What makes Nepal Unique?
Nepal is the only country in the world where such vast differences in landscape and climate exist so close to each other! The distance between the towering Himalayas in the north and the tropical lowlands of the Terai in the south is less than 200 kilometers, resulting in remarkable biodiversity.
Nepal is one of the smaller countries in Asia, roughly four times the size of the Netherlands. It is about 800 kilometers long from east to west and approximately 200 kilometers wide from north to south. Its neighbors are China (Tibet) to the north and India to the south. Large parts of Nepal are only accessible on foot.
A prime example is much of the Himalayas. The name Himal Alaya comes from Sanskrit and means “Abode of Snow.” The highest mountains in the Nepalese Himalayas are Mount Everest (8,848 meters), Kangchenjunga (8,586 meters), Lhotse (8,516 meters), Makalu (8,481 meters), Dhaulagiri (8,172 meters), Manaslu (8,161 meters), and Annapurna (8,091 meters).
Population and Culture
Nepal was a closed kingdom for centuries, with its borders opened about sixty years ago. Many ancient cultures remain unchanged. Until 2008, Nepal was the world’s only Hindu kingdom, after which it became a republic.
Nepal has a population of around 28 million. Most people live in the south and in larger cities and towns. About 75% of the population is of Indo-Nepalese and Indian descent. The remaining 25% belongs to old Nepalese groups of predominantly Tibetan descent, including the mountain peoples. The various ethnic groups in Nepal have their own cultures and languages.
The official language is Nepali. Many Nepalese can understand and speak Nepali, and English is widely spoken in densely populated areas. Additionally, Nepal has dozens of local languages and dialects, especially in small villages.
The most common religions are Hinduism, mainly in the south, and Buddhism, primarily in the north. Tolerance for other religions is high, and blends of religions are common.
Agriculture, trade, and tourism are the main sources of income in Nepal. The climate is favorable for growing cotton, tea, rice, vegetables, and fruits. Historically, there has been trade with Tibet. Illiteracy remains widespread, and child labor is not uncommon.
Like any other developing country, you may encounter beggars in Nepal, which can be shocking. Well-intentioned as it may be, rewarding begging perpetuates it and even keeps children out of school. If you want to genuinely help, consider donating to an organization that helps to improve living conditions in Nepal.
Nature and Wildlife
Hundreds of species of birds, large and small wild animals, butterflies, and other insects live in Nepal. From snow leopards to tigers, mountain marmots to rhinos. Hundreds of tree and shrub species, from exclusive mountain plants to tropical orchids.
Thanks to Nepal’s significant altitude differences and sparsely habitable areas, the biodiversity is extraordinarily large. Nature is always close in Nepal.
Weather in Nepal
Nepal has completely different climates within a small area. Weather forecasts vary greatly for different parts of Nepal compared to the capital, Kathmandu.
The south of Nepal has a subtropical climate and can be warmer than Kathmandu. In the higher hills, the climate is cooler. The mountains experience very low temperatures, and weather conditions can be unpredictable and changeable.
When preparing for your trip, we provide advice on suitable clothing and safety measures. Our guides and porters are familiar with the local weather conditions.
Practical Information
During Dutch summer time, it is 3 hours and 45 minutes later in Nepal. During Dutch winter time, it is 4 hours and 45 minutes later in Nepal.
The local currency is the Nepalese rupee (NRS). 100 NRS is approximately 75 euro cents.
Mineral water, purified water, and soft drinks from sealed bottles are safe. Food in most tourist spots is also reliable. Travelers’ diarrhea is common but can be minimized by avoiding street food and thoroughly cleaning and cooking vegetables and fruits from local markets.
Passport and Visa
Your passport must be valid for at least six months upon arrival in Nepal. You also need a visa, which can be arranged in the Netherlands at the Nepalese consulate in Amsterdam or upon arrival in Nepal. Note that you must apply for the visa online in advance via the Department of Immigration website in Nepal. It’s best to pay for the visa on arrival in cash, either in euros or US dollars. Besides a tourist visa, various other visas are available for longer stays or business purposes. For information on visas, costs, and procedures, visit the Nepalese consulate in Amsterdam.
Vaccinations
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic. Some doctors also recommend malaria pills for certain times of the year and visits to lower-lying areas like Chitwan National Park.
Travel Insurance
Pure Nepal strongly advises guests to have good travel and health insurance in their home country. If you prefer to arrange insurance in Nepal, we can assist with that. However, any costs due to illness or emergencies cannot be claimed from Pure Nepal.
Arrival in Kathmandu
Pure Nepal is based in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Kathmandu is a bustling metropolis, the only truly large city in Nepal, with Durbar Square at the heart of the old city. With its countless old streets, markets, artisan shops, temples, and rich culture, Kathmandu alone is worth the trip. The city also offers modern amenities. The only international airport in Nepal, Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), is located about 20 minutes by taxi from the city center.
We are happy to arrange your accommodations in Kathmandu, ranging from simple trekker hotels to five-star resorts in unique locations, from a Buddhist monastery to a homestay in our guesthouse on the outskirts of Kathmandu in a peaceful setting.
The entire Kathmandu Valley is rich in antiquities and culture, often referred to as “one large open-air museum.” The Kathmandu Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site. From Kathmandu, all trekking routes and other destinations are easily accessible.
Transportation in Nepal
In the cities, you can use taxis, a car with a driver, or cycle rickshaws. For travel between villages and cities, local buses or tourist buses are convenient options. Taxis or a car with a driver are also available. For longer distances, we recommend tourist buses or domestic flights. During treks, walking is the primary mode of transportation.
What makes Nepal Unique?
Nepal is the only country in the world where such vast differences in landscape and climate exist so close to each other! The distance between the towering Himalayas in the north and the tropical lowlands of the Terai in the south is less than 200 kilometers, resulting in remarkable biodiversity.
Nepal is one of the smaller countries in Asia, roughly four times the size of the Netherlands. It is about 800 kilometers long from east to west and approximately 200 kilometers wide from north to south. Its neighbors are China (Tibet) to the north and India to the south. Large parts of Nepal are only accessible on foot.
A prime example is much of the Himalayas. The name Himal Alaya comes from Sanskrit and means “Abode of Snow.” The highest mountains in the Nepalese Himalayas are Mount Everest (8,848 meters), Kangchenjunga (8,586 meters), Lhotse (8,516 meters), Makalu (8,481 meters), Dhaulagiri (8,172 meters), Manaslu (8,161 meters), and Annapurna (8,091 meters).
Population and Culture
Nepal was a closed kingdom for centuries, with its borders opened about sixty years ago. Many ancient cultures remain unchanged. Until 2008, Nepal was the world’s only Hindu kingdom, after which it became a republic.
Nepal has a population of around 28 million. Most people live in the south and in larger cities and towns. About 75% of the population is of Indo-Nepalese and Indian descent. The remaining 25% belongs to old Nepalese groups of predominantly Tibetan descent, including the mountain peoples. The various ethnic groups in Nepal have their own cultures and languages.
The official language is Nepali. Many Nepalese can understand and speak Nepali, and English is widely spoken in densely populated areas. Additionally, Nepal has dozens of local languages and dialects, especially in small villages.
The most common religions are Hinduism, mainly in the south, and Buddhism, primarily in the north. Tolerance for other religions is high, and blends of religions are common.
Agriculture, trade, and tourism are the main sources of income in Nepal. The climate is favorable for growing cotton, tea, rice, vegetables, and fruits. Historically, there has been trade with Tibet. Illiteracy remains widespread, and child labor is not uncommon.
Like any other developing country, you may encounter beggars in Nepal, which can be shocking. Well-intentioned as it may be, rewarding begging perpetuates it and even keeps children out of school. If you want to genuinely help, consider donating to an organization that helps to improve living conditions in Nepal.
Nature and Wildlife
Hundreds of species of birds, large and small wild animals, butterflies, and other insects live in Nepal. From snow leopards to tigers, mountain marmots to rhinos. Hundreds of tree and shrub species, from exclusive mountain plants to tropical orchids.
Thanks to Nepal’s significant altitude differences and sparsely habitable areas, the biodiversity is extraordinarily large. Nature is always close in Nepal.
Weather in Nepal
Nepal has completely different climates within a small area. Weather forecasts vary greatly for different parts of Nepal compared to the capital, Kathmandu.
The south of Nepal has a subtropical climate and can be warmer than Kathmandu. In the higher hills, the climate is cooler. The mountains experience very low temperatures, and weather conditions can be unpredictable and changeable.
When preparing for your trip, we provide advice on suitable clothing and safety measures. Our guides and porters are familiar with the local weather conditions.
Practical Information
During Dutch summer time, it is 3 hours and 45 minutes later in Nepal. During Dutch winter time, it is 4 hours and 45 minutes later in Nepal.
The local currency is the Nepalese rupee (NRS). 100 NRS is approximately 75 euro cents.
Mineral water, purified water, and soft drinks from sealed bottles are safe. Food in most tourist spots is also reliable. Travelers’ diarrhea is common but can be minimized by avoiding street food and thoroughly cleaning and cooking vegetables and fruits from local markets.
Passport and Visa
Your passport must be valid for at least six months upon arrival in Nepal. You also need a visa, which can be arranged in the Netherlands at the Nepalese consulate in Amsterdam or upon arrival in Nepal. Note that you must apply for the visa online in advance via the Department of Immigration website in Nepal. It’s best to pay for the visa on arrival in cash, either in euros or US dollars. Besides a tourist visa, various other visas are available for longer stays or business purposes. For information on visas, costs, and procedures, visit the Nepalese consulate in Amsterdam.
Vaccinations
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic. Some doctors also recommend malaria pills for certain times of the year and visits to lower-lying areas like Chitwan National Park.
Travel Insurance
Pure Nepal strongly advises guests to have good travel and health insurance in their home country. If you prefer to arrange insurance in Nepal, we can assist with that. However, any costs due to illness or emergencies cannot be claimed from Pure Nepal.
Arrival in Kathmandu
Pure Nepal is based in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Kathmandu is a bustling metropolis, the only truly large city in Nepal, with Durbar Square at the heart of the old city. With its countless old streets, markets, artisan shops, temples, and rich culture, Kathmandu alone is worth the trip. The city also offers modern amenities. The only international airport in Nepal, Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), is located about 20 minutes by taxi from the city center.
We are happy to arrange your accommodations in Kathmandu, ranging from simple trekker hotels to five-star resorts in unique locations, from a Buddhist monastery to a homestay in our guesthouse on the outskirts of Kathmandu in a peaceful setting.
The entire Kathmandu Valley is rich in antiquities and culture, often referred to as “one large open-air museum.” The Kathmandu Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site. From Kathmandu, all trekking routes and other destinations are easily accessible.
Transportation in Nepal
In the cities, you can use taxis, a car with a driver, or cycle rickshaws. For travel between villages and cities, local buses or tourist buses are convenient options. Taxis or a car with a driver are also available. For longer distances, we recommend tourist buses or domestic flights. During treks, walking is the primary mode of transportation.
Our Location
Raniban, Sunrise Height
Kathmandu
Contact Us
Shiva: +977 98 51109795
Ilse: +977 98 41128306
Mail Us
info@purenepal.com
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