Mention Nepal, and most people will conjure up images of the Himalayas. Indeed, eight of the worlds 10 tallest peaks 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 wildlife, which are reflected in the country’s languages, architecture and biodiversity.

Wedged in between Tibet of the Peoples Republic of China in the north and India on the other three sides, Nepal is the confluence of two great religious- Hinduism and Buddhism. It is the land where Lord Buddha was born more than 2,500 years ago and is also the birthplace of Sita, consort of Lord Ram.

KATHMANDU VALLEY: The valley comprises the three royal cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur which share amongst themselves seven world heritage sites. The valley is one vast open air museum of Newar culture with its colossal ensemble of sculptures, temples, monuments and magnificent on display.

Major places of interest in Kathmandu are the Durbar Square ( a would Heritage site), an ensemble of palaces, courtyards and temples built between the 12^th and 18^th centuries by the Malla Kings, Swayambhu Stupa ( a heritage site), one of the holiest Buddhist sites, that keeps watch over the valley from atop a hillock, Bouddhanath Stupa ( a heritage site), the largest stupa in the valley that rises 36m, Pashupatinath Temple ( a heritage site), one of the holiest Hindu Shrines in the world and Changu Narayan Temple ( a heritage site), dedicated to Lord Bishnu and one of the finest and oldest specimens of pagoda architecture.

In Patan, places to visit incude the Durbar Square ( a world heritage site) with its enchanting palace building, artistic courtyards and pagoda temples, Mahabouddha, a 14^th century Buddhist monument, which is a fine example of terra cotta artwork, Kwa Bahal, or the Golden Temple, a 12^th century Buddhist monastery exceptionally rich in fine wood-carving and repousse work adnd Kumbheswar, one of the only three temples in the valley with five roofs.

Bhaktapur attractions are just as spectacular. They are the Durbar Square ( a world heritage site) with its 15^th century Palace of 55 windows and entrance known as the Golden gate- a masterpiece in repousse art, Taumadhi Square over which presides the towering five roofed Nyatapol temple, Tachapal Square famed for its many ornate hindu monasteries called Math, Potters Square (Bolachhen), where potters mold clay into earthenware and Surya Binayak, a shrine dedicated to the hindu god Ganesh.

AROUND NEPAL: The natural beauty of Pokhara in mid western Nepal is simply bewitching. Forming the backdrop are the spectacular Annapurna mountains with the magnificent fish tailed (Machhapuchhre) dominating the scene. Adding to Pokhara a enchantment are the three serene lakes of Phewa, Rupa and Begnas. Other places of interest include the World Peace Stupa atop a hill that provides stunning views of the surrounding, the deep Seti Gorge below which spreads the Green Canyon and David’s Fall, an ewe-inspiring waterfall that disappears into an underground passage.

Annapurna, the most popular trekking route in Nepal, begins from Pokhara and leads you through rhododendron forests over the foothills of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains. The Kali Gandaki gorge, the deepest in the world and Lake Tilicho, the highest lake at 4,919m are located here. The highest elevation reached on the trek is 5,416m.

Royal Chitwan National Park, a world heritage Site in south-central Nepal, is 932 sq km of subtropical lowland of sal forests, tall grassland, ox-bow lakes and flood plains. Asia’s best-managed park is home to 50 species of mammals, 55 species of amphibians and retiles and 525 species of birds. Wildlife found here include the one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger, Gaur, wild elephant, Gharial crocodile and the Gangetic dolphin. Tharus are the indigenous inhabitants of Chitwan. Activities such as jungle safari on elephant back, jungle walk, canoe ride, village tour and jeep drive can be enjoyed in Chitwan.

Lumbini, in the south-west, is the birth-place of Lord Buddha and a World Heritage Site. An inscription on the Ashoka Pillar identifies the Sacred Garden as the place where the Buddha was born. Lumbini has a number of artistic temples and monasteries built through international support.

The Khumbu valley in the Everest region is another popular destination for trekkers. Ringed by towering mountains, it is home to three of the world’s tallest peaks, namely Everest (8,848m) Lhotse (8516m) and cho Oyu (8201m) A spectacular flight lands you at Lukla (2850m) from where the trail leads to the Sherpa village of Nache Bazaar, Tenboche monastery set against the backdrop of the picturesque Ama Dablam (6812m) and finally Everest Base Camp.

Transportation: All movement within Nepal is by bus or plane. Taxis, local buses and rickshaws are available in the cities.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Nepal consists of hot plains, cool hills and cold mountains as you move south to north.

Access: Kathmandu is connected by direct flights with Amsterdam, London, Paris, Moscow, Vienna, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Karachi, Bahrain, Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalor, Patna, Varansi, Dhaka, Paro, Lhasa, Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Osaka. Alternatively, you can enter Nepal by land from India through six points-kakarbhitta, Birgunj, Belhiya, Nepalgunj, Dhangadhi and Mahendranagar- or through Kodari from Tibet.

In addition to Tibet and Bhutan, Kathmandu in also connected by air/road to Sikkim and Darjeeling which makes it the natural gateway to these places.

Season: February-May and September are the best times to visit Nepal. The rainy season lasts from June to August.

Adventure: Mountaineering, trekking, White Water Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Motor-gliding, paragliding, hot air ballooning and rock climbing.

Accommodation: There are accommodations to suit every budget in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan, Lumbini, Bardia ranging from non-star lodges with basic amenities to sheer luxury in some of the worlds outstanding hotels. Lodges are available elsewhere.

Flora and Fauna: This small country is beautifully decorated with the flora and fauna rarely found in the world. It has 840 different migratory and residential birds from the wet- land as they change their places in seasons. Nepal alone bears two percent of flowering plants and four percent of mammals in the world. it is an in habitable place for the fauna like Royal Bengal Tiger, One horned Rhino, Snow Leopard, Red panda, Brown Bear , Genetic Dolphin, wolf, Wild elephant, Giant horn bull, Swamp Deer, Gharial and many more which make Nepal a land of profuse gifts and an ultimate destination.

Gratis visa for tourists of SAARC countries and People's Republic of China.

Visa Fee:
Single entry - US$ 30 days for 60 days
Multiple entry - US$ 50 + US$ 30.

Visa will be extended subsequently for 30 days each upon payment of US$ 30 for a maximum period of 150 days in a visa year (Jan-Dec). Visa can be obtained either on arrival in Nepal or from Nepalese Embassy or Consulate or other Mission offices abroad. Two passport size photographs required. Indians do not require visa to visit Nepal. However, they require to be in possession of any one of the following documents while travelling between the two countries.

• Valid national passport
• Photo identity card issued by the government of India/any State Government or Union Territory/Administration in India/Identity Cards issued by the Election Commission of India. (Except Tatkal Identity Cards issued by the Ministry of Railways).
• Children between 10-18 years age group are allowed to travel by air on the strength of a passport or photo identity card issued by the Principal of their school or college.
• Emergency Certificate issued by Embassy of India, Kathmandu to Indian nationals in case of emergent conditions.
• Children up to the age of 10 years will not require the above-mentioned documents for travelling between India and Nepal, by air.

For further information please refer:
Dept. of Immigration, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu
Tel: 00-977-1-4223681/4470650 Website: http://www.immi.gov.np