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Nepal नेपाल

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Annapurna Massif, NepalAnnapurna Massif, Nepal
photo sourcehttp://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Annapurna_Massif_Panorama.jpg
authorshipDmitry A. Mottl
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Nepal (Nepali: नेपाल) is a small, landlocked country in the Indian subcontinent. It has a total area of 147,181 square kilometers (56,827 square miles), rougly the combined size of Austria and Switzerland. Nepal has a population of about 30 million people. The country shares a border with China to the north, India to the west, south and east. Nepal straddles the Himalayan range. It is roughly 100 km wide and 885 km from west to east. The country has some of the tallest peak in the world within its borders, including Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world.

Sadhus at Pashupatinath Temple, KathmanduSadhus at Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu
photo sourcehttp://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sadu_Kathmandu_Pashupatinath_2006_Luca_Galuzzi.jpg
authorshipLuca Galuzzi - www.galuzzi.it
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Travel Tips to Main Cities in Nepal

  1. Kathmandu - capital
  2. Bhaktapur
  3. Jomsom
  4. Lumbini
  5. Nagarkot
  6. Patan
  7. Pokhara

World Heritage Sites in Nepal

  1. Kathmandu Valley
  2. Sagarmatha National Park
  3. Royal Chitwan National Park
  4. Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha

Mountain Villages on the Annapurna Circuit

  1. Kagbeni
  2. Lo Manthang
  3. Marpha
  4. Muktinath
  5. Pisang
Namche Bazaar, NepalNamche Bazaar, Nepal
photo sourcehttp://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Namche_Bazaar#mediaviewer/File:Namche_bazaar_krish.jpg
authorshipKrish Dulal
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The capital of Nepal, Kathmandu, is the main gateway for tourists to the country. It is located about centre of the country, and slightly to the east. Kathmandu is not only the biggest city in Nepal, it is also the cultural hub of the nation, with many historic sights closely. Tourists come to Nepal for two main purposes, to enjoy the Himalayan range and to enjoy the culture of the country.

Mainstream tourists usually spend a few days in Kathmandu followed by a day or two in Pokhara, a beautiful small town with scenic views of the surrounding mountains. From there, they make excursions to view the nearby peaks. Those staying longer in Nepal embark on trekking holidays into the Himalayas, to places such as Jomsom or the Everest Base Camp. Only a small number actually engage in any form of serious mountain climbing, which is not an endeavour for the inexperienced.

The World Peace Pagoda in Lumbini, NepalThe World Peace Pagoda in Lumbini, Nepal
photo sourcehttp://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Lumbini_Shanti_Stupa#mediaviewer/File:The_World_Peace_Pagoda_-_Lumbini.jpg
authorshiptearsxintherain
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The climate in Nepal is extremely varied. Generally, the best time to visit Nepal are the months of October and March, while for just Kathmandu, the best time is between October to March.

Despite its natural wealth, Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world. This has brought along social and political unrest, which culminated with the abolishing of the monarchy on 28 May, 2008, making Nepal a federal republic. Even with the volatile political climate, tourism in Nepal was only marginally affected, and people continue to visit it, drawn by its pristine beauty and unique culture.

Brimsen Temple in PatanBrimsen Temple in Patan
photo sourcehttp://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Bhimsen_Temple,_Patan_Durbar_Square#mediaviewer/File:Bhimsen_temple_Patan_GP_(8).JPG
authorshipGanesh Paudel
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Nepal Travel Information

Nepal Entry Points

The majority of visitors to Nepal arrive by air, landing at Tribhuvan International Airport about 6.5km from Kathmandu. Tribhuvan is the only international airport in Nepal.

Yaks with Taboche mountain and Cholatse mountainYaks with Taboche mountain and Cholatse mountain
photo sourcehttp://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Duglha_yaks.jpg
authorshipPavel Novak
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Nepal Entry Requirements

Except for Indian nationals, everybody else above the age of 10 require a visa to enter Nepal. Visas are obtainable immediately upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport. Single entry 60-day visa costs US$30, double-entry $55 and multiple-entry $90. You need a passport with at least 6-month validity and two passport-size photographs. Extension of visas cost US$50, and must be applied for before the visa expires, from the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu.

Department of Immigration
phone: 223590, 222453, 223681
email: immigration@most.gov.np
web: http://www.welcomenepal.com
Visa matters: Mon-Fri 9:00am-3:00pm (summer), 9:00am-2:00pm (winter)

Rugged terrain of the Kali Gandaki valley in NepalRugged terrain of the Kali Gandaki valley in Nepal
photo sourcehttp://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:KaliGandaki.jpg
authorshipKogo
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Nepal Health Requirements

Nepal is a poor country and visitors are well advised to consider receiving vaccines for typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B, Japanese encephalitis (if visiting the Terai during June to October), rabies, and if visiting in the winter months, meningitis A/C. You should never drink unboiled or untreated water. Stay away from ice cubes. Avoid eating raw vegetables, uncooked fish and seafood.

Finally, it will also well-advised to purchase travel insurance with emergency evacuation included in the clause.

Nepal Customs

Travellers may bring in 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacca, one bottle of liquor and 15 rolls of film. Also duty-free are personal effects: one pair of binoculars, one still camera, one video camera, one laptop computer and one portable music system. The usual prohibition against firearms, ammunition and narcotics apply, as well as for radio transmitters and walkie-talkies.

You will also need to clear customs when leaving Nepal. Please note that you are forbidden from bringing out any object that is more than 100 years old. Antiques and art treasures require special certificate from the Department of Archaeology, which takes two days to obtain.

The peaks of Dorje Lakpa, as seen from Nagarkot, NepalThe peaks of Dorje Lakpa, as seen from Nagarkot, Nepal
photo sourcehttp://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Nagarkot#mediaviewer/File:Le_Dorje_Lakpa_(Himalaya,_N%C3%A9pal)_(8449549937).jpg
authorshipdalbera
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Nepal Currency

The Nepal currency is called the Nepalese rupee (NRS). Banknotes are available in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 rupees. Two types of coins are available. The higher denomination ones, of 1 and 2 rupees, are gold-toned, while the lower denomination ones, of 50, 25, 10 and 5 paisa, are aluminium ones.

You can change your cash at the airport, at any banks and foreign exchange counters in Kathmandu. There's a Standard Chartered 24-hour ATM in Thamel which you can use to cash your ATM Cirrus card, as well as Visa and MasterCard.

Credit Cards

Credit cards can be used for purchases in Kathmandu without much hassle. Visa, MasterCard, Diner's Club and American Express are widely accepted, though a 5% commission is added for credit card purchases.

Banking Hours
Banks are open from 9:15am to 2:30pm, Mondays to Fridays.

Janaki Mandir in Janakpur, NepalJanaki Mandir in Janakpur, Nepal
photo sourcehttp://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2009-03_Janakpur_05.jpg
authorshipRalf Lotys
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Nepal Public Holidays

Five different types of calendars are used in Nepal. This includes the Western calendar (also called the Gregorian calendar), the Tibetan calendar (Bhot Byalo), and the Vikram Sambat, which is the official calendar in Nepal, and is used in the royal household, in newspapers, public services and by the government. The following are the public holidays in Nepal, according to the Gregorian calendar:

  • Vasant Panchami: January, date varies
  • Martyrs' Day: 30 January
  • Rashtriya Prajatantra Divas (National Democracy Day): 19 February
  • Ghode Jatra (Festival of Horses): March, date varies
  • Holi: March, date varies
  • Shivaratri (festival in honour of Lord Shiva): March, date varies
  • Ram Nawami (Birthday of Lord Ram): March, date varies
  • Nepalese Women's Day: 8 March
  • Chaite Dashain: March/April, date varies
  • Navabarsha (Nepalese New Year's Day): 14 April
  • Buddha Jayanti: Full moon in May, birthday of the Buddha
  • Children's Day: 20 August
  • Rakshya Bandhan (Janai Purnima): August, date varies
  • Krishna Janmashtami: August/September, date varies
  • Fulpati Saptami: September, date varies
  • Maha Asthami: September, date varies
  • Maha Nawami: September, date varies
  • Vijaya Dashami: September, date varies
  • Laxhmi Puja: October, date varies
  • Ghatasthapana: October, date varies
  • Gobardhan Puja: October, date varies
  • Constitution Day: 9 November

    Womenfolk preparing bonfire for the Holika Dahan spring festival in Kathmandu, NepalWomenfolk preparing bonfire for the Holika Dahan spring festival in Kathmandu, Nepal
    photo sourcehttp://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Holika_Dahan,_Kathamandu,_Nepal.jpg
    authorshipEkabhishek
    photo licensing

    Using the Telephone in Nepal

    The country code for Nepal is 977. Here are some telephone area codes in Nepal:

    Newspapers

    More Sights in the Kathmandu Valley

    1. Astura Cave
    2. Bagh Bhairav Mandir
    3. Balaju
    4. Banepa
    5. Bishankhu Narayan
    6. Budhanilkantha
    7. Bungamati
    8. Chabahil
    9. Chandeshwari Mandir
    10. Changu Narayan
    11. Chilanchu Vihar
    12. Chobhar Gorge
    13. Dakshinkali
    14. Dhulikhel
    15. Godavari
    16. Ichangu Narayan
    17. Jal Binayak
    18. Kakani
    19. Karya Binayak
    20. Khokana
    21. Kirtipur
    22. Lele
    23. Mahadev
    24. Nagarjun Ban
    25. Nala
    26. Namo Buddha
    27. Shekh Narayan Mandir
    28. Sunakothi
    29. Panauti
    30. Pharping
    31. Phulchoki
    32. Sankhu
    33. Thecho
    34. Tika Bhairav
    35. Uma Maheshwar Mandir
    36. Vajra Varahi

    Cities and Sights between Kathmandu and Pokhara

    1. Bhagwati Mandir
    2. Daman
    3. Dumre
    4. Gorkha
    5. Manakamana
    6. Mugling
    7. Nuwakot

    Sights on the Annapurna Trek

    1. Annapurna I
    2. Annapurna Base Camp
    3. Annapurna Sanctuary
    4. Bagarchhap
    5. Beni
    6. Bhratang
    7. Birethani
    8. Braga
    9. Chame
    10. Chulu Central
    11. Chulu Gundang
    12. Chulu West
    13. Dhaulagiri I
    14. Ghale
    15. Ghandrung
    16. Ghanpokhara
    17. Ghasa
    18. Ghorapani
    19. Himal Chuli
    20. Hiunchuli
    21. Khangsar
    22. Lo Manthang
    23. Machhapuchhre
    24. Manaslu
    25. Mardi Himal
    26. Pisang Chuli
    27. Siklis
    28. Singu Chuli
    29. Tatopani
    30. Tharpu Chule

    Sights on the Langtang-Gosainkund-Helambu Trek

    1. Besisahar
    2. Betrawati
    3. Chautara
    4. Dhunche
    5. Gorkha
    6. Gosainkund
    7. Gosainkund Lakes
    8. Gosainkund Lekh
    9. Helambu
    10. Kyanjin
    11. Langtang National Park
    12. Laprak
    13. Larkya Himal
    14. Larkya La
    15. Manaslu
    16. Melamchigaun
    17. Panch Pokhari
    18. Syabru

    Sights in the Everest Region

    1. Beding
    2. Changtse
    3. Cho Oyu
    4. Duglha
    5. Everest Base Camp
    6. Gokyo
    7. Imja Tse (Island Peak)
    8. Jiri
    9. Junbesi
    10. Khumbu
    11. Kongma Tse
    12. Kusum Kangguru
    13. Kwangde Ri
    14. Lho La
    15. Lobuche East
    16. Lukla
    17. Mera Peak
    18. Namche Bazar
    19. Pangboche
    20. Parchamo
    21. Pokalde
    22. Pumo Ri
    23. Ramdung
    24. Sagarmatha National Park
    25. Thame
    26. Thyangboche

    Sights East of Everest

    1. Bhojpur
    2. Chainpur
    3. Dobhan
    4. Ghunsa
    5. Kabeli Khola
    6. Kanchenjunga
    7. Lhonak
    8. Makalu
    9. Makalu Base Camp
    10. Taplejung
    11. Tumlingtar

    Cities and Sights of the Terai

    1. Bardia National Park
    2. Bharatpur
    3. Biratnagar
    4. Birganj
    5. Chisapani
    6. Chitwan National Park
    7. Devghat
    8. Dhangarhi
    9. Dharan
    10. Janaki Mandir
    11. Janakpur
    12. Kakarbhitta
    13. Kapilavastu
    14. Kosi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
    15. Mahendranagar
    16. Narayanghat
    17. Nepalganj
    18. Sauraha
    19. Siddharthanagar
    20. Sukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve

    Cities and Sights of the Remote West

    1. Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve
    2. Dipayal
    3. Dolpo
    4. Dunai
    5. Humla
    6. Jumla
    7. Khaptad National Park
    8. Munchu
    9. Phoksundo Tal
    10. Pina
    11. Rara National Park
    12. Ringmo
    13. Shey-Phoksundo National Park
    14. Simikot
    15. Tarakot
    16. Tibrikot

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