Nepal

A mixing bowl of diverse landscapes & cultures…with amazing different climates…

The enthralling romance of Nepal comes from its very remote geographical locations. Pertly nestled between the high wall of the Himalaya and the sweltering jungles of the Indian plains, Nepal is a land of snow peaks and Sherpas, yaks and yetis, monasteries and mantras, & numerous temples scattered all over the Himalayan nation. Nepal was closed to the outside world until 1951. Since then it has become one of the leading tourist destinations in the world.

Today, waves of trekkers are drawn to the Himalaya’s most iconic and accessible hiking, among the world’s best, with craggy trails to Everest, the Annapurnas and beyond. Nepal is a virtual Mecca for mountain lovers who would prefer Nepal over any other country in the world for a variety of adventures & slick sightseeing vacations at some of Nepal’s unique historical locations & world heritage sites.

Apart from Nepal's world famous landscapes – frozen peaks, broad valleys, lush jungles and exotic wildlife – it is a country with an ancient, rich and diverse cultural heritage. Nepal has an unrivaled range of environments, ranging from the lowlands of the Terai to the snowy summit of the highest mountain range on Earth.

Rich with a history of almost 3,000 years seeped in conspiracy, intrigue and royal tragedies; legendary folklores date back further still, the inheritance and influences of the past are a constant presence in the everyday lifestyles of the people, despite modern influences that have penetrated the living standards of most communities. Traditional architecture mingles with the modern; busy streets erratically meander around sacred shrines; festivals celebrate gods and heroes almost every other day; and suited & booted businessmen offer farewell tikas to departing visitors.

Nepal is a land of supreme scenic beauty located within one of the most diverse geographical areas on earth.  Traveling in Nepal not only offers an opportunity to submerge in Himalayan bliss but also provides visitors a chance to return to history just like it was thousands of years before. Exotic wildlife, high altitude meadows, magnificent mountains, incredible destinations, unique cultures & festivals, ancient heritage, pristine backwaters & delectable oriental cuisines makes Nepal, undoubtedly, a traveler’s delight.

In a nutshell, visiting Nepal for a tour or a trek can be a lifelong experience where holidays are meaningful & also give you a sense of direction & happiness of a special kind. Come across & enjoy your holidays with Annapurna Travel & Tours…we’ll escort you to places where most people forget to go…

Fast Facts about Nepal

Nepal: Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in the terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and altitude variation. The elevation of the country ranges from 60m above sea level to the highest point on earth, Mt. Everest at 8848 m, all within a distance of 150 km resulting in climatic conditions from Sub-tropical to the Arctic.

Location:
Nepal is geographically situated between the Tibetan Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China in the north and India in the South, East and West.

Area:
147,181 Sq. Km.

Longitude:
80° 4’ and 88°12’ East.

Capital:
Kathmandu

Population:
24.1 million

People:
Nepal has more than 101 ethnic groups and 92 spoken languages

Language:
Nepali is the official language of Nepal. However, English is understood and spoken by majority of people in Kathmandu valley and other major cities.

Political-System:
Nepal was a monarchial state some years ago but after the political parties united & fought for a parliamentary form of democracy, the country now follows a Multiparty Democracy with elected representatives by the people.

Time:
5 hours 45 minutes ahead of GMT and 15 minutes ahead of Indian Standard Time

National Bird:
Impean Pheasant (Danfe)

National Flower:
Rhododendron - Arboreum (Lali Gurans)

Religion:
The main religion in Nepal is Hinduism. However Buddhism, Islam and Christianity are also religions followed by a substantially large some of people. All religions, even in minority, have co-existed amicably in Nepal for ages.

Vegetation:
Nepal possesses some of the most outstanding bio-diversity in the world, ranging from the sub-tropical Rain-forests to Alpine deserts & massive mountainous terrain.

Electricity:
220 Volts AC - 50 Cycles

Weather:
The Climate in Nepal ranges from Tropical in the lowlands to arctic & extreme cold weather at higher altitudes in the Himalayas.

Monsoon:
The monsoons in Nepal generally begin in June & runs through August till September end. However, most of the northern belts of Trans-Himalayan Zones are in the rain-shadow area which provides rain free trekking.

Topography:
Nepal’s topography starts from the world’s deepest gorge ‘Kaligandaki to Mt. Everest, the highest point on earth.

National color:
Crimson (Simrik)

Literacy rate:
59% {2010}

Famous Nepalese proverb:
A smart jackal is no match for an old tiger

National animal:
The cow

Life expectancy:
62 years on average

By law, what kind of enemy is a Gurkha forbidden to fight?
One of Hindu belief

Population
30.5 million Approximately

What’s so special about Nepal?  

• Nepal is the only country on the planet which contains
• The highest mountain peak in the world (Everest- at 8848m)
• The deepest river gorge in the world (Kali Gandaki River)
• The birthplace of Lord Buddha (Lumbini)
• The Living Goddess (Kumari) who is worshipped and taken in a chariot procession annually on special occasions.
• The non-rectangular flag
• The best place in the world to study Tibetan Buddhism
• The largest selection of books on the Himalayas and mountain climbing
• Kathmandu, the capital city, with as many idols as men and as many temples as houses
• A hotel can be found at the Everest National park at an altitude of 3870m, assumed to be the highest hotel in the world (Hotel Everest View)

NEPAL

Is also one of the world’s greatest trekking paradise and arguably the finest country in the world that’s known for its trekking. This wonderful country contains one of the ten best rivers in the world for rafting & has a huge concentration of art, culture and tradition in the Kathmandu valley which cannot be found anywhere else in the world; Nepal is also one of the few countries of the world where you can see one horned Rhinos.

Kathmandu, known for its culinary delights, is said to be one of the best places to eat east of Bangkok and west of Istanbul. One guide book has called it the best ‘budget eating capital of Asia’.

Nepal - occupying only 0.1% of mother earth is home to:
2% of all the 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 orchid
Nepal is a country that has been a meeting point of Asia 's great migrations. The Aryans and the Mongolians are races that form the major population of modern Nepal . This description gives a view of the diverse cultural heritage of Nepal . Today the population of Nepal can be divided into various types of people with different backgrounds.

The Newars, Kiratis, Bahuns, Chhetris, Magars, Thakalis and so on. The list is long. The prominent religion in Nepal is Hinduism but there are also many other religions flourishing in Nepal and among them Buddhism is the foremost. There are also many languages spoken in Nepal . The Nepali language which is quite similar to Hindi owes its source to Sanskrit and is said to have been originated in the 9th century B.C. The other languages are Newari spoken widely by the Newars, Kitari idioms, Gurung language and so on. The people of Nepal are very religious. There are thousands of temples in Kathmandu Valley alone.

Many festivals are observed in Nepal . The Dasain being the most important among them all, other festivals like the Rato Macchendranath Rath Jatra, Naag Panchami, Teej, Holi, Tihar, Shivratri and Gokarna Aunsi are also celebrated.

Visa Information

Nepal extends trouble-free issuance of visa to all the citizens worldwide at Royal Nepalese Embassies or Consulates abroad and at entry-point Immigration Offices. Presentation of a valid passport, two passport size photos and fees mentioned below are required.

Getting Nepal Tourist Visas
A Visa is necessary to enter Nepal and can be obtained for the following duration from any Royal Nepalese Embassy or Consulate or at the entry points in Nepal . The rules below have been updated as of September 2001. Single entry tourist visas can be obtained by paying US $30 for 60 days. If you wish to leave and re-enter the country, you'll need to pay additional fees. US $25 for Single Re-entry, US $40 for Double Re-entry and US $60 for Multiple Re-entry. If you leave and wish to Re-enter Nepal as a tourist within 150 day of the same visa year, you may pay US $50 for 30 days. Visitors may extend their tourist visa by paying US $50 for 30 days. Trekking permits are not required for Everest, Annapurna and Langtang areas. Business visas with multiple entry facilities are available at a rate of US $100 for one year and US $250 for five years. Ministry of Industry recommendation is required.

Getting Nepal Non-Tourist Visas

Marriage Visas
For those married to a Nepali citizen and wanting to stay in Nepal for as long as you like and without getting a Nepali passport and giving up your country of birth passport (which is not always a good idea!), a non-tourist marriage visa is the best way to go. Changing from a tourist visa to a non-tourist visa can sometimes be a lengthy process and a lot of waiting around before they get to your file!

You need to visit the Department of Immigration office next to the tourist visa office in Bhrikuti Mandap, phone no.223681/222453 and collect a form for Non-Tourist visas. It's open the same hours as the tourist visa office. The processing time will take about 7 days as they asses your information. You can get issued a visa for as long as you like, 2, 4, 6 months, as long as you pay the US$10/month (about Rs750) for single entry. For a single re-entry you pay an extra US$25.

You require the following documents:
The application form photocopied 6 times (so you have 7 forms).
Sign the forms after you have photocopied them! 7 passport photos one for each form. Photocopies of your own and your partners passports, including a copy of your current tourist visa.
Photocopy of your partners Nepali citizenship card.
Photocopy of your marriage certificate.
If you need to renew your non-tourist visa you only require 2 forms, 2 passport photos and a photocopy of your passport with last issued visa.
Remember to take all originals with you at time of application and when you go in to collect your visa form ask what documents you need, the Nepali government changes the rules regularly.

Residential Visa
This visa is for those people who want to permanently live in Nepal . For the first year a fee of US$200 needs to be paid, then each year it's renewed a fee of US$100. It's a multiply entry visa so you can come in and out of Nepal as you like.

Obtaining a Transit Visa for Nepal
A transit visa can be obtained from Airport Immigration for a period of 48 hrs. on the presentation of airline ticket. Fee for Transit Visa: US$ 5.00

Important Note to all Visitors and Trekkers
Here's a little legalese from the Nepalese ~ requesting your cooperation to observe the following guidelines during your stay in Nepal . All foreign visitors are requested to be mindful of the date of expiry of the Nepalese visa and their passports to avoid future problems. As such, you are requested to apply for a visa extension, if you wish so, within the valid period of the Nepalese visa. You are requested to get the arrival/departure stamp on your passport at the entry/exit points to avoid further complications. Living in Nepal without passport or a valid visa is a punishable offense. Deviation from the prescribed routes in the trekking permit will be treated as the violation of the law. You are advised to be aware of brokers/cheaters or any counterfeit documents of visa/trekking permits to avoid legal complications. If you are not visiting/trekking through any authorized agency, do not use mediators for visa/trekking permits. You are requested to contact the Immigration Office directly. Change of purpose of stay without permission is not allowed and employment or voluntary service while on a tourist visa is strictly prohibited. It will be a punishable offense. Be sure to register at the police and Immigration cheek point along the trail. It is wise to register your trekking destination and schedule at your Embassy or Consulate. If you encounter problems along the trails, report them to the nearest police or Immigration post. You are requested to change money with authorized dealers and do not forget to take formal receipts. You are requested to inform the Immigration Office or Police Station for any changes in your address previously given in the visa application form. You are advised to be mindful to contact the Immigration Department for visa transfer in case of getting new passport or travel document from you Embassy/Consulate. Passport and trekking permit should be kept by the trekker while trekking. Filming in restricted areas or notified areas without permission is strictly prohibited. Respect local traditions, customs, values and sentiments to help them protect local cultures and maintain local pride.

. Respect privacy when taking photographs
. Respect holy places
. Refrain from giving money to children since it will encourage begging
. Respect for local etiquette earns you respect
. Let the Himalayas change you - Do not change them
. Protect the natural environment
. Leave the campsite cleaner than you have found it
. Limit deforestation - make no open fires
. Burn dry papers and packets in a safe place
. Keep local water clean and avoid using pollutants
. Plants should be left to flourish in their natural environment
. Help your guides and porters to follow conservation measures

Nepal Customs and Airport Information
Green Channel: Passengers arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) without any dutiable goods can proceed through the Green Channel for quick clearance without a baggage check. If you are carrying dutiable articles, you have to pass through the Red Channel for detailed customs clearance.

Import: Apart from used personal belongings, visitors are allowed to bring to Nepal free of duty cigarettes (200) or cigars (50), distilled liquor (one 1.15 liter bottle), and film (15 rolls). You can also bring in the following articles free of duty on condition that you take them out with you when you leave: binoculars, movie or video camera, still camera, laptop computer, and portable music system.

Export: It is illegal to export objects over 100 years old (sacred images, paintings, manuscripts) that are valued for culture and religious reasons. Visitors are advised not to purchase such items as they are Nepal 's cultural heritage and belong here. The Department of Archaeology (Ph: 271504, 271478) at Ramshah Path near Singha Durbar has to certify all metal statues, sacred paintings and similar objects before they are allowed to be sent or carried out of the country. Handicraft dealers and travel agents are able to assist you in this process. For more information on customs matters, contact the Chief Customs Administrator, TIA Customs Office;

Airport Tax: Passengers departing from the Tribhuvan International Airport are required to pay an airport tax of Rs. 900 if going to SAARC countries ( Bangladesh , Bhutan , India , Maldives , Pakistan and Sri Lanka ) and Rs. 1100.00 to all other international destinations. Domestic airport tax is Rs. 165.

WildLife

Royal Chitwan Park

The Royal Chitwan Park , considered a sanctuary in 1973 is situated in the sub-tropical lowlands of southern Nepal , lying between two mountain ranges, the Shivalik and the Mahabharat range. This is the flood plain of three rivers, the Rapti, the Reu and the Narayani. The forest is dominated by Sal trees (shorea robusta) and tall grasses. This is the natural habitat of endangered animals like Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinoceros and gharial crocodile. This park also provides shelters for some of the animals that needs protection like gaur (the world's largest wild cattle), four species of deer, leopards, wild dogs, fishing cats, leopard cats, python and Gangetic dolphin. There are over 50 species of mammals and 450 species of birds in the park.

Royal Bardiya National Park This park is situated in western Nepal to the south of the Shivalik range bordering the Karnali River on the west. The vegetation and wild life found in this park are similar to those of the Royal Chitwan National Park . In addition, the wild elephant and swamp deer are also found here. Rhinos in this area became extinct a long time ago. Therefore, 13 rhinoceros were captured in Chitwan National Park and introduced in this park.

There are also many other animals found in Nepal. Some of them are, the Sloth Bear, Rhesus monkey, Wild Boar, Mongoose, Hog Deer, Barking Deer, Spotted Deer, Jackel, Ratel, Civet, Hyenas, Langur, Water Dolphin,Monitor Lizard, Indian Python, Tortoise, King Cobra and 19 other species of snakes.