Nepal General Information

The Nepal Himalaya has always been known as "the abode of the Gods". Many of the primordial history, religion, culture and tradition as well as legends and myths emanate from the awesome Himalaya. The Nepal Himalaya harbors many holy temple and shrines, monasteries and sacred lakes in the wilderness and remote parts of the region. These sites are frequently visited by pilgrims. It is a land of piety and stillness.

The Himalayas is the youngest and highest mountain chain on earth. A full third of its stretches - the formidable Great Himalayan Range of 800 km. Lies within the Nepal Himalaya. It has convergence of 1310 magnificent peaks of 6000 meters, including 8 of the world's highest 14 peaks of 8000 meters. Nestling in the rain shadows of these unique vistas of soaring summits unravel a profusion of lofty foothills, the home of the many Nepalese who delight in warm hospitality and friendship. These verdant terraced hill meander down to lush green valleys with turbulent rivers and to the tropical lowland and jungles teeming with countless wildlife.

In this immensely diverse and undulating topography, varied climate and mix of people Nepal combines to produce a magical attraction for outsiders. Many foreign visitors come to trek one or more beautiful trekking regions. To trek, one does not have to be bizarre, neither a mountaineer nor a athlete. Anyone with a pair of strong legs and the spirit for adventure to explore the exotic will enjoy the thrills of trekking in the hills of Nepal. Walking in the interior of the country follows ancient foot trails which meander through the scenic river banks, intricately terraced fields and the forested ridges connecting picturesque hamlets and mountain villages. These highly developed and well defined trails have been used for centuries and are the hive of activities to come in contact with the locals.

For visitors on extended holidays and with less restraint, there is an even more varied spectrum of adventure - be it rafting on the sparkling rivers, safaris in the jungles, trekking to explore deeper into the alpine valley with perpetual snow and glistering glaciers. The more intrepid traveler may venture further up to scale any of the 18 minor trekking peaks.

Nepal offers an astonishing topographical variation with the altitude ranging from 70 meters to 8848 meters amidst a width of 193 kilometers. Similarly, within its limited area and bounds, Nepal enjoys al the climates with alpine, temperate and the tropical jungle regions determined by its incredible altitude variation.  

Working Hours

The Immigration Office is open from 9:00 to 17:00 hours from February 13th to November 16th and from 9:00 to 16:00 hours from November 17th to February 12th Monday through Friday. Visa extension and trekking permit applications are accepted from 10:00 to 13:00 p.m. on Friday. The Immigration Offices remain closed on Sunday, Saturdays and on other government holidays. It is recommended to allocate one day to get the trekking permit.

Money Matter

Nepal has modern banking facilities and some of the International Banks have their own offices in Kathmandu. Almost all foreign currencies along with credit cards are accepted in Nepal. All visitors are required to exchange their money through the bank or authorized agents. In Kathmandu banks with money exchange counter are found everywhere and most hotels also have exchange counter. These facilities to change money are quicker and more convenient. It is generally not possible to change foreign currency/travelers cheques (except in Namche Bazaar, Jomsom, Salleri, Okhaldhunga,Pokhara etc.) in the mountains. One must therefore change required money for the trek always asks for small denominations and be careful of torn banknotes. The people in the village may not accept them.