CROSSOVER

A land locked Himalayan kingdom of Nepal with an area of 147,181 sq km, lies in between two Asian giant civilizations, India and China. This is a rectangle of 885 km long and in an average of 160 km from north to south. Nepal is a country of amazing extremes. It has been rated as the second ultimate destination, first being the New Zealand. Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and altitudinal variation. It is a country of ethnic and topographical diversities, rich flora and fauna, adorned with exceptional architecture, which is unmatched by any country of the world. The elevation of the country ranges from 60m above sea level to the highest point on the earth, Mt. Everest 8,848m, all within a distance of 160 km resulting into climatic conditions from Sub-tropical to Arctic. So, Nepal known as vertical world is the steepest country in the world.

Nepal – occupying only 0.1% of the earth – is home to:

• 2% of all the flowering plants in the world;
• 8% of the world’s population of birds (more than 848 species);
• 4% of mammals on earth;
• 11 of the world’s 15 families of butterflies (more than 500 species);
• 600 indigenous plant families;
• 319 species of exotic orchids;

Nepal at a glance:

• Capital: Kathmandu

• Area : 147,181 sq km

• Location: Southern Asia, between China and India

• Coordinates: 28 00 N, 84 00 E

• Area comparative: Slightly larger than Arkansas

• Land boundaries: China 1,236 km and India 1,690 km, Total: 2,926 km

• Elevation extremes: Lowest point - Kanchan Kalan 70m, Highest point - Mount Everest 8,848m

• Population: 29,519.114 (July 2008 Est.)

• People: Nepal has more than 61 ethnic groups and 70 spoken languages.

• Language: Nepali is the national language. However travel-trade people understand and speak English as well.

• Religion: Nepal enjoys the distinction of being the only Hindu Kingdom in the world. However, there is a harmonious blending of Hinduism and Buddhism.

• Economy: Nepal is predominantly an agricultural country. The agricultural sector absorbs more then 70% of the total labour force of the country and 18% of the total land area has been brought under agricultural operation. The contribution to GDP at current price from this sector in 2002/03 to be only 46%.

• Climate: Tropical and temperate depending on the altitude and time of the year. The cold season starts from October-March and is also the best time to visit the country. The night temperature drops to freezing point while the day temperature has a comfortable average 25-28* C. The sky is generally very clear and bright; air is dry and warm. In April, May and early June, the weather becomes hot and stuffy with occasional evening thunderstorms. Nature is in full bloom though the landscapes are hidden in heat mist with temperature between 30-38* C. By end of June the monsoon arrives and lasts almost 3 months. The Himalayas remains hidden behind the rain and clouds. The downpours create floods and landslides occasionally at lowlands. The monsoon ends by mid September and immediately the crispy air brings in autumn with clear blue sky.

• Clothing: From Mid September-March: Light clothes are fine in Kathmandu Valley. For evening and morning, heavy woollen sweater or a padded anorak/jacket will be needed. From April-September: Only light clothes, preferably cotton are needed in Nepal. Special gears required for Trekking can be hired or bought in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

• Political System: Federal Republic Democratic Country

• Natural resources: quartz, water, timber, hydropower, scenic beauty, small deposits of lignite, copper, cobalt, iron ore

• Natural hazards: severe thunderstorms, flooding, landslides, drought, and famine depending on the timing, intensity, and duration of the summer monsoons

• Currency: Nepalese Rupee (Approximately US$1 = Rs70.65 as of July 2010).

• Time: Nepal is 05:45 ahead of GMT and 15 minutes ahead of Indian Standard Time.

• FOREIGN EXCHANGE & CREDIT CARDS: Foreign currencies must be exchanged only through the banks or authorized foreign exchange dealers. The receipts from such transaction are to be obtained and retained. Visitors can exchange money at the foreign exchange counter at the airport upon arrival also. But the authorized exchange counters around Thamel provides good rates and is more flexible comparing to the banks and in the airport. Indian Currency Rs500/- and Rs1000/- note is not allowed to be brought into Nepal and will not be exchanged and will not be accepted for transaction of any kind. Payment in hotels, travel agencies, and airlines are made in foreign exchange. Credit cards like American Express, Master and Visa are widely accepted at major hotels, shops, and restaurants. ATM is widely in use in Kathmandu. Nepalese Rupees are found in denominations of Rupees 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are found in denominations of Rupees 5, 2 and 1. One rupee equals 100 paisa.

• CUSTOMS FORMALITIES: All baggage must be declared and cleared through the customs on arrival at the entry. Personal effects are permitted free entry. A tourist may bring in dutiable goods, such as tobacco and liquors, within the prescribed quantity free of duty. Carrying narcotics, arms and ammunition are strictly prohibited. Visitors can export souvenirs to their respective countries. The export of antiques requires special certificate from the Department of Archaeology.

• HOLIDAYS & OFFICE HOURS: All Government offices are opened from 10:00 A.M. till 05:00 P.M. from Sunday through Thursday and close at 02:00 P.M. on Friday. During the winter they close at 04:00 P.M. while private businesses are opened from 10:00 A.M till 05:00 from Sunday through Friday. Saturday is an official holiday. Embassies and International organizations are open from 09:00 A.M. to 05:00 P.M. Monday through Friday and remain closed on Sunday. Most shops open after 10:00 A.M. and close at about 08:00 P.M. and are usually closed on Saturdays.