Nepal - Boomerang Travel

The Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal offers an incomparable blend of high mountains and rich cultures. Nepal embraces the Central Himalaya including eight of the world's 10 highest peaks, rushing rivers and rolling terraced hills, lush, steamy tropics and high altitude plains. Nepal's unique blend of Hinduism and Buddhism is endlessly fascinating, as is it's rich mosaic of ethnically diverse people. Visitors come to Nepal expecting to find the nice scenery but also discover how friendly the Nepalese are.

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Background of Nepal

Nepal, the last Hindu Kingdom, shares its borders with Tibet(RPC) to the north, and India

Area: Total area of Nepal is 147,181 sq. Km.
Population: About 20 million according to the census of 1995.
Time: Nepalese standard time is 5 hours 45 minutes ahead of
GMT & 15 minutes ahead of India Standard Time.
Altitude: It varies from 70 m to 8848 m, the highest in the world - Mt. Everest
Climate: Nepal has four major seasons, namely;
a.   Winter          December to February
b.   Spring          March to May
c.   Summer      June to August
d.   Autumn        September to November

Currency & foreign exchange:
Nepali Rupee notes come in Re. 1, Rs. 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 500 & 1000 denominations. Coins come in 5 P., 10 P., 25 P., 50P., Re. 1 & Rs. 2 etc. Foreign currencies must be exchanged only through the banks or authorized foreign exchange dealers. The receipts from such transactions are to be obtained & retained. Visitors can exchange foreign currency at the foreign exchange counter at the airport upon arrival. Only 15% of the currency exchanged can be recovered into US Dollar at the time of departure. Visitors other than the Indian nationals have to make the payment in hotels, travel or trekking agencies & air tickets in foreign currency. Amount exceeding US$ 2000 has to be declared at the entry point. Non-Indian visitors are not allowed to import or export Indian currency. The approximate value of one Dollar is equivalent to Rs. 74.00 as of July 2001.
Entry point:
By air: Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu.
By land: Kakarvitta, Birgunj, Sunauli, Nepalgunj, Dhangadi & Mahendra Nagar in Nepal-India border & Kodari in Nepal-China border. The overland tourists entering the Kingdom with their vehicles must possess an international carnet.
Tourist Guide:
Our company provides all registered-licensed guide fluent in different foreign languages.
Electricity:
220 V/ 50Hz

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE AND RAINFALL IN KATHMANDU:

Kathmandu Durbar Square
This complex of palaces, courtyards, and temples were built in the 12th to 18th centuries used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. An intriguing piece here is the 17th century stone inscription set in to the wall of the palace with writing in 15 languages. Durbar Square is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city. There are three museums inside the palace building.

Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath Stupa lies 6Km to the east of downtown Kathmandu and is the largest Stupa of Asia. It looms 36 meters high and presents one of the most fascinating specimens of Stupa design. A huge statue of Lord Buddha is kept. Boudhanath a World Heritage Site is also known as Khasti. There are more than 45 Buddhist monasteries in the area.

Lawson Brice from U.S.
Swayambhunath

Swayambhunath Stupa
An impressive Buddhist Stupa, the oldest shrine of Kathmandu valley often called Monkey Temple, visitors not only get a good view of the valley but come face to face with temples resident monkeys. Painted on four sides of the spire are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha.

Bhaktapur City
Bhaktapur is a home of medieval art and architecture. Shaped like a conch shell, Bhaktapur means the 'city of devotees'. Pottery and weaving are its traditional industries. The City is about 19 km from Kathmandu.

Photo by:
Bhaktapur Durbar Squar

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur is a home of medieval art and architecture. Bhaktapur means the 'city of devotees'. Pottery and weaving are its traditional industries. The City is about 19 km from Kathmandu.

Patan Durbar Square
Durbar Square is situated in the heart of the city, the main tourist attraction. The Square is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines noted for their exquisite carvings. One can rummage for treasures and souvenirs in the various shops around the Square.

Jawalakhel Handicraft Center
This carpet factory is managed by the Tibetan Refugee and is a place where one can see the entire process of spinning, dying and weaving Tibetan design wool carpets. The center also has a well-shocked show room for carpet purchasing.

INTERESTING PLACES TO VISIT OUTSIDE KATHMADU VALLEY

Borderlands
Borderlands is a mere three hours north of Kathmandu, just south of the Tibetan border. Built on beautifully sculpted, sprawling terraces alongside the powerful Bhote Kosi River, sits this enchanting hideaway. Whether you choose to relax, integrate yourself into the natural surroundings, or gear up for high adventure, the centre will sooth your soul. From here we offer canyoning, rafting, mountain biking and exclusive trekking routes not found in any guidebook. Thatched safari-style tents, clean mountain air and tantalizing meals complement the peaceful atmosphere of this riverside resort.

Lumbini
Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha, is situated in the Terai plains of southern Nepal. Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Lumbini is being developed with international support as the supreme Buddhist pilgrimage and a symbol of world peace. Thousands visit this sacred site each year as they retrace Gautam Buddha's steps in his quest for enlightenment.

Pokhara
Pokhara Pokhara lies 200 km from Kathmandu and it is a place of remarkable natural beauty. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the fish-tailed summit of Machhapuchhre (6,977m) rising behind it create an ambiance of peace and magic. A perpetual place to relax, Pokhara is an oasis where leisurely meals, good books and short walk can easily fill several days. It is the starting point for some of the most famous treks in Nepal and there are plenty of short walks and day trips that can be made around the valley.

Photo by John Richert & Lawson Brice
Mt. Fishtail & Phewa Lake(Annapurna region)

Boaderland resort

Nagarkot
Nagarkot is a popular resort of Nepal. It is situated 32 km east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2175m above the sea level. It is a place which offers great mountain views. If you wake up at dawn, you'll see the sun appear over the Himalaya. The view is stunning. There are a number of trekking routes to and from Nagarkot. You can take a short trek for a few hours to 2 days and the surrounding countryside is great for walking.

Dhulikhel
This ancient town is situated 30 km east of Kathmandu. It is a popular Himalayan viewpoint. From there you can have a complete panoramic view of the snowy ranges from Karyolung in the east to Himalchuli in the west. The old part of this town is an interesting area to wander around with some fine old Nepalese buildings and several interesting temples. From there you can also take a day trip to the Tibet border or Tatopani, a place which is famous for hot sulfur spring.

Royal Chitwan National Park Royal
Chitwan National Park stands today as a successful testimony of nature conservation in South Asia. This is the first National Park of Nepal established in 1973 to preserve a unique ecosystem significantly valuable to the whole world. If spotting a tiger still remains a rare experience, other animals such as the one-horned rhinoceros, bears, different types of deer, monkeys and even fresh water dolphins are often easily seen. Jungle Safari by elephant into the Royal Chitwan National Park is another
not-to-be-missed part of the Nepal experience.

Trekking Nepal is a trekkers' paradise. 10 of the world's highest mountains are found here. Nepal offers a variety of trekking routes that provide spectacular views and wonderful opportunities to experience Nepalese village life. For this reason, thousands of trekkers visit Nepal every year. There are treks to suit both novices and experienced hikers. Trails vary from gentle slopes to steep taxing paths, providing an exhilarating experience. Most treks which go through populated areas stick to between 1000 meters & 3000 meters, although the Everest Base Camp trek & the Annapurna circuit trek both reach over 5000 meters. On high treks like these it is wise to ensure adequate acclimatization. A typical day's walk lasts from five to seven hours & involves a number of ascents & descents.

Types of treks:
A. Tea-house trek:
The most popular way to trek in Nepal for both Nepalese & Westerners is the tea -house trek. Hotel accommodation is most readily available in the Khumbu (Everest) region, the Langtang area & the entire Annapurna region. In these areas you can rely on tea-house for both food & shelter at any trailside establishment. Trekkers who opt for 'Tea-house trek' particularly with a small group of friends or family members often have a rewarding, enriching & enjoyable trip. Our agency can organize the entire arrangement for the trek for an individual or a group.
B. Camping trek:
This is an organized trek that provides you with all the comports and facilities a trekker could need. On such a trek you camp in tents, porters carry your gear, Sherpas set up camp cook and serve meals. If you are ready for the great outdoors, then the camping trek is just for you Note: If you want to have any type of trek to be organized in advance, please contact us by telephone, mail or fax at any time.

Annapurna Region (2-28 days trek)
This popular trek offers the most diversity of any trek in Nepal with incredible views of some of the tallest Himalayan Mountains. Enjoy this trekking in the stunning close up view of some of the most beautiful mountains in the world. This trek leads you through Gurung villages, full bloom Rhododendron (Nepal's national flower) forest, Tibetan monasteries and a splendid variety of natural beauty. Maximum elevation on this trek is 3,939m.

Annapurna Region

Everest Region (7- 28 days trek)
Classic and famous - the world's highest mountain - Our Everest (8848m) Trek is popularly known as "the ultimate trek" and is truly an incredible experience of this magnificent region and its friendly Sherpa people. This trek takes you through major Sherpa villages, Sagarmatha (that's for Everest) National Park, Namche Bazaar and several colorful monasteries. Maximum elevation is 5,546m.

Langtang Region (7- 24 days trek)

Langtang Valley lies north of Kathmandu valley on the Tibetan frontiers. This region is inhabited by Sherpa people whose life depends on agriculture and Yak rising. The Langtang National Park is the natural habitat of blue ship, rare red pandas and thousands of different plants and birds. In this trek you go to the pleasant valley at the foot of the peak where a glacier ends and the base camp is located. Maximum elevation is 4,480m.

Dhaulagiri Region (17 - 24 days trek)

Dhaulagiri (8167m), the sixth highest mountain in the world. This challenging and outstanding journey begins from Baglung and ends in Pokhara. This region is a land of dramatic contrast, due to its unexpected geography and strenuous trekking routes you need a sense of adventure and basic mountaineering skills to trek this region.

Ganesh Himal Trekking (7 - 25 days trek)
Ganesh Himal is situated between Kathmandu and Pokhara with its spectacular mountain scenarios which is also visible from Kathmandu, Beside its beautiful scenarios this region is famous for rich Tamang culture, dense rhododendron forests and lakes. This trek begins from Trisuli and ends at Gorkha which is six hour bus journey from Kathmandu.

Kanchanjunga Region (22- 35 days trek)

Situated in the eastern part of Nepal, Kanchanjunga (8598m) - the worlds third highest mountain has so much to offer for the trekker who is looking for adventure and something different. Restricted for so many years this trek takes you through green valleys, rhododendron and bamboo forests. This trek is famous for magnificent views of Mt. Everest, Makalu, Kanchanjunga and various wild animals like musk deer and blue ship.

Mustang Region (12- 19 days trek)

'Mystique' Mustang is presently a popular trekking spot of Nepal because of its totally different scenery and spectacular landscape. This formerly restricted area has been reopened to a limited number of tourists. During the trip a government liaison officer should accompany the trekking party. You will see Buddhist monasteries, cave temples and enjoy breath-taking scenery of Mt. Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri in this trek. Maximum elevation 5400m.

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Namche Bazar (Everest Region)

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Mustang Region

Particulars	Jan.	Feb.	Mar.	Apr.	May.	Jun.	Jul.	Aug.	Sept.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
Min.Temp. in °C	2.7	2.2	6.9	8.6	15.6	18.9	19.5	19.2	18.6	13.3	6.0	1.9
Max.Temp. in °C	17.5	21.6	25.5	30.0	29.7	29.4	28.1	29.5	28.6	28.6	23.7	20.7
Rainfall (in ml)	47	11	15	5	146	135	327	206	199	42	0	1

River	Days	Distance	Grade	From Kathmandu.
Trishuli	1-4	180Km	4-	Half day drive west
Kali Gandaki	3	92Km	4+	One day drive west
Sunkoshi	7-10	272Km	5-	3 hrs. drive east
Seit Khola	2	32Km	3+	One day drive west
Bhote Koshi	2	40Km	3+	One day drive west