhawani".
Other Places Inside Kathmandu Valley:
Out of Kathmandu Valley:
Besides few places, where photography is restricted, Nepal has a
fantastic picturesque views everywhere i.e. landscape, snow peak
mountains, temples & stupas and different beautiful ethnic faces
& not to forget innocent children playing at the public places.
Be considerate when taking photographs, although a lot of
activities such as bathing may, by necessity have to be carried
out in public, people still expect privacy. Religious ceremonies
are another example - these may of course be private family
affairs. Most Nepalese are happy to have their photo taken but
will expect you to ask first and may expect a tip in most of the
touristic places. On the contrary, in countryside people are
less commercial & may ask you to send their photos to them
later.
Electricity
220 V American plug. Although Nepal is one of the richest
countries on the filed of hydro - power. However during the dry
season (May-July) power cut for certain hour in predetermined
areas may occur. Sockets have either three round pains or two
thick round pains. If you are traveling with electrical
appliance, an international converter kit and a set of adapter
plugs will be required. Alternatively, it is more practical to
travel with battery-operated appliances, where possible. While
on trek, you can recharge your batteries in some lodges as they
use generators. However, no electricity is available on the
river on in Chitwan.
The official language of Nepal is Nepali, which is written in Devnagiri script, although there are other languages and
dialects spoken by different ethnic groups. Nepali is the lingua
franca in Nepal. In major touristic places English is widely
understood and spoken.
Nepal has basically an agro-based economy, about 90% of
population depends on agriculture producing products like Rice,
Wheat, Maize, Pulse, Millets, Spices, Oilseeds are only
sufficient for its consumption. There are hardly any big
industries except small factories and handicrafts for its own
need.
Tourism is becoming a major industry which is earning already
most of its foreign currency. Tourism makes 15% of national
income, hence tourism is becoming a welcoming factor for Nepali
economy.
All visitors to Nepal except the Indian nationals must hold
valid passports and visa. Tourist visa can be obtained for US$
30/- from any Royal Nepalese Embassy or Consulate offices
overseas for a period of 60 days. However, a visa can also be
obtained at Tribhuvan International Airport, upon arrival in
Kathmandu and at the previously mentioned entry points. Tourists
can extend their visas at the Department of Immigration,
Bhrikuti Mandap,adjecent to Nepal Tourism Board and opposite to
City Hall, Kathmandu.
Tourist Visa:
Entry: A Visa is necessary to enter Nepal and can be obtained
for the following duration from any Royal Nepal Embassy or
Consulate or at the entry points. 60 days (Single Entry) US$
30.00, 60 Days (Double Entry) +US$ 55.00, 60 Days (Multiple
Entry) +US$ 90.00 Re-entry facilities in tourist visa:
Single Re-entry US$ 50.00, Double Re-entry US$ 75.00, Multiple
Re-entry US$ 110.00 for 30 days. Note:
Re-entry facilities should be used within the validity of the
visa period. It is not considered as a visa extension. Reception
counter will provide all kinds of forms free of charge. The
citizens of China are requested to get their entry permit from
China, since the entry points of Nepal will not provide Chinese
Citizens with entry visa. Re-entry visa within 150 days of the
same visa year costs US $ 50 for 30 days. Visa extension for
30days US $ 50 or equivalent local currency.
Visa Extension:
A tourist visa can be extended at the Department of the
Immigration Office for a total of 30 days by paying US $ 50 in
local currency. In one visa year (January to December) a tourist
may not stay in Nepal longer than cumulative 120 days.
Note:
For the visa extension, please attach a copy of photograph with
the application form. Late fees for Tourist Visa:
US $ 2.00 in equivalent Nepalese Currency per day for the first
30 days.
US $ 3.00 in equivalent Nepalese Currency per day for the next
31 to 90 days.
US $ 5.00 in equivalent Nepalese Currency per day for more than
90 days.
Trekking permit is not applicable / essential for general
trekking route i.e. Annapurna, Langtan & Everest region.
Fee exemption:
Children under 10 years Transit Visa:
A transit visa can be obtained from the Airport Immigration for
a period of 48 hrs on the presentation of confirmed air ticket.
Fee for Transit visa: US$ 5.00.
For Srilankan Pilgrims visiting to Lumbini:
Single Entry Visa: US$ 10 or any other equivalent convertible
foreign currency for 15 days. for the further more
http://www.immi.gov.np/touristvisa.php
Tourists other than Indians are not allowed to bring in Indian
currency. All foreign visitors other than the Indian nationals
are required to pay their hotel bills and air travel tickets in
foreign currency. All other convertible foreign currency either
in cash or in traveller's cheques can be brought in unlimited
quantity but must be declared upon arrival. The currency in
Nepal is called Rupee (Rs). Which is divided into 100 paisa (p).
Traveler's cheques can be changed at the bank counter in the
International airport, in major hotels, with legal exchange
license on showing upon your passport. US$ Traveler's cheques
are the best in Nepal. Credit cards are acceptable in shops,
restaurants and hotels catering tourists with 4% bank charge
additional. As an emergency source of cash your card can be
cashed only at few major bank in major cities.
All baggages must be declared and cleared through the customs at
the port of entry. Personal effects are permitted free entry.
The dutiable goods like movie cameras with 12 rolls of films or
one video camera with deck, one ordinary camera with 15 rolls of
films, one radio or radio cassette player, bi-cycle can be
brought in after declaring in the custom which should be taken
out on time of departure. Importing and exporting of antiques,
precious stones, gold, silver wild animals and their skins,
horns and narcotics are strictly prohibited.
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