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General Information

Welcome to Nepal – a perfect destination for multiple holiday opportunities. Nepal covers a narrow ruggedly rectangular strip at the foothills of the Himalayas in the South Asia. However, the landlocked country which covers a tiny 0.01% of the world area and 0.1% of the Asian continent, boasts a kaleidoscope of geographical, cultural, and biodiversity variations.

The country is home to not only the humbling Mt. Everest, but more than thousands of snow peaks of the Himalayan range. The amazing variation in the land elevation within a breadth of 150 kms offers a habitat ranging from tropical dense forests to Alpine Himalayan highlands. The country’s typical position in the geographical landscape also makes it an important cultural and ethnic meeting point. The homeland of the Buddha and the elusive Hindu & Buddhist sages, Nepal is also a spiritual retreat for the people of almost all major religions and cultures in the world.

Furthermore, the unbelievable economic affordability and more than 50 years of experience of welcoming foreigners has created an environment in Nepal where the tourists are not outsiders but an integral part of Nepalese lifestyle.

Nepal at a Glance
Location: South Asia, China’s Tibet in the north, and India in the South, East and West
Geography: 70% Mountainous, 15% Flat Land Terai, 15% Himalayas (approx)
Sea Port: None, Landlocked by India and China
Area: 147, 181 Sq Kms
Population: 27 million (2007 estimate)
People: More than 60 ethnic groups with more than 70 spoken languages
Political System: A Multi-Party Republic since 2008

Visa
A visa is required to enter Nepal which can be issued at the Nepalese embassy or Consulate or at the Kathmandu Airport upon arrival. Children under 10 years need not pay any visa fees. Two passport sized photos are mandatory for visas on arrival.

Entry
Tourist entry visas can be obtained from Nepal Embassy/ Consulate or Mission offices abroad, or at the immigration offices at the entry points in Nepal.

Customs
All baggage must be declared and cleared through the customs on arrival upon entry.

Currency & Conversion
Nepal’s official currency is the Nepalese Rupees. Nepalese Rupees are found in denominations of 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are found in denominations of Rs. 5, Rs. 2, Rs. 1 and 50 paisa. One rupee equals 100 paisa.

Major Banks, hotels, and the exchange counters at the Kathmandu Airport provide services for exchanging foreign currency. However, only 10 percent of the total amount may be converted by the bank. ATM is widely in use in Kathmandu.

Foreign Currency and Credit Card
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. Remember to keep your Foreign Exchange Encashment Receipt while making foreign exchange payments or transferring foreign currency into Nepalese rupees.

Airport Tax
Effective from 14th January 2005, all tourists would be levied NRS. 565 (including VAT) at the departure terminal along with the Passenger Service Charge (Airport Tax).

Time/Off Day
Nepal Standard Time is 5 hours 45 minutes ahead of GMT and 15 minutes ahead of India Standard Time. Saturday is the official off-day in Nepal.