About Nepal

Introduction
Nepal is one of the most popular destinations for the Tourists from all over the world. Because there are few countries in the world fascinating like Nepal. Eight of the world's ten tallest peak (including Mt. Everest) are located here. The country is however distinguished not only for its high mountains, but also for its unique cultural heritage, artistic monuments and exotic wild life, which are reflected in the country's languages, architecture and bio- diversity.
Nepal is the confluence of two great religions- Hinduism and Buddhism. It is a land where Buddha was born more than 2500 years ago.

Geography
The Kingdom of Nepal covers an area of 147,181 square kilometers. Nepal lies between 80.4, east longitude and 26.22, and 30.27, north latitude. The length of this country is 885 kilometer east to west, its breadth varies from 145 to 240 kilometers north south. Nepal is surrounded by big two countries of Asia. In north is Tibet Autonomous Region of China and East, West and South is India.
The three main geographical regions of Nepal are Himalayan Region, Mountain Region and Terai Region. Among them more than 83% land of this country is covered by Mountain and Himalayan Region and only 17% land is covered by plain lands in Terai Region of this country. This is the main fertile land of this country and where the main wildlife parks are located.
Similarly, Nepal is also very rich in its flora and fauna. Here are more than 800 species of birds and 30 species of large animals like Tiger and Rhinoceros etc.

Climate
The climate of this country varies from place to place depending upon the topography of the particular place. In the Terai Region, which lies in southern part of this country has hot and humid climate. The Midland Regions are pleasant almost all year around, where as northern region of this country is concern, above 3500 meter has an alpine climate.
Nepal has mainly four seasons:
Spring: From March to May. (Warm)
Summer: From June to August - It is Monsoon season, when the hills turn lush and green, this season is hot and rain almost everyday. This is very difficult to do Trek in this time of the year.
Autumn: September to November- It is the best time to do Trekking in Nepal, because the season is cool with clear sky.
Winter: December to February- It is cold at night and fog early in the morning.

Population
The population of this country is about 23 million. The growth rate is 2.6% per year and life expectancy is 60 years. There are 5 childrens in an average per family.
The literacy rate is 40% in Nepal. But the literacy rate of the girls far below than boys, because people prefer to send boys in the school than girls.

People
Nepal is made of different races, tribes, living in the different regions, wearing different custom and speaking different languages and dialects. In the southern part of this country, there are Tharus, Satars, Dhimals and Rajbansis. They are the people of Indo - Aryan group, migrated from the northern India to Nepal. In Northern region of this country, there are Sherpas, Rais and Limbus, they are the Tibet-Burman group. Where as in the Kathmandu valley, main inhabitants are Newars, they are the mix of Indo-Aryan and Tibeto-Burman. The Bramhans, Chetris and Thakuris are spread over generally most part of the country.

Entry
Procedure and Visa: All visitors except than Indian nationals must hold passport and valid visa, visa can be obtained at the Nepalese Diplomatic Missions and Consulate abroad. Visa is also issued at the entry points, visa can be extended at the Department of Immigration, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu (tel. 4223590).
Children under 10 years need not to pay any visa fee. Two passport size photos are essential. The visa fee is US$ 30.00 for single entry and US$ 50.00 for multiple entries. Business visa (with multiple entry ) can be obtained from the Department of Immigration for the period of one year or Five years upon the recommendation of the ministry of industry by paying the equivalent of US$ 100.00 &US$ 250.00 respectively in Nepalese currency for the foreign Investors.

Currency
Regulation: Foreign visitors other than the Indian Nationals are required to pay their hotel bills and air tickets in the foreign currency. However the other payment must always be made in Nepalese currency, which can be bought at the foreign currency exchange counter at the airport. The foreign currency also can be exchanged in hotels, different banks and counter of foreign exchange dealers.

Foreign exchange dealers
The unit of Nepalese currency is called RUPEES. The rate of exchange of foreign currencies determined by Nepal Rastra Bank and is published in the press daily. The current rate is
US$ 1. = Rs.74.00 (as per 24th July 06)
Euro 1 = Rs. 92.00

Pre- Departure Information to the Visitors.

Cost -Include: - Accommodation in twin sharing on Bed &Breakfast basis in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Tibet and India during tour program. Full Board during rafting, Chitwan National Park, Darjeeling, Sikkim Tour, Trekking in Nepal, Tibet ,Bhutan, Ground Transportation & sight seeing tours with English speaking Guide as per programs, Entrance Fees, Trek permits, National Park Entrance fee for trek, To/From trek transfer, government Taxes & Tibet Visa Fee.

Cost -Excludes :-
Air-Fare, Beverage, charge for taking photos, Airport Tax, Tourism Service Fee, Mountain Flight, Nepal Visa & re-entry visa ,Bhutan visa fee US$ 20.00 (can be paid upon arrival directly by clients with 3 passport size photographs.) Tourism Development Fees (Bhutan) US$ 10.00 per person, personal nature expenses. Any extra cost involved in transportation on the road in case of landslides, porter charge, emergency rescue, extra cost due to the flight cancellation etc.

Booking:-

Nepal:
At least 2 weeks prior of the tour, booking with name list and 50% payment of tour should reach us.

Tibet:
At least 3 weeks prior of the tour, a booking with full passport details including date of birth, occupation, home address and all payment of tour should reach us.

Bhutan:
Booking for Bhutan tour should reach us eight week in advance with passport details and 50% of tour cost. 30 days prior to the tour, full payment must be made for confirmed booking.

Entry Procedure & Visa rule in Nepal:

Gratis visa for all tourists, who visit Nepal for 3 days or less.
Gratis visa for tourists of SAARC countries and Peoples Republic of China.
Visa Fee: - Single Entry- US$ 30. For 60 days.
Multiple Entries: US$ 50. + US$ 30. Visa will be extended subsequently for thirty days each upon payment of US$30 for a maximum period of 150 days in a visa year. s(Jan - Dec. ).
Visa can be obtained either on arrival in Nepal or from Royal Nepalese Embassy or Consulate other Mission Office abroad. Two passport size photographs required.

Cancellation:

Nepal :- A cancellation fee will be charged depending upon the proximity to the trip departure, Tibet and Bhutan 50% cancellation fee will be charged for conformed booking within two weeks prior to departure, no refund thereafter.

Insurance:
Cost does not include any insurance against accident, injuries, sickness, evacuation (in case of necessary), and trip cancellation. All visitors are highly recommended to insure covering such incidents in their home country, beside this all tour/trekking crew are insured by us.

Health and Altitude problem:
Any one who is in good health & mentally prepared can take part in our tour and trekking programs. Traveling in Tibet involves high altitude and can be strenuous. Person with heart & lung problem, or blood diseases should consult the doctor before booking the trip. Very rare cases of altitude sickness have been reported. Simple headache, fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorder can be happen before the acclimisation