Nepal - General Information

Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and altitude variation. The elevation of the country ranges from 60 meters above sea level to the highest point on earth, Mt. Everest at 8,848 meters, all within a distance of 150 kilometers resulting in climatic conditions from Sub-tropical to Arctic.

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

Area: 147,181 sq. kilometers
Geography: Situated between China in the north and India in the south
Capital: Kathmandu
Population: 22 million
Language: Nepali is the national language. However, travel-trade people understand and speak English as well.
Currency: Nepali Rupee (approximately US$ 1 equals Rs. 72.00) in May 2004
Political System: Multi-party democracy with constitutional monarchy
Religion: Nepal enjoys the distinction of being the only Hindu Kingdom in the world. However, there is a harmonious blending of Hinduism and Buddhism.
Climate: Nepal has four major seasons, namely,
(1) Winter: December-February
(2) Spring: March-May
(3) Summer: June-August
(4) Autumn: September-November
Nepal can be visited the whole year round.
People: Nepal has more than 61 ethnic groups and 70 spoken languages.
What to Wear: Lightweight clothing is recommended for May through October.
Warm garments are required in October through March. An umbrella or raincoat is a must for the rainy season.

Communication Facilities

Telephone Services: Telephone, fax, telex and telegraph services are available at the Nepal Telecommunications Corporation at Tripureshwar. Hotels and private communications centers provide long distance telephone. For calling from outside, country code for Nepal is 977 and the area code for Kathmandu is 1.

Internet Services: Several Internet cafes and communication centers have opened up in the Valley and around the country in the past few years. Visitors only have to find a place they are most comfortable in to use the facilities to keep in touch with home. E-mail and Internet services are also offered by hotels.

Electricity: Major towns have electricity and the voltage available is 220-volts and 50 cycles. Load shedding is sometimes experienced. However, most major hotels have installed their own generators.

Customs Formalities

Customs: All baggage must be declared and cleared through the customs on arrival at the entry. Personal effects are permitted free entry. Passengers arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) without any dutiable goods can proceed through the Green Channel for quick clearance without a baggage check. If you are carrying dutiable articles, you have to pass through the Red Channel for detailed customs clearance.

Import: Apart from used personal belongings, visitors are allowed to bring to Nepal free of duty cigarette (200) or cigars (50), distilled liquor (one 1.15 liter bottle), and film (15 rolls). You can also bring in the following articles free of duty on condition that you take them out with you when you leave: binocular, movie or video camera, still camera, laptop computer, and portable music system.

Export: The export of antiques requires special certification from the Department of Archeology, National Archive Building, Ram Shah Path, Kathmandu. It is illegal to export objects over 100 years old like sacred images, paintings, manuscripts that are valued for culture and religious reasons. Visitors are advised not to purchase such items as they are Nepal's cultural heritage and belong here.

For more information on customs matters, contact the Chief Customs Administrator, TIA Customs Office (Phone: 4470110, 4472266).

Entry Procedure and Visa Rules

Nationals of SAARC countries and China do not need visa when visiting Nepal. As per this rule, Indian nationals do not require visa. However, effective from October 2000, Indians traveling to Nepal by air have to show upon arrival at entry point a valid photo identity like a passport, voter's identity or an identify card issued by the Indian government. Temporary identity card with photographs issued by Nepal-based Indian diplomatic missions is considered in case of exception. Children under 10 years need not show any identification.

Other non-Nepali visitors do not need visa to be in Nepal for three days. Visa must be obtained for staying over the initial period of three days. Free visa is to be given to tourists for re-entry to Nepal provided they stay at least for 15 days in the country in that visa year.

1. First single entry to Nepal for 60 days from the date of entry is US $ 30 or equivalent convertible foreign or Nepali currency. The second entry in the same visa year for 30 days from the date of entry is US $ 30.
   
2. Multiple entry for one visa year is US $ 50 plus US $ 30 for single entry or equivalent convertible foreign or Nepali currency.
   
3. The visitors who wish to stay for more than 60 days in Nepal can extend their tourist visa by paying US $ 30 or equivalent convertible foreign or Nepali currency for 30 days from the Department of Immigration.
   
4. For foreign investors business visa with multiple entry facility for a period of one year and five years can be obtained from the Department of Immigration on the recommendation of Department of Industry and Commerce by paying US $ 100 and US $ 250 or equivalent convertible foreign or Nepali currency.

Ethics and Etiquette

Nepalis practice cultural etiquette that may sometimes appear unusual to visitors. However, a handful of tips could acquaint visitors with these otherwise strange practices.

1. The form of greeting in Nepal is 'Namaste' performed by joining palms together.
2. As a mark of respect Nepalis usually take off their shoes before entering someone's home, temple or stupa.
3. Food or material that contains another's saliva is considered 'jutho' or impure.
4. Touching something with feet or using left hand to give or take is considered offense among Nepalis.
5. Women wearing skimpy outfits are frowned upon especially in the rural parts of the country.
6. As a part of the tradition some Hindu temples do not allow westerners to enter.
7. Leather articles are prohibited inside temple precinct.
8. Walking around temples or stupas is traditionally done clockwise.
9. To avoid conflict photography is carried out after receiving permission from the object or person.
10. Public displays of affection between man and woman are scandalous.
11. Nodding head and a slight dangling of head from left to right means 'Yes' while shaking head means a 'No.'

Foreign Currency Exchange

Foreign currencies must be exchanged only through 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. Indian currency of Rs.500 and Rs.1,000 bills are not allowed to be brought into Nepal. They will not be exchanged and will not be accepted for transaction of any kind.

Credit cards like the American Express, Visa and Master Card are accepted. Convertible currencies are as follows: Dollar (U.S., Australian, Hong Kong, Canadian, Singapore); Euro (Swiss, French, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Italy); Pound (U.K.);Yen (Japan). Please retain your encashment receipt for changing back local currency into foreign currency on departure at exit points or at Tribhuvan International Airport departure lounge.

Banks in Kathmandu Valley are open between 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. from Monday through Friday. They are closed on Saturdays, Sunday and other public holidays. In other places banks are open from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. from Mondays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Fridays and are closed on Saturdays and government holidays. ATM machines are located in a few banks in the capital. Money can be transferred from other parts of the world from the numerous transfer agencies in the capital.

Airport Tax

Airport tax is applicable to Nepali and non-Nepali citizens who use airport facilities. The airport tax specified for different flights from Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) and other domestic airports are as follows:

1. International Sector TIA and Other Airports
a) SAARC Regions Rs. 700/- Rs. 500/- b) Other Countries Rs. 1000/- Rs. 750/-


2. Domestic Sector
a) Rs 165/- at TIA, Pokhara, Bhadrapur, Biratnagar, Simara, Bhairawa, Lukla, Neplagunj, Jomsom and Meghauli Airports.
b) Rs 137/- at Rajbiraj, Janakpur, Bharatpur, Tikapur, Dang, Surkeht, Dhangadi and Mahendranagar.
c) Other airports which does not fall under the category of (a) and (b) will be charged Rs.50/-

Note: In addition, VAT (value added tax) will be imposed on the above mentioned rates.

Trekking Permit: While permission is not required to trek to most areas, trekking permit is required for restricted areas. To get a group trekking permit an application form should be submitted through any registered trekking agency of Nepal. Some restricted areas are open only for group trekkers and trekking permit to these areas will not be issued to individual trekkers. For detailed information about the permit log on to http://www.immi.gov.np official web site of Department of Immigration of Nepal.

Health Guide

Medical Services: Medical facilities in Kathmandu Valley are sound. All kinds of medicines, including those imported from overseas are available in Kathmandu. Kathmandu Valley also offers the services of major general hospitals and private clinics. Health posts have been set up by the government in different parts of rural Nepal. However, facilities are not on par with those found in Kathmandu Valley.

Insurance: A travel insurance policy that covers theft, loss and medical treatment is recommended. Make sure the insurance also covers the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal such as trekking, rafting.

Immunization: Visitors do not need any particular immunization for visit. Vaccinations for cholera, meningitis, tetanus and diphtheria, typhoid and gamma globulin should, however, be considered. It may be a good idea to get a complete check-up before departure.

Medical Kit: A simple but adequate medical kit can be very useful while traveling. The following items are recommended: Aspirin or Panadol - for pain or fever; Antihistamine - as a decongestant for colds, allergies and to help prevent motion sickness; Antibiotics - useful if traveling off beaten track but they must be prescribed; Kaolin preparation (Pepto-Bismol), Imodium or Lomotil - for stomach upsets; Rehydration mixture - for treatment of severe diarrhoea; Antiseptic, mercurochrome and antibiotic powder or similar 'dry' spray - for cuts and grazes.

Prevention, the Best Medicine: Stomach upsets are the most likely travel health problem but the majority of these cases are minor problems. Thoroughly cooked food is the safest but not if it has been left to cool. One should be careful about what one eats and drinks. The number one rule is not to drink tap water or other water from open sources. Reputable brands of bottled water or soft drinks are available. While drinking and eating it is important to make sure that water which may be unsafe has not been added.

Do not drink non-pasteurized milk. Boiled milk is fine if it is kept hygienically and yoghurt is usually good. Tea or coffee should also be all right since the water would have been boiled. Salads and fruit should be washed with purified water or peeled where possible. Food, drink and snack from reputable sources are usually safe. However beware of food that has been kept out in the open for long.

Other Information

Climate: The seasons in Nepal can broadly be categorized into two - dry and wet with monsoon. There is dry season from October to May while wet season of the Monsoon last from June to September. The coming up of dry season - from September till November - is the Autumn and is the best time of the year in Nepal. With the end of monsoon and the advent of Autumn, different kinds of celebrations start in Nepal. The countryside is green and lush during this period. Nepal celebrates two popular festivals, Dashain and Tihar during this time. Summer months in Nepal are from April to September while winter months are from November to March. In the north summers are mild and winters harsh while in south summers are extreme and winters mild.

Clothing: Lightweight cotton clothing is recommended from May through October. Warm clothes are needed for winter. An umbrella or a raincoat is a necessary for the monsoons. For those planning to take trips around the nation, appropriate clothing is required depending on location and weather conditions of the area at the time.

Time and business hours: Nepal is five hours 45 minutes ahead of GMT. Government offices within Kathmandu Valley open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in summer and from 9 a.m. till 4 p.m. in the winter. Outside the Valley, government offices open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in summer and from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m. in winter.

Holidays: Except public holidays, Saturdays and Sundays are the weekend holidays in the Kathmandu Valley when most government offices are closed. Outside the Valley government offices are closed only on Saturdays. Most businesses are closed only on Saturdays.

Security for Visitors

Tourist Police was established in 1979 under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. The special unit has been designated the task of providing security to visitors. The team of Tourist Police consists of officers who can speak and understand English and Hindi. They register complaints, investigate matters, provide protection and safety to tourists. They also try to ensure hassle-free trip for visitors and assist tourists when necessary. There are three units of Tourist Police forces in Kathmandu. While the main office is at the Tourist Service Center in Bhrikuti Mandap(Phone: 4247041, 4247037), the other two are in tourist areas Thamel(Phone: 4429750) and Basantapur(Phone: 4268969).

Marco Polo Travels Nepal - Terms & Conditions

Marco Polo Group owns and operates its own hotels, resorts and inbound tour operating division to handle all incoming tour groups to Nepal and the Himalayan region of Tibet, Sikkim and Bhutan.

ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGES
All packages include accommodation on full board basis, transfers and guided tours by professional licensed guide, monument entrance fees. All prices are quoted in U.S. Dollars and net payable to Marco Polo Travels.

TOUR ESCORT CONCESSION
For minimum group size of 15 persons one tour leader is free.

FAMILY DISCOUNT
Maximum 2 children below 12 years of age sharing parents' room - 50% discount each child

EXTRAS (NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR PRICE)
Nepal Visa
Airport departure tax in Kathmandu USD 15.00
All kinds of beverages (soft or hard) during meals (unless previously informed).
Tips are given at discretion of clients.

ALTERATION OF ITINERARIES
All our programs are designed to provide maximum client satisfaction. Marco Polo Travels reserves the right to alter any itinerary, as it deems fit in order to enhance the guest experience.

GROUP DEFINITION
A group is defined as a party of 10 or more persons traveling together booked collectively at one time for the same period taking the same hotel and land arrangements.

INSURANCE
Insurance of any nature is not covered in the prices quoted by Marco Polo Travels. Travelers are booking tours at their own personal risk.

PAYMENTS
Pre-payment should be sent to the following bank: Account No: 010 221 113 1701. Account name: Marco Polo Travels Pvt. Ltd. Name of Bank: Nabil Bank Ltd., P.B. No. 3729, Kantipath, Kathmandu, Nepal. Telex No. 2385 NABIL NP Swift Code: NARBNPKA

RECOMMENDED HOTELS AND RESORTS FOR MICE TOURISM

Kathmandu Nepals

Name of Hotel
Deluxe
Yak & Yeti*****	Kathmandu's historical wonder – a turn of the century Rana palace converted to first class hotel
Hyatt Regency*****	Kathmandu's newest oasis of luxury with world class service
Soaltee Crowne Plaza*****	One of the finest among the leading hotels of the world
Radisson*****	New hotel located in the embassy and residence area of city
Dwarika's Village Resort	Nepal's premier award winning heritage hotel

Pokhara Hotels

Name of Hotel
Deluxe
Fulbari Resort & Spa*****	Deluxe resort set amidst a canyon, facilities filled, golf course
Shangri-La Village Resort	Boutique resort with pleasant surroundings and great service
Fishtail Lodge	Best located lakeside resort with wonderful view of Fishtail peak

Royal Chitwan National Park

Name of Resort
Deluxe
Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge	Top name and pioneering safari outfitters
Machan Wildlife Resort	Resort known for its service and located inside the park full of wildlife
Gaida Wildlife Resort	Experienced outfitters offering wildlife views and world class service

Nagarkot

Name of Resort
Deluxe
Club Himalaya	Deluxe resort offering panoramic views of the Himalaya

Golfing

Name of Resort
Deluxe
Le Meridien Gokarna Forest Golf Resort	18 hole par 72 course designed by Gleneagles of Scotland, inside Kathmandu valley, hotel under construction but clubhouse bungalows are ready to take in players