Recent Highlights
Everest from Base Camp (Tibet)...
The Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet...
Thorung La Pass, Annapurna Circuit...
Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and altitude variation. The elevation of the country ranges from 70 meters above sea level to the highest point on earth, Mt. Everest at 8,848 meters, all within a distance of 150 kilometers resulting in climatic conditions from sub-tropical to arctic. This wild variation fosters an incredible variety of ecosystems, the greatest mountain range on earth, thick tropical jungles teeming with a wealth of wildlife, thundering rivers, forested hills and frozen valleys.
Physical features also include green paddy terraces, wind-swept deserts, dense forests and marshy grasslands. The country is well endowed with perennial rivers, lakes and glacial lakes that originate in the Himalayas. Twenty percent of the land in the country is used for agriculture, where 0.49 percent is used for permanent crops, mainly rice.
Within this spectacular geography is also one of the richest cultural landscapes anywhere. The country is a potpourri of ethnic groups and sub-groups who speak over 93 languages and dialects. Nepal offers an astonishing diversity of sightseeing attractions and adventure opportunities found nowhere else on earth. And you can join in the numerous annual festivals that are celebrated throughout the year in traditional style highlighting enduring customs and beliefs.
The variety in Nepal's topography provides home to wildlife like tigers, rhinos, monkeys, bears, yaks, leopards and different species of insects and birds. Nepal is a home to almost 10 percent of the world's bird species among which 500 species are found in the Kathmandu Valley.
The country has managed to preserve some endangered species of Asia in its extensive parks and protected natural habitats. The most abundant natural resource in Nepal is water. Other resources found here are quartz, timber, lignite, copper, cobalt, iron ore and scenic beauty.
The country can be divided into three main geographical regions:
Himalayan Region - The altitude of this region ranges between 4877 meters and 8848 meters with the now line running around 488848 meters. It includes 8 of the existing 14 summits in the world which exceed the altitude of 8000 meters. They are: (1) Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) - 8848 m (2) Kangchenjunga - 8586 m, (3) Lhotse - 8516 m, (4) Makalu - 8463 m, (5) Cho Oyo - 8201 m, (6) Dhaulagiri - 8167 m, (7) Manaslu - 8163 m, and (8) Annapurna - 8091 m.
Mountain Region - This region accounts for about 64 percent of total land area. The Mahabharat range that rises upto 4877 meters forms it. To its south lies the lower Churia range whose altitude varies from 610 meters to 1524 meters.
Terai Region - The lowland Terai region, which has a width of about 26 to 32 kilometers and an altitude maximum of 305 meters, occupies about 17 percent of total land area of the country. Kechanakawal, the lowest point of the country with an altitude of 70 meters lies in Jhapa District of the eastern Terai.
All this adds up one interesting fact that there is no seasonal constraint on travelling in and through Nepal. Even in December and January, when the winter is at its severest, there are compensating bright sun and brilliant views. Winter days often begin in mist, which can last until noon. Then suddenly, as if by magic, the fog disappears bringing in to views snowy peaks, glistening white and fresh against the large blue sky.
One of the fascinating things about Nepal is that in the space of a hundred miles you can go from the coldest and most bitter conditions on Earth to the sweltering heat of the North Indian Plain. Nepal has everything from the brutal wind-swept Himalayan peaks to humid tropical jungles. Most people are surprised to find that Nepal is actually the same latitude as Florida or Egypt, the extremes in temperature and climate are all due to altitude variations. Generally speaking though, in the north summers are cool and winters severe, while in south summers are sub tropical and winters mild.
Nepal experiences 4 seasons : Spring (Mar - May), Summer (Jun - Aug), Autumn (Sep - Nov) and Winter (Dec - Feb).
The climate is varied ranging from the sub-tropical Terai to the cool dry temperate and alpine climate in the northern Himalayan ranges. In the Terai, the hottest part of the country, summer temperatures may rise as high as 40°C. The climate is hot and humid. In the midmountain region, the summer climate is mild with temperatures around 25°C - 27°C.
The winter temperatures range from 7°C to 23°C in the Terai and subzero to 12°C in the mountain regions and valleys. The northern Himalayan region has an alpine climate. The valley of Kathmandu has a pleasant equable climate with average summer and winter temperatures of 19°C - 27°C and 2°C - 12°C respectively.
The monsoon hits the most poular trekking area of Annapurna from June to September, but during this time the upper Manang region is generally clear.
Entry Procedures & Visa Rules
Tourist Visa
Visa Facility |
Duration |
Fee |
Multiple entry |
15 days |
US$ 25 or equivalent convertible currency |
Multiple entry |
30 days |
US$ 40 or equivalent convertible currency |
Multiple entry |
90 days |
US$ 100 or equivalent convertible currency |
Gratis (Free) Visa
For Visa Extension
Tourists can stay for a maximum of 150 days in a visa year (Jan 1 to Dec 31) extending the visa at the rate of 2 US $ per day. However, a minimum amount of 30 US$ has to be paid for a period of 15 days or less.For further information, please,
contact Department of Immigration
Maitighar, Impact Building, Kathmandu,
Tel: 00977-1-4221996/ 4223590/ 4222453,
Web: www.immi.gov.np )
Photo :
For obtaining visa or for renewing visa 1 passport size photo is necessary.
Transit Visa:
Transit visa is provided for 1 day for 5 US$ or Equivalent convertible currency. Return ticket is necessary.
Note:
Nepal provides visa-on-arrival to all the nationals of different countries except the ones mentioned below.
The nationals of the following countries are not provided visa-on-arrival and may obtain their visa from Nepalese diplomatic missions located in or near their respective countries prior to arrival in Nepal.
The countries are: Afghanistan, Iraq, Nigeria, Somalia, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Palestine, Liberia, Swaziland, Ethiopia and Cameroon.
For Indian Nationals:
Indian National Traveling to Nepal must posses any one of the following documents-
1. Passport
2. Driving license with photo
3. Photo Identity card issued by a Government Agency
4. Ration Card with Photo
5. Election Commission Card with Photo
6. Identity Card issued by Embassy of India in Kathmandu
7. Identity Card with Photo issued by Sub- Divisional Magistrate or any other officials above his rank
The most important and simple thing you can do to prevent serious illness in Nepal is to arrive properly immunized. Antibiotics and other medications are available in Nepal without a prescription and at a fraction of the cost of the rest of the world. You do, however, need to know the chemical name (not the brand name) of what you want, as well as the dosages and side effects.
Nepal has seen many rulers and ruling dynasties. The earliest rulers were the Kirantis who ruled from 9th century B.C. to 1st century A.D. Legends and chronicles mention that the Indian Emperor Ashoka had come to Nepal and visited Lumbini, the place where the Buddha was born, and where he erected a huge stone pillar to commemorate his visit to that spot.
The Kirant's were replaced by Licchavi's who, according to the earliest evidences in inscriptions of the 5th century A.D. found in the courtyard of Changunarayan temple which is about 15 km north east of Kathmandu, ruled this country from 1st century to 9th century A.D. This period is noted for the many temples and fine sculptures built around the Kathmandu valley.
The Licchavi's were followed by the Thakuri's, then came the Malla dynasty. The Malla's ruled focusing mainly on the Kathmandu Valley which has been the residence for most Nepali rulers from time immemorial. No other part of Nepal is as rich in cultural heritage as Kathmandu. Thanks to the exceptionally talented crafts-men, who dedicated themselves to construct the many temples and statues, we have seven world heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley itself.
In the 14th century A.D. King Jayasthiti Malla established a rigid social order. His grandson tried in every way to protect his country from suspected enemy states. Unfortunately, all his efforts were fruitless, everything went beyond his control and the country eventually divided up into 50 small feudal states including the three major ones in the valley.
Then came the Shah dynasty. King Prithvi Narayan Shah who annexed small principalities including three states in the Kathmandu Valley and unified Nepal in a single kingdom. Recognizing the threat of the British Raj in India, he dismissed European missionaries from the country and for more than a century, Nepal remained in isolation. During the mid-19th century Jung Bahadur Rana became Nepal's first prime minister to wield absolute power. The Rana's were overthrown in a democracy movement of the early 1950s.
Nepal was declared a Federal Democratic Republic state on May 28, 2008, during the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly. It was previously a multiparty democracy since 1990.
Nepal is the meeting place of two different religions - Hinduism and Buddhism, tow races, Caucasoid and Mongoloid and tow civilization Indic and Sinic. The population has a variety of ethnic groups each with its distinct identity. Polygamy is stilled practiced in some area of the country although legislation banned it in the sixties.
When entering rooms in Nepalese home it is polite to remove shoes. While some westernized Nepalese might not be dong it, the best thing is to watch what other are doing. Many Hindu temples do not permit westerners to enter but they are quite free to watch from outside. Always walk clockwise around Buddhist stupas, chortens or mani walls. Every body remove their shoes and any items made from leather such as belts and bags before entering a Buddhist or Hindu temple.
Public displays of affection are not good manners nor should one swim naked in rivers and lakes. In the northern hill area, polyandry, the custom of a wife having more than one husband, was also practiced till recently. On the other hand, the Gurung group has an institution called Rodihgar intended to bring people together before they contemplate marriage. Widow re-marriage was not socially acceptable in some groups. An ethnic group such as Brahmin's were prohibited for drinking alcohol and sometimes follow vegetarian restrains and amongst Brahmin families a man first met his wife on that day he got married. The Sherpa's have remarkably free and easy moral code.
In Nepal, Hinduism and Buddhism are the two main religions. The two have co-existed down the ages and many Hindu temples share the same complex as, Buddhist shrines. Hindu and Buddhist worshippers may regard the same god with different names while performing religious rites.
Nepal has been declared as a secular country by the Parliament on May 18, 2006. Religions like Hindusim Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, and Bon are practiced here. Some of the earliest inhabitants like the Kirats practice their own kind of religion based on ancestor worship and the Tharus practice animism. Over the years, Hinduism and Buddhism have been influenced by these practices which have been modified to form a synthesis of newer beliefs.
Buddhism was introduced in Kathmandu valley by Emperor Ashoka of India around 250 BC. Later, around 8th century AD, the ancestors of the Sherpa's emigrated from Tibet bringing with them a from of Buddhism. Known as Ningmapa Gurung's, Tamang's, Serpa's and Newar's in kathmandu valley also follow Mahayaa Buddhism and the famous temple of Swayambhu in Kathmandu and the “Golden Temple” or the Hiranya Varna Mahabihar in Patan are visited mainly by Buddhist Newar's.
A few people have adopted a complex blend of both Hinduism and Buddhism known as Bajrayana, which is mainly practiced in Kathmandu valley. A remarkable feature of Nepal is thus the religious homogeneity that exists, particularly between the Hindu and Buddhist communities. Apart from the Hindu's and Buddhists, Muslim (3.5%) forms the third largest religious group. There has also been an increase in the number of Christian' in Nepal in recent years, which number around 40000 although their proportion in the population is less than 1 percent and 1.2 percent of other religion.
The population of Nepal was recorded to be about 25 million as of July 2002. Eighty-six percent of Nepalis follow Hinduism, while eight percent follow Buddhism and three percent follow Islam. The population comprises various groups of different races which are further divided into different castes. The distinction in caste and ethnicity is understood more easily with a view of customary layout of the population.
Some of the main groups are such: Gurungs and Magars who live mainly in the western region; Rais, Limbus and Sunwars who live in the eastern mid hills; Sherpas, Manangpas and Lopas who live near the mountains of Everest, Annapurna and Mustang respectively; Newars who live in and around the capital valley of Kathmandu; Tharus, Yadavas, Satar, Rajvanshis and Dhimals who live in the Terai region; and Brahmins, Chhetris and Thakuris generally spread over all parts of the country.
Nepali is the official language of the state, spoken and understood by 100 percent of the population. Multiple ethnic groups speak more than a dozen other languages in about 93 different dialects. English is spoken by many in government and business offices. It is the mode of education in most private schools of Kathmandu and some other cities.
The Sherpa's live mainly in the mountain of eastern and central Nepal, in particular in the Solu Khumbu region at the foot of Everest. The Sherpa's are probably the best known Nepalese ethnic group originally from Tibet, they settled in the area about 500 years ago. The Sherpa's also known as “the tigers of the snow” live in the Himalaya region up to an average altitude of 4570m.
Brahmin's and Chhetri's are simply the two highest castes; the Brahmin's and Chhetri's are spread generally over most parts of the Kingdom. The progeny of Brahmin men and hill women were considered Chhetri and a number of high status families from other hill groups have also adopted Chhetri status, so some do have Mongoloid tribal ancestry. All Brahmin's and Chhetri's are Hindu. The Newar's constitute and important ethnic group in the capital valley Kathmandu. The Newar's of the Kathmandu valley are a good example of the result of this Himalayan melting pot. The Gurung and Magars live mainly in the west and on the southern slopes of Annapurna, Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal mountains. The Magars and Gurungs also often work as Gurkha soldiers. The Rais, Limbus, and Sunuwars inhabit the slops and valleys of the eastern mid hills and many have migrated to the eastern Terai. Larger number of people find employment with Gurkha regiments. Tamangs are one of the largest Tibet – Burman ethnic group in Nepal. Around half the Himalayan zone of Nepal is inhabited by Tamangs.
Many Tamangs have been influenced in their dress by both western and Newari styles. Traditionally, women wear a colorful wraparound skirt, a blouse, jacket and scarf. On important occasion they wear chunky gold or brass ear and nose rings set with semiprecious stones. Men wear loincloths or the traditional Newari pant, short – sleeved jackets and topis. Both men and women wear several miters of cloth wrapped around the waist.
The Thakali's live mainly Kali Gandaki valley in central Nepal, the Thakalis are a Tibeto Burman people who have become the entrepreneurs of Nepal. Originally Buddhist, many pragmatic Thakali's have now adopted Hinduism. The actual number of Thakali's is very small.
Tharu's, Yadavs, Satar, Rajvanshi's, and Dhimals are spread generally in the Terai region. Tharu's are one of the larges ethic group in Nepal.
Recent Highlights
Everest from Base Camp (Tibet)...
The Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet...
Thorung La Pass, Annapurna Circuit...