The beauty of Nepal does not only emanate from the mountains themselves but also by discovering the generous population of people from a multitude of ethnic groups. Newars, Magars, Tamangs, Sherpas, Gurungs, and Tharus, are a few of the groups whose lifestyle has not changed for generations. The ethnicities are dispersed throughout the country. The population of Nepal is divided into two large groups: the "Tibeto-Nepalese" who are located in the mountains and the "Indo-Nepalese" who occupy the plains and the Terai valley. The official language is Nepali but more than 36 different dialects exist.
Hinduism is the official religion believing that happiness lies in the identification of Brahman (the universal heart) and Atman (the individual heart). The heart is immortal and is reincarnated according to the merits of previous lives. Human beings are reincarnated to a higher or lower caste according to their behavior. Three principal gods are worshipped: Vishnu, who symbolizes knowledge, and the preservation and protection of life; Shiva, the god of destruction and regeneration; and Brahman: the venerated creator of all things.
Buddhism is the second largest religious group in Nepal. It was founded by Siddhartha Gautama who was born in Lumbini, Nepal. After several years, the Buddha became enlightened and is known as the Awakened One. Buddhism seeks to escape the cycle of suffering and rebirth through following the four noble truths and the noble eightfold path.
Daura-Suruwal, typically termed as 'Labeda-Suruwal' is the traditional Nepali dress. The dress has several religious beliefs identifying its designs and has therefore remained the same from the years. The Daura has eight strings that serve to tie itself up around the body. Eight is the lucky number in Nepali mythology.
Also, the Daura has five pleats or Kallis, signifying Pancha Buddha or Pancha Ratna. And the closed neck of the Daura signifies the snake around the Lord Shiva's neck. The Nepali dress for women is a cotton sari (Guniu) that is gaining great popularity in the fashion world.
The main rituals followed in Nepal are naming ceremony, rice-feeding ceremony, tonsure ceremony, ceremony of giving Nepali Sari (Guniu), and marriage ceremony and funeral rite. The rituals are still prevailing in society and are performed with zeal. Different ritual experts have different roles in these rituals.
Astonishing enough, seven out of the ten world heritage sites in Nepal are termed cultural by UNESCO. Thus, the stupas, monasteries, temples and architecture are all representatives of the rich cultural heritage of Nepal. The following are the cultural world heritage sites of Nepal.
A visa is necessary to enter Nepal (except for Indians) and can be obtained for the following duration from any Royal Nepalese Embassy or Consulate or at the entry points in Nepal. (You could easily obtain Nepal visa at your arrival in Tribhuwan International airport –TIA)
Following types of tourist visas may be obtained| Type of Visa | Visa Valid for | Fee |
| Multiple Entry | 15 Days | US$ 25/- |
| Multiple Entry | 30 days | US$ 40 /- |
| Multiple Entry | 90 days | US$ 100/- |
1. Once the visa is issued, it will not be amended, revalidated and visa fees will not be refunded.
2. Personal cheques and credit cards are not accepted for visa fees.
3. Visitors may also obtain tourist visa at major arrival points in Nepal including Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu. Requirements at arrival: 2 PP size photos, complete prescribed visa form available at entry point.
4. Visa fees effective from 12 February 2009
5. Children under the age of 10 shall be issued visit visa free of cost.
6. A visa year covers a period from 1 January to 31 December each year.
Six months from the date of issue. The validity of visa dates is counted from the date of arrival in Nepal.
A tourist visa can be extended from the Department of Immigration Kathmandu and Pokhara Immigration Office for a total of 120 days. An additional 30 days visa may be granted on reasonable grounds from the apartment. Over the course of a visa year, a tourist cannot stay in Nepal more than cumulative 150 days. You have to pay US$ 2 per day to extend your visa.
A passport valid for at least 6 more months is required. Make a photocopy of your passport and keep it with you, leaving your passport in Kathmandu.
On arrival you will be welcomed by one of our representatives carrying a sign for Evasion Trekking who will accompany you to your hotel.
The currency of Nepal is the Nepalese rupee. In Kathmandu there are many places to exchange your money. Exchange your currency for small denominations before leaving for trekking.
The climate is different depending on the area and altitude. The jungle is tropical, the valley is moderate, and the mountains are polar. The best season to travel to Nepal is between September and November, the dry and sunny time of year. Between March and May, clear skies make it possible to see the mountains well. The hot season is April and May. Below 2500m, the environment is very beautiful. From June to September the mountains are not visible. The monsoon rains can make the trekking paths impassable.
No vaccination is necessary to enter to Nepal. However, we do recommend that you are up to date with:
It is advised that you see your personal physician for a full physical examination. We also recommend that you see your dentist. To prepare for trekking, it is helpful to improve your physical fitness and endurance level. Walking, jogging, swimming, or bicycling regularly for two months before your departure will greatly increase your trekking experience.
In Kathmandu, NEVER drink the tap water unless it has been boiled. Avoid ice cubes because the amoebas are resistant to the cold. During the trek you will be able to disinfect spring water with iodine tablets. Do not eat uncooked vegetables or unpeeled fruits.
The best way to protect yourself from mosquitoes is nets, and insecticides/repellant. Wearing long trousers and long sleeves will also help protect you.