Nepal
About Nepal History || Topography || Culture || Weather || Travel to the Nepal History: Kirati are Mongoloid race. Northern part of Nepal and India including Sikkim, Bhutan, Kumaon, and Assam were the cradle of their civilization. They were also known at that time as northern mountaineers because of their dwelling in the nook and corners of the hills and mountain. Expert says they were also original tribes in Deccan plateau of India. Historians have agreed that there were 29 rulers of the Kirant dynasty. Later, Asoka the famous Mauryan ruler of India visited Kathmandu valley in 3rd century B.C. (250 B.C.) during the reign of 14th king of Kirant dynasty-Sthunko. At that time Nepal was known as Kiratidesa (land of Kirat), The history have recorded that Asoka visited Kathmandu valley including Lumbini, birthplace of Gautam Buddha. He visited because of its famous reputation as sacred place. He left unmistakable footprint by marrying his daughter Charumati to Devapala. A former town of Devpatan near Pasupatinath is formed in his memory by Charumati and later she built Charumati Vihar in Chabahil near Gokarna forest. Gorkarna used to be the capital of Kirati kings though due to political condition of that time the capital was often shifted around. Asoka built 4 stupas at four points in Patan. During the time when he visited the valley Buddhism had already flourished. It is firmly believed that Kirat dynasty ruled Nepal from 3102 B.C. to 7th century A.D. and after that around 3rd century A.D (250 A.D.). Licchavi or Lichchhavis dynasty finally took over. Licchavi had their capital at Godavari at the foot of Pulchauki danda (hill). Subsequent rulers like Gopala, Malla and later Shah dynasty, present ruler, contributed in making present Nepal. So the history of Kirat dynasty, teaching of Buddhism, tantric system, and later advent of Hinduism and migration of people across the Indian sub continent due to war and subjugation formed the present cultural, social and religious-mix. Special cultural tour of the villages is the only way you can truly understand the unique culture. The tantric form and Bon po style of nature worship still continues in the villages of central and eastern Nepal. The sightseeing sites in Kathmandu valley are the living memory of the past civilization. Apart from culture architectural style seen around the cities are glaring example of ancient civilization that propagated two popular building styles – stupa (Chaitya) and pagoda. Pagoda style was popularized by Arniko (Balbahu) who visited Tibet and China in 13th century at the invitation of the Chinese Emperor Kublai Khan Anshuvarma, a Licchavi king, opened trade route to Tibet. He married one of his daughters Bhrikuti to the ruler of Tibet – Tsrong Tsong Gompo; she propagated gospel of Buddha in Tibet. This is how Mahayana Buddhism was spread in Tibet. The famous Chinese traveler Hen Tsang who visited India and Nepal (Lumbini) in 7th century A.D. wrote that Anshhuvarma as a man of many talents. Thangka painting that you see in the shops are oldest form of painting practiced in Nepal. Some of the paintings were dated 1369 A.D. and 1420 A.D. It is believed that this kind of painting was evolved as earlier as 9th century and has remained popular until today. The painting of that time reflects influence of tantrisim, Buddhism and Hinduism. Similarly stone and metal sculpture is another traditional art that flourished during the reign of last part of Kirat period (5th to 8th century). The architecture and sculpture at Changu Narayan temple built in 323 A.D. is the oldest monument built in pagoda style at the summit of small hill above Bhaktapur explains about the state of culture at that period. Lichhavi period (7th to 14th century) and from early Malla period (11th to 15th century) continue to contribute to the rich tradition. Another art form that you can see around the cities is woodcarving work. The preserved artifacts are dated back to to Malla period. Woodcarving was part of architectural work. Actually the art must have evolved earlier than Malla period. Successive Malla kings formed the city of Kathmandu at that time known as Kantipur. It all started around 11th century. The art and architecture continued to flourished during the Malla period. Beside that the numerous festival of Kathmandu is attributed to Malla rule in the valley. Yakshya Malla, the last major ruler of Malla dynasty, ruled Kathmandu valley until the end of 15th century. After his death the valley was divided into three major principalities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. This happened around 1484 A.D. This was the beginning of the end of Malla reign of Kathmandu valley. Prithivi Narayan Shah, the 9th generation of the present Shah dynasty was the king of Gorkha, a small hill north of Kathmandu before he rest control of Kathmandu valley from the Malla kings in 1756 at a time when they were divided and confused. He was instrumental in forming the present day Nepal. The border was later expanded as far as Tista River in the east and by 1792 the western border was at Kumaon. During the expansion period around 1770’s onwards various ethnic groups and races of the central region spread to the middle hills of eastern Nepal. The expansion period was interrupted because of the war with China in 1788 and in 1791. Before the war Nepal had virtual control of trade with Tibet. By early 19th century the western border of Nepal was expanded to Kangra (present day India). 1846 was the beginning of dark era in the history of Shah dynasty and Nepal. The Rana family rule was instituionalized that continued until 1951. This Himalayan kingdom is divided into three regions. Himalayan range and its watershed area in the north, and Mahabarat range and Churia hills in the middle and Terai (plain) in the south. Himalayan range includes 8 of the 14 highest peaks of the world that has altitude more than 8000 meter: Mt. Everest (8848m), Kanchanjunga (8586m), Lhotse (8516m), Cho Oyu (8201m) and Dhaulagiri (8167m), Mt. Makalu (8463m), Manaslu (8163m) and Annapurna I (8091m). It covers about 16% of the total land area of Nepal with elevation range from 2500m to 8848m-(Everest). The middle hills known as Mahabarat range encompass 65% of the area with altitude range from 500 to 3000 meters above sea level. The plain area known as Terai covers 17% of the land with altitude range from 100 to 300m. Because of its fertile land now Terai has 48% of the country’s population. Some of the best known national parks are in this region. Cultures of this landlocked county are varied. Geography of the country has influenced the culture and religion of many ethnic groups. Northern region is resided by people of Bhotia (Tibetan) origin this includes Sherpas who live in the vicinity of Mt.Everest. They follow primarily Buddhist religion and in western part of the country there are many followers of Bon–po (pre Buddhist religion). 'Kiratis' known as Rais and Limbus whose ancestors establish Kathmandu valley in 7th century BC and ruled the valley for 1000 years lives in eastern Nepal. Their culture and religion have been greatly influenced by Hindu religion. Basically they practice animism - worship of ancestors. Like Sherpa they are descendents of Tibeto-Burman group. The other major ethnic groups from Tibeto-Burman stock are Magar, Gurung and Tamang. Magar inhabit central region around Gorkha and Gurung in the western region of Annapurna. Tamang villages are around Kathmandu valley. Newars are dominant ethnic group in Kathmandu valley. They practice mixture of Hinduism and Buddhism with reflection of tantrism and animism. Far - west is the origin in Nepal of Bahuns and Chettri, who are known as Khas. They are Hindu; Hindu is a major religion in Nepal. The inhabitants of Terai (plain) belt are 'Tharu.' Though animism is practiced widely but their culture is greatly influenced by Hindu religion and culture of neighboring Indian states. Therefore the cultures in Nepal are as varied as diverse ethnic groups. Springs and autumn seasons are no doubt best time to visit Nepal. Other seasons like summer, monsoon, and winter are equally good if purpose of visit is different. For tours and treks in the Himalayas that are in rain shadow - Mustang, Inner Dolpo, Kailas and Tibet - summer (May, June, July) and end of Monsoon (September) season are better. Weather in winter is pleasant in the lower mountain area and in southern part of Nepal where Lumbini (Buddhist pilgrimage site) and National Parks are located. Winter is also nice to do short trek and hiking in the lower foothills and meet people when they are generally free for festivals and leisure. Autumn Monsoon rain normally ends by middle of September. Sometime rain drags on to the first week of October. Generally weather in October and November is cold in the night and warm during the day. Sky remains clear through out most of the day. It is good time to get great view of the snow peaks. From the second half of November weather starts getting colder and in the mountain snow starts to fall. Average temperature above 3000 to 4000m is around 4 to 18 degree Celsius. Above 4000 meter, the night temperature falls below zero to minus 10 degree Celsius. Below 3000meter, average temperature ranges around 10 to 25 degree Celsius. In Tarai region night is cold and day is hot. Winter starts from December and remains until February. Usually at Christmas and New-year fresh snow falls on the mountain above 3000 meter. Temperature drops to 2 degree Celsius in the night in the middle hills and less than zero degree in the mountain above 2500m. During day it is sunny and warm with an average temperature of 19degree Celsius. Spring is great when the air is cool like breeze and sun is shining. The mountain landscape is covered with snow, colourful flowers of rhododendron forests In March and April. You can see birds migrating and wild life animals easily in their habitats. There is less snow on the mountain pass. Usually sky is clear in morning and evening but during day it is cloudy. In April the weather becomes warmer (25 to 30 degree Celsius) and in May the temperature reaches around 35 degree Celsius. Summer starts from middle of May and remains until beginning of July. This is the hottest period. But not so hot for people who lives in temperature above 35 degree Celsius. Monsoon rain starts from beginning of July. Heavy rainfall occurs at the end of July (375 to 800mm). It becomes lesser (375 to 400mm) at the end of August and beginning of September. By middle of September usually the weather starts becoming drier. Rain does not pour every day, not even in the middle of monsoon. There are several dry days in between. Temperature is nice and pleasant (20 degree Celsius) in the middle Mahabarat range and cooler in the mountain above 3000 meter. Air Connection: Nepal is linked with outside world by several international airlines. Countries in Pacific rim and west coast of America including Latin America are connected by major international airlines by flight that stops at Bangkok (Thailand), Singapore and Hongkong. For detail about current flight schedule and connection please contact your travel agent or email mail us. Airlines add and reschedule their flight or sometime discontinue their service due to the unforeseen conditions that continually develops. Via Singapore: Royal Nepal Airlines (RNAC), Thai International and Singapore Airlines provide suitable connection to Kathmandu. Singapore Airlines and Royal Nepal Airlines (RNAC) each has direct flights to and from Singapore. Via Bangkok (Thailand): Thai International and Royal Nepal Airlines connect Kathmandu with daily schedule flights to and from Bangkok. Via Hongkong: RNAC has three flights a week from Hongkong. Via Osaka (Japan): Royal Nepal Airlines has direct flight to Osaka twice a week Via London and Paris (Europe): is connected by RNAC, Qarter-Airways, and Pakistan Airlines (PIA). RNAC has direct flight from London to Kathmandu twice a week with stops at Frankfurt and Dubai. It has direct flight to and from Paris. Qarter Airways stops at Doha (Middle east); PIA has suitable connection from London and Zurich with stops at Karachi. For cost conscious Bangladesh Biman has 5 days a week schedule flights from Brussels and London to connect with Kathmandu via Dacca. Moscow (Russia): Aeroflot (Russian airlines) flies once a week from Moscow to and from Kathmandu. Via Delhi (India): American cities in East - coast can get suitable connection to Delhi by using airlines that stops at London, Amsterdam or Frankfurt. There are daily several flights between Delhi and Kathmandu. India - RNAC and Indian Airlines has daily flight in between Delhi and Kathmandu. Via Bombay (India): RNAC operates twice a week direct flight to and from Bombay. Flight originating in South Africa, Europe and Middle East uses these two cities to connect onward journey to Kathmandu; Other Indian cities that has direct flight connections with Kathmandu are Calcutta, Varanasi and most recently Patna. Paro (Bhutan): Other capitals that have air connections with Kathmandu are Paro (Bhutan), Druk Airlines (Bhutanese flag carrier) has twice a week fligh. Paro has direct flights to and from Bangkok. Lhasa (Tibet-PR China). CSWA (China South West Airline) flies twice a week in between Lhasa and Kathmandu. Lhasa is connected by CSWA flight with Chengdu. Train and road network in India can be used to travel from north India to Nepal. Ground transport is suitable to use if you have extended plan to combine India and Nepal. In the east Kakarbhitta, across Silguri and Darjeeling of West Bengal and in the center Bhairawa (Lumbini) provides easy access to enter Nepal. Bhairawa entry-exit point provides suitable train and bus connections to Varanasi, Bodgaya, Patna and Agra. In Far West Nepal the entry point is Mahendranagar. It can be reached by road from Delhi. There are good network of road and train in India. Most recently Dacca in Bangladesh has also open up overland route to Nepal for tourist. END OF ABOUT NEPAL Supplementery Information Domestic Flight: There is several scheduled flights to major domestic airports. Most flights originate in Kathmandu. There are flights to mountain destinations from Biratnagar, Nepaljung and Pokhara; these are major hubs in east, Far-west and West Nepal respectively. There are several daily flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara, Biratnagar, Bhairawa, and Nepaljung. You can fly direct to Lukla, Tumlingtar, Phaplu, Lamidanda and Janakpur from Kathmandu. Flight to mountain airstrip leaves in the morning. From Pokhara there are direct flight to Jomsom, Manang, Bhairawa (Lumbuni) and Bharatpur (Chitwan). Nepaljung connects mountain airstrips at Simikot, Jumla, Juphal (Dolpo), and many destinations in Far -West. Similarly, Biratnagar has direct connection with trek destination at Taplejung, Lamidanda and Tumlingtar in eastern Nepal. Beside schedule flight we can make arrangement and confirm charter flight either fixed wing or helicopter for sightseeing and transportation. There is 10% service charge for making booking and confirmation. Use E-mail or fax to book, you get quick answer. Contact us for current airfare - tariff and schedule with your requirement Accommodation: There are about 200 hotels categorized as tourist standard in Kathmandu and Pokhara and, several lodges in the cities that are not registered with the hotel association. Economic Standard: Hotels with 1 to 2 star facilities usually don’t have air conditioning (AC). Attached bath - room, carpeted floor and room telephone-service is basic features of this standard. Deluxe Standard: hotels rating with 3 to 4 stars are generally considered high quality. In addition to standard facilities some hotels has swimming pool and garden. Rooms are fully carpeted with TV, AC and phone. Luxury Standard: there are few five star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Soaltee Holiday Inn Crown Plaza, Yak and Yeti, Annapunra and Everest are best known properties. In Pokhara a new hotel financed and managed by Dusit Thani chain is in the process of being opened soon. Resort: There are several hotels at Daman, Gorkha, Narayanghat, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel and Lumbuni that meets standards of a resort but most are just average. Local Standard: Hotels are available in Biratnagar and Nepaljung with adequate facilities. Lodge accommodation is available in Dhankutta, Ilam, Jiri, Bhairawa, Janakpur, Kakarbhitta and Hetauda. These are simple accommodation usually good for an overnight stay.
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