Edelweiss Treks (P) Ltd._____________A trekking Guide to Nepal.

There are 16 National parks, Wildlife Reserves and Conservation areas in Nepla occupying over 16% of it's total area. Visitors have to pay a fee RS 500 (RS 200/- for SAARC countries) per person per day (Annapurna RS 2000/- and Shivapuri RS 250/-)

7629 Sq. km encompasses forested middle mountain, high Himalayan and Trans-Himalayan desert plateau ecosystems. The area is dominated by Annapurna I (8091m ), the 10^th highest mountain in the world. Schema and chestnut tree are found in the subtropical forests between 1,000-2,000 m which give way to rhododendron, oak, hemlock and silver fir as you ascend to the temperate zone(1,700-3,000m) Rhesus monkeys, Yellow throated martens and Himalayan Weasels are some of the Wildlife commonly encountered. Birds include the Himalayan griffin, lammergeier, forktail, redstart, thrush and kingfisher. Gurung, Magar, Thakaili and Brahmin village don’t the lower elevations. The Tibetan cultural influence become stronger as you go north.

Activities: Trekking and Mountaineering.
Accommodation: Resort hotels, Lodge and Camping
Access: From Pokhara which is 202km by road or 30 minutes by air.
Best Season: Spring and autumn in the southern region and summer in the northern region.
ACAP Headquarters: Hariyo Kharka , Pokhara.

Extend from the middle mountains to the high Himalayan. Pasturelands covered higher elevations while fir , pine, birch, rhododendron, hemlock, oak, juniper and spruce are found in the lower elevations. The reserve attracts sports hunters for the blue sheep and Himalayan tahr. Other animals found here are leopard ,ghoral, serow, Himalayan black bear, barking deer and wild boar. Pheasants and Partridges are common here. The majority of people in the region belongs to Magar , Thakaili and Gurung ethnic groups.

Activities : Trophy hunting game viewing
Accommodation: Camping
Access: four days wolk from Baglung or Beni which is 72 km from Pokhara by road.
Best season: Mar-Apr, Oct-Nov, Jul-Sep (Monsoon), Dec-Feb (cold, windy and snow)
Reserve Headquarters: Dhorpatan

includes middle mountains and the high Himalayan. It offers high alpine vegetation and a verity of rhododendron , fir , hillock and oak trees. The are is rich in wildlife , notably the snow leopard, clouded leopard, blue sheep, Himalayan tahr , marmot and weasel. Kanchnjunga, the third highest mountain in the world at 8586m,straddles the border between Nepal and India. This region is the home of the Limbu people.

Activities : Trekking and mountaineering
Accommodation: Tea house, Camping
Access : From Taplejung which can be reached by air from Kathmandu
Best season: Spring and autumn.
Reserve Headquarters: Lelep

Consist of middle and high mountains with an average elevation of 3,000m . The vegetation ranges from subtropical forest at lower altitudes to grassland and oak and coniferous forest on the uplands. The fauna includes leopards , yellow –throated marten, black bear, musk deer, ghoral and Himalayan tahr. Some of the birds of the area are pheasant, partridge, red and yellow billed blue magpie and Himalayan griffon. The ashram of Khaptad Swami is located inside the park.

Activities : Trekking
Accommodation: Camping
Access : Fly to Dipayal from Nepalgunja and then tree days walk
Best season: Mar-May and Oct-Nov(10-20 degrees Celsius), Jun-Sep (rainy),Dec-Feb(snow)
Reserve Headquarters: Khaptad

Koshi Toppu Wildlife reserve 175Sq.km) is situated in the terai lowlands. The vegetation here is mainly wetland grassland ,scrub and deciduous forests. The reserve is unique of it's wild arna buffaloes.Other mammals are the hog deer , wild boar, spotted deer and blue bull. Over 350 species of birds including ibises, storks, egrets, herons, swamp, partridge and Bengal floricans are found here. The endangered gharial ,marsh crocodile and gangetic dolphin are also recorded in the Koshi river.

Activities :   Game viewing and bird watching
Accommodation:   Tented Camp
Access :   90 minutes drive (40km) from Biratnagar which is 50 minutes by air or 541 km by road from Kathmandu
Best season:    Oct-Mar, Apr-Jun (hot) Jul-Sep(rainy)
Reserve Headquarters: Kusha Tel: 025-21488

Encompasse4s high mountain and high Himalayan terrain, About one fourth of the park is forest oaks, maple , rhododendron, chir pine , fir, blue pine, hemlock and spruce.

The holy Gosainkunda lake is situated here. The animals found here are the wild dog, Himalayan red panda , pika, muntjack, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan tahr, ghoral, serow, rhesus monkey and the common languor. This region also an important route for migrating birds. The majority of the local inhabitants here are Tamangs and Sherpas.

Activities : Trekking and mountaineering
Accommodation: Lodges, Camping
Access : From Dhunche or Saybrubensi which is 117 km by road from kathmandu
Best season: Oct- Nov,Mar –May( Cold at higher elevation)Jun Jul-Sep(Monsoon),Dec-Feb (snow)
Reserve Headquarters: Dhunche

extends from high mountains to the high Himalayan. The elevation ranges from 500m to over 8,000m. Must of this protected area is remote wilderness. It offers more then 3,000 species of flowering plants. Wildlife includes endangered red panda, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, clouded leopard and possibly the snow leopard too.

Over 400 species of birds thrive here . the majority of people living in the conservation area belong \s to the Rai community.

Activities : Trekking and mountaineering
Accommodation: Camping
Access : Fly to Tumlintar from Kathmandu One Hrs flight) and then 6 days walk
Best season: Oct- Nov and Mar –April, Apr-May (hot at lower elevation), Jun -Sep(Monsoon).
Reserve Headquarters: Seduwa Tel: 029-60137,60236

Manasolu Conservation Area (1,663Sq. km) is situated in a remote area to the north of Gorkha , home of original Gorkha soldiers. It encompasses the seventh highest mountain in the world, Mt. Manasolu (8,156mm) The environment is middle mountain to the high Himalayan and supports 2,000 species of plants with 19 forest types. The snow leopard, lynx, gray wolf, musk deer and the Assamese monkey have been sighted here. The are 110 species of birds. The region has strong Tibetan cultural influences.

Activities : Trekking and mountaineering
Accommodation: Camping ,Lodge
Access : By bus to Dhading (87km) from Kathmandu or to Besisahar 106km from Pokhara) and then walk
Best season:     Autumn and Spring
Reserve Headquarters:     Prok

Parsa Wildlife Reserve (499Sq.km) encompasses hills and terai flatlands and has a sub-tropical monsoon climate . About 90% of the area is sal forests, with chir pine, khair, sissoo and silk cotton trees and tall grassland making up the rest. The reserve supports wild elephant, tiger, leopard, sloth bear, gaur, blue bull, wild dog, sambar, chittal, hog deer, barking deer, langur striped hyena and other animals. Cobras, kraits and pythons are also found here. There are nearly 300 species of birds, including the endangered giant hornbill.

Activities : Jungle safari on elephant-back, jungle walk, jeep drive
Accommodation: Jungle resorts and Lodge
Access : Fly to Simraha from Katmandu (15minutes) and then by road to the reserve headquarters (7km) or overland all the way from Katmandu (150km via Hetauda)
Best season: Oct-Mar, Apr-Jun (hot, 30-35 degrees Celsius), Jul-Sep(monsoon)
Reserve Headquarters: Adhabar

( 10.8 Sq.km) at 2,990m The park is situated in the high mountain region, much of it at an elevation of about 3,000m.There are coniferous forests of blue pine , blak juniper, west Himalayan spruce, oak, and Himalayan poplar. It is an ideal habitat for the musk deer, Himalayan black bear, leopard, ghoral, Himalayan tahr and the wild boar .

Activities : Trekking
Accommodation:   Camping
Access : fly to Jumla from Kathmandu via Nepalgunja and then a tree days walk or by bus from Nepalgunja to Surkhet (114km) and then walk's walk
Best season: Feb-Apr and Oct-Nov.
Reserve Headquarters: Hutu.

Royal Bardia national Park (968 Sq. km) is the largest and most undisturbed wilderness area in the Terai lowlands. It consists of sal forests and tall grasslands. It si a regenerated habitat for endangered species like the rhinoceros, wild elephant, tiger, swamp deer , black buck,gharial crocodile and Gangetic dolphin. Cobras, Kraits and pythons are also found here. Endangered birds include the Bengal florican , lesser florican, silver eared mesia and sarus crane. The local people are mainly Thurus.

Activities :   Jungle safari on elephant-back, Jungle walk, boat ride, jeep drive
Accommodation: Jungle Lodge
Access : Tree Hrs by jeep (95km) from Neplagunja which is 1 hrs 10 minutes by air or 531 km by road from Kathmandu
Best season:   Oct-Mar, Apr-Jun(hot up to 45 degrees Celsius) Jul-Sep (rainy)
Reserve Headquarters: Kasara Tel: 084-29719

Royal Chitwan Natioanl Park (932 Sq.km) is located in the Sub-tropical lowlands and consists of Sal forest, Tall grasslands hills, ox-bow lakes and flood plains. Over 50 species of mammals, 55 species of amphibians and reptiles and 525 species of birds are found here. Animals include the one horned rhino, Bengal tiger , gaur , wild elephant, antelope , striped hyena pangolin, gharial crocodile and the Gangetic dolphin.

Cobras, Kraits and pythons are also found here. There are many Tharu village adjoining the park.

Activities :   Jungle safari on elephant-back, Jungle walk, boat ride, jeep drive
Accommodation: Jungle Lodge
Access : The park headquarters at Kasara is a 21 km drive from Bharatpur which is 20 minutes by air or 146 km by road from Kathmandu
Best season: Oct-Feb. ( average temperatures 25 degrees Celsius) Mar- Jul hot up to 43 degrees) Jul-Sep (rainy)
Reserve Headquarters: Kasara Tel: 056-21932

Royal Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve (305 Sq.km) was until recently a Royal hunting domain. It is dominated by sal trees associated with asna, semal, karma, khair and sissoo sub-species and phanta grasslands. A prime habitat for the swamp deer , it ids also home to the wild elephant, tiger, hispid here, blue bull, leopard, chittal, hog deer and wild boar, along with over 300 species of birds. Reptiles include the marsh mugger, Indian python, monitor lizard, cobra, krait and rat snake.

Activities :    Wildlife viewing on elephant-back
Accommodation: Jungle Lodge
Access :   By road , 8km from Mahendranagar which is 695 km from Kathmandu by air from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi and then 51 km by road.
Best season: Feb-Mar ( 22-25 degrees Celsius) Dec-Jan (cold Foggy) Apr-Jun (hot up to 42 degrees)
Reserve Headquarters:   Majhgaon, Kanchanpur Tel : 099-21309

Sagarmatha National Park (1,148 sq. km) includes the great Himalayan peaks of Everest , Lhotse , Cho Oyu, Nuptse and other giants. It is the land of the Sherpas.

Broken into deep gorges and glacier valleys, the park has vegetation graduating from pine , hemlock, fir, juniper, birch, rhododendrons and scrubs to alpine plants and then to bare rock and snow. This is home to the Himalayan tahr, Ghoral,serow and musk deer.

Common birds are empeyan pheasant, blood pheasant, red billed chough and the yellow-billed chough. Elevation range from 2,845m to 8,848m

Activities :     Trekking and mountaineering
Accommodation:     Resort hotels, Lodge, Camping
Access : Fly to Lukla which is 30 minutes by air from Kathmandu   .
Best season:   Oct- Nov and Mar- May , Dec-Feb ( snow, day time temperature 5 degrees Celsius ), Jun-Sep (rainy)
Reserve Headquarters:    Mandalphu, Namche Bazzar Tel: 038-40114

Shey Phoksundo National Park (3,555 Sq.km) Comprises high mountain and Trans- Himalayan Ecosystems. It covers a part of Dolpo , the famed land of Yak caravans and salt traders. The lifestyle and cultural of the local people reminds one of Tibet.The park's centerpiece is lake phoksundo (also known as Ringmo). Forests of blue pine spruce, cypress, poplar, deader, fir and birch are found here . It is a prime habitat for the snow leopard and blue sheep, so also for ghoral, Himalayan Tahr, Leopard wolf, jackal and black bear. The place is equally rich in many kinds of birds.

Activities :     Trekking and mountaineering
Accommodation:       Camping
Access :   Fly to Dolpo's (Juphal) airport from Nepalgunja or Pokhara and then walk .
Best season:    Mar-May (high passes may still be covered with winter snow)and Jun- Sep ( clear wither)
Reserve Headquarters: Sumduwa

Shivapuri Water shed Nad Wildlife Reserve (144 sq.km) is situated on hill of Shivapuri to the north of Kathmandu. This is an easily accessible destination for viewing orchids, rhododendrons, pine s, utisa trees as well as many medicinal and herbal plants, rising to a high of 2,732m Shivapuri is home to the sloth bear, languor monkey, leopard, barking deer and many species of birds.

Activities :      Hiking , rock climbing, bird watching
Access :     . 11 km to the north of Kathmandu, Taxi or bus
Best season: Sep-Jun , Jul-Aug (rainy)
Reserve Headquarters: Shivapuri Tel: 371644
Source by:   National Park and Wildlife Reserves of Nepal

Embassy of Australia
Consulate: Suraj Niwas, Post Box 879 Bansbari Kathmandu Nepal
Tel : 371678 Fax : 371538
Office Hrs: Mon.- Thu. 08.30-13.15 ,13.30-17.00 Fri. 08.30-13.15 Hrs.

Embassy of Republic of China
Post Box 6327 Baluwartar , Kathmandu Nepal
Tel: 411740 / 411058 Fax: 977-1-414045

Embassy of Denmark
Address; Post Box 6332 Lalita Niwas Road, Baluwatar Kathmandu Nepal

Embassy of France
Lajimpat , Kathmandu Nepal
Tel: 413332 ,413839 ,418034 Telex: 2209 AMBFRA NP
Office Hrs: Mon -Fri. 08.30- 13.00 and 14.30-17.00 Hrs.
Visa Hrs: 09.00-13.00 Hr

Embassy Of Germany
Gyaneshar, Post Box 226 Kathmandu
Tel: 412786 Fax: 977-1-416899 Telex: 2213 AA KATH NP
Working Hrs:
Summer : (1 April- 31^st October) Mon. – Fri 08.00-15.00 Hrs.
Winter : (1^st Nov-31^st Mar) Mon.- Tue. 08.00-16.30 Hrs.

Embassy of India
Lainchaur, Kathmandu
Tel: 410900 , 414990 ,411699 Telex: 0891-2449-INDEM NP
Fax: 00977-1-413132 E-mail: indem@mos.com.np
Office Hrs: Monday . to Friday 08.00 –13.00Hrs 13.30-17.30 Hrs.

Embassy of Israel
Bisramalaya House , Lajimpat, kathmandu
Tel: 411811,413419 Fax:977-1-413920 E-mail: isaraelem@mos.com.np
Office Hrs: Monday to Thursday 08.00-15.00 hrs 15.00-15.45 hrs.

Embassy of Japan
P.O.Box 264 Pani Pokhari, Kathmandu Nepal.
Tel: 426680 Telex: 2208 TAISI NP, Fax: 977-1-414101
Office Hrs: Monday to Friday 09.00-13.00 Hrs 14.30- 17.00 Hrs

Consulate of Austria
G.P.O.Box 146 Hattisar, Kathmandu, Nepal
Telex: 2322 BLUSTR NP
Tel/Fax: 977-1-434891
Office Hrs: Monday to Friday : 09.00 – 11.00 Hrs

The Embassy of United Kingdom of Great Britain
Post Box: 106 Lainchaur , Kathmandu Nepal
Tel: 410583 .411281 ,411590 ,414588 Fax: 977-1-411789
Office Hrs: Monday to Friday: 08.30-12.30 hrs , 13.30-16.30 hrs.

Consulate of Italy
IJ Plaza, Teendhara Pathshala, Durbar Marga, Post Box 275 Kathmandu
Tel: 252801-4 Fax: 977-1-255218
E-mail: negroup@mos.com.np
Office Hrs: Mon. – Fri. 10.00-12.00 hrs.

Newzelland
P.O.Box: 224 Kosi Kompaund
Dill Bazzar (Near Batule Ghar) Kathmandu Nepal
Tel: 412436 Fax: 414750
Office Hrs: Sun- Fri: 08.30-16.00 hrs.

Poland
Post Box: 363 Golcha House Ganabahal, Kathmandu
Tel:250001 Fax: 977-1-2492723
Office Hrs: Son- Fri: 10.00-17.00 hrs.

Slovakian
3/487 Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, Kathmandu
Post Box: 3664 Tel: 521730 ,524741 Fax: 977-1-535142
Office Hrs: Mon-Fri: 14.00- 17.00 hrs.

Swiss Consular Agency , Jawalkhel , Laitpur
P. O. Box 4486 Kathmandu Nepal
Tel; 538488 Fax: 977-1-538246
Office Hrs: Monday to Friday 10.00 –12.00 hrs.

We suggest you to bring along the following supplementary Items Pain relief pills .

Always carry Nepalese Rupees in small bills on your trek and amount to be carried depends on the area and duration of the trek. A guideline to this will be maintained during our trek briefing . Money will be required only for purchase of soft / hard bottled drinks and souvenirs along the way. The balance money should be kept in a safe deposit box in your hotel / Office in Kathmandu

We recommended that each trekkers keep as small bag during the course of the trip. each morning small fire will be made for burnable rubbish . Any non-burnable rubbish or non-biodegradable should be brought back to Kathmandu.

The trip cost does not included travel insurance and visitors are advised to take the insurance coverage in your country before trip departure to Nepal.

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu:
One our tour leader / Officer will meet you at Tribhuvan International Air port (TIA) and accompany you on the bus/Car to your hotel where you pre-trekking briefing will be given. After the briefing he /she will be available at the breakfast time for any query or general information.

Daily trek routine and time tables of your trip:
You will be woken up with a nice cop of hot Darjeeling tea / Coffee brought to your tent at around 06.00 to 06.30 A.M. Followed by a small bowl of warm water for you to wash. Before breakfast you should pack up your gears , bearing in your mind that your sleeping bag will also have to fit into the duffel bag and insure your tent is free of personal belongings. Your duffel bag will be taken by your Sherpa and tied up into with other load which heads off early with the porters and will be available to you at the end of the day at next camp. We usually hit the trail by 07.30-08.45 A.M and stop for lunch around 12.00 O'clock Lunch time usually for about 1-130 hrs to allow sufficient time to serve meals to the group members and staff. The afternoon walk is slightly shorter and we camp by 16.00-17.00 hrs. Please keep in mind that these timing are general-condition and water availability of suitable campsite and water supply may effect them greatly at any time. The evening meals is served around 18.00-18.30 hrs inside the dinning tent well furnished with Table and candle light on it. After dinner the group leader /Sirdar will brief trekkers on the next day's trek details and you can then retire to your comfortable sleeping tent

Every camp is provided simple but hygienic toilet tent. The food on trek is plentiful , health and wholesome and varied. Enough staple product s are carried for the enter and outing. Fresh supplies of vegetables are purchased locals wherever.

Australia
Level 7,344 Queen Street Brisbone, Queensland 4000 Australia
Tel: 61 (07) 3220-2007 Fax: 61 (07) 3211-9885
E-mail: konbridge@selcon.au

Austria
Schickgasse 25, A-1220, Vienna, Austria
Tel. 00431/28800100, Fax 00431/288-00111

China
Norbulinka Road 13, Lasha,
Tibet Autonomous Region of the P.R. of China
Tel. 6822881 Fax 00-8691-6836890
E-mail: rncglx@public.ls.xz.cn

Canada
Royal Bank Plaza, PO Box 33, Toronto, Ontario M5j 2j9, Canada
Tel. (416) 865 0200, Fax (416) 865 0904,
E-Mail: kusharma@toronto.bdo.ca

Denmark
3 A Alderslrogade, DK2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
Tel. 3927 3175; Fax (0045) 392 01245,
E-Mail: janus@janus-as.dk

France
45 bis rue,des Acasias 75017, Paris, France
Tel: 46224867 Fax: 00331 /42270865
E-mail:nepal@worldnet.fr

Germany
Guericke Str. 27 (2^nd Floor)10587 Berlin –Charlottenberg
Tel: 30-34359920-22 Fax: 0049-30-34359906

Hongkong
Unit 1206, Greenfield Tower, Concordia plaza,
1 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tulsi, E. Kowloon, Hongkong
Tel. (852) 23697813, Fax (852) 282 42970
E-mail: rncghk@ismart.net

India (Dehli)
Barkhaba road New Dehli –1100001, India
Tel: 339218 ,3327361 Fax: 91-11-3326857
E-mail: ramjanki@vsnl.net.in

India( Calcutta)
National Library Avenue, Alipore, Calcutta –700027
Tel: 4791224 ,4791117 Fax: 0091-33-4791410
E-mail: mission.nepal@ties.itu.int

Japan
14-9,Todoroki 7-Chome, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-0082, Japan
Tel: (03) 3705-5558-5559 Fax: 008131 (03) 3705-8264
E-mail: nepembjp@big.or.jp

Switzerland
Bleicherweg 33 PO Bpx 8027; Zurich, Switzerland
Tel. 0041-1-2014515; Fax 0041-1-2014435

Uinted State of America
820 Second Avenue, 17^th floor, New York 10017
Tel. (212) 370 3988, Fax (212) 953 2038
E-mail: nepal@un.int

Nepal : It has been opened to the western since 1950 and despite the influence of Westernization. It is very traditional and religious society. As a visitors, we must respect this and respond sensitively. Whilst the people of Nepal will never rebuke you for unknowingly offending them , it is always desirable to try to respect as many as of their customs and beliefs as you can.

During your visit in Nepal We recommend you to observe the following aspects:

1. Hot pants and mini skirts are not acceptable Long and baggy shorts are acceptable.

2. When you entering a Nepalese house or temple/Monastery always remove shoes at the door steps many Hindus temple may not be opened to non-Hindus, so always seek permission.

3. Bagging is a harsh reality in most of third world countries and Nepal is not exception .Try to avoid giving money to street beggars and do 't pass you balloons and candy to village children as it encourages them to beg.

Photography: Whenever taking photographs of the locals, please seek the their permission first and respect their wishes . Old people often do not wish to be photographed but generally the Nepalese are very good natured about it we suggest that you purchase your film before leaving home. High quality print film processing is available in Kathamndu and is slightly cheaper then overseas.

Nepal offers unparalleled opportunity for photography –whether it is unsystematic or SLR ensure that you are familiar with Camera. For people with SLR s , we recommend zoom lens to enable you to photograph anything from face to mountains. AUV and polarizing filter are also highly recommended.

Nepal is a Kingdom of high Himalayan Mountains, artistic monuments exotic wild life and diverse culture. It is the land where Lord Buddha was born over 2,500 years ago. Roughly rectangular in shape the kingdom of Nepal is situated between China to the north and India to the south. The land extends approximately 885 km. East to west, and 193 km north to south. Nepal is primarily an agricultural country. Tourism, Carpets and Garments are the major industry

The Land:

The terrain rises from the terai, the southern plains covered with tropical jungles and fertile farmland at almost sea level, to the high Himalayan mountains in the north with the valleys and lush green hills in between within a distance of less then 200 km. Eight of the 10 highest peaks in the world lie in Nepal.

The People:

Nepal’s many ethnic groups are as varied as its land with their own languages and cultures. In the Kathmandu valley are Newars, whose artistry have earned them an international reputation. The Sherpas of the Himalayas are known as tough mountain climbers. Brahmins and Chhettris are scattered over the hills and valleys, and Tamang are found in the districts around Kathmandu valley. The Rais, Limbus, Magars and Gurungs of the mid hills have earned as Gurkhas soldiers. Lowland ethnic group s such as the Maithali, Bhojpuri and Tharu enhance the colorful mosaic, the population of Nepal is about 23 million.

The Climate:

Nepal contains a variety of climatic conditions ranging from the tropical heat of the Terai plains to the freezing cold of the high Himalayas. The mid hills, particularly the Kathmandu valley, are pleasant with warm summer and cool winter. Temperature range between a maximum of 37 and a minimum of 8 degree Celsius in the plains, 28 and 2 degree Celsius in Kathmandu valley, and between, 6 and 16 degree Celsius in the mountains. The rainy season lasts from June to August.

What to wear:

Medium weight and easy to wash cottons can be a good choice year around in the Kathmandu valley. From October to February, woolen sweaters, Jackets or similar other outfits are necessary. Short or long sleeved shirts are good from March through May. From June to September, light and loose garments are advisable.

Wild Life:

Nepal provides shelter to over 30 species of large wild animals and approximately 180 species of mammals. The rhinoceros, tigers, crocodiles, snow leopard red panda, Himalayan black dear, and many others beasts are found Nepal's jungles.

Nepal is also a haven for birds and over 800 species, representing approximately 10% of the world's population are found here. There are more then 650 species of butterflies and over 6,000 species of months.

Language:

Nepali, written in the Devanagari script, is national language as well as the lingau Franca for Nepal ’diverse communities. Many languages and dialects are the spoken in the Kingdom, however, only 8 (Nepali, Maithali, Bhojpuri, Tharu, Tamang, Gurung, Rais, Limbus, Newari, Sherpas and Nepalbhasa) are spoken by more then half million people. English and Hindi are widely understood in the urban centers and places frequented by tourists.

Currency:

Nepalese Currency is the rupee (Aubrey. RS wish is divided into 100 paisa, bank notes come in denominations of 1000, and 500,50,20,10,5,2 and 1 rupees. Approximate exchange rate at the time of going to press US$ 1= RS 76.00 and Euro 1 = RS 67.00

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Food and water

Our cooks staff have been trained to take maximum care with hygiene water is properly boiled before preparing a cup of nice tea/coffee You are advised to drink mineral water or supplied by one of our camp staff who will refill your water Altitude for trek going above 3500 m acclimatization is necessary . Our trek schedule have been carefully designed to minimize the effect of altitude .We ascend slowly and ensure an adequate number of rest day to enable safe acclimatization en-route. It is still possible for mountain sickness to occur so a close watch is kept throughout the trip by your tour leader /Sirdar .The symptoms include .

Bad headache Nausea Lethargy and some time breathlessness. If you or any of these of the group members display any of these symptoms ,Please make sure you inform your tour leader / Sirdar immediately. It is essential a at high that you keep your fluid intake high at least 3 letters of liquid per day. Your tour leader can advise you more thoroughly regarding the altitude and most of the problems on trail. If you wish to know more about the Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) A free pamphlet is provided by Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) in Kathmandu.

S/No	Festival	Place	2002	2003
1	Magh Sankranti	Devghat	14^th Jan
2	BasantaPanchami	All Nepal	17^th Feb
3	Democratic day	All Nepal	19^th Feb.
4	Shiva Ratri	Pashupatinath	12^th Mar.
5	Holi	All Nepal	28^th Mar.
6	Chaitra Dasain	All Nepal	20 Apr.
7	Bisket Jatra	Bhaktapur	13^th Apr.
8	Baisakh Purnima (Birthday of Lord Buddha)	Bauddha, Lumbini	26^th May
9	Rato Machhenrdanath Jatra	Patan	May
10	Janai Purnima	All Nepal	22^nd Aug.
11	Gai Jatra	Kathmandu	23^rd Aug
12	(Birthday of Lord Krishna)	Patan, all Nepal	30^th Aug.
13	Teej	All Nepal	9^th Sep
14	Fathers day	Gokarna	7^th Sep
15	Indra Jatra	Kathmandu	20^th Sep.
16	Dasain	All Nepal	12-15 Oct.
17	Tihar ( Light Festival)	All Nepal	4-6 Nov.
18	Bala Chaturdasi	Pashupatinath	10^th Nov.
19	Mani Rimdu	Everest region	Nov.
20	Kings birthdays	All Nepal	29^th Dec.

Headache	Anti- diarrhea tablets	Blister pads
Sterile plain crepe bandages	Tube of antiseptic cream	Decongestants/Antihistamines
Throat lozenges	Paracetamol / Aspirin	Personal medicines as prescribed by your physician

Annapurna Conservation Area Project	Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve	Kanchanjunga Conservation Area
Khaptad National Park	Koshi Toppu Wildlife reserve	Langtang National park
Makalu-Barun National Park and Conservation Area	Manasolu Conservation Area	Parsa Wildlife Reserve
Rara National Park	Royal Bardia national Park	Royal Chitwan Natioanl Park
Royal Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve	Sagarmatha National Park	Shey Phoksundo National Park
Shivapuri Water shed and Wildlife Reserve