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~ Nepal at a glance ~ Geography ~ People ~ The Religion ~ Language ~ Electricity ~ Topography ~ Vegetation ~ Altitude ~ Currency ~ Weather And Seasons ~ Clothing ~ Accessibility ~ Visa ~ Customs And Exports ~ Health Guide - Insurance ~ Health Guide-Inoculation ~ World Heritage Sites (Cultural) ~ World Heritage Sites (Natural) ~ Wildlife ~ List of the festivals ~ Code of conduct Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of  bio-diversity due to its geographical position and altitudinal variation. The wild variation fosters an incredible variety of ecosystems, the greatest mountain range on earth, thick tropical teeming with the wealth of wildlife, thundering rivers, forested hills and the frozen valleys. Nepali has yet another identity, a country rich in historical legend and cultural heritage. It has many uncommon and unique festivals that hold significant values and meanings.As diverse as the land, the people of Nepal represent distinct cultures and races, speaking a variety of tongues and practicing different religions. A delightful similarity is that they all speak the language of courtesy, and the hospitality is a national culture. Nepal is the destination of infinite charm and diversity thus one must step at least once in the lifetime. This is where one finds the heaven in earth. Top NEPAL AT A GLANCE Nepal - occupying only 0.1 % of the earth - is the home to: 2 % of all flowering plants in the world; 8 % of the world`s population of birds (more than 848 species); 4 % of mammals on earth; 11 of the world`s 15 families of butterflies (more than 500 species); 600 indigenous plant families; 319 species of exotic orchids Area 147,181 Sq. Kms. Latitude/ Longitude 26° degree 12` and 30° 27` North. 80 degree 4` and 88° 12` East. Capital Kathmandu Population 25,000,000 approx. Political-System Multiparty Democracy with Constitutional Monarch. Time Nepal Time is 5 Hours 45 Minutes ahead of GMT. Top GEOGRAPHY It share borders with the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People`s Republic of China in the North and India in the East, South and west respectively.The length of the kingdom is 885 km east west and its breadth varies from 145-241 km north south. The country can be divided into three main geographical regions. Top Himalayan Region: The attitude of this region ranges between 4877 m - 848 m. Mountain Region: This region accounts for about 64 % of the total area. The Mahabharat range that soars up to 4877 m and the lower Churia range form it. Terai Region: The lowland Terai occupies about 17 % of the total land area of the country. Top PEOPLE 40 Ethnic Groups & 70 Spoken Languages. Nepal`s many ethnic groups are as varied as its land with their own languages and cultures. The Newars race in the Kathmandu Valley, whose culture and artistry have earned them an international reputation. The Sherpas of the Himalaya are known as tough mountain climbers. Brahmins and Chhetirs are scattered over the hills and valleys, and Tamangs are found in the districts around the Kathmandu Valley. The Rais, Limbus, Magars and Gurungs of the mid-hills have earned fame as Gurkha soldiers. Lowland ethnic groups such as the Maithili, Bhojpuri and Tharu enhance the colorful mosaic. Top THE RELIGION Nepal is the only Hindu kingdom in the world. Nepal is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the light of Asia. There is a complex blending of Hinduism and Buddhism in Nepal. Top LANGUAGE Nepali, written in the Devanagari script, is the national language as well as the lingua franca for Nepal`s diverse communities. Numerous languages and dialects are spoken in the Kingdom, however, only six (Nepali, Mailthili, Bhojpuri, Tharu, Tamang and Nepalbhasa) are spoken by more than half a million people. English is widely understood in the urban centers and areas frequented by tourists. Top ELECTRICITY All cities and towns in Nepal have electricity and rural electrification in selected areas through mini hydro projects are currently underway. Voltage available is 240-220 volts AC & 50 cycles throughout the country. Load shedding is frequently experienced in Nepal but mostly during dry month only. Top TOPOGRAPHY From the world`s deepest gorge, `Kali-Gandaki` to the highest point on earth `The Everest`, eight other magnificent peaks over 8000 m.  There are total of One thousand, three hundred and ten mountains over 6000 m. in height. Hilly and mountainous-77%, Terai lowlands-23% (more than 25% above 3000m)Top VEGETATION As per the size of the country, Nepal possesses some of the most outstanding bio-diversity in the world, ranging from sub-tropical Rain-forests to Alpine deserts Top ALTITUDE A diverse terrain ranging from the tropical zone in the Terai (70 m. above sea level) to the alpine zone (up to 8848m). Altitude generally increases as one travels south to north. Top CURRENCY Nepalese currency is the rueee (abbrev. Rs.) which is divided into 100 paisa. Bank notes come in denominations of 1000, 500,100, 50, 25, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 rupees. Approximate exchange rate to this date USD 1 = Rs. 77. Bank are open from 10 am to 2:30 p.m. and (until 1:00 p.m. on Friday) for business transactions. A foreign exchange encashment receipt must be obtained for all foreign currency exchanged and it is possible to exchange back into foreign currency upon production of exchange receipts at the time of departure at the airport. Major credit cards are also acceptable but charge 3% as service charge. Top WEATHER AND SEASONS Climate ranges from Tropical in the low lands to Arctic in higher altitudes. Winter (December-February), Summer (March-May,) Monsoon (June-August), Autumn (September-November), The climate of Nepal varies according to altitude. A visit to Nepal is possible all year round but the best is in summer and autumn. Average temperature in Celsius, average rainfall in mm. 
Mostly rains at night, making the following days crispy clean and fresh. Most of the northern belt of the Trans-Himalayan zone is rain-shadowed and is ideal for trekking. Top CLOTHING Medium-weight and easy-to-wash cottons can be a good choice year-round in the Kathmandu Valley. From October to February, woolen sweaters, jackets or similar other warm outfits are necessary. Short or long sleeved shirts are good March through May. From June to September, light and loose garments are advisable. Special clothing is necessary for trekking and mountaineering. Top ACCESSIBILITY Kathmandu is connected by direct flights to Amsterdam, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Moscow, Vienna, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai, Karachi, Kolkotta, Delhi, Mumbai, Patna, Varanasi, Dhaka, Paro, Lhasa, Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong,Shanghai and Osaka.  Entry/ Exit points for those wiling to travel by surface are Kakarviota, Jhapa ( Eastern Nepal) Birgunj, Parsa ( Central Nepal) Kodari, Sindhupalchowk ( Northern Border) Belahia, Bhairahawa ( Rupandehi, Western Nepal) Jaminaha, Nepalgunj (Banke, Mid Western Nepal) Mohana, Dhangadhi (kailali, Far Western Nepal) Gadda Chauki, Mahenndranagar(Kanchanpur, Far Western Nepal) Top VISA Visa can be obtained for the following duration from any Royal Nepalese Embassies or Consulates or at the entry points in Nepal.  Two passport sized photos and at least six months valid passport are required.Free visa for all tourists who visit Nepal only for 3 days. Free visa for tourists of SAARC countries and People`s Republic of China. Visa Fee:
Visa fee will be extended subsequently for 30 days upon payment of US$ 30 for a maximum period of 150 days in a visa year (Jan-Dec). Top CUSTOMS AND EXPORTS Passengers arriving at the airport without any dutiable goods can proceed through the Green channel for quick clearance without a baggage check. If the passengers are carrying dutiable articles they must pass through the Red channel with Customs clearance. Beside personal belongings, the passengers are allowed to bring into Nepal free are; 1 pair of Binoculars, one still camera (with 15 rolls of film), one movie or video camera, a laptop computer, a portable music system, 200 cigarettes or 20 cigars, 1 bottle of liquor and a reasonable amount of perfume. It is illegal to export objects over 100 years old (sacred images, paintings, manuscripts) that are valued for their cultural and religious significance. As such, tourists are advised not to purchase any item of antique value as they are Nepals cultural heritage. The Department of Archaeology at Ramshahpath, Kathmandu has to certify all metal statues, sacred paintings & similar objects before carried out of the country. Top HEALTH GUIDE - INSURANCE A travel insurance policy that covers theft, loss & medical treatment is recommended. Tourists should make sure that their insurance policies also cover soft adventure activities during their stay in Nepal such as rafting, trekking etc; For high altitude trekkers and climbers, policies should also cover helicopter evacuation expenses in the eventuality of serious illness or accident or if clients are stranded in remote areas due to unexpected bad weather conditions. Top HEALTH GUIDE-INOCULATION We recommend that the clients get themselves immunized against certain illness that are not prevalent in their home country such as Cholera, Typhoid, Malaria, Meningitis, Hepatitis etc; Their physician would be best able to advise them on the availability and administration of these inoculations. Please ensure that all water is boiled & filtered before consumption. Normally all hotels and reputed restaurants in Kathmandu serve boiled & filtered water. If in doubt, please stick to soft drinks or bottled mineral water Top WORLD HERITAGE SITES (CULTURAL)  Bhaktapur Durbar Square Bouddha Nath Changunarayan Kathmandu Durbar Square Pashupatinath Patan Durbar Square Swayambhu Nath Top WORLD HERITAGE SITES (NATURAL) Everest National Park (1148 sq. kms.) Royal Chitwan National Park (932 sq. kms.) Top WILDLIFE Nepal provides shelter to over 30 species of large wild animals and approximately 180 species of mammals. The rhinoceros, tiger crocodile, snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan black bear and many other beasts are found in Nepal`s jungle. Nepal is also a heaven for birds. There are more than 650 species of butterflies and over 6,000 species of moths. Top LIST OF THE FESTIVALS
Top CODE OF CONDUCT The Nepalese people are friendly and hospitable by nature. Nepal has its own way of regulating life though it might be different in degrees to each individual visitors. We want the visitors to observe and see the way of Nepalese people live and share with them. It is in the spirit that we offer some practical guidelines that could help to make the stay delightful, homely and rewarding. The religion is a integral and deep-rooted part of Nepalese life. Temples, images, sacred paintings are to be seen everywhere. Hinduism and Buddhism are closely connected in Nepal and it would take a lifetime`s study to understand the complexities of county`s religious life. Visitors to Hindu temple or Buddhist shrine are expected to be unshedding as a mark of respect, In fact, a pair of open sandals is more convenient and comfortable while visiting the temple and stupas. ~ Never enter anyone`s house or a temple without permission. Many Hindu temples may be closed to non-Hindus. If permitted, always remove your shoes before entering. ~ In tea-shops or in local houses, please stay away from the kitchen. ~ Keep away from dogs or animals no matter how friendly they may be, as they are often not inoculated against Rabies ~ Always use the right hand while giving or accepting anything. ~ While circling Hindu temples or Buddhist stupas, always go about it in a clock-wise direction. ~ Never presses anyone to pose for photographs. Seek permission. ~ Never leave belongings unattended. The general tendency of villagers is, if things are just lying, they are not needed. The villagers may take these things away without permission. ~ Most Hindus do not eat food that has been touched by others. Similarly, avoid throwing rubbish into cooking fires. ~ For religious reasons, Nepalese people are offended by being touched on the head. Similarly, foreigners should never sit so that the sole of the feet is pointed at a person or a religious shrine. ~ It is better to be decently clad when visiting any place. Sun sand beachwear is not proper when roaming around. Briefs, shorts, bare shoulders and backs may not be appreciated. One need to be decently covered. ~ Do not be offended if a Nepalese lady hesitates to shake hands. In Nepal, people, especial women, do not normally shake hands when they greet one another, but instead press the palms together in a prayer-like gesture known as "namaste". ~ Public display of affection between man and women is frowned upon. ~ We are hard on drug abuse; trafficking and possession of drugs are taking as serious offences. ~ Cheap charity breeds beggars but does not solve their basis problem. Therefore, do not encourage beggary by being benevolent. ~ Last but not the least, everyone should remember that in Nepal punctuality has little meaning. Patience & a sense of humor are great assets. Top |