Nepal

The perpetual charm of this tourist heaven lies in its vivid cultural heritage and captivating landscape. Nepal ranks as the most desirable travel destination in the Himalayas for it offers a stunning combination of natural and manmade wonders. The stark beauty and raw appeal of its wide and sweeping river valleys among the largest and most scenic in the world and fold upon fold of towering mountains draws hordes of eager tourists from all over the world. A concentration of the highest mountain peaks on earth to its north defines its borders with Tibet. Some of the best religious and historical monuments in the world many of which have been conferred World Heritage site status are also located in Nepal. The spectacular beauty of the landscape must have been an important factor which influenced the evolution of extravagant culture, time tested customs and traditions that are very much a part of the lives of the people of Nepal even today.

The indulgent people of Nepal are famed for their hospitality and obliging disposition towards visitors. They can be differentiated into three broad categories based on religion, genetic features and linguistic backgrounds namely Hindus, Buddhists and motley grouped of Indo-Mongoloid races whose ancestors practiced (Shamanic or animistic forms of religion founded on the principles of Nature worship). A harmonies co-existence of diverse cultures and religious practices has provided Nepal with its congenial and colorful image.  The people of Nepal share a strong sense of nationality, common cultural heritage and a deep reverence for Nature.

All foreign nationals other than Indians require visa to visit Nepal; traveler must hold a valid passport to visit.  Visa for Nepal can be obtained from any Royal Nepalese Embassy or Consulate or at the port of entry. Chinese citizens are required to apply for Nepal visa through the Royal Nepalese Embassy or other diplomatic mission, as there is no provision of “On Arrival Visa” for them.

Classification of Visa and Visa Fees:

1. A Single entry visa will be issued for 60 days and costs US$ 30
2. Additional re-entry costs US$ 25 single; US$ 40 double; US$ 80 multiple
3. Travelers, who intend to re-enter the country within 150 days after leaving the country same year, visa fee is US$ 50 for 30 days
4. For travelers intending to stay more than 60 days, extension fee of equivalent US$ 50 (Nepalese Currency) for 30 days
5. Business Visa with multiple entries can be obtained from the Immigration for a period of one year and five years upon recommendation of the Ministry of Industry by paying equivalent of US$ 100 and US$ 250 respectively in Nepalese currency of foreign investors.
6. Children under 10 years and not subject to Visa fees.
7. For Sri Lankan pilgrims visiting Lumbini, single entry visa for 15 days at US$ 10 or equivalent convertible currency.

Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal is linked by air worldwide, some to name are London, Paris, Frankfurt, Vienna, Shanghai, Osaka, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, Bombay, Calcutta, Varanasi, New Delhi, Moscow, Lhasa, Paro, Dubai, Dhaka, Karachi, and Doha. Besides the Nepalese Airlines, there are a number of International Airlines operating in Nepal. Travelers can also enter the country overland through major entry points with India viz.  Kakarbhitta, Biratnagar, Birgung, Bhairahawa and Tibet: – Kodari 

Passengers arriving at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) without any dutiable goods can proceed through the Green Channel. 
Export of object over 100 years old (sacred images, paintings, and manuscripts etc.) is illegal. The export of metal statues, sacred paintings and similar objects has to be certified by The Department of Archaeology. 

An airport tax of Rs. 770.00 for the passengers departing to a member country of SAARC and Rs.11000.00 for the travel to a third country has to be paid.

: Besides sightseeing and shopping, Kathmandu valley also offers a wide variety of entertainment, the most prominent being the cultural shows, folk music and dance from the country’s diverse cultures. Kathmandu is also famous for the widest variety of restaurants in South Asia. For late night entertainment, Kathmandu’s four casinos are open 24 hours.

Hinduism was the state religion of the Kingdom of Nepal, but with the fall of the monarchy, Nepal has been declared a secular country. Majority of the population practice Hinduism, many people throughout the country are Buddhists and the two religions has co-existed in harmony throughout Nepal’s history. In fact, Hinduism and Buddhist are so intertwined that their temples often share the same location and rites of both faiths may be practiced by a single family. Christianity and Islam have a small number of adherents. Whatever their religion, almost all the people of Nepal also have animistic beliefs.

The official language of Nepal is Nepali and written in Devanagari script. English is understood and spoken by majority of people in urban areas.  

Nepal enjoys a variety of climates, the seasons in Kathmandu are divided into winter (November – January), summer (April – August), and autumn (SeptemberOctober). In winter, temperature averages 25 degrees Celsius during the day and 4 degrees during the night. During warmer months, temperature varies from 25-35 degree Celsius. Pokhara, Chitwan and the Terai plains are much hotter than Kathmandu. The climate of Nepal varies from areas depending upon altitude of the place. A visit to Nepal is possible all the year round. But activities like mountain flight, jungle safari excursions, rafting and trekking are best from October till May.

Warm clothing are required from November to February and Tropical wear from March till October. 

Tap water is not recommended for drinking. It is highly recommended to take Mineral Water; Boiled and filtered water is also recommended if mineral water is not available. All the major hotels and restaurants in Kathmandu, Pokhara & Chitwan avail customers with boiled and filtered water. Mineral water is available in most of the places. Elsewhere, it is advisable to use water sterilization tablets or stick to tea and bottled soft drinks.