A country of amazing extremes is the home of the world's highest mountains, historic cities and the forested plains where the lordly tigers and the great one horned rhinoceros trundle at ease. In fact enchantment of Shangri-La!
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 kilometers East-west and its breadth varies from 145-241 kilometers North- south. The country can be divided into three main geographical regions.
Himalayan Region: The altitude of this region ranges between 4877 m - 8848 m. It includes 8 of the highest 14 summits in the world which exceed altitude of 8000 meters including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and others.
Mountain regions: This region accounts for about 64 percent of total land area. It is formed by the Mahabharat range that soars up to 4877 meter and the lower Churia range.
Terai Region: The lowland Terai occupies about 17 percent of the Total land area if the country.
There is on seasonal constraint on travelling in and through Nepal. Even in December and January, when the winter is at its severest, there are compensating bright sun and brilliant views.
History
Nepal -a country with long historic tradition is an amalgamation of a number of medieval principalities. Before the campaign of national integration launched by King Prithvi Narayan Shah the Kathmandu Valley was ruled by the Malla Kings, whose contributions to art and culture are indeed great and unique. In 1768 AD the Shah dynasty ascended the throne of the unified kingdom. His Majesty King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, is tenth King in the Shah dynasty. The new democratic constitution of the kingdom was promulgated on November 9,1990. Nepal is one of the founder members of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) of which the third summit was held in Kathmandu in November 1987.
People
Nepal has a population of more than 18 million people made of different races living in different regions, with diverse culture, languages, and dialects. The Gurungs and Magars live mainly in the west. The Rais, Limbus, and Sunuwars inhabits the slopes and valleys of the Eastern mid hills. The Sherpas live in the Himalayan region. The Newars constitute an important ethnic group of the capital valley Kathmandu. There are Tharus, Yadavas, Satar, Rajvanshis and Dhimals in the Terai region. The Brahmans, Chhetris and Thakuris are spread generally over all parts of the Kingdom.
Religion and culture
Hinduism and Buddhism constitute two major religions of Nepal. A remarkable feature of Nepal is the religious homogeneity what exists, particularly between the Hindu and Buddhist Communities. Apart from the Hindus and Buddhists, Muslim from the third largest religious group. The exquisite medieval Art & Architecture of the Kathmandu Valley Vividly reflect the religious tradition of the people.
Language
Nepali, serves the purpose of the kingdom's lingua franca in Nepal. The educated people speak and understand English as well.
Climate: Nepal has four climatic seasons
Spring: March- May
Summer: June- August
Autumn: September- November
Winter: December- February.
The average temperature and rainfall records in Kathmandu are presented here under.
Average Temperature And Rainfall In Kathmandu.
Month Min(c) Maxi (c) Rainfall (in mm)
January 2.7 17.5 47
February 2.2 21.6 11
March 6.9 25.5 15
April 8.6 30.0 5
May 15.6 29.7 146
June 18.9 29.4 135
July 19.5 28.1 327
August 19.2 29.5 206
September 18.6 28.6 199
October 13.3 28.6 42
November 6.0 23.7 0
December 1.9 20.7 1
Clothing
Clothing depends on place and time; however, it is recommended to have both light and warm clothing. In the Mountain areas warm clothes are generally a must.
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
(April-May) As Nepal is the 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 and Lumbini.
Red Machchhendranath Rath Jatra
(May-June) This festival is the biggest socio-cultural event of Patan. The wheeled chariot of a deity Known as Bungdyo or red Machhendranath is prepared at Pulchowk and dragged through the city of Patan in several stages till it reaches a prescribed destination (Lagankhel). The grand final of the festival is called the 'Bhoto Dekhaune'. A similar kind of Chariot festival of Machhendranth (white) is also held in Kathmandu city in the month of March - April.
Dumji
It is celebrated in all the Sherpa settlement in the month of July. The Sherpas of Kathmandu and Helambu regions participate in dancing on this day.
Gaijatra (Cow festival)
(July- August) It is a carnival- type of festival lasting eight days. Dancing, singing comedy and anything that caused mirth and laughter are its highlights. Those people whose family members have died during the years send out persons dressed up as a cow to parade the main thorough self are of the city on the first day of the festival.
Kaishnastami
(July-August) It marks the birthday of Lord Krishna, one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. On this day, an impressive ceremony at the Krishna Temple in Patan and Changu Narayan take place.
Indrajatra
(August-September) The festival of Indra, the God of rain, is observed with great enthusiasm in Kathmandu Valley. The festival is celebrated in August -September lasting 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 almost every evening.
Dashain or Durga puja
(September-October) the Dashain festival is the most important festival of the Nepalese. The entire country is entire at the time of the festival. It takes some time in the month of September- October.
Tihar (Deepawali)
(October-November) Known as the festival of lights ‘Tihar’ is celebrated for five days in October- November. On the occasion of houses are illuminated at night and the special sweets of diverse kinds are prepared.
Constitution Day
The new democratic constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal was promulgated on November 9, 1990. Since them, this day is observed as the Constitution day.
Vivaha Panchami
(November-December) This is a famous festival of Janakpur in Dhanusha district in the eastern Terai . The occasion commemorates the marriage of Sita to Ram, one of the most venerated Hindu divinities. It attracts thousands of pilgrims from India.
Prithivi Jayanti
This festival is celebrated in honor of King Prithivi Narayan shah, the founder of Modern Nepal, with a colorful ceremony in front of the Singh Durbar Gate in Kathmandu on January 10/11.
Lhosar
This festival is the most impressively observed in the month of February by all the Tibetan speaking population. 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.
National Democracy Day
This day is officially observed as Rastriya Prajatantra Divas or National Democracy day (it generally falls on 18 February as a mark of respect to people's revolution of 1950-51).
Maha Shivaratri
(February) Shivratri is observed in February - March. It is celebrated in honor or Lord Shiva. A great religious fair tales place in the Pasupatinath Temple and thousands of people from all over Nepal and India visit the temple.
Ghodejatra
(March-April) Known as the festival of horses, It is one of the most exciting festivals of the Kathmandu city. Horse race and other sports take place at Tundikhel on this day. In deities are carries shoulder high on wheel less chariots (Khat) with the accompaniment of traditional music
Tribhuvan international Airport is the only international airport in Nepal. Royal Nepal Airlines the national flag carrier of Nepal and other International Airlines operate flights to Kathmandu from Bangkok, Colombo, Calcutta, Delhi, Dhaka, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Frankfurt, Honk-Kong, Karachi, Lhasa, London, Osaka, Paris, Moscow, Paro Singapore and Varanasi. The International Airlines operating their flights into Kathmandu include: Aeroflot, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, China South-west Airlines, Druk Air, Indian Airlines, Pakistan International Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Thai International.
By Land
The entry points at Nepal-India border are Kakarbhitta, Birgunj, Belahiya, Nepalganj, Dhangadi, and Mahendra Nagar. The only entry point at Nepal-China border is Kodari.
Road Transport
Kathmandu is connected with India through the fertile plains of the Terai by the most picturesque high ways. Visitors are permitted to drive their own cars but their vehicles must possess an international carnet. There are regular bus services to Kathmandu from all the border points. The interior parts of the country are also linked with a number of motor able roads. Buses for the different parts of the country are available at the Gongabu bus terminal, which is located near Balaju.
Railway Transport
Nepal Janakpur-Jayanager Railway (NJJR) operates a freight and passenger service in the eastern Terai.
Domestic Air Service
The Royal Nepal Airlines operates an extensive network of air service in the interior parts of Nepal. It has scheduled connection flights from Kathmandu to Talpejung, Adrapur, Rajbiraj, Bhojpur, Phaplu, Lukla, Lamidanda, Tumlingtar, Rumjatar, Biratnagar , Simara, Janakpur, Ramechhap, Bhartpur, Meghauli Pokhara, Jomsom , Manang , Baglung, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Chaurjhahari, Surkhet, Dang , Dolpa , Jumla, Bajura, Baitadi, Dipayal, Darchula, Mahendranagar, Dhangadi, Tikapur and Sanfebagar. Beside Royal Nepal Airlines the other domestic airlines such as Nepal Airways Everest Air, Asian Helicopters, Necon Air, Lumbini Airways and Cosmic Airways also Provide regular and charter services to different popular destinations.
Mountain flight
One of the highlights of a visit to Nepal is the Mountain flight, conducted by the Royal Nepal Airlines and other domestic airlines. There is a" complete Himalayan Panorama" flight which takes one on an enchanted review of the entire Nepal Himalayan range.
There are taxi and auto rickshaws (three wheelers) with fare meters in Kathmandu. Motorcycles, bicycles and rickshaws are also available.
Passport and Visa
All visitors to Nepal except the Indian nationals must hold valid passports and visa. The Royal Nepalese Embassies or consulates abroad or the entry points or the Immigration Offices provide a visa upon the presentation of a valid passport, two passport size photos and a payment of visa fees. Tourists can extend there visas at the Department of Immigration, New Baneswor, Kathmandu.
Embarkation and Disembarkation Cards
Tourists are required to fill up disembarkation and embarkation cards upon their arrival and departure.
Airport tax
Airport tax of 600 NRP per Passenger is levied on departure to SAARC (South Asian) Countries and 1000 NRP to other international destination. Those flying within Nepal are required to pay 50 NRP as the airport tax.
Currency and Foreign Exchange
The unit of the Nepalese Currency is Rupee. One Nepali Rupee (NRP) is made up of 100 paisa . Nepali Rupee notes come in Rs. 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 500, 1000. Coins come in paisa 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, Rs. 1, 2, 5 denominations.
Foreign visitors other than the Indian nationals are required to pay their hotel bills and air tickets in foreign currency. However the other payments must always be made in Nepalese currency, which can buy at foreign exchange counter at the airport. The foreign currency exchange counters of different banks are also opened at different places in the city. Foreign currencies must be exchanged only through the banks or authorized foreign exchange. Tourists other than Indian are not allowed to import or export the Indian currency. The rates of exchange of the foreign currencies are determined by the Nepal Rastra Bank and are announced in the press daily.
Banks
Banks are open between 10:00 to 2.30.P.M. from Sunday to Thursday and between10:00 to 2.30 P.M. on Fridays. They are closed on Saturdays and other holidays.
Customs Formalities
All baggage must be declared and cleared through the customs of the port 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 narcotic, arms and ammunition are strictly prohibited.
Licensed guides
All the travel agencies of Kathmandu have licensed English speaking guides, however, many agencies have also guides who can speak other international languages for the convenience of tourists as unlicensed guides are not allowed to serve clients, it is advisable to confirm that your guide has valid license. To have a quality service it is recommended to arrange the sightseeing programs only trough the government registered travel agencies.
Restaurant and food
Almost every kind or food representing the culinary arts of many parts of the world, can be found in restaurants. Hotels may have several restaurants under one roof serving wide variety of dishes while individual restaurants cater several types of cuisine's like Indian, continental, Japanese, Tibetan, Nepalese etc.
Adventures
Nepal is a trekkers’ paradise. One can trek along the beaten trails or virgin tracks. There is something for everyone-the magnificent tumble of great snow summits, the highest in the world or great ridges carpeted in alpine flowers, forests of rhododendron, isolated hamlets, villages, small mountain towns, birds, animals, temples monasteries, many different people etc. Trekking can be done from October to May, however, the best months are October and November to assure a quality service and safety purpose it is advisable to make the trekking programs through a government recognized trekking agency.
Rafting
There are numerous fine rivers in Nepal, which offer excellent rafting or canoeing. You can glide on calm jade water with magnificence of scenery all bout or rush trough roaring white rapids, in the care of expert river men employed by government authorized agencies. One can opt for a day of river running more.
Permit for trekking
Any trekking in any part of the country except in areas restricted for the foreigners by government regulation. Some of the rules for trekking are as follows: Foreigner intending to trek in any part of the kingdom of Nepal shall have to obtain a trekking permit from the Department of Immigration, (Between New & Old Baneswor) Kathmandu and permits are issued for trekking in any part of the country except in areas restricted for the foreigners by government regulation.
Some of the rules for trekking are as follows
Trekking may be undertaken for only one place or an area at a time.
Trekkers should follow the route prescribed for them by the Department of Immigration.
To trek along routes that are not prescribed may create serious problems regarding security, food and accommodation.
It is advised to arrange trekking through the registered trekking agencies to prevent oneself form any unseen accident, which may occur at any time during the trekking period.
While trekking it is advisable to take only authorized guide and porter.
Be careful with matches around wooded or grassy areas, forest and grass fire causes serious damages.
Be most economical with all fuel, specially regarding the local firewood use minimum fuel for hot showers and discourage campfire.
\Trekking is strictly forbidden to cut any green forest resources and to kill any wildlife.
Give preference to lodges and trekking companies that do not use firewood and encourage their efforts to conserve the environment.
Use washing and toilet facilities provided or if none are available make sure you are at least 30 meters away from any water source. Bury excreta and toilet papers and use biodegradable toiletries. Avoid the use of non-biodegradable items as much as possible. Support measures to reduce pollution and improve the environment.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude Sickness, often known as Acute Mountain Sickness, if not treated when symptoms first appear, can lead to death. It is the effect of altitude on those who ascent too rapidly to elevations above 3,000 meters. Early itself in headache, loss of appetite and sleeplessness. Do not ignore these warnings otherwise more serious symptoms can occur which can even cause death sometimes within a few hours. Being young, strong and fit does not help. Medicine is no substitute for descent. If a doctor is available, he may give medicine and oxygen. However, the patient must go down even if give treatment. If you travel in Khumbu region you can contact at Khunde and Pheriche hospitals and if you travel to Manang you can contact Manang hospital respectively for altitude sickness and information. Doctors are available there during trekking season.
Some other important hints
Beware of touts who claim to be the representative of companies and offer to take to bargain hunting.
Use hotel safety boxes for your valuables. Do not leave cash and other valuable things lying around in the room.
Table manners in Nepal is quite different from those at home. In typical and traditional Nepali houses, plates, knives, forks and spoons may be absent from the dinner table. While eating, Nepalese people use their right hand. But this does not mean, however, that the guests are not to use forks and spoons.
Any food or utensils touched by the used knife or spoon or fingers or lips or into which spittle has fallen is considered "Jutho" which means which means "contaminated". It would humiliate a person if such food were offered to him. Nor should the dish containing such food be used again without it being properly washed.
Time
Nepal time is 5 hours 45 minutes ahead of GMT and 15 minutes ahead of Indian Standard time.
Official Holiday
Government and most other offices work six days a week. Saturday is the weekend in Nepal.
Working Hours
Government offices open from 10.00 AM to 1700 PM in winter. On Fridays these offices are open till 3.00 PM only.
Electricity
220 volts/ 50 cycles.
Hospitals and Drug Stores
The hospitals, drug houses, dispensaries and pharmaceutical shops of Kathmandu sell all kinds of medicines, including those imported from overseas. The major general hospitals and private clinics are available in Kathmandu Valley.
Newspapers and Magazines
The major newspapers in Kathmandu are: The Rising Nepal (Daily)-English, The Kathmandu Post (Daily)-English, Gorkhapatra (Daily)-Nepali, Kantipur (Daily)-Nepali. Besides a number of other newspapers and magazines local and international are also available in the bookstalls.
Radio
Radio Nepal broadcasts different programs in both short wave and medium wave transmissions through three sessions in a day from 0600 AM to 1100 PM FM Radio program also broadcasts for entertainment. English news bulletins are broadcasts daily at 0800 AM and 0800 P M
Television
Nepal Television transmits from 0700 AM to 0900 PM and 0600 PM to 1030 PM. On Saturday special entertaining programs are transmitted from 1200 noon to 0500 PM
Entertainment
There are many types of entertainment in the city of Kathmandu. There include theatrical shows including classical and light performances. The cinema halls in Kathmandu screen Nepali, Indian and movies. There are private and NAFA galleries in Kathmandu, which exhibit and sell all sorts of modern and traditional paintings.
Shopping
Shopping can be very rewarding and exciting in Kathmandu. There are numerous tourist shops on the main streets and in the arcades on hotels, bursting with tempting jewels, images, carpers, clothes and typical Nepalese crafts. In some of the small village shops one can obtain attractive traditional makes and beautiful potteries. Antiques can be taken out of the country with special permission granted by the Department of Archeology only. Traditional Craftman's colony in Patan is also a famous shopping center for Nepalese handicrafts.
Some do's and don'ts
The Nepalese people are friendly and hospitable by nature and the tourists in general will have no difficulty in adjustment. All the same, one may be confuse regarding some customs, traditional and manners as in coming into any unfamiliar society. Nepal like any other country has its one way of regulating life though it might be different in degrees to each individual visitor. We want the visitors t observe and see the way of Nepalese people live and share with them. It is in this spirit that we could help to make the stay delightfully, homely and rewarding.
The religious way of life
Religious is an integral and deep-rooted part of Nepalese life. Temples. Images, sacred paintings are to be seen everywhere. Majority of the people are Hindus in Nepal, nevertheless, Buddhism has also important place in this country. Hinduism and Buddhism are closely connected in Nepal and it would take a lifetime's study to understand the complexities of country's religious life. Some hints regarding religious matters.
Visitors to Hindu temple or Buddhist shrine are expected to be unshoed as a mark if respect. In fact a pair of open sandals is more convenient and comfortable while visiting the Temples and stupas.
In some of the temples entrance may be prohibited for the non-Hindus.
Leather articles are prohibited to be taken inside the temple precinct.
It is better not to touch offerings or persons when they are on way to shrines.
Beef is strictly prohibited among both the Hindus and Buddhist. No female animal is killed for food.
Walking around temple or Stupa is traditionally done clock wisely.
Generally temples, stupas and monuments are permitted to be photographed but it is better to ask authorized persons to have permission before using the camera.
Social Outlooks
Since the majority of our people live in rural areas, they have an outlook of life that is simple and traditional. In fact, they tale special delight in the company of foreign visitors but there are certain things that ate alien or embarrassing to our people. Here are few things keep in mind.
It is better to be decently clad when visiting any place. Sun and beachwear is not the ideal when roaming around the city or village. Briefs, shorts, bare shoulders and backs may not be stiff, and overdressed but just comfortably and decently.
Do not take seriously if a Nepalese lady hesitates to shake hands. In Nepal, people and specially the ladies, do not normally shake hands. When they greet one another, but instead press the palms together in a prayer like gesture known as "Namaste".
Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon. Do not do something that is totally alien to our environment.
We are hard on drug abuse, trafficking and possession of drugs are taken as serious offences.
Cheap charity breeds beggars but does not solve their basic problem. Therefore, do not encourage beggary by being benevolent.
Tourist Police
There is a special provision of Tourist police Unit to deal with the problems of tourist. One can contact the Department of the Tourism, Bhrikutimandap Kathmandu for the services of tourist police.