History of Nepal : -

Breathtaking scenery, ancient cultures and traditions, and some of the friendliest people to be found anywhere are tied up together in the kingdom known as Nepal. Nepal is a combination of world's eight highest peaks, tropical jungles, rushing rivers and peaceful valleys. The Kiratis, Mongoloid people who came in 7th or 8th century B.C gave birth to the history of Nepal. The indo-Aryan people from north India overruled the Kirati King in 300 A.D, Buddhism faded and Hinduism came in with the Licchavis. The Shah dynasty came in 1768 followed by the Ranas and the Koirala's.

Government & Politics :-

The Kings role came to an end in 1989, when the opposition parties formed a coalition to fight for a multiparty democracy with the king as constitutional head. On 9th April 1990 the King lifted the ban on political parties and introduced the Democratic Government in Nepal.

Foreign Exchange / Currency :-

The Nepalese rupee is the local currency and is subdivided into 100 paise. Import of Indian currency by foreigners other than Indian nationals is strictly prohibited.

Population of Nepal :-

The population of Nepal's was 23 million in 2001. You will find different races and tribes, speaking different languages. The capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu comprises the highest of the total population, which is around one million.

Religion of Nepal :-

The religion of Nepal blends Hinduism and Buddhism where majority of people are Hindus (90%), then come Buddhist (6%), Islam (3%), and rest 1% of the total population.

Language :-

There are more than 30 languages spoken in Nepal. Nepali is the national and official language of Nepal. English is language of tourism and spoken by majority of peoples in Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara and Chitwan National park in Nepal.

Visa :-

A valid visa is required by all foreign nationals except Indians which can be issued by Nepali embassy in their respective home countries or can be issued on arrival at any border of entry of Nepal. A multiple entry visa is required if you wish to visit neighboring countries of Nepal. Children under 10 do not require a visa.

Time :-

Nepal is 5 hrs 45 mts ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and 15 mts from Indian Standard Time.

Climate :-

There are basically two seasons in Nepal comprising of Dry season or winter season which lasts from Oct to May , when temperature reaches around 20 degree C and Monsoonal or wet season from June to Sept with temperature around 30 degrees C.

Cities of Nepal :-

Although Nepal tourism is full of beauty with the culture, Nature, Adventure and Safaris. Some of the beauties in and around Kathmandu Valley with their distances from Kathmandu are Patan City (Lalitpur) 6kms, Bhaktapur City 14kms, Kirtipur 8kms, Swayambhunath 4kms, Pashupatinath 5kms, Dakshinkali 20kms, Changu Narayan 24kms, Nagarkot 35kms, Dhulikhel 30kms, Daman 80kms, Pokhara 200kms, Lumbini 306kms, Chitwan (Bharatpur) 162kms.

Restrictions :-

The photograph of temples and army camps are restricted in Nepal.