Nepal

• Climatic conditions of Nepal vary from one place to another in accordance with the geographical features. In the north summers are cool and winters severe, while in south summers are tropical and winters are mild. Nepal has namely five major seasons: spring, summer, monsoon, autumn and winter.An average temperature drop of 6°C occurs for every 1,000 m gain in altitude. In the Terai, summer temperatures exceed 37° C and higher in some areas, winter temperatures range from 7°C to 23°C in the Terai. In mountainous regions, hills and valleys, summers are temperate while winter temperatures can plummet under sub zero. The valley of Kathmandu has a pleasant climate with average summer and winter temperatures of 19°C – 35°C and 2°C – 12°C respectively.
• The Himalayas act as a barrier to the cold winds blowing from Central Asia in winter, and forms the northern boundary of the monsoon wind patterns. Eighty percent of the precipitation is received during the monsoon (June-September). Winter rains are more pronounced in the western hills. The average annual rainfall is 1,600 mm, but it varies by eco-climatic zones, such as 3,345 mm in Pokhara and below 300 mm in Mustang.An interesting fact is that there is no seasonal constraint on traveling in and through Nepal. Even in December and January, when winter is at its severest, there are compensating bright sun and brilliant views. As with most of the trekking areas in Nepal, the best time to visit are during spring and autumn. Spring is the time for rhododendrons while the clearest skies are found after the monsoon in October and November. However, Nepal can be visited the whole year round.
• Here’s a brief view of the average temperatures and rainfall during peak summer and winter in three most popular tourist areas:

International Connection

Nepal Airlines is the national flag carrier of Nepal with flights to/ from Delhi, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Bangkok, Doha and Hong Kong. Other International airlines operating from and to Kathmandu are Air Arabia (Sharjah), Air Asia (Kuala Lumpur), Air China (Lhasa, Chengdu), Biman Bangladesh (Dhaka), China Eastern Airlines (Kunming), China Southern Airlines (Guangzhou), Dragon Air (Hong Kong), Druk Air (Delhi, Paro), Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi), Flydubai (Dubai), GMG Airlines (Dhaka), Indian Airlines (Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi), Indigo Airlines (Delhi), Jet Airways (Delhi, Mumbai), Jet Lite (Delhi), Korean Air (Seoul), Malaysian Airlines (Kuala Lumpur), Pakistan International Airlines (Karachi, Islamabad), Qatar Airways (Doha), RAK Air (Ras al- Khaimah), Silk Air (Singapore), Spicejet (Delhi), Thai Airways (Bangkok)and United Airways (Dhaka).

Domestic Connection

There is an extensive network of air services to major parts of the country. Buddha Air, Yeti Air, Simrik Air and other domestic airlines (there are more than 18 in operation) provide regular and charter services to popular domestic destinations. Many domestic airlines operate early morning, one-hour mountain flights round the year.

Airport Tax

Airport tax is already included in the international air ticket, therefore, passengers departing for international destinations from the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu do not need to pay airport tax at the airport during departure. However, for domestic travel within Nepal airport tax is included in ticket fare for Kathmandu, while for flights from other parts of the country one has to pay airport tax at the domestic airport before departure.

All baggages must be declared and cleared through the customs on arrival at the entry point. Personal effects are permitted free entry. Passengers arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) without any dutiable goods can proceed through the Green Channel for quick clearance without a baggage check. If you are carrying dutiable articles, you have to pass through the Red Channel for detailed customs clearance.

Import
Apart from used personal belongings, visitors are allowed to bring to Nepal free of duty: cigarettes (200 sticks) or cigars (50 sticks), distilled liquor (one 1.15 liter bottle), and film (15 rolls). You can also bring in the following articles free of duty on condition that you take them out with you when you leave: binoculars, movie or video camera, still camera, laptop computer, and portable music system.

Export
The export of antiques requires special certification from the Department of Archeology, National Archive Building, Ram Shah Path, Kathmandu. It is illegal to export objects over 100 years old, such as sacred images, paintings, manuscripts that are valued for culture and religious reasons. Visitors are advised not to purchase such items as they are Nepal’s cultural heritage and belong here.

Driving into Nepal
Overland tourists entering Nepal with their vehicles must possess an international carnet.

Some tips on the common etiquettes practiced by Nepali people should be useful to visitors.

1. The form of greeting in Nepal is “Namaste” performing by joining both palms together. It literally means “the divine in me salutes the divine in you”.
2. As a mark of respect Nepalese usually take their shoes off before entering someone’s house or place of worship.
3. Food or material that has been touched by another person’s mouth is considered impure or “jutho” and, therefore, is not accepted unless among close friends or family.
4. Touching something with feet or using the left hand to give or take may not be considered auspicious.
5. Women wearing skimpy outfits are frowned upon especially in the rural parts of the country.
6. As a part of the tradition some Hindu temples do not allow non Hindus to enter.
7. Leather articles are prohibited inside some temple areas.
8. Walking around temples or stupas is traditionally done clockwise.
9. To avoid conflict photography is carried out after receiving permission from the object or person.
10. Public displays of affection are considered scandalous.
11. Nodding of head means “Yes” while shaking of head means a “No”. A slight dangling of head from left to right means “OK”.

A wide variety of festivals are celebrated in Nepal. In this section, we have listed only the main festivals ceremonly which is organised in all parts of Nepal. Different communities and ethnic groups observe different festivals. Some of the important festivals include:

Maha Shivaratri: (Feb 27, 2014)- The festival is celebrated to worship the Lord Shiva, who is the most popular Gods of the Hindus. It is celebrated in February. Devotees from various parts of Nepal and India visit the Lord Pashupatinath. They pray to Lord Shiva's image inside the temple. On the occasion, saints and sages, who emulate Lord Shiva, give lectures about Lord Shiva to the disciples.

Fagu Purnima: (Mar 16, 2014)- Fagu or Holi is a colorful and playful festival celebrated in various parts of the country. On the first day of holi, a chir pole decorated with colourful flags, is erected at the Kathmandu Durbar Square to alert the people to hide their good clothes as coloured powder and water balloons are thrown at them throughout the week. Holi is celebrated with colors, water, sweets and music. People put color on each other as a token of love. People go houses of relatives and friends in group. Put colors on each other eat sweets and move whole day. People dance and play music. People in Terai celebrate Holi the next day from Kathmandu Valley and other hilly reason of Nepal.

Bisket Jatra: (Apr 10-19, 2014)- This is an important festival celebrated in April. On this occasion, people from the old kingdom of Bhaktapur and its neighbouring areas perform a drama passed on over the centuries. Images of wrathful and demonic deities are placed on chariots. The chariots are taken to various parts of the city of Bhaktapur. On this occasion, a tongue-boring ceremony is organized at Bode village of Bhaktapur. It is believed that those who can tolerate the pain of the tongue boring may reach in heaven after death.

Buddha Jayanti: (May 14, 2014)- The festival is celebrated on the day of Lord Buddha, who was born in Lumbini. On the full moon day of Baisakh (approximately May), the Lord's birth, enlightenment and salvation are applauded both in and outside the Kathmandu Valley. Preparations are made for the festival at Swayambhunath and Bouddhanath stupas in advance. Monks and devotees perform various activities like dance to celebrate the festival.

Gai Jatra: (Aug 11, 2014)- Celebrated in the month of August, Gai Jatra is the festival for satire and jokes. Artistes and others satirize on the contemporary politics, social and other anomalies. Those whose relatives have died during the past year share their sorrows and take comfort as they believe that the gai (cow) has safely transported the departed souls on their afterlife journey.

Teej: (Aug 28, 2014)- Teej is a festival celebrated by Nepali women, for the long life of her husband and long and firm relationship between them until the death this life and all the lives to come. Teej is observed for marital happiness, well-being of spouse and children and purification of own body and soul. Teej is the most famous festival among Nepali women. The folk music and dances add more flavor to traditional values of Teej. It is fascinating to see women, in “Red” dancing and singing on the street, going to temple in holy and fasting mood. Teej is also called Hari Talika Teej. This festival is celebrated by Nepali Hindu women all across the world.
Teej is a small red insect that comes out of the soil during the rainy season. It is said Teej got it's name from the same red insect and that is why Teej is celebrated in red. Teej is traditionally dedicated to the Goddess Parvati, remembering her union with Lord Shiva. It is a three-day-long celebration that combines splendid feasts as well as rigid fasting. This festival also welcomes and celebrates the arrival of monsoon after a season of summer heat.

Indra Jatra: (Sept 18-25, 2014)- The festival is marked to extend thanks to Indra, King of Heaven and controller of the rains, for the rains. The festival is celebrated for eight days in Kathmandu Durbar Square.
There is a story related to its significance. It is said that many centuries ago, Indira's mother needed scented flowers but she was unable to find them in the gardens of heaven. One day, Indra discovered Parijat flowers in Kathmandu Valley and tried to steal them for his mother. but as he was trying to steal them, the people of Kathmandu caught him and imprisoned him. The people were appalled when they found Indra's mother coming to look for him. Then they released Indra. Since then the festival has been celebrated. The Goddess Kumari, the living Goddess, witnesses the special occasion of Indra Jatra.

Dashain: (Oct 01-05, 2014)- Dashain, which is celebrated during Sept-Oct., is the greatest festival of Nepal. Known as Durga Pooja, it is the national festival and it is observed especially by Hindus. The Goddess Durga is prayed for nine days during the festival. On this occasion, the family members, who have gone outside, come home to celebrate the festival. On the tenth day of the festival, youngsters take tika and blessings from the elders.
It is believed that the Goddess Durga, whose steed is a ferocious lion, was able to kill a Mahisasur (buffalo). Her victory is symbolized as the defeat over evil.The first day of the festival is called "Ghatansthapana" when people sow seeds of corn in a tiny vessel filled with clay and water. The vessel is put in the prayer room. People pray to the Goddess Durga every morning. They also visit different Hindu temples.
The government offices, schools and other offices remain closed during the festival.

Tihar or Deepawali: (Oct 21-25, 2014)- Tihar is regarded as the second largest festival after Dashain in Nepal. The festival of lights is celebrated for five days in November. People pray to the Goddess Laxmi, the concert of Lord Vishnu during Tihar. The Goddess Laxmi is also considered to be the main Goddess of wealth and good fortune. On the fifth or last day of the festival, brothers take tika from sisters. The sisters also offer sweets and other food items and cloths to their brothers. It is believed that brothers become safe from death and other evils after taking tika and garlands from their sisters during Tihar. During the festival, dogs, cows and oxen and properties are also prayed.
The Newars of Kathmandu observe Tihar as Mha Pooja, the New Year day according to the Nepal Era. They give themselves blessings to remain healthy and happy for the rest of the year.

Mani Rimdu: (Nov 10-13, 2014)- This is a sacred ceremonies and series of events of empowerment. It is a sequence of nineteen days celebration, which concludes with three days public festival. Sherpa get time to gather and celebrate this festival with monastic community.
Mani Rimdu is generally celebrated by Sherpa in autumn at the Tengboche Monastery in the Everest region. Lamas and Sherpa gather at the monastery for five days. They gather for the welfare of the world. There are plays, masked dances, prayers and feasts. Demons are quelled and the pious are rewarded. It is a very colorful and ideal festival to combine with a trekking expedition in the Everest region.

Heritage Sites/ Museums / Zoo
Entrance fees must be paid before touring heritage sites around Kathmandu Valley like Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bauddhanath, Swayambhunath and Changu Narayan Temple.Entrance fees must be paid before touring Lumbini Gardens, the sanctuary of the Mayadevi Temple, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, in Lumbini, Rupandehi.Entrance fees must be paid before touring the Central Zoo in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, and museums in Kathmandu Valley. Entrance fees must also be paid before touring local museums in different parts of Nepal.

Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS)
Trekkers must acquire Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS) Card before the onset of their trek. TIMS Card has been mandatory to control illegal trekking operations and ensure the safety and security of the trekkers in the general trekking areas. TIMS Card helps to store the database of trekkers recording their would-be whereabouts for safety of tourists. Fees, passport copy, and passport size photograph are required to obtain TIMS Card from Tourist Service Center, Bhrikutimandap, and Trekking Agencies’ Association Nepal (TAAN) Office in Maligaon and Government registered trekking companies in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Each visitor who goes trekking through a trekking company must pay US $ 10 and each free individual trekker (FIT) must pay US $ 20 per trekking route per person per entry in equivalent Nepali Rupees only. Part of the collection will go into maintaining the trekkers’ database and in the rescue of trekkers in need of emergency services.

Trekking Permit
Special trekking permit must be acquired from the Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, Kathmandu, for trekking to areas that fall under the Restricted Zone.

Mountaineering
Mountaineering royalties must be paid at the Tourism Industry Division, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu or at the Nepal Mountaineering Association at Naxal, Kathmandu, before starting on a mountaineering expedition.

National Parks/ Wildlife Reserves/ Conservations
Entry fees must be paid to enter the 20 Protected Areas in Nepal that have been divided into National Parks, Wildlife Reserves, Conservation Areas and Hunting Reserve. One must also obtain hunting license to hunt in the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve. Please note that Dhorpatan is the only protected area where hunting is licensed.