Brief information about Nepal
History
Nepal has a long glorious history. Its civilization can be traced back to thousand of years before the birth of Christ. A Hindu-Buddhist culture flourished in the Kathmandu valley by the 4th century A.D. In the Middle Ages many small principalities were established. The Gurkhas, one of these, became dominant in 1768. In 1816, after a war with the British, Nepal adopted a policy of seclusion from foreign contacts. Internal power struggles led in 1846 to the dominance of the Rana family, which controlled the country until 1951. Under the Ranas, Nepal was isolated from foreign influence, and there was little economic modernization. Nepal was granted independence in 1951 and a limited constitutional monarchy was established. After a brief period of democracy (1959-60), political activity was banned. A form of party less government, the Panchayat system, was set up (1962), with executive power resting in the king. This system was narrowly approved (1980) in a national referendum. In 1990 protests led to the abolition of the Panchayat system and the reestablishment of democracy and a constitutional monarchy. Long influenced by India, Nepal has recently developed closer ties with China. During the past 40 years Nepal has diversified its economy and developed a basic infrastructure with Herculean efforts.

Visa
All visitors to Nepal except the Indian nationals must hold valid passports and visa. Single entry tourist visa can be obtained from the entry points of Nepal or from the Royal Nepalese diplomatic mission abroad. US$ 30.00 is required for single entry visa for 60 days and US$ 50.00 for multiple entry. No visa charge for one day. Tourists can extend their visas at the Department of Immigration, Nepal Tourism Board Bldg., Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu (Tel: 4222453, 4223127, and 4223590) and the Immigration Office in Pokhara (Tel: 521167). Indian nationals are obliged to produce one of the identification papers e.g. Passport, Voters Identification Card, or Ration Card if s/he has to fly to Nepal/India.

People
Nepal has a population of 22 million, made of different races and tribes, living in different regions, wearing different costumes, and speaking different languages and dialects. The Gurungs and Magars live mainly in the west. The Rais, Limbus and Sunuwars inhabit the slopes and valleys of the eastern mid hills. The Sherpas a live in east Himalayan region up to an average altitude of 4570m. The Newar is an important ethnic group in the capital valley Kathmandu. There are Tharus, Yadavas, Satar, Rajvanshis and Dhimals in the Terai region. The Brahmans, Chhetri, and Thakuris are spread over regions of the Kingdom.

Language
Many different ethnic groups have their own languages or dialects. Nepali is the official language of Nepal. Almost all the educated community in the cities can understand and speak English as well. Hindi is also widely understood and spoken.
Religion: Nepal is the only Hindu Kingdom in the world. Nepal is the birth place of Lord Buddha. Hence Hinduism and Buddhism are two major religions of Nepal. Majority of the Nepali are Hindu 90%, Buddhist 7% and other 3%. There is no distinct between Hinduism and Buddhism in Nepal. Both play a vital role in lifestyle of the Nepali people.
The Caste System: The caste system is still intact today but the rules are not as rigid as they were in the past. Because of western education, contact with foreigners, media, and modern communications, people are progressive in many aspects. In 1962, a law was passed making it illegal to discriminate against the untouchable castes. Hence all castes are equally treated by the law. Education is free and open to all castes.

Foreign currency regulation
Nepalese currency can be purchased at foreign exchange counter at the airport. Foreign currency exchange counters of different banks, authorized moneychangers are found in most tourist area of various cities. Foreign currencies must be exchanged only through the banks or authorized moneychangers. The exchange rates of the foreign currencies are announced in the daily newspapers. Foreign visitors other than the Indian nationals are required to pay their hotel bills and air tickets in foreign currency. Indian rupees are not accepted from any nationals except Indian or Nepalese. As per Government regulation Indian 500.00 or 1000.00 bank notes are not accepted in banks, hotels, and markets.

What to wear
Medium-weight and easy-to-wash cottons are a good choice year-round in the Kathmandu Valley. From October to February ,woolen sweaters, jackets or similar other outfits are essential. Short or long sleeved shirts are comfortable for March to May. From June to September, light and loose garments are advisable. Down quilt jacket and under trousers are recommended for high altitude trekking.

Vegetation and Wildlife
Nepal possesses some of the most outstanding bio-diversity in the world, ranging from sub-tropical Rain forests to Alpine deserts. There are more than 6000 flowering plant species in Nepal. There are several native plants which are originated in Nepal. Himalayan Rhododendron is the most famous one.

Wildlife
Nepal has 30 species of large wild animals and approximately 180 species of mammals .The one horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal tiger, crocodile, snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan black bear, and many other wild animals are found in the forests of Nepal. Nepal has 840 different species of wet-land, migratory and residential birds.