English
Nepal:
Officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, situated in the lap of the Himalayas, Nepal is located between the latitude 26*22′ to 30*27′ North and longitude 80*4′ E to 88*12′ East, and elevation ranges from 90 to 8848 meters. The average length being 885 km east to west and the average breadth is 193 km from north to south. The country is bordering between the two most populous countries in the world, India in the East, South, and West, and China in the North. Nepal is a land locked country and home place of natural beauty with traces of artifacts. The Northern range (Himalayas) is covered with snow over the year where the highest peak of the world, the Mount Everest, stands. The middle range (Hill) is captured by gorgeous mountains, high peaks, hills, valleys and lakes. Southern range (Terai) is the gigantic plain of alluvial soil and consists of dense forest area, national parks, wildlife reserves and conservation areas. The temperature and rainfall differ from place to place. In the geographic diversity and varied climatic conditions 29.1 million people of more than 142 caste/ethnic groups (speak 124 different languages / dialects) are accommodated in the country. Nepal presents an example of being united in diversity over the history and has maintained its’ pride as being an independent sovereign state.
Geographically, the country is divided in three regions; Mountain region, Hilly region and Terai region. There are 7 states and 77 administrative districts. Districts are further divided into 753 local units including 6 metropolises, 11 sub-metropolises, 246 municipal councils and 481 villages.
Population
The beauty of Nepal does not only emanate from the mountains themselves but also by discovering the generous population of people from a multitude of ethnic groups. Gurung, Magar, Newar, Rai, Limbu, Thakali, Tamang, Sherpa, and Tharu, are a few of the groups whose lifestyle has not changed for generations. The ethnicities are dispersed throughout the country. The population of Nepal is divided into two large groups: the “Tibeto-Nepalese” who are located in the mountains and the “Indo-Nepalese” who occupy the plains and the Terai valley. The official language is Nepali but more than 124 different dialects exist.
Religion
Hinduism is the largest religious group in Nepal believing that happiness lies in the identification of Brahman (the universal heart) and Atman (the individual heart). The heart is immortal and is reincarnated according to the merits of previous lives. Three principal gods are worshipped: Vishnu, who symbolizes knowledge, and the preservation and protection of life; Shiva, the god of destruction and regeneration; and Brammha: the venerated creator of all things.
Buddhism is the second largest religious group in Nepal. It was founded by Siddhartha Gautama who was born in Lumbini, Nepal. After several years, the Buddha became enlightened and is known as the Awakened One. Buddhism seeks to escape the cycle of suffering and rebirth through following the four noble truths and the noble eight fold path.
Nepali Dress
Daura-Suruwal, typically termed as ‘Labeda-Suruwal’ is the traditional Nepali dress. The dress has several religious beliefs identifying its designs and has therefore remained the same from the years. The Daura has eight strings that serve to tie itself up around the body. Eight is the lucky number in Nepali mythology. Also, the Daura has five pleats or Kallis, signifying Pancha Buddha or Pancha Ratna. And the closed neck of the Daura signifies the snake around the Lord Shiva’s neck. The Nepali dress for women is a cotton sari (Guniu) that is gaining great popularity in the fashion world.
Rituals
The main rituals followed in Nepal are naming ceremony, rice-feeding ceremony (weaning Ceremony), tonsure ceremony, ceremony of giving Nepali Sari (Guniu – Choli), and marriage ceremony and funeral rite. The rituals are still prevailing in society and are performed with zeal. Different ritual experts have different roles in these rituals.
Cultural Sites
Astonishing enough, seven out of the ten world heritage sites in Nepal are termed cultural by UNESCO. Thus, the stupas, monasteries, temples and architecture are all representatives of the rich cultural heritage of Nepal. The following are the cultural world heritage sites of Nepal.
Apart form the world heritage sites there are other pilgrimage sites in Nepal that hold great cultural importance. A tour to these places will make you familiar with the rich Nepali culture. These are some of the well known cultural sites in Nepal:
Nepal Visa Information
A visa is necessary to enter Nepal (except for Indians) and can be obtained for the following duration from any Nepali Embassy or Consulate or at the entry points in Nepal. (You could easily obtain Nepali visa at your arrival in Tribhuwan International airport –TIA)
Following types of tourist visas may be obtained
| Type of Visa | Visa Valid For | Visa Fee |
| Multiple Entry | 15 Days | US$ 30 |
| Multiple Entry | 30 Days | US$ 50 |
| Multiple Entry | 90 Days | US$ 125 |
Please follow these simple procedures for Tourist Visa on Arrival at the airport (TIA) if you have not acquired Visa prior to boarding the plane.
1st Step
Fill in ‘ Arrival Card ‘
Fill in Online ‘Tourist Visa ‘form ( you can fill it up prior to your arrival visiting our official website Department of Immigration or fill it up using Kiosk machines upon your arrival at the airport). If you fill it from the website, you will get submission Receipt with bar code, please print it out and bring it along for acquiring visa. It works for fifteen days and becomes invalid then after. If so, you will have to fill it up again.
2nd Step
Make payment at the bank according to your visa requirement ( 15/30/90 Days)
Get the receipt
While you can use different modes of payments (at visa fees collection counter), we advise you to carry some cash to be on the safe side.
3rd Step
Proceed to the Immigration Desk with your online form, payment receipts and your passport
Hand in your documents to immigration officer for visa processing. He/she issues visa to you upon his/her satisfaction.
Important Information
1. Once the visa is issued, it will not be amended, re validated and visa fees will not be refunded.
2. Personal cheques and credit cards are not accepted for visa fees.
3. Visitors may also obtain tourist visa at major arrival points in Nepal including Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu.
4. Children under the age of 10 shall be issued visit visa free of cost. (except for US citizens)
5. A visa year covers a period from 1 January to 31 December each year.
Entry validity:
Six months from the date of issue. The validity of visa dates is counted from the date of arrival in Nepal.
Visa Extension:
A tourist visa can be extended from the Department of Immigration Kathmandu and Pokhara Immigration Office for a total of 120 days. An additional 30 days visa may be granted on reasonable grounds from the department. Over the course of a visa year, a tourist cannot stay in Nepal more than cumulative 150 days. You have to pay US$ 2 per day to extend your visa.
Passport
A passport valid for at least 6 more months is required. Make a photocopy of your passport and keep it with you, leaving your passport in Kathmandu.
Money
The currency of Nepal is the Nepalese rupee. In Kathmandu there are many places to exchange your money. Exchange your currency for small denominations before leaving for trekking / tours.
Welcome to Nepal
Upon your arrival in Nepal, you will be welcomed by one of our representatives carrying a sign for KATHMANDU HERITAGE TOUR