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Nepal
EXOTIC KINGDOM IN THE HIMALAYA

Mention Nepal, and most people will conjure up images of the Himalaya. Indeed, eight of the world’s 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 between Tibet of the People’s Republic of China in the north and India on the other three sides, Nepal is the confluence of two great religions - 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 like one vast open-air museum of Newar culture with its colossal ensemble of sculptures, temples, monuments and magnificent art.

The major places of interest in Kathmandu are the Durbar Square (a World Heritage Site), an assembly of palaces, courtyards and temples built between the 12th and 18th centuries by the Malla kings; Swayambhu Stupa (a World Heritage Site), one of the holiest Buddhist sites, that keeps watch over the valley from atop a hillock; Bouddhanath Stupa (a World Heritage Site), the largest stupa in the valley that rises 36 m; Pashupatinath Temple (a World Heritage Site), one of the holiest Hindu shrines in the world; and Changu Narayan Temple (a World Heritage Site), dedicated to Lord Vishnu and one of the finest and oldest specimens of pagoda architecture.

In Patan, the places to visit include the Durbar Square (a World Heritage Site) with its enchanting palace buildings, artistic courtyards and pagoda temples; Mahabouddha, a 14th-century Buddhist monument, which is a fine example of terra cotta artwork; Kwa Bahal, or the Golden Temple, a 12th-century Buddhist monastery exceptionally rich in fine wood-carvings and repousse work; and Kumbheswar, one of the only three temples in the valley with five roofs.

Bhaktapur’s attractions are just as spectacular. They are the Durbar Square (a World Heritage Site) with its 15th-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 maths; 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’s 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 a stunning view of the surroundings; the deep Seti Gorge below which spreads the Green Canyon; and Devi’s Fall, an awe-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 4,919 m, are located here. The highest elevation reached on the trek is 5,416 m.

Chitwan National Park, a World Heritage Site in south-central Nepal, is 932 sq km of subtropical lowlands of sal forests, tall grassland, ox-bow lakes and flood plains. The park is home to 50 species of mammals, 55 species of amphibians and reptiles and 525 species of birds. Wildlife found here include the one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal tiger, gaur, wild elephant, gharial 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 birthplace 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: the Everest (8,848 m), Lhotse (8,516 m) and Cho Oyu (8,201 m). A spectacular flight lands you at Lukla (2,850 m) from where the trail leads to the Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar, Tengboche monastery set against the backdrop of the picturesque Ama Dablam (6,812 m) and finally, the Everest base camp.

VISA

A visa is required to enter Nepal except for Indian nationals. Indians arriving by air must, however, possess identification papers. Indians entering Nepal overland through Nepalgunj in west Nepal must also show some kind of identification. Tourists staying for up to three days get a free visa. Visitors from SAARC countries and China do not have to pay any visa fees. Chinese travelers can get visas at the entry point upon arrival. Re-entry visas are granted free of cost to any visitor who has stayed for at least 15 days in Nepal in a visa year (January-December). Children under 10 are not charged for a visa.
For more information: www.immi.gov.np.


GETTING THERE AND AROUND

Kathmandu is connected by direct flights with Amsterdam, Vienna, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Karachi, Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Varanasi, Dhaka, Paro, Lhasa, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, 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 is also connected by air/road to Sikkim and Darjeeling which makes it the natural gateway to these places. All movement within Nepal is by bus or plane. Taxis, local buses and rickshaws are available in the cities.

GENERAL INFO

Nepal consists of hot plains, cool hills and cold mountains as you move south to north.
Season: February-May and September-November are the best times to visit Nepal. The rainy season lasts from June to August.

Adventure: Mountaineering, trekking, white water rafting, kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking, bungy jumping, canyoning, motor gliding, paragliding, hot air ballooning and rock climbing.

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