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INTRODUCTION :
The kingdom of Nepal
covers an area of 147,181 sq. kilometers and stretches 145-241
kilometers north to south and 850 kilometers west to east.
The country is located between India in the south and China
in the north.
It is one of the richest
countries in the world in terms of biodiversity due to its
unique geographical position and altitudinal variation. The
elevation of the country ranges from 60m. above sea level
to the highest point on Earth, Mt. Everest at 8,848m, all
within a distance of 150 Km with climatic conditions ranging
from sub-tropical to arctic. This wild variation fosters an
incredible variety of eco-systems, the greatestt mountain
range on earth, thick sub-tropical jungles teeming with a
wealth of wildlife, thundering rivers, forestd hills and frozen
valleys.
Within this spectacular
geography is also one of the richest cultural landscapes anywhere.
Nepal is a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-cultured
country. The people, who number about 22 million are a colorful
mosaic of different races, tribes and ethnic communities speaking
a multitude of languages and practicing a variety of cultures.
Art, architecture, traditions and festivals are likewise delightfully
distinct.
Nepal offers an astonishing
diversity of sightseeing attractions and adventure opportunities
found nowhere else on earth.
Getting to Nepal
By Air
The most convenient
way of reaching Nepal from Western Europe is via New Delhi,
from where Royal Nepal Airlines and Indian Airlines have daily
flights to Kathmandu. From the wester parts of United States,
Australia and the Pacific Ocean area, the most convenient
Flights are from Bangkok by Royal Nepal Airlines, Thai and
Singapore Airlines.
By land
All visitors entering
Nepal by land must use the following entry points :
1. Kakarbhita
2. Birgunj
3. Belhiya, Bhairahawa
4. Nepalgunj
5. Dhangadi
6. Mahendra Nagar is the Nepal - India border
7. Kodari is the Nepal - China border
The overland tourists
entering the kingdom with their vehicles must possess an international
carnet.
Entry Procedures
A visa is required
to enter Nepal except for Indian nationals. One can get a
visa at the Royal Nepalese Embassy or consulate or at the
airport upon arrival. Children under 10 years need not pay
any visa fees. Two passport sized photos mandatory.
Time
Nepal Standard Time is 5 hrs 45 minutes ahead of GMT and 15
minutes ahead of Indian Standard Time.
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