Extending from rich subtropical forest to soaring Himalayas; from jungle habitat of the endangered Bengal tiger and one-horned rhinoceros to the chasing ground of snow Leopards.
Similarly, Nepali culture is as diverse as its physical one. Individuals of 126 ethnic gatherings, communicating with a host of various languages call this place home.
Diverse ethnic gatherings, live in various regions of Nepal. Nepal is partitioned into three areas. The southern part flanking India is Terai region, the northern part bordering China is Himalayan area and pressed in the middle of ins the Hilly region where the prominent traveler's destination like Kathmandu and Pokhara lies.
When To go
Nepal has four main seasons, mainly autumn, winter, spring, and summer. For, the majority of visitors whose priority is mountain view the autumn season is the best also known as the fry season. Autumn season (October -December) starts just after the monsoons, The monsoon clears the atmosphere, giving way to clear blue skies and beautiful view of the Himalayas. Furthermore, this is the prime time to visit Nepal.
Furthermore, during this time of the year it is neither too hot in the Terai region and not too cold in the Himalayan region. Moreover, two main festivals, Dashain and Tihar, also fall during this period. However, the downside is the trekking route gets crowded and the tourist quarters in the mountains are pricey.
Winter (January and February) is mostly clear and stable. It never snows in Kathmandu, however the morning and evening are chilly here. Trekking is not recommended during these months of the year as the it gets very cold there. However, it's the excellent time to visit the attractions in Terai such as Lumbini (Birthplace of Lord Buddha), Chitwan National Park, Bardia National Park, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve among others.
Spring (March to May) is the second tourist season in Nepal, with the warmer weather and longer days. Rhododendrons are in bloom throughout the trekking trails adding to the beauty of the Himalayas. During this period, Terai long grass (elephant grass) will have been cut down making it an excellent period for wildlife viewings. However, the downside is the haze can obscure the mountain view from lower elevations.
Pre - monsoon (June to mid July) brings even more stifling heat, afternoon clouds, rain showers. During this period there are many downsides such as the mountain visibility are impossible, trekking is not suggested as the trails get muddy and are infested with leeches. However, Kathmandu tour is okay during this time of the year. Monsoon (August to September) is considered an off-season in Nepal.
However, there are Upper Mustang trek, Upper Dolpo trek, which are best during these times of the year. These trekking region lies beyond the Himalayas and receives minimum of less rainfall. During this time the field comes alive with rushing water and green shoots. This time can be the fascinating time to visit, when Nepal is at its most Nepali; the air is clean, flowers are in bloom, butterflies are everywhere. Furthermore, fresh fruits and vegetables are abundant. However, the downside is the poor visibility of mountains, roads may be blocked by landslides, the flights may be frequently cancelled.
Getting Here
In the autumn and spring, which is the tourist high season, flight to Kathmandu - the Nepal's only international airport often fills up several months ahead.
Nepal has only one international airport, Tribhuvan International Airport, east of Kathmandu. There are not many direct long-distance flights to Nepal – arriving from Europe, the Americas or Australia will quite often include a stop in the Middle East or Asia.
Nevertheless, there is a direct flight connection from these countries by the following Airlines:
Air Arabia: Flight from Gulf States
Air China: Daily routes to Lhasa, Chengdu
Air India: Direct flights from Delhi, and Kolkata
Bhutan Airlines: Direct flight between Kathmandu and Paro
Biman Bangladesh Airlines: Daily flights to Dhaka.
Cathay Dragon: Four to five flights to Beijing per week.
China Eastern Airlines: Serves Lhasa, Kunming and Shanghai.
China Southern Airlines :Serves Guangzhou and Lhasa.
Drukair : Serves Paro daily.
Etihad Airways: Daily connections via Abu Dhabi to the rest of the world.
Fly Dubai: Several flights per day to/from Dubai
Himalaya Airlines: Reaches the Gulf and Malaysia.
IndiGo: The budget choice for Delhi.
Malaysia Airlines: For Kuala Lumpur.
Malindo: For Kuala Lumpur.
Oman Air: For Muscat.
Qatar Airways: Daily connections through Doha, with excellent onward flights to the USA and Europe.
Sichuan Airlines: For Chengdu and Lhasa.
Thai Airways: Provides the most popular Southeast Asian route to Nepal via Bangkok.
Turkish Airlines: Daily connections via Istanbul.
Getting Here By Land
Many travelers combine Nepal trip with Indian trip. There are numerous border crossing between these countries, and overland crossing between two countries can be easily planned. The majority of travelers uses three major crossing Sunauli, Gorakhpur, Raxual and Kakarbhitta. The other crossing near Janakpur, Biratnagar and Islam are rarely used.
Accommodation
Finding a place to sleep is hardly ever a problem in Nepal, although only established tourist centers like Kathmandu and Pokhara offers a variety of choices. The choices range from a budget B and Bs, hostels, dormitories to upscale hotels. The choice of accommodation depends upon your willingness to spend on your accommodation. Moreover, there are few international hotel chains in Kathmandu such as Marriott, Ramada, Hyatt, and Crowne Plaza if you're looking for an upscale accommodation.
During the peak season that is (March till May) and (October and November) it is hard to negotiate the price of the room. However, if you are traveling during flank season the hotel may offer you fifty percent discount just to make sure that their rooms do not go empty that night.
However, please be careful if you are staying in budget accommodation do not expect 24 - hour hot water, electricity, and safety deposit box.
Food
Kathmandu is known as a budget eating capital in Asia. However, outside regular tourist destinations in Nepal, the chief complaint if travelers is about the lack of variety, though with a willingness to experiment, a range of dishes can be found. Indeed, the vast range of flavors can be just found in rice and lentils. In the Kathmandu valley, the indigenous Newars have their own unique cuisine of spicy vegetable and meat dishes, in the mountains, the traditional diet consists of noodle soups, potatoes, and toasted flour.
Moreover, outside the tourist area the food is quite inexpensive. Note that few restaurants charge government tax (13%) and service tax (10%) extra over the menu price.
What to Wear
Nepalese is genuinely relaxed about what tourists wear, yet it pays to bring dress that covers the arms, shoulders and lower legs for visits to temples and different religious sites.
A downy and downpour coat is helpful for the mountains. In winter or above 4500m you'll require a down jacket, gloves and warm cap.
A swimming outfit and trekking shoes is valuable for boating, kayaking, canyoning and, well, swimming!
Bring an agreeable pair of climbing boots or shoes – purchasing footwear in Nepal is an alternate route to rankle. Lip analgesic, a wide-overflowed cap, polarizing shades and sunscreen are fundamental for mountain climbs.
Consider wearing a mask against Kathmandu's air contamination, particularly on the off chance that you intend to rent a bike or bicycle. Masks are widely available.
Visa
All foreigners, with the exception of Indian nationals, will require a visa to enter Nepal. Nepal extends upon arrival visa to most of the countries except 1. Nigeria 2. Ghana 3. Zimbabwe 4. Swaziland 5. Cameroon 6. Somalia 7. Liberia 8. Ethiopia 9. Iraq 10. Palestine 11. Afghanistan.
Guests from these nations, should issue Nepal visa from Nepal government offices in their own countries as there is no arrangement for upon arrival visa for these countries.
Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) is the only international air terminal of Nepal. Immigration Office, TIA under the Department of Immigration has been encouraging travelers by offering Visa on arrival. 'On Arrival' visa methodology is snappy and simple. You can expect a couple of lines during peak tourist season.
However, if you wish to keep away from those lines, you can in like manner, consider getting Visa from Nepalese Diplomatic Missions in your country going before your arrival in Nepal. The choice is yours.
The visa expenses are as per the following:-
On Arrival Visa Fee
15 Days – 30 USD per individual
30 Days – 50 USD per individual
90 Days – 125 USD per individual
On the off chance that, If you are staying Nepal for longer than 90 days you will require visa augmentation. Visit, Department of Immigration, Kalikaistan, Kathmandu for the extension.
