Introduction:

Nepal is a living museum that people cannot resist to explore. Nepal is situated between two giant countries India in the east, west and south and China in the north. Being small in area of 147,181 sq. km. also, Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and altitudinal variation. The elevation ranges from 60 m above sea level to the highest point on earth, Mt. Everest at 8,848 m, all within a distance of 150 km resulting into climatic conditions from Sub-tropical to Arctic. The unique variation has given Nepal a varied ecosystem, thick tropical and alpine forests swarmed with diverse wildlife, great peaks of the world, frozen valleys, deep gorges, mysterious canyons, fast and furious rivers, running hills and cool and calm lakes. Nepal is also know by different names such as the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the land of Everest as well as the land of tremendous beauty and diversity.

Nepal occupies just 0.1% of the earth. It is home to 2% of all flowering plants in the world, 8% (848 species) of the total birds in the world, 4% of mammals on earth, 11 of 15 butterfly families found in the world (500 species), 600 indigenous plant families and 319 exotic species of orchids.
Nepal has a population of 23.1 million people, with more than 101 different ethnic groups speaking 92 different languages. Nepal bags a colorful array of vibrant cultures, exotic traditions, feasts and festivals lined up every month, unique and wonderful art and architecture and the warm hospitality that people share with each other.

Entry Procedures:

Entry / Exit by air
Nepal Airlines is the National Flag Carrier of Nepal with flight to / from Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Osaka, Shanghai and Singapore. Other Internatiional Airlines operating from/to Kathmanduu are Austrian Airlines (Vienna), Air China (Lhasa), Nepal Airlines (RA)(Bangkok, Doha, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur), Air Sahara (Delhi) Biman Bangladesh (Dhaka), Gulf Air (Bahrain, Muscat), Indian Airlines (Delhi, Kolkotta, Varanasi), Jet Airways (Delhi), PIA (Karanchi), Qatar Airways (Doha), Royal Druk Air (Delhi, Paro), and Thai Airways (Bangkok).

Entry / Exit by land
All visitors entering Nepal by land must use following points for entry and exit from Nepal.

• Kakarvitta (Eastern Nepal)
• Birganj (Central Nepal)
• Kodari, (Northern Border)
• Belahia, Bhairahawa (Rupandehi, Western Nepal)
• Jamunaha, Nepalgunj (Banke, Mid Western Nepal)
• Mohana, Dhangadhi (Kailali, Far Western Nepal)
• Gadda Chauki, Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur, Far Western Nepal)

Tourists entering and leaving the country apart from the above points shall be treated as the violation of Immigration rules.

The overland tourists entering Nepal with their vehicles must possess an international carnet or complete customs formalities.

Visa Formalities

Tourist Visa
-           Foreigner who intends to visit Nepal must hold valid passport or any travel documents equivalent to passport issued by the Govt. for visiting a foreign country prior to apply for visa.
-           Tourist entry visa can be obtained from Royal Nepalese Embassy or Consulate or other mission offices ABOAD or on arrival in Nepal.
-           One passport size photographs is required.
-           Free visa for all tourists who visit Nepal only for 3 days.
-           Free visa for tourists of SAARC countries and People’s Republic of China.

Visa Fee:
Single entry       - US$ 30.00 for 60 days
Multiple entry   - US$ 50.00  + US$ 30.00

Visa Extension: Visa can be extended for 30 days on payment of US$ 30.00 for a maximum of period of 150 days in Visa year (January – December).

Airport departure tax
NPR 1,365.00 per person for departure  to SAARC Countries.
NPR 1,695.00 per person for departure to other international destinations.

Foreign Exchange:
Foreign currencies must be exchanged only through the banks or authorized foreign exchange dealers. The receipts from such transaction are to be obtained and retained. Visitors can exchange money at the foreign exchange counter at the airport upon arrival also. Indian Currency Rs. 500/- and Rs. 1,000/- note is not allowed to be brought into Nepal and will not be exchanged and will not be accepted for transaction of any kind.

Custom formalities:
All baggage must be declared and cleared through the customs on arrival at the entry. Personal effectsa re permitted free entry. A tourist may bring in dutiable goods, such as tobacco and liquors, within the prescribed quantity free of duty. Carrying narcotics, arms and ammunicion are strictly prohibited. Visitors can export souvenirs to their respective countries. The export of antiques requires special certificate from the Department of Archaeology.