Tourism & Trekking in Nepal

[Tourism in Nepal]  [Trekking in Nepal]  [Mountaineering in Nepal]

Nepal offers varieties of activities to adventure seeking tourists. Mountaineering, trekking, white water rafting, hot air ballooning and gliding are some of the popular recreational activities. Ski resorts can be developed in the Himalayan slopes as numerous appropriate sites exist. There are eight of the world's fourteen highest peaks and more than 1300 peaks above 6000 meters in Nepal. So far, 142 peaks have been opened for climbing.

The landmark event in the Nepalese mountaineering was the ascent of Mt. Everest on May 29, 1953 by Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norge Sherpa. This historic event had drawn attention of many mountaineers, climbers, trekkers and tourists from all over the world to Nepal. In 1962, the total number of tourist arrival in Nepal was 6,179, which had reached 491,504 in 1998 making tourism one of the largest industries and major employer in Nepal. Tourism has good prospect and potential in Nepal, and, this sector has been opened for foreign investment.

Declaration of Foreign Currency while entering Nepal

There have been some cases when the foreign nationals while departed from Nepal were detained at the International Airport in Kathmandu by the officials because of the possession of foreign currencies in excess of limit allowed by the foreign exchange regulations. It was because they didn’t declare their amount while entering Nepal and the authority couldn’t ascertain whether the amount were possessed by the persons before entering Nepal. Therefore, in order to facilitate smooth travel to and from Nepal, all foreign nationals are hereby informed of the legal previsions of the Foreign Currency Regulations.

            1.All foreign nationals after visiting Nepal can send or carry back their foreign currencies but not in excess to the amount they carried into Nepal.

            2.The foreign nationals carrying foreign currencies amounting to US$ 2000/00 or more (or equivalent amount in other foreign currencies) must declare at the port of entry by filling up a form before the customs officials.

            3.Any foreign nationals found guilty of breaching the above provisions may be detained and/or arrested at the port of departure and deal with the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act of Nepal.

Therefore, all foreign nationals are requested to kindly abide by the legal provisions and guarantee their smooth travel to and from Nepal.

Trekking in Nepal [go top]

Trekking in Nepal

Nepal is the ultimate destination for the trekking enthusiasts-offering a myriad of possibilities from the short and easy to the demanding. Nepal has aptly been called "A Trekkers' Paradise" as her terrain-mountains, hills and the Tarai offer some of the most spectacular trekking trails in the world. The immense contrasts in altitudes and climates support an equally spectacular mix of lifestyles, vegetation and wildlife. Trekking in Nepal is as much a cultural experience as adventure in the Himalayas. In the shadows and foothills of the icy pinnacles of the Himalayas, one passes picturesque charming villages inhabited by diverse ethnic groups followed by panoramic views.

Trekking Permit/Fee:

Trekking permit can be obtained from the Department of Immigration, Kathmandu, Nepal (Tel: 977 1 495813/494273, Fax: 494267).
Trekking permit is not required for Everest, the Annapurna, the Langtang and Rara; but required for:

1. Lower Dolpa and Kanchenjunga- Equivalent to US $ 10.00 per person per week for the first four weeks and US $ 20.00 per week thereafter.
2. Manaslu- US $ 90.00 per person per week between September-November and US $ 75.00 per week between December-August.
3. Humla (Simikot, Yari)- US $ 90.00 for the first seven days and US $ 15 per day, thereafter, for another one week.
4. Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpa- US $ 700 per person for the first 10 days and US $ 70.00 per person per day thereafter for another ten days.

Note:

1. Trekking to Dolpa, Kanchanjunga, Makalu and Upper Mustang can be undertaken through registered trekking agencies only.
2. For trekking through National Park, an entrance fee of RS. 650.00 is charged. Likewise, an entrance fee of Rs. 1,000.00 is charged for trekking in the Annapurna Conservation Area.
3. Trekking fee is subject to change, from time to time, without prior notice.

Home Ministry's Approval:

The following areas are generally restricted for trekking. However, trekkers may visit these areas with prior approval of the Ministry of Home.

1. Olangchung Gola, Lelep and Phapung areas of Taplejung District;
2. Kimathanka, Chepuwa, Hatia and Phawakhola areas of Sankhuwasabha District;
3. North-west trekking route to get Nangpala area of Namche Village Development Committee in Solukhumbu District;
4. Thuman and Timure areas of Rasuwa District;
5. Chhekpal and Chuchel areas of Gorkha District;
6. Nar, Phu, and northern area of Tilichi at Thoche Village Development Committee in Manang District;
7. Mugu, Dolphu, Phulu and Magare areas of Mugu District;
8. Limi, and trekking route to Tibet via Tange Khola of Darma Village Development Committee of Humla District;
9. Byas area of Darchula District; and
10. Kanda area of Bajhang District.

For details, contact:

Ministry of Home Affairs
Singha Durbar, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Tel: 977 1 224849/228024, Fax: 227186/87

Mountaineering in Nepal [go top]

With eight of the highest peaks in the world and hundreds of other peaks, Nepal has been a test field for the most outstanding mountaineers and climbers for measuring their skills and endurance. For climbing, mountaineers are advised to contact the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Mountaineering Section, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu well in advance.

For river rafting/kayaking, jungal safari, sight seeing and other recreational activities specialized agencies provide high quality services, which can be obtained through travel agents.

A Rich Cultural Heritage:

Nepal is well known for paintings, sculptures, woodcarvings and architecture. The three cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur have seven world Cultural Heritage Sites all within a radius of 20 km.

World Heritage Sites (Cultural)

1. Swayambhu 2. Bouddha
3. Bhaktapur Durbar Square 4. Changunarayan
5. Pashupatinath Temple 6. Kathmandu Durbar Square
7. Patan Durbar Square 8. Lumbini (Birthplace of Lord Buddha)

World Heritage Sites (Natural)

1. Everest National Park (1148 sq. km.) 2. Chitwan National Park (932 sq. km.)

Nepal Mountaineering Association

It's an organization of mountaineers, climbers and professionals, who are committed to keeping Nepalese mountains clean and promoting climbing and trekking as healthy hobbies and adventures. This Association is entrusted with the responsibility of providing permits for climbing the following peaks, for which they charge a fee, which ranges between US $ 200 to 300 for a team not exceeding 10 climbers.

Peaks	Height (meters)
1. Mera Peak	6654
2. Chulu Peak	6584
3. Singu Chuli (Fluted Peak)	6501
4. Hiunchuli	6441
5. Chulu West 6419	6419
6. Kusum Kanguru	6367
7. Parchemucho 6187	6187
8. Imja Tse ( Island Peak)	6183
9. Lobuche 6119 10. Pisang	6091
11. Kwangde ( Kawande)	6011
12. Ramdung	5925
13. Paldor Peak	5896
14. Khongma Tse (Mehra)	5849
15. Kangja Chuli	5844
16. Pokalde	5806
17. Tharpu Chuli (Tent Peak)	5663
18. Mardi Himal	5587

For more information contact the following:

1. Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation
Singha Durbar, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Tel: 011 977 1 225579/225870/225269
Fax: 227758, E-mail: motca@ntc.net.np

2. Nepal Tourism Board
Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu
Tel: 256909, 256229, 256230, 256216
Fax: 256910, E-mail: info@ntb.wlink.com.np
Web-page: www.welcomnepal.com

3. Travelers' Nepal
Tripureshwar, Kathmandu
Nepal.
Tel: 977 1 260327/256003, Fax: 261159
Web site: www.catmando.com/tn