Nepal
Nepal is a landlocked country in Southern Asia, between the Tibet autonomous region of China and India. Possessing 8 of the world’s 10 highest peaks, including Mount Everest – the world’s tallest – on the border with Tibet, and Lumbini, the birth place of Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Nepal recently was declared a Republic and has abolished the Monarchy, Nepal is renowned for its unparalleled beauty that never fails to leave a lasting impression to the guests.
A holiday in Nepal offers best bird-watching, incredible trekking, stunning wildlife, magnificent scenery & diverse cultures.
The great biological and cultural diversity of present-day Nepal is matched by its linguistic diversity. Nepal boasts a variety of living languages many of which are remnants of the traditional Asiatic cultural amalgamation in the region.
Tourism is the largest industry in Nepal, and the largest source of foreign exchange and revenue. Nepal is a hotspot destination for mountaineers, rock climbers, people seeking adventures & special interest tours. The Hindu and Buddhist heritage of Nepal, and its cold weather are also strong attractions.
Short Description About Nepal
Area of Nepal: 147,181 sq.km
Geography: Situated between China in the North & India in the South
Latitude: 28˚ 0′ 0” North
Longitude: 84˚ 0′ 0” East
Capital: Kathmandu
Population: Above 30 million
People: 101 ethnic groups and 92 spoken languages
Climate: Sub-tropical in low lands to arctics in higher altitudes
Helpful Information
1.Climate & Weather:
The climate of Nepal varies from warm summers with mild winters in the low-lying southern region, to alpine conditions with very severe winters in the mountains. Between December and February temperatures drop well below freezing in the mountains. The best time to travel to Nepal for trekking is in early spring or late autumn, when the weather is dry and temperatures mild. The monsoon season on the coast occurs between June and September.
Nepal’s weather is generally predictable and pleasant. There are four climatic seasons:
(a) Spring : March-May
(b) Summer : June-August
(c) Autumn : September-November
(d) ) Winter : December-February
Summer and late spring temperatures range from 28ºC (83ºF) in the hill regions to more than 40ºC (104ºF) in the Terai. In winter, average maximum and minimum temperatures in the Terai range from a brisk 7ºC (45ºF) to a mild 23ºC (74ºF). The central valleys experience a minimum temperature often falling bellow freezing point and a chilly 12ºC (54ºF) maximum. Much colder temperatures prevail at higher elevations. The Kathmandu Valley, at an altitude of 1310m (4297ft), has a mild climate, ranging from 19-27ºC (67-81ºF) in summer, and 2-20ºC (36-68ºF) in winter.
2. Currency:
Currency is Nepalese Rupees (NPR) but US Dollars, British Pounds & Euros are accepted.
One US Dollar is equivalent to NPR 75.00
One British Pound is equivalent to NPR 125.00
One Euro is equivalent to NPR 110.00
(Given rates are subject to change)
ATMs and exchange facilities are available across the country. Credit cards are also accepted in most major hotels, restaurants and shops. However, you should check first that a particular card is acceptable. Both Euro and US Dollar travellers’ cheques can be cashed relatively easily in most banks and major hotels throughout the country.
3. Entry & Exit Points:
1. TIA, Kathmandu
2. Kakarvitta, Jhapa
3. Birganj, Parsa
4. Kodari, Sindhupalchowk
5. Belahia, Bhairahawa
6. Jamunaha, Nepalgunj
7. Mohana, Dhangadhi
8. Gaddachauki, Mahendranagar
4. Language:
Nepal Language has more than 120 kinds of languages that are spoken in the country. The most popular Nepal Language is Nepali. Apart from that, other major languages of the country are Newari, Awadhi, Limbu, Hindi, Mundari, Bahing and Maithili. Nepali is the national language of Nepal, while other major languages of the country are Newari, Awadhi, Limbu, Hindi, Mundari, Bahing and Maithili. Although Nepali is the most popular language , there are however many ethnic groups like the Nawars speak Newari, Hindi and Maithili are spoken by the Terai while other groups like the Tamangs, Rais, Sherpas, Gurungs, Magars and Limbus use other languages of Nepal. Now-a-days however, English has also become an important language in Nepal.
5. How to Reach:
Nepal is connected by air and road. The principal international airport of Nepal is the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Katmandu, the capital, is well connected to the major capitals of the world through regular air services. Many private as well as government careers like Royal Nepal airlines, Air India, Gulf Airways, Qatar, Thai, and Druk Air have regular flights to Nepal. The India-Nepal border has many entry and exit points (pl see entry & exits points to Nepal) for those wishing to travel by land.
For getting around within Nepal, visitors can avail domestic air services, buses, taxis, mountain bikes and hired vehicles. The Royal Nepal Airlines connects all major cities in Nepal. Private operators like Buddha Air, Yeti Airways, Guna also provide regular and chartered services. But the best option for those who wish to experience the sights and sounds of this Shangri-La is traveling by buses and cars. Luxury and non-luxury buses run from Katmandu to other tourist hot spots. The more adventurous can be hiring bicycles from Thamel & go for sightseeing.
6. Medical Check up and Vaccinations:
As per current Govt. Rule Medical check-ups and vaccinations are not compulsory to enter Nepal but again if you confirm before proceeding would be good.
7. Religion:
Religion occupies an integral position in Nepalese life and society. In the early 1990s, Nepal was the only constitutionally declared Hindu state in the world; there was, however, a great deal of intermingling of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs. Many of the people regarded as Hindus in the 1981 census could, with as much justification, be called Buddhists. The fact that Hindus worshipped at Buddhist temples and Buddhists worshipped at Hindu temples has been one of the principal reasons adherents of the two dominant groups in Nepal have never engaged in any overt religious conflicts. Because of such dual faith practices (or mutual respect), the differences between Hindus and Buddhists have been in general very subtle and academic in nature. However, in 2001 census, approximately 80.6 percent of the Nepalese people identified themselves as Hindus. Buddhists and Muslims comprised only 10.7 and 4.4 percent, respectively. The remainder followed other religions, including Christianity.
8. Things to do in Nepal:
1. Culture Tours
2. Trekking
3. Rafting/ Canoeing
4. Mountaineering
5. Wildlife Tours
6. Bird Watching Tours
7. Wellness Tours
8. Rock Climbing
9. Bungy Jump
10. Study Tours
9. Time Difference:
Standard time zone: UTC/GMT +5:45 hours
No daylight saving time in 2011
Time zone abbreviation: NPT – Nepal Time
10.Travel/ General – Insurance
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for activities you want to undertake. If you are intending to travel at altitude in Nepal, please check that your insurance policy provides cover. Many policies do not provide cover over 2,500 meters.
You should take out full insurance cover for medical treatment, accidents and evacuation by helicopter (presently costing between 1,500 US Dollars and 2,500 US Dollars per flying hour). It is advisable to have cover for unexpected losses such as cancelled flights, stolen or lost cash, cards, passport, luggage and any loss damage or liability resulting from terrorist action.
11.Visa:
Visas are required for travel to Nepal, and are available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and at certain land borders (for more details please see Entry & Exit Points). You may pay in dollars or equivalent to NPR at the airport, and should bring two passport-sized photos. If you wish to stay for more than 60 days you can extend your visa up to 30 days by applying to the Nepalese Department of Immigration at Bhrikuti Mandap (adjacent to the Tourism Development Board and opposite City Hall) (Tel: +977 1 4222453 or 4223590); (Fax: +977 1 4223127)
Tourist visa:
1. The foreign tourist visiting Nepal shall be granted the tourist visa.
2. The tourist visa shall be granted for a period in maximum of 150 days in a visa year (Visa years means January to December).
3. A tourist who has departed before the expiry of the period specified in the visa issued in a visa year shall not be allowed to use the visa by adding the remaining period to another visa year.
4. If any foreigner who has entered into Nepal towards the end of a visa year desires to spend even the period during which he may stay in Nepal with the tourist visa of the other visa year, he may use such facility.
Visa Form
Download PDF file for visa form
Tourist Visa Form:
Photo
To,
The Excellency Ambassador/Consul/Consul General/Director General/
Immigration Officer.
As I have to visit or would like to visit Nepal, I request for issuance of the diplomatic / official / tourist / entry visa My details are as follows :
1. Name, surname : …………………
2. Nationality: …………………….
3. Place of birth : …………………
4. Date of birth : …………………
5. Permanent address : ……………..
6. Temporary address in Nepal : ………………..
7. Occupation : ……………………….
8. Passport No. : ……………………..
9. Date of issue of passport : ……………………
10. Date of expiry of passport : …………………….
11. Purpose of visit in Nepal : ………………………
12. Length of stay in Nepal : ………………………. day/ week/ month
13. Country to be departed to : ………………………..
14. Source of expenditure to be incurred in staying in Nepal (state amount in foreign currency) : ……………………………
15. Times of previous visit in Nepal : …………………………
16. Year and month of last visit and period of stay in Nepal : ………………..
17. Passport No. and country (if you are holding a passport of any other country issued in your name)
Date :-
……………………………
Signature of the aplicant
For official use only
1. Type of visa : ……………..
2. Reasons for gratis, if any : ……………………
3. Entry visa No. : …………………….
4. Date of visa validity : …………………..
5. Visa issued on : ……………………….
6. Visa sticker No. : ………………………..
……………………………
Visa issuing officer
Mention code No, too
If issued at the entry point
Visa Fees:
1. Fees to be levied while issuing tourist visa by the Mission and entry point:
For foreigners desiring to come to Nepal first time in visa year,
1. US Dollars 25 or other convertible foreign currency equivalent thereto for 15 days multiple entry visa.
2. US Dollars 40 or other convertible foreign currency equivalent thereto for 30 days multiple entry visa.
3. US Dollars 100 or other convertible foreign currency equivalent thereto for 90 days multiple entry visa.
2. to be levied for renewal or regularization of tourist visa
1. Nepalese currency equivalent to 2 US dollars per day in addition to renew the validity tourist visa.
2. In case where request has also been made for the facility of multiple entry, just valid for the renewal period an additional amount in Nepalese currency equivalent to U. S. Dollars 20 to the fee.