nepal - land of himalayas

Nepal, the land of Himalaya (Everest), the land of Buddha, the land that is perfect blends of ancient beauty and modernity; with so many geographical and cultural diversities. Nepal is the country that can offer almost anything a traveler wants to explore and experience, whether it be historic palaces, cultural heritage sites, majestic temples and monasteries, stunning natural beauty, traditional market places and streets, frozen mountains valleys, snow capped peaks, mountain rivers, and even a spiritual search for yourself. However, Nepal has its own glorious culture and tradition of present and past. Nepal is the land of magnet for trekkers, mountaineers and adventure seekers from around the world. The experience of traveling through this antique land is beyond description. Traveling to Nepal will be the most delightful experience of your life.

Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world, in the terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and altitude variation. The elevation of the country ranges from 60m above sea level to the highest point on earth, Mt. Everest at 8848 m, all within a distance of 150 km resulting into climatic conditions from Sub-tropical to Arctic. 

The pristine beauty and perfection of the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu Valley, stroll through the different artistic architectures, meditation in the different Monasteries of Nepal, feel the silence and coolness of the high snow-capped Himalayas, get your adrenalin kicks from some of the world’s premier whitewater rafting, kayaking and mountain biking, the sight of your first tiger and rhino through an Elephant safari. Nepal will leave countless impressions for visitors and they are free to experience this religiously, traditionally, culturally diverse land. Explore magnificent Himalayan views, ancient monuments and temples, and feel the nature as on your lap. Feel the adventure of trekking to the mountain, taste the hospitality of remote villages, and try to explore the scenic splendor.

Some Facts
Location:	Situated between Tibetan Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China in the north and India in the South, East and West.
Area:	147,181 Sq. Km.
Longitude:	80° 4’ and 88°12’ East.
Capital:	Kathmandu
Population:	23.1 million
People:	Nepal has 58 ethnic groups and 92 spoken languages
Language:	Nepali is the official language of Nepal. However, English is understood and spoken by majority of people in Kathmandu valley and touristy areas.
Political-System:	Multiparty Democracy
Time:	5 hours 45 minutes ahead of GMT and 15 minutes ahead of Indian Standard Time
National Bird:	Pheasant (Danfe)
National Flower:	Rhododendron-  (Lali Gurans)
Religion:	Main religion in Nepal is Hinduism. However Buddhism, Islam and Christian religions are followed by some people. All religions even in minority have co-existed amicably in Nepal for ages.
Vegetation:	Most outstanding bio-diversity in the world, ranging from sub-tropical Rain-forests to Alpine deserts
Electricity:	220 Volts AC - 50 Cycles
Weather:	Climate ranges from Tropical in the lowlands to arctic higher altitudes
Monsoon:	June to August. However, most of the northern belts of Trans-Himalayan Zones are in the rain-shadow which provides rain free trekking.
Topography:	From the worlds deepest gorge ‘Kaligandaki to Mt. Everest, the highest point on earth.

What’s so Special About Nepal?  
 Nepal is the only country in the world which contains

• The highest mountain peak in the world (Everest-8848m).
• The deepest river gorge in the world (Kali Gandaki River) .
• The birthplace of Lord Buddha (Lumbini) .
• The Living Goddess (Kumari) who is worshipped and   taken in a chariot procession annually.
• The non-rectangular flag.
• The best place in the world to study Tibetan Buddhism .
• The largest selection of books on the Himalayas and   mountain climbing.
• Kathmandu, the capital city with as many idols as men  and as many temples as houses.
• A hotel in Everest National park at an altitude of  3870m, claimed to be the highest hotel in the world  (Hotel Everest View)

NEPAL

• Is also one of the world’s great trekking paradise and  probably the finest country in the world for trekking
• Contains one of the ten best rivers in the world for  rafting has such a concentration of art, culture and  tradition in the Kathmandu valley which cannot be  found anywhere else in the world .
• Is one of the few countries of the world where you  can see one horned Rhinos.
• Contains Kathmandu, which is one of the best places to eat east of Bangkok and west of Istanbul. One  guide book has called it ‘budge eating capital of Asia’

Nepal-occupying only 0.1% of the earth is home to :

• 2% of all the flowering plants in the world.
• 8% of the world’s population of birds (more than 848 species)
• 4% of mammals on earth
• 11 of the world’s 15 families of butterflies (more than 500 species)
• 600 indigenous plant families.
• 319 species of exotic orchid.

Nepal visa Information

Regarding Nepal Visa procedure, it can be easily obtained upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal. Importantly, in this regard, you should be holding your valid passport and US$.

Nationals of SAARC countries and China do not need visa when visiting Nepal. As per this rule, Indian nationals do not require visa. However, effective from October 2000, Indians traveling to Nepal by air have to show upon arrival at entry point a valid photo identity like a passport, voter's identity or an identify card issued by the Indian government. Temporary identity card with photographs issued by Nepal-based Indian diplomatic missions is considered in case of exception. Children under 10 years need not show any identification.

Other non-Nepali visitors do not need visa to be in Nepal for three days. Visa must be obtained for staying over the initial period of three days. Free visa is to be given to tourists for re-entry to Nepal provided they stay at least for 15 days in the country in that visa year.

A. Entry  Visa
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)
• Birganj, 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)

B. 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

C. 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
• Tourist visa can be extended for a maximum period of 150 days in a single visa year (January – December).

D. Gratis (Free) Visa

• Gratis visa for 30 days available only for tourists of SAARC countries.

• Indian nationals do not require visa to enter into Nepal.

E. Transit Visa

Transit visa for one day can be obtained from Nepal's immigration offices at the entry points upon the production of departure flight ticket via Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal, by paying US $ 5 or equivalent convertible currency.