About Nepal

Nepal is a land-locked country situated between to large countries, India in the south, east and west and China in the North. It is a country in the lap of snow clad mountains which chain the territory of it in the north. In the ranges of the snow clad mountains it conceals many - more world famous mountains including Mt. Everest. The name of the highest mountain, Mt, Everest comes immediately after the utterance of the name of this country because of its height in the world.

Nepal is not only a county of world famous mountains but also a country from the cultural and historical points of views. Everyone can find this county as a burning example of the storage of different arts crafted in the temples and monasteries especially in every corners of the Kathmandu valley. Though Kathmandu valley itself is separated physically into three parts known as Kathmandu Patan and Bhaktapur but it is merged into one to show the flourish of art and handicrafts from a long past in the valley.

Numerous ponds and lakes, different National Parks preserving wild lives, great rivers flowing with great current originated from the snow-clad mountains are the additional attractions of this country. Though the country occupies a small area, it is perfectly decorated itself with the natural beauties. So, the visitors do not hesitate to call it a piece of "Paradise".

Nepal offers a year round calendar of activities and events, as varied as High Himalaya Treks, Expeditions, Pony treks and elephant back safari, white water rafting, kayaking and sport fishing, cultural tours and attending dramatic festival ceremonies. What ever the season is there is plenty to do in Nepal and we put together the combination packages that rival any adventure vacation plan in the world.

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Access to Nepal

By Air: The Royal Nepal Airlines (RA) is the National Flag Carrier of Nepal with flight to/from Delhi, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Osaka, Shanghai and Singapore. Other International Airlines operation from/to Kathmandu are Thai International (Bangkok), Qatar Airways (Doha), Gulf Air (Abu Dhabi), Biman Bangladesh Airlines (Dhaka), Indian Airlines (Delhi, Kolkota, Varanasi), Jet Airways ( Delhi), Aeroflot Russian Airlines (Moscow), Singapore Airlines Singapore), Transavia (Amsterdam), Martin Air, Pakistan International Airlines ( Karachi), Druk Air (Paro) Lauda Air ( Vienna) and China South-west Airlines ( Lhasa).

By Land: All visitors entering Nepal by land must use no other entry points other than

(a) Kakarvitta (b) Birgunj (c) Belhiya, Bhairawa (d) Nepalgunj (e) Dhangadi and Mahendranagar in the Nepal-India border and Only from Kodari in the Nepal-China border.

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Climate

Nepal has four climatic seasons. Average temperature in Kathmandu.

a) Spring: March-May [30 °C Days, 12 °C Nights, Occasional Rain

b) Summer: June-August [30 °C Days, 19 °C Nights, Wet

c) Autumn: September-November [25 °C Days, 10 °C Nights, Dry

d) Winter: December-February [18 °C Days, 01 °C Nights, Dry

The best season to come to Nepal are October-December and February-April. October is post monsoon time, thus the countryside is lush green, with excellent visibility and generally balmy temperatures. In February, temperatures area little cooler, particularly at the higher altitudes. The land is dryer and the visibility may not be quite so good, but flowers are in bloom adding wonderful colour to the landscape. The temperature can change very quickly at any time of year when the sun goes behind a cloud, and certainly in the evenings it can be cold. The weather can vary significantly. July-September is monsoon season.

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Entry Procedures: (Immigration Formalities)

Indian Nationals do not require visa. However, effective from October 1, 2000, Indians traveling to Nepal by air have to show upon arrival at entry point either a passport, voter’s identity card issued by Election Commission of India, or and identify card with photograph issued by the Central or State Government of India. Temporary identity card with photograph issued by Nepal-based Indian diplomatic mission for identification of Indian nationals will also be considered in case of exceptions. Children under 10 years need not show any identification.

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Tourist Visa:

Foreigner who intends to visit Nepal must hold valid passport or any travel document equivalent to passport issued by the Govt. for visiting a foreign country prior to apply for visa.

a) Entry : No foreigner is entitled to enter into and stay in the Kingdom without valid visa. Tourist entry visa can be obtained for the following duration from Royal Nepalese Embassy or Consulate or other mission offices or immigration located on entry points in Nepal.

b) Chinese citizen are requested to apply in Royal Nepalese Embassy or other Nepalese diplomatic missions as there is no provision of on arrival visa for them.

1. Visitors who are entering into Nepal first time in a visa year (Jan-Dec):

Tourist Visa Extension:-

A tourist visa can be extended up to 120 days from the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu and Pokhara Immigration Office on request. Thereafter an additional 30 days can be extended from Department of Immigration ensuring that tourist visa cannot be extended more than 150 days.

Visa Extension Fee:

Tourist visa extension fee for 30 days :- US$ 30 in equivalent Nepalese currency.
Tourist visa extention with multiple entry facility :-Multiple entry facility can be obtained paying additional US$ 50 or equivalent convertible foreign currency. The facility will be valid for a visa year (Jan-Dec) if the visa period is valid.

Late fee for not applying extension in time :-
- US$2 in equivalent Nepalese currency per day for the first 30 days.
- US$3 in equivalent Nepalese currency per day for the next 31 to 90 days.
- US$5 in equivalent Nepalese currency per day for more than 90 days.
Gratis visa :-
- Children below 10 yrs.
- Dependants upto the age of 16 years, holding foreign passports of Nepalese parents or either of their parent being a Nepalese citizen.
- Citizen of Nepali origin, after having obtained passport for the first time from a Nepal based foreign mission, until the period of his departure to a foreign country. - Citizens of member countries of South Asian association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the people's Republic of china.
- Any foreigner, who has lived in Nepal up to fifteen (15) days continuously, re-entering Nepal during the same visa year.
- Any foreigner, tourist entering into Nepal for three days or less than that
2. For Sri Lankan pilgrims visiting to Lumbini can get single entry visa for 15 days in US$ 10 or equivalent convertible currency.

Some Important information to tourist : Don't or Do's

A tourist may stay in Nepal up to 150 days in a visa year (Jan-Dec).
A tourist must extend his/her visa before expiry of the visa validity period. A tourist who does not comply with these regulations may be liable of fine and other prosecution as provided in Immigration Act and Rules.
A Foreigner having obtained tourist visa shall not be allowed to work with or without receiving remuneration.
A foreigner shall not be allowed to carry out any work other than that for which purpose s/he has obtained the visa.

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Airport Tax

Nepalese Rupees 1320/- per person for departure to SAARC (South Asian) countries and Rs. 1650/- for departure to other international destinations.

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