Nepal Travel Guide

Full Name

Kingdom of Nepal

Former Name

NA

Capital City

Kathmandu

Government Type

parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy (since 1 February 2005 parliament has remained suspended and power rests with the palace)

Area Size

total: 147,181 sq km

Time Zone

UTC/GMT +5:45 hours

Climate

Nepal has five climatic zones, broadly corresponding to altitude. The tropical and subtropical zones lie below 1,200 metres, the temperate zone 1,200 to 2,400 metres, the cold zone 2,400 to 3,600 metres , the subarctic zone 3,600 to 4,400 metres, and the Arctic zone above 4,400 metres. Nepal experiences five seasons: summer, monsoon, autumn, winter and spring. The Himalaya blocks cold winds from Central Asia in winter, and forms the northern limit of the monsoon wind patterns.

Geography

Nepal is of roughly trapezoidal shape, 800 kilometres long and 200 kilometres wide, with an area of 147,181 square kilometres. Nepal is commonly divided into three physiographic areas: the Mountain, Hill, and Terai Regions. These ecological belts run east-west and are bisected by Nepal's major river systems. Nepal is roughly the same size as the US state of Arkansas.

Languages

Nepali 47.8%, Maithali 12.1%, Bhojpuri 7.4%, Tharu (Dagaura/Rana) 5.8%, Tamang 5.1%, Newar 3.6%, Magar 3.3%, Awadhi 2.4%, other 10%, unspecified 2.5% (2001 census) note: many in government and business also speak English

Culture

Traditional Nepali folklore retains a strong influence in society and its stories are widely acted out in dance and music. The culture of different ethnic groups is rich in their own ways. The Newari culture is the original and most distinguished culture of Kathmandu. Most of the festivals observed in the country are Newari. The Newar community enjoys its own special cuisine and the Newar people are well known for masked dance that tell stories of the gods and heroes. The associated music is percussion-based, sometimes with flutes or shawm accompanying the intense, nasal vocal lines. The sarangi, a four-stringed, hand-carved instrument is usually played by wandering minstrels.

History

In 1951, the Nepalese monarch ended the century-old system of rule by hereditary premiers and instituted a cabinet system of government. Reforms in 1990 established a multiparty democracy within the framework of a constitutional monarchy. A Maoist insurgency, launched in 1996, has gained traction and is threatening to bring down the regime, especially after a negotiated cease-fire between the Maoists and government forces broke down in August 2003. In 2001, the crown prince massacred ten members of the royal family, including the king and queen, and then took his own life. In October 2002, the new king dismissed the prime minister and his cabinet for "incompetence" after they dissolved the parliament and were subsequently unable to hold elections because of the ongoing insurgency. While stopping short of reestablishing parliament, the king in June 2004 reinstated the most recently elected prime minister who formed a four-party coalition government. Citing dissatisfaction with the government's lack of progress in addressing the Maoist insurgency, the king in February 2005 dissolved the government, declared a state of emergency, imprisoned party leaders, and assumed power.

Travel Information

The national airline is Royal Nepal Airlines (RA). Kathmandu (KTM) (Tribhuvan) is 5.5km east of the city (journey time – 20 minutes). Buses and taxis to the city are available. Airport facilities are bank/bureau de change, duty-free shop, post office, refreshments and tourist information. Departure Tax NPR791 for international flights to Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka; NPR1,130 for flights to all other countries. Children under two years are exempt. Two stretches of the Indian Railway line run to the border with Nepal, where cycle-rickshaws are available for onward journeys. Kathmandu is connected with India and Tibet by new and picturesque highways through the fertile plains of the Terai.

Accommodation

Kathmandu has an increasing number of international-class hotels, which are particularly busy during spring and autumn, when it is advisable to book well in advance. Comfortable hotels can also be found in Pokhara, and the Royal Chitwan National Park in the Terai Jungle. A government tax is added to bills, which varies according to the star rating of the hotel

Visa Requirements

Visas are required by all nationals of the EU, Australia, Canada and USA except transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft on the same day provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport. All nationals of countries referred to above may obtain tourist visas on arrival at the airport. Business can be conducted on a Tourist visa for up to 30 days. Nationals not referred to above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements. Valid passport required by all nationals of countries referred to above. Visas are valid for up to six months from date of issue. Visas are valid for 60 days on first visit to Nepal in a visa year (1 Jan - 31 Dec), but only valid for 30 days when national is visiting Nepal for the second or more time in a visa year. They may be extended in Nepal at the Department of Immigration, Kathmandu, or the Immigration Office, Pokhara. Maximum stay in Nepal is 150 days in any calendar year. For full conditions on visa extension (including charges and conditions), contact the consulate or consular section at embassy. Apply to Consulate or consular section at embassy. Visas can also be obtained on arrival from the Immigration authorities at all entry points (with fees payable in US Dollars) provided travellers are in possession of valid travel documents, two passport photos and the relevant fee.

Getting Around

There is a network of domestic flights linking major towns, radiating from Kathmandu. Many of these offer spectacular views across the mountains. Royal Nepal Airlines operates an extensive range of scheduled internal flights. Other domestic airlines provide regular and charter services to popular destinations. Helicopters can be chartered for various purposes. Nepal Janakpur-Jayanager Railways (NJJR) operates a freight and passenger service in the eastern Terai. Traffic drives on the left. The interior parts of the country are linked with a number of motorable roads. The road system is of unpredictable quality. Many of the mountain and hill roads are impassable during the monsoon season (June to September). There are regular bus services to Kathmandu from all the border points. Tickets may be booked in advance. Buses for the different parts of the country are available at the Gongabu bus terminal, which is located near Balaju. Services are operated by the Transport Corporation of Nepal and by private operators. Deluxe tourist buses are available from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Chitwan. Most of them depart at 0700 from near Thamel in the city centre. Bicycles and motorcycles can be hired cheaply from Thamel, Rani Pokhari and Jhochhen. Motorcyclists require a driving licence. Cyclists should make sure they have a working bell. Cars can be hired in Kathmandu. Chauffeur-driven cars can only be hired in the Kathmandu Valley. Metered taxis are plentiful in Kathmandu; at night, the meter reading plus 50% is standard. Private taxis are more expensive and fares should be agreed before departure. Tempos are metered three-wheel scooters, which work out slightly cheaper than taxis. Rickshaws operate throughout Kathmandu. Fares should be negotiated in advance.

Health & Safety

Vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, meningitis, rabies and typhoid are recommended. Travellers arriving from infected areas require a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Altitude sickness is a real risk for trekkers. There is a risk of malaria between June and September in the low-lying areas including Chitwan National Park, but not in the common trekking areas. Outbreaks of Japanese encephalitis occur annually, particularly between July and December; vaccination is advised. Cholera outbreaks occur and food and water precautions should be followed. Untreated water should be avoided; visitors can buy bottled water or purify their own. Purifying water with iodine is the cheapest and easiest way to treat water. Stomach upsets are likely to be the most common cause of illness in travellers to Nepal; food in tourist restaurants or 'Western' food should be treated with caution as it is often reheated or left to stand out, and drinks or salads can contain ice or have ingredients washed in dirty water. Many trekkers may suffer from altitude sickness above 2,500m; if symptoms persist it is wise to descend as quickly as possible. Standard of care in hospitals varies, but there are traveller's clinics in Kathmandu and numerous pharmacies in the major towns. Medical insurance is essential, which should include air evacuation. The security situation is still uncertain and anyone travelling to Nepal, and particularly to Kathmandu, should be aware that the situation could change rapidly. Violent incidents, including bombings, have continued in 2007 despite the cease-fire. Demonstrations and public gatherings should be avoided, as there is still a high risk of violence. There have been incidences of violent robbery against trekkers and there is an armed Maoist presence on many of the major trekking routes who demand a 'tax' before allowing trekkers to pass. Trekkers are advised to stay on established routes and walk in a group or with professional guides.

National Holidays

23 Jan - Vasant Panchami. 30 Jan - Martyrs' Day. 19 Feb - Rashtriya Prajatantra Divas (National Democracy Day). Mar - Ghode Jatra (Festival of Horses). 4 Mar - Holi. 6 Mar - Shivaratri (in honour of Lord Shiva). 8 Mar - Nepalese Women's Day. 27 Mar - Ram Nawami (Birthday of Lord Ram). Mar/Apr - Chaite Dashain. 14 Apr - Navabarsha (New Year's Day). 2 May - Buddha Jayanti (Birthday of Lord Buddha). 20 Aug - Children's Day. 28 Aug - Rakshya Bandhan (Janai Purnima). 3 Sep - Krishna Janmashtami. 18 Sep - Fulpati Saptami. 19 Sep - Maha Asthami. 20 Sep - Maha Nawami. 21 Sep - Vijaya Dashami. 11 Oct - Laxhmi Puja. 12 Oct - Ghatasthapana. 12 Oct - Gobardhan Puja. 9 Nov - Constitution Day.

Currency

Nepalese Rupee (NPR)

Electricity

220v AC

Working Hours

Office hours: Sun-Fri 9.30pm - 5.00pm. Government office hours: Kathmandu Valley: Mon-Fri 9.00pm - 5.00pm (winter), 9.00am - 4.00pm (summer). Other areas: Sun-Fri 10.00am - 5.00pm (winter), 10.00am - 4.00pm (summer).

Emergency Numbers

228094(Ambulance) 100(Police)