(Maya Devi Temple: Lumbini)
(Phewa Lake: Pokhara)
Nepal is a landlocked country. It is the southern part of giant continent Asia there lies rectangular tiny Himalayan country squeezed between two huge populated countries - China on the north and India on the south, east and west is the country called Nepal - the world of its own.
The land of contrast is ostensibly the exact way to define the topography of
No wonder after viewing the panoramic views of everlasting snow-covered mountain ranges if you find yourself not far below (within a day’s distance) busy taking close-up photos of Royal Bengal Tigress prowling in the dense tropical forest along with one-horn Rhinos, Gharials, Crocodiles, and many endangered vertebrate mammals and reptiles amidst the friendly people of natives belonging to different colorful 36 ethnic groups.
Thus, it is not unusual to bask round the snowy peaks in the early morning and take warm shower under tropical sun with distance covered by your own on-foot journey within a day. Also, the land is blessed with everlasting peace and tranquility. So, for the reason Lord Buddha was born here. According to Hindu relic (Ramayana) Sita (wife of Lord Ram) was also born in this particular place. These ancient and medieval relics are still well preserved and full of lives. When you witness, every wall speaks itself. That is why many visitors cannot help themselves gasping, and trying hard to retake a gulf of air to gulp down as the breathtaking views almost take their breath.
Continent: Asia
Official Name: Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal
Capital : Kathmandu
Location : Situated between India in the south, east and west and Tibetan autonomous region of the People's Republic of China in the north.
Area : 147,181 sq. km.
Length : 885 km. (East to West)
Width : Non-uniform, mean width of 193 km. (North to South)
Political System: Democratic Republic
Population : 25 Million
Population Growth Rate: 2.2 %
People : Nepal has more than 100 ethnic groups and 110 spoken languages.
Religion: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Islam, Christianity.
National Flower: Rhododendron – Arboreum (Lali Gurans)
National Bird : Imphean Pheasant (Danfe)
Time Zone : 5 hours 45 minutes ahead of GMT
Unit of Currency : Nepalese Rupee (Re)
Official Name: Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal
Capital : Kathmandu
Location : Situated between India in the south, east and west and Tibetan autonomous region of the People's Republic of China in the north.
Area : 147,181 sq. km.
Length : 885 km. (East to West)
Width : Non-uniform, mean width of 193 km. (North to South)
Political System: Democratic Republic
Population : 25 Million
Population Growth Rate: 2.2 %
People : Nepal has more than 100 ethnic groups and 110 spoken languages.
Religion: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Islam, Christianity.
National Flower: Rhododendron – Arboreum (Lali Gurans)
National Bird : Imphean Pheasant (Danfe)
Time Zone : 5 hours 45 minutes ahead of GMT
Unit of Currency : Nepalese Rupee (Re)
Getting there by air is the simplest and easiest way because the land access to
Getting there by land is very difficult. In fact, getting into Nepal from the autonomous region of Tibet is very difficult and if you are planning to make a trip to Lhasa or any other cities of mainland China, then you should first obtain your valid visa from Chinese Embassies around the world. If you're getting into
Visa :
Tourist Visa Rules in Nepal (Effective from 16 July 2008 ). Tourists who visit Nepal must hold valid passport and visa.
Entry:
Entry:
Tourist entry visa can be obtained for the following duration from Nepal Embassy / Consulate or Mission offices abroad, or at the following immigration offices in Nepal:
Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
Kakarvitta, Jhapa (Eastern Nepal)
Birgunj, Parsa (Central Nepal)
Kodari, Sindhupalchowk (Northern Border)
Belhiya, Bhairahawa (Rupandehi, Western Nepal)
Jamuna, Nepalgunj (Banke, Mid Western Nepal)
Mohana, Dhangadhi (Kailali, Far Western Nepal)
Gaddachauki, Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur, Far Western Nepal)
Tourist Visa
Visa Facility Duration Fee
Multiple entry 15 days US$ 25 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 30 days US$ 40 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 90 days US$ 100 or equivalent convertible currency
Tourist Visa Extension
Visa extension fee for 15 days or less is US $ 30 or equivalent convertible currency and visa extension fee for more than 15 days is US$ 2 per day.
Accommodation
Nepal has every category of accommodation facilities that range from the international standard star hotels to budget hotels and lodges. During spring and fall, the better hotels work at near full capacity and are booked well in advance. There are, however, plenty of less glamorous but decent hotels to suit everyone's fancies and finances. Most hotels offer choice of: bed and breakfast; bed, breakfast and one other meal; or room and full board. Rates vary as per facilities. Even in remote parts of Nepal, accommodation and meals for tourists are more easily available these days.
Shopping
Nepal has many fine handicrafts to offer to visitors such as hand- knotted woolen carpets, jewellery, pashmina shawls, woolen - knit wears, embroidery, thangka paintings, mithila paintings, wood carving, metal works, ceramics and pottery, rice paper and stationery.
Credit Card
Major credit cards such as MasterCard, American Express, Visa card are honored and accepted at major hotels, restaurants etc.
Tourist Security
A unit of Nepal Police known as the Tourist Police, trained specially to assist visitors regarding security and other travel related problems is available instantly upon request.
Foreign Exchange
Foreign currencies must be exchanged only through the banks or authorized foreign exchange dealers. The receipt from such transaction is to be obtained and retained. Visitors can exchange money at the foreign exchange counter at the Airport upon arrival also.
Electricity
220 Volts AC at 50 hertz throughout the country.
Insurance:
Please ensure that you are adequately insured to cover up any unforeseen incidents such as accidental injuries, inability to continue at high altitude, deaths etc.
Nepal has a population of more than 25 million consisting of more than 100 ethnic groups having different cultures and spoken languages. The distribution of the different ethnic groups reflects the geographical diversity of the country. The majority of Nepal's population is of indo-Aryan origin, the remaining are of Tibetan and Bhotia, inhabitants of northern Nepal and Mongoloid inhabitants of the central belt.
Newar
Kathmandu has been the homeland of Newar community. The Newars are inhabitants of a Tibeto-Burman origin who speak in Newari as well as Nepali. The Newars are among the largest indigenous groups of Nepal and make up the 7% of the total population. Several Newari families follow Buddhism as well as Hinduism. The people of this group usually inclines towards commerce, trade and farming. They excel in art, literature, sculpturing, casting bronze, silver and fascinating forms of architecture.
Brahmin
Brahmins are the priestly class of Indo-Aryan origin, also known as Bahuns, occupying the highest position in the Hindu hierarchy. They are said to have come to Nepal from different parts of India. Today, they are found in every part of Nepal and have taken up different occupations.
Chhetri
Chhetris, who look like the Brahmins also have an Indo-Aryan origin, have been traditionally classified as warriors and administrators. They are recognized for their bravery and administrative skills. Today, they are proportionately distributed in almost all the parts of Nepal. They have been working in different fields. They are said to have originally come from northern India during and after the time of Lord Buddha. The Khas are generally regarded as Bahuns and Chhetris who set up their own kingdoms in the past in the far-western parts of Nepal.
Gurung
They are originally belonging to the Tibet-Burman ethnic group, live mostly in the central region of Nepal in places like the foothills of western part. The Gurungs are good farmers as well as warriors. They look like the Rais, Limbus and Magars, have introduced themselves internationally as the brave Gurkha-soldiers.
Kiranti
The Kirantis are among the first group of people ruling over Nepal. Ancient Hindu texts like Himvat-Khanda and Mahabharat have mentioned their names. They basically come from eastern Nepal. These people are of Tibeto-Burman origin, worship their ancestors and at the same time follow Buddhism, Hinduism, Animism and so on. They are very good farmers and warriors. They are rich in culture and have several languages and scripts.
Magar
The Magars, having Tibeto-Burman origin, live in the western region of Nepal. They speak the Tibeto-Burman language and are Hindu by faith but they also follow Buddhism. The Magars are mostly farmers but their martial qualities and physical fitness have made them perfect soldiers.
Sherpa
They are said to have come from Tibet, speak the Tibeto-Burman language and live in the Himalayan region of Nepal. They are hardworking, friendly and reliable. The largest Sherpa settlements are in SoluKhumbu at the foothill of Mt. Everest. The Sherpas are known for adventurous mountaineers of international repute.
Tharu
They are the only people living in the forest of the Terai along the southern base of Nepal. Their age-old religion has been Animism that often reflects their mixed belief in Hinduism and Buddhism. They are said to be descendants of the Rajput (ruling class) of India, have spread from eastern to western part of Nepal.
Religious practice is an important part of the Nepalese way of life. Two main religions are dominant in Nepal: Hinduism and Buddhism. Hinduism is made up of thousand of gods and goddesses. Bramha, Vishnu and Shiva are three major Gods, but each has a complex tapestry of manifestations and incarnations. Each deity also has a vehicle, which is often seen kneeling faithfully outside the shrine. Buddhism is the second major religion in Nepal. Shakyamuni Buddha, who was born in Nepal around 6th century BC, is the founder of Buddhism. The great Buddhist Stupas of Swoyambhu and Bauddha in the Kathmandu Valley are among the oldest and most beautiful worship sites in Nepal. Nepali, like Hindi, is written in the Devnagari script. It is Nepal's national language, apart from being the lingua franca of the country's divergent communities that speak mutually unintelligible language and dialects. English is also widely spoken and understood in urban areas. In Tourism sector people speak English, Japanese, French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese and other foreign languages.
Climate of Nepal
Nepal has a typical monsoonal two - season a year. There is a dry season from October to May and there is the wet season, the monsoon, from June to September. September - November, the start of the dry season, is in many ways the best time of the year in Nepal. When monsoon just ends, the countryside is green and lush. Nepal is at its most beautiful and during this season there are plenty of colorful festivals to enjoy.
Nepal enjoys the glory of always being a sovereign and independent country. It has never been under foreign domination.
Ancient Nepal consisted of many small autonomous states. King Prithivi Narayan Shah unified Nepal by bringing these small states together into one nation in 1769. Since then, Kathmandu has been the capital of Nepal. After the Anglo-Nepali War (1814-1816), Prime Minister Jung Bahadur Rana greatly expanded his powers and established the Rana lineage of hereditary Prime Ministers who ruled Nepal until 1951, when the late King Tribhuvan led a popular revolution which put an end to the Rana autocracy. In 1959, the first general election was held and the parliamentary government was set up for a short period. Nepal experienced the liberal Panchayat system for three decades.
Ancient Nepal consisted of many small autonomous states. King Prithivi Narayan Shah unified Nepal by bringing these small states together into one nation in 1769. Since then, Kathmandu has been the capital of Nepal. After the Anglo-Nepali War (1814-1816), Prime Minister Jung Bahadur Rana greatly expanded his powers and established the Rana lineage of hereditary Prime Ministers who ruled Nepal until 1951, when the late King Tribhuvan led a popular revolution which put an end to the Rana autocracy. In 1959, the first general election was held and the parliamentary government was set up for a short period. Nepal experienced the liberal Panchayat system for three decades.
The popular people's movement welcomed the new era of democracy in 1990. A new constitution was written to secure the sovereignty of the people and a democratic political system with constitutional monarchy was established.
The Himalaya: The Himalayan range makes up the northern border of the country and represents 15% of the total area of Nepal. Peaks like Mt. Everest (8848 m), Kanchenjunga (8586m), and Dhaulagiri (8167 m) are found here and sparse vegetation is found up to 4,500 m. Some of Nepal's most beautiful animal and plant-life are also found here. Although rare, the snow leopard and Danphe bird are much talked-about sights among visitors. The people in this region produce and sell cheese besides working as mountain guides and porters. Many also trade with Tibet and across the border to sell their goods.
The Hills: This region covers 68% of the total land area of the country. Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal is located here., Elevation ranges from 500 to 3,000m above sea level. During summer the temperature reaches an average of 32 degree Celsius. Winter are cold, temperature sometimes reaches minus 1 degree Celsius. Areas in the eastern hills receive more rainfall because of the monsoon clouds, which come from the Bay of Bengal. The rivers in the west, which do not receive much rainfall, are dependent upon the melted snow that flows down the Himalayas. Wild animals to be found here are the spotted leopard, barking deer and Himalayan black bear. The hilly region is also popular for different kinds of birds. Over four hundred species of birds are found here.
The Terai: Locally called Terai, lowland areas, covers 17% of the total land area of Nepal. It provides excellent farming land and the average elevation of lowlands is 100 to 300m above sea level. In the sub-tropical forest areas of Terai are found, marshes and wildlife, which include the Royal Bengal tiger, one horned rhino and the Gharial crocodile etc. About 48% of the country's population occupies this region. Flat farmlands and the region's flexible topography have given rise to many industries.
A festival is always a meaningful event in Nepal where the people find more joy in participation than just watching. In Nepal every festival has some good purpose to serve; such as to bring rain or to have good harvest, to honor a mother or father, to avert calamities or to nourish one’s soul with something spiritual. In fact, festivals are the best way to understand and appreciate the Nepalese way of life.
Navavarsha
Navavarsha
The Nepalese New Year’s Day usually falls in the second week of April i.e. the first day of Baisakh. The day is observed as a national holiday. The people celebrate it with a great pomp and show. On this occasion, Bisket Jatra is held in the City of Bhaktapur.
Baisakh Poornima
As Nepal is birthplace of Lord Buddha, the Light of Asia, the triple anniversary of the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death is observed with many colorful ceremonies on this day. People celebrate the occasion with great veneration paying homage to Buddha at places like Swayambhunath, Bouddhanath and Lumbini.
Red Machchhendranath Rath Jatra
This festival is the biggest socio-cultural event of Patan. The wheeled chariot of a deity known as Bungdyo or Red Machchhendranath is made at Pulchowk and dragged through the city of Patan in several stages till it reaches the appointed destination Lagankhel. The grand finale of the festival is called the “Bhoto Dekhaune” or the “showing of the vest”. A similar kind of chariot festival White Machchhendranath is also held in Kathmandu City in the month of March/April.
Dumji
It is celebrated in all the Sherpa settlements. The Sherpas of Kathmandu and Helambu regions participate in dancing on this day.
Mani Rimdu
It is a Sherpa dance drama performed in the Khumbu Region. It is held annually at Tengboche and Chiwong monasteries and at Thami Gomba. The performers are monk and the occasion is highlighted by much gaiety and feasting.
Gaijatra
Gaijatra, popularly known as Cow festival, is a carnival that lasts for eight days. Dancing, singing comedy and anything that causes mirth and laughter are its highlights.
Krishnastami
It marks the birthday of Lord Krishna. On this day, impressive ceremonies are conducted at the Krishna temple in Patan and at Changu Narayan.
Teej
Teej is a Hindu festival celebrated by Hindu women. Dancing, folk song and the red color of women’s wedding saris dominate the days of Teej. Women observe a fast flock to Shiva temples where married once pray for a happy conjugal life and unmarried ones for a good husband.
Indrajatra
The festival of Indra, the god of rain, is observed with great enthusiasm in Kathmandu valley. The festival lasts for eight days. The chariot of Kumari, the Living Goddess, is taken out in procession through the main streets of Kathmandu. The festival is specially noted for the echoes of drums and dancing feet of the masked dancers.
Dashain / Durga Puja
The Dashain festival is the most important festival of the Nepalese. The entire country is in enthusiastic holiday mood at the time of the festival.
Tihar
Known as the “Festival of Lights”, Tihar is celebrated for five days. Houses are illuminated at night and special sweets of different varieties are prepared.
Vibhaha Panchami
This is a famous festival of Janakpur in the eastern Terai. The occasion commemorates the marriage of Sita with Ram, one of the most venerated Hindu divinities. It attracts thousands of pilgrims from India to Janakpur.
Lhosar
This festival is most impressively observed in the month of February by the Sherpas. They organize folk songs and dances on this occasion. These dances can be seen in Khumbu, Helambu and other northern regions of Nepal and also at Bouddhanath in Kathmandu.
Maha Shivaratri
Shivaratri or the night of Lord Shiva is observed in February/March. It is celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva. A great religious fair takes place in the Pasupatinath Temple and thousands of people from all over Nepal and India flock the Temple to worship Lord Shiva.
Ghodejatra
Known as the Festival Of Horses, it is one of the most exciting festivals of Kathmandu. Horse race and other sports take place at Tundikhel on this day. In other parts of the city, various deities are carried shoulder-high on palanquin (khat) to the accompaniment of traditional music.
With its diverse ethnic groups and traditional beliefs, Nepal has numerous cultural practices that may appear unusual to a person on his/her fist visit t the country. However, to enjoy your stay in this remarkable country of white Himalayas, it is important to take into consideration the different cultural aspects of the country. Here is a list of things which may be helpful to you.
1. Before entering a Nepalese home, temple, and stupa remember to remove your shoes.
2. Be careful not to use your spoon, fork or hands being used for eating to touch other’s food, plate, cooking utensil or the serving dish. Do not eat from other people’s plate and do not drink from other people’s bottle or glass. It is considered impure by the Nepalese.
3. Never touch anything with your feet. This is considered and offence among Nepalese.
4. While traveling, dress appropriately. Women should especially avoid dressing in skimpy outfits.
5. Seek permission first before entering a Hindu temple. Many Hindu temples do not allow westerners to enter.
6. Leather articles are prohibited in most religious places.
7. Walking around temples or stupas is traditionally done clockwise.
8. Take photographs only after receiving permission for the object or person being photographed.
9. Remember, many times, when a person shakes his head from left to right, he may mean “Yes.”
10. Develop a genuine interest to meet and talk to Nepalese people and respect their local customs.
INSURANCE : Travel insurance policies that cover theft, loss, flight cancellation, emergency evacuation and medical treatment are highly recommended. Make sure the insurance also covers the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal such as trekking, river rafting, wildlife safaris, climbing and such other activities.
IMMUNIZATION : Nepal does not require any particular Immunization for the travelers. Vaccinations for Cholera, Meningitis, Tetanus & Diphtheria, Typhoid and Gamma Globulin should be considered necessary for your trip. Please consult your physician and get a complete check - up before your departure.
MEDICAL KIT : A simple but adequate Medical Kit can be most useful without taking much space in your baggage. The following is recommended as tried and true list of items.
- Aspirin of Panadol - for pain or fever
- Antihistamine - useful as a decongestant for colds, allergies, to ease the itch from insect bites
and stings or to help prevent motion sickness
- Antibiotics - useful if you are traveling off the beaten track but they must be prescribed
- Kaolin preparation (Pepto-Bismol)
- Imodium or Lomotil - for stomach upsets
- Rehydration mixture - for treatment of severe diarrhea
- Antiseptic, Mercurochrome and antibiotic powder or similar 'dry ' spray for cuts and grazes
- Calamine lotion - to ease irritation from bites or stings
- Bandages and Band-Aids - for minor injuries
- Scissors
- Tweezers and thermometers
- Insect repellent
- Water - purification tables
- Throat lozenges (Strepsils)
- Moleskin
- Eye, nose and ear drops
- Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)
- Antacid tablets.
- Antibiotics - useful if you are traveling off the beaten track but they must be prescribed
- Kaolin preparation (Pepto-Bismol)
- Imodium or Lomotil - for stomach upsets
- Rehydration mixture - for treatment of severe diarrhea
- Antiseptic, Mercurochrome and antibiotic powder or similar 'dry ' spray for cuts and grazes
- Calamine lotion - to ease irritation from bites or stings
- Bandages and Band-Aids - for minor injuries
- Scissors
- Tweezers and thermometers
- Insect repellent
- Water - purification tables
- Throat lozenges (Strepsils)
- Moleskin
- Eye, nose and ear drops
- Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)
- Antacid tablets.
PREVENTION, THE BEST MEDICINE : Caring oneself in eating and drinking is the most important health rule. The number one rule is not to consume the water with ice. Reputable brands of bottled water or soft drinks are generally fine. Beware of fruit juice, particularly if water may have been added.
Milk should be treated with care, as it is often un-pasteurized. Boiled milk is fine if it is kept hygienically and yoghurt (Milk curd) is usually good. Tea or coffee should also be Ok since the water would have been boiled. Salads and fruits should be washed with purified water or peeled where possible. Ice cream is usually OK if it is a reputable brand name. But beware of ice cream that has melted and been refrozen. Thoroughly cooked food is the safest but not if it has been left to cool. Stomach upsets most likely happen while traveling. But the majority of these upsets will be relatively minor. Wash your hands frequently, as it's quite easy to contaminate your own food. You should clean your teeth with purified water rather than straight from the tap. Avoid climatic extremes: keep out of the sun when it is hot, dress warmly when it is cold. Avoid potential diseases by dressing sensibly. You can get worm infections through bare feet. Try to avoid insect bites by covering bare skin when insects are around, by screening windows or by using, insect repellents.
Unique Adventure offers a wide variety of different treks to suit both novices and experienced trekkers. Whether you have two days or two months to spend in the Himalayas we can tailor- make itineraries to suit your needs. Please see the below table which provides a broad guide on trekking possibilities in Nepal.
This adventure offers you to penetrate less accessible regions on foot and typically includes some camping sites possible in all four seasons. Besides this the adventure offers a stay for some nights in hotels, inns or huts. Usually the accommodations are for sharing with more than a member of the group. Single accommodation is however always available on your request.
The best way to explore Nepal's unbeatable combination of authentic natural beauty and traditional cultural riches is walking on ones' organic rhythms of feet. Presently it is known as trekking. The dramatic contrasts in elevations and the climatic condition found here will support to the equally spectacular mix of lifestyles, wide range of vegetation and wildlife. More than 110,000 visitors go for trekking to Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal itself.
This adventure offers you to penetrate less accessible regions on foot and typically includes some camping sites possible in all four seasons. Besides this the adventure offers a stay for some nights in hotels, inns or huts. Usually the accommodations are for sharing with more than a member of the group. Single accommodation is however always available on your request.
The best way to explore Nepal's unbeatable combination of authentic natural beauty and traditional cultural riches is walking on ones' organic rhythms of feet. Presently it is known as trekking. The dramatic contrasts in elevations and the climatic condition found here will support to the equally spectacular mix of lifestyles, wide range of vegetation and wildlife. More than 110,000 visitors go for trekking to Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal itself.
In short one can say trekking is to getting close to the nature and appreciate the beauties that bound us to rejoice. Some trekkers have realized that it is good for spiritual up liftmen and heavenly ecstasy.
Hygienic and nutritious meals are prepared by our experienced cooks and are served in our enclosed dining tent with tables and campstools or in a local dining room. Our private guides lead the way explaining the sites and traditions and natural history of the area. Local staff handles all the camp chores. If you like to enjoy the real habitation as well as food of Himalayan people and a harmony with nature for 1/2-day we can even manage it to serve you the best.
A daypack walk typically containing a camera, water bottle and general personal items can be carried. A pack of animals or porters will transport the rest of the equipment including camping gear and foodstuffs. Each day a walk on foot for around 5-7 hrs should be attempted.
