Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of biodiversity 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 condition from sub-tropical to Artic.

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.

• 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 US$ 1 equals Rs. 73.00 )

• Free visa for tourist of SAARC countries and People’s Republic of China.

Population
• Single entry – US $ 30 for 60 days
• Multiple entry – US $ 50 + $ 30.

Visa fee will be extended subsequently for 30 days upon payment of US$ 30 for a maximum period of 150 days in visa year (Jan- Dec)
• Visa can be obtained either on arrival in Nepal of from Nepalese embassy of consulate or other mission offices abroad.

• One passport size photograph is required.

For Further Information
Department of Immigration
Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu
Tel: 00977-1-4223681 / 4470650
Website: www.immi.gov.np

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 if India, or an identity card with photograph issued by the central of 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.

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By Land
All visitors entering Nepal By land must use no other entry points other than 1. Kakarbhitta 2. Birgunj 3. Belhiya, 4. Bhairahawa 5. Nepalgunj 6. Dhangadi and 7. Mahendranagar in the Nepal India border and 8. Kodari in the Nepal- China Border. The overland tourists entering the kingdom with their 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/- note is not allowed to be brought into Nepal and will not be exchanged and will not be accepted for transaction of any kind.

Custom 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. Such as tobacco and liquors, within the prescribed quantity free of duty. Carrying narcotics, arms and ammunition are strictly prohibited. ( Tel: 4470110 / 4472266). Visitors can export souvenirs to their respective countries. The export of antiques requires special certificate from the Department of Archaeology, national Archive building, Ram Shah Path Kathmandu. ( Tel. 4250686)

Passenger service charge + Tourist service Fee
Rs. 1,356/- per person for departure to SAARC (South Asian Countries and Rs. 1,695/- for departure to other international destinations.

Domestic Airlines
Nepal Airlines has an extensive network of air services to major parts of the country. Besides Nepal Airlines. Other domestic airlines ( there are more than 18 in operation) provide regular and charter services to popular domestic destinations. 

Getting Around
Metered taxis are easily recognizable by the taxi sign and black number plates and can be hailed off the street. Micro buses, cheaper than taxis are also available. Battery run EV tempos are also available. No tip is expected. There are regular bus services within the three cities of the Kathmandu Valley operating from Ratnapark (old Bus Park). Similarly, scheduled bus services for outside the valley operate from the Gongabu Bus Terminal. In addition, one can also hire mountain motor bikes at nominal rates.

Facilities
Nepal has every category of accommodation facilities. This range from the international standard Star hotels and resorts to budget hotels and lodges. In order to have an assured quality service, it is advisable to use the facility and services of government registered hotels , lodges travel agencies the licensed tour guides only and engage an authorized trekking guide or porter only through a registered travel/trekking agency.

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Telephone Services: Telephone, fax, telex and telegraph services are available at the Nepal Telecommunications Corporation at Tripureshwar. Hotels and private communications centers provide long distance telephone. For calling from outside, country code for Nepal is 977 and the area code for Kathmandu is 1.

Internet Services: Several Internet cafes and communication centers have opened up in the Valley and around the country in the past few years. Visitors only have to find a place they are most comfortable in to use the facilities to keep in touch with home. E-mail and Internet services are also offered by hotels.

Media: Nepali media has sped light years ahead in just a few years time and what used to be a controlled and tight knit community, is so no more. The government audio and television news networks are Radio Nepal and Nepal Television respectively. However, numerous FM radio stations and upcoming regional television stations are dominating the market. Major Nepali daily newspapers are Gorkhapatra and Kantipur, while the English dailies are The Rising Nepal, The Kathmandu Post and The Himalayan. A number of other newspapers and magazines are also available.

Electricity: Major towns have electricity and the voltage available is 220-volts and 50 cycles. Load shedding is sometimes experienced. However, most major hotels have installed their own generators.

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•    Before entering a Nepalese home, temple, and stupa remember to remove your shoes.

•    Be careful not to use your spoon, fork or a hand being used for your eating to touch other's food, plate, cooking utensil or the serving dish. Do not eat from other people's plate and do not drink from other people's bottle or glass. It is considered impure by the Nepalese.

•    Never touch anything with your feet. This is considered an offence among Nepalese.

•    While traveling dress appropriately. Women should specially avoid dressing in skimpy outfits.

•    Seek permission first before entering a Hindu temple. Many Hindu temples do not allow westerners or non-Hindus to enter.

•    Leather articles are prohibited to be taken inside the temple precinct.

•    Walking around temples or stupas is traditionally done clockwise.

•    Take photographs only after receiving permission for the object or person being photographed.

•    Public displays of affection between man and woman are frowned upon. Do not do something that is totally alien to our environment.

•    Remember, many times, when a person shakes his head from left to right, he may mean "Yes".

•    Develop a genuine interest to meet and talk to Nepalese people and respect their local customs.

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