NEPAL

Nepal with rich ancient cultures set against the most dramatic scenery in the world is a land of discovery and unique experience. For broad minded individuals who value an experience that is authentic and mesmerizing, Nepal is the ideal destination. Come and revel in the untouched and the undiscovered and uncover yourself.

It is unsurpassed that the sheer diversity Nepal boasts, from steamy jungle and Terai to the icy peaks of the world’s highest mountains means that the range of activities on offer. Trekking, mountaineering, rafting in spectacular scenery are just three things Nepal is famous for. Activities as diverse as Elephant Polo and a micro-light flight through the Himalayas show that the only boundary is your imagination. With 15 National & Wildlife Parks (two UNESCO Heritage sites) Nepal is one of the last places on earth you can spot the Asiatic rhinoceros and the Royal Bengal Tiger.

For many, Nepal’s greatest attraction is its people. The traditions and famous hospitality of its many different groups are indeed a major part of what makes Nepal so special. From remote mountain villages to medieval hill towns and the ancient cities of the Kathmandu Valley, the people of Nepal are always welcoming. Come and experience the strong and unique flavors of Nepalese cuisine, prepared with love and a depth of flavor or join in and celebrate at one of the many festivals year-round. In fact, with more festivals than days of the year, there is nowhere else in the world that can offer as many festivities as Nepal.

Tourism is one of the mainstays of the Nepalese economy. It is also a major source of foreign exchange and revenue. Possessing 8 of the 10 highest mountains in the world, Nepal is a hotspot destination for mountaineers, rock climbers, and people seeking adventures. Nepal's Hindu, Buddhist, and other cultural heritage sites and around-the-year fair weather are also strong attractions.

Nepal is the country of Mount Everest, the highest mountain peak in the world, and the Birthplace of Gautama Buddha- Lumbini. Mountaineering and other types of adventure tourism and ecotourism are important attractions for visitors. There are other important religious pilgrimage sites throughout the country for the followers of various sects and religions.

According to statistics from Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), a total of 598,204 foreign tourists entered the country via the aerial route in 2012. The government of Nepal declared 2011 to be Nepal Tourism Year and hoped to attract one million foreign tourists to the country during that year. The tourist industry is seen as a way to alleviate poverty and achieve greater social equity in the country.

Main Destinations

Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Buddhinath Stupa (Buddhinath), Pokhara, trekking in the Annapurna Region, Chitwan National Park, Trekking in the Langtang Region, Swayambhu Nath (Monkey Temple), Everest & the Trek to Base Camp, Lumbini, Heramba Trek, White Water Rafting

The Location
Nepal, a country in Asia, lies along the southern slopes of the Himalayan Mountain ranges. It is a landlocked country located between India to the east, south, and west and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north

Capital City
Kathmandu also spelled Katmandu or Kantipur, is the capital of Nepal. It lies in a hilly region near the confluence of the Bagmati and Vishnumati rivers, at an elevation of 4,344 feet (1,324 meters) above sea level.

Main Airport
Tribhuvan International Airport (Nepali: त्रिभुवन अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय विमानस्थल) (IATA: KTM, ICAO: VNKT, colloquially referred to as TIA) is an international airport located in Kathmandu, Bagmati Pradesh, Nepal.

Currency
The Nepalese rupee (Nepali: रुपैयाँ; symbol: रु, ₨; code: NPR) is the official currency of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. The Nepalese rupee is subdivided into 100 paise. The issuance of the currency is controlled by the Nepal Rastra Bank, the central bank of Nepal. The Nepalese rupee was introduced in 1932 when it replaced the Nepalese mohar at the rate of 2:1

Emergency Calls
Dial 101 for fire. Dial 102 for ambulance service. Dial 103 for traffic control. Dial 197 for telephone inquiries.

Peak Season
Elen Turner. The peak tourism seasons in Nepal are autumn (September-November) and spring (March-May) when the weather is warm, the skies are generally clear, and conditions are at their best for outdoor activities.

Low Season
March-May and September to November. Another six months are regarded as the off seasons. Basically, off seasons for travel in Nepal include June to August and December to February. The first off-season is due to the monsoon.

Temperature
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is June (29.1°C). The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (19.1°C). The month with the highest average low temperature is July (20.2°C). The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (2.4°C).