Culture
 
The diversity of ethnic groups that make up the Nepali population is amazing. Their distribution reflects the geography of the country with the Mongolians people of Tibetan origin occupying the higher regions while the majority who are of Indo-Aryan stock live in the lower regions. A large part of the population is made up of Brahmins (Bahuns) and Chhetris. Other diverse groups consist of Tamangs, Gurungs, Magars, Rais, Limbus, Sherpas, etc. who live mostly in the hilly and mountainous regions. Newars are concentrated in the Kathmandu valley but are also found in many other parts of the country. The Tharus predominate in the tarai (plains) where Danuwars, Darais and Rajbanshis also live. They are collectively known as the Madhesi.
 

Religion 
Hinduism and Buddhism are the two major religions practiced in Nepal. They co-exist in an amazing harmony, often even overlapping as devotees lay offerings and pray at both Hindu and Buddhist shrines. Being the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the country encompasses many Buddhists. Muslims, Sikhs and Christians make up a small portion of the population. While the first Muslims were invited to the country in the 12th century by a Malla King, Sikhs migrated more than 300 years ago, and the Christian population is made up of converts as well as migrants.  There are however, others who follow their own religious practices which are unique to their ethnic groups.
 

Art & Architecture:
Nepal is a land of migrants who in centuries past, came from various parts of Asia, and settled in the hills, valleys, the plains and the high mountains. They brought with them their diverse cultures, beliefs, art and architecture. What we see today is an amalgamation of all these influences. The reign of various dynasties like the Kirantis (Saivites), Licchavis (Vaishnavites) and especially Malla Kings (Hindu) influenced the religions beliefs of the Nepalese people. The harmonious existence of Hinduism and Buddhism side by side, have endowed Nepal with a rich heritage of Art and Architecture. Much of the exquisite woodcarvings, sculptures and architectural designs seen in the temples, palaces, stupas, road-side shrines, water spouts and religious objects are unique to Nepal, and can easily enrapture any art lover. Over the centuries much of the monuments had deteriorated and some structures had even collapsed completely. 

Thanks largely to generously funded projects like the Bhaktapur Development Project and subsequent projects under local municipalities; NGOs and UNESCO, much of the old monuments have been restored. The most impressive architectural works are found in the three Durbar Squares that house the old palaces and temple complexes. Apart from these, the two great stupas, the Swoyambhunath and Boudhanath as well as the famous Pashupatinath temple stand testimony to the creative genius of Nepali craftsmen.Buddhist religious scroll paintings developed to a high degree in Nepal. These remarkably detailed paintings known as thangkas are made in all three cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur and many of the artists are Tamangs. Fetching very high prices, thangkas are made for both religious as well as commercial purposes. Similar paintings made by the Newars, known as pauba may also include images of Hindu deities along with images of Buddha.  

There are many thangka schools where the skill of painting them is taught even today.The art of statue making has reached a high degree of sophistication in Nepal and ranks high among the handicrafts exported to the west. Statues are made of metal, stone and wood, but it is the metal ones that are exemplary. Woodcarving has proliferated and woodcarvers can be seen everywhere in the valley while stone carving is today limited to making chaityas and images of lions.

The art and architecture found in the Durbar (palace) Squares of  Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur are predominantly from the Malla period and enable one to visualize what the palace complexes looked like in the 18th century. The vast number of beautifully crafted temples and other shrines that one encounters in every corner of Kathmandu Valley have moved people to call it the ‘Valley of the Gods’.

Health

On account of a sudden change in climate, altitude and other factors, it is obvious that there arise some changes in your health. Diarrhea is a common ailment that a tourist would be facing as s/he would be eating in different outlets and drinking water in different places that they visit. Thus, it is recommended to drink purified water and eat in clean outlets. Drinking and eating precautions will surely help to take care of many health problems that could arise during the trip. Also, a tourist would be continuously traveling to many places and although not for trekking or mountaineering, but would certainly be walking a lot for sight-seeing tours or just strolling around for shopping. Hence, it is very necessary to stay hydrated. If any problem should arise during the trip, the group leader should be informed or if traveling alone, it is advisable to consult a doctor or a health center. Being fit before leaving for a trip would help you to enjoy your trip to the fullest.

There is no need to present inoculation/immunization certificates to enter Nepal for any legal purpose. However, vaccination for diseases such as Malaria (widely found in lowerlands of Nepal – Tarai), Small Pox, Typhoid, Tetanus, Meningitis, Hepatitis and Polio are recommended before you commence your travel to Nepal to be on the safe side. It is advisable to consult your doctor before commencing your travel and also to carry necessary health certificates (immunization certificates), should they be required in any case.

Staying fit during your trip – in all cases
It is always recommended to undergo a thorough check up, if you are going for a demanding tour such as trekking or mountaineering and in case you have any doubt about your health or fitness. Following are the major precautions to be taken so as to stay fit during your entire journey.

a.) Water
As mentioned earlier, continuous travel in tropical climates causes physical exertion which dehydrates your body and makes you feeble as well as more prone to disease. Thus, it is very important to drink lots of water. Remember – drink only purified water, as impure water itself could cause illness. Always keep a bottle of purified drinking water with you while traveling or out on a sightseeing tour. Drinking water from general taps is not recommended as the water is not purified. And even during treks, always drink bottled-water or boiled/purified water (purified with iodine tablets, iodine crystals or iodine solutions). However, any allergies that could be caused due to purifying tablets or solutions should be checked in advance. It is advisable not to use water filters as they may carry viruses.
 

b.) Food
There might be restaurants, which may not be able to present the exact recipe with the right ingredients. This may dissatisfy you sometimes or sometimes your stomach could get upset. In this case, it is advisable to avoid foods that you are not used to or in case you fall sick due to an upset stomach, please contact a health consultant. Always eat in a clean restaurant that prepares good food. To be on the safe side while traveling, it is important to eat hot and thoroughly cooked food. Avoid eating salads, raw meat, and half-cooked food. Stay away from street vendor’s food.
 

c.) Hygiene
Wash your hands regularly to avoid contamination during your travels in polluted areas and it is recommended you wear a mask. Do not share water bottles or food with others.
 

d. Sun and Heat Exposure
You will be out in the sun most of the time, especially while trekking, mountaineering and even while on your rafting trip. Thus, use of sunscreen lotion, sunglasses, hats and lip balm is recommended to protect you from too much exposure to sunlight. It is also necessary to stay well hydrated.
 

Getting into shape
It is advisable to undergo jogging, normal or simple hiking and climbing activities, yoga and stretching exercises or aerobics before commencing your trek or mountaineering trip. Yoga or jogging will also keep you fit for a normal day of walking for shopping or any sightseeing tours. A small exercise done before your trip will help you to stay fit and save you from physical exertion.
 

Nepal visa info 

Nepal welcomes tourists and makes it easy to enter.  

Nepal visa on arrival

At the airport there are several visa choices:

+ 48 hour visa (plus 24 hours free) for $5

+ 15 days for $25+ 30 days for $40

+ 90 days for $100 

Payment by cash ONLY in any major currency (change is returned in rupees), and you need one passport photo too. Rules give you one day gratis (free) at the end.

Going to Tibet? Get a 48 hour or 15 day visa and then get another when you return into Nepal.

Tourists are not permitted to stay more than 150 days in Nepal during one calendar year (1 Jan to 31 Dec).  

Visa application form

You may be able to save time on arriving in Kathmandu by filling out the visa form first, assuming that you haven't got a visa already. 

Here is the form as a PDF that you can print.  

Visa extensions

These are obtainable from the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara, or alternatively we can arrange it for you.

+ 15 days is $30, additional days are $2 per day

and 15 days is the minimum. Payment is in rupees only, calculated at the government exchange rate.  

Trekking and TIMS permits

If a permit is required, we take care of them, unless otherwise stated. Trekking permits are needed for Manaslu, Dolpo and Kanchenjunga treks and need 2-4 passport photos. TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) permits are needed for the teahouse trekking regions.  

National park/conservation area entry fee

We pay for this, unless otherwise stated. 

About Nepal
Say "Nepal" is small Himalayan Kingdom, and most people will go, "That's where the Mount Everest is, right?" But Nepal is also the land of the brave Gurkha soldiers, the birthplace of Lord Buddha and home to the world's greatest mountaineers. However, for the visitor, it's the astounding natural beauty and diversity of the countryside as well as the heart-warming friendliness of the Nepalese people that is endearing.  

This small Himalayan nation is richly endowed by nature with an unimaginable diversity in topography resulting in a wide range of flora and fauna. From the massive Himalayan region in the north to the sweltering sub-tropical jungles of the tarai (plains) in the south, it is home to 2% of all flowering plants in the world, 848 species of birds, 167 species of mammals, 500 species of butterfly families, 600 indigenous plant families and 319 exotic species of orchids. 

Rising from a mere 70m above sea level in Kanchan Kalan, to 8,848m above sea level, the world's highest point – the summit of Mount Everest, the altitude changes rapidly within 200 Km. This amazing diversity has given Nepal a widely varied ecosystem comprising thick sub-tropical jungles swarming with diverse wildlife, the mid-Himalayas with a pleasant climate to the great Himalayan peaks with alpine conditions. The Nepal Himalayas comprises frozen valleys, deep gorges, mysterious canyons, fast and furious rivers, rolling hills and cool, placid lakes. 

Nepal has a population of 28 million people, who speak 70 different languages and belong to more than 40 different ethnic groups. This Himalayan nation is a colorful tapestry of vibrant cultures, ancient traditions, fascinating festivals and wonderful, unique art and architecture. Add to this, the warm hospitality of the ever-smiling Nepalese people. All these have made Nepal a living museum that visitors find irresistible and feel a need to come back for more.  

Namaste and Welcome to Nepal!