Nepal - Exotic Himalayan Country!!

Mention Nepal, and most people will conjure up images of the Himalaya. Indeed, eight of the world’s 10 tallest peaks are located here. The country is, however, distinguished not only for its high mountains, but also for its unique cultural heritage, artistic monuments and exotic wildlife, which are reflected in the kingdom's languages, architecture and biodiversity.

Wedged between Tibet of the People’s Republic of China in the north and India on the other three sides, Nepal is the confluence of two great religions — Hinduism and Buddhism. It is the land where Lord Buddha was born more than 2,500 years ago and is also the birthplace of Sita, consort of Lord Ram.

Area : 147181 Sq. Km. - 800 Km long and 200 Km wide.

Location : In South Asia. A landlocked Hindu Kingdom buffered between Tibet Autonomous Region of China in the North and India in the South.

Geographical map of Nepal

Topography : Longitudinally, the terrain changes from glacial moraines in the Northern Tundra hemisphere, Temperate climate with terraced field and meadows in the Mid hill section and flat fields and Sub-tropical jungles in the Southern parts. Most rivers flow from North to South. Rapid grades in Mountain rivers - Up to Grade 5

Special Features : Contains World's Tallest Mountain & deepest Gorge:- Mount Everest and Kali Gandaki Gorge. There are 8 tallest out of 14 mountains located in Nepal. Lord Budhha and Sita were born in Lumbini and Janakpur Dham respectively. The Jyotirlinga of Pashupatinath is in Kathmandu, Lord Muktinath Dham is in Mustang District. Home of Gurkha warriors and abode of abominable Yeti.

Popular Trekking Areas :- Annapurna Region (West) - Langtang Region (Central) and Everest Region (East). The three medieval cities of Patan (Lalitpur), Bhadgaon (Bhaktapur) and Kathmandu cities consists the Kathmandu valley.

Places of Interest : Kathmandu Valley, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Banepa, Kodari, Kakani, Chitwan, Pokhara, Lumbini, Janakpur, Muktinath, Gosainkunda, Koshi Tappu & Bardia Wildlife sanctuaries, Everest Base Camp, Annapurna regions, Lantang & Helambu regions.

Capital : Kathmandu.

Population : 2.3 million people. Multi lingual & multi racial.

Language : Nepali is the National as well as vehicular language. But most of the travel trade people understand English.

Religion : Hindu & Buddhist.

Currency : Nepali Rupees, in 1, 5, 10, 20, 25 50 100, 500, 1000 denominations. One US Dollar is equal to 73.00 NRs. It fluctuates against Hard currencies like Dollar, Euro & Pound Sterling.

Political System : Multi party Democracy with Constitutional Monarchy.

Climate : Nepal has four distinct seasons :-

Spring :- From March to June.
Monsoon :- From July to September
Autumn :- From October - November
Winter :- From December to February.

What to wear : Light clothing is recommended for May through October. Warm garments are required from November through February. Poncho, Raincoat or umbrella is a must during Rainy season.

Visa : Visa is required. That can be obtained from Royal Nepalese Embassy or Royal Nepalese Consulates abroad. This can be obtained even on arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu or any entry points coming by overland at Kodari Check post if from Tibet or other Southern Checkpoints if entering from India. This can be had in the form of Single entry, Double entry or Multiple entry.

Access : Nepal can be reached directly from various Major European cities and other cities of the world. One can fly directly from Paris, London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Vienna, Brussels, Osaka, Hongkong, Shanghai, Singapore, Bangkok, Dhaka and Delhi, Mumbai, Banglore, Varanasi & Calcutta of India. By bus there is only one entry point from Tibet whereas there are several entry points while coming through India.

Airport Tax : There is a Departure Tax on International as well as Domestic Air travels. A sum of Rs. 775/- while flying out to South Asian countries and Rs. 1200/- while flying to other International destinations.

Caution : Use and Export of Narcotics drugs and Artifacts of Archaeological importance (more than 100 years old) are illegal and strictly discouraged. Clearance regarding any Artifacts must be obtained from Dept. of Archaeology before taking out along.

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