Nepal is a trekker's paradise.Its offers excellent trekking options to visitors from the easy walking excursions to the strenuous climb of the snowy peaks. The most rewarding way to experience Nepal's natural embellishment and cultural assortment is to walk through the length, breadth and the altitudes of the country. Trekking in Nepal is a big part of the ultimate Himalayan adventure and a majority of tourists have trekking as a part of their itinerary. Trekking in Nepal is a big part of the ultimate Himalayan adventure and a majority of tourists have trekking as a part of their itinerary.
We offer special adventure with pony trekking in some remote places like Everest, Annapurna, Langtang Helambhu, Dolpo and Lo Manthang(Mustang) valley region which is fantastic in Himalaya areas also Horse riding offers you a unique adventure journey in Nepal to make your Family holiday enjoyable. Due to the country's geographical features many Places in different regions are not accessible. People living there are using horses to travel from place to place, carry food, clothes, medicines and other goods to far, remote areas. Especially in trans-Himalayan region (behind the Tall Mountain or southern rim of Tibetan plateau) where people have adopted horse riding as a culture and most important means for daily. Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and altitude variation. The elevation of the country ranges from 70 meters above sea level to the highest point on earth, Mt. Everest at 8,848 meters, all within a distance of 150 kilometers resulting in climatic conditions from sub-tropical to arctic. This wild variation fosters an incredible variety of ecosystems, the greatest mountain range on earth, thick tropical jungles teeming with a wealth of wildlife, thundering rivers, forested hills and frozen valleys.
Within this spectacular geography is also one of the richest cultural landscapes anywhere. The country is a potpourri of ethnic groups and sub-groups who speak over 92 languages and dialects. Nepal offers an astonishing diversity of sightseeing attractions and adventure opportunities found nowhere else on earth. And you can join in the numerous annual festivals that are celebrated throughout the year in traditional style highlighting enduring customs and beliefs.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
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About Nepal
Nepal history- Nepal has seen many rulers and ruling dynasties. The earliest rulers were the Kirantis who ruled from 9th century B.C. to 1st century A.D. Legends and chronicles mention that the Indian Emperor Ashoka had come to Nepal and visited Lumbini, the place where the Buddha was born, and where he erected a huge stone pillar to commemorate his visit to that spot. The Kirants were replaced by Licchavis who, according to the earliest evidences in inscriptions of the 5th century A.D. found in the courtyard of Changunarayan temple which is about 15 km north east of Kathmandu, ruled this country from 1st century to 9th century A.D. This period is noted for the many temples and fine sculptures built around the Kathmandu valley. The Licchavis were followed by the Thakuris, then came the Malla dynasty. The Mallas ruled focusing mainly on the Kathmandu Valley which has been the residence for most Nepali rulers from time immemorial. No other part of Nepal is as rich in cultural heritage as Kathmandu. Thanks to the exceptionally talented crafts-men, who dedicated themselves to construct the many temples and statues, we have seven world heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley itself. In the 14th century A.D. King Jayasthiti Malla established a rigid social order. His grandson tried in every way to protect his country from suspected enemy states. Unfortunately, all his efforts were fruitless, everything went beyond his control and the country eventually divided up into 50 small feudal states including the three major ones in the valley. Then came the Shah dynasty. King Prithvi Narayan Shah who annexed small principalities including three states in the Kathmandy Valley and unified Nepal in a single kingdom. Recognizing the threat of the British Raj in India, he dismissed European missionaries from the country and for more than a century, Nepal remained in isolation. During the mid-19th century Jung Bahadur Rana became Nepal's first prime minister to wield absolute power. The Ranas were overthrown in a democracy movement of the early 1950s. Today, Nepal enjoys a multiparty democratic system.
Nature
Nepal covers a span of 147,181 sq. kilometers ranging from altitude of 70 meters to 8,848 meters. Mountains, mid hills, valleys and plains dominate the geography of landlocked Nepal that extends from the Himalayan range in the north to the Indo-Gangetic lowlands in south. Mt. Everest, the highest point of the Himalayas is in Nepal.
Physical features also include green paddy terraces, wind-swept deserts, dense forests and marshy grasslands. The country is well endowed with perennial rivers, lakes and glaciar lakes that originate in the Himalayas. Twenty percent of the land in the country is used for agriculture, where 0.49 percent is used for permanent crops, mainly rice.
Climatic conditions of Nepal vary from one place to another in accordance with the geographical features. In the north summers are cool and winters severe, while in south summers are sub tropical and winters mild. The variety in Nepal's topography provides home to wildlife like tigers, rhinos, monkeys, bears, yaks, leopards and different species of insects and birds. Nepal is a home to almost 10 percent of the world's bird species among which 500 species are found in the Kathmandu Valley. The country has managed to preserve some endangered species of Asia in its extensive parks and protected natural habitats. The most abundant natural resource in Nepal is water. Other resources found here are quartz, timber, lignite, copper, cobalt, iron ore and scenic beauty.
Physical features also include green paddy terraces, wind-swept deserts, dense forests and marshy grasslands. The country is well endowed with perennial rivers, lakes and glaciar lakes that originate in the Himalayas. Twenty percent of the land in the country is used for agriculture, where 0.49 percent is used for permanent crops, mainly rice.
Climatic conditions of Nepal vary from one place to another in accordance with the geographical features. In the north summers are cool and winters severe, while in south summers are sub tropical and winters mild. The variety in Nepal's topography provides home to wildlife like tigers, rhinos, monkeys, bears, yaks, leopards and different species of insects and birds. Nepal is a home to almost 10 percent of the world's bird species among which 500 species are found in the Kathmandu Valley. The country has managed to preserve some endangered species of Asia in its extensive parks and protected natural habitats. The most abundant natural resource in Nepal is water. Other resources found here are quartz, timber, lignite, copper, cobalt, iron ore and scenic beauty.
People and Culture
The population of Nepal was recorded to be about 25 million. Ninety percent of Nepalis follow Hinduism, while five percent follow Buddhism and three percent follow Islam. The population comprises various groups of different races which are further divided into different castes. The distinction in caste and ethnicity is understood more easily with a view of customary layout of the population. Some of the main groups are such: Gurungs and Magars who live mainly in the western region; Rais, Limbus and Sunwars who live in the eastern mid hills; Sherpas, Manangpas and Lopas who live near the mountains of Everest, Annapurna and Mustang respectively; Newars who live in and around the capital valley of Kathmandu; Tharus, Yadavas, Satar, Rajvanshis and Dhimals who live in the Terai region; and Brahmins, Chhetris and Thakuris generally spread over all parts of the country. Nepali is the official language of the state, spoken and understood by 100 percent of the population. Multiple ethnic groups speak more than a dozen other languages in about 92 different dialects. English is spoken by many in government andbusiness offices. It is the mode of education in most private schools of Kathmandu and some other cities
Religion
In Nepal, Hinduism and Buddhism are the two main religions. The two have co-existed down the ages and many Hindu temples share the same complex as, Buddhist shrines.
Hindu and Buddhist worshippers may regard the same god with different names while performing religious rites. Nepal has been declared as a secular country by the Parliament on May 18, 2006. Religions like Hindusim Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, and Bon are practiced here. Some of the earliest inhabitants like the Kirats practice their own kind of religion based on ancestor worship and the Tharus practice animism. Over the years, Hinduism and Buddhism have been influenced by these practices which have been modified to form a synthesis of newer beliefs. For centuries the Nepal remained divided into many principalities. Kirats ruled in the east, the Newars in the Kathmandu Valley, while Gurungs and Magars occupied the mid-west. The Kirats ruled from 300 BC and during their reign, emperor Ashoka arrived from India to build a pillar at Lumbini in memory of Lord Buddha. The Kirats were followed by the Lichchhavis whose descendants today are believed to be the Newars of the Kathmandu Valley. During this period, art thrived in Nepal and many of the beautiful woodcarvings and sculptures that are found in the country belong to this era. With the end of the Lichchhavi dynasty, Malla kings came to power in 1200 AD and they also contributed tremendously to Nepal's art and culture. However, after almost 600 years of rule, the kings were not united among themselves and during the late 18th century, Prithvi Narayan Shah, King of Gorkha, conquered Kathmandu and united Nepal into one kingdom. Recognizing the threat of the British Raj in India, he dismissed European missionaries from the country and for more than a century, Nepal remained in isolation. During the mid-19th century Jung Bahadur Rana became Nepal's first prime minister to wield absolute power. He set up an oligarchy and the Shah kings remained figureheads. The Ranas were overthrown in a democracy movement of the early 1950s. The religious festivals is The biggest and most popular festivals are: Dashain, a celebration of Goddess Bhagabati's victory over evil Mahisashur; and Tihar, a celebration of lights dedicated to Goddess Laxmi.
Hindu and Buddhist worshippers may regard the same god with different names while performing religious rites. Nepal has been declared as a secular country by the Parliament on May 18, 2006. Religions like Hindusim Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, and Bon are practiced here. Some of the earliest inhabitants like the Kirats practice their own kind of religion based on ancestor worship and the Tharus practice animism. Over the years, Hinduism and Buddhism have been influenced by these practices which have been modified to form a synthesis of newer beliefs. For centuries the Nepal remained divided into many principalities. Kirats ruled in the east, the Newars in the Kathmandu Valley, while Gurungs and Magars occupied the mid-west. The Kirats ruled from 300 BC and during their reign, emperor Ashoka arrived from India to build a pillar at Lumbini in memory of Lord Buddha. The Kirats were followed by the Lichchhavis whose descendants today are believed to be the Newars of the Kathmandu Valley. During this period, art thrived in Nepal and many of the beautiful woodcarvings and sculptures that are found in the country belong to this era. With the end of the Lichchhavi dynasty, Malla kings came to power in 1200 AD and they also contributed tremendously to Nepal's art and culture. However, after almost 600 years of rule, the kings were not united among themselves and during the late 18th century, Prithvi Narayan Shah, King of Gorkha, conquered Kathmandu and united Nepal into one kingdom. Recognizing the threat of the British Raj in India, he dismissed European missionaries from the country and for more than a century, Nepal remained in isolation. During the mid-19th century Jung Bahadur Rana became Nepal's first prime minister to wield absolute power. He set up an oligarchy and the Shah kings remained figureheads. The Ranas were overthrown in a democracy movement of the early 1950s. The religious festivals is The biggest and most popular festivals are: Dashain, a celebration of Goddess Bhagabati's victory over evil Mahisashur; and Tihar, a celebration of lights dedicated to Goddess Laxmi.
Nepal at a Glence
Area:- 147,181 sq km
Geography:- Situated between China in the North and India in the South
Capital:- Kathmandu
Language:- Nepali
Political System:- Multiparty Democracy.
Population:- 25 million
People:- Nepal has more than 101 ethnic groups and 92 spoken languages
Currency:- Nepali Rupee(Approximately US $ 1 equals Rs 74 as of January 2006)
Geography:- Situated between China in the North and India in the South
Capital:- Kathmandu
Language:- Nepali
Political System:- Multiparty Democracy.
Population:- 25 million
People:- Nepal has more than 101 ethnic groups and 92 spoken languages
Currency:- Nepali Rupee(Approximately US $ 1 equals Rs 74 as of January 2006)
Geography
Nepal is independent country is bounded in the north by the Tibetan autonomous Tibet and in the east ,south and west by India.The lenth of Nepal is 885 km east –westand its breadth varies from 145-241 km north-south.The country can be divided into 3 main geographical regions.
Himalayan Region:- Snow cap region.It is lies 15 percent of the total land area.The altitude of this region ranges between 4877m to 8848 m.It include 8 of the 14 highest peaks in the world.
Hill Region:-This region lies 68 percent of the total land area.It is formed by the Mahabharat range that soars up to 4877m and the lower Churia range.
Tarai Region:- The low land Tarai lies 17 percent of the total land area of the country.
Himalayan Region:- Snow cap region.It is lies 15 percent of the total land area.The altitude of this region ranges between 4877m to 8848 m.It include 8 of the 14 highest peaks in the world.
Hill Region:-This region lies 68 percent of the total land area.It is formed by the Mahabharat range that soars up to 4877m and the lower Churia range.
Tarai Region:- The low land Tarai lies 17 percent of the total land area of the country.
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 Fees:-
Visa duration will be extended subsequently for 30 days upon payment of US $ 30 for a maximum period of 150 days in visa year (January- December)
~ Visa can be obtained either on arrival in Nepal or from Nepalese Embassy or consulates or other mission offices abroad.
~ 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 passport ,voter’s identity card with photograph issued by the Central or State Government of India. Temporary identity card with photographs can be issued by Nepal based Indian diplomatic mission for indentification.For students between the age of 10-18 years school or college photo identity card is valid.
~ Free visa for tourists of SAARC countries and People’s Republic of China.
Visa Fees:-
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
Visa duration will be extended subsequently for 30 days upon payment of US $ 30 for a maximum period of 150 days in visa year (January- December)
~ Visa can be obtained either on arrival in Nepal or from Nepalese Embassy or consulates or other mission offices abroad.
~ 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 passport ,voter’s identity card with photograph issued by the Central or State Government of India. Temporary identity card with photographs can be issued by Nepal based Indian diplomatic mission for indentification.For students between the age of 10-18 years school or college photo identity card is valid.
Access to Nepal
By Air:- Nepal Airlines is the National Flag carrier of Nepal with flights to from verities countries. Other international airlines operating from to verities countries. Please contact the respective airlines for detail information about flights.
By Land:- All visitors entering Nepal by land must use no other entry points other than 1) Kakadvitta 2) Birginj 3) Belhiya,Bhairahawa 4) Nepalginj 5)Dhangadi 6) Mahendranagar and 7) Kodari in Nepal- China border. The overland tourists entering Nepal with their vehicles must possess an international carnet or complete custom 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 accepted for transaction of any kind.
Custom Formalities:- All baggage must be declared and cleared through the custom on arrival at the entry.A tourist may bring in dutiable goods,such as tobacco and liquors,within the prescribed quantity free of duty.Carrying narcotics,arms andammunition are strictly prohibited.Visitors can export souvenirs to their respective countries.The export of antiques requires special certificates from the Department of Archaeology,National Archive building Kathmandu.
By Land:- All visitors entering Nepal by land must use no other entry points other than 1) Kakadvitta 2) Birginj 3) Belhiya,Bhairahawa 4) Nepalginj 5)Dhangadi 6) Mahendranagar and 7) Kodari in Nepal- China border. The overland tourists entering Nepal with their vehicles must possess an international carnet or complete custom 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 accepted for transaction of any kind.
Custom Formalities:- All baggage must be declared and cleared through the custom on arrival at the entry.A tourist may bring in dutiable goods,such as tobacco and liquors,within the prescribed quantity free of duty.Carrying narcotics,arms andammunition are strictly prohibited.Visitors can export souvenirs to their respective countries.The export of antiques requires special certificates from the Department of Archaeology,National Archive building Kathmandu.
