Nepal
Himalayan Kingdom Of Nepal
Nepal a small Himalayan Kingdom, is bounded on the North by the Tibetan Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China, the East-South and by India. There is something here for everyone- Poets, artist, tourists, fiver runner, anthropologists, botanist, zoologists, ethnographers, cultural-historians and thinker and all alike.
Nepal is one of the most beautiful countries in Asia. She is very rich in her natural beauty and cultural heritage. The country is basically divided into three geographical regions, the mountain region, Himalayan region and terai region. In the Himalayan region lies, Mt. Everest (8848 m.) the highest peak in the world, Mt. Kanchanjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho-Oyu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Annapurna are the other peaks all above 8000m.challenging the sky.
Trekkers especially love this immensely diverse land with undulating topography varied climate and mix of people. River rafting in white water and safaris in the jungle are also major attraction for adventure tourists in Nepal. The interior of Nepal with scenic riverbanks, Terraced field, forested ridges, terraced hills and picturesque hamlets are beyond human imagination. Nature is superbly carried in this holy land gifted with all that a land deserves.
Nepal a country of amazing extremes, is the home of the world’s highest mountain, Mt.Everest, Lord Buddha, Holy places, (Temple and Stupas) and large variety of plant, birds and animals are glorious assists of the nation which has contributed a lot to enroll thousand of tourists to visit Nepal.
Kathmandu valley, the capital of Nepal, has a traditional history of about five thousand –year. Archaeologically, this valley seems to have been inhabited at least from 1500 BC when the Neolithic civilization began. Kathmandu valley now has seven world heritage cultural sites with in a 20km radius.
The credit goes to the Mallas.From this time onwards, the Gopal (cow-herders) Mahisapala (the buffalo-herders) and Kiratas ruled this valley successively. It was during the Kirati rule in pre-christian Era that Hinduism, with its various schools, and Buddhism stupas and Hindu shrines were built in Nepal during this period.
From the beginning of Christian era the valley was ruled by the Lichhavis.They introduced script, the contemporary caste system, idol worship and raised monuments. The country was named Nepal long before the introduction of the bikram sambat .The Lichhavis raised and enlarged stupas like that of Boudhanath, Swoyambhunath and temples like Changu Narayan, Pashupatinath andBudhanilkantha (sleeping Vishnu). Chinese travelers who visited Kathmandu valley and Lumbini the birthplace of Buddha, in the seventh century have left an interesting account of the then Nepal with great praise to the people and their art. The Lichhavis who explored copper, ore and minted copper coins had trade of copper utensils and offensive for the artistic beautification of the valley.
After the end of 14th century, the Malla Dynasty rose to power. They rearranged the caste system based upon profession. Soon the valley was divided into three different kingdoms like Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. Nepal minted coins for Tibet and had monopoly business with her. Up to the beginning of this century, the valley was the center of Trans Himalayan trade route. The art of Kathmandu valley reached China and then all the way up to Inner Mongolia via Tibet. From the middle of 18th century, King Prithivi Narayan Shah of Gorkha united great Nepal, 52 miles west of Kathmandu. In the first quarter of the nineteenth century Nepal had a war with British India and She lost it and was forced to sign the treaty of Sugauli in 1816 shaping the present international boundary of Nepal. From 1847 up to 1951, Nepal was ruled by the hereditary Rana Prime Ministers and was completely isolated. No foreigners were allowed to visit this country during this period. In 1951 the Ranas lost their power. The country was opened to all from 1960, and for thirty years. Nepal was ruled by party less panchayat system. The Jana Andolan was successful and the democratic constitution was promulgated on November 9, 1990, which provides for a constitution monarchy with a multi party system.
Tourism is the main industry in the service sector. Nepal is a paradise for tourists because of its varied topography, culture and flora and fauna.
Nepal in brief
Nepal is country of great beauty and visual varieties. Its altitude varies from lowly 70 meters above sea level in the south and about 8848meters height of Mt. Everest, which is the highest peak in the world. Such diversity in altitude has created a unique culture in Nepal. Also this is the country of shining mountains beautiful green places with terraced farmlands and hilly foot trails. Forests are full of wildlife where the lordly tiger and one-horn rhinoceros trundle at ease. Another remarkable feature of Nepal is the religious homogeneity. The exquisite art and architecture of Nepal shows the artistic ingenuity and the religious tradition of people. It is also known by the country of lakes and springs. Here we found beautiful plants like orchids and rhododendrons
History
In the ancient period Nepal was the history of Kathmandu. The area of Nepal has shrunk and expanded. At that time Nepal has several states. After long decade its present boundaries are expanded.
In the course of history Kathmandu valley was once a great lake. A brilliant flame emanating form a lotus flower that rested in the middle of lake. Manjushri broached the valley wall with a magical sword. Draining the water and creating the Kathmandu valley. When the valley was empty from water the Swayambhu appear in a flaming spot. We know or perhaps it wasn’t Manjushri he was after all, a Buddhist from China. The Hindus claim it was Krishna who performed the mighty deed, hurling thunderbolt to create the Chobar gorge.
Scientists agree that the valley was submerged at one time and the rivers of the valley do indeed flow southward through the narrow Chobar gorge.
Recorded history beings with the Kiratis, who had come from the eastern part of the country .The first known rulers of the Kathmandu valley were Kiratis, Yalambar, the first of their king, is mentioned in the Hindu epic the Mahabharata. During the Kirati period that country, Krakuchanda Buddha, Kanak Muni Buddha and Kashyapa Buddha visited the Kathmandu valley to worship Swayambhunath. The Licchavis were second ruler of 4th to 7th century. The temple of Changunaarayan was built in Licchavi period, which can be seen now days.
The Malla period was golden period of Kathmandu valley when great numbers of art, statues and temples were built. During the 17th century Malla’s rule this valley for a total period of 568 years. At that period this country was divided into small principalities and kingdoms of 24 groups are western and 22 groups in far western Kathmandu valley was divided into three states of kantipur, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur.
From the tiny Kingdom of Gorkha, halfway between Kathmandu and Pokhara the king of Shah dynasty gradually strengthened and extended their power. In 1768 king Prithvi Narayan Shah defeated the Malla kings and Nepal has been ruled by Shah kings ever since. Late His Majesty King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev is the tenth king in the Shah dynasty. Late His Majesty King Dipendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev is the eleventh king in the Shah dynasty. His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev is the twelfth king in the Shah dynasty.
In 1846 Jung Bahadur, prime Minister of Nepal took over real power after the Kot Massacre where his supporters managed to kill almost all his opponents. For over a century the hereditary family of Ran prime Minister ruled the country and did very little for development. For example the Ranas built several palaces in the Kathmandu valley many of which have now been converted to government offices including the famous Singha Durbar the residence of Rana prime Ministers, which is now the central secretariat.
The revolution on November 1950 brought to an end of Rana regime that ruled the country for 104years since 1846 A.D. in 1951 King Tribhuvan overthrew the Rana regime with support from India. In1958 there were elections for parliament and Nepali Congress party emerged victorious and B.P koirala become the first democratically elected prime Minister of Nepal. However king Mehendra dismissed the parliament and king Mahendra introduced a system of party less panchayat system in 1962. The popular democratic revolt of 1990 has reinstated the multi party democratic system since April. The new democratic constitution of the kingdom was promulgated on 9th November 1990.
Nepal is one of the founder members of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) of which third summit was held in Kathmandu in Nov.1987.
Geography
Nepal a sovereign mountainous kingdom, located in Southern of Asia. It is land locked country, situated between China to the North and India to the South East and West, which are the two giant countries of Asia. The area of Nepal is 1,47,181sq.km. In total, which covers 0.3% of Asia, and0.03%area of the world .It lies between the latitude of 260 22’and 30027’ North and the longitude of 8004’ and 88012’ East. The country is small only about 880 km. Long from East to West and breadth varies from 145to241 km from North to South. So the average breadth is 193km, which covers approximately the same land area.
The topography changes dramatically within a short lateral distance. There is a narrow strip of low lands in the south. Further north lie the Himalayan foothills and ranges, which run roughly east west across the country and include eight of the highest peaks in the each over8000m. Nepal is also remarkable in its great variety of climate and vegetation.
Geographically, Nepal can be divided in three main regions.
- Himalayan Region
- Hilly Region
- Terai (plain) Region
Climate
Nepal experience 4 seasons - spring (Mar-May), summer (Jun.-Aug.), autumn (Sept.-Nov.) and winter (Dec.-Feb.).
The climate is varied ranging from the sub-tropical Terai to the cool dry temperate and alpine climates in the northern Himalayan ranges. The Terai is the hottest part of the country; summer temperature may rise as high as 40ºc and is hot and humid. In the mid mountain regions, the summer is mild with temperature around 25º-27ºc. The winter temperature range from 7ºc to 23ºc in the Terai and sub-zero to 12ºc in the mountain regions and valleys. The northern Himalayan region has a frigid climate. The valley of Kathmandu has a pleasant climate with an average summer temperature of 19º-27ºc and winter temperature of 2º-12ºc respectively.
The average temperature and rainfall recorded in Kathmandu are listed below:
|
Month |
Min(C) |
Max(C) |
Rainfall (mm) |
|
January |
2.7 |
17.5 |
47 |
|
February |
2.2 |
21.6 |
11 |
|
March |
6.9 |
25.5 |
15 |
|
April |
8.6 |
30.0 |
5 |
|
May |
15.6 |
29.7 |
146 |
|
June |
18.9 |
29.4 |
135 |
|
July |
19.5 |
28.1 |
327 |
|
August |
6.9 |
29.5 |
206 |
|
September |
18.6 |
28.6 |
199 |
|
October |
13.3 |
28.6 |
42 |
|
November |
6.0 |
23.7 |
0 |
|
December |
1.9 |
20.7 |
1 |
Rainfall is extensive during the southwest monsoon period from June to August with the eastern part receiving the maximum rainfall. In the winter season, the western part receives a larger portion of rainfall. The period from October to May is generally dry in most parts of the country. Annual rainfall varies from around 300 mm. in the northern and western areas to over 2500 mm. in the eastern region. Kathmandu Valley receives around 1300 mm. of rainfall annually with a heavy congestion from June to August.
Social And Cultural Environment
The unique feature of the Nepalese society is its ethnic, linguistic, religious and cultural diversity. In ancient times, migrant tribes from the east, the north and the south entered the land and discovered the natives settled here. They formed the Nepalese people. The Brahmins Kshetriyas, Thakuris, Tharus, Yadavs, Dhimals, Newars, Gurungs, Magars, Limbus, Rais, Sherpas, Tamangs and others are all ethnic members of the Indo-Aryan and Tibeto-Burman families.
The people are highly religious and the practice of religious rituals is a part of everyday life. Hinduism is the main religion of Nepal. 86.5 percent of the people are Hindus, 7.8 percent Buddhists, 3.5 percent Muslims and 2.2 percent Jains, Christians and others. There is a unique blend of Hinduism and Buddhism. The two religions have overlapped and harmonized to an extent that Hindus and Buddhists worship the identical gods.
Nepali is the national language of the country and is written in Devanagari script. Other languages are Maithili, Bhojapuri, Newari, Gurung, Tamang, Tharu, Magar, Limbu, Rai, Kirati, Bhote and so on. English is spoken and understood by people in urban centers.
Nepal has preserved one of the world’s oldest and richest continuous cultures. Her culture finds exquisite expression in the fields of religion, art, music, and dance, social and socio-religious festivals. There are thousands of temples, shrines, pagodas, intricate woodcarvings and bronze and stone images of great elegance.
Festivals are a prominent aspect of Nepalese life, in which all people participate enthusiastically. Dashain (Durga Puja), Tihar (festival of lights), Shiva Ratri (the night of lord Shiva), Indra Jatra (festival of Indra, the god of rain), Baishakh Purnima (to pay homage to lord Buddha), Gai Jatra (cow festival) and a host of other festivals are celebrated throughout the year.
Political Systems
The major feature of the new constitution is the adoption of a parliamentary system of government based on multi-party democracy with a constitutional monarchy. The concept of the rule of law is concentrated within an independent judicial system. The constitution also guarantees the safeguard of the basic human rights, freedom and equality. The constitution affirms that Nepal is a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, democratic, independent, sovereign constitutional-monarchical kingdom.
The constitution provides bicameral parliamentary system of government with two houses viz. the House of Representatives where members are elected directly from adult franchise and the National Council, an upper house with elected seniors and nominees. The popular leader of the parliamentary board of the party with a majority in the House of Representatives is appointed the Prime Minister.
International Relations
Nepal’s foreign policy objectives are guided by the principles in the Charter of the United Nations and the Non-alignment. As such, Nepal enjoys cordial relations with all the countries of the world. This is also manifested by the expansion of the diplomatic relations, which has reached 111 countries by 1998. Through 17 residential embassies, 3 consulates, and numerous honorary consul generals/consuls abroad, Nepal is striving to consolidate bilateral and multilateral relations with the friendly countries and international organizations. Meanwhile, 21 embassies, consulates, co-operation offices, country representatives of various international organizations including the UN, World Bank, IMF and ADB based in Kathmandu have equally made significant contributions to help achieve these goals.
Nepal attaches considerable importance to the promotion of closer economic co-operation in South Asia. To this end, Nepal is actively working with other members of SAARC for the creation of the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) and is also engaged in the sub regional co-operation in the form of South Asian Growth Quadrangle (SAGQ). Nepal is the host of the SAARC Secretariat.
Economic diplomacy has acquired yet another significant dimension of Nepal’s foreign policy priorities in recent years. Its main objectives are to promote Nepal’s export trade, attract greater number of tourists to Nepal, and to enhance the flow of foreign direct investment in the economy.
Useful Information
Nepalese Calendar
Nepalese New Year begins in mid April whereas Fiscal Year begins in mid-July. The Nepalese months and their equivalent Gregorian calendar months are indicated below:
|
Gregorian |
Nepali |
|
Mid April - Mid May |
Baishakh |
|
Mid May - Mid June |
Jestha |
|
Mid June - Mid July |
Ashad |
|
Mid July - Mid August |
Shrawan |
|
Mid August - Mid September |
Bhadra |
|
Mid September - Mid October |
Ashwin |
|
Mid October - Mid November |
Kartik |
|
Mid November- Mid December |
Marg |
|
Mid December - Mid January |
Poush |
|
Mid January - Mid February |
Magh |
|
Mid February - Mid March |
Falgun |
|
Mid March - Mid April |
Chaitra |
Note: The Gregorian Year 1999 corresponds to the Nepali Year 2055-56.
National Holidays
|
New Year’s Day |
Mid April |
|
Buddha Jayanti |
May |
|
Janai Purnima |
August |
|
Gai Jatra |
August |
|
|
August-September |
|
Indra Jatra |
September |
|
Dashain |
October (about 8 days) |
|
Tihar |
October-Nov.(about 3 days) |
|
Constitution Day |
November |
|
H.M. King’s Birthday |
July |
|
Prithivi Jayanti |
January |
|
Martyr’s Day |
January |
|
Basanta Panchami |
February |
|
Democracy Day |
February |
|
Shiva Ratri |
March |
|
Fagu Poornima |
March |
|
Ghode Jatra |
April |
|
Chaite Dashain |
April |
|
Ram Nawami |
April |
* For exact dates, Nepali calendar of the particular year need to be referred.
International Time
Nepal is 5 hours and 45 minutes ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, 15 minutes ahead of Indian Standard Time and 2 hours 15 minutes behind China Time.
Bank and Office hours
Government business hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays. In winter, government offices close one hour earlier, at 4 p.m. All offices are closed on Saturdays. Banks do business from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday (winter months until 2:30 p.m.) and from 9 a.m. to 1. p.m. on Fridays.
Immigration
Foreign visitors, other than Indian nationals, need valid passports to enter Nepal. Eight categories of visa are issued. They are:
- Diplomatic visa
- Official visa
- Tourist visa
- Study visa
- Non-tourist visa
- Business visa
- Residential visa
- Interim visa
Diplomatic and official visa are for diplomatic personnel and official missions and are valid for specified periods.
Tourist visa can be obtained from Royal Nepalese Embassies and Consulates abroad. A 30-day entry visa is given at the point of entry to visitors who do not already hold a visa. Foreign persons entering Nepal on a tourist visa cannot work for any organization or on an individual basis either for pay or as a volunteer.
Foreigners involved in the feasibility study of industry may obtain non- tourist visas for up to six months. Business visa is issued to foreign investor or their authorized representatives and their dependents.
Residential visa is issued to individuals wishing to live in Nepal and who have international renown, made special contributions to the economic, social and cultural development of Nepal or have distinguished themselves by contributing in some way to Nepal’s progress. Foreign investor, who at a time invests more than 100 thousand US dollars in industry, will be granted a residential visa until his investment is retained.
Interim visa is issued to transit passengers for a period of 48 hours.
Currency
The monetary unit is the Nepalese Rupee. Bank notes in the denomination of rupees 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 250,500 and 1000 are in circulation. Coins from 5 paise to 10 rupee are also in circulation.
Foreign Currency
Foreign currency should be exchanged only through authorized exchange centers. Foreign exchange encashment receipts are issued while converting foreign currency. These should be retained, as they will be required to obtain trekking permits, visa extensions and to convert surplus rupees on departure.
Credit Cards
Visa, Master Card and American Express Card are accepted at major hotels, restaurants and departmental stores. Most of the commercial banks and American Express Office provide services for these cards.
Customs
All baggage must be declared and cleared through the customs at the port of entry. Foreign visitors can bring in 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars and one bottle liquor duty free. There are restrictions on exporting certain items of archaeological or historical value, antiques and precious and semi-precious stones. Such items bought by visitors must be checked and cleared by the Department of Archaeology before shipment out of Nepal.
