Nepal at Glance

Nepal is a country of great contrasts; Himalayan peaks such as Everest and Annapurna, Kathmandu with its colorful kingdom is situated between India and Tibet and it has 25 million people. Elevations in Nepal vary from about 250 feet in the tropical Terai region to 29,028 feet at the Summit of Mt. Everest. Nepali life is rich in culture and religion which gives it a feel all its own.

Geography: 
The Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal is a landlocked country lies between 80⁰ 4'- 80⁰ 12' east longitude and 26⁰ 22'- 30⁰ 4' north latitude. The total area comprises of 147181 sq. km, its border touches Tibetan Autonomous Region of China in the north and India in the east, south and west. The country is rectangular is shape with almost 885 km east/west length and its varies from 145 to 241 km north/south.

History: 
The Himalaya Kingdom of Nepal is a country of ancient civilization which can be traced thousand of years before the birth of Christ (B.C). During its long glorious history Nepal has remain always sovereign. Although modern Nepal was country made by king Prithivi Narayan Shah of present dynasty after uniting numbers of principalities and conquering the Kathmandu Valley in 1768 AD. There were many glorious dynasties who contributed a lot to its sovereignty, Thakuris and Mallas. In fact most of the monuments, Pagodas and Stupas, Monasteries which stand as an example of our glorious past originated from the Malla dynasty i.e. from 12 to 18 century.

After the fall of Rana Regime in February 1951, after a popular revolution Nepal saw the dawn of democracy. A democratic revolt of 1990 has reinstated the Multi-party democratic system since April 1990. Nepal is now a democratic country with constitutional monarchy according to the new constitution of November 1990.

Time
Nepal is 5 hrs 45 minutes ahead of GMT

Electricity 
Electricity is only found in major towns with 220 volts/ 50 cycles.

Local Currency 
In Nepal Nepalese Rupee is subdivided into 100 paisa. The denominations of currency notes are available In 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 500, 1000. Similarly, coins are available in 1, 2 and 5 rupees, which are in circulation.

Official Weekly Holiday
Saturday and Sunday are official weekly holidays in Nepal. Most of the shops are remains open from Sunday through to Friday, while Museum throughout the valley remains closed on Tuesday and other Government holidays.

Festivals

Climate: Nepal's climate is best described as monsoon. It has been classified into anything between four and six seasons, which are as follows:

1. Winter Season
2. Autumn Season
3. Summer Season
4. Spring Season

Working Hours :
Government offices open from 9 A.M. to 17:00 P.M. in summer and till 16:00 P.M. in winter.

Health:
International certificate of vaccination regarding current inoculation against cholera, typhoid and yellow fever is not required.

Water : 
In Kathmandu, boiled and filtered water as well as mineral water is available in most of the hotels and restaurants. Elsewhere, it is advisable to use water sterilization tablets or stick to tea and soft drinks.

Customs Formalities: 
All bags must be declared and cleared through customs inspection at the port of entry. Visitors are allowed to import the following articles for their personal use.

Cigarettes 200 sticks, Cigars 50 sticks, liquor, one bottle not exceeding 1.15 litre, beer 12 cans; one binoculars; one movie camera with 12 rolls of film or one video camera; one ordinary camera with 15 rolls of film; one tape recorder with 15 tape reels or cassettes; one perambulator, one tricycle; one sleeping bag and one sock.

People:

The Magars live in the western and central hills of Nepal. They had their own kingdoms until the 18^th century and were closely associated with the Hindu Indo-Aryans in the west. Much of their cultural practices have been influenced by Chhetres, and today it is difficult to make any difference in the housing, dressing and farming practices of the two. The Magars have been sought after by the British and Indian armies and a great number serve in the Gurkha regiments.

Another ethnic group closely resembling the Magars in many aspects are the Gurungs. They also live in the western and central hills of the country although further to the east. Of Tibeto-Burman stock, the Gurungs have their own distinct language and practice shamanism . Many find employment in the British and Indian armies.

The Khas are the Bahuns and Chhetris who formed their own kingdoms in the far-west. They are Hindus, and Nepali, which is the country’s official language, was originally spoken by the Khas. Traditionally, the Bahuns were priests and are better educated than most ethnic groups. In fact, many occupy important government and educational posts in the kingdom today. The Chhetris have traditionally been known as warriors. Those living in he higher hills in the far western region lead hard lives because of lack of rain and farming is practiced in the river valleys and on the hill flanks.

The Tharus are one of the original ethnic groups to inhabit the Terai.. The Majhi, Danuwar, Rajbansi, Darai, Satar, and Dhimal also occupy the flat lands. The Tharus have their own unique religion and practice animism. Their culture is especially suited for the hot plains and they are actually immune to malaria. They have Mongoloid features and speak their own language. There is much migration going on in the country now and the cultural definition of the people by area is difficult. Urban population is increasing by 7% each year and most cultures have intermingled.

The Newars constitute an important ethnic group of the capital (Kathmandu Valley). It has rich cultural heritage. The Newars are the indigenous inhabitants of the valley and the creators of the splendid civilization of its three cities - Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. The skillfully - built temples and palaces, delicately-engraved stone and metal images, carved wooden columns and pillars, and the history laden shrines and chaityas of these three historical cities stand testimony to the Newar's artistic achievements.

Religion:

Hinduism: Thousands of gods and goddesses make up the Hindu pantheon. Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva are the three major Hindu gods who have their own characteristics and incarnations. Each god has his own steed which is often seen kneeling faithfully outside that gods temple. Symbolic objects are carries by the multiple hands of each deity which empowers them to perform great feats.

Buddhism: Sakyamuni Buddha is the founder of Buddhism who lived and taught in this part of the world during the sixth century BC. The great stupas of Swayambhunath and Boudhanath are among the oldest and most beautiful worship sites in the Kathmandu Valley.

The spinning of prayer wheels, prostrating pilgrims, collective chants and burning butter lamps are some Buddhist practices often encountered by tourist. a slip of paper bearing a mantra is kept inside the wheels so that prayers are sent to the gods when the wheel is spun. Scenes from the Buddha’s life and Buddhist realms are depicted on thangka scroll paintings which are used during meditation and prayer ceremonies. Many Buddhist followers are seen perfoming these practices in Swayambhunath , Boudhanath, and at other Buddhist sites around the Valley.

More Information

Banks:
Banks are open between 09:00 A.M. to 3:00 p.m, Monday to Friday.

Customs Formalities:
Passengers arriving without any dutiable goods can pass through the Green Channel. Dutiable goods have to be declared at the Red Channel. It is illegal to export goods over a 100 years old. The Department of Archeology has to certify for export any metal statues, sacred paintings and similar objects before being taken out of the country.

Airport Tax:
An Airport tax of Rs. 770 + 565 tourism service charge per passenger is levied on departure to SAARC (South Asian) Countries and Rs. 1100 + 565 tourism service charge to other international destinations. Those flying within Nepal are required to pay Rs. 165 as the airport tax.

Currency and Foreign Exchange:
The unit of the Nepalese Currency is Rupee. One Nepali Rupee is made up of 100 paisa. Nepali Rupee notes come in Rs. 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000. Coins come in paisa 5, 10, 25, 50 Rs. 1 , 2, 5 denominations.

Mountaineering and Rafting:
To scale any of the mountain peaks in Nepal or to raft the Himalayan rivers, climbing/rafting permits are needed which can be obtained from the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Mountaineering Section. However, climbing permit for trekking peaks can be obtained from Nepal Mountaineering Association.

Trekking Permit:
Exciting News for Trekkers & Adventure lovers!!!
Trekking permit is not essential for the general trekking areas such as the Everest, the Annapurna and the Langtang effective from July 17, 1999. Likewise, rafting permit has also been revoked effective from the same date. However, entry fees in the National Parks (Rs 1000 = US$16) and Conservation Areas (Rs 2000 = US$32) remain unchanged. Other than above trekking area, any foreigner intending to trek in any part of Nepal has to obtain a trekking permit from the Department of Immigration through your agent. Trekking is permitted only in the areas specified by the Department of Immigration.

Paying
Foreign visitors other than the Indian nationals are required to pay their hotel bills and air tickets in foreign currency.

Some hints regarding religious matters: Visitors to Hindu temple or Buddhist shrine are expected to be un shoed as a mark of respect. In fact, a pair of open sandals is more convenient and comfortable while visiting the temples and stupas. In some of the temples, entrance may be prohibited for the non-Hindus. Leather articles are prohibited inside the temple precinct. It is better not to touch offerings or persons when they are on way to shrines. Beef is strictly prohibited among the Hindus. No female animal is killed for food. Walking around temple or Stupa is traditionally done clockwise. Generally, temples, Stupas and monuments are permitted to be photographed but it is better to seek permission first.

Social Outlooks: The Nepalese people are friendly and hospitable by nature and the tourists in general will have no difficulty in adjustment ; Since the majority of our people live in rural areas, they have a simple and traditional outlook on life.

Here are few things/pointers to help you:
It is better to be decently clad when visiting any place. Sun and beach wear is not ideal when roaming around the city or village. Brief shorts, bare shoulders and backs may not be appreciated. One need not to be stiff, and overdressed but just comfortably and decently covered.  Do not be offended if a Nepalese lady hesitates to shake hands. In Nepal, people and specially the ladies, do not normally shake hands when they greet one another, but instead press the palms together in a prayer-like gesture known as "Namaste".  Public displays of affection between man and women are frowned upon. Do not do something that is totally alien to our environment. We are hard on drug abuse, trafficking and possession of drugs are taken as serious offences.  Cheap charity breeds beggars but does not solve their basic problem. Therefore, do not encourage beggary by being benevolent.