Land locked Nepal is between India in the east, west and south and autonomous region of Tibet in China on the north. Her 147000 sq. Kms of land is divided in three regions parallel to each other, the snowy Himalayas in the north, the mid mountain ranges in the middle and the fertile gangetic plains in the south.

History
Nepal has always been an independent and sovereign country with glorious history, culture and tradition that date back to time immemorial. Before the campaign of national integration was launched by King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the Kathmandu Valley was ruled by the Malla Kings, whose contributions to art and culture are indeed great and unique. In 1768 AD, the Shah dynasty ascended the throne of the unified Kingdom. His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev is the twelfth King in the Shah dynasty. Nepal is one of the founder members of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

People
Nepal has a population of more than 2.2 million people made of different races and ethnic groups living in different regions, with diverse culture, language and dialects. The Gurungs and Magars live mainly in the west. The Rais, Limbus and Sunwars 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 Brahmins, Chhetris and Thakuris are generally spread over all parts of the Kingdom.

Link
The capital Kathmandu is linked by air with Delhi, Calcutta, Varanasi, Mumbai, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Hongkong, Karachi (Pakistan), Dubai (UAE), Doha, Osaka, Shanghai, Paro (Bhutan), Lhasa (Tibet, China), Osaka (Japan), Dhaka (Bangladesh), Paris, Frankfurt, Vienna, and London. Surface entries are - Birgunj, Kakarbhitta, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Dhangadi, Mahendra Nagar and Kodari from Tibet.

Time and Communication
Nepal time is 5 hrs 45 minutes ahead of GMT.
Post Restante is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Express Mail Service (EMS) is available at GPO and at Thamel, Basantapur and airport postal counters. Telephone, fax, telex and telegraph services are available at the Nepal Telecommunications Corporation at Tripureshwar. Hotels and private communications centers provide long distance telephone. E-mail and Internet services are also offered by hotels. The government audio and television news networks are Radio Nepal and Nepal Television respectively. However, numerous FM radio stations and upcoming regional television stations are dominating the market.

Climate
The climate of Nepal varies from area to area depending on the altitude of the place. Visit to Nepal is possible all the year round. But activities like Jungle safari, rafting and trekking are best from mid September till May.

Clothing
Warm clothing are required from November till February and tropical wear from March till October.

Water
In major cities boiled and filtered water as well as mineral water is available in most of the hotels and restaurants. Elsewhere, it is advisable to use water sterilization tablets or stick to tea and soft drinks.

Credit cards
Most of the international Credit Cards are widely accepted by hotels and leading agents.

Language
Nepali is the official language of Nepal. However, English is understood and spoken by majority of people in Kathmandu valley and other major cities.

Photography
Except in some places, photography is generally allowed every where. Bring plenty of films with you.

Entry requirement
Visa for Nepal can be obtained from Nepalese Embassies and mission/consulate, it is also available on arrival at any entry point upon presenting of a valid passport, visa fee and 2 copies of passport size photos. Children under 10 years need not pay any visa fees. Gratis visa for all tourists who visit Nepal for 3 days or less and also for tourist of SAARC countries and Peoples' Republic of China. Visa fee - single entry for 60 days US $ 30.00 or equivalent convertible foreign currency and multiple entry US$ 50.00 + US$ 30.00 or equivalent convertible foreign currency. Tourist Visa will be extended subsequently for 30 days each upon payment of US$ 30 for a maximum period of 150 days in a visa year (Jan-Dec) from Department of Immigration.

Indian nationals do not require visa to visit Nepal. However, travelling to Nepal they have to show upon arrival at entry point either a valid pasport, voter's Identity card issued by the Election Commission of India, or an identity card with photograph issued by the Central or State Government of India. (Except Tatkal Identity Cards issued by the Ministry of Railways).Children under 10 years need not show any identification. For students between the age of 10-18 years, School/ College photo ID card is valid.

For further information please log on to www.immi.gov.np

Customs
All baggages must be identified and have to pass through customs inspection at the port of entry and exit. Personal effects and camera, films, one bottle of liquor, 200 cigarettes, one tent and camping equipments per person is allowed in free of custom duty.

Airport tax
There is an airport tax for international and domestic flights. NPR 1356.00 per person for departure to SAARC (South Asian) countries and NPR 1696.00 per person for departure to other international destination. But for Internal (Domestic) sector NPR. 169.50 per person.
This Airport Tax is equally applicable to Nepalese as well as non-Nepalese citizens flying from Nepal.

Religion
Nepal is the only Hindu kingdom in the world with majority of Hindus. Buddhism, Islam and Christian religions are followed by some people. All religions even in minority have co-existed amicably in Nepal for ages.

Electricity
220 Volts AC - 50 Cycles through out the country.

Official Weekly Holidays
Saturday is the official weekly holiday when most of the shops are closed. Museums remain closed on Tuesdays and other Govt. holidays.

Travel Insurance
It is advisable to acquire insurance policy to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, cancellation and in the unlikely event that you need emergency evacuation by plane or helicopter due to illness or accident.
Also prior to the start of the trip we request you sign the risk and release form provided by us.

Currency
Nepalese rupees is local currency available in paper notes in denomination of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 500, 1000. When exchanging money at the banks or the hotel counter always ensure that you are given an exchange receipt as this is essential for converting your rupees to hard currency on your departure. A maximum of 15% can be converted to hard currency on your departure. Visitors can exchange money at the foreign exchange counter at the airport upon arrival also. Indian currency of INR 500 and INR 1000 note is not allowed to be brought into Nepal and will not be exchanged and will not be accepted for transaction of any kind.

Liability
Heritage Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd and Heritage Trekking Pvt. Ltd put every effort to make your journey smooth and pleasant as much as possible. However, we act as intermediary between the concerned carriers, transportation companies, hotels, and local tourist offices providing the services. Heritage Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd and Heritage Trekking Pvt. are therefore not responsible for any loss, injury or damage sustained by the tourists including those occurring outside the touring programs. Additional expenses incurred due to delay, accident, natural disaster, political action and unrest must be borne by the tourists. Programs, prices, costs, services and conditions are based on those valid at the of printing and are therefore subject to change with or without advance notice in the event of circumstances beyond our control. We also reserve the right to change the itinerary with or without notice in the best interest of all concerned.