EXPLORE NEPAL

Best time to visit Best time (October – November) - With the monsoon only recently finished the country-side is green and

lush and Nepal is at its most beautiful.

Second good time (February – March – April) - The weather gets warmer so high-altitude treks are no longer as arduous, although by the end of the dry season, before the monsoon breaks, it starts to get too hot for comfort.

Worst time (May and June) - it is extremely hot and dusty and the coming monsoon hangs over you like a threat.

Entry Procedure All visitors except the Indian nationals must hold a passport and a valid visa.  The visas can be obtained at

the Nepalese Diplomatic Missions and Consulates abroad and entry points issue visa for visitors.  The visa will be extended at the Department of Immigration.

Entry: A visa is necessary to enter Nepal and can be obtained for the following duration from any Royal Nepalese Embassy or Consulate or at the entry points in Nepal.

1. The single entry tourist visa can be obtained from the entry points of Nepal or from the Royal Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad by paying US$30 for 60 days.

2. If the visitors, who has already visited Nepal under tourist visa, intends to come again within 15 days of the same visa year he/she can obtain entry visa by paying US$50 for 30 days at the entry points or at the Royal Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad. 

3. The visitors who wish to stay for more that 60 days in Nepal can extend their tourist visa by paying the equivalent of US$50 in the Nepalese currency for 30 days from the Department of Immigration.

4. Business visa with multiple entry facility for the period of one year and five years can be obtained from the Department of Immigration on the recommendation of Ministry of Industry by paying the equivalent of US$250 and US$100 respectively in the Nepalese currency for the foreign investors.

Embassy Location Nepal Embassy for German Nationals-Gyaneshwar, Kathmandu ; Contact no. - 4412786, 4416527

Nepal Embassy for USA Nationals-Panipokhari, Kathmandu ; Contact no. - 4412718

Tourist Destinations Kathmandu Valley Pokhara Patan (Lalitpur) Nagarkot Chitwan

Lumbini Janakpur Everest Region Annapurna Region Langtang Region

Kathmandu Valley Nepal's capital is situated in a valley full of historic sites, ancient temples and shrines, golden pagodas and

fascinating villages. Hotels, bars and restaurants cater to all budgets. Shops offer handicrafts, carpets and Nepali paper prints. Bus services, taxis and bicycles open up the city. Trek to see the Monkey Temple, the valley's oldest and most sacred shrine. Mingle with locals and animals amid Durbar Square's monuments and temples, or join mountain trekkers in the bustling Thamel District.

The artistic richness of the valley is reflected in the six UNESCO World Heritage sites that lie scattered around the valley like jeweled confetti.

Getting around at Kathmandu Valley If you intend to do any biking, hiking or just plain exploring it's worth getting Nepa Maps' 1:50, 000 Around

the Kathmandu Valley (Rs 450) or Himalayan Maphouse's Biking Around Kathmandu Valley (Rs 550), both are available in Kathmandu.

Bus & taxi: Buses and minibuses service all of the roads, but although they're cheap, they are uncomfortable and limiting. If you are part of a group or if the budget allows, you could consider hiring a car or taxi (Rs 600 to 800 per half day, or Rs 1000 to 1500 per full day).

Bicycle & motorbike: By far the easiest and most economical way of getting around the valley is by bicycle or motorbike. Bicycle speed allows you to appreciate your surroundings and gives you the freedom to wander wherever you like. If you are aiming for somewhere on the rim of the valley, make sure you have a multigeared mountain bike. A reasonably fit person can cycle almost anywhere in the valley and return to Kathmandu before dusk.

Pokhara Pokhara’s bewitching beauty has been the subject of many travel writers. Its pristine air, spectacular

backdrop of snowy peaks, serene lakes and surrounding greenery make it ‘the jewel in the Himalaya’, a place of remarkable natural beauty.

Famous palces at Pokhara - Mountain views, Phewa Lake, Barahi Temple, Seti, Devi’s Fall, Mahendra Gupha and World Peace Pagoda.

Getting around at Pokhara Pokhara has good bus and air links to other parts of the country, but overland routes are often affected by

the security situation in the country. Check locally before making any long journeys by bus.

The bus trip between Kathmandu and Pokhara takes six to eight hours, depending on the condition of the road and the number of army checkpoints along the way.

Tourist buses are the most hassle-free option - in Pokhara buses leave from the Mustang bus stand near Lakeside. It costs Rs 250 to Rs 300, depending on which travel agent you book with, buses leave at 7am from either end. Taxis meet the tourist buses on arrival but watch out for touts.

Patan (Lalitpur) Patan, officially Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan City, is one of the major cities of Nepallocated in the south-

central part of Kathmandu Valley. Patan is also known as Manigal. It is best known for its rich cultural heritage, particularly its tradition of arts and crafts. It is called city of festival and feast, fine ancient art, making of metallic and stone carving statue.

Durbar square, the Patan durbar (palace), which houses a bronze collection, the Krishna temple built by King Siddi Narsinh Malla, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, and Mahaboudha Temple.

Tibetan Refugee Centre and the Handicraft Centre to witness the hand weaving of Tibetan carpets and molding of metal statues.

Getting around at Patan Safa (electric) tempos (Rs 7, route 14A) leave from Kantipath, near the Kathmandumain post office in

Sundhara district, as soon as they are full.

Local buses run frequently between Kathmandu's City (Ratna Park) bus station and Patan Dhoka (Rs 7).

Buses and faster minibuses to the southern valley towns leave when full from Patan's chaotic Lagankhel bus stand, including to Godavari, Bungamati and Chapagaon.

Chitwan Chitwan literally means “heart of the jungle”. In recent years Chitwan tops the list of things to do in Asia. It

is a truly wildlife adventure of a different kind – jungle safaris on elephant backs or jeeps, birdwatching, canoe rides and jungle walks.

The Chitwan National Park is Asia’s best preserved conservation area, where wildlife thrives and their habitats remain intact. Only half-hour flight from Kathmandu, the park lies in the Inner Terai lowlands and consists of Sal forests, tall elephant grasslands, hills, ox-box lakes and flood plains of the Narayani, Rapti and Reu rivers.Enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Natural) in 1984, the park spreads over an area of 932 sq. km.

Getting around at Chitwan By Bus: By far the easiest way to reach Chitwan is by tourist bus from Kathmandu or Pokhara. In either

direction, the journey takes six to seven hours and the fare is Rs 300 to Rs 350, depending on which travel agent you book with. Buses leave from the Mustangbus stand in Pokhara and the Thamel end of Kantipath in Kathmandu at 7am. The final stop is Chitrasali, about 5km from Sauraha - jeeps and hotel touts wait at the bus park to transfer new arrivals to Sauraha for Rs 50.

By Car: Travel agents and upmarket lodges can arrange transfers to Chitwan by private car. The going rate for a car and driver is around US$60 and the journey from Pokhara or Kathmandu takes about five hours. Cars usually drop guests off at the turn-offs to the resorts and you must complete the journey by lodge 4WD or elephant!

By Air:When there is sufficient tourist demand, Yeti has daily scheduled flights fromKathmandu to the tiny runway at Meghauli for US$82, but you'll need to make advance arrangements with your lodge for a pick-up as there is nothing in Meghauli.

Lumbini Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, in the Terai plains of Nepal is one of the greatest pilgrimage sites

for Buddhists. More than 400,000 Buddhists and non Buddhists visit Lumbini every year. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Culture) and holds immense archeological and religious importance.

Getting around at Lumbini By air: The closest airport is at Bhairahawa (also known as Sidhhartha Nagar) (22km), where there are

flights to and from Kathmandu. Other airports serving more destinations include Gorakhpur and Faizabad in India. Bhairahawa - is the nearest airport to get Lumbini if you want to fly from Kathmandu.

By rail:The closest station is at Nautanwa, India on the Indian Railway network, but passenger trains are infrequent on this line. The alternative of taxi travel from the border crossing at Sunauli to Gorakhpur takes about two hours. From Sunauli, Siddharthanagar is only 3.5 kilometers. Total travel time is 12 – 18 hours from Dehli and 10 – 12 hours from Kolkata (Calcutta). The Mahaparinirvan Express tourist train stops in Gorakhpur where tourists continue to Lumbini by road.

By road: Buses ply the route between Sunauli (from stop across from Hotel Yeti) and Lumbini. At Lumbini alight at the main gate. Alternatively, from the Nepal side of the border one can take a shared jeep to Bhairahawa (4 kilometers) followed by a bus to Lumbini. Bhairahawa-Lumbini buses depart every 15 minutes. The last return bus departs at 5 PM.

Janakpur JANAKPUR, the birthplace of Janaki or Sita, the consort of Lord Ram, is an important religious pilgrimage

site in the Terai plains, in south central Nepal.

Janakpur has held a special significance for Thai Royal families since ancient times. The Royal household of Thailand still receives mangoes from the orchards of Janakpur.

Janaki Mandir and Ponds are special attractions.

Getting around at Janakpur Buddha Air (041-525022) and other private airlines have daily flights between Janakpur

and Kathmandu (US$76, 25 minutes). Airline offices are around Bhanu Chowk and the airport is a Rs 70 rickshaw ride south of the centre.

Buses leave from the dusty main bus station southwest of Zero Mile Chowk, a Rs 30 rickshaw ride from central Janakpur. There are day and night buses east to Kakarbhitta (day/night Rs 270/300, five hours) and north to Kathmandu (day/night Rs 350/370, 10 hours) via Narayangarh (day/night Rs 150/170, six hours). A single bus leaves daily for Pokhara (Rs 325, 10 hours) and there are several morning buses for Biratnagar (Rs 160, four hours), Local buses run hourly to Birganj (Rs 140, five hours) until about 3pm.

Nagarkot It is situated about 35Km. east of Kathmandu city and from here one can see Mt. Everet and other peaks of

the Himalayas. Nagarkot is located between Kathmandu valley in the west and Indravati in the east.

The top of Nagarkot commands accelerating views in all direction. The altitude of Nagarkot is 2229Mt. Above from sea level. It is also very popular for the viewing sunrise and sunset.

Getting around at Nagarkot Direct buses from Kathmandu are elusive beasts. One tourist minibus runs daily from Kathmandu at 1.30pm

from a stand on Lekhnath Marg, west of the Hotel Malla (Rs 150, two hours). Return buses depart from the Galaxy View Tower at 10am.

Buses from Kathmandu may not run out of season, in which case you'll probably have to get a bus to Bhaktapur and change, which is a pain, since you get dropped off at the west end of town and have to pick up the next bus in the east. Extremely crowded buses return from Nagarkot to Bhaktapur every half hour or so (Rs 15, 1½ hours).

A one-way taxi to Nagarkot costs around Rs 1400 from Kathmandu, or Rs 700 from Bhaktapur.

Everest Region The Everest region is located in the northeast of Nepal. The 10-day walk through the middle hills of Solu to

the higher altitudes of Khumbu to the base of Sagarmatha, or Mt. Everest, the world’s highest peak, is an opportunity to observe and participate in the daily life of the legendary Sherpa people. The prime attraction – the 8,848 m peak of Mt. Everest – lies in Sagarmatha National Park, which is also home to two other eight thousanders – Lhotse and Cho Oyu – besides several other prominent peaks above 6,000 m.

This region is full of trekking peaks.

Get around at Everest Region Everest region can be reached by air or on foot. Buses leave for Jiri from the Old Bus Park near Ratna Park in

Kathmandu - a 10-hour drive – from where it is a two-day walk to Lukla. By air, fly to Lukla - a 30-minute flight - which is served by many airlines from Kathmandu. Resorts, hotels, lodges and tea houses are all available along the trekking trail. Camping sites and options are also available.

Annapurna Region The Annapurna Region in north western Nepal has been touted as having the world’s best trekking routes.

From the lake city of Pokhara, popular treks lead to Jomsom, Annapurna Base Camp, Mustang, Manang and around the Annapurna mountain. Short treks to Sikles and Ghandruk are just as popular. The Annapurna region is an area of contrasts comprising the wettest, driest and windiest places in Nepal.

Get around at Annapurna Region Pokhara, the resort city 200 km west of Kathmandu, is the departure point to treks in the Annapurna region

in the western Himalaya. There is an airport in Jomsom if you are going to Mustang, and an airport at Chame for access to Manang. Resorts, hotels, lodges and tea houses are all available along the trekking trail. Camping sites and options are also available.

Langtang Region Langtang is one of the nearest trekking destinations from Kathmandu and is an unparalleled combination of

natural beauty and cultural riches. Langtang lies about 130 km north of the Kathmandu Valley close to the border with Tibet, China. It is Nepal’s first national park, and lies between the Himalayan range to the north, dominated by Langtang Lirung (7,245 m), the highest peak in the area, and smaller peaks to the south – Chimse Danda (ridge), Ganja La pass (5,122 m), Jugal Himal and Dorje Lakpa (6,989 m).

Getting around at Langtang Region Most of the trekking routes in Helambu and Langtang are well served by teahouses, making independent

trekking quite possible. Lodges are all available along the trekking trail. Camping sites and options are also available. From Dhunche which is 117 km by road from Kathmandu

EXPLORE BHUTAN

About Bhutan Bhutan often revered as the "Land of the Thunder Dragon" or 'Druk Yul', is still regarded as one of the last

"Shangri-La's" in the Himalayan region because of its remoteness, its spectacular mountain terrain, varied flora and fauna and its unique ancient Buddhist monasteries.

Time to visit Best time (September – October – November)

Second good time (March – April – May)

Worst time (June – July – August)

Entry procedure The information below is relevant only to guests or NGOs with visa clearance documents. Bhutan does not

operate a visa on arrival system, and visitors without correct documentation will be denied entry. NB: Indian nationals do not require a visa to enter Phuentsholing, but need a permit to visit other parts of the country.

1. Receive exit stamp from Indian immigration office - located next to the cinema hall (there is a fork in the road when entering the town marked by a statue). Immigration is a short way up the road on the left.

2. Show visa clearance documents to Bhutanese border guards at Bhutan Gate.

3. Present visa documents, passport, one photograph and a US$20 visa processing fee at the immigration office just inside Bhutan Gate. A visa will be issued according to the length specified on clearance document.

No need of any visa for Indians for entry in City only.

Tourist destinations Phuentsholing Paro Thimphu Punakha Wangduephodrang Gangtey (Phobjikha) Trongsa

Bumthang / Jakar Mongar & Lhuntse Trashigang Trashiyangtse Samdrup Jongkhar Haa Valley

Phuentsholing Phuentsholing (alt. 300m / 985 ft) - The frontier town, it is a thriving commercial centre, situated directly at

the base of Himalayan foothills. It is a fascinating place where different ethnic groups mingle prominently Indian, Bhutanese and Nepalese. Being the border town, Phuentsholing serves as the convenient entry/exit point for Bhutan and also the important link to visit the Indian state of West Bengal, Sikkim and Assam.

Important places here are: Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang, Kharbandi Goemba

Travel Itinerary for Nepal and Bhutan Explore the beauty of Nepal and Bhutan in just 14 days.

Travel Itinerary for Nepal It’s a 7 nights Itinerary proposal to explore Nepal at its best.

Map of Nepal with Directions

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu. Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and the

Kathmandu Valley is the political and cultural heart of the Kingdom. The urban sprawl that makes up modern Kathmandu is in fact two cities, Patan and Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Kathmandu local tour This morning you will be taken for a visit to the heart of the Hindu culture in Nepal-- Pashupatinath. This is

the place where holy ‘Sadhus' pray and cremations on the Bagmati River are carried out. We then continue to the holiest shrine for the Buddhist culture in Nepal, Boudhnath, with its large Stupa, this is the place where all devout Buddhists come for a pilgrimage. Then we proceed on to Swayambhunath- the Monkey Temple with spectacular views of the city. Then we visit City Durbar Square which offers tourists a unique experience of the Nepalese are and architecture. Evening free to relax or discover Themel, the backpackers district. Optional activities:

a) River rafting in Trishuli, b) Full day rafting in Bhote Kosi + bungee jumping +cannoning, c) Everest mountain flights, d) Hot air ballooning

Day 03: Kathmandu/Pokhara Fly to Pokhara and transfer to hotel. From Pokhara town (2,352 feet), in good weather, there are splendid

views right from the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04: Pokhara/Jomsom After breakfast, early morning fly to Jomsom where you will be transferred to your hotel. Jomsom, also

known as the cold desert is situated in high altitude. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05: Jomsom/Muktinath/Jomsom Today you will move on to the holy Muktinath temple. A Jeep on SIC basis will transfer you to Muktinath

and bring you back to Jomsom. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06: Jomsom/Pokhara Fly back to Pokhara early morning and transfer to hotel. Today you will visit Bindabasini Temple. This is one

of the oldest temples in Pokhara and was a part of Kaski Kingdom. The main deity of the temple, Goddess Durga. Sightseeing to Devi”s fall, also known as Patale Chango, an awesome waterfall lying 2 km southwest of Pokhara. Just opposite of Devi”s fall, on the other side of the road, there is Gupteshwar Cave. Overnight at hotel.

Day 07: Pokhara/Kathmandu Fly back to Kathmandu & transfer to hotel. Rest day at leisure. One can indulge in shopping or visit one of

the casinos. Overnight at hotel.

Day 08: Depart from Kathmandu to Paro Morning will be comparatively free and closer to the time of your flight, you will be transferred to the

airport in time to board your flight for onward journey to Paro.

PART 2 - Travel itinerary for Bhutan 'Experience a complete journey into the beauty and significances of Bhutanese culture and tradition‘. It’s a 7

nights Itinerary proposal to explore Bhutan.

Map of Bhutan with directions

Day 08: Paro-Thimphu Drop to Kathmandu airport. Fly Paro. Upon arrival transfer to Thimphu ( 2 hrs )

PM: Arrive at Paro. Transfer to Thimphu. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 09: Thimphu Halt AM: View of Thimphu valley from BBS Tower, Mini Zoo, Anim Dratshang (nunnery), Paper factory, Memorial

Chorten and Zangthopelri Lhakhang.

PM: National Library and School of Arts and Crafts (former Painting School-2-4 pm), Handicrafts emporium and Tashichodzong. Overnight at Hotel Motithang or similar.

Day 10: Thimphu - Bumthang (8 hrs) AM: Early morning transfer to Bumthang, on the way stop at Zungney village to look at production of

Yathra cloths.

PM: Visit Jampa Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Chakhar Lhakhang and the Wangdichholing palace near the hotel. Overnight at Wangdiccholing Tourist Lodge.

Day 11: Bumthang Halt AM: Visit to the Swiss farm house (walk or hike around), drive to Tamshing Lhakhang, Konchogsum

Lhakhang and Jakar Dzong. Overnight at Wangdichholing Tourist Lodge.

Day 12: Bumthang-Punakha (6 hrs) AM: Depart for Punakha via Wangdue en route.

PM: Overnight at Hotel Zangthopelri.

Day 13: Punakha - Paro (4 hrs) AM: Sightseeing of Punakha Dzong.

PM: Transfer to Paro. Stroll in Paro Town. Overnight at Hotel Olathang.

Day 14: Paro Halt AM: Visit the Drugyal Dzong. On the way, view the Mount Jhomolhari(alt 7320m) which is the only

mountain covered with snow peak throughout the year and Kichu Lhakhang on the way.

PM: Visit National museum. If time permits visit/hike to Taktshang monastery. Overnight at Hotel Olathang.

Day 15: Depart from Paro Departure from Paro Airport

Festivals of Nepal AUGUST – SEPTEMBER:

Teej:Teej is a Hindu festival celebrated by women. Dancing, folk song and the red colour of women's wedding saris dominate the days of Teej. Women observe a fast and flock to Shiva temples where married ones prays for a happy conjugal life and unmarried ones for a good husband.

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER: Dashain or Durga Puja: The Dashain festival is the most important festival of the Nepalese. The entire country is in enthusiastic holiday mood at the time of the festival.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER: Vibhaha Panchami: This is a famous festival of Janakpur in the eastern Terai. The occasion commemorates the marriage of Sita to Ram, one of the most venerated Hindu divinities. It attracts thousands of piligrims from India to Janaki Temple in Jajakpur.

http://www.yatranepal.com/festivals.htm

Festivals of Bhutan MONGAR TSHECHU 09 Nov 2013 - 12 Nov 2013

Mongar in eastern Bhutan is largely known as the “Bastion of the Zhongarps,” after the illustrious Dzongpons of Zhongar that played significant role in the history of Bhutan. One can still see the ruins of the Zhongar Dzong next to the highway in Lingmethang before reaching Mongar.

PEMA GATSHEL TSHECHU 09 Nov 2013 - 12 Nov 2013

Pema Gatshel Dzongkhag is situated in Eastern Bhutan. Its major inhabitants are the Tshanglas who are found living on agriculture and animal husbandry. It is also an annual social gathering where people from all walks of life get together to celebrate and contemplate religion. The entire community rejoices together, dressed in their finest clothing whilst enjoying the company of friends and family.

THIMPHU TSHECHU 14 Sep 2013 - 16 Sep 2013

One of the biggest festivals in the country is the Thimphu Tshechu. This festival is held in the capital city for three days beginning on 10th day of the 8th month of lunar calendar. The actual Tshechu is preceded by days and nights of prayer and rituals to invoke the Gods.

WANGDUEPHODRANG TSHECHU 12 Sep 2013 - 14 Sep 2013

Wangduephodrang in central Bhutan is famous for Lozeys or Ornamental Speeches. Two notable lozeys are the tragic song of Gaylong Sumdar Tashi that of Pema Tshewang Tashi who served as an official at the Dzong. The Dzong served as the administrative centre and was built in 1639 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel at the confluence of Puna Tsang Chu.

TRASHIGANG TSHECHU 10 Nov 2013 - 12 Nov 2013

Trashigang Dzongkhag is the largest district in the country. Its aboriginal inhabitants are known as the Tshanglas. Trashigang dzong sits majestically on a high ridge overlooking the Dangmechu and the Gamrichu.

THE BLACK-NECKED CRANE FESTIVAL 11 November 2013

The Annual Black-necked Crane festival is celebrated in the courtyard of Gangtey Gonpa, in Phobjikha valley. The festival is an occasion for the locals to rejoice and celebrate the arrival of this endangered and majestic bird which becomes an inseparable part their daily lives during the winter months.

JAMBAY LHAKHANG FESTIVAL 18 Oct 2013 - 22 Oct 2013

Jambay lhakhang is located in Bumthang and is situated on the way to the Kurjie Lhakhang. It’s a ten minutes drive to the temple from the Chamkhar town.

http://www.tourism.gov.bt/activities/festivals

Map of Nepal showing some famous locations

Entry/Exit points in Nepal A is preferred from Shanghai by air.

Entry/Exit points in Bhutan A is preferred location by air.