FACE Nepal > Information about Nepal for Volunteers

Map of Nepal

Please feel free to contact us to ask about the current situation of Nepal. We will inform you of what we know and also offer you contacts of volunteers as alternative sources of information. It is also advisable to contact your local Foreign Affairs Department for any current situational views.

History

The history of Nepal began in the Kathmandu valley. Over the centuries Nepal's boundaries have extended include huge tracts of neighboring India, and contracted to little more than the Kathmandu Valley and a handful of surrounding city-states.

Nepal's founding father, Prithivi Narayan Shah, referred to Nepal as a 'Yam between two boulder'-namely China and India, It was the meeting point between the mongoloid peoples of Asia and the Caucasoid peoples of the India plains. In earlier times, Nepal prospered from its location as convenient resting-place for traders, travelers and pilgrims moving between these countries.

Geography

Nepal may be a small country, but when it comes to height it is number one in the world. Mountains cover 80% if Nepal, Providing huge challenges in a country where 80% of people live of the land. Nepal measures about 800 km east-west and 230 Km at its widest point north-south, making a total area of around 147,181 sq. km.

Within that small area, however, is the greatest range of altitude on earth- starting with the Terai, only 100m or so above sea level, and finishing at the top of Mt. Everest (8848m) , the worlds' highest point.

Physiographic Regions

Nepal consists of several physiographic regions, or natural plain zones in the south, four mountain ranges, and the valleys lying between them. Most people live in the fertile lowlands or on the southern sunny slopes fo th mountains where farming is easier and life less harsh.

The Terai The only truly flat land in Nepal is the Terai. Seen form the air, this part of the Gangetic plain's monotonous expanse comes to a sudden halt as it turns into mountainous relief. Tha last of this landscape, about 100m above sea level , extends up to 40 km in to Nepal.

Chure Hills known as the Siwalik Hills in India, the Chures are the first of the four mountain ranges and fun the length of the length of the country. They have an average height of 900m, reaching 1350m in places. This range separates the Terai form the Inner Terai and harbors the fossilized remains of many mammals no longer typical of Eurasia.

Mahabharat Range North of the inner Terai , the next range of foothills is the Mahabharat Range, or the 'Middle Hills'. These vary between 1500m and 2700m in height, and though quite steep, are characterized by water-retentive soils that allow cultivation and extensive terracing. On the lower slopes, remnants of subtropical forests can be found.

The Himalaya Nepal's borders contain about one-third of the total length of ht Himalaya. This includes 10 of the world's 14 tallest mountains which tower over 8000m . These mountains are terraced and cultivated up to about 2700 m or to the level of cloud and mist. As a result, the high temperate forest above this to the tree line is fairly well preserved.

The inner valleys are those cradled within the Himalyan ranges . The higher parts of these broad, glacier-worn valleys, which are found in the Everest, Langtan and upper Kali Gandaki areas, are not affected by the strong winds that dries the valley floors. The partial rain-screen of these high valleys creates ecologies that are different again.

Geology

About 60 million years ago, the indo-Australian tectonic plate collided with the Eurasian continent. As the former was pushed under Eurasia, Earth's crust buckled and folded and mountain building began.
The upheaval of mountains caused the temporary obstruction of rivers that once flowed unimpeded from Eurasia to the sea. However, on the southern slopes of the young mountains, New river formed as trapped moist winds off the tropical sea rose and precipitated. As the mountains continued to raise and the gradient became steeper, these rivers cut deeper and deeper into the terrain.
The colossal outcome was the formation of four major mountain systems running northwest by southeast. These were cut in places by the north-south gorges of both new rives, and the original rivers whose watersheds in Tibet are older than the mountains themselves. Inconjuction with the innumerable rogue ridges that jut our from the main ranges, the terrain can be likened to a complex maze of ceilingless rooms.

Climate

Nepal has typical monsoon, two-season year. There's the winter season from October to May and Monsoon season form June to middle of September. In summer Tari region of the Nepal's maximum temperature gets about 420c. And in winter it gets minimum 0 0c on Mountains and about 150 on the Tarai Region.

Ecology & Environment

The ecology and environment of Nepal are fragile and a rapidly growing population is constantly putting more pressure on the land. Much of the land between the Himalay and The Terai has been vigorously modified by humans to provide space for crops, animals and houses. Forests have been cleared, towns have grown and roads have eaten into valleys that were previously accessible only on foot.

Population growth is the biggest issues faction the environment. More people need more land for agriculture; trees continue to be cut down for housing and firewood. To avoid this now in many places in the Nepal a groups of community user groups are formed and they have community forest to made to promote alternatives and support reforestation.
Air and water pollution are severe in different areas in Nepal due to the deforestation and traffic.

Nepal sits uneasily on the shoulder of the southern Himalaya , wedged between China to the north and India to the south. In length and breadth it is just another small country but in height, it's a world-beater. Not only does it have the world's tallest mountains, including the cloud-hugging Mt. Everest and Mt. Annapurna , they're also the youngest - and still growing. Apart from its four mountain ranges - Chure Hills, Mahabharat Range, Himalaya and the Tibetan Marginals - Nepal also has vast plains in the south, fertile valleys in the midlands and high-altitude deserts in the north. The heavily cultivated belt between the Mahabharat Range and the Himalaya supports the bulk of the country's population.

There are over 6500 species of trees, shrubs and wildflowers in Nepal . The height of floral glory is in March and April when rhododendrons, the national flower, burst into colour. Nepal also boasts an astounding diversity of animal life, with 800 bird species and exotic mammals such as the royal Bengal tiger and snow leopard, as well as rhinoceros, elephant, bear, deer, monkey and jackal. Unfortunately, due to habitat degeneration and poaching, opportunities for seeing wildlife are usually restricted to national parks, reserves and western Nepal , where the human population is sparse. Nepal has a typically monsoonal two-season year: the dry season (October to May) and the wet season (June to September). The monsoon affects the whole country, often flooding the southern plains, before tailing off as it moves away to the north and west. Temperatures vary but are generally hottest in the summer months of May and June and coldest during December and January.

Agriculture

The Terai is considered the 'rice bowl' of Nepal, although rice is usually grown at altitudes up to 2000m, and higher in western part of the country. It is usually planted before the monsoon, transplanted soon after and harvested in the autumn. If possible, wheat is planted in the cleared rice fields and harvested in spring.

Fields of yellow-flowering mustards are planted for making cooking oil. Corn is grown on the hillsides, while millet is grown above the rice Zone. Barely is sown in the higher altitudes, as is buckwheat with its pink and white flower cluster. The Sherpas grow Potatoes at altitudes of up to 4000m.

Flora

There are 6500known species of trees, shrubs and wildflowers in Nepal. The height of floral glory can be witnessed in March and April when rhododendrons burst into colur (there 30 species in Nepal). The huge magnolias of the east with their showy white flowers on bare branches are also spectacular, as are the orchids (More than 300 species in Nepal).

In the post monsoon season, the flower of summer is all but gone. However, in the subtropical and lower temperate areas, some wildflowers that have survived environmental degradation include pink luculia, mauve osbeckia and yellow St John's wort. Flowering Cherry trees, and blue gentians in the temperate areas, add autumnal colour to the villages. Otherwise, one can enjoy the autumn yellows of withering maples and ginger, and the reds of barberry shrubs.

Fauna

Birds More than 800 bird species are known in Nepal, or nearly 10% of the world's species. Resident bird numbers are augmented by migratory species, as well as winter and summer visitors.

Mammals Due to habitant degeneration from both natural and human causes, opportunities for viewing mammals are usually restricted to national parks, reserves and western Nepal, where the population is sparse. Poaching for pelts, and other animal has also thinned wildlife numbers .There are several kinds of wild animal in Nepal. One horn Rhino is the famous in the world. It found in the Royal Chitwan National Park which is in the Terai region. And Royal Bengal Tiger, several species of deer, indian elephants, snow leopard are the most famous Mammals of Nepal.

Reptiles There are two indigenous species of crocodile: The gharial and the marsh Mugger. The Gharial and the Marsh Mugger. The Gharial inhabits rivers and is a prehistoric looking fish-eating creature with bulging eyes and a long, narrow snout. The Marsh Mugger prefers stagnant water and is omnivorous, feeding on anything within reach. Because of the value of its hide and eggs, the Gharial was hunted to the brink of extinction, but has increased in numbers since the establishment of a hatchery and rearing center in Chitwan. Both crocodiles inhabit the Tarai.
Though venomous snakes such as Cobras, Vipers and Kraits are found in Nepal.

Facts at a Glance

Full country name	Kingdom of Nepal
Area	147,181 sq km
Population	23 million
Capital city	Kathmandu (pop 700,000)
People	Various ethnic groups, including the Bhotiya (which include the Sherpa), Khas, Kirati, Magar, Newari, Tharu, Tamong and Tibetans
Language	Nepali (also called Gurkhali)
Religion	90% Hindu, 5% Buddhist, 3% Muslim
Government	Democracy

Economic Profile

GDP	US$25 billion
GDP per head	US$165
Annual growth	7%
Inflation	8%
Major industries	Agriculture, textiles, minerals and tourism
Major trading partners	India , Singapore , Japan , USA and Germany

Facts for the Traveller

Visas: All foreign nationals (except Indians) require visas. Single-entry tourist visas are issued for up to 30 days and can be extended for a maximum of three months. They permit travel around the Kathmandu Valley , Pokhara and Chitwan National Park in the Terai. Trekking permits are required if you intend striking out from the main roads; they can be obtained from immigration offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Health risks: Altitude sickness, hepatitis A, malaria (low-lying areas only), meningococcal Meningitis ( Kathmandu Valley region) and typhoid

Time: GMT/UTC plus five hours 45 minutes

Electricity: 220V, 50 Hz (when available)

Weights & measures: Metric (see the conversion table.) Tourism: 255,000 visitors

When to Go

Climatic factors are very important in deciding when to visit Nepal . October-November, the start of the dry season, is in many ways the best time of year: the weather is balmy, the air is clean, visibility is perfect, and the country is lush following the monsoon. February-April, the tail end of the dry season is the second-best period: visibility is not so good because of dust, but the weather is warm and many of Nepal 's wonderful wild flowers are in bloom. In December and January the climate and visibility are good but it can be chilly: trekkers need to be well prepared for snow, and cheaper hotels in Kathmandu - where heating is nonexistent - can be gloomy in the evening. The rest of the year is fairly unpleasant for travelling. May and early June are generally too hot and dusty for comfort, and the monsoon from mid-June to September obscures the mountains in cloud and turns trails and roads to mud.

Attractions

Kathmandu
The country's capital and largest city simultaneously reeks of history and the wear and tear of increasing modernity. The tightly packed historical centre, with its squares and temples, continues to preserve a world light years away from the shantytowns, expensive hotels, restaurants and shops on the city's outskirts. Kathmandu 's core is Durbar Square , with the Vishnumati River to the west and Ratna Park to the east. The Bagmati River forms the southern boundary, while Thamel, the budget travellers' hangout, sprawls to the north.

Kathmandu, Nepal

Patan
Patan, the second-largest city in the valley, lies just across the Bagmati River from Kathmandu , but it's a much quieter and less frenetic place to visit. The city is justly proud of its temples and artisans and it is their handiwork that provides the focus of the stunning Durbar Square - choc-a-block with the largest display of Newari architecture in Nepal . It includes the Royal Palace, which contains a richly decorated bathtub, and the two-tiered brick Jagannarayan Temple . Look up to the roof struts to see carvings of figures engaged in quite athletic acts of intercourse. A few minutes' walk north of the square is the Golden Temple, a Buddhist monastery guarded by sacred tortoises that potter around the courtyard; and the Kumbeshawar, reputedly the oldest (1392) temple in Patan. South of the square is an area of charming streets lined with metalsmiths and brassware shops.

Lalitpur

Patan's other attractions are flung further afield. Among them is a collection of four stupas, thought to have been built over 2500 years ago, and Nepal 's only zoo, which features a reasonable assortment of rhinos, tigers, leopards and bird life. Palm readers gather in the park outside - they may be able to point out which animal you'll be reincarnated as. Tibetan carpets can be bought in Jawlakhel, east of the city.

It's an easy 5km (3mi) from Thamel in Kathmandu to Patan and you can get there by bicyle, taxi, bus, or tempo.

Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur is in many ways the most medieval of the three major cities in the Kathmandu Valley. Despite recent development, the city still retains a distinctly timeless air with much of its glorious architecture dating from the end of the 17th century. Most sights can be easily traversed by foot and include yet another Durbar Square, which is infinitely larger than Kathmandu's and has its fair share of temples, statues and columns, many with grisly histories behind them. For instance, the sculptor of the Ugrachandi & Bhairab Statues had his hands chopped off to prevent him from duplicating his masterpieces.

Bhaktapur, Nepal

Bhakatapur's second main square is Taumadhi Tole, which features Nyatapola, the highest temple in the valley, and Til Mahadev Narayan, an important place of pilgrimage. Nearby is Potters' Square, where thousands of clay pots are made and sold. East from here, through the sinuous streets of the old city centre, is Tachupal Tole, another square containing temples and monasteries plus craft museums.

Sometimes it's best to take a break from temples and sit back and watch the unchanging rituals of daily life: the laying out of grain to dry in the sun; families collecting water or washing under communal taps; children playing simple games; dyed yarns flapping in the breeze; or potters at work throwing clay.

Bhaktapur is about 35km (22mi) south east of Kathmandu's city centre and is easily reached by bus, minibus or trolley bus. You may have second thoughts about the minibuses, though, as they are overcrowded and can turn a 35 minute trip into an hour long torture; the Chinese trolley-buses are a better option.

Around the Kathmandu Valley

Apart from Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, there are a number of other fascinating villages, temples and stupas scattered around the valley. One of these is probably the best known site in Nepal - the Buddhist temple of Swayambhunath. The temple is colloquially known as the 'monkey temple', after the large tribe of garrulous monkeys which guard the hill, amusing visitors and devotees with their tricks, including sliding gracefully down the long double bannisters of the main stairway. The soaring central stupa is topped by an aureate block featuring the watchful eyes of Buddha. Set around the base is a continuous series of prayer wheels which pilgrims, circumambulating the stupa, spin as they pass by.

Beyond Swayambhunath, on the banks of the Bagmati River , is Pashupatinath, the country's pre-eminent Hindu temple and one of the most significant Shiva temples on the subcontinent. As the Bagmati is a holy river, Pashupatinath has become a popular place to be cremated - the ghats (river steps) immediately in front of the temple are reserved for the cremation of royalty, while those a little further south are for the riff-raff.

Another site with a religious bent is the huge stupa of Bodhnath, which is the largest in the country and among the largest in the world. It's also the centre for Nepal 's considerable population of Tibetans. Late afternoon is a good time to visit. This is when prayer services are held and the locals turn out to walk around the stupa (if you want to join in, remember to walk in a clockwise direction). Surrounding Bodhnath are a number of monasteries, but be discreet and respectful if you intend visiting them. The valley also offers plenty of opportunities to get off the beaten track, with treks to and from the resort villages of Nagarkot and Dhulikhel; wallowing in Tatopani's hot springs; exploring cloud forests in Pulchowki; and mountain biking in the regions of Chapagaon and Bungamati. Most of the valley attractions around Kathmandu can be reached on foot but the easiest way to get around is by bicyle. If that sounds a bit too energetic, consider hiring a taxi for the day.

Terai (Chitwan is Located in Terai)
If you come to Terai expecting snow-clad mountains and jaw-dropping vistas, you'll soon be disappointed. What you get instead is hot subtropical plains and some of the most fascinating attractions in Nepal. Foremost among them is the magnificent Royal Chitwan National Park, once the hunting ground for British and Nepalese aristocrats. Today, the animals - elephants, rhinoceros, tigers, leopards and deers - are protected, not shot. Probably the greatest thrill here is to scout for wildlife on the back of an elephant. If that's too uncomfortable, you can do the same thing in a jeep or canoe or go jungle walking with experienced guides.

Rhinos are one of the many exotic animals of Nepal.

Watch out for leeches, which operate with stealth-like efficiency during the monsoon. Janakpur is an attractive city, bustling with tourists - Indian pilgrims that is, not Western backpackers. The city's religious significance is due to its role as the birthplace of Sita (Rama's wife in the Hindu epic Ramayana). During festivals, when vignettes from the Ramayana are re-enacted, it almost feels as if the ancient myth has come to life. If you can overcome its bewildering tangle of streets, Janakpur is packed with worthwhile sights including temples, pilgrim hostels and tiny sacred ponds. On the city's outskirts is the Janakpur Women's Development Centre, a must-see if you're interested in traditional painting and ceramics or the role of women in local society. Beautiful Devghat and Lumbini, now confirmed as the birthplace of Buddha, are also important devotional sites in the Terai. Janakpur is over 135km (84mi) from Kathmandu and, a little less than that to the Chitwan National Park. A number of airlines fly to destinations within the Terai, but the most popular mode of transport is bus, more through economic necessity than choice. Usually they are overcrowded, stopping-all-stations affairs that leave you battered and bruised. If you've got a bit of extra cash, hiring a car is a comfortable way to see the region or, alternatively, a good mountain bike will get you there, back and around.

Pokhara
The city of Pokara is renowned for its setting rather than its historical or cultural endowments. Its quiet lakeside location and proximity to the mountains mean it is an ideal place for recovering frsom (or gearing up for) a trek, taking leisurely strolls or simply putting your nose in a good book. And wouldn't you know it, Pokhara has some of the country's best accommodation and restaurants as well. There's a batch of Tibetan settlements, a hilltop monastery and the pretty Devi Falls nearby.

SyambhuNath

Day walks can be taken to Sarangkot (1592m), the limestone caves at Mahendra Gufa or Rupa and Begnas Tals lakes. More exertion (but not much more) will be required to tackle the three to four-day Annapurna Skyline Trek.

There are daily flights between Pokhara and Kathmandu. For Himalayan views sit on the right-hand side if you're heading to Pokhara and the left if heading to Kathmandu. The bus trip between the two towns takes about eight hours.