General Information

Lumbini Nepal Time is 5 hours 45 minutes ahead of GMT and 15 minutes ahead of Indian standard time.

What to wear
Except in formal gathering informal clothes are acceptable mostly everywhere. Warm garments are required in October – March. An umbrella or a raincoat are must for the rainy season.

Entry Formalities
All visitors except the Indian nationals must hold a passport and a valid visa. The visa can be obtained at the Nepalese Diplomatic mission and Consuls abroad and entry points issue visa for visitors.

Getting Nepal
Royal Nepal Airlines, the national flag carrier of Nepal and other International airlines operate schedule flights to Kathmandu from Amsterdam, Bangkok, Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Dhaka, Paro, Varanashi, Frankfurt, Paris, Hong Kong, Karachi, London, Moscow, Osaka, Singapore and Lhasa.

Airport Tax
Rs. 1358 per person for departure to SAARC (South Asian) countries and Rs. 1695 for departure to other International destinations.

Where to Go?

Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley The Valley of Kathmandu is fertile, flat and compact. It is situated at the altitude of between 1,200 to 1,500 meters (between 4000 – 5000 feet). The valley is also small, with an area of only 220 square miles (570 square kilometers). Yet in its smallness, there are record seven World Heritage Sites declared by the UNESCO – a fact unrivalled anywhere in the world ! The seven man-made wonders are the milestones of Nepal’s past prosperity, artistry and religiously which make the Valley a "living museum".
Historical Sites The three Durbar Squares in Kathmandu, Patan & Bhaktapur with its old temples, palaces and cultural life of the people are the social, religious and urban focal point of Kathmandu valley. The ancient palaces of Malla Kings, their stone water-baths, linked with countless episodes of history and legend, and the consume make skill of the anonymous artists never fail to intrigue.
Swayambhunath This is a Buddhist Stupa on a western hill of Kathmandu. More than 2,500 years old, this ancient landmark is connected to the visit of Manjushree who created Kathmandu – a lake then – by draining its waters. The Stupa of Swyambhu is a hemispherical mound of compacted earth, and is built to specific rules, and is replete with symbols. The mound represents four elements of earth, fire, wind and water. The shrine is bedecked in colorful player flags. The balconies of Swayambhunath are ideal for viewing the entire Valley.
Boudhanath This is another Buddhist Stupa, but is built on flat surface, and is the largest in Nepal. It is an various level of terraces, and is painted in pastel, and is adorned with prayer flags. It is set in the Mandala design. The settlement of Boudhanath has the largest community of Tibetans – 12,000 in all.
Pasupatinath Pasupatinath is the holiest Hindu temple situated on the bank of sacred river Bagmati. This is the largest and most important Hindu temple complex said to have been built before Christ. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, which attracts tens of thousands of Hindu pilgrims from South Asia.
Changu Narayan This is the most ancient Hindu temple in Kathmandu, and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Another fact is that the complex is built on a peninsula which was not submerged in water as most of the flat valley once was. The lavishly decorated two-tiered principal temple stands on a spacious courtyard, and is literally littered with artistic and priceless statues, idols and sculptures. Some date back to 4th century AD.
Budhanilkantha This is the famed stone statue of Lord Vishnu, which is estimated to be about a thousand years old. It shows Vishnu reclining on the coils of a cosmic serpent on the water before the universe was created. Beyond the urban milieu of the three ancient cities of Kathmandu Valley, lies a wealth of culture and nature waiting to be discovered. Ensconced amidst the lush greenery are magnificent monuments that are specimens of outstanding artistic workmanship. The village and small town such as Bungmati, Khokana, Sundarijal, Gokarna, Lele, Vajra Varahi and many more dotting the landscape, provide charming glimpses of rural life.
Dining and Nightlife It’s evening, and you are just back from a sightseeing tour or a delightful shopping binge. So what do you do? Kathmandu is not going to let you off that easily. There are more fun filled adventures waiting for you, and we will tell you where to find them.
CASINOS Kathmandu offers visitors an array of exciting, action-packed casinos where you can enjoy 24 hours of fun and games. Here are four casinos in Kathmandu, all located in the premises of the city’s top hotels, which offer your favorite games: poker, flush, baccarat, roulette, pontoon, blackjack, as well as other card games are played in chips and they can be purchased with US Dollars or Indian Rupees.
CULTURAL PROGRAMS Cultural programs offer a fascinating glimpse of Nepal’s diverse ethnic and cultural traditions. There are several places in Kathmandu where folk dances and musical performances are held every evening. Nepalese folk dances are an expression of joy. They celebrate the changing of the seasons or youthful romances. Evening time in rural Nepal is often filled with the sound of village song festivals and spontaneous gatherings. If you want to enjoy Nepalese folk dances but do not feel like going on a mountain trek, you can go to one of the cultural programs in Kathmandu for a lively evening of cultural enlightenment.
Do not avoid country side
Kirtipur This is a very old village situated in a small hill. This historic place has many things to offer including old shrines and temples and old houses. The people typically dress in old traditional costumes. Almost every house here has a handloom for weaving cotton wears.
Panauti This is a typical Newar town, situated near Punyamati river about 34 km east of Katmandu. Among the fascinating things to be seen in this quite little town are small medieval brick houses and wayside inns with attractively carved windows, several beautifully crafted stone sculptures and lovely shrines lying almost at every important point of this town.
Sankhu This is a typical Newari town, beneath the cum Bihar religious complex. Beyond the village, up a long flight of stone stairs, is Vajra Jogini, a historical temple with beautiful views of the local area. It has been an important religious site since the 4th century. In the old days, merchants bound for Lhasa would sit facing Katmandu and perform a final auspicious ceremony here to ensure a safe journey before leaving the Valley.
Get away from the crowd
Pokhara If Kathmandu is the cultural hub of Nepal, then Pokhara is its center of adventure. An enchanting city nestled in a tranquil valley (altitude 827 m), it is the starting point for many of Nepal’s most popular trekking and rafting destinations. Pokhara (population 95000) is a place of remarkable natural beauty. The serenity of Fewa Lake and the magnificence of the Fishtailed submit of Machhapuchhre (6,977 m) rising behind, it create an ambiance of peace and magic. This valley, located at an altitude of 914 m, is only 5 hours scenic drive (200 km) from Katmandu. This little hometown of Himalayan water awaits you with anticipation and excitement. The valley surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, and emerald takes and of course the famous view of the Himalayas.
Adventure Sports in Pokhara
Boating: Pokhara’s diverse natural wonders make it a excellent setting for adventure sports. Sailing or paddle boating on Fewa Lake’s emerald expanse is something no visitor to Pokhara would like to miss. Boats and boatmen can be hired on an hourly or daily basis or you can row yourself.
Paragliding is your dream come true. Fly freely amongst the magnificent Himalayas with eagles and griffins to join you as you soar over lakes and villages. Novices get introductory courses before you go for the actual fun and experienced pilots get to fly deep in the Himalayas, between some of the remotest villages in the world.
Pony Treks are becoming more popular by the day. With a landscape varying from the even lakeside to small hills with the most famous view in the country, Pokhara provides a magnificent opportunity for sightseeing on horseback. Some hotels keep a stable of ponies while others help you hire them. Various outlets near the lakeside also rent out ponies and provide guides.
Hiking & trekking: Pokhara is the starting and/or finishing point for some of the most popular treks including the Annapurna Circuit and the Jomsom Trek. It also offers a number of short treks for those who can not opt for long, challenging ones. The most popular destination among them is Sarangkot (1,592 m), a former Kaski fort lying atop a hill, five km west of the old Bazar.
Bahunaudanda (1,520 m), to the north east of Pokhara has a ruined fort on the summit as well as a view tower with spectacular scenery. Another must for nature lovers is Ghalchowk, a five hours walk to the north of Pokhara. T his typical Gurung Village is the site of one of the region’s oldest settlements. The ancient fort of Nuwakot, 15 km south of Devi’s fall, is also ideal for savoring the splendors of nature. Naudanda is a five-hour walk and a favorite with those wishing to get away from it all.
Lumbini (Birth place of Lord Buddha) Lumbini – a place in the south Western Terai of Nepal, evokes a kind of holy sentiment to the millions of Buddhists all over the world – as do Jerusalem to Christians and Mecca to Muslims. For Lumbini is the place where Lord Buddha – the apostle of peace and the light of Asia – was born in 623 BC Located in the flat plains of South – Western Nepal and the foothills of Churia range, Lumbini and its surrounding area is endowed with a rich natural setting of domestic fauna and a favorable agricultural environment. Historically, the region is an exquisite treasure trove of ancient ruins and antiquities, dating back to the pre-Christian era. The sites described as a beautiful Garden in the Buddha’s time still retain its legendary charm and beauty. The places to be visited in Lumbini Garden are The Ashokan Pillar, Image of Maya devi, Puskarni – the sacred pool, Sanctum – sanctorum of the Birthplace, the Buddhist temple etc. places to be visited around Lumbini are Kapilvastu (capital of Shakya republic), Arorakot, Chatradei, GotihawaKundan, Nilhawa, Sagarhawa etc. The nearest town to reach Lumbini is Bhairahawa which is connected with Katmandu and Pokhara by air and road. Bhairahawa and Lumbini are connected with an all weather road and regular bus service is available.
Tansen Tansen is a pristine hill town of approx. 20 thousand people, located 4300 meters on the south Flank of Srinagar hill, yet untouched by mass tourism. The greatest attractions of this town are its ancient culture, friendly people, excellent mountain views and it’s serene atmosphere. The town’s intricately patterned DHAKA is the most popular hand woven cloth of Nepal. Nepal’s national cap, TOPI is also made of Dhaka. It is about 8 hours drive from Kathmandu. Tansen is the perfect answer to those who wish to get an overall taste of Nepal.
See the Mountains from the Hills
Hill Resorts The Himalayan range is known throughout the world as the highest, most spectacular range of mountains on this planet. While not everyone, of course, has either the time or the inclination to ascend a peak or embark on a 14 days trek, no one needs despair of missing the mountain experience while in the Katmandu Valley. Fortunately for all, there is a wide offering of destinations famous for their viewpoints in and around the valley rim.
Nagarkot Of the possible resort destinations, Nagarkot (altitude 2, 175 m) is by far the most popular. Located 30 km east of Katmandu, Nagarkot has developed into a favorite weekend gateway among those seeking mountain views in comfort and quiet. At sunrise, the Himalayan range, stretching from Dhaulagiri in the west all the way past Everest to Kanchenjunga in the east, emerges from the darkness to greet the happy visitor with its awe inspiring majesty and beauty.
Dhulikhel The hill resort of Dhulikhel lies 32 km east of Katmandu on the Arniko Highway that leads to Tibet. In the old days, Dhulikhel flourished as a trading center handling commerce between Kathmandu and Lhasa. Today, it delights visitors with its enchanting cultural heritage and stunning Himalayan views. Dhulikhel means luxuriating in unspoiled natural splendor and becoming oblivious to the cares of the world. The artistic skill and urban ethos of its Newar inhabitants have created a place of charm and beauty. There are many vantage points in Dhulikhel which offer a panorama of the Himalayas that will leave spellbound. More than 20 Himalayan peaks can be seen in all their glory. Sunset views are equally spectacular.
Daman For those seeking the ultimate pan-Himalayan view and willing to travel the extra distance to find it, Daman is the place to go. Located 75 km southwest of the Kathmandu Valley on the highway to the Indian border, Daman (2,400 m) offers the only unimpeded view of the entire Himalayan range, sight guaranteed to leave the early riser spellbound for days to come.