Nepal

Geographical

Nepal is a sovereign Independent Kingdom which lies between 80 degree 12' east longitude and 26 degree 22' and 30 degree 27' north latitude. The length of the Kingdom is 885 kilometers east-west and its breath varies from 145 to 241 kilometers north-south.

When to go                                                          

Nepal has two-season year which are dry season (October to May) and wet season /monsoon (June to September). While the best times to come to Nepal are autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) bring almost perfect weather and are definitely the best times to come to Nepal.

Where to go? >>Hot Springs

There is quite a number of (at least 50) natural hot water springs scattered around the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal. These hot water springs are locally known as tatopani simply meaning ‘hot water’. 

The following is the list of natural hot springs located in various parts of Nepal: 

• Hotiyana in Sankhuwasabha, Koshi zone, Eastern Nepal.
• Syabrubesi and Chilime in Rasuwa, North of Kathmandu.
• Srikaar, Sina and Chamlaiya in Darchula.
• Riar, Saghu Khola, Sarai Khola in Middle development region of Nepal.

Festival Dates

Nepal follows a different calendar system than in the West. The New Year falls in mid-April. There are 12 months in a year which is same as the Julian system. Each month begins around the middle of a Western month. However, the festival dates determined by lunar calendar.

The following are some special festivals in Nepal:

-  Festival            :           Mata Tirtha Snan (Mother's Day) 

    Time                :           First month, Baisakh (April/May)

-  Festival            :           Gaijatra 

    Time                :           Bhadra (August-September)

    This festival has its roots in the belief that the god of death, Yamaraj, must be feared and hence worshipped.

-  Festival            :           Gokarna Aunsi (Father's Day) 

    Time               :           Bhadra (August or in early September)

-  Festival            :           Teej Ko Darkhane Din 

    Time                :           Bhadra (August/September)

    "Teej" is the fasting festival for women. Hindu women pray for marital bliss, wellbeing of their spouse and children and purification of their own body and soul.

-  Festival            :           Ghode Jatra (Horse Racing Day)

    Time                :           Chaitra (March/April)

Costs

The minimum budget for living in Nepal is from US$5 to US$7 a day.

Currency

The major international currencies include US dollar, euro and pounds sterling are readily accepted.

Changing money

The official currency exchange rates are set by the government's Nepal Rastra Bank. Besides, the exchange rates will be listed in the daily newspapers. Although the rates at the private banks are different but  normally not far from the official rate.

Word of Caution 
Outbreaks of violence by extreme left wing rebel groups targetting police posts have put the more remote midwest districts in jeopardy. Although they have so far ignored Western tourists, special caution is advised.