Nepal Holiday

Nepal is known to most as the “roof of the world”. Laying between overwhelming peaks, you will find cities with imposing Hindu temples and even the legendary birthplace of Buddha Gautama. Even those who do not climb any of the highest mountains in the world, feel inwardly purified in the special atmosphere of the country and will gain a new look for the true wonders of the world.
Many traditional healing and relaxation methods which contribute to physical and mental well-being, can be enjoyed anywhere across the country. From Ayurveda to meditation and classic spas, everything is offered in Nepal.

Facts & Figures

Official name: Saṃghīya Loktāntrik Gaṇatantrātmak Nepāl (Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal)
Location: At the southern edge of the middle Himalayas located between China and India
Area: 147.181 km²
Capital city: Kathmandu
Population: 30.4 million
Religious and Ethnic groups: 86% Hindus, 8% Buddhists, 4% Muslims / around 100 ethnic groups of Indo-Aryan and Tibet-Burmese origin. The largest: 16% Chhettri, 12% Brahman Hill, 7% Magar, 6% Tharu, 6% Tamang, 5% Newar, 5% Kami, 4% Muslims
Language: Nepali (official), about 50 minority languages
Geography: Shallow gear valley in the south, in the center of hilly, Himalayas in the north. Highest point: Mount Everest (8848m)
Time zone: Nepal Time (UTC + 05:45)
Political and Economic: Parliamentary democracy, GDP: 15.6 billion (EUR 2013)
Currency: Nepalese rupee (Please look online for information regarding the current exchange rate)

Arrival and departure

Visa:
Vaccinations: In general, vaccination for hepatitis B, as well as hepatitis B, rabies, typhoid and Japanese encephalitis are recommended for longer stays.
On site: Within the country, buses and minibuses, motorcycles and airplanes or helicopters are used for travelling.

Climate and best time to travel

Nepal's climate ranges from subtropical summers and mild winters in the south to cool summers and severe winters in the north.
Winter average temperature: Plain/North: 23°C/20°C (average minimum temperatures around 9°C/4°C in February)
Summer average temperature: Plain/North: 36°C/ 28°C (maximum temperatures of around 39°C/ 30°C in May)
Water temperature: ---
Even though Nepal is beautiful throughout the year, a trip is best between October and May since this is the dry season.

The most beautiful holiday regions

Can you drink the tap water? The Nepalese tap water is by no means drinking water quality. Use bottled or boiled water.
Do I need an adaptor? Nepal does not use the same socket outlets as in Europe; an adapter is therefore required.
What about medical care? Medical care is not up to European standards. A travel health insurance with medical evacuation transport is highly advised.

Public holidays and celebrations

The Holidays in Nepal differ from year to year, depending on the religion and the applicable calendar.

DOs and DON'Ts

DOs
•    Greet appropriately. Put both hands together and say "Namaste". Shaking hands is less common.
•    Use your right hand. The left hand is regarded as unclean. Therefore, only use your right hand while eating and interacting with others.
•    Mosquito repellent. Malaria and dengue fever are common in Nepal and can even break out after you return. Wear long, bright clothes, especially in the evening and night. Use mosquito repellent and mosquito nets.

DON'Ts
•    Don't point with fingers. This is considered rude, use your flat, outstretched hand to point something out.
•    Don't take unauthorized photos. Do not photograph people or religious sites without first asking for permission
•    Don't underestimate heights. If you are in the mountains, do so only in the presence of experienced guides and climb slowly. Otherwise, you may risk hurting yourself due to altitude sickness.

Holiday tips

Kathmandu - The capital city and site of the legends
Pokhara/Center - Deep lakes in fertile valleys
Himalayas - The highest mountains in the world and old temples

Top tips and discoveries

Chitwan National Park
The park in the south of the country is a former hunting reserve of the royal family and has since been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the back of an elephant, you can observe rare species such as crocodiles, rhinos and even Bengali Tigers-kings of the wild. In addition to the animals, visitors can also survey a variety of exotic plants and beautiful and vast lake landscapes. In addition, Bikram Baba' can be reached from the park. This is a place of pilgrimage for Hindus, who believe that if they worship here sincerely, that their wishes will be granted. Despite it being a holy site for the Hindu religion, it is open to all ethnicities and those who desire to have their wishes come true as well.

Lumbini
For more than 2000 years, Buddhists have made a pilgrimage to Lumbini, as it is the place where the legendary birth of Buddha Siddhartha Gautama took place. The remains of temples and shrines found in Lumbini bear impressive testimony to the worship of centuries past. Even from the time of the Buddha himself, important monuments are preserved and a pillar marks where Emperor Ashoka visited. The center of Lumbini is surrounded by an area where only religious buildings can be built, giving the place a very special and awe-inspiring atmosphere. As one of the holiest sites of Buddhism, Lumbini is worth a visit.

Kathmandu
For a long time, the Hippie Trail was the silent dream of every drop-out. Even though the city has grown rapidly in recent years and is becoming more modern, scented spice stalls, quiet courtyards, and small temples and shrines are still to be found in the winding Old Town, where colorful flowers are presented as gifts to the gods. The vibrant life of the city is intoxicating and full of strange and new sensory impressions that will remain in your memory for a long time.

Regions in Nepal

• Central Nepal