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N E PA L

Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal

AREA: Nepal measures 147,181 square

kilometres (56,827 sq. mi) it slightly outranks

the state of Arkansas in the United States.

Nepal is the world's 93rd largest country by

area and the 41st most populous country.

GOVERNMENT: Republic

CAPITAL: Kathmandu (largest city)

PRESIDENT: Ram Baran Yadav

PRIME MINISTER: Sushil Koirala

POPULATION & LANGUAGE: During 2015 Nepal population is estimated to be

increased by 460 125 people and reach 29 271 933 in the beginning of 2016.

The official language of Nepal is Nepali, formerly called Khaskura then Gorkhali.

According to the 2011 national census, the percentage of people with Nepali as the

mother tongue is 44.6%. Maithili is spoken in Nepal as a second language. Extinct

languages of Nepal include Kusunda, Madhesiya and Waling. According to the 2011

National census a total of 123 languages are spoken as a mother tongue (first

language) in Nepal. Most belong to the Indo-Aryan and Sino-Tibetan language families.

GEOGRAPHY & CLIMATE:

Nepal is of roughly trapezoidal shape, 800

kilometres (497 mi) long and 200 kilometres

(124 mi) wide.

Nepal is commonly divided into three

physiographic areas: Mountain, Hill and

Terai. These ecological belts run east-west

and are vertically intersected by Nepal's

major, north to south flowing river systems.

Nepal has five climatic zones, broadly

corresponding to the altitudes. The tropical and subtropical zones lie, the temperate, the

cold zone, the subarctic zone and the Arctic zone. Nepal experiences five seasons:

summer, monsoon, autumn, winter and spring.

PEOPLE AND CULTURE:

The Nepalese are descendants of three major migrations from India, Tibet, and North

Burma and the Chinese province of Yunnan via Assam. Among the earliest inhabitants

were the Kirat of east mid-region, Newar of the Kathmandu Valley and aboriginal Tharu

and Maithils in the southern Terai region.

Hinduism is practiced by about 81.3% of Nepalis, the highest percentage of any

country. Buddhism is linked historically with Nepal and is practiced by 9% of its people,

followed by Islam at 4.4%, Kiratism 3.1%, Christianity 1.4%, and animism 0.4%. A large

portion of the population, especially in the hill region, may identify themselves as both

Hindu and Buddhist, which can be attributed to the syncretic nature of both faiths in

Nepal.

The overwhelming majority of the Nepalese

population follows Hinduism. Shiva is

regarded as the guardian deity of the country.

Nepal is home to the famous Lord Shiva

temple, the Pashupatinath Temple, where

Hindus from all over the world come for

pilgrimage. Lumbini is a Buddhist pilgrimage

site and UNESCO World Heritage Site site in

the Kapilavastu district. Traditionally it is held to be the birthplace in about 563 B.C. of

Siddhartha Gautama, a Kshatriya caste prince of the Sakya clan, who as the Buddha

Gautama founded Buddhism.

The holy site of Lumbini is bordered by a

large monastic zone, in which only

monasteries can be built. All three main

branches of Buddhism exist in Nepal and the

Newa people have their own branch of the

faith. Buddhism is also the dominant religion

of the thinly populated northern areas, which

are mostly inhabited by Tibetan-related

peoples, such as the Sherpa.

ART & CULTURE:

The culture of Nepal is rich and unique. The

cultural heritage of Nepal has evolved over

the centuries. Its culture is mostly

influenced by Indian, Mongolian and

Tibetan culture.

Dashain is the longest and the most

important festival of Nepal. Generally

Dashain falls in late September to mid-

October, right after the end of the monsoon

season. It is "a day of Victory over Demons". The Sagan ceremony is the ritualized

presentation of five food items (boiled egg, smoked fish, meat, lentil cake and rice wine)

to a person which is done to bring good fortune as per Tantric tradition. Tihar or Swanti,

Chhath, Buddha Jayanti (the celebration of the birth of Buddha) and Maha Shivaratri (a

festival of Lord Shiva) are some of the other important festivals. Sherpas, mostly located

at higher altitudes and in the Mount Everest region, celebrate Mani Rimdu, for the good

of the world.

Most festivals include dancing and music,

and a variety of foods are consumed during

festivals and on special occasions.The

Dishka, a dance performed at weddings,

includes intricate footwork and arm

movements. Accompanying music and

musical instruments change in tune with the

themes, which revolve around topics like

harvesting of crops, marriage rites, war

stories, a lonely girl’s yearning for her love, and several other themes and stories from

everyday life in the villages.

Folklore is an integral part of Nepalese society. Traditional stories are rooted in the

reality of day-to-day life, tales of love, affection and battles as well as demons and

ghosts and thus reflect local lifestyles, cultures and beliefs. Many Nepalese folktales are

enacted through the medium of dance and music.

Most houses in the rural lowlands of Nepal are made up of a tight bamboo framework

and walls of a mud and cow-dung mix. These dwellings remain cool in summer and

retain warmth in winter. Houses in the hills are usually made of unbaked bricks with

thatch or tile roofing. At high elevations construction changes to stone masonry and

slate may be used on roofs.

The staple Nepalese meal is Dal bhat. Dal is

a spicy lentil soup, served over bhat (boiled

rice) and served with tarkari (curried

vegetables) together with achar (pickles) or

chutni (spicy condiment made from fresh

ingredients). It consists of non-vegetarian as

well as vegetarian items served with non-

alcoholic beverages. Mustard oil is the

cooking medium and a host of spices,

including cumin, coriander, black pepper,

sesame seeds, turmeric, garlic, ginger, methi (fenugreek), bay leaves, cloves,

cinnamon, chilies and mustard seeds are used in cooking. The cuisine served on

festivals is generally the best.

Momo is a type of steamed dumpling with or

without fillings. Momo have become a

delicacy in Nepal. They are one of the most

popular fast foods in many regions of Nepal.

ECONOMY:

Besides having landlocked, rugged

geography, few tangible natural resources

and poor infrastructure, the ineffective post-

1950 government and the long-running civil

war are also factors in stunting the nation's

economic growth and development.

Nepal is heavily dependent on remittances, which amount to as much as 22-25% of

GDP. Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy, providing a livelihood for more than

70% of the population and accounting for a little over one-third of GDP. In 2010,

agriculture accounted for 36.1%, services comprised 48.5%, and industry 15.4% of

Nepal's GDP. While agriculture and industry are contracting, the contribution by the

service sector is increasing. Agriculture employs 76% of the workforce, services 18%

and manufacturing and craft-based industry 6%. Agricultural produce includes tea, rice,

corn, wheat, sugarcane, root crops, milk, and water buffalo meat. Industry mainly

involves the processing of agricultural produce, including jute, sugarcane, tobacco, and

grain.

The spectacular landscape and diverse, exotic cultures of Nepal represent considerable

potential for tourism, but growth in the industry has been stifled by political instability

and poor infrastructure.

CURRENCY:

Nepalese Rupee (NPR)

Subunit

1/100

Paisa

Symbol Rs or ₨ or रू.

Coins 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 paisa, Re. 1, Rs. 2, Rs. 5, Rs. 10

Banknotes (Freq. used)

Rs. 5, Rs. 10, Rs. 20, Rs. 50, Rs. 100, Rs. 500, Rs. 1000

Banknotes (Rarely used)

Rs. 1, Rs. 2, Rs. 25, Rs. 250

Official Bank Nepal Bank Limited

Official Bank Website

http://www.nepalbank.com.np

SOCIAL LIFE AND RECREATION:

Association football is the most popular sport in Nepal and was first played during the

Rana dynasty in 1921. The one and only international stadium in the country is the

Dasarath Rangasala Stadium where the national team plays its home matches. Cricket

has been gaining popularity since the last decade. Since the establishment of the

national team, Nepal has played its home

matches on the Tribhuvan University

International Cricket Ground.

The national Cricket team has qualified for

the 2014 Cricket World Cup; it finished fourth

in the 2015 ICC World Cricket League

Division, Two in Namibia and has qualified

for the 2015–17 ICC World Cricket League

Championship as well.

EDUCATION:

The overall literacy rate (for population aged 5

years and above) was 65.9% in 2011. The

highest literacy rate was reported in

Kathmandu district. However increasing

access to secondary education (grades 9-12)

remains a major challenge, as evidenced by

the low net enrollment rate of 24% at this

level. More than half of primary students do

not enter secondary schools, and only one-

half of them complete secondary schooling. In

addition, fewer girls than boys join secondary schools and, among those who do join,

fewer complete the 10th grade.

Formal school education in Nepal officially spans a period of 12 years and is divided

into these categories:

(a) Primary Level (Class 1 to 5)

(b) Middle School/Lower Secondary Level (S.L.C.) (Class 6 to 8)

(c) High School/ Secondary Level (Class 9 and 10)

(d) 10+2/ Higher Secondary Level (Class 11 and 12)

Successful completion of study earns a student a Higher Secondary Education (10+2)

certificate. However, since the majority of the schools in the country have not been

upgraded for the lack of funds and resources to the 10+2 level, the old high school

system with School Leaving Certificate (SLC) examination at the end of 10 year still

persists.

Higher Education in Nepal consists of the following levels.

(a) Bachelor's/Undergraduate Level

(b) Master's Level/Graduate/Degree Level

(c) Post Graduate, M. Phil. Level

(d) Ph.D. Doctoral Level

Higher education in Nepal, is like elsewhere in the world, is the sole responsibility of and

administered by universities and institutions of higher learning. At present, the country

has six universities; five of these - two public (state), two again public (community) and

one private - offer western model academic program and technical education while the

remaining one, again a public university, is dedicated to the study of Sanskrit and

related subjects. There are two more universities in the offing-an international Buddhist

university at Lumbini and another general university with concentration on BuddhisH at

Banepa. But since they have not yet received the character, they can be classified only

as proposed universities.

TRANSPORT:

Air

The national airline is Royal Nepal

Airlines

Tribhuvan International Airport is an

international airport in Kathmandu,

Nepal. The airport is about six

kilometres from the city centre

Bharatpur Airport The airport is

located 1 mile (1.6 km) southwest of

Bharatpur

Dhangadhi Airport which is 3 km far from Dhangadhi city and 10 km from Attariya

Chowk.

Routes to Kathmandu

Delhi-Kathmandu

Mumbai-Kathmandu

Rail

There is only one functioning Nepalese passenger railway in Nepal. This 59 km narrow

gauge railway runs between Janakpur in Nepal and Jainagar in India close to the border

between the two nations. However according to BBC News this has also shut

operations in 2014. Nepal is likely to have help from India, in major upgrade to current

railway system. Indian Railways had started the construction of a broad 1,676 mm

(5 ft 6 in) gauge replacement line, which plans to open in 2017. Also stated is a line

linking India with China through Nepal had been proposed.

Road

Nepal’s road network is growing but there is an enormous need for more investment. A

study in 2007 revealed that the country had 10,142km in all of surfaced roads and a

further 7,140km of unsurfaced roads. Nepal has 75 District Headquarters and up to 15

have no direct connection by road, while 33% of the population live at least two hours

walk from a road, presenting a major challenge to economic growth as well as for other

factors such as education or health.

COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY:

Television:

Television programming commenced in 1985,

and broadcasters include government-owned

Nepal Television, which has two channels

(Nepal Television and NTV PLUS), and

private broadcasters (Nepal One, Shangri-La,

and Space Time Network). All private

television broadcasters have experienced

financial losses and content restrictions.

Foreign programs can be accessed via

satellite or cable. Statistics on viewership are not available, but it is estimated at less

than 15 percent of the population.

Nepal Television broadcasts for 6-hours in

daily from 16:00 to 22:00 Nepal Time.

Newspapers and Magazines:

According to government figures, in 2003

Nepal had 3,741 registered newspapers, of

which 251 were published daily.

Government-owned Gorkhapatra (Gorkha

Journal) had the highest daily circulation at around 75,000. Most registered newspapers

were published either weekly (1,304) or monthly (1,122). Most vernacular news media

are regarded as having little credibility as a result of affiliations with political parties.

Telephone and Mobile:

According to the Nepal Telecommunication Authority MIS May 2012 report, there are

seven operators and the total voice telephone subscribers including fixed and mobile

are 16,350,946 which gives a penetration rate of 61.42%. The fixed telephone services

account for 9.37%, mobile for 64.63%, and other services (LM, GMPCS) for 3.76% of

the total penetration rate.

The international calling code for Nepal is +977

Package delivery services-DHL

Internet:

The numbers of subscribers to data/internet services are 4,667,536 represents 17.53%

penetration rate. Most of the data service is accounted by GPRS users. The growth is

catalysed by increased demand for services like GPRS, ADSL, wireless, and optical

fibre data services. Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 6 (2000)

Internet country code -.NPL

PLACES OF INTERES:

Boudhanath

Pashupatinath Temple

Swayambhunath

Annapurna Circuit

Dharahara.

Gokyo Lakes

Khumbu

International Mountain Museum

Shechen Monastery

National Museum of Nepal

Time Difference: Nepal is 15 min ahead of India.

TRAVEL TIPS:

Carry some basic antibiotics, hand sanitizers and charcoal tablets for the stomach.

While travelling drink only bottled water or carry SteriPen or purification drops, like

diluted bleach solution.

Eat at restaurants which have traffic and fresh food. Avoid raw vegetables and pre-

cut fruit as much as possible.

Dress modestly.

Do not wear flashy jewellery or clothes. It only attracts unwanted attention.

Do not trek alone. There have been numerous disappearances of solo trekkers in

recent years. Always hire a guide or trek with other people

Travelling on a bicycle or a motorbike for the most part is not advisable. There are

some off-road mountain bike trails that are ok to do.

Be sure to exchange back all the Nepalese currencies before you leave. They are

not accepted (or even exchanged for that matter) outside of Nepal. Besides, taking

currency out of the country is against the law.

Do not touch someone’s head or sit showing the bottom of your feet towards them. It

is considered rude.

Do not fully rely on schedules and times that are committed to you whether in verbal

or written while you are in Nepal. They may not commence in time as stated or

committed and may end up disrupting your entire subsequent schedule. Have time

buffer as much as you can between your major plans and activities, especially if you

have a hard stop date that you need to fly out by.

Always be alert/aware of “Bandhs” (Strikes – where no transportation is allowed) as

they can alter all your travel plans substantially.

Do not assume that “ganja” (marijuana) is legal in Nepal. It is not. Even though it is a

common weed on hillsides you can get in trouble for picking it and carrying it for

consumption purpose.

Stay away from dance bars in KTM and PKR. These are tourist traps where they

scam you on buying alcohol and food at much inflated prices

There are daily scheduled power outages. Have a flashlight handy all the times.

All nightlife pretty much ends by 10 pm with only a few places around the Thamel

area that may stay open a little later.

Bring a universal plug and voltage adapter kit for your Electronics. Nepal uses 220V

Avoid displaying food around monkeys around temples, as they are used to

snatching it.

Insist for a Running Meter in the Taxi. After 10 PM you do pay double of the meter

fare however – that’s the commonly accepted norm

Keep in mind that there may be an entrance fee to some of the common temples

and public areas applicable only to foreigners ranging anywhere from 250R's -

700R's.

VISA REQUIREMENTS:

Tourist visas can be obtained on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in

Kathmandu and other designated entry points in Nepal.

Anyone willing to obtain visa at the Embassy has to follow the following procedures:

Nepali Visa Application Forms are accepted every day from Sunday to Thursday

from 9:30 am to 10:30am.

Visa application form must be signed by the applicant and must have a photo will not

be entertained.

It normally takes one working day to process visa.

Visa Application Form is available free of charge from the Embassy Visa Gate

Following Documents are required with Visa Application:

Recent passport size photograph (01 copy) and passport photocopy.

For “Business” passport holders Original Trade License (notarized and with English

translation) & valid Bangla Trade License (photocopy) and visiting card.

For “Private Service” passport holders Recommendation letter from the employer

and employer’s English translated & notarized Trade License (Original) & valid

Bangla Trade License (photocopy) and visiting card and Valid ID Card photocopy.

For “Student” passport holders valid original student ID Card & last Educational

Certificate (attested photocopy) or a recommendation letter from the

College/University.

For “Group Visa” Submission of a name list with passport numbers on a

College/University/ official letter pad with recommendation from department head

(with official seal and signatures of the Department head). That letter has to be faxe

to the Embassy before submission of the application.

For “all Visa” Dhaka - Kathmandu - Dhaka Two way confirm tickets.

Visa Fees: Tourist visas for the nationals of SAARC Countries are issued free of

charge for the first VISA in one visa year (01 January to 31 December) and the

second visa in the same year will be subject to a visa fee.

Visa application forms once rejected will not be returned to the applicant.

USEFUL NUMBERS:

Subject Type of Service Telephone Number

Ambulance Emergency

Non-Emergency

102

Fire Fire Service 101

Police Emergency 100

NATIONAL HOLIDSAYS:

Date Holiday Name Holiday

Type Brief Information

January 15 Maghe Sankranti

Religious The first day of the month of Magh.

January 30 Shahid Diwas Non-Religious

Martyr's day in Nepal remembering the first four Martyrs of Nepal.

January 31 Sonam Losar Religious One out of the four Losars celebrated specially by the Tamang community.

February 4 Saraswati Puja Religious Schools celebrate this day by worshiping Goddess Saraswati, Hindu Goddess of knowledge, music, arts and nature.

February 19 Prajatantra Diwas

Non-Religious

Democracy day of Nepal.

February 27 Maha Shivaratri

Religious Celebrated in reverence of Lord Shiva.

March 8 International Women's Day

Non-Religious

International Women's day is celebrated on this day in Nepal.

March 16 Fagu Purnima Religious Also known as holi, the festival of colors. In Terai region of Nepal, this festival is celebrated on the next day.

March 30 Ghode Jatra Religious Observed primarily in Kathmandu valley with horse parades in Tundikhel.

April 8 Ram Nawami Religious Birthday of Lord Rama.

April 14 Navabarsha Non-Religious

Nepalese New Year or the first day of Bikram Sambat calendar.

April 15 Vatsav Moliya's Birthday

Non-Religious

A Legend of next generation.

April 24 Loktantra Diwas

Non-Religious

Democracy day of Nepal.

May 1 Majdur Diwas Non-religious

International labor day.

May 4 Buddha Jayanti

Religious Birth date of Lord Gautam Buddha, born in Nepal.

May 29 Ganatantra Diwas

Non-Religious

Republic day in Nepal.

July 12 Utsav Moliya's Birthday

Non-Religious

Date Holiday Name Holiday

Type Brief Information

August 29 Janai Purnima and Raksha Bandhan

Religious Sacred thread festival, Janai Purnima marks the renewal of the sacred thread by Brahmins. Raksha Bandhan celebrates the holi bond between brothers and sisters.

August 30 Gaijatra Religious Celebrated only in Kathmandu, this festival worships cows. Also a day when commemoration of the dead takes place.

September 5 Krishna Janmashtami

Religious Celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna

September 16 Teej Religious Celebrated by mostly women for the wellness of their husband.

August 30 Rishi Panchami

Religious Celebrated only by women by fasting to show gratitude to the ancient preachers.

September 2 Gaura Parwa Religious Celebrated mostly in far western Nepal, this festival is observed in other parts as well.

September 8 Indra Jatra Religious Celebrated only in Kathmandu, commemorates the founding of Kathmandu.

September 25 Ghatasthapana Religious The beginning of Dashain.

October 1 Fulpati Religious Seventh day of Dashain when jamara is brought from Gorkha palace to Kathmandu.

October 2 Maha Asthami Religious The day to appease Goddess Durga’s manifestations, the blood-thirsty Kali.

October 3 Maha Navami and Bijaya Dashami

Religious This year Maha Navami and Bijaya Dashami falls on the same day. Maha Navami is the last day of Navaratri. On Bijaya Dashami mixture of rice, yogurt and vermilion is prepared and is known as Tika. Elders put Tika, Jamara and Kokha on the young ones and give them blessing.

October 4 Ekadashi Religious Eleventh day of Dashain where the celebration continues.

October 5 Duwadashi Religious The final consecutive holiday of Dashain celebration.

October 7 Kojagrat Purnima

Religious Final full moon day after which Dashain officially ends.

Date Holiday Name Holiday

Type Brief Information

November 11 Laxmi Puja Religious In the morning cows are worshipped. Later, usually during the evenings, Laxmi, Goddess of wealth is worshipped.

November 12 Mha Puja and Govardhan Puja

Religious People worship themselves, oxen and cowdung.

November 13 Bhaitika Religious Sisters worship their brothers. Gifts are exchanged between them.

November 17 Chhath Parwa Religious A festival dedicated to Hindu Sun God.

December 25 Christmas Religious Commemoration of birth of Jesus Christ.

December 30 Tamu Lhosar Religious Losar celebrated mostly by the Gurung Community.

EMBASSIES:

Embassy of India in Nepal 336, Kapurdhara Marg Kathmandu, Nepal P.O. Box No 292 Tel: +977-1-4410900, 4414990, 4411699

Embassy of Nepal in India Barakhamba Road, New Delhi, India. Tel.: +91-11 23476200 | 2332 8066 / 9969 / 9218 / 7361 Fax. : +91-11 2332 6857 / 9647

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