About Nepal
Nepal is a land-locked country situated between to large countries, India in the south, east and west and China in the North. It is a country in the lap of snow clad mountains which chain the territory of it in the north. In the ranges of the snow clad mountains it conceals many - more world famous mountains including Mt. Everest. The name of the highest mountain, Mt, Everest comes immediately after the utterance of the name of this country because of its height in the world.

Nepal is not only a county of world famous mountains but also a country from the cultural and histo rical points of views. Everyone can find this county as a burning example of the storage of different arts crafted in the temples and monasteries especially in every corners of the Kathmandu valley. Though Kathmandu valley itself is separated physically into three parts known as Kathmandu Patan and Bhaktapur but it is merged into one to show the flourish of art and handicrafts from a long past in the valley.

Numerous ponds and lakes, different National Parks preserving wild lives, great rivers flowing with great current originated from the snow-clad mountains are the additional attractions of this country. Though the country occupies a small area, it is perfectly decorated itself with the natural beauties. So, the visitors do not hesitate to call it a piece of "Paradise".

Nepal offers a year round calendar of activities and events, as varied as Pony treks and elephant back safari, white water rafting, kayaking and sport fishing, cultural tours and attending dramatic festival ceremonies. What ever the season is there is plenty to do in Nepal and we put together the combination packages that rival any adventure vacation plan in the world.

Access to Nepal:

By Air: The Royal Nepal Airlines (RA) is the National Flag Carrier of Nepal with flight to/from Delhi, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Osaka, Shanghai and Singapore. Other International Airlines operation from/to Kathmandu are Thai International (Bangkok), Qatar Airways (Doha), Gulf Air (Abu Dhabi), Biman Bangladesh Airlines (Dhaka), Indian Airlines (Delhi, Kolkota, Varanasi), Jet Airways ( Delhi), Aeroflot Russian Airlines (Moscow), Singapore Airlines Singapore), Transavia (Amsterdam), Martin Air, Pakistan International Airlines ( Karachi), Druk Air (Paro) Lauda Air ( Vienna) and China South-west Airlines ( Lhasa).

By Land: All visitors entering Nepal by land must use no other entry points other than

(a) Kakarvitta  (b) Birgunj (c) Belhiya, Bhairawa   (d) Nepalgunj (e) Dhangadi and Mahendranagar in the Nepal-India border and Only from Kodari in the Nepal-China border.  

Nepal, a sovereign independent kingdom,  is bounded on the North by the Tibetan Autonomous Region Republic of China, the  East-south and West by India. The length of the  Kingdom is 885 East –west and its breadth varies from 145-241 kilometers North – south. The country can be divided into three main geographical regions. 

a) Himalayan Region :

The altitude of this region ranges between 4877m. to 8848m. It includes 8 of the Highest 14 summits in the World which exceed  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.

 b) Mountain Regions:

This region accounts for about 64 percent of total land area and inhabitant by 55% of the total population. It is formed by the Mahabharat range that soars up to 4877 meter and the lower Churia range. The most famous Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara Valley lies in the altitude of 1350 and  850m. respectively.          

c) 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

Nepal has four climatic seasons. Average temperature in Kathmandu.

a) Spring: March-May [30 °C Days, 12 °C Nights, Occasional Rain
b) Summer: June-August [30 °C Days, 19 °C Nights, Wet
c) Autumn: September-November [25 °C Days, 10 °C Nights, Dry
d) Winter: December-February [18 °C Days, 01 °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.

Indian Nationals do not require visa. However, effective from October 1, 2000, Indians traveling to Nepal by air have to show upon arrival at entry point either a  passport, voter’s identity card issued by Election Commission of India, or and identify card with photograph issued by the Central or State Government of India. Temporary identity card with photograph issued by Nepal-based Indian diplomatic mission  for identification of Indian nationals will also be considered in case of exceptions. Children under 10 years need not show any identification. 

Tourist Visa: 

Foreigner who intends to visit Nepal must hold valid passport or any travel document equivalent to passport issued by the Govt. for visiting  a foreign country prior to apply for visa. 

a) Entry : No foreigner is entitled to enter into and stay in the Kingdom without valid visa. Tourist entry visa can be obtained for the following duration from Royal Nepalese Embassy or Consulate or other mission offices or immigration located on entry points in Nepal.

b) Chinese citizen  are requested to apply in Royal Nepalese Embassy or other Nepalese diplomatic missions as there is no provision of on arrival visa for them. 

1. Visitors who are entering into Nepal first time in a visa year (Jan-Dec):

A tourist visa can be extended up to 120 days from the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu and Pokhara Immigration Office on request. Thereafter an additional 30 days can be extended from Department of Immigration ensuring that tourist visa cannot be extended more than 150 days.

Visa Extension Fee:

1. Tourist visa extension fee for 30 days :- US$ 30 in equivalent Nepalese currency.
2. Tourist visa extention with multiple entry facility :-Multiple entry facility can be obtained paying additional US$ 50 or equivalent convertible foreign currency. The facility will be valid for a visa year (Jan-Dec) if the visa period is valid.  
3. Late fee for not applying extension in time :-
   - US$2 in equivalent Nepalese currency per day for the first 30 days.
   - US$3 in equivalent Nepalese currency per day for the next 31 to 90 days.
   - US$5 in equivalent Nepalese currency per day for more than 90 days.
4. Gratis visa :-
   - Children below 10 yrs.
   - Dependants upto the age of 16 years, holding foreign passports of Nepalese parents or either of their parent being a Nepalese citizen.
   - Citizen of Nepali origin, after having obtained passport for the first time from a Nepal based foreign mission, until the period of his departure to a foreign country.
   - Citizens of member countries of South Asian association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the people's Republic of china.
   - Any foreigner, who has lived in Nepal up to fifteen (15) days continuously, re-entering Nepal during the same visa year.
   - Any foreigner, tourist entering into Nepal for three days or less than that

2. For Sri Lankan pilgrims visiting to Lumbini can get single entry visa for 15 days in US$ 10 or equivalent convertible currency.

Some Important information to tourist : Don't or Do's

• A tourist may stay in Nepal up to 150 days in a visa year (Jan-Dec).
• A tourist must extend his/her visa before expiry of the visa validity period. A tourist who does not comply with these regulations may be liable of fine and other prosecution as provided in Immigration Act and Rules.
• A Foreigner having obtained tourist visa shall not be allowed to work with or without receiving remuneration.
• A foreigner shall not be allowed to carry out any work other than that for which purpose s/he has obtained the visa.

Nepalese Rupees 1356/- per person for departure to SAARC (South Asian) countries and Rs. 1695/- for departure to other international destinations.

History:

Nepal a country with a long historic tradition is an amalgamation of a number of medieval principalities . Before the campaign of national integration launched by King Prithvi Narayan Shah the Kathmandu Valley was ruled by the Malla Kings, Whose Contributions to art and Culture are indeed great and unique . 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 originated from the  Malla dynasty i.e. from 12 to 18 century. In 1768 AD the Shah dynasty ascended the throne of the unified kingdom. His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, is  twelve king in the Shah Dynasty. The New democratic constitution of the kingdom was promulgated on November 9, 1990.Nepal is one of the founder members of South Asian association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC).

People : 

Nepal has a population of more than 22 million people made of different races living in different regions, with diverse culture, language and dialects. The Gurungs and Magars live mainly in west. The Rais, Limbus and Sunuwars inhabits the slopes and valleys of the Eastern mid hills. The Sherpas live in the Himalayan region. The Newars constitute and important ethnic group of the capital valley Kathmandu. There are Tharus , Yadavas, Satar, Ravanshis and Dhimals in the Terai region. The Brahmans, Chhetris and Thakuris are spread generally over all parts of the Kingdom.

Language :-

Nepali, serves the purpose of the kingdom’s lingua franca in Nepal. The educated people speak and understand English well. The official language of Nepal is Nepali, which is written in Devanagiri script, although there are other languages and  dialects spoken by different ethnic groups. In major tourist places English is widely understood and spoken.  

Religion and Culture:-

Hinduism and Buddhism constitute two major religious of Nepal. A remarkable feature of Nepal is religious homogeneity what exists, particularly between the Hindu and Buddhist Communities. Apart from the Hindus and Buddhists, Muslim from third largest religious group. 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. The exquisite medieval Art & Architecture of the Kathmandu Valley vividly reflect the artistic ingenuity and the religious tradition of the people.