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india, nepal, wildlife, tours, travel, tourist, guide, attraction,
places, tourism, destinations in Nepal, Destinations in Nepal,
monuments, wildlife, tours, travel, tourist, guide, attraction,
places, tourism, in Nepal
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Destinations in Nepal
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Nepal is located in South
Asia and shares territorial borders with India and China. Previously
ruled as a kingdom, today it is a Federal Democratic Republic. Nepal
is known for its exquisite natural beauty, with the iconic Himalayas
running across the northern and western part of the country. Eight of
the ten highest mountains in the world, including Mount Everest,
reside within its borders. Although Nepal is a relatively small
country in comparison with its neighbors, it has an astonishingly
diverse landscape, from the rugged Himalayas in the north to the humid Terai plains in the south. The capital and largest city is Kathmandu.
The currency of Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR).
Getting Here
The Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu welcomes visitors
into the country and an additional 47 airports make getting around
Nepal relatively easy, despite its rugged and mountainous terrain that
makes some of the more remote virtually impossible to reach by road.
Nepal Airlines is the official air carrier of the country, with a
fleet consisting of two Boeing B-757s and seven DHC-6 Twin Otter
aircraft. The railway network in Nepal is rather sparse, with the main
line running between Janakpur and Jainagar, a town close to the border
of India. A rail link between Nepal and Lhasa in Tibet, China is under
consideration for future development.
Passports and Visas
In most cases, visiting Nepal requires a valid passport and visa with
an exception for visitors from India and China- which do not need a
passport or visa. British, Australian, Canadian, USA and European
Union nationals may apply for a visa on arrival in Kathmandu at the
Department of Immigration. However, all visitors should check with
their travel agent for current visa requirements. Most visas are valid
for sixty days for the first visit. Subsequent visits in the same year
may be restricted to thirty days. An application for a visa extension
may be made.
Accommodations
Tourism provides a significant source of income for Nepal and a wide
variety of accommodation ensures that travelers will find what they
need within their price range. Most of Nepal�s world-class luxury
hotels are located in Pokhara and Kathmandu, catering to the every
need of the discerning traveler and business person, while providing a
base from which to explore the surroundings in day trips. Health spas
and yoga retreats are also popular among city-dwelling holiday-makers
looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of modern living.
Mid-range and budget hotels are plentiful throughout Nepal, while
families in remote areas welcome visitors into their homes to live as
one of the family for the duration of their stay � an option which
fits in well with trekking expeditions.
Attractions
While the most obvious attractions in Nepal are its majestic mountains
and ruggedly beautiful landscapes, there are many historic and
cultural treasures to appreciate. Bhaktapur Durbar Square in the town
of Bhaktapur near Kathmandu is one of these treasures that should not
be missed. It features the spectacular 17th century Lion Gate, the
richly decorated Golden Gate and the nearby Palace of Fifty-Five
windows. The Central Zoo In Jawalakhel is both a research and
educational facility, welcoming animal-lovers to view the more than
900 birds, mammals, reptiles and fish on exhibit. Visitors may also
enjoy an elephant ride as well as the picnic facilities and paddle
boats.
There are also a number of national parks which protect the diverse
wildlife and their habitats in Nepal. The Davis Falls (also known as
Patale Chhango, Hell�s Falls, Devi�s Falls and Devin Falls) is an area
renowned for its tranquility and mystic legends. The nearby Mahendra
Cave (referred to as the House of Bats by locals) is also well worth a
visit. History enthusiasts should make a point of visiting the Gorkha
Royal Palace standing proudly on a hill overlooking the Gorkha Durbar.
The climb to the elaborately decorated Newari-architectural style
palace is challenging, but the view of the green landscapes,
snow-capped Himalayas and the town below, as well as the palace
itself, makes the effort well worth while. Kathmandu, a city which has
been immortalized in countless songs, literary works, films and
paintings, offers visitors numerous places of interest to visit, with
some of the most noteworthy being Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath,
Tharlam Monastery and the Kathmandu Durbar Square listed as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site.
Tours and Activities
Tours are popular in Nepal and there are many local tour providers.
The most popular guided tours include short stopovers at major towns
and cities allowing travelers to visit local attractions and do a bit
of souvenir-hunting while soaking up the sights, sounds and aromas of
Nepal�s markets. Ecotourism has become a very popular activity among
many travelers.
Without a doubt two of the most popular activities enjoyed by visitors
to Nepal are trekking and mountaineering with the rugged landscape
offering innumerable opportunities for both. Trekking is an excellent
way of really getting to understand what Nepal is all about. Trekkers
can set their pace to enjoy the incredible scenery, meet the locals
and stop off at the many temples and historic ruins that are often
found in unexpected places. Other activities to be enjoyed by the
adventurous at heart include elephant safaris, biking, river rafting,
kayaking, bungee jumping, parasailing and hot air ballooning � an
excellent way to view the spectacular Himalayas without actually
climbing them.
If you would like more information about planning a vacation to Nepal,
we offer many hunderds of pages of city guides about local
attractions, destinations, museums, trekking, and eco-tours. Nepal.com
also has travel specials on hotels, flights and car rental to help you
make your trip the adventure of a lifetime!
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