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Nepal - a country of amazing extremes, is the home of the world's
highest mountains, historic cities and the forested plains where
the lordly tigers and the great one- horned rhinoceros trundle
at ease. In fact enchantment is everywhere- for anyone in search
of
Shangrila!
Geography
Nepal, a sovereign independent Kingdom, is bounded, on the North
by the Tibetan Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of
China, the east-south and west by India. The length of the Kingdom
is 885 kilometres east-west and its breadth varies from 145-241
kilometers north-south. The country can be divided into three
main geographical regions.
(1) Himalayan Region
The altitude of this region ranges between 4877m. - 8848m. It
includes 8 of the highest 14 summits in the world which exceed
altitude of 8000 meters including, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and
others.
(2) Mountains
Region
This region accounts for about 64 percent of total land area.
It is formed by the Mahabharat range that soars up to 4877 meter
and the lower churia range.
(3) Tarai Region
The low-land Terai oceupies about 17 percent of the total land
area of the country.
There is no seasonal constraint on travelling in and through
Nepal. Even in December and January, when the winter is at its
severest, there are compensating bright sun and brilliant views.
History
Nepal-a country with a long historic tradition is an amalgamation
of a number of medieval principalities. Before the campaign
of national integration launched by King Prithvi Narayan Shah
the Kathmandu Valley was ruled by the Malla Kings, whose contributions
to art and culture are indeed great and unique. In 1768 AD the
Shah dynasty ascended the throne of the unified kingdom. His
Majesty King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, is tenth King in
the Shah dynasty. The new democratic constitution of the kingdom
was promulgated on November 9, 1990. Nepal is one of the founder
members of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
SAARC of which the third summit was held in Kathmandu in November
1987.
People
Nepal has a population of more than 18 million people made of
different races living in different regions, with diverse culture,
languages and dialects.
The Gurungs and Magars live mainly in the west. The Rais, Limbus
and Sunuwars inhabits the slopes and valleys of the Eastern
mid hills. The Sherpas live in the Himalayan region. The Newars
constitute an important ethnic group of the capital valley Kathmandu.
There are Tharus, Yadavas, Satar, Rajvanshis and Dhimals in
the Terai region. The Brahmans, Chhetris and Thakuris are spread
generally over all parts of the Kingdom.
Religion & Culture Hinduism and Buddhism constitute
two major religions of Nepal. A remarkable feature of Nepal
is the religious homogeneity what exists, particularly between
the Hindu and Buddhist Communities. Apart from the Hindus and
Buddhists, Muslim from the third largest religious group. The
exquisite medieval Art & Architecture of the Kathmandu Valley
vividly reflect the artistic ingenuity and the religious tradition
of the people.
Climate
Nepal has four climatic seasons (a) Spring
: March-May (b) Summer : June-August (c) Autumn : September-November (d)
Winter : December-February.
Because Nepal is quite far south in Latitude (same as Miami),
the weather is warmer and winter is much milder at lower elevations.
The monsoon is determined by the Bay of Bengal. It is hot during
the monsoon with rain almost everyday. During this season, trekking
in most of Nepal is difficult and uncomfortable, the trails
being muddy and infested with leeches. It usually does not rain
for more that one or two days during the entire autumn and the
winter season. In the winter, the mountains are covered with
snow including some high hills. Mt. Everest itself is a huge
black rock during the trekking season, which becomes snow-covered
only during the winter.
Population
Nepal's population currently stands at around 23 million (1998
estimate). Every year population increases by nearly 600,000.
The largest city is Kathmandu, the capital, with more than 700,000
people. In the mountains the rate of increase is lower than
in Terai, but this is because many people are migrating in search
of land and work. Despite extremely high rates of infant morality,
the life expectancy is only a horrifying 54 years, the overall
annual rate of population increase is a rapid 2.6%. Family planning
is primary importance, but most people continue to regard children
as a blessing. A child is seen as a vital and fulfilling part
of the parents' life, an extra worker and someone to care for
them in old age, not just an extra stomach. Women have an average
of more than four children each.
Visiting a Temple
Always walk clockwise around Buddhist stupas, chortens or mani
walls. Always remove your shoes before entering a Buddhist or
Hindu temple or sanctuary. You may also have to remove any items
made from leather, such as belts and bags. Many Hindu temples
do not permit westerners to enter.
It's the custom to give a white scarf or Khata to a Buddhist
abbot when you are introduced. The honorific title Rimpoche
is usually bestowed on abbots. The scarves can easily be found
at Tibetan shops.
Language
Nepali, serves the purpose of the kingdom's lingua franca in
Nepal. The educated people speak and understand English as well.
Shopping
Nepal has many fine handicrafts to offer to visitors hand-knotted
woollen carpets, jewellery, pashmina shawls, woollen knitwears,
embroidery, thangka paintings, mithila painting, wood carvings,
metalworks, ceramics and pottery, rice paper and stationary.
General Info Full country name : Kingdom of Nepal Area : 140,800 sq km Capital City : Kathmandu
(1)
Cities to visit :
Kathmandu Capital of Nepal, the mystical valley-Kathmandu is Nepal's
biggest and most cosmopolitan city, a meeting place of a dozen
ethnic groups, and the home town of the Newars.
Patan
The ancient city of Patan, lying 5 km southeast of Kathmandu,
is known as the city of fine arts. The diversity of the medieval
culture has left a rich legacy of impressive sightseeing in
this city for today's visitors.
Bhaktapur
Situated at an altitude of 1,401 m, Bhaktapur (or Bhadgaon
as popularly know as) covers an area of four square miles.
Bhaktapur or "the City of Devotees" still retains
the medieval charm and visitors to this ancient town are treated
myriad wonders of cultural and artistic achievements.
Pokhara If Kathmandu is the cultural hub of Nepal, Pokhara
is its center of adventure. An enchanting city nestled in
a tranquil valley, it is the starting point for many of Nepal's
most popular trekking and rafting destinations.
Lumbini Lumbini-a place in the South-Western Terai of Nepal,
evokes a kind of holy sentiment to the millions of Buddhists
all over the world, Lumbini and its surrounding area is endowed
with a rich natural setting .
Janakpur Named after the legendary King Janak, Janakpur was
the capital of the ancient Indian Kingdom Mithila, the native
country of goddess Sita, the wife of the Hindu god Rama and
the heroine of the great Hindu epic Ramayana. Today Janakpur
stands as the most cleanest and interesting place among all
the towns of Terai.
(2) Trekking : The best way to experience Nepal's unbeatable combination
of natural beauty and cultural riches is to walk through them.To
trek, one does not have to be brave, a mountaineer nor an
athlete. Anyone who is sound and healthy with the spirit for
adventure to explore the exotic, will enjoy the thrills of
trekking in the hills of Nepal. Trekking can be done from
October to May, however the best months are October and November
The country's mountainous, hilly and Terai regions offer some
of the most spectacular trekking in the world.
Places for Trekking : are Everest, Helambu &
Langtang, Annapurna, Kanchenjunga & Jumla rara.
(3) National Parks and Wild Life Reserves :
Royal Chitwan National Park Royal Chitwan National Park, the oldest national
park in Nepal, is situated in the subtropical inner Terai
lowlands of South-Central Nepal. The park was designated as
a World Heritage Site in 1984. There are more than 43 species of mammals in the
park. The park is especially renowned for the endangered one-horned
rhinoceros, the tiger and the gharial crocodile along with
many other common species such as gaur, wild elephant, four-horned
antelope, striped hyena, pangolin, Gangetic dolphin, monitor
lizard and python. Other animals found in the park include
the sambar, chital, hog deer, barking deer, sloth bear, palm
civet, langur and rhesus monkey. Ther are over 450 species
of birds in the park.
Sagarmatha National Park The mountains of Sagarmatha National Park are geologically
young and broken up by deep gorges and-glacial valleys. Vegetation
includes pine and hemlock forests at lower altitudes, fir,
juniper, birch and rhododendron woods, scrub and alpine plant
communities, and bare rock and snow. The famed bloom of rhododendrons
occurs during spring (April and May) although other flora
is most colorful during. the monsoon season (June to August).
Royal Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve The Royal Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve is situated
in the southern part of Far-Western Nepal in Kanchanpur District.
The reserve provides prime habitat for swamp deer. An estimated
population of 2,000 to 2,500 of this species is found in the
reserve. Other wild animals in the reserve are the wild elephant,
tiger, hispid hare, blue bull, leopard, chital, hog deer,
and the wild boar. A total of 200 species of birds have been
recorded in the reserve. Many grassland birds along with the
rare Bengal florican can be seen in the phantas. Marsh mugger,
Indian python, monitor lizard and snakes like cobra, krait,
and rat snakes are recorded in the reserve.
Royal Bardiya National Park The park is the largest and most undisturbed wildreness
area in the Terai. About 70% of the park is covered with dominantly
sal forest with the balance a mixture of grassland, savannah
and riverine forest. The approximately 1500 people who used
t0 live in this valley have been resettled elsewhere. Since
farming has ceased in the Babai Valley, natural vegetation
is regenerating, making it an area of prime habitat for wildlife.
(4) Museums :
The National Museum The National Museum located on the way to Swayambhunath
Hill is most popular among the Kathmandu people. It holds
not only ancient artifacts, but also interesting mementos
of recent kings and recently used firearms. A visitor to the
museum will understand much about the way wars were fought
in this part of the world and the type of firearms that were
used to conquer Nepal and later to protect it from the British
Raj. Other artifacts include ancient statues, paintings, and
murals. You may be interested in the doll collection as well
as the stuffed animals there. The collection of coins in the
complex includes coins going back to the second century BC
as well as excellent samples from dynasties that ruled Nepal
after the birth of Christ.
Timings
From 10:30 am to 3 pm, except on Tuesdays and govt. holidays.
From 10:30 am to 2 pm, on Fridays.
The Tribhuvan Museum
It is located in the Hanuman Dhoka Palace. This palace was
the main seat of the Shah kings for many years. Here is an
exhibit that highlights the life of King Tribhuvan. King Tribhuvan
is best remembered for his valiant efforts in liberating the
nation from the rule of the Rana prime min isters. You may
also wish to look out over Kathmandu from the Basantapur Tower
in the complex. It is said that a benevolent king used to
keep watch over his people from this window to make sure that
food was being cooked in every home (the smoke coming from
the roof-tops told him whether or not a cooking fire was on
in every house). You may also wish to see the section that
carries the mementos of King Mahendra and observe the Malla
architecture and carvings.
Timings
From 10:30 am to 3 pm, except Tuesdays.
From 10:30 am to 2 pm, on Fridays.
The National Art Gallery This museum is in the Palace of Fifty-five Windows. This
palace is believed to be the first in the Kathmandu Valley
to use glass, much coveted by the ancient rulers. Within the
palace are beautiful paintings of erotic motifs, paubhas,
and animals. The stonework is especially fine and a room outlines
the life and times of the Shah kings of Nepal. There are also
samples of everyday items used in the past by famous people.
Among the displays are scriptures that are among the most
valuable in the kingdom.
Timings
From 10 am to 4 pm, and
From 10 am to 4 pm, on Fridays.
The National Woodworking Museum
The National Woodworking Museum in Dattatreya Square often
surprises visitors. Upon entering the museum, guests ask for
the exhibits. However, the building itself is the museum and
contain very finely carved pillars, windows, doors, and struts.
Also, there are wood carving samples that go back to the l5th
century. Wood was a major constructing item long before that
time but not much survives due to the adverse effects of time
and weather. The building was constructed in the l5th century
by King Yaksha Malla. It is called the Pujari Math and outside
the Math, you have to get out of the museum and walk along
an alley where the ceiebrated Peacock Window is situated.
Timings
From 10 am to 4 pm, except on Tuesdays.
Mata
Tirtha Snan (Mother's Day) This is one of the widely celebrated festivals that
falls on the first month, Baisakh (April/May), of the Nepali
Year.It is also called Mata Tirtha Aunsi as it falls on a new
moon night.
Buddha Jayanti This day is celebrated to mark the birthday of the
Lord Buddha which dates back in about 543 BC.It falls on Jestha
Purnima (Full moon night-May/June).
Janai Purnima,Rakshya Bandhan,Khumbeshwor Mela Patan
Janai Purnima is the festival of Sacred Thread.On this
day every Hindu ties a sacred thread on the wrist.It is also
called Rakshya Bandhan.On this day, there is a big Mela (fair)
at Khumbeshwor, Lalitpur.It is again on a full moon night.
Gaijatra The festival of "Gai Jatra" (the procession
of cows) which is one of the most popular festivals, is generally
celebrated in the Nepalese month of Bhadra (August-September).This
festival has its roots in the belief that the god of death,
Yamaraj, must be feared and hence worshipped.
Shree Krishna Janmastami Sri Krishna Janmastami marks the celebration of the
birth of Lord Sri Krishna. This festival is also known as Krishna
Jayanti or Janmashtami. Lord Krishna is regarded as the 8th
avatar or 'incarnation' of Lord Vishnu.It falls on Saptami of
Bhadra (August/September).
Dashain Holidays During the month of Kartik in the Bikram Sambat calendar
(late September and early October), the Nepalese people indulge
in the biggest festival of the year, Dashain. Dashain is the
longest and the most auspicious festival in the Nepalese annual
calendar, celebrated by Nepalese of all caste and creed throughout
the country. The fifteen days of celebration occurs during the
bright lunar fortnight ending on the day of the full moon.
Ghode Jatra Ghode Jatra, the Horse Racing Day falls on Darhsa Shrad
Aunsi of the month Chaitra (March/April). A grand horse parade
takes place at Tundikhel, the central point of the city reputed
to have been in the former days the largest parade ground in
Asia.
Lhosar
Lhosar is the Tibetan New Year which falls on February/March.
This festival is mast impressively observed by all the Tibetan-speaking
populations. They organize folk songs and dances on this occasion.
These dances can be seen in Khumbu, Helambu and other northern
regions of Nepal and also at Boudhanath in Kathmandu.
Taya Macha The Taya Macha dance is shown in different parts of
Pokhara as part of the Gai Jatra observances. The five dancers,
four dressed up as angels and one as a clown, are accompanied
by a group of traditional musicians. It is believed that the
performance will bring peace to the souls of those who have
passed away during the previous year. The festival has its roots
in the Kathmandu Valley. It was brought to Pokhara by Newars
who migrated here centuries ago.
By Road
: The entry points at Nepal-India border are; Kakarbhitta,
Birgunj, Belahiya (Bhairahawa), Nepalgunj, Dhangadi, and Mahendra
Nagar. The only entry point at Nepal-China border is Kodari.
By Rail : Nepal Janakpur-Jayanager Railway (NJJR) operates
afreight and passenger service in the eastern Terai.
By Air : Tribhuvan International Airport is the only international
airport in Nepal. Royal Nepal Airlines- the national flag carrier
of Nepal and other International Airlines operate flights to
Kathmandu from Bangkok, Colombo, Calcutta, Delhi, Dhaka, Abu
Dhabi, Dubai, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Karachi, Lhasa, London Osaka,
Paris, Moscow, Paro, Singapore and Varanasi. The International
Airlines operating their flights into Kathmandu include : Aeroflot,
Biman Bangladesh Airiines, China South-West Airlines, Druk Air,
lndian Airlines, Pakistan International Airlines, Singapore
Airlines and Thai lnternational.
Passport and Visa : All visitors to Nepal must hold valid
passports and visa. The Royal Nepalese Embassies or consulates
abroad or the entry points or the Immigration Offices provide
a visa upon the presentation of a valid passport, two passport
size photos and a payment of visa fees. Tourists can extend
their visas at the Department of Immigration, Tridevi Marg,
Kathmandu.
Entry Visa to Nepal is easily available at all International
Airports of Nepal.
Permit for Trekking : Any foreigner intending to trek in
any part of the kingdom of Nepal shall have to obtain a trekking
permit from the Department of Immigration, Tridevi Marg and
permits are issued for trekking in any part of the country except
in areas restricted for the foreigners by government regulation.