Nepal covers the land area of 147,181 sqkm, stretching 800km from west to east and 90 to 230km from north to south. Nepal is a land-locked country between China and India. Nepal has three geographic regions; the mountainous Himalayan region (including 8 of the 14 highest mountain peaks in the world), the hill region and the plains region. Nepal contains the greatest altitude variation on earth, from the lowland Terai, at almost sea-level to Mt. Everest at 8848 meters. Nepal is divided into seven different states and seventy-seven districts. Whereas High Himalayas occupy 16% of the total land area of Nepal with elevation ranging from 4,000m to 8,848m. This region accommodates the eight of the highest peaks in the world; Mt. Everest (8,848m), Kanchanjunga (8,586m), Lhotse (8,501m), Cho Oyu (8,201m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Makalu (8,463m), Manaslu (8,163m) and Annapurna I (8,091m)

Currency in Nepal

Nepali Rupee notes come in Rs. 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 denominations. Coins come in Rs. 1 and 2 denominations. Foreign currencies must be exchanged only through banks or authorized money exchangers. The receipts of such transaction are to be obtained and retained. Prior to any transaction, foremost inquire about the commission and charges that will be deducted for the money exchange at Nepali currency exchange rate. Banks are usually open from 09.30 am to 3.00 pm Sunday through Thursday and from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm on Friday. Saturday is a weekend holiday.

Credit Cards

All major cards are accepted for tourist services. There is usually a 4% mark-up on top of the price.

Seasons

Nepal has four major Season-

(1) Winter: December-February, 

2) Spring: March-May,

(3) Summer: June-August,

(4) Autumn: September- November.

Nepal can be visited the whole year round.

Climate Changes

Nepal is one of the most vulnerable countries in South Asia to climate change, yet it has limited capacity to address impacts of climate change or to take advantage of the opportunities. It has a highly variable climate and fragile ecosystems. The Himalayan glaciers are retreating faster than any other major body of ice. With climate change, climate variability, a driver of poverty in a country where 75% of the population is reliant on agriculture, will only increase. The monsoon rains are already more intense, but of shorter duration, and are arriving later, which has a devastating impact on the rice crop. The Greater Himalaya region is the water tower of Asia. Nepal sits at a strategic point, in the headwaters of the Ganges basin. 500 million people live in this basin, which is one of the most flood-prone in the world. Currently, Nepal's Himalayan Rivers supply 70% of the dry season water in the Ganges and 30% of the peak flood waters. Nepal's potential for hydropower is 100 times its existing energy use. Current development of river is sub-optimal, focusing solely on hydro rather than also storing water in the summer to use for irrigation during the rest of the year and reduce flooding.

Clothing in Nepal

From April to the end of October, it is warm in Kathmandu. In Nepal clothing for traveling purpose should be comfortable and lightweight. You can also wear longer shorts provided that it is weather-friendly. In the months of November to the end of March, days are usually warm and evenings are cool. Put on your summer clothes during the day time but in the evening and night, it is advisable to carry a light jacket. Winter season starts from December to February. One must be equipped with sufficient winter wears like down jackets, sweaters, trousers etc to stay protected from the cold. In accordance to Nepali weather, you can have your clothes well-packed in your luggage or you can also purchase clothes of your choice and needs from the clothing stores in Nepal.

People and Religions in Nepal

Nepalese people are mainly divided into two distinct groups, the Indo-Aryans and the Mangoloids. Nepal is a secular country since 2008. Nepal is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the Light of Asia. Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, and Christians live together in harmony. And other nature worshippers, too, exist here. Ethnic diversity and custom of Nepal make Nepal the most fascinating tourist destination in the world. Official statistics indicate that the Nepali population of around 35 million includes 126 ethnic groups speaking 100 different languages and dialects.

History of Nepal

Nepal has witnessed many rulers and dynasties play contributing roles in moulding Nepal to present day’s Modern Nepal. Kirantis ruled Nepal from 9th century B.C. to 1st century A.D. Later Lichchhavis took over Kiranti from 3rd to 13th century and then were followed by Thakuri belonging to Malla dynasty. Then the Shah Dynasty held the reign. Prithvi Narayan Shah is solely responsible for today’s modern day Nepal for he is the one who united different kingdoms into one single nation in 1769. In 1846, the Kot massacre led by Junga Bahadur Rana back seated the power of the monarchy and made Rana regime more powerful. In 1950 Tribhuvan with the support from India restored monarchy. A coalition government comprising the Nepali Congress party and the Ranas was thereafter installed with the promise of free elections in 1952. In1960, Mahendra, son of Tribhuvan tactically established Panchayat system, meaning ‘five councils system’, by engineering a coup, declaring a new constitution, imprisoning all the leaders of the then government and enforcing a ban on all political activities. People’s movement of 1990 opened up a new chapter for a decade of democracy in Nepal which led to multiparty democracy with a constitutional monarchy. Democracy came with heavy price leading to incompetent political leaders, political conflicts, Maoist insurgency, corruptions and downfall in the national economy. Royal family massacre in 2001 left the whole world in complete shock. Gyanendra was crowned Nepal’s king after his brother, Birendra’s assassination. With the advent of 2006, all major political parties committed to reform their past mistakes and Maoist rebels came together with the support from Nepali people and jointly went on several days strikes to restore democracy. Finally, Gyanendra handed over the political power to Nepali people and democracy was once again restored in Nepal. Then Maoists has been the biggest political party of Nepal now from the election 2008.

Shopping in Nepal

In the major cities of Nepal, like Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur, Pokhara, Chitwan, Nepalgunj etc, you will find well-resourced shopping malls. From clothes, shoes, accessories, sportswear, electronic goods, cosmetics, food, and decoration items to kitchen wares you can purchase any goods. In Nepal shopping of both local and imported goods are possible. Most shops and clothing stores have fixed price tagged along with their goods. But in the case of small shops, you can bargain the prices for purchasing goods. While shopping in Nepal it is advisable to carry Nepali currency in cash as most of the shops only accept cash. In Kathmandu, Thamel, New-road, Ason and Durbar Marg are the most popular Shopping centers.

Foods in Nepal

Kathmandu is a paradise for food lovers. Besides Nepali food, Nepal restaurants here serve varieties of hygienic delicacies from Indian, Chinese, Tibetan, Japanese, Italian, Australian, Russian, Korean, Mexican, Thai etc to Continental at a remarkably reasonable price. If you desire to lead a Nepali lifestyle during your stay in Nepal, then there are also some restaurants serving pure Nepali meals (Dal Bhat) which comprises of Boiled rice, lentil soup and varieties of vegetable/non-vegetable curries. Thamel, the tourist hub of Kathmandu, is well known for many excellent restaurants, cafes, and pubs. Pokhara also has numerous restaurants that serve every kind of delicacies complementing your taste. The foods in the mountain(trekking route) also fresh, hygienic and delicious.

Hotels in Nepal

Nepal offers a wide range of accommodation, from 5-star luxury hotels to budget guesthouses. Top hotel in Nepal gives you high quality services. Whatever your requirements are, Nepal hotels can meet them all. Best Nepal Trekking, always recommends the best Hotels in Nepal for your holiday.

Electricity in Nepal

Normally, domestic consumption of electricity in Nepal comes to 220 Volts. Climatic conditions in Nepal may bring in fluctuation in electric supply leading to load shedding. However, Nepal hotels have UPS to deal with this electric crisis. It is advisable to carry voltage converters and plug adapters with you while traveling in Nepal for using electric goods. Voltage converters and plug adapters are easily accessible at shopping malls in the cities of Nepal. We recommend to use cameras with replaceable batteries and use lithium batteries. 220 Volt power Electricity is available in most of the trekking places. Many of the lodges have power available with typical Asian plugs (two nails like horizontal prongs).

Customs Formalities

All baggage is subject to customs check at the point of entry. Visitors are allowed to bring in the consumable articles such as liquor one bottle up 1.15 liters, 200 sticks of cigarette, 15 rolls of photo film and 12 rolls of movie camera film. Visitors are also allowed to carry one binocular, one camera, one movie camera, one video camera, one radio, one tape recorder, one bicycle, one wristwatch, one set of pen et Carrying narcotics, arms, and ammunition are strictly prohibited. Visitors can export souvenirs to their respective countries. The export of antc.iuques requires the special certificate from the Department of Archaeology, National Archive Building, Ram Shah Path, Kathmandu, Gold, silver, precious stones, wild animals and their skins, horns, etc, all drugs whether processed or in their natural state, are prohibited to export.

Our Staffs

We, Best Nepal Trekking (P) Ltd. employs well trained, responsible and capable Sherpa staffs that have successfully led several trips for the groups, from around the world. Each trip is staffed with an experienced guide who speaks English ensuring a pleasant and smooth journey for the group. We are committed to providing the best and reliable services for each client for this unforgettable journey in the Himalayas!