About Nepal

Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia. It is bordered with China in the North and India in the east, west and south. The Modern Country was founded in the 19th Century by the Ancestors of the now-ousted King; Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. The country was Declared a Republic in 2005 after a popular revolt by the People against the then Head of the State, afore mentioned King. Today it is a Westminster multi-party parliamentary democracy, with the Head of the State as a Civilian President.

The country is a geographically, culturally, ethnically, religiously diverse state. Aryans, Mongols and Tibetans have long lived and shared the country mostly in peace, each arriving at various periods of the country’s history much in tandem with the movements and upheavals of Human Civilization’s own history.

In Medieval times, Nepal (especially the Kathmandu Valley, now Capital) had good diplomatic relations with Tibet, later annexed by China. Accounts of connubial relations, inter-border trade are rife. Our history’s first Encounter with the west is with “The East-India Company” before the Queen’s Reign. The Then Rulers of Nepal had trade relations with the Officers. Kathmandu was then considered a “Custom Point” for their produces bound for Tibet- China. Later the “ British Raj” under the Queen had even closer diplomatic ties with Nepal’s rulers. The episode of the Brave Nepali Gurkhas starts with these diplomatic relations. The Gurkhas were a regiment within the Queen’s Imperial army protecting the “Jewel in her crown”, .i.e. India. Recruited predominantly from the Mongol ethnicities, they served her through the World Wars. Their bravery in war was considered legendary. Famous German Generals are known to have extolled their valor in nemesis. In retribution for their services, Nepal’s rulers’ were conferred sovereignty as a “Protectorate State”. The British Army still has the regiment till date and Gurkhas are still recruited in the manner from the same ethnicities.

Today Nepal is known in the World for her Nature. In the History of Nature itself, the Crashing of the Indian Plate with the Asian Plate is known to be the last Episodes of the Creation of Earth’s land as we know it today. The Himalayas was thus forged and the exposition of such gigantic proportions of Earth’s land is believed to have captured enough Carbon from the atmosphere cooling the Earth heralding the “coming of Cooler and more favorable climate”, in which Humans evolved.

You are responsible for obtaining and paying for all entry documents (visas, etc.) and for meeting all health requirements (inoculations, etc.) as required by the laws, regulations, or orders of the countries you will visit. We cannot accept liability if you are refused entry onto any transport or into any country for failure to carry correct documentation.A visa for your visit to Nepal is necessary for U.S. citizens. If you hold a passport from another country, check with your local consulate about requirements for travel to Nepal. Nepal visas can be obtained through an embassy or a visa service prior to departing the US. Alternatively, a visa can be obtained upon arrival at the airport in Kathmandu. The embassy or visa service will be able to advise the latest requirements for obtaining a visa.All passengers traveling internationally are required to have a passport. Most countries require that the passport be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the conclusion of your trip, so please check the expiration date carefully. It is also recommended you have a minimum of three blank pages in your passport when traveling, as many countries require blank pages. Please carry proper identification (your passport) on you and do not leave it in your suitcase or hotel room. Most countries have laws that require you to carry your passport with you at all times.
The country code for Nepal is 977. When calling to Nepal from overseas, dial your international access code (011 from the U.S./Canada), followed by the country code, area code, and phone number. Phone numbers in Nepal are 8 digits in length. Dialing from the U.S./Canada: 011 977+#### ####.
In Nepal the local currency is the Nepalese Rupee. 1 Nepalese Rupee = 100 Paisa ● Banknote denominations: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 Rupee As a general guideline, bring a variety of payment means, particularly in the event that you have difficulties with your preferred method of payment.
US dollars are widely accepted In Kathmandu but outside the city they are not accepted as readily. When paying with US dollars it is important to note that change may be given in the local currency. For initial convenience we recommend you bring some US dollars with you from home. It is advisable to bring newer US notes that are in good condition as some merchants will not accept those that are tattered and/or old. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can also exchange US dollars into the local currency. ATMs are available in Kathmandu for both Visa and MasterCard. There have been some reported issues using certain cards so check with your bank before departing home. Keep in mind that only local currency is dispensed.
Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and shops in Kathmandu. Outside the city use is limited. Visa and MasterCard are most accepted followed by American Express. Smaller shops may ask you to pay in cash or have a minimum amount required to use a credit card. If you use a credit card for your purchase, you will be debited in the local currency, and your bank will establish the rate of exchange on the debit.
Although a secure means of carrying money, traveler’s checks unfortunately are becoming very hard to use. Due to this we recommend you plan on using cash and credit cards only.
Nepal:
Mon. – Fri., Sun. 10am – 4pm
Saturday – closed
The following budget guidelines are just approximate values or starting values for meals and are per person. Actual prices will vary widely by restaurant and city within a country but below are some averages as provided by our experienced personnel.
● The approximate cost of a soft drink/mineral water/coffee is 40 Rupee.
● An average lunch consisting of a salad or sandwich and a soda or water starts at approximately
450 Rupee.
● Dinner at a mid-range restaurant with dessert and a non-alcoholic beverage starts at
approximately 800 Rupee.
Prices are as marked in department stores, though in markets it is customary to barter. Start negotiating with an offer at one-third or half the vendor’s initial price. Please be warned that if you buy items on tour to be shipped to your home, customs import charges are hardly ever included in the price. Sales tax or GST (Goods & Services Tax) is normally already included on price tags; GST refunds, if applicable, are processed at the departing airport from the relevant country.
Tipping in Nepal is not a common practice; therefore, gratuities are not required for direct services. In restaurants, a service charge may be automatically applied to the bill. If not, a 10% gratuity may be accepted.
Nepal is on the same latitude as Florida and therefore, has a tropical climate in regions with lower elevation. April through September is typically the warmest, while the wet season is between June and September. To help you plan, below are average low and high temperatures.

 

Kathmandu

January – 36/66°F
February – 46/77°F
March – 61/86°F
April – 70/86°F
May – 66/81°F
June – 39/73°F
July – 39/68°F
August – 52/86°F
September – 68/86°F
October – 68/86°F
November – 59/73°F
December – 39/73°F

To convert to Celsius, subtract 30, then divide by 2. While not exact, this simple formula will give a close estimation.

Influenced by the neighboring countries and their cultures, India and Tibet, the traditional Nepalese diet includes dal (lentils), bhat (rice), and tarkari (curried vegetables). Since Nepal is home to a large population of Hindus and Buddhists, most restaurants serve vegetarian dishes; however, chicken and fish are available. Vegetables and curry are also commonly used in Nepalese cuisine.
Drinking Water
Tap water is generally not safe to drink. For sightseeing and excursions, we recommend you purchase bottled water to bring with you or bring some from your hotel room. Bottled water is also common in restaurants.