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Information of Nepal
Location:
Nepal borders with the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's of
China in the North and India in the East, South and West
respectively. |
Area:
147,181 sq. Kilometers |
Altitude:
Varies from 70 meters to 8848 meters |
Capital:
Kathmandu |
Population:
approx. 22 million |
Language:
Nepali is the national language of Nepal. Educated people
understand and speak English as well.
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Time:
Nepal Time is 5 hours 45 minutes ahead of GMT and 15 minutes ahead
of Indian standard time. |
Climate:
Nepal has four major seasons.
(1) Winter: December-February,
(2) Spring: March-May,
(3) Summer: June-August,
(4) Autumn: September-November.
Nepal can be visited all year round. |
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People & Religion:
Nepalese people are mainly divided into two distinct groups, the
Indo-Aryans and the Mongolians. Kathmandu Valley is the
spiritual and cultural meeting point of all these groups.
Nepal is the only Hindu Kingdom in the World. Hindu Temples
and Buddhist shrines are scattered all over the kingdom. Nepal
is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the Light of Asia. Hindus
and Buddhists live together harmoniously in Nepal.
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Currency & Foreign
Exchange:
Nepali Rupee notes come in Rs. 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 500,
1000 denominations. Coins come 5p, 10p, 25p, Rs. 1, 2, 5
denominations. Foreign currencies must be exchanged only through the
banks or authorized foreign exchange dealers. The receipts
from such transaction are to be obtained and retained.
Visitors can exchange foreign currency at the foreign exchange
counter at the airport upon arrival. Visitors other than the
Indian national have to make the payment in foreign currency in
hotel, travel agencies or trekking agencies and air tickets.
Non-Indian visitors are not allowed to import or export Indian
currency. The approximate value of one USA dollar is
equivalent to Rs. 73.65 as of January 30, 2001. |
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Entry Procedures:
All visitors except the Indian nationals must hold a passport and a
valid visa. The visas can be obtained at the Nepalese
Diplomatic Missions and Consulates abroad and entry points issue
visa for visitors. The visa will be extended at the Department
of Immigration.
Entry: 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.
1. The single entry tourist visa can be obtained from the entry
points of Nepal or from the Royal Nepalese diplomatic missions
abroad by paying US$30 for 60 days.
2. If the visitors, who has already visited Nepal under tourist
visa, intends to come again within 15 days of the same visa year
he/she can obtain entry visa by paying US$50 for 30 days at the
entry points or at the Royal Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad.
3. The visitors who wish
to stay for more that 60 days in Nepal can extend their tourist visa
by paying the equivalent of US$50 in the Nepalese currency for 30
days from the Department of Immigration.
4. Business visa with multiple entry facility for the period of one
year and five years can be obtained from the Department of
Immigration on the recommendation of Ministry of Industry by paying
the equivalent of US$250 and US$100 respectively in the Nepalese
currency for the foreign investors.
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Entry Points:
By Air : Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
By Land : (1) Kakarbhitta (2)
Birgung (3) Belhiya (Bhairahawa) (4) Nepalgung (5) Dhangadi (6)
Jogbani (Biratnagar) and (7) Mahendra Nagar in Nepal-India border
and (8) Kodari in Nepal-China border.
The overland tourists entering the kingdom with their vehicles must
possess an international carnet.
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Customs Formalities:
All baggage must be declared and cleared through the customs on the
part of entry. Personal effects are permitted free entry.
The duty on articles brought by the visitor varies according to the
volume and value of the goods. A tourist may bring in dutiable
goods, such as tobacco and liquors, within the prescribed quantity
free of duty. Carrying narcotics, arms and ammunition are
strictly prohibited. Visitors can export souvenirs to their
respective countries. The export of antiques requires special
certificate from the Department of Archaeology, National Archive
Building, Ram Shah path, Kathmandu (Tel: 215358). Gold,
silver, precious stones, wild animals and their skins, horns, wild
flora and fauna etc. and all drugs whether processed or in
their natural state are prohibited to export. |
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Travel Route:
Royal Nepal Airlines the national flag carrier of Nepal and other
International airlines operate scheduled flights to Kathmandu from
Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, Bombay, Calcutta, Doha, Delhi, Dubai, Dhaka,
Paro (Bhutan),
Varanasi, Frankfurt, Paris, Hong Kong, Karachi, London, Moscow,
Singapore, Osaka, Lhasa and Vienna. The International Airlines
operating their flights to Kathmandu include Aeroflot, Biman
Bangladesh Airlines, China South West Airlines, Druk Air, Gulf Air,
Indian Airlines, Lufthansa, Pakistan International Airlines, Qatar
Airways, Singapore Airlines and Thai International. |
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Airport Tax:
Rs. 660 per person for departure to SAARC (South Asian) Countries:
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Rs. 1100 for departure to other international destinations.
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Airport Transportation:
In addition to metered taxis, limousine service is also available at
the airport for transport to major hotels in the city.
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Other transport
arrangements:
Metered taxis having black plates with white figures are available
in Kathmandu. Metered tempo (three wheeler scooters) are also
available and are slightly cheaper than taxis. Bicycle,
motorcycles and rickshaws are also available on hire. The fare
for the bicycles or motorcycles is fixed where as the fare of rickshaws
is to be negotiated. There are regular bus services between
the main town and interiors of the Kathmandu valley. The Bus
Terminal is located at Gongabu (new bus terminal) and Bagbazar (old
but terminal). Similarly, scheduled bus services for outside
the valley operate from the Gongabu Bus Terminal which is located
near Balaju, Kathmandu.
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Trekking Permit
The Department of Immigration located at New Baneswor, issues permit
for the tourists who intend to trek any part of the country.
Trekking permit fee for different trekking areas are fixed as
follows.
Trekking
Trekking permit fee:
01. Dolpa and Kanchenjunga Equivalent
to US$10 per person per week for the First four weeks and
US$20 per week thereafter
02. Manaslu US$75 (Dec-Aug) per person per week. US$90 (Sept.
-Nov) per person per week
03. Mustang & Upper Dolpa US$700 per person for the first ten
days and US$70 per person per day thereafter.
Note: Trekking to Dolpa,
Kanchenjung, Makalu and Mustang can be undertaken through registered
trekking agencies only.
DEPARTMENT OF
NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
| S.
No. |
Name
of Perotected Area |
Entry
Fee Rs. |
|
|
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| 01. |
Langtang
National Park |
1000:00 |
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| 02. |
Sagarmatha
National Park |
1000:00 |
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| 03. |
RaRa
National Park |
1000:00 |
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| 04. |
Shey-Phoksndo
National Park |
1000:00 |
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| 05 |
Khaptad
National Park |
1000:00 |
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| 06. |
Dhorpatan
Hunting Reserve |
1000:00 |
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| 07. |
Makalu
Barun National Park and Conservation Area |
2,000:00 |
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| 08. |
Annapurna
Conservation Area |
2,000:00 |
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| 09. |
Kanchenjunga
Conservation Area |
1,000:00 |
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| 10 |
Manaslu
Conservation Area |
1,000:00 |
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| 11 |
Koshi
Tappu Wild Reserve |
1000:00 |
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| 12. |
Shivapuri
Water ShedConservation Area |
250:00 |
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| 13. |
Chitwan
National Park |
1000:00 |
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| 14. |
Royal
Bardia National Park |
1000:00 |
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| 15. |
Parsa
Wildlife Reserve |
1000:00 |
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| 16. |
Sukla
Phant Wildlife Reserve |
1000:00 |
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Facilities:
Nepal has every type of accommodation facilities that a tourist
might ask for. This ranges from the international standard
star hotels to budget hotels and lodges. Similarly one can
also have a choice of sightseeing from a range of different tour
packages. In order to have an assured quality service it is
advisable to use the facilities and services of government
registered hotels, lodges, travel agencies the licensed tour
guides only and engage an authorized travel/trekking agency.
Major
tourist attractions:
Very few countries in the World can offer as many varieties of
adventure tourism packages as Nepal. Of the 14 peaks above
8000 meters in the World, eight are located in Nepal. It is
the land of Sagarmatha (Mount. Everest 8848 meters), the highest
peak in the World and other 1310 mountain peaks which are opened
for expeditions. Nepal has thousands of such peaks, which
are yet to be conquered by the expeditions. For those who cannot
withstand the rigorousness mountain climbing there are mountain
flights which fly around the Mt. Everest and provide a close
look of the top of the World. From Nagarkot (32
kilometers East of Kathmandu) and Daman (80 Kilometer southwest of Kathmandu) one can
have a distant view of Mt. Everest and beautiful Himalayan
range. Trekking is the best way to get to interesting
and remote mountain villages of Nepal and to enjoy views of the
focused peaks together with their lifestyle untouched by modern
civilization.
The river rafting which is known as White Water Adventure
represents another major attractions. With distance of 100
miles, one can see the topographical variations with the river
rising from the higher points near Nepal - Tibetan border
and then dropping dramatically to lower levels the plains
bordering India. For those who wish to view wildlife, Nepal
offers plenty of scope. There are eight National Parks and
four Wildlife Reserves and two Conservation Area in Nepal.
For the less adventure, Pokhara the lake-city of Nepal has no
equal as it provides ample opportunities for fishing, swimming,
conoeing and boating along with the sightseeing of majestic
panoramic views in its background. It is only Pokhara, a tropical
spotty with an altitude of about 900 meter from where one can see
the mountain crossing over 8000 meters from such a short
distance of about 40 kilometers. For the nature lovers Nepal
is such a land of natural beauty that metaphors can not delineate
its real picture.
At the same time, Nepal proffers an incomparable scope to the
scholars and connoisseurs of art and culture to see and study the
different aspects of fine arts be it painting, sculpture,
woodcarving or architecture.Kathmandu valley possesses several
historical monuments, old place and palace squares, shrines and
temples. Ageless tradition and legends all make it a living
museum that any visitor would cherish its vivid memory in his/her
heart forever.
Nepal is the land of Lord Pashupatinath, which is the holiest Hindu temple in the
World. Besides, two out of
the four main holy places (Chhetras) of Hindu pilgrimages namely
Muktichhetra and Varahachhetra, are located in Nepal. Not
only for the Hindus but also for the Buddhists, Nepal offers a
unique place of pilgrimage as it happens to be the birthplace of
Lord Buddha, the apostle of peace and compassion. Nepal is
the Land of festivals with some part of the Kingdom or the other
celebrating festival everyday of the year. Festivals may be
linked with the remembrance of the departed soul, to herald the
different seasons, to mark the beginning or end of the agricultural cycle, to mark the
national events, or just family celebrations. On a festive
day the Nepalese take their ritual bath, worship different gods
and goddesses, visit temple, observe fasting and undertake
feasting. The most important aspect of Nepalese culture is
the religious harmony and understanding prevailing among the
Hindus and Buddhist. Some of the major festivals of Nepal
are:
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New year's Day
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April
( First day of Baisakh)
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Matatirtha
Aaunsi ( Mother's Day )
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April
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Buddha Jayanti
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April
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Machhendtanath
Rath Jatra
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May-June
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Guru Poornima
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August
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Gaijatra
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August-September
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Krishnashtami
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August-September
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Gokarna Aunsi or
Father's Day
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August-September
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Indra Jatra
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September
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Bada Dashain
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September
-October
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Tihar
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October-November
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Bala Chaturdashi
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November-December
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Bansanta
Panchami
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January-February
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Maha Shivaratri
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March-April
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Ghode Jatra
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March-April
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If you really want to be away for
some time from the cacophony of modernization, here is Nepal, the
best sojourn cradled in the lap of the Himalayas that never cases
to offer eternal peace and tranquility.
Govt. Office-Hour:
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From
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To
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Day
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Month
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9
AM
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5
PM
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Mon-Fri
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February
to mid to November mid
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9
PM
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4
PM
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Mon-Fri
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November
mid to February mid
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Banks:
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9
AM
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3:30
PM
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Mon-Fri
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Round
the year
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Note:
Government
offices and banks are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and other
official Holidays.
Electricity:
220 Voltage
Communication:
Communication facility available in the popular trekking route:
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Everest
Region:
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Namche
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Telephone
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Khunde
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Telephone
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Lukla
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Telephone
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Tyangboche
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Telephone
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Pheriche
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HF
Radio, HRA, Satellite Phone
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Lobuche
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SatellitePhone
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Gokyo
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Satellite
Phone
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Annapurna
Region:
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Bensisahar
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Telephone
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Bahun
Danda
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Telephone
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Dhara
Pani
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Telephone
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Chame
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Telephone
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Manang
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Telephone
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Thorung
Phed
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Satellite
Phone
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Muktinath
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HF
Radio
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Kagbeni
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HF
Radio
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Lomangthani
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HF
Radio
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Jomsom
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HF
Radio Telephone
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Ghandruk
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HF
Radio Telephone
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Langtang
Region:
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Dhunche
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Telephone
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Ghora
Tabela
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HF
Radio Telephone (Royal Nepal Army
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Sing
Gompa
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Satellite
Phone
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Medical
facility:
Medical facility available in the popular Trekking route:
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Everest
Region:
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Lukla
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Govt.
Hospital-Doctor
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Khunde
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Hillary Hospital-Doctor
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Pheriche
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HRA Aid-post-Doctor
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Manang
Region:
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Chame
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Govt.
Hospital
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Manang
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HRA Aid-post-Doctor/ACAP Health Post-Health assistant
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Muktinath
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Govt.
Health post-Health assistant
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Jomsom
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Govt.
Hospital
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Ghorepani
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Govt.
health post-Health assistant
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Langtang
Region:
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Dhunche
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Govt.
Hospital - Doctor
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Syabru
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Govt.
Health Post
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The
Garbage:
THE GARBAGE'S ARE DIVIDED INTO THREE CATEGORIES:
1. Disposable
in the Khumbu Region which are incinerable and biodegradable:
a. Toilet paper
b. Cardboard boxes and paper waste
c. Bamboo baskets and mats
d. Cotton and jute bags
e. Spoiled food
2. Recycling materials:
a. Tins, bottles jars and plastic containers
b. Plastic and foil bags and sheeting's.
c. reusable cooking gas cylinders
d. Gas Canisters
3. Re-exportable goods;
a. Used oxygen bottles
b. Used batteries
c. Climbing equipment's such as tents, personal gear etc.
Disposable goods should be brought down from the base camp and be
disposed in the presence of Chairman or Ward Member of the
concerned Village Development Committee. Similarly,
recycling materials should be brought back to Kathmandu and
handover to a prescribed agency for recycling. The
re-exportable goods should be dispatched from Nepal to their
respective countries and take back the deposited amount.
The liaison officer will be responsible to enforce the above
mentioned procedures. Similarly the leader and the headman
will be liable to perform the above mentioned, task in cooperation
with the liaison officer.
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