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NEPAL – General Information
Nepal, the Himalayan Kingdom, offers breathtaking sceneries of huge snowy mountains. Out of the 14 peaks in the world that are over 8000 meters, 8 are in Nepal. The altitude in Nepal ranges from 60 meters above sea level to 8,848 meters (Mount Everest), the highest mountain in the world and all within 150 km. In addition to its geographic diversity, Nepal also offers ancient templates and an impressive cultural experience. Until 1951 no visitors were allowed to enter Nepal, but today many visitors arrive in the country every year.
Festivals in Nepal : Nepal is not only the land of mountains; it is also the land of festivals. There are more than 50 festivals celebrated in Nepal every year. While the national festivals have fixed dates, religious festivals are set by astrologers following the lunar calendar. The best part about the festivals in Nepal is that all the events are celebrated with the same enthusiasm and galore the way it used to be hundreds of years ago when people had no other means of entertainment. Religion Nepal, the only country that is a Hindu state, boasts tremendous religious tolerance of the many faiths practiced within its borders.
Major Tourist Attractions Few destinations in the world can match Nepal in the variety of adventure tourism: be it mountaineering, trekking, mountain biking, nature tours, culture tours, pilgrim tours, white-water rafting, kayaking, canoeing, mountain flights, hot air ballooning, pony trekking, jungle safaris, bird watching, fishing, hang-gliding, ultra-light aircraft ride, bungy jumping, etc. In addition, special interest tours can be arranged, like orchid tours, culture trek, honey hunting, village tours, fossil hunting, meditation courses and seminars, Shamanism-Panimism tour, cave culture, snow leopard and blue sheep trek and many more that take place throughout the year.
Trekking Nepal is the ultimate destination for the trekking enthusiast - offering a myriad of possibilities from the short and easy to the demanding challenges of the snowy peaks. Easy, moderate or rigorous - there is something for every palate. Nepal has aptly been called a "A Trekkers' Paradise" as her terrain - mountains, bills and the Terai-offers some of the most spectacular trekking routes in the world. The immense contrasts in altitudes and climates found here support an equally spectacular mix of lifestyles, vegetation and wildlife. Trekking in Nepal is as much a cultural experience as a Himalayan adventure. In the shadows and foothills of the icy pinnacles of the Himalaya, one passes picturesque charming villages inhabited by diverse ethnic groups. Treks vary from expeditions, high altitude treks to simple easy paced walks. All visitors require a trekking permit to visit Nepal's interior regions not connected by major roads. Although trekking in Nepal can be organized throughout the year, October through May are considered to be the best months for trekking.
Medical Matters and Advice Trekking in Nepal need not be considered risky affair as far as your health is concerned. But very little medical care along the trail is available, so make sure you are physically fit and healthy before departing. In case of serious illness or injury, prompt evacuation to Kathmandu is the best remedy. Helicopter rescue service is extremely expensive. Neither the Nepalese government, your embassy nor the trekking agency (if you are trekking with one) is responsible for the bill. Therefore, you are requested to insure for rescue operation also. Take care of yourself along the trail by ensuring that water is boiled. Diarrhoea and headaches can be the curse for trekkers. So, bring appropriate medication and use them with caution. Sunburn can also be a problem at altitude, a barrier cream will protect your skin and good sunglasses are also necessary. Blisters are another problem for the trekker and adequate supplies of band-aids are advisable.
Altitude sickness Often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is particularly a important medical consideration while trekking in Nepal. Altitude sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevation above 3000 m. The initial symptoms of AMS are as following: Nausea, vomiting; Loss of appetite; Insomnia / Sleeplessness; Persistent headache; Dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion; Disorientation, drunken gait; Weakness, fatigue, lassitude, heavy legs; Slight swelling of hands and face; Breathlessness and breathing irregularity; Reduced urine output. These symptoms are to be taken very seriously. In case of appearance of any of the above symptoms any further ascent should be reconsidered, otherwise more serious problem can occur which can even cause death sometimes within a few hours. The only cure for the altitude sickness is to descend to lower elevations immediately and it has no other cure or substitute. Acclimatization by ascending to no more than 300 to 500 meters per day above 3000 meters and the proper amount of rest are the best methods for prevention of AMS. Literature and pamphlet published by "Himalayan Rescue Association" consists of detailed information on AMS .The central Immigration office and all trekking agencies in Kathmandu distribute this pamphlet free of cost. Since these documents also give information on the list of suggested medical supplies for trekkers it is a compulsory item for every trekkers' medical kit.
Mountaineering With eight of the highest peaks in the world, it is hardly surprising that Nepal has been the stage for some of the most outstanding achievements in the world of mountaineering. The dauntless icy peaks have since decades challenged the bodies and spirits of those daring enough to want to conquer the hulks. All inquiries and arrangements for expeditions have to make well in advance.
A rich cultural heritage Nepal offers an incomparable scope to connoisseurs of art and culture to see and study the different aspects of fine arts in its painting, sculpture, woodcarving and architecture. The three main historic cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur with numerous historical monuments, old palaces and palace squares, shrines and temples, ageless traditions and legends make it veritable living museum. The Kathmandu Valley boasts seven World Cultural Heritage Sites all within a radius of 20km.
World Heritage Sites (Cultural) 1. Swayambhu 2. Bouddha 3. Bhaktapur Durbar Square 4. Changunarayan 5. Pashupatinath 6. Kathmandu Durbar Square 7. Patan Durbar Square 8. Lumbini (Birthplace of Lord Buddha in southern Nepal A rich natural heritage Thanks to Nepal's extensive and effective parks and reserves system, the country has managed to preserve more endangered species of flora and fauna than any other area in Asia. Nepal has 9 National Parks and 3 Wildlife Reserves, which include areas in the highest mountains in the world as well as sub-tropical lowland of the plains.
World Heritage Sites (Natural) 1. Everest National Park (1148 sq. km) 2. Royal Chitwan National PArk (932 sq. km) Other National Parks 1. Royal Bardiya National Park (968 sq. km) 2. Langtang National Park (1710 sq. km) 3. Shey-Phoksundo National Park (3555 sq. km) 4. Rara National Park (106 sq. km) 5. Khaptad National Park (225 sq. km) 6. Makalu-Barun National Park & Conservation Area (2330 sq. km)
New Visa Rules in Nepal
USD 40 Multiple entry 30 days USD 100 Multiple entry 90 days
SOME DOS AND DON'TS
UPDATED September 2008 ALL INFORMATION ABOVE IS GIVEN FOR YOUR REFERENCE. IT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
