FAST FACTS:

There are few countries with a geography as diverse as Nepal's. Within it's narrow borders you will find a complete climatic range, from tropical to temperate, alpine to arctic. Within this spectacular geography is also found one of the richest and most diverse cultural landscapes.

The Himalayas extend from Assam in eastern India to Afghanistan in the west and is the highest and youngest mountain chain on earth. To the North lies China and the rest of Nepal's borders are shared with India.

Nepal can be divided into three east - to -west geographical zones. Going from north to south are the summit laden Himalayas, the middle hills of the Shiwalik and Mahabharat ranges, and to the south the lush plains of the Terrain . This features an astonishing topographical variation with the altitude ranging from 70 meters to 8848 meters.

There are four seasons in Nepal. The Winter is from December - February. Spring is from March to May. The Summer from June to August and Autumn from September - November.

Nepal can be visited throughout the year, although activities like Safari Excursions, Rafting, Trekking and Mountain flights are best from October to May.

Time:

Nepal Standard Time is 5 hours 45 minutes ahead of GMT and 15 minutes ahead of Indian Standard Time.

Entering Nepal :

The Capital city of kathmandu is linked by both air and road. Flights link it with Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi and Mumbai in India, Dhaka in Bangladesh, Karachi (Pakistan), Paro (Bhutan), Bangkok (Thailand), Singapore, Hongkong, Dubai, Frankfurt, London, Pairs, Osaka and Lhasa.

By road there are 15 entry points, the major ones being Birgun, Bhairahawa (Sunauli), Kakarbhita, Nepalgunj (from India) and at Kodari from Tibet.

Health :

No International certificates of vaccination regarding current inoculation against Cholera, Typhoid or Yellow fever are required.

Clothing:

It is advisable to bring along warm clothing while traveling from November to February and tropical wear from March to October.

Religion :

Nepal is a religious melting pot and the major religions are Hinduism (90%) , Buddhism (6%) , Islam (3%) and the rest (1%) comprise of Catholics and others. But there is a harmony among the religions.

Population:

Nepal has almost 2.5 million people comprising of a variety of races and tribes, speaking different language and dialects.

Language:

There are more than 30 languages and dialects and as many distinct ethnic groups. Nepali is the official language and English is understood and spoken by majority of people in Kathmndu valley and other major cities.

Visa

A visa is required to enter Nepal except for Indian Nationals. Indians must, however, posess identification papers. Tourists staying for up to three days get a free visa. Visitors from SAARC countries and China do not have to pay any visa fees. Chinese travelers can get visas at the entry point upon arrival. Re-entry visas are granted free of cost to any visitor who has stayed for at least 15 days in Nepal in a visa year (January - December). Children under 10 are not charged for a visa.

Visa fees:
Single Entry     US$ 30 per person Valid for 60 days
Multiple Entry   US$ 80 per person Valid for 60 days

Visa fee is subject to change as per government rules and regulations.

Airport Tax :

Rs. 770/- per person for departure to SAARC (South Asian) countries and Rs. 1100/- for departure to other international destinations.

Passport :

A valid passport is required for all nationals except Indians. Indians must, however, posess valid identification papers issued from the govt. authority.

Customs Formalities:

All baggage must be declared and cleared through the customs on arrival at the entry. Personal effects are permitted free entry. A tourist may bring in dutiable goods, such as tobacco and liquor, within the prescribed quantity free of duty. Carrying narcotics, arms and ammunition are strictly prohibited. Visitors can export souvenirs to their respective countries. The export of antiques requires special certificate from the Department of Archaelogy.

Currency Regulation :

Import of Indian Currency by foreigners other than Indian nationals is strictly prohibited. All visitors should obtain a receipt for all currency exchange. The same should be handed over at the airport at the departure and generally 10 % of the amount exchanged can be reconverted from Nepalese Rupees into US Dollars.

Local Currency:

The Nepalese Rupees is the local currency and is subdivided into 100 paises. The denomination of currency notes available are in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 500, 1000 and coins in 50 paisa, 1, 2, 5 Rupee currently in circulation.