NEPAL
History
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.
Geography
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
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.
Religion
& Culture
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.
People
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.
Eating
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.
Major
Places of Interest
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:
Photography
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.
Language
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.
Economy
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.
Immigration Formalities, Passport & Visas
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
Money Matters
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.
Customs
Formalities
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.
Itineraries
Details
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