NEPAL
The Kingdom of Nepal is a unique country of great diversity. The snow-peak Himalayan range with the summit of Mount Everest, the lash green Hills and the near-sea-level Terai. The land extends approximately 885 km east to west, and 193 km north to south. Nepal enshrines dozens of ethnic groups and hundreds of languages. The cosmopolitan Kathmanduist, the buffalo herders, the Newar peasants and the hill people. Hinduism is the predominant religion. While Nepal is often referred to as the only Hindu Kingdom in the world, a large number of people are Buddhists and the two religions co-existed in harmony through out Nepal's history. Nepal is many countries combined in one. Nepal encompasses its multiple realities and the Nepalese people live these diversities and carry them with great pride.

 

CLIMATE
Nepal contains Varity of climatic conditions raining from tropical heat of Terai plains to the freezing cold of the high Himalaya. Temperature ranges between a maximum of 37 and a minimum of 8 degree Celsius in plains. 34 and 0 degree Celsius in the Kathmandu Valley, and -6 to 16 degree Celsius in Mountains. The rainy season lasts from July to September.

CLOTHS TO WEAR
From October to February, woolen sweaters, jackets or similar other warm outfits are necessary. Short or long-sleeved shirts are good March through May. From June to September, light and loose garments are advisable.

THE PEOPLE
In the Kathmandu Valley are the Newars, whose cluture have earned them international reputations. The Sherpas of the Himalaya are known as tough mountain climbers. Brahmins and Chhetris are scattered over the hills and valleys. Tmangs are found in Districts around the Kathmandu Valley. The Rais, Limbus, Magars and Gurungs in the mid-hills. Maithili, Bhojpuri and Tharu in Low-lands.

LANGUAGE
National language of Nepal is Nepali, written in Devanagari Script. Along Nepali, English and Hindi are widely understood.

VISA
A visa is required to enter Nepal except for Indian nationals. A single entry visa for 60 days can be obtained from any Royal Nepalese Embassy or Consulate upon payment of US$ 30. Visa can also be obtained at the point of entry upon arrival. Visitors who require single, or multiple entry visas can get them by paying US $ 30 and US $ 80 respectively. For extension of visa beyond 60 days, the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara charges US$ 1 per day for first 30 days then after for each additional month US $ 30 will be charged. Children under 10 years are not charged any visa fees.

PASSPORT
A valid passport is required for all nationals except Indians.

CUSTOMS
Visitors are allowed to bring used personal belongings and the following items duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, 1 bottle of distilled liquor, 15 rolls of film. In addition, visitors can bring the following items free of duty on condition that they take them back upon departure: binoculars, movie and video camera, still camera, laptop computer and portable music system. Passengers arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport without any dutiable goods can proceed through the Green Channel for quick clearance without a baggage check.

AIRPORT TAX
Passengers departing from Tribhuvan International Airport are required to pay an airport tax of Rs. 1335 for travel to SAARC countries and Rs. 1695 to all other international destinations. Domestic airport tax is Rs. 170.

CURRENCY
Foreign currency (except Indian currency), either in traveler's-cheques or cash can be brought in unlimited quantity, provided it is declared upon arrival. The import of Indian currency by foreigners is strictly prohibited.

In order to change surplus rupees at the time of your departure from Nepal please make sure that you have saved your encasement receipts, which you must produce for the exchange.
Credit cards are accepted at major hotels, travel agents, restaurants and handicraft shops throughout the country. American Express card services center is at Jamal. Visa and MasterCard services are available at the following places: Nepal Grindlays Bank, Nepal Arab Bank, Himalayan Bank and Alpine Travel, which all are centrally located.

LOCAL CURRENCY
The Nepalese currency is the rupee (Rs.). It is divided into 100 paisa. Bank notes come in denominations of 1000, 500, 100, 50, 25, 20, 10, 5, 2, and 1 rupees. Approximate exchange rate US$ 1 = Rs. 74 (Janurary 2006).

LANGUAGE
Nepali, written in the Devanagari script, is the national language. English and Hindi is widely understood and spoken in the Kathmandu valley, other cities and tourist destinations.

ELECTRICITY
220 volts A.C. 50 cycles throughout the Kingdom.
TIME GMT. +5:45

OFFICIAL WEEKLY HOLIDAY
The official weekly holiday is Saturday, when government offices and most shops are closed. Museums are closed on Tuesdays and on government holidays.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Telephone, Fax and E-mail services are available at the Nepal Telecommunication Corporation near the stadium, at hotels and private communication centers. The country code for Nepal is 00977 and the area code for Kathmandu is 1.

TREKKING PERMITS
Trekking permits are necessary for virtually all off-road travel in Nepal. Ama Travel can obtain all permits within a day. Charges for most of the major areas are minimal with exceptions of Mustang and Upper Dolpa, currently at US$ 700 for 10 days.

TOURIST POLICE
Nepal has a unit of Tourist police, trained to advise and assist the tourist in their safety and security while travelling, trekking, rafting or resting in any part of the Kingdom of Nepal.
Please contact the Tourist Police for advise/assistance on Phone No. 247041 at Dept. of Tourism, Bhikuti Mandap or 220818 at the Tourist Information Center, Basantapur, Kathmandu or Tourist Police office 429750 at Thamel.