Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of natural resour ces and bio-diversity because of its unique geographical position and its altitudinal variation. The elevation of the country ranges from 60m above sea level to the highest point on earth Mt. Everest at 8848m, all within a distance of 150 Km resulting in climatic conditions from sub-tropical to Arctic.
Nepal occupying only 0.1% 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
Quick Facts : -
- 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
Quick Facts : -
Area 147,181 sq. Km
Location Situated Between China in the north and India in the south, east and west
Capital Kathmandu
Population 25.8 million
People Nepal has more than 101 ethnic groups and 92 spoken languages
Language Officially declared national language is Nepali; Travel – trade people
Understand and speak English as well.
Currency Nepali rupee
Political System Federal Democratic Republic
Religion Nepal is secular state with a pre-dominance of Hindu and Buddhist
Climate Nepal has four major seasons (1) Winter: December – February
(2) Spring: March – May
(3) Summer: June – August
(4) Autumn: September – November
Monsoons are from June till mid September. Nepal can be visited the whole year.
What to wear : Light weight clothing is recommended from May through October. ts
are required from October through March. Umbrella and raincoat are essential during rainy season.
ENTRY PROCEDURES
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
Fees to be levied for renewal or regularization of tourist visa
- Nepalese currency equivalent to 2 US dollars per day in addition to renew the validity of tourist visa
- In case where request has also been made for the facility of multiple entry, just valid for the renewal period an additional amount in Nepalese currency equivalent to US Dollars 20 to the fee as referred to in Clause 1.
- In regularizing visa of any foreigner stayed in Nepal without renewal of validity of the tourist visa, Nepalese currency equivalent to 3 US dollars per day shall be levied in addition to the normal amount to be paid for renewal of the validity of visa as per these Regulations.
- Foreigners, who have already overstayed for more than 150 days without renewing the tourist visa shall be levied the fees referred in clause (3) and penalty amount as referred to in section 10(4) of immigration act in addition.
- Not withstanding anything written in clause(1), the period of visa fee shall be levied, for the purpose to renew tourist visa as 15 days and as referred to in clause(1) for more than this.
For further inquiry please contact Department of Immigration (Maitighar, Impact Building, Kathmandu, Tel: 4223681, 4470650, Website: - www.immi.gov.np)
GRATIS (FREE) VISA
- Gratis visa for 30 days available only for tourists of SAARC countries.
- Indian nationals do not require visa to enter into Nepal.
INDIAN NATIONALS
Indian nationals do not require visa. However, Indians traveling to Nepal by air have to show upon arrival by entry point either a passport, voter’s identity card issued by the Election Commission of India, or identity card with photograph issued by the Central or State Government of India. Temporary identity card with photograph issued by Nepal – based Indian diplomatic mission 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 10-18 years age, school/college photo identity card is valid.
ACCESS TO NEPAL:
By Air:
Nepal Airlines is the national flag carrier of Nepal with flights to/ from Delhi, kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Osaka. Other international airlines operating from/to Kathmandu are Air Arabi(Sharjah), Air China(Lhasa, Chengdu), Biman Bangladesh(Dhaka), China Southern Airlines(Guanzhou), Cosmic Air(Delhi, Varanasi), Dragon Air(Hong Kong), Drug Air(Delhi, Paro), Etihad Airways( Abu Dhabi), GMG Airlines(Dhaka), Gulf Air( Bahrain, Muscat), Indian Airlines( Delhi, Kolkata), Jet Airways(Delhi), Jet lite(Delhi), Korean Air(Seoul), Pakistan International Airlines(Karachi), Qatar Airways(Doha), Silk Air(Singapore) and Thai Airways(Bangkok).
By Land:
All visitors coming to Nepal by land must enter only through one of these entry points (1)Kakarvitta ,(2)Birgunj, (3)Belhiya, Bhairahawa,(4) Jamuna, Nepalgunj,(5) Mohana, Dhangadi and (6)Gaddachauki, Mahendranagar in the Nepal – India border and (7) Tatopani, Kodari in the Nepal – China border. The overland tourists entering the country with their entry vehicles must possess 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/- notes are not allowed, will not be exchanged 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 (including tobacco and liquors) free of duty, but only within the prescribed quantity. Carrying narcotics, arms and ammunition are strictly prohibited (Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Tel: 4470110, 4472266). Visitors can export souvenirs to their respective countries. The export of antiques, however, requires special permissions from the Department of Archaeology (National Archive Building, Ram Shah Path, Kathmandu, Tel :- 4250686/7)
PASSENGER SERVICE CHARGE
NRs. 1,356/- is charged per person for departure to SAARC countries and NRs. 1,695/- for departure to other countries. The charge includes airport tax and Tourist Service Fee.
DOMESTIC AIRLINES
Nepal Airlines has an extensive network of air services to major parts of the country. Other domestic airlines (more than 18 in operation) provide regular and charter services to popular domestic destinations. Many domestic airlines operate one-hour, early morning flights every day round the year.
GETTING AROUND
Metered taxis are easily recognizable by the taxi sign and black number plates and can be hailed off streets. Micro buses and battery operated EV tempos, cheaper than taxis are also available. No tip is expected. Regular bus services operate within the three cities of Kathmandu valley from Ratna Park bus terminal. Scheduled bus services for outside the valley operate from the Gongabu Bus Terminal. It is also possible to hire mountain or motor bikes at nominal rates.
OTHER FACILITIES
Nepal has every category of accommodation facilities, ranging from international standard star hotels and resorts to budget lodges. To ensure safety and quality of service, it is advisable to use the services of government registered hotels, lodges, travel agencies, licensed tour guides and hire only authorized trekking guides and porters.
