Nepal:
Lets start with general information about Nepal, Nepal is located between the latitude 26*22′ to 30*27′ North and longitude 80*4′ E to 88*12′ East, and elevation ranges from 90 to 8848 meters. The average length is 885 km east to west and the average breadth is 193 km from north to south Situated in the lap of the Himalayas.
The country is bordering between the two most populous countries in the world, India in the East, South, and West, and China in the North.
Nepal is a land locked country and home place of natural beauty with traces of artifacts. The Northern range (Himalayas) is covered with snow over the year where the highest peak of the world, The Mount Everest, stands.
The middle range (Hill) is captured by gorgeous mountains, high peaks, hills, valleys and lakes.
Southern range (Terai) is the gigantic plain of alluvial soil and consists of dense forest area, national parks, wildlife reserves and conservation areas.
The temperature and rainfall differ from place to place. In the geographic diversity and varied climatic conditions 26.5 million people of more than 60 caste/ethnic groups are accommodated in the country.
Nepal presents an example of being united in diversity over the history and has maintained its’ pride as being an independent sovereign state.
Geographically, the country is divided in three regions; Mountain region, Hilly region and Terai region.
There are 5 development regions and 75 administrative districts. Districts are further divided into smaller units, called Village Development committee (VDC) and Municipality.
Population
The beauty of Nepal does not only emanate from the mountains themselves but also by discovering the generous population of people from a multitude of ethnic groups.
Newars, Magars, Tamangs, Sherpas, Gurungs, and Tharus, are a few of the groups whose lifestyle has not changed for generations. The ethnicities are dispersed throughout the country.
The population of Nepal is divided into two large groups: the “Tibeto-Nepalese” who are located in the mountains and the “Indo-Nepalese” who occupy the plains and the Terai valley. The official language is Nepali but more than 36 different dialects exist.
Religion
Hinduism is the largest religious group in Nepal believing that happiness lies in the identification of Brahman (the universal heart) and Atman (the individual heart). The heart is immortal and is reincarnated according to the merits of previous lives.
Human beings are reincarnated to a higher or lower caste according to their behavior. Three principal gods are worshipped: Vishnu, who symbolizes knowledge, and the preservation and protection of life; Shiva, the god of destruction and regeneration; and Brahman: the venerated creator of all things.
Buddhism is the second largest religious group in Nepal. It was founded by Siddhartha Gautama who was born in Lumbini, Nepal. After several years, the Buddha became enlightened and is known as the Awakened One. Buddhism seeks to escape the cycle of suffering and rebirth through following the four noble truths and the noble eight fold path.
Nepali Dress
Daura-Suruwal, typically termed as ‘Labeda-Suruwal’ is the traditional Nepali dress. The dress has several religious beliefs identifying its designs and has therefore remained the same from the years.
The Daura has eight strings that serve to tie itself up around the body. Eight is the lucky number in Nepali mythology.
Also, the Daura has five pleats or Kallis, signifying Pancha Buddha or Pancha Ratna. And the closed neck of the Daura signifies the snake around the Lord Shiva’s neck.
The Nepali dress for women is a cotton sari (Guniu) that is gaining great popularity in the fashion world.
Rituals
The main rituals followed in Nepal are naming ceremony, rice-feeding ceremony, tonsure ceremony, ceremony of giving Nepali Sari (Guniu), and marriage ceremony and funeral rite.
The rituals are still prevailing in society and are performed with zeal. Different ritual experts have different roles in these rituals.
Cultural Sites
Astonishing enough, seven out of the ten world heritage sites in Nepal are termed cultural by UNESCO. Thus, the stupas, monasteries, temples and architecture are all representatives of the rich cultural heritage of Nepal. The following are the cultural world heritage sites of Nepal.
- Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Patan Durbar Square
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square
- Changunarayan Temple
- Swayambhunath Stupa
- Pashupatinath Temple
- Lumbini
- Bouddhanath Stupa
To explore more about Cultural sites Click Here
Apart form the world heritage sites there are other pilgrimage sites in Nepal that hold great cultural importance. A tour to these places will make you familiar with the rich Nepali culture.
- Barah Chhetra, Halesi Mahadev, Janakpur, Pathibhara, Tengboche in East Nepal
- Manakaman, Gorkha, Lumbini, Muktinath, Gosainkunda, Tansen, Kathmandu Valley in Central Nepal
- Swargadwari, Khaptad Ashram in West Nepal are famous pilgrimage sites in Nepal
Visa Information
A visa is necessary to enter Nepal (except for Indians) and can be obtained for the following duration from any Nepali Embassy or Consulate or at the entry points in Nepal. (You could easily obtain Nepal visa at your arrival in Tribhuwan International airport –TIA)
Following types of tourist visas may be obtained
| Type of Visa | Visa Valid for | Fee |
| Multiple Entry | 15 Days | US$ 30/- |
| Multiple Entry | 30 days | US$ 50/– |
| Multiple Entry | 90 days |
US$ 125/- |
Important Information
1. Once the visa is issued, it will not be amended, revalidated and visa fees will not be refunded.
2. Personal cheques and credit cards are not accepted for visa fees.
3. Visitors may also obtain tourist visa at major arrival points in Nepal including Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu. Requirements at arrival: 2 PP size photos, complete prescribed visa form available at entry point.
4. Visa fees effective from 12 February 2009
5. Children under the age of 10 shall be issued visit visa free of cost.
6. A visa year covers a period from 1 January to 31 December each year.
Entry validity:
Six months from the date of issue. The validity of visa dates is counted from the date of arrival in Nepal.
Visa Extension:
A tourist visa can be extended from the Department of Immigration Kathmandu and Pokhara Immigration Office for a total of 120 days. An additional 30 days visa may be granted on reasonable grounds from the department. Over the course of a visa year, a tourist cannot stay in Nepal more than cumulative 150 days. You have to pay US$ 2 per day to extend your visa.
Passport
A passport valid for at least 6 more months is required. Make a photocopy of your passport and keep it with you, leaving your passport in Kathmandu.
Welcome at the airport:
On arrival you will be welcomed by one of our representatives carrying a sign for Evasion Trekking who will accompany you to your hotel.
Money
The currency of Nepal is the Nepalese rupee. In Kathmandu there are many places to exchange your money. Exchange your currency for small denominations before leaving for trekking.
Vaccines
No vaccination is necessary to enter to Nepal. However, we do recommend that you are up to date with:
- Polio booster
- Tetanus/diphtheria
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid fever
- Rabies (Optional)
Health
It is advised that you see your personal physician for a full physical examination. We also recommend that you see your dentist. To prepare for trekking, it is helpful to improve your physical fitness and endurance level. Walking, jogging, swimming, or bicycling regularly for two months before your departure will greatly increase your trekking experience.
In Kathmandu, NEVER drink the tap water unless it has been boiled. Avoid ice cubes because the amoebas are resistant to the cold. During the trek you will be able to disinfect spring water with iodine tablets. Do not eat uncooked vegetables or unpeeled fruits.
The best way to protect yourself from mosquitoes is nets, and insecticides / repellent. Wearing long trousers and long sleeves will also help protect you.
Festivals
- Bisket Jatra: Mid-April, at beginning of the Nepalese new year, the festival lasts 8 days
- Matatirtha Aunci: April/May, the Nepalese pay homage to their mothers on the day of the new moon
- Buddha Jayant: Mid-May, Celebration of the Buddha’s birthday
- Da Sahra: May/June
- Nag Panchami: June/July, the celebration of snakes
- Gai Jatra: July/August, in the memory of late family members
- Krishna Astami: August/September, the birthday of Krishna (eighth incarnation of Vishnu) is celebrated after the 8th day of the moon of will Bhadra
- Indrajatra: The end of September and lasting 1 week. The 3rd day of the annual exit of the Kumari goddess
- Dasain: September/October, one of the most important festivals in Nepal. It honors the goddess, Durga, who represents victory over evil
- Tihar: October/November, it celebrates the victory of Vishnu. The festival lasts 5 days
- Machendranath: December/January, celebrating the rain god
- Basanta Panchami: January/February, the return of spring, associated with the Saraswati goddess of knowledge and wisdom
- Shivaratri: February/March, the celebration of Shiva, which is held in Pashupatinath
- Loshar: Tibetan new year, celebrated in Boudhanath
- Holi or Fagu: Dedicated to Krishna, the festival of Holi finishes the year in a celebration of water and colors
- Chaitra Dasain: March/April, a celebration dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati, goats and buffalos are sacrificed in all the temples