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Bookmark & shareThis magical kingdom holds sway over the imagination.
Draped along the spine of the Himalaya, Nepal is a land of sublime scenery, time-worn temples, and some of the best hiking trails on earth. It's a poor country, but it is rich in scenic splendour and cultural treasures. The kingdom has long exerted a pull on the Western imagination.
It's the kind of country that lingers in your dreams long after you leave it. This is why so many travellers are drawn back to Nepal, armed the second time round with a greater appreciation of its natural and cultural complexity, a stout pair of walking boots and a desire for sculpted calf muscles.
Travel Warning: Violent Protests - Political Tensions
Transport companies are locked in a dispute with the Nepalese government and are on strike, seriously disrupting road travel. Travellers should be careful to avoid public protests in Kathmandu which have the potential to become violent.
In May 2008, Nepal's Maoist-led assembly voted to abolish the monarchy and become a republic. The former king of Nepal has moved out of the Kathmandu palace where his family has resided for more than a century. Political violence (including three fatalities) escalated in the lead-up to Nepal's elections on 10 April, and at the same time as the new Constituent Assembly was sworn in on 27 May a bomb explosion in Kathmandu injuring two people. Currently making the transition from monarchy to republic, the country is on the brink of huge change, and the security situation may remain fragile for some time.
Trekking in Nepal should only be done with a group and an experienced guide from an established company.
For more information go to Safe Travel or check out the Thorn Tree travel forum for some good advice from travellers.
severity: Mid-level alert
Fast Facts
Country Full Name
Kingdom of Nepal
Population
26,469,600
Currency
Name: Nepalese Rupee
Code: NPR
Symbol: Rs
Electrical Plugs
230V 50Hz
Languages Spoken
Official: Nepali
Time Zones
GMT/UTC +5.75
Country Dialing Code
+977
Weights & Measures
Metric
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Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.
