More Information About Nepal

For visitors on extended holiday and with less restraints there is an even more varied spectrum of adventure be it TREKKING the subtropical rain forest to the highland alpine regions altitude from 67 meter to above 6110 meter Sherpani Col. The highest pass in Nepal. MOUNTAINEERING, the lows peaks 5500 meter Yala Peak to 8848 meter Mt Everest / (Chomolungma) RAFTING, on the sparkling rivers the rapids are graded on a scale of one to six depending on how wild the rivers.

National Flag:-             Nepal’s flag is the only two-piece, national flag in the world
National Animal:-          Cow
National Flower:-          Rhododendron & Arboreum (Lali Gurans)
National Bird:-              Impean Pheasant (Denfe)
 

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World Heritage Sites religious & cultural

1:  CHANGUNARAYAN      Hindu Temple          12 Km to the east of Kathmandu city
2:  SWAYAMBHUNATH     Buddhist Stupa        Establishment is linked to creation of the Kathmandu Valley
3:  BOUDDHANATH         Buddhist Stupa        6 Km to the east down town Kathmandu is the largest
                                                              Buddhist Stupa
4:  BHAKTAPUR             Darbar Square
5:  PATAN                    Darbar Square
6:  KATHMANDU            Darbar Square
7:  PASUPATINATH        Hindu Temple
8:  PANAUTI VILLAGE     Hindu Temple & Junction of the rivers Roshi and Punyamati Khola
9:  LUMBINI                  Birthplace of Peace Lord Buddha Siddhartha Gutam Sakyamuni

World Heritage Sites peaceful & natural

1:  Mt Everest & Sagarmatha National Park 1,145, sq. Km Established 1976.
2:  Shy-Phoksundo Lake  National Park 3,555, sq. Km Established 1984.
3:  Royal Chitwan National Park 932, sq. Km Established 1970.
 

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Trekking Season

Although trekking in Nepal can be organized throughout the year autumn – spring are considered to be the best month for Trekking Summer months of the year which coincide with monsoon season begin in mid – June and mid September making journey wet and warm. The mountain views may not be at their best as rain clouds and haze overhang the mountains occasionally obscuring the enchanting views. These times are blessed for the keen botanists as the higher valley and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation.

Note: It is recommended to carry insect repellent when trekking during summer months. Autumn being the best season for Trekking affords excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views January and February are noted for cold weather with occasional snowfall at higher elevations. Again excellent views are common these months are popular and ideal for trekking for those who are well equipped or who remain at lower elevations below 3,000 meters.

Late February brings Spring in Nepal and offers exhilarating trekking for those who are interested in flowers, birds and nature grandeur different varieties of wild flowers, specially the rhododendrons make the hillside above 21 00 meter a haunting paradise during this season. April and May are the height of expedition season and the best time for climbing the high Peak and the approach marches to the base camps it is mildly warm at lower 3500 meters the mountain views are excellent and the temperatures is quite moderate even at night.

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Visa and Trekking Permit

Unlike some countries with strict visa regulations, Nepal extends trouble- free issuance of visa to al the citizens worldwide. Indian nationals do not require visa to enter Nepal. The Royal Nepalese Embassies or Consulates abroad and at entry pint's Immigration Offices provide a visa upon the presentation of a valid passport, two passport size photos and payment of Visa fees. Visa can be extended at the Immigration Office, Pokhara.

A trekking permit is required to trek in any part of Nepal. If trekking is planned in two different areas, two trekking permits are needed. Each trekking permit details and outlines the trekking route and region and t is necessary that trekkers do not deviate from the prescribed route and region boundaries.
           
The Department of Immigration located at Exhibition Road, Brikuti Mandap, near Tourism Board issues trekking permit for the tourists who intend to trek any part of the country. Trekking permit fee for different trekking areas are fixed as follows:

Fourteen areas of Nepal have been designated National Parks; Wildlife Reserved & Conservation areas. They are Langtang, Rara, Chitwan, Sagarmatha, Shey Phoksondo, Khaptad, Bardia, Barun, Shivapuri, Makalu-Barun and Annapurna. To trek in any of these area a permit is necessary which can be obtained at the park entrance on payment of Rs.650/- each. There are several government registered trekking agencies in Nepal to conduct such trekking programs. In order to have assumed quality and safe treks it is advisable to use them.

TREKKING PERMITS

Note: Trekking to Dolpa, Kanchanjunga, Manaslu and Mustang can be undertaken through registered trekking agencies only.

Working Hours

The Immigration Office is open from 9:00 to 17:00 hours from February 13th to November 16th and from 9:00 to 16:00 hours from November 17th to February 12th Monday through Friday. Visa extension and trekking permit applications are accepted from 10:00 to 13:00 p.m. on Friday. The Immigration Offices remain closed on Sunday, Saturdays and on other government holidays. It is recommended to allocate one day to get the trekking permit.

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Medical Matters and Advice

Trekking in Nepal need not be considered risky affair as far as your health is concerned. Nevertheless, preventive measures such as a thorough medical check up and inoculations before you start trekking can save you from unexpected hazards. Since the remote places of Nepal are not supplied with necessities that are essential for modern medical facilities and as the rescue and evacuation are measured in days, it is imperative to make a comprehensive First Aid Box consisting of basic drugs and accessories as part of the paraphernalia for trekking. Various trekking guide books and the pamphlet published by the Himalayan Rescue Association gives you detailed information on a complete list of medical supplies. These guide books are easily available in the book shops of Kathmandu. In case of serious illness or injury, prompt evacuation to Kathmandu is the best remedy. Modern dentistry is unknown in the hills of Nepal, so it is advised to have a check-up before departure from home. Tooth fillings sometimes loosen in cold temperatures and at high altitudes, so it is recommended to have them checked.

Fitness

All trekking demands a level of fitness that will enable one to put a good day's walking, up hill and down. Most trek should not be taken to gain more than 500 meters in one day above 3000 meters. There should be plenty of time during the day to cover this distance, so the physical exertion though quite strenuous at times, is not sustained. The best preparation for trekking is cycling, swimming, jogging, squash, tennis and long walks involving up and down hill. Good physical conditioning will probably help for the maximum enjoyment of the treks.

Altitude sickness

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 elevations above 3000 meters. The initial symptoms of AMS are as following:

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Trekking Arrangements

There are different approaches to trekking in Nepal and the choice depends on time available, budget, experience and personal preference. Some of the travel agencies abroad in collaboration with the Nepalese trekking agencies book trekking packages for Nepal in advance. Trekkers who are alone or who do not have much time can book with these overseas agencies. One can also contact trekking agencies by mail, internet or contact them personally on arrival in Nepal.

There are many government recognized trekking agencies which have professional staff to handle trekking activities. A fully equipped trek primarily consists of essential logistical arrangements including porters, guide, cook, food, tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, transport to and from trekking starting points, flight arrangement, permits, staff insurance and so on. These agent also provide a choice of itineraries and necessary information on trekking health care etc. The cost of an all inclusive trek ranges from US $ 25:00 to US $ 100:00 per person per day depending upon the quality of service, number of days and number of persons in the package. This style of trekking is relatively expensive compared to that of backpacking but a few extra dollars guarantees comfort and security eliminates time consuming ordeal of organization and ensures a trouble free holiday. There are limited areas where a backpacking type of trek can be undertaken by an individual.

A companion guide is helpful in the remote wilderness and is enjoyable to talk to on the route. It is strongly advised not to employ free-lance guides or the services of any agency not recognized by the government.

List of Clothing Equipment & Personal Effects.

• Lightweight walking boots. Also bring spare laces.

• A pair of track-shoes. To wear in the camp at night or when boot is wet.

• Warm Jacket. Fiber fill or down should be adequate (necessary during winter).

• Woolen shirt or thick sweater. A rain proof jacket with hood or a poncho.

• A pair of lightweight/heavyweight trousers. Jeans are unsuitable to wear on treks.

• Thermal underwear (excellent to sleep at night). A track -suit.

• 1-2 pair of loose fitting shirts/skirts.

• 2-4 cotton shirts.

• A woolen hat to wear in the morning and at night.

• A pair of gloves, leather with lining and woolen is best.

• 2 pairs of thick woolen socks.

  Equipment

  Duffle bag or kit bag to carry gear while trekking. Day pack, this is a small rucksack to carry personal requirement for the day e.g. toilet items, camera, film, towel , soap etc. Water bottle. Snow glasses and sunglasses. Small head lamp or torch. Snow gaiter essential during winter. An umbrella, can be used as a walking stick. Reading materials, camera & film, note books, diary, pen/pencil, small air pillow for head rest. Thermal rest (optional) an inflatable sleeping mat, trekking map, adequate quantities of passport photograph. Personal medical supplies. Money Matter Nepal has modern banking facilities and some of the International Banks have their own offices in Kathmandu. Almost all foreign currencies along with credit cards are accepted in Nepal. All visitors are required to exchange their money through the bank or authorized agents. In Kathmandu banks with money exchange counter are found everywhere and most hotels also have exchange counter. These facilities to change money are quicker and more convenient. It is generally not possible to change foreign currency/travelers cheques (except in Namche Bazaar, Jomsom, Salleri, Okhaldhunga,Pokhara etc.) in the mountains. One must therefore change required money for the trek always asks for small denominations and be careful of torn banknotes. The people in the village may not accept them.

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Appeal to Trekkers and Nature Lovers