NEPAL

Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and altitudinal variation. The elevation of the country ranges from 60 meters above the sea level to the highest point on earth, Mt. Everest at 8,848 meters, all within a distance of 150 kilometers resulting into climatic conditions from Sub-tropical to Arctic.

Nepal--occupying only 0.1 percent of the total landmass of the earth – is home to:

2% of all the flowering plants in the world;
8% of the world’s population of birds (more than 848 species);
4% of mammals on earth;
11 of the world’s 15 families of butterflies (more than 500 species);
600 indigenous plant families;
319 species of exotic orchids.

Nepal At A Glance

Area :	1, 47,181 sq.km.
Location :	Situated between china in the north and India in the South, East and West.
Capital :	Kathmandu.
Population :	23.1 Million.
Language :	Nepali is a national language. However travel-trade related people understand and speak English as well.
Currency :	Nepalese Rupee (approximately US$ 1 equals Rs. 64.32 as of May 2008).
Political System:	Multi-party Democracy.
Religion :	Nepal is secular state with a pre-dominance of Hindus and Buddhist Population.
Climate :	Nepal has four major seasons, namely, (1) Winter: December-February, (2) Spring: March-May, (3) Summer: June-August, (4) Autumn: September- November. Nepal can be visited the whole year round.
People :	Nepal has more than 101 ethnic groups and 92 spoken languages.
What to Wear :	Light weight clothing is recommended for May through October. Warm Garments are required in October to March. An umbrella or a raincoat is a must for the rainy season.

Entry Procedures:

Visa procedure

All visitors except the Indian nationals must hold passport and a valid visa. Visa can be obtained at the Nepalese Diplomatic mission and consulates abroad. Visa is also issued at the entry points. If ones visa expires, it can be extended at the department of Immigration, Bhirktuimandap, Kathmandu

Visa Formalities:

- Free Visa for all tourists who visit Nepal only for 3 days.
- Free Visa for tourists of SAARC countries and People’s Republic of China.
- Children under 10 years age need not pay any visa fee. Two passport size photos are essential.

Visa Fee:

Single Entry : US $ 30 days for 60 days.
Multiple Entry : US $ 50 +US $ 30 (*visa fees are case of changing)
Visa fee will be extended subsequently for 30 days upon payment of US $ 30 for a maximum period of 150 days in Visa Year (Jan-Dec)

Visa can be obtained either on arrival in Nepalese Embassy or other Mission offices abroad.
One passport size photograph is required.

Business Visa:

Business visa (with multiple entry) can be obtained from the Department of Immigration for the period of one year or five years upon the recommendation of the ministry of Industries by paying the following amount:

1. One year Multiple visa USD 100/-
2. Five years Multiple Visa USD 250/-)*visa fees are case of changing

Visa will be extended subsequently for 30 days each upon payment of US$ 30 for a maximum period of 150 days in a visa year (Jan-Dec). Two passport size photographs required. Indians do not require visa to visit Nepal. However, they require to be in possession of any one of the following documents while traveling between the two countries.

Indian Nationals:

Indian nationals do not require visa. However, Indians traveling to Nepal by air have to show upon arrival at entry point either a passport, Voter’s Identity card issued by the Election Commission of India, or an identity cad with photograph issued by the Central or State Government of India. Temporary identity card with photograph issued by Nepal-based Indian diplomatic missions for identification of Indian nationals will also be considered in case of exceptions. Children under 10 years need not show any identification. For students between the age of 10-18 years, School/college photo ID Card is valid.

For further information contact to the nearest Nepalese Embassies, consulate offices or refer to: Department Of immigration,Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu Tel: 00-977-1-4223 681 / 4470 650 Website: www.immi.gov.np

ACCESS TO NEPAL

By Air:

Nepal Airlines is the National Flag Carries of Nepal with flights to/from Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Osaka, Shanghai and Singapore. Other International Airlines operating from/to Kathmandu are Austrian Airlines (Vienna), Air China (Lasha), Air Nepal (Bangkok, Doha, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur), Air Sahara (Delhi), Biman Bangladesh (Dhaka), Cosmic Air (Delhi, Dhaka, Kolkotta, Varanasi), Gulf Air (Baharain, Muscat), Indian Airlines (Delhi, Kolkotta, Varanasi), Jet Airways (Delhi), PIA(Karachi), Qatar Airways (Doha), Royal Druk Air (Delhi, Paro), amd thai Airways (Bangkok).

By Land:

All visitors entering Nepal by land must use no other entry points other than
(1) Kakarbhitta
(2) Birjung
(3) Belhiya, Bhairahawa
(4) Nepalgunj
(5) Dhangadi
(6) Mahendra Nagar
(7) Kodari in the Nepal China border.

The overland tourists entering the Kingdom of Nepal with their vehicle must posses an international carnet or complete customs formalities.

Foreign Exchange:

Foreign currencies must be exchanged only through the banks or authorized foreign exchange dealers. The receipts from such transaction are to be obtained and retained. Visitors can exchange money at the foreign exchange counter at the airport upon arrival also. Indian Currency Rs. 500/- and Rs. 1000/- note is not allowed to be brought into Nepal and will not be accepted for transaction of any kind.

Customs Formalities:

All baggage must be declared and cleared through the customs on arrival at the entry. Personal effects are permitted free entry. A tourist may bring in dutiable goods, such as tobacco and liquors, within the prescribed quantity free of duty. Carrying narcotics, arms and ammunition are strictly prohibited. Visitors can export souvenirs to their respective countries. The export of antiques requires special certification from the Department of Archaeology, National Archive Building, Ram Shah Path, Kathmandu (Tel:4250686).

Passanger Service Charge + Tourist Service Fee:
Rs. 1,356/- per person for departure to SAARC (South Asian Countries) and Rs. 1,695/- for departure to other international destinations.

Domestic Airlines:

Nepal Airlines has an extensive network of air services to major parts of the country. Besides Nepal Airlines, other domestic airlines (there are more than 18 in operation) provide regular and charter services to poular domestic destinations.

Mountain Flight:

Many domestic Airlines operate breath-taking Everest experience flights for tourists round the year only in the morning. The flying duration is one hour.

Getting Around:

Metered taxies are easily recognized by the taxi sign and black number plates and can be hailed off the street. Micro buses, cheaper than taxies are also available. Battery run EV tempos are also available. No tip is expected. There are regular bus services within the three cities of the Kathmandu Valley operating from Ratna Park (Old Bus Terminal). Similarlly, scheduled bus services for outside the valley operate from the Gongabu Bus Terminal. In addition, one can also hire mountain or motor bikes at nominal rates.

Facilities:

Nepal has every category of accommodation facilities. These range from the international standard Star Hotels and Resorts to budget hotels and lodges. In order to have an assured quality service, it is advisable to use the facilities and services of government registered hotels, lodges, travel agencies, the licensed tour guides only and engage an authorized trekking guide or porter only through a registered travel and trekking agencies.