| Location Nepal is situated in the hub of Asia. It is bordered by the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic Of China in the North and India in the East, South and West respectively. Geography Nepal, a sovereign independent Kingdom, is bounded, on the North by the Tibetan Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China, the east-south and west by India. The length of the Kingdom is 885 kilometres east-west and its breadth varies from 145-241 kilometers north-south. The country can be divided into three main geographical regions. Area Area - 147,181 sq. kms. Length - 885 kms. East to West Width - non-uniform, mean width of 193 kms. North to South Population = 21.3 million Capital = Kathmandu People = 40 Ethnic Groups & 70 Spoken Languages Climate Climate ranges from Tropical in the low lands to Arctic in higher altitudes.The climate depends on the altitude, ranging from the tropical in the Terai plains to the alpine in the Himalaya mountains. The Kathmandu and Pokhara Valleys, which lie in the mid-hills, are pleasant throughtout the year with warm summers and cool winters. The monsoon lasts from June to August. The Temperatures range between 8 and 37 degree celsius in the plains, 2 and 28 degrees in the mid-hills and between minus 6 and 16 degrees in the mountains. Seasons Winter (December-February), -1 to 3°C Summer (March-May), 24 - 32°C Monsoon (June-August), Autumn (September-November).10 - 18°C Monsoon Mostly rains at night, making the following days crispy clean and fresh.Most of the northern belt of the Trans-Himalayan zone is rain-shadowed and ideal for trekking Language Nepali, written in the Devanagari script, is the national language of Nepal. English and Hindi are widely understood in cities and tourist areas. Tour guides, translators and interpreters in major world languages are available People and 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 those groups.Nepal is the only Hindu Kingdom of the world and the majority of the population is Hindu. Hindu Temples and Buddhist Shrines are scattered all over the kingdom. Nepal is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the light of Asia. There is a complex blending of Hinduism and Buddhism in Nepal. Topography. From the world’s deepest gorge "Kali-Gandaki" to highest point on earth "The Everest" Time Nepal Time is 5 hours and 45 minutes ahead of GMT and 15 minutes ahead of Indian standard time. Administrative and Physical Divisions The country is divided administratively into 5 development regions and 75 Districts. Village Development Committee (VDC) / Municipality is the lowest local level administrative unit in each district. Number of VDC's and Municipalities in the country amounts to 3995 and 36 respectively.Ecologically it is divided into 3 ecological regions, Mountain, Hill and Terai Speak Nepali - Do you speak English ? --> Tapain angreji bolnu hunchha ? - How are you ? --> Tapaainlai kasto chha ? - What is your name ? --> Tapainko nam ke ho ? - Where do you live ? --> Tapain kahan basnu hunchha ? - Where is your house ? --> Tapainko ghar kahan ho ? - Where does this road lead to ? --> Yo baato kahan janchha ? - What's the time ? --> Kati bajyo ? - I like you very much. --> Malai tapain dherai man parchha. - Where is the bus park ? --> Bus park kahan chha ? - Do not smoke, please! --> Kripaya chhurot napiunusna. - I am very hungry. --> Malai sarai bhok lagyo. - I am very thirsty. --> Malai sarai tirkha lagyo. - How much is this ? --> Yasko dam kati ho ? - I like Nepali cuisine. --> Malai Nepali Khana man parchha. - I don't know. --> Malai thaha chhaina. - Please, don't make noise. --> Kripaya halla nagarnus. - See you agian. Good bye! --> Pheri Bhetaunla. Namaste! Some Do's & Don'ts - The from of greeting in Nepal "namaste" and is perfromed by jioning the plams together. - Before entering a Nepalese home, temple, and stupa remember to remove your shoes. - Never touch anything with your feet. This is considered an offence among Nepalese. - While travelling, dress appropriately. Woman should especially avoid dressing in skimpy outfits. - Seek permision first before entering a Hindu temple. Many Hindu temples do not allow westerners to enter. - Leather articles are prohibited to be taken inside the temple precinct. - Take photographs only after receiving permission for the object or person being photographed. Economy The value of Gross Domestic Product at current prices is estimated to be Rs.2,49,896 million. The contribution of the agricultural sector to the total GDP constitutes 40.22%, balance being the non-agricultural sector. Electricity = 220 volts/50 cycles Political-System Multiparty Democracy with Constitutional Monarch Vegetation As per the size of the country, Nepal possesses some of the most outstanding bio-diversity in the world, ranging from sub-tropical Rain-forests to Alpine desert Visa Available at Royal Nepalese Embassies & Royal Nepalese Consulates abroad or on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. World Heritage Sites (Cultural): ---1. Bhaktapur Durbar Square ---2. Bouddha Nath ---3. Changunarayan ---4. Kathmandu Durbar Square ---5. Pashupatinath ---6. Patan Durbar Square ---7. Swayambhu Nath World Heritage Sites (Natural): ---1. Everest National Park (1148 sq. kms.) ---2. Royal Chitwan National Park (932 sq. kms.) Customs and Airport - 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 customs clearance. - Import : Apart from used personal belongings, visitors are allowed to bring to Nepal free of duty cigarettes (200) or cigars (50), diatilled 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 sytem. - 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 hertage and belong here. The Department of Archaeology (tel: 2113701, 213702) at Ramshah Path near Singha Durbar has to certify all metal statues, sacred paintings and similar objects before they dealers and travel agents are able to assist you in this process. For more information on customs matters, contact the Chief Customs Administator, TIA Customs Office; tel: 470110, 472266. - Airpost Tax : Foregin nationals departing from the Tribhuvan International Airport are required to pay an airport tax of Rs. 770.00 if going to SAARC countries (Bangledesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) and Rs. 1100.00 to all oteh international destinations. Domestic airport tax is Rs. 165.00 for all nationals including Nepalese. Nepalese nationals going to SAARC countries are required to pay Rs. 700.00. To all other international destinations-Rs. 1100.00. Communication Services The General Post Office (tal: 227499, 211760) is located near Dharahara Tower and is open from 9 am to 5 pm from Monday to Friday. Stamps, aerograms and postcards may be purchased from 9 am to 5 pm at the counters. Services like registration and insurance of mail and small packeges, and exchange of IRCs are also available. Expess Mail Service (EMS) is also available. Parcels can be sent and recevied through the Foregin Post Office next door. It is open from Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. The Nepal Telecommunication Corporation Office located at Tripureswor provides ISD, STD, telex, fax, and telegraph services. Private communication centers and hotels also provide ISD, STD, E-mail, Internat and fax services. The STD code for nepal is 977. Inquiries can be made at 197. Entry or Exit Points Entry or exit points for all foreigners are below. 1. International Airport, Kathmandu 2. Kakarbhitta, Jhapa (Eastern part) 3. Birgunj, Parsa (Central part) 4. Kodari (Northern Boarder, Central part) 5. Belhia, Bhairahawa (Rupandehi, Western part) 6. Jamunaha, Nepalgunj (Banke, Mid-Western part) 7. Mohana, Dhangadhi (Kailali, Far Western part) 8. Gadda Chauki, Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur, Far Western part) Entry Fees - Bhaktapur Entry Fee : For foreign nationals --> US& 10 per person , For SAARC nationals --> Rs. 50 per person - Patan Entry Fee : For foreign nationals --> Rs. 200 per person , For SAARC nationals --> Rs. 25 per person - Patan Museum Entry Fee : For foreign nationals --> Rs. 250 per person , For SAARC nationals --> Rs. 50 per person , Nepalese --> Rs. 10 per person - Boudhanath Stupa Entrance Fee : For foreign nationals --> Rs. 50 per person - Swayambhunath Entrance Fee : For foreign nationals --> Rs. 50 per person - Art Gallery (Bhaktapur) : For foreign nationals --> Rs. 20 per person , For SAARC nationals --> Rs. 10 per person (Same ticket is vaid for the woodcarving as well as brass & bronze museum)
Department of immigration The Departmaent is located at Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu. Tel: 222453, 223590, Fax: 223127 Office Hours Monday to Friday 09:00 am - 5:00 pm 09:00 am - 4:00 pm in winter : Tourism Services : ---1. Hang-Gliding ---2. Helicopter Services ---3. Hot Air Ballooning ---4. Jungle Safaris ---5. Mountaineering ---6. Trekking Services ---7. White Water River rafting Popular Tourist Destinations (By Air/Road): Baglung, Bardia, Chitwan, Dhankuta, Dharan, Dolakha, Gorkha, Ilam, Janakpur, Koshi Toppu, Lumbini, Pokhara, Sukla-Phanta, Tansen etc. Popular Tourist Destinations (By Trek): Annapurna, Dolpo, Gosainkund, Helambu, Jomsom, Jumla, Kanchanjunga, Khaptad, Langtang, Larke, Lukla, Makalu - Barun, Manang, Manaslu, Muktinath, Mustang, Namche, Rara, Rolwaling, Syangboche etc. Air Accessibility: Direct flight from Bangkok, Bombay, Calcutta, Dhaka, Delhi, Doha, Frankfurt, Hongkong, Karachi, Lhasa, London, Moscow, Osaka, Paris, Paro, Patna, Shanghai, Singapore, Varanasi. By: Aeroflot, Air France, Austrian Air, Bangladesh Biman, Cathay Pacific, China Southwest, Druk Air, Gulf Air, Indian Airlines, Pakistan International Airlines, Qatar Airways, Royal Nepal Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways. In Nepal: Alpine Air, Asian Helicopters, Buddha Air, Cosmic Air, Dynasty Airways, Fishtail Air, Garud Air, Gorkha Airlines, Karnali Air, Lumbini Airways, Manang Air, Necon Air, Royal Nepal Airlines, Shangrila Air, Skyline Airways, Yeti Airways, Mountain Air, Air Ananya. Business Days and Hours The Government and most business houses in Nepal work five-day a week with Saturday and Sunday as holidays. Government business hours are from 9 am. to 5 pm., Monday to Friday. In winter, Government offices close one hour earlier, at 4pm. Banks do business from 10 am. to 2:30 pm. from Monday to Friday. Currency & Forign Exchange The monetary unit is the Nepalese Rupee (NRs.). Bank Note denominations of 1, 2, 5, 20, 25, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 Rupees are in circulation. Coins from one paise (I/100 of a rupee) to one Rupee are also in circulation. Foreign currencies must be exchanged only through the banks and authorised exchange dealers. The receipts from such transactions are to be obtained and retained. Visitors can exchange foreign currency at the foreign exchange counter at the airport upon arrival. Visitors other than Indian nationals have to make their payments in hotels, travel agencies and air tickets in foreign currency. Non-Indian visitors are not allowed to import or export Indian currency. Foreign Exchange Rates Visa Requlations As per the latest visa regulation of Nepal, the following provisions have been made effective with regard to the revised tourist and business visa fees and changes in the current trekking permit issuing system : 1. A tourist may stay in Nepal up to 150 days in a visa year (January - December) 2. Visa fees : For those vistors who are entering into Nepal first time in a visa year : - Single Entry Visa: US$ 30 or any other equivalent converible foreign currency for 60 days. - Double Entry Visa: US$ 55 or any other equivalent converible foreign currency for 60 days. - Multiple Entry Visa: US$ 90 or any other equivalent converible foreign currency for 60 days. 3. Visa fees for those who are entering into Nepal second time and thereafter within the same visa year : - Single Entry Visa: US$ 50 or any other equivalent converible foreign currency for 30 days. - Double Entry Visa: US$ 75 or any other equivalent converible foreign currency for 30 days. - Multiple Entry Visa: US$ 110 or any other equivalent converible foreign currency for 30 days. 4. Trekking permit is not essential for the general trekking areas such as The Everest, The Annapurna and The Langtang. 5. 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$ 100 and US$ 250 respectively in the Nepalese currency for the foreign investors. |
||||||||||||||||
| Kathmandu
Nepal where you can find lists of the best Nepal
hotels and Nepal information.
We have the finest selection of Hotels in Nepal for the
discount traveller as well as a great selection of luxury hotels
in Nepal. We offer guides for the best rates for hotels in Nepal and Nepal Packages with all essential travel information such as getting around, tourist attractions, etc.. Enjoy this special rate for Nepal hotels. Welcome to Thailand Hotels & Resorts Online Reservation Service. You will find special Thailand Travel Hotels rate and Discount Packages throughout Thailand. Variety of destinations, hotels, resorts are waiting for you. |