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 60m above sea level to the highest point on earth, Mt. Everest at 8,848 m, all within a distance of 150 km resulting into 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.
Nepal at a glance
Area : 147,181 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 the national language. However travel-trade people
understand and speak English as well.
Currency : Nepalese Rupee (Approximately USD 1 equals Rs. 74.55 as of January
2006).
Political System : Multi-party Democracy with constitutional monarchy.
Religion : Nepal enjoys the distinction of being the only Hindu Kingdom in the
world. However, there is harmonious blending of Hinduism and Buddhism.
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-March. An umbrella or a raincoat is a must for the rainy season.
ENTRY PROCEDURES:
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.
VISA FEE:
Single entry - USD 30 days for 60 days
Multiple entries - USD 50 + USD 30
Visa fee will be extended subsequently for 30 days upon payment of USD 30 for a maximum period of 150 days in Visa year (Jan – Dec)
- Visa can obtain either on arrival in Nepal or Royal Nepalese Embassy or Consulate or other Mission offices aboard.
- One passport size photograph is required.
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 identify card 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.
ACCESS TO NEPAL
BY AIR: The Royal Nepal Airlines (RA) is the National Flag Carrier of Nepal with flights to/from Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Osaka, Shanghai and Singapore. Other International Airlines operation from/to Kathmandu are Austrian Airlines (Vienna), Air China (Lhasa), Air Nepal (Bangkok, Doha, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur), Air Sahara (Delhi) Biman Bangladesh (Dhaka), Cosmic Air (Delhi, Dhaka, Kolkotta, Varanasi), Gulf Air (Abu Dhabi, Baharin), Indian Airlines (Delhi, Kolkotta, Varanasi), Jet Airways (Delhi), PIA (Karachi), Qatar Airways (Doha), Royal Druk Air (Delhi, Paro), and Thai Airways (Bangkok).
BY LAND: All visitors entering Nepal by land must use no other entry points other than (1) Kakarbhitta (2) Birgunj (3) Belhiya, Bhairahawa (4) Nepalgunj (5) Dhangadi and (6) Mahendra Nagar in the Nepal-India border and (7) Kodari in the Nepal-China border. The overland tourists entering the kingdom with their vehicles must possess an international carnet or complete customs formalities.
|
