Info_Nepal

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Nepal-a country of amazing extremes, is the home of the world's highest mountains, historic cities and the forested plains where
the lordly tigers and the great one-horned rhinoceros trundle at ease. In fact enchantment is everywhere- for anyone in search
of " Shangrila ". Surrounded by the greatest heights of the Himalaya,the kingdom of Nepal is a land of eternal attraction, a place
where one visit is hardly ever enough. It's a land of colorful cultures, ancient history and people, superb scenery and has some
of the best walking trails on earth. Fascinating old towns, magnificent temples and great walking are not all Nepal has to offer,
Trekking is one of the main attractions which draws visitors, it also has some superb white-water rafting opportunities,
mountain biking, which is become more and more popular,and down in the jungle, safaris on elephant- back into the Royal
Chitwan National Park are another not-to-be-missed part of the Nepal experience. Visitors come to Nepal expecting
to find these things but also discover how outstanding friendly & hospitable the Nepalese people are.....

KATHMANDU		Known as Kantipur, the capital of the Kingdom of Nepal. Nowhere in the world can one find the same concentration of culture, art and tradition that exists in Kathmandu valley. This city is aconcentration of temples. Near the Durbar square is the residence of Kumari the Virgin Goddess who acknowledges the greetings of the devotees from the balcony of her temple residence. Kasthamandap the source of the name Kathmandu. Hanuman Dhoka the ancient Palace of the Nepalese Royalty.
PATAN		Known as Lalitpur. It is 6 km south east of Kathmandu city across the southern bank of the river Bagmati. The city is full of Buddhist monuments, Hindu temples and the ancient palace. Noted for its craftsmen and metal workers it is also known as the city of artists.
BHADGAON		Known as Bhaktapur is the home of medieval art and architecture. 14 kms east of Kathmandu city. The main square of the city contains innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces. The Lion Gate,the palace of Fifty five windows, the Batsala temple, the Nyatpola temple, The Bhairav Temple and also a pottery village.
KIRTIPUR		Is a small town 8 kms southwest of Kathmandu on the top of a hill. This historical town has many sights to offer: Old houses, traditional costumes, people working on ancient looms.
SWAMBHUNATH		This stupa is said to be 2000 years old and one of the world's most glorious Buddhist Chaityas, it is 4 kms west of Kathmandu city, and is situated on a hillock, from where we can have a spectacular view of Kathmandu city.
PASHUPATINATH		The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is situated 5 kms east of Kathmandu on the bank of the sacred Bagmati river. It is a pagoda- style temple with a gilt roof and richly carved silver doors. One of the most holy temples in the entire Hindu world. Cremation rituals are performed on the banks of river Bagmati.
DAKSHINKALI		Literally meaning the Kali of the South, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, a Hindu goddess of power. It is situated 20 kms southwest of Kathmandu and is famed for its natural surroundings. Every Tuesday and Saturday, animals are brought for sacrifice at the idol of Kali
CHANGU NARAYAN		Is situated 24 kms east of Kathmandu on a hilltop, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is said to have been built in the 4th century A.D. The temple is richly decorated with sculptures
NAGARKOT		Is situated at an attitude of 7133 ft. above sea level, 35 kms east of Kathmandu. A panorama of the major peaks of most of the eastern Himalayas, including Mt. Everest and Khumbu Himal as wells many of the western Himalayan peaks can be seen from here. Best for sunset and sunrise
DHULIKHEL		Is situated at an attitude of 5500 ft. above sea level, 30 kms east of Kathmandu on the Kodari Highway, a scenic and ancient town. From here one can have a panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges from west to the East. Best for sunset
DAMAN		For a view of the breath-taking grandeur of the world's highest peak, from far west of Dhaulagiri to east of Mt. Everest.There is no better place than Daman. It lies 80 kms southwest of Kathmandu on the mountain highway- the Tribhuvan Rajpath
POKHARA		Pokhara valley is scenic and exciting.This area is famous for trekking and lies 200 kms west of city Kathmandu. It is an enormous sunlit playground covered by green hills, lakes, forest, rivers, water-falls and terraced fields. For the mountain lover Annapurna range and Fishtail peak are just standing in front of you for clear views.
LUMBINI		Birthplace of Lord Buddha, the apostle of peace, compassion and non-violence. Situated 306 kms in the western Terai of Nepal. The Lumbini garden complex has a stone pillar commemorating the visit of Emperor Ashoka around 250 BC.
CHITWAN NP		The Royal Chitwan National Park is a large area of low, heavily forested hills, a heaven of wild life, the lordly tiger, one honed rhino, leopard, varieties of deer, wild boar and some four hundred species of birds. It is situated 162 kms south of Kathmandu.

FACTS for the Visitor

GETTING THERE		Several airlines have direct and non- stop flights from Europe and Asia to Tribhuvan International Airport Kathmandu, the only international airport in Nepal. The national carrier, Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation, has flights to eight international cities in seven different countries. One can enter Nepal by land from India. The most common entry points are Kakarbhitta (eastern Nepal) Birgunj and Bhairahawa (south central Nepal)
CLIMATE		Nepal has 4 distinct seasons. Spring from March to May is warm with rain showers. Summer from June to August, is the monsoon season when the hills turn lush and green. Autumn from September to November is cool with clear skies and is the most popular season for trekking. In winter from December to February it is cold at night, with foggy in morning
VISA FORMALITIES		In order to enter Nepal, holders of European, American, Asian and other passports need a visa for holiday or business purposes. All passports must be valid at least six months beyond the intended length of stay. Visitors arriving without Nepalese visa can receive a 15 day visa at the Airport immigration Counter. Single entry tourist visas are available for 15 days ($15) or 30 days ($25), or you can also get multiple entry 60 days for ($60). You also need passport size photos. One you get your visa, you must use it within three months of the date it is issued
VISA EXTENSION		Tourist visa can be extended for 150 days plus 30 more days can be granted on reasonable ground. Beyond 30 days of 180 days, you'll have to pay $ 1 per day for 150 days. One passport size photo is required
AIRPORT TAX		For the International sector US$ 15 Per person. For the Domestic sector tax US$ 02.00 per person
CUSTOMS		When you depart from Kathmandu, you may be searched very thoroughly. In addition to drugs, customs is concerned with the illegal export of antiques. Visitors are allowed to bring only few items from the duty free shop for their personal use
CURRENCY		Nepal has a special regulation on exchanging foreign currency. Foreign currency can be exchanged only with the hotel cashier, banks and licensed establishments. Upon departure 15% of the amount exchanged can be converted on production of en-cashment receipt
CREDIT CARDS		Most of the big establishments & hotels accept credit cards. Visa & Masters being the most popular
TIPPING		In Nepali custom, tipping is not a big issue. People do not expect anything as a tip from you in Nepal. Even in big hotels, they do not levy service charge. However, if you feel like tipping, it's all up to you. Generally Rs. 50 - Rs. 100 is quite sufficient. Taxi drivers don't expect to be tipped
DRIVING LICENCE		International Drivers' License is required. The minimum driving age is 18 years. Car rental companies reserves the right to set their own limits. However we recommend getting the services of a driver
ROAD REGULATIONS		Driver must keep to the left side of the road, and can pass on the left and right according to the traffic signs. There are no speed limit zones. An average driving speed inside Kathmandu valley is 40-50 Km/h (25-32 M/h). For your safety seat belts must be worn in front seats
PHOTOGRAPHY		Do not intrude with a camera, unless it is clearly OK with the people you are photographing. Ask before a temple compound whether it is permissible to enter and take photographs. Do not exchange addresses o offer copies of photos unless you definitely intend to follow it up later
LANGUAGE		It's quite easy to get by with English in Nepal. Most of the visitors will have to deal with in the Kathmandu valley and in Pokhara will speak good English. Along the main trekking trails, particularly the Annapurna Circuit, English is widely understood. However, it's interesting to learn at least a little Nepali and it's quite an easy language to pick up
SECURITY		Nepal is generally very safe with one of the lowest crime rate in the world. Travelling with children in Nepal, with a bit of planning is remarkably hassle free. There is no fear of special threats, but it is always wise to keep an eye on one's luggage in busy areas. Pick-pockets are a world phenomenon
ELECTRICITY		Electricity: 220 Volts, 50 Hz
SHOPPING		Despite Nepal's lack of raw materials, shopping here is quite advanced. Curio arts, Garment and Carpets head the export list. Nepal's carpet industries are world renowned. Apart from infinity variety of carpets, other hand made jewelry, thankas, block prints, embroidery, Tibetan carpet, pottery, masks & puppets, metal work, tea and other decorating items are among the best souvenirs you can buy here
GETTING AROUND		Larger towns like Kathmandu and Pokhara have taxis which is good to explore Kathmandu Valley in a group. Metered taxis are easily available with black license plates. You can also hire a private car for half/ full day sight seeing. For getting around in Thamel , Indrachowk and Durbar Marg, Rikshaw (three wheeled man paddled cycle) is the best source of transportation. You can also get one with the motorcycle engine
VISIT NEPALI HOME		In a Nepali home the kitchen is off limits to guests. Avoid polluting food by inadvertently touching it or bringing it into contact with a used plate or utensil. Using you own fork or spoon to serve out more food will do this. Putting your used plate on a buffet table risks making the food still on the table jutho or polluted. Notice how Nepalese drink from cup or water vessel without letting it touch their lips
VISIT A TEMPLE		Always walk clockwise around Buddhist stupas, chortens or mani walls. Always remove your shoes before entering a Buddhist or Hindu temple or sanctuary. You may also have to remove any items made from leather, such as belts and bags. Many Hindu temples do not permit westerners to enter. It's the custom to give a white scarf or Khata to a Buddhist abbot when you are introduced. The honorific title Rimpoche is usually bestowed on abbots. The scarves can easily be found at Tibetan shops scattered all over the country