Nepal

The Himalayan Republic of Nepal lies between Tibet to the north and India to the south, east, west, has always been in high on priority list of travelers, the land of beauty, hospitality and culture, long established tradition in the performing arts and handicraft has been able to give reasons for visitors to make their final destination. The country is among richest in the world in terms of its bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and attitudinal variation. Mt. Everest and Lumbini (birth place of Lord Buddha) are not only two things a tourist should be aware of. The elevation of the country range from 60 meters sea levels to the highest point on earth 8848 meters, all within the distance of 150 km resulting into the climatic conditions from sub-tropical to artic is also always amazes you. The capital Kathmandu is surrounded by hills range from 1340 meters to 2800 meters in height. It is embedded like a jewel among endless rugged mountains. A number of rivers drain towards the centre of the valley and join the holy Bagmati river, which then flows south through the Chobar gorge to finally reach the Ganges. Geologists have confirmed ancient myths that claim the valley once lay under water. For the most visitors to Nepal, the Kathmandu valley is their first arrival points and epicenter of their visit. This small mountain sheltered valley is the historical centre of Nepal, the place where kingdom rose and fell, palaces and temples were built, destroyed and rebuilt and Nepalese art and culture were developed and refined. The three major towns Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur; each have an artistic and architectural tradition that rivals anything you find in the great cities of Europe. Scattered around the valley are hundreds of temples and shrines, traditional village and agricultural scenes of timeless beauty. A great deal is the easily accessible by foot, bicycle, bus or taxi.

Few facts about Nepal.
Occupying only 0.1% of the Earth.
2% of all the flowers on Earth.
8% of the world population of birds more than 848 species.
4% of Mammals on Earth.
11 of world 15 families of butterflies.
600 indigenous plant families.
319 species of exotic orchids.

Economy:
Nepal is largely an agricultural society. It has moved from being an absolute monarchy to a republic democratic country. Another very important aspect of Nepal is its cuisine. It can be hot and spicy. Added to all these; a vibrant cultural life, splendid shaping and tranquil countryside. The valley is the most developed part of Nepal, with network of roads and electricity linking most of the villages. Despite rapid development, however, much of the valley is still devoted to small-scale farming. The availability of improved seeds, fertilizers and extensive irrigation has increased productivity and made it possible to grow wheat as well as traditional rice. The Kathmandu valley is the centre for many traditional crafts. Newari artisans have long exported pottery, brassware and bronze religious artifacts. Kathmandu is also the main focus for visiting tourists, so there has been a large investment in the necessary infrastructure.

Health Insurance:
Your overseas Insurance is the MUST for all sorts travel with us!

Visas and Passport:
Visas are required by all nationalities except Indians and they are available from embassy and consulate abroad, at the border with India or on arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuwan International airport (TIA). You make sure that you have your couple of passport size photographs with you.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport:
Tourist Visa: USD 30.00 will get 60 days multiple entry visas and then for every 30 day it cost USD 30 up to 150 days, which is done at the department of immigration. You are suggested to carry cash for the visa because they do not accept credit card at the visa section.

Official or Diplomatic Visa: UNLP is granted with 30 days visa upon arrival for free of cost and extension will be taken care at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
 
Gratis visa of National passport: 3 days Gratis Visa is grated to all the nationalities by the Government of Nepal upon arrival at the Airport other than the restricted countries; (Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, and Afghanistan) must obtain visa before arrival.
Please refer this government portal for more information. http://www.immi.gov.np

When to go!
Some parts of Nepal are governed by the monsoon patterns, with temperature varying according to elevation. Most visitors want good mountain visibility, but do not forget about festivals and wildlife. Around half of the tourists visit in Nepal in the autumn (late September to late November). The weather is clear and dry, and temperatures are not too cold in high country, nor too hot in Terai. With the pollution and dust washed away by the monsoon rains, the mountains are at their most visible, making this the most popular time for trekking. Two major festivals Dashain and Tihar also fall during this season.

Climate:
Climatic factors are very important in planning when to visit Nepal. The Kathmandu valley has a temperate climate that is pleasant most of the year. Snow is almost unheard of in Kathmandu, although there are frosts. Between October and March it can become quite cold at night 0c and the days become short, although it is sunny and warm between mid-morning and midafternoon say 20c. Visibility is good from October to early February. By April things start to heating up and there are often storms in the afternoon. The real heat and humidity coincide with the monsoon, which usually commences in mid-June. Expect day time temperature around the low to mid-30c and night time temperature between 15c and 20c.
Autumn: September to November
Excellent season as it offers clear mountain views for trekking in all areas.
Winter: December to February
Ideal for trekking in regions below 2500 meters altitude.
Spring: March to May
Nepal's national flower Guranse (rhododendrons) colors the mountains, moderate temperature makes a perfect choice for trekking in hilly regions but trekking in terai can be a little burdensome due to high temperature in the region.

Summer: June to August
Monsoon is in the period. Expect wet, warm and wild trekking during the season. This is the season to see lush green valleys with rice crops and greenest thick jungles

Airports:
Kathmandu is the site for Nepal only international airport, Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).
Where to sit on flight?
If you want to see the magnificent Himalayas as you fly into Kathmandu you must sit on the correct side. Flying in from East Bangkok, Kolkota, Hongkong, Rangoon or Singapore  you want the right side. Flying in from the west New Delhi or Varanasi you want the left side.

Land:
There are four main entry points into Nepal by land: three from India and one from Tibet