Nepal, the land of lord Pashupatinath and the birth-place of lord Buddha, is a sovereign slopes of the mid Himalayas. It boarders with India in the East, South and West and with the Tibetan autonomous region of China in the North. Nepal is endowed with a wide variety of flora and fauna, meandering rivers, lakes, glaciers, mountains and lush green valley. Excitingly enough Nepal offers some thing very fascinating for everybody such as a tourist, trekker, river runner, wildlife enthusiast, poet, artist, writer, scholar, and researcher and so on.

History
Nepal - a country with a long historical tradition is an amalgamation of a number of medieval principalities. Before the campaign of national integration launched by King Prithivi Narayan Shah the Kathmandu valley was ruled by the Malla kings, whose contributions to art and culture are indeed great and unique. In 1768 A.D. the Shah dynasty ascended the throne of the unified kingdom. King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, was 12th king in the Shah dynasty and the King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Sahadev was the last king of the nation. Now ruling system of Nepal has changed and has become a republican country.

Language
Nepali is official language of Nepal. However, English is understood and spoken by majority of people in Kathmandu valley and other major cities.

Religion
Nepalese CultureNepal has various religions with majority of Hindus, Buddhism, Islam and Christian people. All religions even in minority have coexisted amicably in Nepal for ages.

Time
Nepal’s standard time is 5 hours and 45 minutes ahead of GMT

Climate
The climate of Nepal varies from area to area depending on the altitude of the place. Visiting to Nepal is suitable all the year round. But activities like jungle safari, rafting and trekking are best from mid September till May.

Clothing
Warm clothing are required from November till February and tropical wear from March till October

Water
In major cities mineral water as well as boiled and filtered water is available in most of the hotels and restaurants. Elsewhere, it is advisable to use water sterilization tablets or other water purifier.

Photography
Except in some places, photography is generally allowed every where.

Entry requirement
Visa for Nepal can be obtained from Nepalese embassies and mission / consulate; it is also available on arrival at any entry point upon presenting of a valid passport, visa fee and 2 copies of passport size photos. Tourist visa is extendible up-to 120 days from the first entry. For more information logon to www.immi.gov.np

Custom
All baggage must be identified and have to pass through customs inspection at the part of entry and exit point. Personal effects and camera, films, one bottle of liquor, 200 cigarettes, one tent and camping equipment per person is allowed in free of custom duty.

Credit Cards
Most of the international credit cards are widely accepted by hotel and leading agents.

Electricity
220 volts AC-50 cycles throughout the country Official weekly holidays Saturday is the official weekly holiday when most of the shops are closed. Museums remain closed on Tuesday and other Govt. holidays.

Travel insurance
It is advisable to acquire insurance policy to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, cancellation and in the unlikely event that you need emergency evacuation by plane or helicopter due to illness or accident.
Prior to the start of the trip we request you sign the risk and release form provided by us.

Currency
Nepalese rupees are available in paper notes in denomination of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 500, and 1000. When exchanging money at the banks or the hotel counter always ensure that you are given an exchange receipt as this is essential for converting your rupees to hard currency on your departure. A maximum of 15% can be converted to hard currency on your departure.

Liability
Across The Himalayas Treks Pvt. Ltd. put every effort to make your journey smooth and pleasant as much as possible. However, we act as intermediary between the concerned carriers, transportation companies, hotels and local tourist offices providing the services. Across The Himalayas Treks Pvt. Ltd. is therefore not responsible for any loss, injury or damage sustained by the tourists including those occurring outside the touring programs. Additional expenses incurred due to delay, accident, natural disaster, political action and unrest must be borne by the tourists. Programs, prices, costs, services and conditions are based on those valid at the of printing and are therefore subject to change with or without advance notice in the event of circumstances beyond our control. We also reserve the right to change the itinerary with or without notice in the best interest of all concerned.