Nepal, a sovereign independent kingdom, (between 80 4' and 88 12' East longitude and 26 22' and 30 27' North latitude) is bounded on the North by the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China, the East-South and West by India. The length of the Kingdom is 885 kilometers east-west, and it's breadth varies from 145-241 kilometers north-south. The country can be divided into three main geographical regions.

(a) Himalayan Region - The altitude of this region ranges between 4877m.-      8848 m. It includes 8 of the highest 14 summits in the world which exceed      altitude of 8000 meters including, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and others.
(b) Mountain 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.
(c) Terai Region - The low-land Terai occupies about 17 percent of the total      land area of the country.

There is no seasonal constraint on traveling in and through Nepal. Even in December and January, when the winter is at its severest, there are compensating bright sun and brilliant views.

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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 inhabit 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 most parts of the kingdom.

Religion and Culture:

Hinduism and Buddhism constitute two major religions of Nepal. A remarkable feature of Nepal is the religious homogeneity that 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.

Language:

Nepali, serves the purpose of the Kingdom's lingua franca in Nepal. The educated people speak and understand English as well.

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Climate of Nepal:

Climate: Nepal's climate varies with its topography. It ranges from sub-tropical to arctic depending upon the altitude. The Terai region has a hot and humid climate. The mid-land region are pleasant almost all the year round, although winter nights are cool. The northern mountain region, around an altitude above 3,353 m. has an alpine climate with a considerably lower temperature in winter as expected. Please find the Climate-chart below.

Monsoon: The Monsoon of Nepal has made two clear wet and dry seasons. Wet days of summer are Monsoon days. Most of the rainfalls in Nepal are due to Monsoon in summer. The rest are dry days. Spring and Autumn are in between seasons. In general the monsoon begins from mid June and ends at beginning of September. The months of seasons vary with altitude and slope of the mountain. Northern slopes and higher altitudes are less warm than those of southern slopes and lower altitude. The raining season depends on monsoon activities. Mostly rains at night, making the following days crispy clean and fresh. The length of summer and autumn also depend on the Monsoon. Most of the northern belt of the Trans-Himalayan zone is monsoon-shadowed and ideal for trekking. The climate of Kathmandu valley can be taken as a standard.

Summer: (May-August) is hottest season of Nepal. Hot but dry days are more comfortable than those of Monsoon days which are hot and humid.

Autumn: (September to November) begins with the end of Monsoon and ends with beginning of winter in November. It is also a festival season. You can enjoy lots of green and blue sky. Best season for out door activities like trekking, rafting, and wild life jungle safari.

Winter: Cold months are November till February. Winter days are also dry days with a few rains. Typical day of Kathmandu valley in winter season is as warm as 20 degree Celsius in a sunny days but night temperature falls below freezing. The little rains in winter are due to Mediterranean activities. Hence the winter rainfall in western Nepal has more rain than those of eastern Nepal.

Spring: (February till April): Spring begins with occasional shower and rains. The days are mild days with the new vegetation. The sky is not as blue as Autumn. It is a little hazy if no showers for a long period.

The climate of Nepal is best assessed with the climate at 4 distinct places.
a) Kathmandu Valley,
b) Pokhara valley (West),
c) Chitwan (Terai), and
d) Namche Bazar (East & High mountain).

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Visa Fee

Tourist entry visa can be obtained for the following duration from Nepalese Embassy or Consulate or other mission offices or at the following immigration offices in Nepal.


Immigration Office, Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu

Immigration Office, Kakarvitta, Jhapa (Eastern Nepal)

Immigration Office, Birganj, Parsa (Central Nepal)

Immigration Office, Kodari, Sindhupalchowk (Northern Border)

Immigration Office, Belahia, Bhairahawa (Rupandehi, Western Nepal)

Immigration Office, Jamunaha, Nepalgunj (Banke, Mid Western Nepal)

Immigration Office, Mohana, Dhangadhi (Kailali, Far Western Nepal)

Immigration Office, Gadda Chauki, Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur, Far Western Nepal)

Visa fee for visitors who enter Nepal for the first time in a visa year
(Jan-Dec): Duration Fee

Single entry 60 days from the date of entry US$ 30 or equivalent convertible foreign currency

Multiple entry facility can be obtained paying additional US$ 50 or equivalent convertible foreign currency. The facility will be valid for a visa year (Jan-Dec) if the visa period is valid.

Tourist Visa Extension:- A tourist visa can be extended upto 120 days from the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu and Pokhara Immigration Office on request. Thereafter an additional 30 days can be extended from Department of Immigration ensuring that tourist visa cannot be extended more than 150 days.

Visa Extension Fee:

Tourist visa extension fee for 30 days :- US$ 30 in equivalent Nepalese currency.

Tourist visa extension with multiple entry facility :-Multiple entry facility can be obtained paying additional US$ 50 or equivalent convertible foreign currency. The facility will be valid for a visa year (Jan-Dec) if the visa period is valid.
Late fee for not applying extension in time :-
- US$2 in equivalent Nepalese currency per day for the first 30 days.
- US$3 in equivalent Nepalese currency per day for the next 31 to 90 days.
- US$5 in equivalent Nepalese currency per day for more than 90 days.

Gratis visa :-

- Children below 10 yrs.
- Dependants upto the age of 16 years, holding foreign passports of Nepalese parents or either of their parent being a Nepalese citizen.
- Citizen of Nepali origin, after having obtained passport for the first time from a Nepal based foreign mission, until the period of his departure to a foreign country.
- Citizens of member countries of South Asian association forRegional Cooperation (SAARC) and the people's Republic of china.
- Any foreigner, who has lived in Nepal upto fifteen (15) days continuously, re-entering Nepal during the same visa year.
- Any foreigner, tourist entering into Nepal for three days or less than that.
Some Important information to tourist : Don't or Do's

A tourist may stay in Nepal upto 150 days in a visa year (Jan-Dec).

A tourist must extend his/her visa before expiry of the visa validity period. A tourist who does not comply with these regulations may be liable of fine and other prosecution as provided in Immigration Act and Rules.

A Foreigner having obtained tourist visa shall not be allowed to work with or without receiving remuneration.

A foreigner shall not be allowed to carry out any work other than that for which purpose s/he has obtained the visa.
Information from http://www.immi.gov.np

For more information and latest updates please visit Governments of Nepal Ministry of Home, Departments of Immigrations website http://www.immi.gov.np or http://www.immi.gov.np/touristvisa.php
 

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Airport Tax

Passengers departing from the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) are required to pay  for going to SAARC countries and  to all other international destinations. Domestic airport tax is

International Departure Airport Tax

To SAARC Nations NRs. 1365

To other Int’l Destinations NRs. 1695

Domestic Departure (within Nepal) Airport Tax

Any airport NRs. 169.50 (with VAT).

Rate are subjected to change.

Entry/Permit Fee:

·                     Entry & Permit Fee

·                     Trekking Permit Fee.

·                     City (City/Temple/Monastery) Entrance Fee.

·                     National Park, Conservation & Wildlife Entrance Fee

Trekking Permit

A trekking permit is a must to visit restricted areas mentioned below. To visit other trekking routes, no permission is required.

i. Restricted areas, which have been opened for Group Trekking.

The following restricted areas are open only for group trekkers. And a trekking permit will not be issued to individual trekkers. The duration and fee are as follows:

S.N. Area Duration Fee (per person)

1 Kanchangunja & Lower Dolpa First 4 weeks After first 4 weeks US$ 10 per week US$ 20 per week

2 Upper Mustang & Upper Dolpa First 10 days After first 10 days US$ 700 US$ 70 per day

3 Manaslu From Sept. to Nov. From Dec. to Aug. US$ 90 per week US$ 75 per week

4 Humla (Simikot Yari) First 7 days After first 7 days US$ 90 US$ 15 per day

Note : To get a group trekking permit an application form should be submitted through any recognized trekking agency of Nepal.

ii. For the following restricted areas group trekking permit will be issued from the Dept. of immigration with prior approval by the Home Ministry. District Trekking areas Duration Fee (per person)

Taplejung Olangcugola, Lelep, Papuwa, Yamphuding First 4 weeks After first 4 weeks US$ 10 per week US$ 20 per week

Sankuwashava Kimathanaka, Chepuwa Hatiyagola, Pawakhola First 4 weeks After first 4 weeks US$ 10 per week US$ 20 per week

Solukhumbu North West way to Nangpala of Namche VDC First 4 weeks After first 4 weeks US$ 10 per week US$ 20 per week

Rasuwa Thuman, Timure   US$ 10 per week

Manang Nar, Phu, North of Tilche Village of Thoche VDC Sep-Nov Dec-Aug US$ 90 per week US$ 75 per week

Mugu Mugu, Dolphy, Pulu, Bhangree First 7 days After first 7 days US$ 90 US$ 15 per day

Humla Limi, Muchu, Tangekhola of Darma VDC for passing to Tibet First 7 days After first 7 days US$ 90 US$ 15 per day

Darchulla Vyas First 7 days After first 7 days US$ 90 US$ 15 per day

Bajhang Kanda, Saipal, Dhuli First 7 days After first 7 days US$ 90 US$ 15 per day

iii.  Trekking Permits Issuing Offices: Dept. of Immigration, Bhirkutimandap, Ktm.

Miscellaneous Fees:

Travel document (in case of loss/damage/theft/or expiry of the passport)-US$ 20

Issuance of Entry Visa from the Dept.-25% additional fee along with regular entry visa fee.

Certification of Arrival or Departure stamps or replacements of trekking permit US$ 1 (one).

Source: Department of Immigration
 

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City Entrance Fee

Kathmandu Valley:

Pokhara Valley:

National Park & Conservation Area Entrance Fee:

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