Himalayas, "the valley of the snow", which ranges from 4,000m to 8,848m above sea level proudly presents eight of the fourteen highest peaks in the world exceeding 8,000m. They are Mount Everest, Kanchanjungha, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Annapurna. The lowest altitude in Nepal measures 64m (Kechan, Jhapa district) above sea level, hence, the topography changes here from the alluvial Gangetic plains suitable for agriculture to the frozen wastes of the Himalayan Mountains. Along the lowest altitude belt lie Chitwan National Park, one of the Natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites which harbor an amazing variety of wildlife including endangered species such as the elusive Royal Bengal tigers, great one-horned rhinos and Gangetic dolphins along with rare species of birds. We, the Nepalese people, are of more than 100 multiple ethnic groups speaking about 93 different languages and dialects. The distinction in caste still plays a significant part in our life especially when it comes to marriage. Nepali, derived from Sanskrit, is the official language of state, spoken and understood by almost all whereas English, the mode of education in most of private schools and colleges, is spoken by many in government and business offices.

 

Nepal General Information

Official Name: Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal Area: 147,181 sq km Geography: Border to China and India Highest point: Mt. Everest (8,848m) Lowest point: Kechana (60m above sea level) Capital: Kathmandu Population: 23.1 million Language: Nepali, English Climate: (1) Winter (Dec-Feb), (2) Spring (Mar-May), (3) Summer (June-Aug), (4) Autumn (Sept-Nov). Political System: Multi-Party System of Democracy People: Nepal has more than 105 ethnic groups with diverse culture, traditions and lifestyle. Religion: Nepal is a secular state with majority of people following Hinduism. However, people practicing Buddhism, Christianity and Islam among others live in a good harmony. Administrative Division: Though Nepal is a federal republic, federal states are yet to be carved. Nepal is divided into five development regions, 14 zones and 75 districts Geographical Division: Geographically, Nepal is divided into Hills, Mountain and Plain regions.

 

Entry Procedures to Nepal

All foreigners, except the Indians, need to have a valid passport and a visa to enter Nepal. Visas can be availed from Nepali diplomatic missions and consular offices station abroad or upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and other entry points.

Visa Information:

Tourist visa: The foreign tourist visiting Nepal shall be granted the tourist visa. i. The tourist visa shall be granted for a period in maximum of 150 days in a visa year (Visa years means January to December). ii. Tourist who has departed before the expiry of the period specified in the visa issued in a visa year shall not be allowed to use the visa by adding the remaining period to another visa year. iii. If any foreigner who has entered into Nepal towards the end of a visa year desires to spend even the period during which he may stay in Nepal with the tourist visa of the other visa year, he may use such facility. iv. Provided, however, that the computation of the fees for such period shall be made on the basis of the total period of his stay. Transit Visa: Foreigners, who have entered In Nepal to stay for a night in Nepal and willing to use Nepal's Air port to visit another country with plane ticket or Foreigners, traveling in the accidentally force landed plane for any circumstances shall be issued transit visa for one day. Visa Fee 1. US $ 25 for Tourist Visa with multiple entry for 15 days 2. US $ 40 for tourist visa with multiple entry for 30 days 3. US $ 100 for Tourist visa with multiple entry for 100 days Note: Visa and regulations are subjected to change.

 

Some Do's & Don't's

The form of greeting in Nepal is 'Namaste' and is performed by joining the palms together.

Before entering a Nepalese home, temple and stupa, remember to remover your shoes.

Do not eat from other people's plate and do not drink from other people's bottle or glass. It is considered 'Jutho' or impure by Nepalese.

While traveling, dress appropriately. Women should especially avoid dressing in skimpy outfits.

Seek permission first before entering a Hindu temple. Many Hindu temples do not allow westerners to enter.

Take photographs only after receiving permission for the object or person being photographed.

Always try to discourage beggars and hawkers.

Touching offerings or person when they are on the way to religious shrines.

Avoid kissing and hugging in public especially between men and women. It is taken as a social offense in most of the areas of the country.

Opt for Eco-friendly journeys. Encourage porters and other trekking staffs to save environment