Thursday, April 12, 2007

Some Useful Information to tourist

Visa
A . Entry:-
Tourist entry visa can be obtained for the following duration from Royal Nepalese Embassy or Consulate or other mission offices or at the following immigration offices in Nepal.
1. Immigration Office, Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
2. Immigration Office, Kakarvitta, Jhapa (Eastern Nepal)
3. Immigration Office, Birganj, Parsa (Central Nepal)
4. Immigration Office, Kodari, Sindhupalchowk (Northern Border)
5. Immigration Office, Belahia, Bhairahawa (Rupandehi, Western Nepal)
6. Immigration Office, Jamunaha, Nepalgunj (Banke, Mid Western Nepal)
7. Immigration Office, Mohana, Dhangadhi (Kailali, Far Western Nepal)
8. Immigration Office, Gadda Chauki, Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur, Far Western Nepal)

I) Visa fee for visitors who enter Nepal for the first time in a visa year (Jan-Dec): Duration Fee

II) Single entry 60 days from the date of entry US$ 30 or equivalent convertible foreign currency.

III) Multiple entry facility can be obtained paying additional US$ 50 or equivalent convertible foreign currency. The facility will be valid for a visa year (Jan-Dec) if the visa period is valid.

B. Tourist Visa Extension:-
A tourist visa can be extended up to 120 days from the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu and Pokhara Immigration Office on request. Thereafter an additional 30 days can be extended from Department of Immigration ensuring that tourist visa cannot be extended more than 150 days.

Visa Extention Fee:

1. Tourist visa extension fee for 30 days: -
US$ 30 in equivalent Nepalese currency.

2. Tourist visa extension with multiple entry facility: -
Multiple entry facility can be obtained paying additional US$ 50 or equivalent convertible foreign currency. The facility will be valid for a visa year (Jan-Dec) if the visa period is valid.

3. Late fee for not applying extension in time :-
- US$2 in equivalent Nepalese currency per day for the first 30 days.
- US$3 in equivalent Nepalese currency per day for the next 31 to 90 days.
- US$5 in equivalent Nepalese currency per day for more than 90 days.
4. Gratis visa: -
Children below 10 yrs.
Dependants up to the age of 16 years, holding foreign passports of Nepalese parents or either of their parent being a Nepalese citizen.
Citizen of Nepali origin, after having obtained passport for the first time from a Nepal based foreign mission, until the period of his departure to a foreign country.
Citizens of member countries of South Asian association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the People’ s Republic of china.
Any foreigner, who has lived in Nepal up to fifteen (15) days continuously, re-entering Nepal during the same visa year.
Any foreigner, tourist entering into Nepal for three days or less than that.
Some Important information to tourist: Don't or Do's
A tourist may stay in Nepal up to 150 days in a visa year.
A tourist must extend his/her visa before expiry of the visa validity period. A tourist who does not comply with these regulations may be liable of fine and other prosecution as provided in Immigration Act and Rules.
A Foreigner having obtained tourist visa shall not be allowed to work with or without receiving remuneration.
A foreigner shall not be allowed to carry out any work other than that for which purpose s/he has obtained the visa.

What to Bring?
Traveling light is the best when going on a journey. Though there are certain things, which are essential to make your stay in Nepal pleasant. When going trekking you need a good pair of trekking boots, warm and comfortable clothing and a sleeping bag.
It is possible to hire a sleeping bag and down jackets in Kathmandu at reasonable prices. When visiting the lower parts of Nepal, you need loose and light clothing; the day temperatures from spring to autumn can get very high. Light colored clothing (Possibly jungle color) is recommended when visiting wildlife reserves. Going on a raft, you need a pair of sandals, T-shirt, pair of shorts, swimming costume (optional) & some warm cloth for evening.

Seasons
Spring: March to May The rhododendron blooms, nice and warm days
Summer: June to August Hot weather and rainy days. Trekking is limited due to heavy rainfalls
Autumn: September to November The sky clears up again offering stunning mountain views
Winter: December to February The days are cold and nights are freezing. Trekking in high area is limited due to snowfall.
Risk and Liability
We always put its all efforts in making your journey smooth and pleasant. But we cannot be responsible for any change or cancellation of programs due to any unavoidable circumstances such as road blocked, flood, snow, cancellation of flight, delay arrivals, sickness or accidents. Any extra cost occurring thereof shall be borne by clients. So, it is most advisable that clients to have full insurance against medical and personal accidents risks.

Fitness:

Good physical condition will make any of the tours more enjoyable. To prepare yourself to go trekking, it is good doing cycling, jogging, long walks involving up and down hill in the beginning. Trekking is possible even for old people and young children.
Medical advice:
Travelers are requested to bring medicine prescribed by their doctor at home. Common medicine for stomach problems, headache, and malaria is available in Kathmandu. Medicine is usually not available in remote areas. So necessary medicine is advisable to carry with you on the treks. Before going to Nepal, it is advised to get injection against typhoid, meningitis and hepatitis. Malaria is not a problem in the higher area of Nepal, but can be found at the lower. Please consult your doctor for more information.
Altitude problem:
This is often known as acute mountain sickness, which is particularly a matter of important medical consideration while trekking the Himalayas. Altitude sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevations above 3000 meters. Symptoms like headache, nausea, shortness of breath; fatigue etc can be encountered as initials of the sickness. The major information source on prevention and treatment of the sickness can be get from Himalayan Rescue Association and Highlander is the confide life member of it.

Trekking
The best way probably to experience Nepalese culture and enjoy the natural scenesat the same time is by trekking. One can walk through the forest filled with rhododendrons, the chirpings of the jungle birds, the hustling sounds of the twigs which can simply take away one to an out of the world experience. One can easily forget the tensions and be totally with the Mother Nature. While passing through these ancient old trails, one can also enjoy the monasteries, the temples, the village lifestyles, the breath-trekking mountains and to top it all the most friendly village people.
Trekking in Nepal is a season activity, however the best time of the year would be September to November and February to April. Trekking during other time of the year is also possible during the monsoon season where one can trek in Manang, which is popular trekking in Nepal is equally popular among all age groups.
Peak Climbing
The Nepal Mountaineering Association has designated 18 lesser summits, ranging in elevation from 5587 m. to 6654 m. as trekking peaks. These peaks offer a compromise between a standard trek and a full-on mountaineering expedition, ranging in difficulty from moderately steep glacier walks to technical, multi day rock and ice climbs previous climbing experience is not strictly necessary, but you need to be specially fit and able to cope with cold and stormy conditions.
Trekking does not mean Peak climbing. Trekking generally means to walk on the trials. Peak climbing is little more ambitious with a view of adventure since it is scaling of the Snowy Peaks of the Great Himalayas. The experiment and enjoyment that you get from the entire procedures and the views from the top of the peak are wonderful and unforgettable in lifetime.
Nepal is a rich country of Mountains/Peaks. In Nepal including Mt. Everest the highest peak of the world, there are about 1300 peaks of higher than 6000 meter. Eight Peaks are in Nepal among fourteen higher than 8000 meter of the world. Likewise 32 peak higher than 7200 meter are here in this small country.
"Therefore Nepal called country of truly Mountains and peaks."
Rafting in Nepal
White water rafting means bouncing down a river in an inflatable rubber raft over crashing waves and swirling rapids for the excitement of a lifetime. Since the entire country is like a steep incline, the rivers that thunder down form the high Himalayas churn with extra ferocity to provide some of the fastest and most challenging white waters of melting glaciers, the agitated rivers crash down mountain gorges and pass through hills, valleys and jungles on their way to the plains in the south . As they flow between ever changing landscapes, they offer a tableau of flora and fauna.
River running is thus a terrific way to enjoy Nepal’s natural beauty and observe its rural lifestyles - and from a perspective that may not be available to a trekker. Rafting is also a cultural experience. Rivers are held sacred in Nepal, and many religious ceremonies are performed on their banks. River confluences are major pilgrimage sites where devotees take holy dips.
Nepal is blessed with some of the wildest and most spectacular rivers in the world. The combination of beautiful mountain scenery, exhilarating white rafting we offers fun and exciting rafting trips on the best rivers in Nepal. During September to early December and march to June both the water and weather are very favorable for rafting. The rivers are categorized according to its rapid, Such as
Jungle Safari Nepal
Wildlife observation
Nepal has serveral fascinating wildlife reserves with a rich flora and fauna. Exploring them is an outstanding experience. Here are Tigers, Rhinos, Crocodiles, hundreds of different bird species and much more!
Elephant Safari
A traditional way of exploring the jungle. From the elephants back you can see over the high grass and discover the animals there.
Bird Watching
The jungles is the home of several unusual birds - if you are lucky you may se a red tailed kings fisher early in the morning.
Ox Cart Ride
The relaxing oxcart ride will enable you to view the lively cultural villages around the area.
Colorful Tharu Village Visit
Experience the culture and traditions of the Tharu people living close to the jungle and wildlife for centuries. In symbiosis and battle with the wild animals.
Nature or Jungle Walk
Exploring the area by foot, watch birds, animals and plants. Our experts can take you to good places for spotting a tiger, rhino or any animal.
Tharu Stick Dance
A melodious tribal dance performed by men with rhyme or drums and the clashing of sticks. The dance shows how to rhinos and other wild animals are scared away from the village.
City Tour in Nepal
Kathmandu valley has historically been the centre of commerce and trade in Nepal. The fertile valley has always been a centre of agriculture and still is. Kathmandu is a melting pot of Hindu and Buddhist culture. Kathmandu and Patan contain a wide variety of temples, shrines, monasteries and medieval pagodas. Right outside the city are numerous chances to enjoy a glimpse of rural village life the way it has been for hundreds of years. We offer opportunities for guided treks around the valley with a knowledgeable and friendly trekking guide. We also have programs designed for touring the famous religious and cultural sites of Kathmandu. Tours are led by our knowledgeable and certified guides. Personal transportation is provided and all tours are private. So please let us introduce you to our home and history in Kathmandu.
Here are some options for guided tours in Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. These are various packages designed to give you a variety of cultural experiences during your tour. Each package is a one day tour.

Kathmandu Durbar Square :
The seat of royalty till the last century Kathmandu Durbar Square is a wondrous cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets. The most note worthy among them are the Hanuman dhoka palace complex, the living goddess and the Taleja temple.

Patan Durbar Square :
No where else can be seen a compression of marvelous monuments within a limited space like in the Patan Durbar Square. Besides the old royal palace, what dominates all others in grace and grandeur in this complex is the 17th century Krishna mandir. Other landmarks within the square are the marvelous Tushahity, Sundarichowk, Taleju-Temple etc. The Golden temple and the terra-cotta temple of Maha Bouddha are the highlights in the vicinity.

Patan Museum :
The Patan museum inside Patan Durbar in the Durbar Square specialises in bronze statues and religious objects, which add up to nearly 900 items. Some of the art goes back to as early as the 11th century. Most of the statues are of Buddha . Vishnu Lokeswar and Devi, covering both the Hindu and the Buddhist iconology.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square :
Of the valleys three Durbar Square, the Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the best preserved. Still emanating the medieval aura. This splendid palatial complex has its gems in such artistic masterpieces as the 55-windows palace, the Golden gate and the Taleju. The 15th century Dattatreya temple and the world famous peacock window.

Swayambhunath Stupa :

One of the world's oldest Buddhist shrines, the stupa graces a hilltop, 77 m. above the valley bottom. This huge dome-like structure is surrounded by 13 gilded rings representing 13 Heavens and an elaborate canopy.
Pashupatinath Temple :
One of the most sacred Hindu shrine in the world. The two – storied pagoda houses a sacred Clingum or the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Although the temple dates back to the 4th century, it was brought into its present shape in the early 18th century. The temple is most noted for its gold-plated roofs and silver-coated doors.

Changu Narayan Temple :
Which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, boasts of being the oldest pagoda dead 424 AD is the believed to be the oldest of all such written records. More place to visit and study in valley and around: (if you have time and interested):
Dakshinkali :
Canopied by four gilded serpents spiralling up to make up the pinnacle, this open shrine is dedicated to the ferocious Hindu female deity. Dakshinkali its location in the midst of a soothing jungle. Just 20 km. South from the valley.

Kakani :
At 1982 m. sea level is one of the most remarkable mountain balconies for viewing a chain of Himalayan peaks and sun set. The place 29 km. to the north of Kathmandu. Godavari : Godavari is a preferred place for devotees, the royal Botanical Garden attracts all those who love nature in its pristine form. The peaceful garden is also a preferred place for watching birds and lies 22 km. south of Kathmandu.

Boudhanath Stupa :
One of the world's largest stupa of its kind. The unique aspect of this great Buddhist monument is that it is set in the octagonal mandala design. Also set into the riches around this huge structure are the hundreds of prayer wheels and the 108 images of the Buddha adoring the Stupa. Another notable aspect of the area is the presence of about four dozen monasteries around it.

Sankhu :
Sankhu is north east from Kathmandu. This unspoiled Newar settlement is best known for its cultural richness as well as the 17th century Vajra Yogini shrines atop a nearby mountain. Adding to its medieval grandeur are the quaint streets and rows of old artistic buildings and temples.

Bungamati :
This village is has some of the most defined culture in all Nepal. Its main highlights are the Macchendranranth temple and a Buddhist monastery. Bungamati is equally famous for its dextrous wood-carvers.

Nagarkot :
At a height of 1985 meters above sea level. The hilltop is visited for viewing beautiful sun rises and sun sets on the clear day Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Gauri Shanker and the Everest can be seen.

Surya Vinayak :
It is one of the valleys four main Ganesh shrines. It is in Bhaktapur. Devotees throng this temple to pay homage and offer animal sacrifices to the elephant-headed deity. The place is also pleasant to view the Bhaktapur city as well as the Himalaya Panorama.
Natural history Museum : It has fine display of Himalayan butterflies, snakes and plants. Rare birds and insect species
Dhulikhel :
This old Newar town is rich in culture and for temples and stupas. From here long mountain range can be seen.
National woodworking museum :
The building of museum itself it the museum and contain very finely carved pillars, windows, doors and struts. Also there are wood carving samples that go back the Pujari Math.
National Bronze Art Museum :
It has a collection of same of the finest pieces of bronze created by valley artisans and the number of items (about Hindus and Buddhist religion) is about 900.

Bronze and Brass Museum (Pujari Math) :
The Bronze and Brass museum is housed near the pujari Math. Much of the displays have been restored and are in excellent condition.

Chovar Gorge :
Manjushri (Buddhist saint) came upon a huge lake long ago and saw a huge lotus emanating bright light at its centre. So he cut a deep gorge in the wall of the lake and let the water gout in order to observe and worship the lotus. The bed of the lake because Kathmandu valley and the place where he cut the lake is said to be Chovar. An intricate cave is located there as well as a Ganesh Temple.

Pokhara City Tour :
If Kathmandu is the cultural hub of Nepal, Pokhara is its centre of adventure. An enchanting city nestled in a tranquil valley, it is the starting point form many of Nepal’s most popular trekking and rafting destinations. The atmosphere on the shore of Phewa Lake is one of excited vitality as hipster backpackers crowd the many bars And Restaurants exchanging recommendations on guest houses and viewpoints, both by the lake and above the clouds. Pokhara is a place of remarkable natural beauty. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the fishtailed summit of Machhapuchhre (6977 m.) rising behind it create an ambience of peace and magic. At an elevation lower than Kathmandu, it has a much more tropical feel to it, a fact well appreciated by the beautiful diversity of flowers which proper in its environs. Indeed, the valley surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, emerald lakes and of course, the world famous views of the Himalaya. Finally, Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day , mule trains can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalaya. This is the land of the Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned worldwide fame as Gorkha soldiers. The Thakali, another important ethnic group here, are known for their entrepreneurship

Mountain Biking in Nepal
Nepal's diverse terrain is a mountain biker's dream adventure come true. Mountain biking offers an environmentally sound way of exploring this magnificent country, its landscape and living heritage. Because this is a Spartan, laborious mode of travel, it is also considered the way to travel by the 'purists'.
There are plenty of dirt roads and trails in Nepal to meet every mountain biker's wildest fantasy. Mountain biking is also recommended if you wish to explore the urban centers such as Pokhara and Kathmandu, plus the outskirts. Imagine, if you will, a ride through lush green rice fields, through hamlets, up and down the hillside, along the river bank, around temples, past the street roaming cattle, along the highway, you name it. Through snow, monsoon downpour, wonderful light effects, or fierce head winds, depending on place and season. The adventurous souls may plan extended trips to such exotic locales as Tibet, Namche Bazaar, and western Nepal. You could even do the entire length of Nepal across the plains. What you can or cannot do on mountain bike is limited only by your imagination.
It was in the mid 1980s that Biking activity really took off in Kathmandu in the mid 1980s. Enthusiasts flew with their bikes from East Asia to Tibet to do a 2-week journey from there over the passes (17,000-ft) to Nepal. This landmark event put Nepal squarely in mountain biker's map. Thus Kathmandu today is considered a Mecca for mountain bicyclists, drawing hundreds of enthusiasts from all corners of the world every year.

Mountain Flight in Nepal
Domestic Flight Schedule:
:: Eastern Region:- Lukla, Phaplu, Biratnagar, Tumlingtar
:: Central Region:- Bharatpur, Pokhara, Jomsom, Bhairawa
:: Western Region:- Simikot, Jumla, Dolpo, Nepalgunj

Type of Aircrafts:-
(YA) Yeti Airways (Twin-otter DHC-6 300, Canada)
(SA) Shangri-la (Beech, Twin-otter DHC-6,)
(3Z) Necon Air (HS748, Turbo/UK, British Aerospace)
(G1) Gorkha Airlines (Dornier DO-228, W. Germany)
(BA) Buddha Air (Raytheon Co., USA, Beech 1900D)
(CA) Cosmic Air
(RA) Royal Nepal Airlines
(MA) Mountain Air
(SK) Sky Line
(FC) Flight Care

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Keep up the good work.