Cultural Tour Nepal and Bhutan Tour

Entrance fees of Heritage Sites of Nepal:

Nepal is famous for world heritage sites, Tourist attractions places, and monuments areas. Tourism is the second income source of the country. Entrance fees, National park fees, climbing royalties are the backbone of the Nepalese economy. Foreigner tourists visiting heritage sites, attraction places, and monuments of the country and have to pay a certain entrance fee to get inside the area. The people of South Asian countries (SAARC) have to pay fewer entrance fees in comparison to tourists from other countries. Many tourists want to see the typical Nepalese art and cultural places, happily paying the entrance fee because it is worth paying to visit.

The 7 heritage sites of Kathmandu valley are amazing. Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and Changunarayan have their own history. They are not only rich in art and architecture but also fountain spiritual places of Hinduism and Buddhism. Most of the constructions made have a tantric background and old history. Not only the Kathmandu valley but other parts of the country are also rich in nature and history. Lumbini (Birth Place of Gautam Buddha) Chitwan National park, Pokhara, Nagarkot, Trekking trails, Peak climbing, Expedition are the main tourist destination in Nepal and main income sources of the country. It is the government that keeps the price of priceless monuments and makes some money from tourists who visit them.

Please find the attached PDF file for the Entrance fees of World heritage and other attraction places in Nepal.

Entrance Fees of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal

Nepal 

About Country 

Popularly recognized worldwide for its majestic sky-dominating peaks, Nepal is one of the most sought-after nations for trekking and other adventure activities. This tiny Himalayan nation is home to eight of the world’s tallest peaks, including Mt. Everest (8848.86m)- the highest mountain in the world. Moreover, the rugged and rural trekking trails to the massifs along the dense forest which is filled with exotic floras and faunas instills excitement and adventures to the travelers. However, traveling to Nepal is not only about the mountains and natural beauty. Unraveling the beauty that lies in the old monuments, palaces, and temples. Nepal has a diverse array of cultures, traditions, languages, and history which are reflected in the lifestyle of the people.

Key Facts 

Location: Nepal is located in South Asia; between two great giants the Republic of China to the north and India to the south, east, and west.

Geography:  A landlocked country, Nepal is divided into three geographical regions, namely, the Himalayas, the Hills, and the Terai.

Capital: The capital city of Nepal is Kathmandu.

Area: The total area of Nepal is 147,181sq km.

Population: The current population of Nepal is 29 million.

Political system: Nepal is a federal republic country with a multi-party system.

Major religion: Nepal is a secular state but the majority of people follow Hinduism, followed by Buddhism and Christianity.

Time zone: The time zone of Nepal is GMT +5:45.

Official Language: The official language of Nepal is Nepali.

Working hours: The working hours in Nepal are from 10 am to 5 pm.

Electricity: Currently, all the major cities have electricity while electricity supply in some rural areas is limited. The standard voltage of electricity in Nepal is 220V.

Visa Information 

All tourists visiting Nepal except tourists from India should have a valid passport and visa. An On-Arrival visa to enter can be obtained at the Tribhuvan International Airport or any other land entry/exit points at the Nepal-Tibet and Nepal-India border. During the peak season, there will be a long line of tourists here trying to get their visas. So, to avoid the endless waiting you should visit the nearest Nepalese diplomatic missions stationed in your country before your arrival.

An On-Arrival Tourist Visa costs USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, and USD 125 for 90 days. Find more information regarding the updated visa fees at http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/post/notice-regarding-visa-fee-updates.

You can also extend your visa within a valid period which will cost you USD 3 per day. However, if you are visiting Nepal from SAARC countries you don’t have to pay visa fees as gratis fee or free visa is applicable for 100 days. Regarding information about tourist visas, you can head to the information on the official website of the Department of Immigration at http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa.

How to reach the country

Nepal is very well accessible via air, rail, and road. Tribhuvan International Airport is the only international airport and the entry point for those arriving by air. Nepal Airlines is the main operator in the nation. Other international airlines here are Air Arabia, Air Asia, Etihad airlines, Fly Dubai, Jet Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, Silk Air, and Thai air. The rail and road service can only be used by those arriving from India.

In terms of land transport, there are several land entry/exit points at the Nepal-Tibet and Nepal-India borders. Kerung and Kodari are the entry/exit points at the Nepal-Tibet border whereas

Janakpur-Jainagar railway is the sole railway that connects Nepal with India, several buses connect Delhi and Kathmandu.

Popular destinations to visit 

There are many places you can visit in Nepal. Nepal is not only gifted with natural beauty but it is also culturally rich which means there are many heritages and sites you can visit. Kathmandu Valley is the first and foremost destination that you should not miss out on. The seven UNESCO world heritage sites in the valley, namely, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Changunarayan.

Other places you must visit while in Nepal are Pokhara, Chitwan, and Lumbini. Pokhara is a scenic lake city, located 6 hours’ drive away from Kathmandu city. There you will be able to enjoy the serene and peaceful nature with the Annapurna ranges in the backdrop. Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is a historic destination whereas the Chitwan National Park is a natural haven for exotic flora and fauna. Both of these are also enlisted as world heritage sites by UNESCO. Palpa, Bandipur, Bardia National Park, and Ilam are some of the popular destinations.

As for trekking and mountaineering activities, Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, Manaslu, Upper Mustang, and Dolpo regions are some of the most popular ones in Nepal.

Internet and Communication in the country

You do not have to worry about not getting communication service or Internet service in Nepal. In recent years, the internet and communication services have drastically progressed and developed. While in the major cities and tourist destinations, you can use free Wi-Fi including many of the cafes and restaurants. Similarly, almost every hotel and some public areas provide Wi-Fi services. However, Wi-Fi is not always available in remote areas in the Himalayas and rural Hilly regions.

In such situations, a cellular connection is the best option for both Internet access and communication. NTC and Ncell at two of the biggest telecommunication corporations and offer sim cards with various packages at a reasonable price. These service providers have a wide reach over many parts of Nepal. You will easily be able to purchase any sim card with your passport or identity card.

Local currency and foreign exchange  

While in Nepal, you should use Nepali rupees (NRs) which is also the official currency of Nepal. You can easily exchange your currency into the Nepalese Rupee at the Tribhuvan International Airport or the exchange counters and banks around the major cities. Also, the major cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, and Lumbini have a great availability of banks and ATMs. However, their availability becomes quite scarce when you head to the Himalayas and remote areas.

So, it is best if the travelers perform all their money-related activities while they are in the major cities.

Weather and climate 

The climate in Nepal varies according to altitude and the current season. The lowland of the Terai region in the southern part of the country is very hot and humid during the summer. The temperature there can get as high as 45 degrees Celsius. The middle part is also known as the hilly region has a pleasant and bearable climate all year long. However, in winter the nights and early mornings can get quite chilly. The Himalayan region is the northernmost part of the country and is above 3300m. This region usually has alpine climatic conditions and during the winter season, it experiences adverse weather conditions.

Nepal generally has four seasons, namely, spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The spring here means every part of the country has flowers blooming and summer means a lot of humidity and rainfall. While the autumn is neither too hot nor too cold and the skies are always clear. The winter season brings snow in the Himalayan region and some parts of the hilly region as well. Finally, during the monsoon season, the entire country experiences heavy rainfall except in the rain shadow areas of Upper Dolpo and Mustang.

People, culture, and festivals

Nepalese are known to be one of the kindest people all over the world. With a smile on everyone’s face, you will be warmly welcomed and greeted. The word “Namaste” is used while they join their hands together which means a respectful greeting. Nepal is a culturally rich country with many different castes, languages, and traditions. The diverse culture and tradition result in many different festivals celebrated all around the nation. The major festivals celebrated are Dashain, Tihar, Holi, Sonam Losar, Gyalpo Losar, and many more. Especially in Newari settlements, people celebrate many colorful and radiant festivals. You will be able to experience wonderful and lifelong memory if you visit Nepal during the time of festivals.

Bhutan 

About the country

Bhutan, the land of the Thunder Dragon, was off-limits for tourists up until the seventies. Enveloped in mystery and magic, this soulful country is deeply rooted in its past. Resting in the Himalayas, this country is also known as the last Shangri-La. With the pristine Himalayan landscape, Bhutan also has a lush green forest, mesmerizing traditional villages, temples, and fortresses. To avoid any impacts of tourism on the country’s culture and environment, Bhutan limits its visitors to pre-planned tours. Foreign visitors here pay a minimum tariff of USD 200-250 daily which includes meals, accommodation, food, transport, and official guides. With its extraordinary culture, traditions, and history, Bhutan is a place you must visit at least once in your life.

Key Facts

Location: Bhutan is located in South Asia, and is bordered by the Autonomous Region of Tibet and the Republic of India.

Geography: It is a sovereign nation located toward the eastern extreme of the Himalayas.

Capital: The capital city of Bhutan is Thimphu.

Area: It covers an area of 38,394km².

Population: The current population of Bhutan is 827,403.

Political system: The political system of Nepalis a constitutional monarchy and the current King is Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk.

Major religion: Bhutan is a Buddhist country and more than half of the population follows Vajrayana Buddhism.

Time zone: UTC+06:00

Official language: Dzongkha or Bhutanese language is the official language.

Working hours: The working hours in Bhutan are differentiated into summer timing and winter timing, 8 hours and 7 hours respectively. During summer, the timing is from 9 am to 5 pm and, during winter, it is from 9 am to 4 pm.

Electricity: Most parts of the country are well connected with electricity. The standard voltage of electricity is 230V.

Visa Information 

All tourists except India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives require a valid visa to enter Bhutan. You can process your visa to Bhutan through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or foreign travel agency. With a photo sample of your passport and USD 40, you will be able to apply for a visa. As soon as you provide the required documents and full payment for the tour, the tourism council of Bhutan will process your visa. Within 72 hours, you will get your visa cleared and, now, you can head to Bhutan.

How to reach the country 

Bhutan was recently opened for tourism and, recently, it has been made easier to access through planned economic development. You can reach Bhutan through land or air as there are well-connected networks of roads and an international airport. Visitors can enter Bhutan by land through Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkar. These are the only open borders for those entering Bhutan by land. For those who are traveling by air, there are currently two operators Druk Air and Bhutan airlines. Paro International Airport is the only international airport to reach Bhutan.

Popular destinations to visit 

Bhutan is known for its unique and amazing landscapes, cultural heritage, and historic fortresses. The well-preserved authentic culture, history, and traditions spring out admiration towards the country. While visiting Bhutan, there are few places you should certainly see. You should start with the unbeatable Tiger’s Nest monastery also known as “Paro Taktsang”. This monastery resting on a 3000m vertical cliff is something you should not miss out on. If you are on time, you can also observe the Punakha festival in Punakha Dzong. The capital city of Thimphu should also be on your list as it boasts an array of traditional arts, cultural sites, markets, and fortresses. From Dochu La pass, you can visit the 108 Chortens (stupas) which were built in memory of a Bhutanese soldier who died fighting against the insurgency in 2003. Finally, you can tour the Phobjikha valley where you will witness the wildlife of Bhutan.

Internet and communication in the country 

Within recent years, communication services have improved in Bhutan. The country has a good network of telecommunication facilities. The major cities are filled with hotels, restaurants, internet cafes, domestic, and international phone booths where you can make phone calls and use the internet. Wi-Fi is widely and easily available in major cities. However, in a remote area, the availability and reliability are both quite poor. You can also acquire a sim card to access the internet or for communication purposes. Having said that, some rural areas do not have proper connectivity.

Local currency and foreign exchange 

The official local currency of Bhutan is Ngultrum. The Bhutanese currency is equivalent to the value of the Indian rupees. The Indian currency is also widely accepted in Bhutan. You can exchange dollars and other foreign currencies at the bank in Thimpu and a few other major cities. In such situations, you need to be updated to exchange your currency. This information is available on the official website of the Bank of Bhutan at https://www.bob.bt/forex-all/.

However, you will not be needing a lot of cash as everything is prepaid and included within the mandatory price of USD 200-250.

Weather and Climate 

The climate in Bhutan depends upon the season, altitude, and influence of northern Indian monsoons. Bhutan also possesses four seasons, namely, autumn, spring, winter, and monsoon. Autumn offers pleasant weather for exploration and sightseeing whereas the spring season brings in the colorful flora and vibrant fauna. Winter experiences cold and harsh weather conditions whereas monsoon welcomes rainfall across the country.

Likewise, the country is divided into three parts mainly southern, central, and northern. Southern Bhutan is hot, humid, and unchanging throughout the year. Temperatures can vary from 15-30 degrees Celsius. The central part of the country is engulfed in the deciduous forest which results in a fair temperature, with warm summers and cool dry winters. However, in the far northern part of the kingdom, the weather is much colder during the winter and cooler during the summer. Mountains peaks are perpetually covered in snow while the lower green lands blossoms during the summer.

People, culture, and festival

Bhutan is the only Vajrayana Buddhist nation in the world and Buddhism is the official religion of the nation. Hence, Bhutanese culture and traditions are heavily influenced by Buddhism. Bhutanese people are very warm and welcoming resulting in the boost of your gross domestic happiness. You will see many elderly and middle-aged people draped in Bhutanese dress as it is the national dress of the kingdom. Bhutan is rich in cultural diversity which leads to a wide variety of colorful and elaborate festivals. The widely celebrated festival is Tshechu which marks the important events in the life of Guru Rinpoche. Likewise, Paro Tshechu, and Wangduephodrang Tshechu. Punakha Drubchen and Haa Summer Festival are some other popular festivals in Bhutan.