Nepal

Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of bio-diversity due to its geographical position and altitude variation. The elevation of the country ranges from 60 metres above sea level to the highest point on earth, Mt. Everest all within a distance of 150 kilometres resulting in climatic conditions from sub-tropical to arctic. This wild variation fosters an incredible variety of ecosystems, including the greatest mountain range on earth which has eight of the world’s fourteen highest mountains, thick tropical jungles teeming with a wealth of wildlife, thundering rivers, forested hills and frozen valleys. Within this spectacular geography is a rich cultural landscape. The country is a potpourri of over forty ethnic groups and sub-groups who speak over 93 languages and dialects. The majority of the population is found in the Kathmandu Valley located in the centre of Nepal and home of three major towns, Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur.

GMT + 5:45 hours. Nepal is 4:15 hours ahead of South Africa.

Language
Nepali. English is widely spoken.

Currency
Nepalese Rupee (NPR) ZAR1.00 = 9.7 NPR (Updated August 09)

Entry Requirements
Passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the length of stay. Visas are required for South African travellers. A visa can be obtained on arrival at the Kathmandu International Airport - please contact us for the fees payable. A Nepalese Departure Tax must also be paid at the airport upon leaving Nepal. This is not included in your tour packages.

CITIES OF NEPAL

Kathmandu

Lying in the heart of the Kathmandu Valley, the modern day capital of Nepal has remained a centre of trade, religion and politics since ancient times. During the 14th Century, the valley was divided into three independent kingdoms; Patan, Bhaktapur and Kathmandu, until the region was invaded and unified to form the nation of Nepal in the late 18th Century.

Kathmandu is a treasure trove of mediaeval art, temples and religion, colonial style parks, regal palaces and museums. Standing in the heart of the city are the Royal Palace and Durbar Square, while on the outskirts, two of Nepals’ most distinctive and important stupas stand guard; the Swayambunath Stupa, also known as the “Monkey Temple” and Bodnath Stupa, a centre for the Tibetan culture in Nepal and one of the largest stupas in the world.

Patan

Patan, located on the opposite side of the Bagmati River from Kathmandu, once ruled over the whole valley and is now Nepal’s second largest city. You can visit Patan easily on a day trip from Kathmandu – see the traditional Newari houses leaning over narrow old streets, the daily offerings that colour shrines and statues, and the majestic temples and Tibetan monasteries.

Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur is a charming town located 30 minutes drive northeast of Kathmandu. The entire old town is protected and closed to traffic, making this an ideal place to wander on foot through a rich collection of architecture, mediaeval art, history and everyday life. See the tiny, hand made pots laid out to dry every morning in Potters Square or the local produce market in Taumadhi Tole; exploring Bhaktapur is an unforgettable experience.

Chitwan National Park

The Chitwan region was a favourite spot for game hunting until 1951 and was then declared a national park by the Royal Family in 1973. This is one of the few remaining undisturbed vestiges of the Terai, a low altitude region of grasslands and wetlands, located between the foothills of the Himalayas and the Indian border. This park holds one of the world’s last populations of single-horned Asiatic rhinoceros and is also one of the last refuges of the Bengal tiger.

Pokhara

This small city is spectacular; sitting on the shores of the tranquil Phewa Lake and below some of the worlds tallest and most dramatic mountains. Looking north, you can see the peaks of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and the Annapurna Range including the remarkable Machapuchare “Fishtail”. Pokhara is a popular place to commence a mountain trek (for the adventurous), as well as a favourite place to just relax, walk and shop.

Country Map

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Images from NEPAL

Country Info