Nepal Travel guide cover all details of Nepal. It covers from history to the present. According to the Gopal Vansawali, Gopals was the genealogy of Nepal Monarch, and Mahispal and Kirati were following them. Though, we do not have the archeological evidence before the dynasty of Lichhivi and Malla.
After a decline, the Lichhivi dynasty in 4th century Thakuri started to rule and later in the 12th century the leaders emerged from the far west of Nepal, they were the initial phase of Malla. They ruled over 200 years until country splintered in several states and the King Jaysthiti Malla ruled over the country from the 14th century in regards to unifying. However, the kingdom was divided into three states Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur in 1482.
In the mid 18th century king of Gorkha, Prithivi Naryan Shah continues to unify the country with bringing the arms from India. And finally, succeed to unify the country. The dynasty was continuing until 2008 and then declined the Shaha dynasty. Gyanendra Shah is the last King of Nepal. Now, Nepal became a Federal Republic country.
GEOGRAPHY
The land-locked country Nepal lies between China to the North and India to the South East and West. Nepal has spread over the 1, 47,181 square KM, which covers 0.3 percent of Asia and 0.03 percent area of the Earth.
It lies between the latitude of 26’ 22’ and 30’ 27’ North and the longitude of 80’ 4’ and 88’ 12’ East.
Himalayan Region (Northern part of Nepal)
The Himalayan region covers 15% of the total land area of Nepal. It is on the northern side of the country lying horizontally in the altitude of 4700m and above. Himalaya is the motherland of mountains, where lots of Himalaya are standing with the world’s tallest Mt Everest (8848m). Another attraction of this region is glaciers lakes and national parks. World Heritage Sites Sagarmatha National Park and other many national parks are in the Himalaya. Sherpa, Gurung, Tamang are the dominant ethnic group of Himalaya.
Hilly Region (Middle part of Nepal)
The Hilly region covers 68% of the total land area. It is in the Mahabharat range that soars to touch mountain regions in the altitude of 600 m to 4700 m. In the winter season, snow may fall in high hills, such as Rara Lake, Poon Hill Ghorepani area. The middle part of Nepal is covering with beautiful valleys, rivers, gorges, and field. Capital city Kathmandu is in the Hilly region. And the larger settlement of people in Hilly region, especially in a larger city like Kathmandu, Pokhara, etc.
Tarai Region (Southern part of Nepal)
Terai region covers 17% of the total land area. It is a flat land area with an altitude of 70m to 600m above sea level. Most national parks, wildlife reserves are kept in Terai region. Janakpurdham, Lumbini and Barahachhetra are notable religious sites of Terai. Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, who is the activator of world peace. Terai region is the main vertebrate of agriculture, dairy product, and also for the industrial purpose. It is directly connecting with India in east-west and south.
Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal. It is also known as the city of Temple. Amongst the Hindu temples, Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest, biggest and most visiting sites of Kathmandu. Kathmandu Durbar Square, Naryanhiti Museum, Swyambhunath Stupa, are other major attraction of the city.
POKHARA
Naturally, beautiful town Pokhara always attracts the tourists. It is the entry point of western Himalaya- Annapurna Trekking Himalaya. Pokhara is also the city of lakes. Phewa, Rupa, and Begnas are the major lakes of the Pokhara. The sparkling views of Mt. Machhapurchhre in the Phewa lake and Island temple Taal Barahi draw the attention of the tourists.
LUMBINI
Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. We can arrive Lumbini from Kathmandu either air or drive. It lies in west south from Kathmandu about 250KM. To learn about Buddhism, meditation Lumbini is the best. There are so many monasteries and temples of different countries in their styles.
NAGARKOT:
The closest hill station from Kathmandu is Nagarkot. It gives excellent mountain views, valleys, and villages. Nagarkot is the best for escaping the bustling city. During the winter season domestic and foreigners enjoy with the snow in the Nagarkot.
CHITWAN
Chitwan is highly recommending for the jungle safari, elephant bathing, Tharu cultural dance. It lies in the 150KM south from Kathmandu. We can get there with 15min short flight and 5hrs long drive. Sauraha is the most popular in Chitwan.
BHAKTAPUR
Bhaktapur is another former capital of the state. Durbar Square, Lakes, Temples, pottery works are the most attractions of the town. Golden Temple, 55 windows Durbar, Duttatraya Temple are worthful to visit.
PATAN:
Amongst the three former capital city, Patan is one of them. It is very famous the Krishna Mandir, Patan Durbar Square, Golden Temple, and wood carving. In Patan, people enjoy wood carving, architecture, and stone carving. Krishna Temple is the stone temple which had build in the centuries ago.
DOLPO
Dolpo is the heart of western Nepal. The Shey- Phoksundo Lake is a major attraction of the region. Kathmandu- Nepalgunj, and Nepalgunj to Juphal is the flight route of Dolpo trekking. It is about two weeks trekking of Nepal, which requires special permits.
WORLD PEACE STUPA
World Peace Stupa is the highlight of Pokhara and the region. It lies in the high hill in Kaski district. It has built with the reason for spreading peace all over the world. Peace Stupa is also best for the viewpoint. From where we can see breathtaking mountains, valleys, and entire Pokhara city.
SARANGKOT:
Sarangkot is a very famous hill station around Pokhara. It is also the station of Paragliding, from where the flight takes off. And it is the crossing path of short trekking throughout the Pokhara.
Annapurna has long been the most popular region amongst the trekkers. The excellent Himalayan view exotic slice of Nepali, Tibetan, and trans-Himalaya culture always attract the tourists. The Annapurna Circuit trek has claimed the world longest the trekking route with the highest pass Thorong La.
Mt. Everest is calling the trekkers, mountaineers since it has discovered. From the 1950s every year thousands of the trekkers touch the base camp. And the numbers of the climbers reach the summit. Besides the Everest Base Camp, there are numbers the peaks, and trekking routes, which offers breathtaking views.
LANTANG:
Northside from the Kathmandu there is the widely popular trekking route that is Langtang. The prominent parts of the Langtang valley, the sacred alpine lake Gosaikunda and Tamang farmland of Helambu combined in many ways and lasting the trekking days from a week to two weeks. The hassle-free of flight, height, and permits.
RARA
The Queen of Lake Rara is the focal point of western Nepal. Western Nepal affords the very different eastern and middle Nepal. Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and Nepalgunj to Mugu flight makes the itinerary short to Rara. Murma Top is the highest point of Rara from where we can see seven more districts and breathtaking views of valleys, Himalaya and hills.
MUSTANG
Trekking to Mustang is trekking for days past eroded desert canyons, ochre chortens, and ancient gompas. And, finally, it reaches the fabled forbidden kingdom of Mustang. Tiji festival and Bista King are the most amazing in Mustang. Nepal is a republican country but still, Mustang has King to rule the kingdom.
THE BASICS
LOCATION
Nepal lies in Asia in between the two largest countries China & India. It is in the Himalayan range of the earth.
AIRPORTS
Tribhuwan International Airport is the main and only one running airport in Nepal.
LANGAGUES
Nepali is the official language of Nepal. In the cities and the touristic area, most people communicate in English and Hindi.
CAPITAL CITY
Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal, where the travelers enter in Nepal.
CURRENCY
Nepali Rupees is the official National currency of Nepal. But in the touristic town peoples accepts the dollars too.
VISAS
Travelers can get the visa in the immigration of airport with paying the visa fee 30 US dollars or equivalent.
ELECTRICITY
In Nepal 220 Volt current supply in everywhere. And make sure about the plugins before you travel to Nepal.
EMERGENCY CALLS
In Nepal there are five emergency call numbers amongst them 100 is for Police, 102 is for Traffice police, 103 for Ambulance.
THE BEST SEASON
PEAK SEASON
Autumn Season (September to December) and Spring Season (March to May)
It is the best season for the Holidays in Nepal. The time frame is best either for city holidays or high Himalaya. It is also the timing of festivals of different religions and cultures. Clean weather and reliable temperature make the holidays more fun.
LOW SEASON
January, February, and June to August are the low season in Nepal.
Throughout the winter (January and February) is cool and snowy over the Himalaya, but we can travel in lower altitude treks, and city holidays. Though, from the end of June to August is essentially rainy seasons.
FREQUENTLY ASKS QUESTIONS
1. Is internet feasible everywhere?
ANS: Internet is accessible in every city of Nepal, and also available in the High Himalaya such as Everest, Annapurna but for that, we can work throughout mobile data.
2. Is Nepal safe for travel?
ANS: Yes, Nepal is one of the peaceful countries in the world. You can travel everywhere without a doubt.
3. Is drinking water safe in Nepal?
ANS: Of Course, you can buy mineral water in every city. And in the High Himalaya, you can have boiled water as well.
4. Does credit cards accept everywhere?
ANS: The major shops of Kathmandu, Pokhara accepts the cards, however, you should have to change the currency in Nepali or have to withdraw from ATMs.
5. What kinds of dressing should have in Nepal?
ANS: You will have extensive options for choosing the dresses but in the village area shorts and tight clothes are still not acceptable.
6. What are the rules of driving and transportation?
ANS: In Nepal, we drive through the left side and most of the roads are two way passes. So, traffic may happen during peak hours. Green Number plates vehicle is tourist vehicles.
7. The facility of accommodations and meals?
ANS: In the major city, you will have extensive options to choose hotels and rooms. However in the trekking trail, the mountain lodges, guesthouses are standard with basic facilities.
8. What is the weather and temperature of Nepal?
ANS: Nepal has diversity in the weather and temperature. Himalaya range always cold and southern part of Nepal is hot weather during the summer and cold in the winter.
9. What about the tipping?
ANS: The most of restaurant has collected the 10% services charges so you do not need to tip them. However, the staffs, trekking crews, guides, drivers are always expecting the tips from the tourist.
10. What about the Nightlife and Saftey?
ANS: Inside the Thamel, Lakeside area in Pokhara, and Namche, Lukla in Everest region have night clubs and bars. And visiting night clubs bar are safe for everyone.