India and the Sub Continent - Nepal - Country Information

The Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal is known for its natural beauty which has attracted nature lovers and explorers for centuries. Step back in time as you explore the medieval cities of the Kathmandu Valley, steeped in history, search for wildlife in the jungles of the Royal Chitwan National Park, and marvel at the breathtaking mountain scenery of Pokhara in the spectacular foothills of the Himalaya.

Key Facts
Full Country Name	Kingdom of Nepal
Area	145,391 Sq Km
Population	22,340,100
Capital	Kathmandu
Time Difference	GMT +5¾
Visa	Visa is required. For visa application form click here
Currency	Nepalese rupee
People	The population is divided into two broad ethnic groups. (1.) The Indo-Nepalese which include the Pahari, Newar, Tharu and the Indians of the Tarai, all of which account for nearly 80% of the population. (2.) Tibeto-Nepalese who account for the remainder and include the more numerous Tamang, Rai, Limbu, Bhote, Sunwar, Magar and Gurung tribes. The Tibeto-Nepalese are related racially and culturally to the Tibetans.
Language	Napali
Dialling Code	+977
Electricity	230-240V

Visas:

British passport holders require a visa to enter Nepal. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond your departure date from Nepal and have at least two blank pages. IF YOU ARE VISITING OTHER COUNTRIES AS WELL AS NEPAL ON YOUR ITINERARY (FOR EXAMPLE BHUTAN OR TIBET) AND RETURNING TO NEPAL THEREAFTER, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOU OBTAIN A MULTIPLE ENTRY NEPALESE VISA. For visa application form click here

Health risks:

Hepatitis A & B, Japanese encephalitis, Rabies, Typhoid

When to Go:

The most popular time of year to visit Nepal is October to November, the start of the dry season, the countryside is green and the air is clean and visibility of the Himalayas is at its best. Temperatures are also moderate making this the ideal time to visit. From December to January conditions are still good although temperatures can get very cold especially whilst trekking. From February to March it starts to warm up again and travelling can be very pleasant with warm sunny days, the drawback being that dry weather and dust in the skies reduces visibility levels.