Nepal
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Nepal known as the land of the majestic Himalayas is a country located between India and China. About 70% of the country is covered by mountains and because of its geography and climate there is a huge diversity of flora and fauna, landscapes and culture. The valleys are covered with small cities, temples and ancient monuments, with a magnificent backdrop of distant mountain peaks. Nepals many rivers, offer excellent opportunities of rafting and the Chitwan National Park is the best place to go in search of the one horned rhino and elusive tigers!
Nepal is a land of diversity and vibrant culture. Majority of the population is Hindu followed by Buddhist and other religions. The official language of Nepal is Nepali but there are also some regional dialects that are spoken in the mountain areas. There are many colourful festivals that are celebrated throughout the year especially during the monsoon season. If you are in Nepal during this time you should try to witness these festivals, which can be a lifetime experience for you. Nag Panchami, Janai Purnima, Gai Jatra, Indra Jatra and Krishna Ashtami are some of the monsoon festivals.
Situated in south of the Himalayas, Nepal has several mountain peaks like Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Dhaulagiri, Makalu and more. This gives an excellent opportunity to tourists for ecotourism and to those fond of mountaineering and some adventure.
Nepal also has many religious destinations and pilgrimage sites throughout the country, like Lumbini the birthplace of Buddha, Swayambhunath, Muktinath, a sacred place for Hindus and Buddhists, and also the largest temple dedicated to God Shiva at Pashupatinath that attract many pilgrims and devotees each year.
Nepal at a glance
Time: GMT + 5:45
Capital: Kathmandu
Country area: 147,516 km2
Population(2018): 2.81 Crores (2018)
Religion: 81% population practise Hinduism
Major Industries: Tourism, carpets, textiles and agro products
Currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR)
Electricity Voltage: 230V/50 Hz (type D and C sockets)
Weather & Climate
In northern parts of Nepal the summers are cool and winters are severe, while in the southern parts the summers are very hot and winters are mild to cold. As you keep going higher there is a drop of almost 6°C for every 1,000 m that you gain in altitude.
Nepal's monsoon season is from June and August and travelling during this period should be avoided. In Kathmandu Valley, average temperature ranges from 10°C in January to 26°C in July and in Pokhara the temperature ranges from 4°C in January to approximately 38°C in June.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Nepal is between October and December as by this time the monsoon spell is over and the skies are clear. The weather remains dry until April.
It gets very cold from December to February especially during the night, but time will also reward you with incredible panoramas and quieter trekking trails, as there are fewer visitors.
During the spring, rhododendrons bloom and the sky is very clear, which is also a good time to visit.
What to pack?
Nepal has extreme weather & temperatures, which can also change at any moment.
Depending on the time and place you want to visit, you should decide what to pack. If you’re visiting during the spring (March-May), you can manage with a simple t-shirt during the day but the nights can get a bit chilly so carrying a light jacket is advisable. In the summer months of June to August, the weather is hot, humid or rainy. Carrying light clothes and raincoat or waterproof jacket will do. If you’re planning to visit Nepal during the monsoon season, you should definitely add an umbrella, a raincoat, sandals or waterproof shoes to your packing list.
If you plan to go hiking don’t forget to get comfortable hiking shoes.
Visiting Sites of Cultural Importance
Nepal is a conservative country and you should keep this mind while packing your clothes. Women should ensure they dress modestly and having bare shoulders or knees can be seen as being disrespectful and will also make it difficult to visit ancient temples or the UNESCO heritage sites.
Visa/Entry Permit
A visa for Nepal can be obtained on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu and at other border entry points. The Department of Immigration, Nepal has been encouraging more tourists’ visits by providing ‘Visa on Arrival’, which is a quick and simple procedure.
In other countries, a visa can also be obtained from the Nepal Embassy or Diplomatic Mission. The Nepali Visa fee, which is USD 30 for 15 days, has to be paid in cash.
Visa / Entry Permit is subject to change and depends on the Government policy. Our team will provide you with the exact details on your query about this important & crucial aspect of your travel.
Do’s & Dont’s