NEPAL…Through a microscope…
Nepal is a land of immense geographical scenic beauty located within one of the most diverse areas on earth. Nestled high in the Himalayas between China and India, it has retained its essentially rural and medieval character. Its rushing rivers, rolling terraced hills; the lush, sweltering tropics and high altitude plains are reminiscent of its glorious history; which are displayed in the defining aspects of everyday life in this landlocked nation of 25 million people.
Ever since Nepal first opened its frontiers to foreign visitors in the early fifties, it has now become a virtual symbol of adventure throughout the planet. Nepal embraces the central Himalayan range with 1310 magnificent peaks over 6000 meters including eight of the world's highest 14 peaks of 8000 meters, all within its borders. Climbing and trekking holidays in the Nepal Himalaya has become a highly sought after adventure sports destination for backpackers throughout the world. Traveling in Nepal not only offers an opportunity to immerse in Himalayan bliss but also a chance to step back in time. This unique country stand’s before the whole world as a dramatic cylinder of mirrors for picturesque landscapes, exotic wildlife, arid high-altitude meadows, magnificent mountains, incredible travel destinations, unique culture, festivals, an ancient heritage that is still alive till this day, with pristine backwaters and exotic cuisine. Nepal is undoubtedly a traveler’s delight; for any kind of holidays…ALL ROADS LEAD TO NEPAL! Trekking in Nepal is often referred to as walking through Elysium on earth.
The capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu Valley, is a fertile green bowl set in the midst of the Himalayan foothills, is an oasis of magnificent art and the home of an ancient and sophisticated culture that still thrives till today. It's a blend of different ethnic groups, with a mosaic of cultures; each with its own unique identity.
For the Nepalese people, this wonderful country presents a very rich culture, preserved and maintained for centuries by its ever so friendly people. Nepal is the birthplace of "Lord Buddha" who enlightened the entire world with his messages of universal peace, compassion and humanity.
Nepal is a haven for adventure in the Himalaya and it has drawn hundreds of Expeditions from all over the world to conquer its high mountains. Since the historic conquest of Mt. Everest - the highest mountain on earth - Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa in the early 50's, Nepal's mountains have been scaled again and again by expeditions from almost every corner of the world; bringing tragedy…& glory. ‘
ABC AND EBC TREKS invites you to make a visit to exotic destinations in the Himalaya, where you will appreciate the spectacular mountains, stunning scenery, and make contact with the local folks who will truly enjoy sharing their experiences with you and the opportunity to explore unique traditional cultures in a world you’ve never known before…
Factors about Nepal:
Area: 1, 47,181 sq km
Neighbors: China and India
Prime Identity:
- Lord Buddha was born at Lumbini in Nepal.
- Country of Mountain Everest and top 10 highest peaks all over the world
- World's deepest George, Kali Gandaki valley in Nepal
- Capital city: Kathmandu
- Province/region: Himal, Hill and Terai
- Religion: Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Christian (Multi religions)
- Cast/people: Four main caste and More than 100 different ethnic groups
- National flower: Rhododendron-Arboretum (Lali Gurans in Nepali language)
- National Bird: Impend Pheasant (Danfe)
- Political system: Multi party democracy and proposed Federal Republic Democratic
- Country Vegetation: As per the size of the country, Nepal possesses some of the most outstanding bio-diversity in the world, ranging from sub-tropical rain-forests to Alpine deserts.
- Weather: Climate ranges from Tropical in the lowlands to Arctic in higher altitudes.
- Endangered Species: Tiger, Rhino, Snow leopard, Clouded leopard, Red panda, Brown bear, assume macaque, Languor monkeys, Genetic dolphin, Wolf, wild elephant, Giant hornbill, swamp deer, Black buck, musk deer, barking deer etc.
Wildlife:
Nepal harbors one of the world's best habitants for one horned rhino, royal Bengal tiger, snow leopard, clouded-leopard, Red panda, and Blue-sheep and long snouted fish eating Gharial. Other wildlife includes wild elephant, buffaloes, bison, blue bull, brown bear, sloth bear, leopard, crocodiles and many varies of cat, dog, deer and antelope families, and 840 different species of wet land, migratory and residential birds.
Cultural Heritage:
The heritages in Nepal are alive and dynamic. Shamanism, Pan Animism and witch craft are still practiced in remote regions. Temples, shrines, monuments and monasteries with devotees burning butter-lamps, singing hymns, chiming temple bells and playing drums are spotted everywhere as a living cultural heritage.
Travel Notes:
Visa: Available in Nepalese Embassies and Nepalese Consulates abroad or on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Visas are also available at Kodari from the Tibet border and Sunauli from borders of Nepal.
Currency: Nepalese Rupees.
Time: Nepal time is 5 hours 45 minutes ahead of GMT.
Trekking Services
One of the best in the world with trekking guided by world renowned Sherpas and Chhetris.
White Water River Rafting: One of the best in Asia in terms of quality water rafting and canyon in professionals.
Mountaineering: One of the worlds' most professional mountaineering services available here in Nepal.
Jungle Safaris: One of the best jungle Safari operations in Asia with one horn rhino.
Helicopter Services: Most tourists' destinations are easily accessible by a variety of helicopter services.
Charter Air Services: Permission for chartered air services is easily obtained from the Department of Civil Aviation.
Popular Tourist Destinations outside Kathmandu valley (By air/Road)
Gorkha, Pokhara, Lumbini, Janakpur, Bardia, Sukla-Phanta, Chitwan National Parks, Ilam for Nepali green tea, Koshi Tappu for wild animals, Bandipur for culture and Manakamana temple (for making wishes come true) for Hindus…
Popular Trekking regions in Nepal:
Everest region, Annapurna region and Langtang region, this also includes some restricted zones in Nepal.
Popular trekking areas in the Annapurna Region:
Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Jomsom –Muktinath, Ghorepani Poon Hill, Narphu valley, Machhapuchhre model trekking, Mardi Himalayan trekking, & the Upper Mustang trekking make up some of the most famous treks in this region of Nepal.
Popular trekking areas in Everest Region:
Everest Base Camp, Everest Panorama trekking, Cho-La Pass trekking, Renjo-La Pass trekking, Gokyo Lake, Jiri/Bhandara Everest trekking, Everest view trekking and the Everest Three Passes-trekking are some of the world famous treks available in this region of Nepal.
Popular trekking areas in Langtang Region:
Langtang valley trekking, Langtang Gosainkunda trekking, Helambu trekking and heritage trekking are some of the most popular treks in this particular region of Nepal.
Remote/restricted trekking areas in Nepal:
Mustang, Manaslu, Dolpa, Rara Lake, Rolwaling, Khaptad, Makalu, Kangchenjunga, Tsum valley and Narphu valley are some of the most famous ventures that can be undertaken in this unique region of Nepal.
Time:
Nepali Standard Time is 5 hours 45 minutes ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and 15 minutes ahead of Indian Standard Time (IST).
Traveling by air:
You can fly directly or indirectly to Kathmandu from London, Paris, Frankfurt, Vienna, Amsterdam, Moscow, Osaka, Shanghai, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Sharjah, Dubai, Dhaka, Karachi, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Doha, Paro, Lhasa, Singapore, Delhi, Mumbai, Patna, Calcutta, and Varanasi. Chartered flights are also arranged for large movements if & when required. All flights feature business class and facilities of international standards.
Access to Nepal
By Air
The Tribhuvan airport in Kathmandu is Nepal’s only international airport. The main airlines that serve Kathmandu are Indian Airlines, Thai International, Bangladesh Biman, China Southwest Airlines, Druk Air, Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, Jet Air, Etihad, FlyDubai, Air Asia etc. The national carrier - Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), operates flights to Europe and Asia as well as regional destinations.
Via Asia
You could travel to Kathmandu via Bangkok, Hong Kong and Singapore. There are daily flights to Kathmandu from Bangkok. If in India, you can fly to Nepal from Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Bangalore and Varanasi. There is the spectacular flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu on Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thrusdays operated by China Southwest Airlines. You can also fly Druk Air from Paro in Bhutan, or take a flight from Dhaka, Bangladesh.
From Europe and Middle East
Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, Oman Air, Etihad and Fly Dubai all operate daily flights to Kathmandu from Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat and Bahrain. Bangladesh Biman and the above mentioned Middle Eastern airlines all offer flights from various cities in Europe with one stop over in the Middle East, India or Bangladesh.
From North America
Any of the Middle Eastern or Asian Airlines will bring you to Kathmandu with a couple of stop over’s in Europe, the Middle East and South Asia.
From Australia
From Australia and New Zealand, look for routes via Singapore, Hong Kong or Bangkok, usually with Thai International.
By Land
There are many entry points into Nepal by land open to foreigners, from which most are from India and one from Tibet.
Via India
The crossing points from India include Mahendranagar, Dhangadhi and Nepalgunj in the west, Sunali, Birganj and Kakarbhitta in the east. Make sure to book your tickets through a reputed agency to avoid getting duped. Also bear in mind that everyone has to change buses at the border whether they book a through ticket or not, and that despite claims to the contrary, there are no tourist buses on either side of the border. You can board direct buses to the Nepal border from Delhi, Varanasi, Calcutta, Patna and Darjeeling. From the border, you can board Nepali buses to Kathmandu.
Via Tibet
You can cross the border into Nepal from Tibet via Kodari.