Nepal Informations
Nepal Informations
Nepal is landlocked mountainous country with an area of 147’181 square kilometers in an independent country located on the mid-Himalayan mountain section of Asia situated at the distance of about 500 km from the nearest seaport. It extends from 26 degree 22’ to 30 degree 27’ north latitude and 80 degree 4’ to 88 degree 12’ east longitude. Amazing is that in its narrow breadth the greatest range of altitude is seen on this land. Starting with the Terai (just north of India), which is only 100 meters above sea level to finishes at the top of the highest point on the earth, Mt. Everest at 8848 meters. Imagine the amazing differences in the life style, cultures, environment, flora and fauna that can be experienced in such a short space!
This unique country boasts a rich culture made up of the meeting point of the Mongoloid people of Asia (Tibeto- Burmese languages) to the Caucasoid people of the Indian plains (Indo- European languages). There is a wonderful mixture of religions with Hindus and Buddhists intermingling in a complex blend and they live in harmony and acceptance of each other's ways. There is rich and varied evidence of these religions through out the country with many exotic temples to visit and festivals to enjoy.
The flora and fauna are so varied with 6,500 known species of trees, shrubs and wild flowers and more than 800 known species of birds. The various mammals range from the exotic Bengal tiger, beautiful snow leopard and once almost extinct one horned rhino to the Rhesus Macaque and the common langur. To visit this land locked nation is a special experience. The people are so friendly and hospitable and you feel you share their lives as you trek the magnificent mountain paths. The scenery is unsurpassed any where in this world and many a visitor is drawn back to revisit this country many times, finding more with each visit. We’re here to help you choose your itinerary and assist you in your Nepalese adventure.
Climate:
Though Nepal falls on the regime of sub-tropical monsoon climate actual climatic conditions vary from area to area depending mainly on topographic altitude. In general, temperature during both summer and winter months decreases from south towards north. However, low river basins of the mountain zone have warmer climate than in adjacent higher areas.
The prime source of rain is the summer monsoons blowing from southeast direction. The regional distribution of rain falls varies much from area to area depending on local topographic features and oceanic distance. In general, rain diminishes from Pokhara valley towards the west. The inter- Himalayan high basins located in Mustang,Dolpa and Manang are the area receiving least amount of rain. On the other hand, there are several pockets in the hilly and mountainous zones of central and eastern Nepal where the total annual rainfall is exceptionally high (over 300 cm.).
Altitude is the guiding factor in the climate of Nepal; five different types of climate on the basis of topographic elevation have been recognized. These are (a) Sub-tropical monsoon climate (b) Warm temperate climate (c) Cool temperate climate (d) Alpine climate (e) Tundra climate.
Procedures & Visa Rules
" Nepal Government has approved free visa for summiteers of Mt. Everest and Mt. Dhaulagiri for the rest of 2010 and Nepal Tourism Year 2011. The Government has approved 50 percent concession on the Royalty of Mt. Dhaulagiri in this period."
Foreigner who intends to visit Nepal must hold valid passport or any travel document equivalent to passport issued by the government for visiting a foreign country prior to apply for Visa.
A. Entry:
No Foreigner is entitled to enter into and stay in Nepal without valid visa. Tourist entry visa can be obtained for the following duration from Nepalese Embassy or Consulate or other mission offices or immigration offices located on entry points in Nepal
B. Chinese citizen are requested to apply in Nepalese Embassy or other Nepalese diplomatic missions as there is no provision of on arrival visa for them.
C. Tourist Visa fee
Visa Fee required obtaining Tourist Visa from Nepalese diplomatic agencies and entry points:
Visa Facility Duration Fee
Nepal Visa regulations
A valid passport is required for all tourists except Indian nationals to travel to Nepal. Your passport is supposed to be valid for at least six more months to get a visa. Indians need to carry either a passport or the election card.
Entry Points
By Air:
Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.
By Bus:
Nepalese people are mainly divided into two distinct groups, the Indo-Aryans and the Mangoloids (the Kirats). Before 2007 AD, Nepal was regarded as the only Hindu Kingdom in the world. But after that the Government of Nepal has already announced the country to be secular country. The Hindu Temples and Buddhist Shrines are scattered all over the Kingdom. Nepal is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, Herald of Peace, the Light of Asia. Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and Christians live together in harmony. And other nature worshippers, too, exist here.
Currency & Foreign exchange
Nepali Rupee notes come in Rs. 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 denominations. Coins come in Rs. 1, 2 , 5 and 10 denominations.
Foreign currencies must be exchanged only through banks or authorized money exchangers. The receipts of 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 nationals have to make the payment in foreign currency (non-Indian currency) in hotel, trekking agencies or travel agencies and for air tickets.
Location: Southern Asia, between China and India
Geographic coordinates: 28 00 N, 84 00 E
Map references: Asia
Area: total: 147,181 sq km
Water: 4,000 sq km
Area - comparative: slightly larger than Arkansas
Land boundaries: total: 2,926 km
Border countries: China 1,236 km, India 1,690 k
Terrain: Tarai or flat river plain of the Ganges in south, central hill region, rugged Himalayas in north
Elevation extremes:
Lowest point: Kanchan Kalan 70 m
Highest point: Mount Everest 8,848 m
Natural resources: quartz, water, timber, hydropower, scenic beauty, small deposits of lignite, copper, cobalt, iron ore
Land use:
Arable land: 16.07%
Permanent crops: 0.85%
Other: 83.08% (2005)
Irrigated land:11,700 sq km (2003)
Environment
International agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation
Geography - note:
landlocked; strategic location between China and India; contains eight of world's 10 highest peaks, including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga - the world's tallest and third tallest - on the borders with China and India respectively
People
Population:28,901,790 (July 2007 est.)
Birth rate:30.46 births/1,000 population (2007 est.)
Death rate:9.14 deaths/1,000 population (2007 est.)
Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2007 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
Total fertility rate:4.01 children born/woman (2007 est.)
Ethnic groups:Chhettri 15.5%, Brahman-Hill 12.5%, Magar 7%, Tharu 6.6%, Tamang 5.5%, Newar 5.4%, Muslim 4.2%, Kami 3.9%, Yadav 3.9%, other 32.7%, unspecified 2.8% (2001 census)
Religions: Hindu 80.6%, Buddhist 10.7%, Muslim 4.2%, Kirant 3.6%, other 0.9% (2001 census)
Languages: Nepali 47.8%, Maithali 12.1%, Bhojpuri 7.4%, Tharu (Dagaura/Rana) 5.8%, Tamang 5.1%, Newar 3.6%, Magar 3.3%, Awadhi 2.4%, other 10%, unspecified 2.5% (2001 census)
Administrative divisions: 14 zones (anchal, singular and plural); Bagmati, Bheri, Dhawalagiri, Gandaki, Janakpur, Karnali, Kosi, Lumbini, Mahakali, Mechi, Narayani, Rapti, Sagarmatha, Seti
The Terai Plain
The Terai which is the extension of the Gangetic Plain forms the boarder with India.It is the home to Tropical flora and fauna,the fanmious wetlands and is a fertile land for agriculture.. The world famous Chitwan National Park is located in the Terai region.
The mid hills
The 2nd region lying north to the Terai is the mid hills of Churia and Mahabharat hill ranges.
The Churia Range, which is sparsely populated, rises to an altitude of more than 1200 metres. The Kathmandu and Pokhara valleys come under this Mahabharat range. Between the Mahabharat range and Himalayas is another mountain ranges about 80 km in width and 2400m -4200m in elevation, this is the habitat of the famous Sherpas and Tamangs. .
The Himalaya region
North to the mid hills lie The Great Himalaya Range, ranging in elevation from 4200 to 8848 metres and contains many of the world's highest peaks--Everest, Kanchenjunga I, Lhotse I, Makalu I, Cho Oyu, Dhaulagiri I, Manaslu I, and Annapurna I - all of them above 8000 metres. Except for scattered settlements in high mountain valleys, this entire area is generally uninhabited.
Beyond the Himalayan ranges there are few Nepali villages like Mustang which are the ideal places to observe Tibetan culture in its intact form.
In Nepal altitude generally increases as one travels from south to north.
Flora and fauna
Nepal has it all –tropical, temperate and alpine flora and fauna.The species of flora and fauna available in such a small country is really mind boggling, has 6500 known species of tress , shrubs and wild flowers.Nepal bags more than 300 species of orchids.
In may and April you see the whole hill in blloom with rhododendron while there will be a grand scenery of wild flowers in rain shadow zones of Dolpo and Mustang during summer days.
Simillarly, there are more than 800 species , almost 10 % of world's bird species found in Nepal. This number is greater than total birds found in USA and Canada combined ! Nepal also boasts to be the home of Bengal tiger. rhinos, elephants, deers, wild bison and crocodiles just to mention the few. Many National parks and conservation areas are established to protect the habitat of these fauna and flora.
World heritage sites
There are a total of 10 world heritage sites declared by UNESCO in Nepal. Out of that the seven are in Kathmandu valley within a periphery of 30 km, which makes Kathmandu a unique destination, an open museum of art .,
World heritage sites (Cultural)
This unique country boasts a rich culture made up of the meeting point of the Mongoloid people of Asia (Tibeto- Burmese languages) to the Caucasoid people of the Indian plains (Indo- European languages). There is a wonderful mixture of religions with Hindus and Buddhists intermingling in a complex blend and they live in harmony and acceptance of each other's ways. There is rich and varied evidence of these religions through out the country with many exotic temples to visit and festivals to enjoy.
The flora and fauna are so varied with 6,500 known species of trees, shrubs and wild flowers and more than 800 known species of birds. The various mammals range from the exotic Bengal tiger, beautiful snow leopard and once almost extinct one horned rhino to the Rhesus Macaque and the common langur. To visit this land locked nation is a special experience. The people are so friendly and hospitable and you feel you share their lives as you trek the magnificent mountain paths. The scenery is unsurpassed any where in this world and many a visitor is drawn back to revisit this country many times, finding more with each visit. We’re here to help you choose your itinerary and assist you in your Nepalese adventure.
Climate:
Though Nepal falls on the regime of sub-tropical monsoon climate actual climatic conditions vary from area to area depending mainly on topographic altitude. In general, temperature during both summer and winter months decreases from south towards north. However, low river basins of the mountain zone have warmer climate than in adjacent higher areas.
The prime source of rain is the summer monsoons blowing from southeast direction. The regional distribution of rain falls varies much from area to area depending on local topographic features and oceanic distance. In general, rain diminishes from Pokhara valley towards the west. The inter- Himalayan high basins located in Mustang,Dolpa and Manang are the area receiving least amount of rain. On the other hand, there are several pockets in the hilly and mountainous zones of central and eastern Nepal where the total annual rainfall is exceptionally high (over 300 cm.).
Altitude is the guiding factor in the climate of Nepal; five different types of climate on the basis of topographic elevation have been recognized. These are (a) Sub-tropical monsoon climate (b) Warm temperate climate (c) Cool temperate climate (d) Alpine climate (e) Tundra climate.
Procedures & Visa Rules
" Nepal Government has approved free visa for summiteers of Mt. Everest and Mt. Dhaulagiri for the rest of 2010 and Nepal Tourism Year 2011. The Government has approved 50 percent concession on the Royalty of Mt. Dhaulagiri in this period."
Foreigner who intends to visit Nepal must hold valid passport or any travel document equivalent to passport issued by the government for visiting a foreign country prior to apply for Visa.
A. Entry:
No Foreigner is entitled to enter into and stay in Nepal without valid visa. Tourist entry visa can be obtained for the following duration from Nepalese Embassy or Consulate or other mission offices or immigration offices located on entry points in Nepal
B. Chinese citizen are requested to apply in Nepalese Embassy or other Nepalese diplomatic missions as there is no provision of on arrival visa for them.
C. Tourist Visa fee
Visa Fee required obtaining Tourist Visa from Nepalese diplomatic agencies and entry points:
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
- Equivalent convertible currency Regardless of the provision stated in 1 and 2, tourists with passport from South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) nations aren’t required to pay visa fee 30 days.
Note: Indian nationals do not require visa to enter into Nepal.
- US $ 2 or equivalent Nepalese currency per day for extension.
- Additional US $ 20 or equivalent Nepalese currency on visa fee as per 2(b), of Multiple Entry facility is required for the extended period.
- If foreign visitors that haven’t renewed their visa want to renew their visa, they have to pay additional Nepalese currency equivalent to US 3$ on the regular visa extension fee.
- Foreign visitors who have overstayed the visa period of 150 days without extension are required to pay visa fee as per provision in 2(c) and punishment as per Clause 10 sub-clause 4 of Immigration Act 2049.
- Regardless of provision stated in 2(a), 15 days is counted as minimum extension period and visa fee is charged accordingly. For extension period more than 15 days, visa fee is charged as per the provision of 2(a).
Nepal Visa regulations
A valid passport is required for all tourists except Indian nationals to travel to Nepal. Your passport is supposed to be valid for at least six more months to get a visa. Indians need to carry either a passport or the election card.
Entry Points
By Air:
Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.
By Bus:
- Kakarbhitta
- Birgunj
- Belhiya (Bhairahawa)
- Nepalgung
- Dhangadi
- Jogbani (Biratnagar)
- Mahendra Nagar in Nepal-India border
- Kerung Border in Nepal-China border.
The overland tourists entering the kingdom with their vehicles must possess an international carnet.
Time
Nepal Time is 5 hours 45 minutes ahead of GMT and 15 minutes ahead of Indian standard time.
Location
Nepal is a land-locked country bordering with the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China in the north and surrounded by India in the east, south and west.
Language
Nepali is the national language of Nepal. Educated people understand and speak English as well. There are hundreds of local dialects spoken by people from various ethnic groups.
Nepal has four major seasons
- Winter: December-February
- Spring: March-May
- Summer: June-August
- Autumn: September-November.
Nepal can be visited all the year round.
Nepalese people are mainly divided into two distinct groups, the Indo-Aryans and the Mangoloids (the Kirats). Before 2007 AD, Nepal was regarded as the only Hindu Kingdom in the world. But after that the Government of Nepal has already announced the country to be secular country. The Hindu Temples and Buddhist Shrines are scattered all over the Kingdom. Nepal is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, Herald of Peace, the Light of Asia. Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and Christians live together in harmony. And other nature worshippers, too, exist here.
Currency & Foreign exchange
Nepali Rupee notes come in Rs. 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 denominations. Coins come in Rs. 1, 2 , 5 and 10 denominations.
Foreign currencies must be exchanged only through banks or authorized money exchangers. The receipts of 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 nationals have to make the payment in foreign currency (non-Indian currency) in hotel, trekking agencies or travel agencies and for air tickets.
Location: Southern Asia, between China and India
Geographic coordinates: 28 00 N, 84 00 E
Map references: Asia
Area: total: 147,181 sq km
Water: 4,000 sq km
Area - comparative: slightly larger than Arkansas
Land boundaries: total: 2,926 km
Border countries: China 1,236 km, India 1,690 k
Terrain: Tarai or flat river plain of the Ganges in south, central hill region, rugged Himalayas in north
Elevation extremes:
Lowest point: Kanchan Kalan 70 m
Highest point: Mount Everest 8,848 m
Natural resources: quartz, water, timber, hydropower, scenic beauty, small deposits of lignite, copper, cobalt, iron ore
Land use:
Arable land: 16.07%
Permanent crops: 0.85%
Other: 83.08% (2005)
Irrigated land:11,700 sq km (2003)
Environment
International agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation
Geography - note:
landlocked; strategic location between China and India; contains eight of world's 10 highest peaks, including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga - the world's tallest and third tallest - on the borders with China and India respectively
People
Population:28,901,790 (July 2007 est.)
Birth rate:30.46 births/1,000 population (2007 est.)
Death rate:9.14 deaths/1,000 population (2007 est.)
Net migration rate:0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2007 est.)
Sex ratio:at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
Total fertility rate:4.01 children born/woman (2007 est.)
Ethnic groups:Chhettri 15.5%, Brahman-Hill 12.5%, Magar 7%, Tharu 6.6%, Tamang 5.5%, Newar 5.4%, Muslim 4.2%, Kami 3.9%, Yadav 3.9%, other 32.7%, unspecified 2.8% (2001 census)
Religions: Hindu 80.6%, Buddhist 10.7%, Muslim 4.2%, Kirant 3.6%, other 0.9% (2001 census)
Languages: Nepali 47.8%, Maithali 12.1%, Bhojpuri 7.4%, Tharu (Dagaura/Rana) 5.8%, Tamang 5.1%, Newar 3.6%, Magar 3.3%, Awadhi 2.4%, other 10%, unspecified 2.5% (2001 census)
Administrative divisions: 14 zones (anchal, singular and plural); Bagmati, Bheri, Dhawalagiri, Gandaki, Janakpur, Karnali, Kosi, Lumbini, Mahakali, Mechi, Narayani, Rapti, Sagarmatha, Seti
The Terai Plain
The Terai which is the extension of the Gangetic Plain forms the boarder with India.It is the home to Tropical flora and fauna,the fanmious wetlands and is a fertile land for agriculture.. The world famous Chitwan National Park is located in the Terai region.
The mid hills
The 2nd region lying north to the Terai is the mid hills of Churia and Mahabharat hill ranges.
The Churia Range, which is sparsely populated, rises to an altitude of more than 1200 metres. The Kathmandu and Pokhara valleys come under this Mahabharat range. Between the Mahabharat range and Himalayas is another mountain ranges about 80 km in width and 2400m -4200m in elevation, this is the habitat of the famous Sherpas and Tamangs. .
The Himalaya region
North to the mid hills lie The Great Himalaya Range, ranging in elevation from 4200 to 8848 metres and contains many of the world's highest peaks--Everest, Kanchenjunga I, Lhotse I, Makalu I, Cho Oyu, Dhaulagiri I, Manaslu I, and Annapurna I - all of them above 8000 metres. Except for scattered settlements in high mountain valleys, this entire area is generally uninhabited.
Beyond the Himalayan ranges there are few Nepali villages like Mustang which are the ideal places to observe Tibetan culture in its intact form.
In Nepal altitude generally increases as one travels from south to north.
Flora and fauna
Nepal has it all –tropical, temperate and alpine flora and fauna.The species of flora and fauna available in such a small country is really mind boggling, has 6500 known species of tress , shrubs and wild flowers.Nepal bags more than 300 species of orchids.
In may and April you see the whole hill in blloom with rhododendron while there will be a grand scenery of wild flowers in rain shadow zones of Dolpo and Mustang during summer days.
Simillarly, there are more than 800 species , almost 10 % of world's bird species found in Nepal. This number is greater than total birds found in USA and Canada combined ! Nepal also boasts to be the home of Bengal tiger. rhinos, elephants, deers, wild bison and crocodiles just to mention the few. Many National parks and conservation areas are established to protect the habitat of these fauna and flora.
World heritage sites
There are a total of 10 world heritage sites declared by UNESCO in Nepal. Out of that the seven are in Kathmandu valley within a periphery of 30 km, which makes Kathmandu a unique destination, an open museum of art .,
World heritage sites (Cultural)
- Kathmandu Durbar square :
- Patan Durbar square
- Bhakta pur Durbar Square
- Swoyambhunath Stupa
- Bouddhanath Stupa
- Changunarayan Temple
- Pashupatinath Temple
- Lumbini Garden
- Everest National Park (1148sq km)
- Chitwan National Park (932 sq km)