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Climate:
Nepal contains a variety of climatic conditions ranging from the tropical
heat of the Terai plains to the freezing cold of the high Himalaya. The
mid-hills , and particularly the Kathmandu Valley, offer pleasant summers
and cool winters. Temperatures range between a maximum of 37 and a minimum
of 8 degrees Celsius in the plains, 28 and 2 degrees Celsius in the
Kathmandu Valley and between -6 and 16 degrees Celsius in the mountains.
The rainy season lasts from June to August.
The People:
The total population of Nepal is about 23 million. Nepal's many ethnic
groups are as varied as its land with their own languages and cultures. The
Kathmandu valley, originally inhabited by the Newars, consists of three
districts namely Kathmandu-the capital city of Nepal, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur
and is home of all casts and creeds of the country. The culture and
artistry have earned an international reputation. The Sherpas of the
Himalaya are known as tough mountain climbers. Brahmins and Chhetris are
scattered over the hills and valleys. And Tamangs are found in the mid-hills
and Kathmandu valleys. They are also associated with tourism related
activities in addition to other traditional and modern professions.. There
are many other ethnic groups living in Nepal.
Currency:
The name of Nepal’s curency is Nepali Rupee whose notes come in Rs. 1, Rs.
2, Rs. 5, Rs. 10, Rs. 20, Rs. 25, Rs. 50, Rs. 100, RS 250 Rs. 500, and Rs.
1000 denominations. Foreign currency must be exchanged through the banks or
through authorized foreign exchange dealers. The receipts from such
transactions are to be obtained and retained by the visitors other than
Indian nationals. They have to make their payments in Hotels, Travel
agencies, Trekking agencies and Air tickets in convertible foreign currency
only.
Language:
Nepali, written in the Devanagari script is the national language. English
is widely understood in the urban centers and areas frequented by tourists.
Most Nepali people speak more than one language.
How to Get Nepal:
There are twelve major international airlines touching down at Kathmandu,
the national capital of Nepal. It has direct flights from London, Paris,
Frankfurt, Dubai, Doha, Moscow, Karachi, Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta, Varanasi,
Dhaka, Bangkok, Singapore, Hong-Kong, Vienna, Osaka and Shanghai. For
getting around the country, there is an excellent domestic air network and
helicopter charter services as well as deluxe tourist coaches. Your travel
partner/colleagues in Nepal will be provided those services wherever you
want to go.
Entry Procedures to Nepal:
All visitors except Indian nationals must hold
a valid passport and visa. The visas can be obtained at the Royal Nepalese
Embassies, Missions and Consuls abroad as well as points of entry into
Nepal. Currently most visas are issued for 60 days at a cost of USD $30 per
person. The visa can be extended monthly for up to 5 months in Kathmandu and
Pokhara at the Department of Immigration. The Department also issues
multiple entry visas for visitors.
Airport Tax:
At the time of departure to other international destinations from Nepal,
Rs.1100 per person have to be paid.
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