more...about Nepal

Nepal (नेपाल), officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked country in South Asia and the world's youngest republic. It is bordered to the north by the People's Republic of China, and to the south, east, and west by the Republic of India. With an area of 147,181 square kilometres (56,827 sq mi) and a population of approximately 30 million, Nepal is the world's 93rd largest country by land massand the 41st most populous country. Kathmandu is the nation's capital and the country's largest metropolitan city.

Nepal is a country of highly diverse and rich geography, culture, and religions. The mountainous north contains eight of the world's ten highest mountains, including the highest, Mount Everest. The fertile and humid south is heavily urbanized. By some measures, Hinduism is practiced by a greater majority of people in Nepal than in any other nation. Buddhism, though a minority faith in the country, is linked historically with Nepal as the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama who as the Buddha Gautama gave birth to the Buddhist tradition.

A monarchy throughout most of its history, Nepal was ruled by the Shah dynasty of kings from 1768, when Prithvi Narayan Shah unified its many small kingdoms. However, a decade-long People's Revolution by the Communist Party of Nepal along with several weeks of mass protests by all major political parties of Nepal in 2006, culminated in a peace accord and the ensuing elections for the constituent assembly voted overwhelmingly in favor of the abdication of the last Nepali monarch Gyanendra Shah and the establishment of a federal democratic republic in May 28, 2008. The first President of Nepal, Ram Baran Yadav, was sworn in on 23 July, 2008.
Where is Nepal ?
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Nepal Geographical Information:
Nepal, a sovereign Independent Kingdom, lies between 80 degree 12' east longitude and 26 degree 22' and 30 degree 27' north latitude. It is bounded on the north by the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China; on the east by Sikkim and West Bengal of the Indian Union on the south by Indian States of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh and on the west by Uttar Pradesh of Indian Union. The length of the Kingdom is 885 kilometers east-west and its breath varies from 145 to 241 kilometers north-south. Climatically, it lies in the temperate zone with the added advantage of altitude.
The country can be divided into three main geographic regions:

1) Himalayan Region:
The altitude of this region ranges between 4877 meters and 8848 meters with the snow line running around 48848 meters. It includes 8 of the existing 14 summits in the world which exceed an altitude of 8000 meters. They represent. (1) Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) 8848 m, (2) Kangchenjunga - 8586 m, (3) Lhotse - 8516m, Makalu - 8463m, (5) ChoOyo- 8201 m, (6) Dhaulagiri - 8167m, (7) Manaslu - 8163m, and Annapurna- 8091 m.

2) Mountain Region:This region accounts for about 64 percent to total land area. It is formed by the Mahabharat range that soars upto 4877 meters. To its south lies the lower Churia range whose altitude varies from 610 meters to 1524 meters.3) Terai Region:The low-land Terai region which has a width of about 26 to 32 kilometers and a maximum altitude of 305 meters, which occupies about 17% of total land area of the country. Kechanakawal the lowest point of the country with an altitude of 70 meters lies in Jhapa District of the eastern Terai.
Best place to visit in Nepal
1) Kathmandu
Kathmandu is situated in the heart of the Himalaya mountains and has a rich history. Considered by many to be among the most beautiful cities in the world, the earliest known inscription in the Kathmandu Valley is dated 185 AD. The oldest firmly dated building in the earthquake-prone valley is almost 1,992 years old. Four stupas around the city of Patan, said to have been erected by Charumati, attest to the ancient history present within are in Patan near kendra Hiranyavarna Mahavihara (called "Patukodon"). The Licchavi Dynasty whose earliest inscriptions date back to 464 AD were the next rulers of the valley. The Malla Dynasty consisted of Newar rulers, who ruled Kathmandu Valley and the surrounding area from the 12th century till the 17th century, when the Shah Dynasty founder Prithvi Narayan Shah conquered the valley as he created present-day Nepal. Most of ancient Nepali Architecture present in Nepal today is from the Malla/Newar era.

Reasons to visit
Kathmandu city itself has limited activities for visitors beyond the amazing sightseeing and general experience of being there, but it is the starting point for numerous adventures in the rest of the country including trekking, rafting, jungle adventures and more extreme sports. If you would like to see some of the Himalayas, but do not want to go on a trek it is possible to spend a few days (two or more) walking from Kathmandu out of the valley. This is less intense than the trekking available in the rest of the country, but can still reward you with some great views of the mountains. For instance, the walk up to Nagarkot, which offers a great spot for watching surrounding mountain ranges at sunrise or sunset from atop the hill, can be done in a couple of days. Any of the trekking companies in Kathmandu will be willing to organise this for you.
Swayambhu

Swayambhu a large stupa, highly revered in Nepal and one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the country. It offers great views over the city and no lack of monkeys. As with the Boudha Stupa, there's no shortage of Buddhist and Tibetan-inspired trinkets for sale. There are also drinks for sale at the top and at least one small restaurant selling momos. For those that have their own transport or have difficulty climbing stairs there is a parking lot at the back entrance that significantly reduces the amount of stairs that need to be climbed to gain access to the main compound.
Pashupati Nath Temple

Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu. It is not known for certain when Pashupatinath Temple was founded. But according to Nepal Mahatmaya and Himvatkhanda, one day lord shiva grew tired of his palace atop Mt. Kailash and so went in search of a place where he could escape to. He discovered Kathmandu Valley and, without telling anyone, he ran away from his palace and came to live in the Valley. He gained great fame there as Pashupati, Lord of the Animals, before the other gods discovered his hiding place and came to fetch him. He disguised himself as a majestic deer and would not help the other gods when they asked for his help. When Shiva did not yield to their pleas, they planned to use force. God vishnu grabbed him by his horns and they shattered into pieces. Vishnu established a temple and used the broken horns to form a linga on the bank of the Bagmati River. As time went by, the temple was buried and forgotten. Then a cow was known to have secretly sprinkled her milk over the mound. Apparently, when the cow herders dug around the spot, they found the lost lingas and again built a temple in reverence.
Boudhanath

Boudhanath (also called Bouddhanath, Bodhnath or Baudhanath or the Khasa Caitya) is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is known as Khasti by Newars as Bauddha or Bodh-nath by modern speakers of Nepali. Located about 11 km (7 miles) from the center and northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu, the stupa's massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal. The Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath dominates the skyline. The ancient Stupa is one of the largest in the world. The influx of large populations of Tibetan refugees from China has seen the construction of over 50 Tibetan Gompas (Monasteries) around Boudhanath. As of 1979, Boudhanath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along with Swayambhunath, it is one of the most popular tourist sites in the Kathmandu area.
Durbar Square

The heart of Kathmandu this ancient square crowded with palaces and temples, including the current incarnation of the Kasthamandap or "Wooden house" that gives the city its name. The square has been in active use since the construction of a palace around 1000 AD. This site is the most popular UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nepal. Magical in the very early morning and evening, Durbar Square can be an exhausting experience due to the overwhelming number of young men offering to be "guides." Be firm with saying "no" if you are not interested, but realize that looking at a map, or even standing still for a moment will be an invitation to a dozen other would-be "helpers". Ask at the Tourist Information Office at the entrance if you do want a guide. A place not to be missed is a visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square Museum.
Kasthamandap

Kasthamandap is three storied temple which is situated in the Kathmandu, which is the capital of Nepal. This temple is one of the oldest wooden buildings in the world. This temple is built in pagoda style design. It was built in the early sixteenth century by King Laxmi Narsingha Malla. The whole temple is built from just wood of a single tree and covered with the shrine. The name of capital city is named after this temple. Once a year a huge ceremony is performed in the temple. On that day people gather around the temple, and they stay up all night. The people share the legendaries stories about the temple, and enjoy themselves with different varieties of foods. This temple is one of the major tourist attractions too. Everyone is allowed to visit inside the temple, but people are not allowed to take photographs inside the temple. The temple is open after mid day until midnight. The unique feature of Kasthamandap has made it the most noted pagoda of Nepal.
Dharahara

Dharahara also called Bhimsen Tower, is a nine story (50.2m) tall tower at the center of Kathmandu. It was built in 1832 A.D. by the Prime Minister of the time, Bhimsen Thapa of Nepal. Thapa built the tower under the orders of Queen Lalit Tripura Sundari. The tower has a spiral staircase inside containing 113 steps or none because there is an elevator. The 8th floor holds a circular balcony for observers that provides a panoramic view of the whole Kathmandu valley. The tower has a 5.2m bronze mast on the roof. The tower has been open for the general public since 2005 for a small fee.
Shopping

Silver, Clothing, Carpets and Rugs, Cultural artifacts, Pashmina, Electronics
Festive celebrations

Kathmandu and Dubar Square is the center for many of Nepal's festivals. Note that many businesses are closed for all of these holidays - and often a few days before and after. Dasain in particular tend to shut down much of the city for October Tihar, Festival of Lights (also called Deepawali) a five day festival which takes place each year on the fifteenth day of Kartika (around the end of October/start of November), Holi, Bikram Sambat's, Teej, Indra Jatra Harvest.
2) Royal Chitwan National Park

If you want to experience some jungle adventure with the elephants and ravaging rapids, you may want to stop by Nepal's Royal Chitwan Park. Covering some 932 sq kilometers, this national park serves as a home for 450 species of birds, 45 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 43 species of mammals. One can also enjoy guided jungle walks, terai culture, wild life breeding project, and safari drives inside 4WD cars.
3) Nagarkot

Located 32 kilometers east of Katmandu, Nagarkot is a great place to visit if you want to see how beautiful and majestic the Himalayan Mountain range can be. A lookout tower in Nagarkot, for one, enables visitor to have a 360-degree scenic view of the Katmandu valley and Himalayan Mountain peaks. Drive up the city, book for a hotel, wake up early, and experience a different kind of sunrise with cool winds blowing every word away.
4) Pokhara

Located some 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu, this enchanting city is the rally point for trekking and rafting destination. Pokhara offers perfect scenery and gripping natural beauty not only for those who looks for fun but also for those seeking solace. Be it the preview of the Himalayan Mountain range, a row in Phewa Lake, a trek beside Seti Gandaki River and Devi's Fall, or a peek to the Mahendra Cave, a trip to Pokhara is a experience worth the journey.
5) Wildlife Reserve of Koshi Tappu

Sprawling some 175 km2 near the River of Sapta-Koshi in Eastern Nepal, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is the best place to watch native and migratory birds in action. Thousands of birds converge in this area, especially during the months of January, February and March. The trip which normally includes jungle walks, jeep drives, and boat rides, coupled with treks to Bhutan and Sikkim or rafting trip in Sunkosi will make any Nepalese trip an unforgettable experience.
6) Lumbini

Lumbini is the perfect place to go to if you are into cultural, archaeological and religious treasures. With the number of stupa, meditation grounds temples, courtyards and more, a walk in Lumbini is a walk with Buddha. Enter the birthplace of one of the greatest man of world religions - Siddharta Gautama, founder of Buddhism - and be captivated by its serene environment and meditate and reflect with its outmost tranquility and peaceful atmosphere.
7) Royal Bardia National Park

Located in Western Terai, Royal Bardia National Park is the largest park in the region with 968 km2. It serves as a sanctuary for tigers, small and large mammals, deer, reptiles, birds, and a herd of the last known elephants in captivity. Enjoy wildlife as it happens along with short rafting in Karnali and Bheri as well as trekking to Dolpo and Rara lake.
8) Sukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve

Sukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve is a protected area in the Terai of the Far-Western Region, Nepal, covering 305 km2 (118 sq mi) of open grassland, forests, riverbeds and tropical wetlands at an altitude of 174 to 1,386 metres (571 to 4,547 ft). It was gazetted in 1973 as Royal Sukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve. A small part of the reserve extends north of the East-West Highway to create a corridor for seasonal migration of wildlife into the Sivalik Hills. The Syali River forms the eastern boundary southward to the international border with India, which demarcates the reserve’s southern and western boundary.Current checklists include 46 species of mammals, 18 of which are protected under CITES such as the Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, Sloth Bear, Swamp Deer, Asian Elephant and Hispid Hare. Great One-horned Rhinoceros were translocated from Chitwan National Park to establish a third viable population in the country.
The congregation of Swamp Deer on the reserve's phantas is the largest in the world; the population of Hispid Hare may be of international significance.
9) Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur is an ancient town east of Katmandu in the Katmandu Valley. Experience Nepalese life as it happens in this city by enjoying the scenery in Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Potter's square. Make your trip complete with a taste of Khopa Dhau, Bhaktapur's home-made curd. How to obtain visa for Nepal

General 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.

Lastest News
His Majesty's Government of Nepal has announced a new policy of waiving visa fee for any tourist visiting the country for a period of 3 days. Similarly tourists coming from South Asian countries (SAARC) as well as neighboring People's Republic of China will also get free visa to Nepal. Likewise arrangements have been made to provide free visa for any national for re-entry to Nepal provided those tourists have stayed at least for 15 days in the country in a visa year (Jan-Dec). VisitNepal.com highly welcomes this step taken by the Government to drive the Nepalese tourism industry towards a new height.

Immigration Office

Hours
Department of Immigration (Kathmandu)
Recently move to Bhrikuti Mandap next to the Tourist Service Centre.

Visa extension and trekking permit applications are accepted from 9:00 to 1:00 PM only (but not accepted after 12:00 on Friday).

Mon - Fri 9AM - 4PM -Winter- Mon - Fri 9 AM -5PM - Summer-

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.4223681/ 4222453 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: 4271504, 4271478) 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; Ph:4470110, 4472266.

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.

Nepal Time and Business Hours

Nepal is five hours 45 minutes ahead of GMT. Government offices are open from 10 am to 5 pm from Sunday through Friday. Banks are open from Sunday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm. Mostly banks remain open until 12 pm on Saturday.

Embassies and international organizations are open from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. Most shops open after 10 am and close at about 8 pm and are usually closed on Saturdays.

Although Nepal works seven days a week, it observes numerous holidays, at the least a couple a month. So please check the holiday calendar. Government offices observe all the holidays and banks observe most of them. Businesses observe the major holidays only.