Nepal a Republic or Not ?

The world's last Hindu kingdom became its newest secular republic Wednesday as Nepal's lawmakers, led by former communist insurgents, abolished the monarchy that had reigned over this Himalayan land for 239 years.Throughout the day, thousands of people marched, danced and sang in the streets of Katmandu in anticipation of the vote, waving red hammer-and-sickle flags as dour King Gyanendra awaited his fate in the pink concrete palace that dominates the city's center.

He finally found out the fate of his throne late in the day when, as expected, the newly elected Constituent Assembly declared the country a republic and abolished the monarchy by a vote of 560-4. The assembly's 37 other members were not present.

This is one the hottest question about Nepal. With so much struggles being happening in Nepal to make Nepal a fully freedom country, there is tremendous profile of Nepal on the Internet these days. Just think of what you could not find about Nepal during Royal Coup period and now after the democracy has been restored in the country. Republic Nepal is here whether it will actually happen or not. Internet has no doubt played an important role in getting people's messages across the globe. "No Ruler Can Stop The Voices of Its People", and our Nepali King honors that slogan today.

Nepal Travel Tips

Nepal Budget Travel

Nepal is locked between China and India and needs to keep on friendly terms with them both. The Nepalese monarchy was abolished on 28th May, 2008.

Getting To Nepal

Many people fly from Delhi to Kathmandu for around $150. Be warned though, this is a popular route so book well in advance. If you’re adventurous, and have time on your hands, then the overland route is always the most exciting. There are buses from Delhi to Kathmandu, although you might prefer to take the night train from Delhi to Gorakhpur, in northern India, and then a bus to Sunauli on the Nepalese border. A short walk across the border and you’re in Nepal. From here you will need to take another bus to Pokhara or Kathmandu. Pokhara is about 200km west of the capital, Kathmandu. Nepal can be similarly reached from Calcutta.

Nepal Visas

Visitors need to pay about $10 for a fifteen-day transit visa on entry. This can be extended to a thirty-day tourist visa, at no extra cost, at the immigration office in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Thirty-day tourist visas can be purchased from Nepalese embassies around the world (rates vary), and may be extended in Nepal. If you’re going to stray into the hills then you’ll need a trekking permit too.

When To Visit Nepal

The best time to visit Nepal is between October and May, unless you especially want to be there during the monsoon.

October and November are considered the best months to be in Nepal, but then it is also the most crowded.

Festivals in Nepal

Nepalese are said to observe more festivals than there are days in the year. Hardly a day passes without some festivities, ceremonial observances or pilgrimages occurring in some part of the country or the other. Festivals in Nepal are celebrated in a very pleasant and enthusiastic way.

Religion in Nepal

Although Nepal is predominantly Hindu, there are still many places of worship important to Buddhists.

Lumbini is believed to be the birth place of Lord Buddha and is an important pilgrimage site. 250kms. west of Kathmandu valley, special attractions are the sacred pond, May Devi temple, Ashok Pillar and Buddhist Monasteries.

Nepal Tourism guide:

The Temple of Pashupatinath is Nepal’s most scared Hindu shrine and one of the four most important cities in the world for Shiva worshippers. Lord Buddha, the light of Asia, was born in Lumbini in Nepal’s southern plains, which makes a scared Nepal pilgrimage destination for Buddhists as well.

Kathmandu

Kathmandu seems to be modernizing too rapidly, and at times it looks like every overland traveler in Asia is in one of the guest houses. The residential area of the old kings is located in Kathmandu. The Kasthamandap, built by King Laxmi Narsingh Malla in the early 16th century is believed to have been constructed from the wood of single tree. The Kathmandu Valley is the heart of the Kingdom of Nepal. Outside of Kathmandu nature speaks for itself, and who doesn’t want to listen to the wise words of the Himalayas.

The Himalayas

The Himalayas is the highest mountain system in the world, and extends through most of Nepal to form its northern border. Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world; straddling Nepal and Tibet. In all, Nepal has nine of the 14 highest mountains of the world within its territory.

Nepal Trekking

Ranging from lush terraced fields to the highest mountain on earth, the scenery is breath-taking. There are trekking possibilities to suit all budgets – from independent trekkers on a shoestring staying in simple lodges with Sherpa families, to travelers on all-inclusive guided treks with every luxury provided.

Around Nepal

The Chitwan National Park, 120km south of Kathmandu, is the most popular safari park in Nepal.

Nepal Hotel Reservations:

No need to arrive in Nepal without a place to stay! Choose your Tourist destination in Nepal and reserve your hotel online before you leave home.

Buddha Maya Gardens:

Three star category hotel with air-conditioned rooms, restaurant, conference hall, prayer room and meditation centre. Spread in four acres of land, Maya Gardens is located just behind the sacred garden; 10 minutes walk to the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

Kathmandu Guest House

A Rana palace built by the first Nepalese civil engineer, Kumar Narshing Rana, and converted into a hotel by the Sakya family – the most popular budget hotel outside Europe and North America.

Park Village Lumbini: (Lumbini)

An Eco-friendly hotel built in duplexes and spread in 4 acres of woodland with lots of birds and butterflies at the foot of the Mountain Wildlife Reserve – in Budanil-Kantha Lumbini.

Ultimate Flora and Fauna in Nepal

Nepal is a land of geographical extremes, ranging from near sea level elevations in the southern Terai to the world's highest mountains. The country contains a variety of ecosystems; treeless sub alpine pastures and dense fir forests of the high valleys, oak and rhododendron woods of the middle hills, and tall sal forests of the south. Along the southern borders of Nepal are preserved much of the lowland jungles and grasslands that once covered this part of the sub continent.

Ranging from the subtropical forests of the Terai to the great peaks of the Himalayas in the north, Nepal abounds with some of the most spectacular sceneries in the whole of Asia, with a variety of fauna and flora also unparalleled elsewhere in the region. Between Nepal's geographical extremes, one may find every vegetation type, from the treeless steppes of the Trans-Himalayan region in the extreme north and the birch, silver fir, larch and hemlock of the higher valleys to the oak, pine and rhododendron of the intermediate altitudes and the great sal and sissau forests of the south.

Dominant in the Langtang Valley are the chir pine, willow, alder, and evergreen oak. Blue pine and silver fir are frequent in the subalpine zone, which also supports tree rhododendrons— magnificent plants often reaching a growth of 12 m (40 ft). Ground orchids, lilies, yellow and blue poppies, and crimson anemones are prevalent in central Nepal. The profusion of wild flowers extends to very high altitudes; at 5,200 m (17,000 ft), several varieties of primula, pink and white cotoneaster, and white erica have been gathered, along with many kinds of alpine mosses and ferns.

Nepal's flora and fauna can be divided into four regions:-

Tropical Deciduous Monsoon Forest:
This includes the Terai plains and the broad flat valleys or Duns found between hill ranges. The dominant tree species of this area are Sal (Shorea robusta), sometimes associated with Semal (Bombax malabricum), Asna (Terminalia termentosa), Dalbergia spp. and other species, and Pinus roxburghi occuring on the higher ridges of the Churia hills, which in places reach an altitude of 1,800 meters.

Subtropical Mixed Evergreen Forest:
This includes the Mahabharat Lekh which rises to a height of about 2,400 meters and comprises the outer wall of the Himalayan range. Great rivers such as the Karnali, Narayani, and Sapta Koshi flow through this area into the plains of the Terai. This zone also includes the so called "middle hills", which extend northward in a somewhat confused maze of ridges and valleys to the foot of the great Himalaya.

Temperate Evergreen Forest:
Northward on the lower slopes and spurs of the Great Himalaya, oaks and pines are the dominant species up to an altitude of about 2,400 meters Above these are found dense conifer forest of Picea, Tsuga, Larix and Betula spp. Abies and Betula are usually confined to higher elevations, with Betula typically marking the upper limit of the tree line. At about 3,600 to 3,900 meters rhododendron, bamboo and maples commonly mingle with the conifers. The composition of the forest varies considerably, with coniferous predominating in the west and eracaceous in the east.

Sub alpine and Alpine Zone:
Above the tree line, rhododendron, juniper scrub and other procumbent woody vegetation may extend to about 4,200 meters where they are then succeeded by a tundra?like association of short grasses, sedge mosses and alpine plants wherever there is sufficient soil. This continues up to the lower limit of perpetual snow and ice at about 5,100 meters. The mammalian fauna is sparse and unlikely to include any species other than the Himalayan marmot, mouse hare, tahr, musk deer, snow leopard and occasionally blue sheep. In former times, the wild yak and great Tibetan sheep could also be sighted in this region and it is possible that a few may still be surviving in areas such as Dolpa and Humla.

Welcome to nepal- Nepali People

Jhoomka gira Re Barelly oops its not Barelly its Kathmandu so jhoomka gira Re kathmandu k Bazaar Me. Kathmandu women always searching a reason to party and dance.

Friendship is everlasting these kahmandu boys shows us their real spirit of friendship

Happy home Picnic Day! What a lovely picnic at home. These kathmandu people dont want a mesmerizing view or a hill station for a picnic. There own house is a lovely picnic spot.

I am very happy mom, Today is a holiday and i dont have to go school mommy.
These little kathmandu kids gives a snapshot of childhood days that we are on the top of the world.

Ready steady and Goooooooooo

Why are these Nepali guys waiting for food is in front of them so just concentrate on eating.

We shall overcome, We shall overcome, We shall overcome, one dayyyyyyyy oho deep in our heart we do believe that we shall over come one day. I think these children want to say us.

Kathmandu Kitchen Calls you

Kathmandu food is influenced mainly by the food habit of the hilly regions, Tibetan food habit and also to some extent, Indian food. The food of Kathmandu and Nepalese food in general, is very simple yet delicious. Rice is the staple food cereal of the people of Kathmandu. Of course, side dishes, such as lentils and vegetable curry are also taken along with rice. There are many restaurants and roadside food stalls, which serve Nepali cuisines in Kathmandu.

Cuisine served in the restaurants of Kathmandu varies from international to local Nepalese delicacies. There are many touristic restaurants in Kathmandu's Thamel district, offering Nepali dining experiences. However, there are also restaurants worth trying outside Thamel, for example at the Freak Street. A traditional Nepali meal usually consists of rice, dhal, curry, vegetables and chutney. Some Tibetan, Indian, Chinese and Western dishes are also well available.

Honeymoon in Kathmandu

Honeymoon - The most treasured and awaited moment of your married life. Undoubtedly it is the moment of life to be cherished in a memorable ways. NEPAL - also known as the land of colorful cultures, ancient history and wonders of Mother Nature is undoubtly the the perfect place to spend your Honeymoon in Nepal Or Kathmandu

An array of fascinating sights await as you wander endless alleyways through colorful bazaars. Continue to the Swayambhunath Temple, a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists and Hindus alike. Then, journey to Patan to explore its magnificent pagodas and temples. Continue to the Tibetan Handicraft Center to observe artisans and their colorful arts and crafts. Enjoy a full day excursion to see the artistic treasures of Bhadgaon and the village of Dhulikhel, known for its spectacular views of the Himalayan range. Continue to Pashupatinath, one of the most venerated pilgrimage Places for Hindus, and Bodnath.

Some couples start by leafing through travel or bridal magazines and looking for pictures that are appealing and romantic-you can do this, But in this way you are likely to settle on the best suitable destination than best-MARKETED destination...? Which place can be better than Kathmandu !

Budget Hotels in Kathmandu

There is an excellent range of places to stay, from comfortable backpacker hostels and lodges to more expensive international style hotels in Kathmandu.

The neighborhood of Thamel is somewhat of a tourist ghetto but it offers an abundance of cheap Kathmandu hotels and a surprisingly wide range of services such as international calls, internet cafes and shops with everything you need.

Following is a list of Budget hotels in kathmandu:-

Hotel Garuda

Hotel Lai Lai

Hotel Shree Tibet

Hotel Tradition

Kathmandu Peace Guest House

Hotel Mustang Holiday Inn

Hotel Tibet Holiday Inn

Hotel Utse

Hotel Marsyangdi Mandala

Hotel Diplomat

Hotel Lucky Star

Hotel Metropolitan Kantipur

Restaurents in Kathmandu

In Kathmandu there is one of the best selections of good restaurants in Southeast Asia. There are restaurants that serve Nepali, Tibetan, Indian, Chinese, Italian, Japanese and Mexican. Many places have pizza, pasta, enchilada, pies and cakes. It is possible to get first-class traditional meals. You can often get a good meal at a budget restaurant for less than Rs 200. A meal in the most expensive restaurant will usually be less than $20 per person. The more expensive hotels have a 10% to 15% government tax. It is normal to tip in the higher priced restaurants. 10% is normal. Often a service charge is tacked onto your bill in more expensive restaurants. You should check for this before leaving a tip.

Many of the best and most expensive restaurants are at the Durbar Marg area and at the most expensive hotels. Cheap is under Rs 150, Low is Rs 150 to Rs 250, Medium is Rs 250 to Rs 500, and High over Rs 500, not including drinks. At some of the high-class place you should make a booking for dinner.Not many of the places are pure vegetarian, but most places serve some vegetarian food.

Here are some of the restaurents and places where to eat in Kathmandu:-

Third World Restaurant

Everest Steakhouse

Yin Yang Restaurant

Tibet Café

Beef

Maharajah Restaurant

Nepalese Momo's

New Orleans Cafe

Three Sisters Cafe

Mahalaxmi Restaurant

Famous Tourist Destinations in Kathmandu

There are many beautiful and interesting places, to visit outside the Kathmandu Valley - places of historical importance of noted for natural beauty. Most of them can be easily reached from Kathmandu by road or by air.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

The house of the Living Goddess, the ferocious Kal Bhairab, the red monkey god, and hundreds of erotic carvings are a few examples of the sights at the Durban Square! The buildings here are the greatest achievements of the Malla dynasty, and they resulted from the great rivalry between the three palaces of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. The Valley was divided among the children of Yaksya Malla. For visitors today, and for the Nepalese, it was serendipitous that they, and later their offsprings, began an artistic warfare trying to outdo each other in splendid constructions.

Swayambhu Nath

The history of the Valley, according to the legends, begins with Swayambhu, or the "the self existent". In times uncharted by history, Bodhisattva Manjusri came across a beautiful lake during his travel. He saw a lotus that emitted brilliant light at the lake's center, so he cut a gorge in a southern hill and drained the waters to worship the lotus.

Boudha Nath

Many people believe that Bouddhanath was constructed in the fifth century, but definite proof is lacking. The stupa is said to entomb the remains of a Kasyap sage who is venerable both to Buddhists and Hindus. One legend has it that a woman requested a Valley king for the donation of ground required to build a stupa. She said she needed land covered by one buffalo's skin and her wish was granted by the King. She cut a buffalo skin into thin strips and circled off a fairly large clearing.

Boudhanath is among the largest stupas in South Asia, and it has become the focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. The white mound looms thirty-six meters overhead. The stupa is located on the ancient trade route to Tibet, and Tibetan merchants rested and offered prayers here for many centuries.

Pashupati Nath

Pashupatinath is the holiest Hindu pilgrimage destination in Nepal. There are linga images of Shiva along with statues, shrines, and temples dedicated to other deities in the complex. A temple dedicated to Shiva existed at this site in AD 879. However, the present temple was built by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1697. A gold-plated roof, silver doors, and woodcarvings of the finest quality decorate the pagoda construction.

Indra Chowk

Indrachowk, a square, the courtyard of Indra named after an ancient Hindu deityis walking distance far from Durbar square. Akash Bhairab temple, a three storey temple lies at Indrachowk the main market avenue of the Kathmandu city. The image of Akash Bhairav is displayed outside the temple for a week during Indrajatra, the festival of Indra the God of Rain.

White Machhendra Nath


The temple is situated at Machhendra Bahal near Indrachowk. This two storeyed temple was built by Yaksha Malla in 1500 AD The chariot festival of white Machendra Nath (the god of mercy) is annually celebrated in Kathmandu Valley.

Singa Durbar

Singha Durbar is a grand, imposing palace built in the neo-classical style. It was once the private residence of Rana Prime Ministers and is now the official seat of government. It used to be a huge building with many courtyards; however, most of it was destroyed by fire and only the western half has been rebuilt.

Thamel

Thamel area has recently emerged as the most popular tourist area of Kathmandu. Thamel is 15 to 20 minutes walk from the center of Kathmandu. It is amazing to see how this area has become the centre for budget travellers in recent years.

Ason

Ason is one of the busiest squares in Kathmandu and has six roads radiating from it. The three storeyed high pagoda styled Annapurna temple (goddess of food grains) is situated at Ason. Another two storeyed temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesh.

Narayanhiti Palace Kathmandu

The Narayanhity Palace Museum is a palace in Nepal which long served as a primary residence for the country's monarchs. The original palace was constructed under order of the Shah dynasty in the 18th century and destroyed in an earthquake in 1934. It was rebuilt in a contemporary style in the 1960s on the design of Architect Benjamin Polk(Chatterjee & Polk). On 1 June 2001, the palace was the site of the Nepalese royal massacre, where King Birendra of Nepal and Queen Aiswarya were shot dead along with seven other members of the Royal Family.

The historical palace was turned into a public museum immediately after the country was declared a republic. It is open to national and international visitors on weekdays.

Every day, hundreds of foreign and Nepalese visitors arrive here to look into the last couple of decades of Nepal's troubled history, with its royal intrigue, family bloodshed and its isolated and deeply unpopular monarch who didn't realize until things were beyond his control that history wasn't with him anymore.

Inside, tourists wander through room after room of vinyl furniture, gold carpets and decades-old silver-framed photographs (the Shah of Iran, Bobby Kennedy, various popes). The palace, a pink concrete hulk built in the late 1960s, stretches across 52 rooms and nearly 41,000 square feet.

Kathmandu Weather

Kathmandu's weather and temperature varies widely according to the season, with very cold and harsh winters and mostly cool summers. The area's high elevation, around 1300 meters, means that it never quite gets as warm as other locations at the same latitude.

There are four main types of weather in Kathmandu: hot and muggy, hot and rainy, balmy and clear and just plain chilly. In the shoulder seasons of October-November and March-April views are clear, temperatures are warm without being oppressive and rain showers are brief and refreshing.

November to February is also clear and dry but often cold, especially after dark. The period is fairly chilly and lasts until February. The city's climate is fairly mild and is perfect for holidaymakers. The minimum Temperature during the winters hovers around 0°C in Kathmandu

Visitors generally come to the city during the summer months, when they can best enjoy the city's attractions and historic sites. However, some people are attracted to the region during the winter months for its skiing and snowboarding.

Kathmandu Nepal's Capital

Kathmandu is home to most of the government offices, embassies, corporate houses, and the palace. A golden heaven to the most famous artists in the world, it has the old palace of Newar kings, Kathmandu Durbar Square, which is listed as UNESCO world heritage site, is in Basantapur, next to Freak Street, which was the popular hippie spot during the seventies. The Shah King's Palace stands right next to Thamel - the tourist hub of the country.

A small world within itself, Thamel is famous for the most attractive hotels and shopping centers in the world. It consists of two parallel streets just to the west of the palace. It is home to world famous hotels, ranging from different stars. The palace is at the head of Durbar Marg, a street lined with various shops. The largest city in the country, Kathmandu is in shape of Khukuri knife and its glorious history dates back to two thousand years. Located in the bowl shaped Kathmandu Valley, the city is the cultural hub of the country and probably the most sought after tourist destination. The home town of Newaras is the meeting point of various ethnic groups.