The Kingdom of Nepal is one of the most diverse and beautiful places on earth and it is rich in history home to more than 80 different groups of people and generally unaffected by the modern ways of the western world. With the world's 10 highest mountains, lush tropics, arctic tundra, high deserts, compressed into 147,100 square km., there is always another mesmerizing place for us to take you to quickly.


And unlike other Asian destinations, you can visit Nepal any time of year. If fascinating cities and ancient architecture is what you seek, take a journey back in time to today's Kathmandu, the Kingdom's capital and travel crossroads. Shop at its bazaars, visit its countless temples, walk the grounds of ancient palaces, or have a cup of tea at one of the many tea stands that offers people watching like you have never known it. When you're ready for something more rural, we can take you south to the Terai, Nepal's agricultural home where farming is still carried out by hand and fields plowed by ox and to Royal Chitwan National Park where Bengal tigers, elephants and rhinos rule the land. Western Nepal is the most remote and least-known region of the Kingdom, and of course, the Himalayas which separate Nepal from neighboring India, Bhutan and Tibet.


There is something about a trek, peak climbing and mountaineering expeditions in the Himalaya that draws you back time and time again. For keen walkers and climbers it is a paradise and even avowed non-walkers find that one foot just seems to follow the other, drawn by the appeal of what lies beyond. Nepal's population of around 20 million people is a blend of Hindu, Buddhism and animist religion. Nepal is a mosaic of cultures, ethnic groups and languages. It is remarkable that in a country of this size there are over 30 different ethnic groups, with at least as many languages. One million people live in the Kathmandu Valley, but at least ninety percent of the population live in the rural areas of the lower and middle hills of the Himalayan Range. Nepal is predominantly a simple rural society and a trek in the foothills of the Himalaya is a strong cultural experience as we spend time with our crew and meet local village people.


Democratic Republic of Nepal


On the 28th May 2008, the constituent assembly voted in overwhelming favour of abolishing the Monarchy in Nepal. Nepal has been proclaimed a "Federal Republic State" to be known as the "Democratic Republic of Nepal". This historic development followed the first elections held since 1999 after a ceasefire agreement between the government and the Maoists was signed in November 2006, putting an end to 10 years of instability in the Kingdom. The Maoist party won the largest share of votes in the elections at approx. 35%, and now form the largest part of the constituent assembly. The announcement of the abolishment of the Monarchy also brought an end to 240 years of Royal rule in the country. Today the general feeling amongst Nepalis is a positive one, and many believe that Nepal is now finally moving forward with a new identity as a democratic nation and a fresh outlook.


TRAVEL NOTES


Air Accessibility and International Airlines


Tribhuvan International Airport is the only international airport in Nepal. Nepal Airlines- the national flag carrier of Nepal and other International Airlines operates direct flights to Kathmandu from Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi, Bangkok, Dhaka, Doha, Dubai, Hong Kong, Karachi, Lhasa, Osaka, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Vienna, Muscat, Bahrain, Paro, Sarjha.
The International Airlines operating their direct flight to Kathmandu includes: Nepal Airlines, Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Air Sahara, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, China South-West Airlines, Air China, Druk Airlines, Royal Bhutan Airlines, Pakistan International Airlines, Thai international, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, Austrian Airlines, Korean Air, GMG Airlines, Air Arabia and other airlines connecting to Nepal are Aeroflot Soviet Airlines, Air France, Air India, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Dragon Air, Emirates Air, Euralil, Japan Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Lufthansa, Northwest Airlines, Qantas Airlines, Royal Brunei Airlines, SAS, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Transavia, United Arab Emirates, China Airlines, Delta Air, United Airlines, All Italia and Philippine Airlines


Airport tax


There is an airport tax for international and domestic flights. NPR 1356.00 per person for departure to SAARC (South Asian) countries and NPR 1696.00 per person for departure to other international destination. But for Internal (Domestic) sector NPR. 170.00 per person.


This Airport Tax is equally applicable to Nepalese as well as non-Nepalese citizens flying from Nepal.


Customs Formalities


All baggage must be declared and cleared through the customs of the port of entry. Personal effects are permitted free entry. The duty on articles brought by the visitor varies according to the volume and value of the goods. A tourist may bring in dutiable goods, such as tobacco and liquors, within the prescribed quantity free of duty. Carrying narcotic, arms, ammunition are strictly prohibited.


Tourists are required to fill up disembarkation and embarkation cards upon their arrival and departure.


Green Channel


Passengers arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) without any dutiable goods can proceed through the Green Channel for quick clearance without a baggage check. If you are carrying dutiable articles, you have to pass through the Red Channel for detailed customs clearance.


Import


Apart from used personal belongings, visitors are allowed to bring to Nepal free of duty cigarettes (200) or cigars (50), distilled liquor (one 1.15 liter bottle), and film (15 rolls). You can also bring in the following articles free of duty on condition that you take them out with you when you leave: binoculars, movie or video camera, still camera, laptop computer, and portable music system.


Export


It is illegal to export objects over 100 years old (sacred images, paintings, manuscripts) that are valued for culture and religious reasons. Visitors are advised not to purchase such items as they are Nepal's cultural heritage and belong here. The Department of Archaeology at Ramshah Path near Singha Durbar has to certify all metal statues, sacred paintings and similar objects before they are allowed to be sent or carried out of the country.


By Land


The entry points at Nepal-India border are; Kakarbhitta, Birgunj, Belahiya (Bhairahawa), Nepalgunj, Dhangadi, and Mahendra Nagar. The only entry point at Nepal-China border is Kodari.


Travel Insurance


It is advisable to acquire insurance policy to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, cancellation and in the unlikely event that you need emergency evacuation by plane or helicopter due to illness or accident.


Also prior to the start of the trip we request you to sign the risk and release form provided by us.


Traveling in Nepal


Currency and Foreign Exchange


The unit of the Nepalese Currency is Rupee. One Nepali Rupee is made up of 100 paisa. Nepali rupee notes come in Rs. 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000 denominations and Rs. 1 and 2 in coins. Foreign visitors other than Indian nationals are required to pay their hotel bills and air tickets in foreign currency. However the other payments must always be made in Nepalese currency which can be bought at the foreign exchange counters at the airport or from the ATM. The foreign currency exchange counters of different banks are also opened at different places in the city. Foreign currencies must be exchanged only through the banks or authorized foreign exchange. When exchanging money at the banks or the hotel counter always ensure that you are given an exchange receipt as this is essential for converting your rupees to hard currency on your departure. A maximum of 15% can be converted to hard currency on your departure. Tourists other than Indian are not allowed to import or export the Indian currency. The exchange rates of the foreign currencies are determined by the Nepal Rastra Bank and are announced in the press daily. Nepal currency is not applicable in India.


Indian currency of INR 500 and INR 1000 note is not allowed to be brought into Nepal and will not be exchanged and will not be accepted for transaction of any kind.


Banks


Banks are open 9 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday, Nepal Bank Ltd. on New Road (Ph: 4221185) is open 7 am to 7 pm all days of the week. The Kantipath branch (Ph: 4227375) is open 9 am to 3.30 pm Monday through Friday, 9 am to 1 pm on Saturday, and closed on Sunday. Rastriya Banijya Bank exchange counter at Bishal Bazaar (Ph: 4223776) is open 9 am to 3 pm daily except holidays.


Domestic Airlines


Nepal Airlines operates an extensive network of air service in the interior parts of Nepal. It has scheduled connection flights from Kathmandu to TapIeJung, Bhadrapur, Rajbiraj, Bhojpur, Phaplu, Lukia, Lamidanda, Tunmlingtar, Rumjatar, Biratnagar, Simra, Janakpur, Ramechhhap, Bharatpur, Meghauli, Pokhara, Jomsom, Manang, Baglung, Bhairahawa Nepalgunj, Chaurjhahari, Surkhet, Dang, Dolpa, Jumia, Bajura, Baitadi, Dipayal, Darchula, Mahendranagar, Dhangadi, Tikapur and Sanfebagar. Beside Nepal Airlines other domestic airlines such as Yeti Airways, Gorkha Airlines, Sita Air, Buddha Air, Agni Air, Shangrila Air also provide regular and charter services to different popular destinations.


Helicopter Services
Most remote tourist destinations are easily accessible by chartered helicopter services. Some of the helicopter service providers are Manang Air, Shree Airlines, Karnali Air, Dynasty Aviation, Fishtail Air and more.


Charter Air-services
Permission for chartered air services is easily obtained from the Department of Civil Aviation.


Permit for Trekking
Any foreigner intending to trek in any part of the Republic of Nepal shall have to obtain a trekking permit from the Department of Immigration, Maitighar and permits are issued for trekking in any part of the country except in areas restricted for the foreigners by government regulation.


Photography
Except in some places, photography is generally allowed everywhere. However bring or buy plenty of film in the bigger cities and take this with you. It can be hard in the remote areas to acquire any film.


Newspapers and Magazines
The major newspapers in Kathmandu are:
The Rising Nepal (Daily) - English,
The Kathmandu Post (Daily)- English
Gorkhapatra (Daily)- Nepali,
Kantipur (Daily)- Nepali.
Besides a number of other newspapers and magazines local and international are also available in the book stalls.


Department of Tourism
His Majesty's the Government of Nepal; Department of Tourism runs information centers at its office and at the following places:
1. Tourist Information Centre, Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.
2. Tourist Information Centre, Basantapur, Kathmandu.
3. Tourist Office, Airport, Pokhara.
4. Tourist Information Centre; Birgunj.
5. Tourist Information Centre, Bhairahawa.
6. Tourist Information Centre, Kakarbhitta.
7. Tourist Information Centre, Janakpur.