Information about Nepal
The lure and
romance of
Nepal
comes from its very remoteness.
Nestled high in the
Himalaya the kingdom was
closed to the outside world until 1951. Since then it has become one of the
premier tourist destinations of the world.
Apart from
Nepal’s
world-renowned physical attractions – frozen peaks, broad valleys, lush jungles
and exotic wildlife – it is a country with an ancient, rich and diverse
cultural heritage.
With a recorded
history of almost 3000 years, and legendary beginnings dating back further
still, the legacy and influences of the past are a constant presence in modern
life. Traditional architecture mingles with the modern, busy streets divert
around sacred shrines, festivals celebrate gods and heroes and
suited-businessmen offer kayak’s to departing visitors.
The lives of
all of
Nepal’s
numerous ethnic groups and castes are strongly influenced by religion. Whether
Hindu, Buddhist, Shamanist or, as is common, an amalgam of belief, daily and
life-long routines - morning puja, making offerings at a shrine on the way to
work and the bigger events of birth and death – are a vibrant aspect of
Nepalese life. Architecture follows styles that provide for household shrines,
deities are painted in vibrant color and festivals are an integral part of
life.
Capital city:
Kathmandu
Area: 147,181 sq km
Population: 29.5 million
Language: Nepali
Currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR)
Time zone: GMT +5.75
Dialing code: +977
People: Hindu (75%), Buddhists (20%), Others (5%)
Getting Here:
Thai flies daily between Kathmandu and
Bangkok
with connections throughout the world.
From Europe there are daily flights via the Middle East on Emirates, Gulf Air
and Qatar Airways as well as connections via
Delhi on Lufthansa and KLM.
There are daily flights from
Delhi
on Indian Airways and RNAC.
RNAC has twice weekly flights to
Osaka via
Shanghai and to
Hong Kong.
China Eastern Airways is due to begin operating between
Beijing
and
Shanghai and
Kathmandu
early 2004.
Visas and Permits
Visa for
Nepal: All foreign
nationals (except Indians) require a visa to enter
Nepal. Visas are obtainable from
embassies abroad or on arrival at
Kathmandu's
Tribhuvan airport. If getting the visa at the airport be prepared for long
queues. There have been instances when passengers were asked to show return
flight tickets. You will also need to provide two passport photos and the
following fees in US dollars cash only: multi entry visa valid for 15 days -
US$25, multi entry visa valid for 30 days - US$40, multi entry visa valid for
90 days - US$100.
***Please note
if you are staying in
Nepal
for less than 24 hours while in transit a transit visa can be issued on
presentation of your international flight ticket, there is a nominal charge of
US$5 and two photos are required
Climate
Nepal
has a generally temperate climate, however altitude makes distinct variations.
The monsoon sweeps up from
India
each summer, making mid June to mid September humid and wet. The three other
distinct seasons are all suitable for trekking and each has its own advantages.
Changing global weather patterns have had their effect on the Himalayan climate
and mountain weather is notoriously changeable. Always be prepared for a change
in conditions and note that if severe or dangerous weather conditions occur
your guide’s decision on any course of action is final.
Winter (December-February) It is cold and you will need to be prepared, but the
air is very clear providing the best mountain views.
Spring (March-May) Days are increasingly warm and the rhododendrons are in
bloom. Mist and clouds are not uncommon.
Summer (June-August) The monsoon season. It will rain every day, although
generally in the evening and night. The hills turn lush and green and at higher
elevations the alpine plants will bloom.
Autumn (September-November) The most pleasant trekking season where days are
warm, but not hot; there is little chance of snow and skies are clear.
Religion and
Culture
Religion is the lifeblood of the Nepalese, defining art, culture, social
position and the ritual of daily life. Religion in
Nepal comprises a net of magical,
mystical and spiritual beliefs with a multitude of gods reflecting the diverse
facets of Nepalese life.
Officially
Nepal
is a Hindu country, but in practice religion is a complex and unique
interweaving of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs with a pantheon of Tantric deities
tagged on, all against a background of ancient animist traditions. In very
broad terms lowlanders are Hindu, highlanders are Buddhist and the middle hills
are a mixture of both. The greatest intermingling is in the
Kathmandu
valley where there is a hardly a ‘pure’ temple to be found and everyone joins
in the major celebrations and worships the most popular deities. For about 95%
of people these deities are not a matter of faith, but living beings to be
pleased or appeased by devotees.
People:
The majority religion is Hindu, with a substantial number of Buddhists (being
the birthplace of Buddha)
Nepalese society is traditional and conservative
Couples should be aware that public displays of affection are considered
inappropriate
The left hand is considered unclean so the right hand should always be used for
giving, taking, eating, shaking hands, etc
The feet are also considered unclean so it is impolite to kick someone, put
your feet up on a chair or table, point your feet at someone or something
revered or to touch someone else's feet
Dress:
Cleanliness in appearance and modesty are greatly appreciated
Caste Groups
Hindu caste Groups
These constitute 80% of the population of the middle hills, particularly in western
Nepal.
Brahmans: are at the top. Traditionally they served as priests and
moneylenders, today they are found in government, education and commerce.
Chettri are the largest Hindu caste specializing in military and political
affairs. The royal family belongs to this caste.
The
traditional middle-castes are absent in
Nepal, filled instead by ethnic
groups. At the bottom are the occupational castes- blacksmiths, cobblers,
tailors etc. and at the very bottom, the outcaste sweepers and butchers.
Terai Ethnic
Groups
Approximately 25% of
Nepal’s
population belongs to the Indo-Aryan groups of the Terai. The Maithili comprise
Nepal’s
largest single ethnic group.
Hill Ethnic
Groups
Newar: are the indigenous inhabitants of the
Kathmandu
valley. Originally Buddhist the majority is now Hindu or a tangled mixture of
the two beliefs. Newari society is divided into 64 occupational castes, the
largest being the Jyapu, peasant farmer.
tamang are one
of the largest ethnic groups whose homeland is central and eastern
Nepal. To a
greater extent than the Newars they have retained their farmers, porters and
craftsmen.
Gurung inhabit
the foothills of the Lamjung and Annapurna Himal. There, intensively farmed
hillsides surround neat villages of stone houses, linked by a network of trails
paved with precisely cut and fitted stone blocks. They speak an unwritten
Tibeto-Burman language and, at higher altitudes, retain Buddhist traditions whilst
in lower regions they have generally become Hindu.
Magar people
inhabit roughly the same region as the Gurung, but farm the lower slopes.
Originally followers of an animistic folk religion with a Buddhist veneer most
are now Hindu. Along with Gurungs, Magar’s make up the bulk of the Gurkha and
Nepalese armed forces.
Thakali,
natives of the Thak Khola region near Annapurna are known as shrewd and aggressive
traders who enjoyed a profitable position as middlemen in the salt trade
between
Tibet and lowland
Nepal.
Originally a mix of Tibetan Buddhist and Shamanist, many have converted to
Hinduism.
The Kirati Rai
and Limbu can trace thier history at least 2,300 years when they were mentioned
in the epic Mahabharata. Said to have once ruled the
Kathmandu
valley thay have now resettled in the eastern hills following a mixture of
animist, Buddhist and Hindu beliefs.
Mountain
Ethnic Groups
Bhotia is the term used throughout the subcontinent to describe the northern
mountain peoples with close ties to
Tibet. They speak a variety of
Tibetan-based dialects and are followers of Vajrayana Buddhism with Shamanist
Bon influences. Inhabiting the high valleys they live by a mixture of farming,
herding and trade. There are dozens of Bhotia groups including the Dolpo-pa,
Lo-pa, Manang-pa and the famous sher-pa of the Solukhumbu region. Although the
name Sherpa has become synonymous with ‘porter’’, properly speaking the
sher-pa are a group tracing their origins to eastern
Tibet from where they immigrated
about 400 years ago.
Festivals of
Nepal
t is said about
Nepal
that every other structure is an holy shrine and every other day a festival.
Well, if the number of annual festivals, both religious and national, is any
indication, the saying couldn’t be more true. Festivals are essential part of
Nepalese life that garner tremendous local participation. Festivals also offer
visitors a valuable opportunity not only for having fun but gaining insight
into various aspects of Nepalese culture.
The religious festivals follow the lunar calendar, while national festivals
have fixed dates. Wherever or whenever you arrive in
Nepal, you can be pretty sure of
being at the right time for one or more special events. Some of the major and
interesting festivals are presented below:
New Year (Nava
Varsha): The Nepalese New year’s Day usually falls in the second week of April.
i.e. the first day of Baisakh. The day is observed as a national holiday. The
people celebrate it with great pomp and show. On this occasion, Bisket Jatra is
held in the city of
Bhaktapur.
Buddha
Jayanti: In Nepal, Buddha Jayanti is observed by both Hindus and Buddhists. In
the Kathmandu valley, the celebration centers around the ancient Buddhist
Shrines of Swayambhunath, situated on a hill west of
Kathmandu,
the light of butter lamp blazes all through this night as it has for over 2000
years. It is a night of fasting and chanting. Morning finds the stupa gaily
decorated with fluttering prayer prayer flags. Thangkas and religious
paintings, are unrolled and displayed in front of the Tibetan Buddhist
monasteries around the stupa. Monks performs long rituals and walk in procession
with horns, cymbals and colorful head-dresses. On the other side of town, at
the immense white stupa of Boudhanath, crowds of Tibetans, Tamangs and Sherpas
gather for merrymaking. An image of the Buddha is mounted on an elephant
leading a procession which circles the stupa and winds through the streets to
another stupa.
Large symbolic lotus petals are painted on the stupa with yellow dye made from
pounds of expensive saffron. Prayer flags fill the air, and when night falls,
the stupa and balconies of monasteries and homes sparkle with the light of
thousands of candle and butterlamps.
It’s a time of
joy and devotion and a time of thanks to the prince who left his palace to
bring to the world the teachings of great compassion.
Dashain:
Dashain is also known as Durga Puja, for it is the worship of Mother Goddess
Durga. It is
Nepal’s
longest and most lavishly celebrated Hindu festival. Like Christmas, it is the
holiday when families unite to exchange blessings and gifts, to spread goodwill
and to forget feuds and quarrels. Everyone wears new clothes, feasts are
spread, and the businesses and government functions come to a pleasant halt as
one and all make festive visits to their relatives’ homes.
Throughout
Nepal
during the two weeks preceding the full moon of September or October, Hindu as
well as Buddhist households celebrates Dashain. In villages throughout the
Kingdom, in the homes, streets and temple courtyards of
Kathmandu
valley, the great Goddess Durga is propitiated with elaborate dances and ritual
animal sacrifices. For it was Durga, in a momentous victory, who saved the
world form evil forces. The gods and goddesses of Hinduism take may alternative
forms. Durga, Divine protectress, is represented either as a simple holy water
pot or in her full powerful form with 18 hands holding 18 weapons. Durga also
manifested as ferocious Kali with a protruding tongue and necklace of Skulls;
or as Taleju-the fearsome protector Goddess of Nepal; or as Kumari, the gentle
virgin Living Goddess. Durga is compassionate when treated to generous
offerings of blood and spirits, but she is vengeful is scorned with neglet;
thus the fervor with which Hindus celebrate Durga puja.
For each of
the first nine nights, the narrow lanes surrounding Patan’s Durbar square
pulsate with masked dancers aglitter in jeweled costumes, each personifying one
of the eight mother Earth goddesses, the Asta Matrika. It is celebrated upto 10
days.
Deepawali (The
festival of Lights): Deepawali, which literally means “the row of lamps” is
celebrated as the festival of lights. This festival is also known as ‘Tihar’
which lasts for five consecutive days and is observed in honour of Laxmi, the
Goddess of wealth and good luck. It is the most friendly of festivals observed
throughout
Nepal and also
India. Laxmi,
the Goddess of prosperity and good fortune is invited into every home. All
people enjoy five days of feasting and family gatherings. It also heralds the
advent of autumn in
Nepal.
Laxmi puja is
observed on the auspicious occasion of Deepawali. This is the third day of
Tihar when the sacred cow is worshipped with great honour. Hindus worship and
regard cow as their holy mother. So we worship the holy cow in the morning with
garlands of flowers and apply red tika on her foreheads.
A few days
before Tihar, preparations are seen in full swing for cleaning and whitewashing
to add new look to houses and buildings. During this festival houses, shops,
offices, factories and mills are brightly decorated with lights and traditional
lamps. It is a time of lights and tinsel decorations. This type of illumination
is done for three consecutive days, beginning from the first day of Tihar. But
special light arrangements are done on the day of Laxmi puja. Flickering
oil-tradtional lamps lighten al courtyards, doorways, roof-tops, verandahs and
windows. People stroll around in new clothes and buy sweets and gifts. In this
way, this festival gives glimpse of a traditional Christmas.
Teej(The
festival of women (August to September) Teej festival is celebrated with great
enthusiasm and devotion by women in
Nepal. Teej is an annual festival.
Married women observe observe Teej to honor lord Shiva and for long and healthy
life of their husband. According to Hindu mythology Goddess Parvati reunited
with Lord Shiva on this day. According to the holy books, the Goddess Parvati
fasted and prayed fervently for the great lord Shiva to become her spouse.
Touched by her devotion, he took her for his wife. This is why women also fast
on this day for their husbands or for their husbands to be. Unmarried girls
also observe fast on this day for a good husband. Red color is an eminent part
of this festival as it is considered auspicious for women observing Teej Fast
and so most of them dress up in red or bridal clothes
Teej
celebrations last for three pious days. Women are busy shopping for this
festival buying new clothes, bangles, potes, and preparing dishes they have the
day before the fasting day. Teej is the only fasting day that women are not
allowed to have anything the whole day including water.
Some of the
attraction of Teej Festival are:
?Red attire
?Bangles
?Pote (Red bead necklace)
?Jewelries
?Dhago(Bunch of threads in red color)
Maha Shiva Ratri (February-March): The night of Lord Shiva, where tens of
thousands of devotees and pilgrims from all over Nepal, India and other parts
of the world converge at Pashupatinath temple complex.
During
Shivaratri the
temple
of
Pashupati Nath,
dedicated to Lord Shiva, becomes all spruced up in anticipation of the arrival
of Sadhus, Yogis and other holy men as well as hundreds of thousands of devout
Hindu pilgrims. The fact that all devout Hindus believe a visit to the holy
Pashupati Nath temple will absolve all past sins and the preference to make
this pilgrimage during the time of Shivaratri, the most auspicious of
Shivaratri festivals, is one of the main reasons for the annual congregation of
this vast multitude of humanity.
The days before and after Shivaratri sees the collection of vast numbers of
people from all walks of life as well as providing a Kaleidoscope of many
different ethnic and tribal races of
Nepal
and
India.
People fill roads around Pashupati Nath temple-holy men, some half clad, some
covered in ash but entirely nude; pilgrims in their distinct and colorful
tribal costumes; vendors selling practically everything from vermillion powder,
Rudraksha beads, Monkey nuts to Coca cola and snaks. The curious foreign
tourist also form part of this vast collection.
People gather
on the hillside across the river from the Pashupati Nath temple as well as
around the vicinity of the temple complex, in groups around campfires and in
making shift shelters, singing Bhajans, reciting mantras, discussing various
religious topics while maintaining a fast and a vigil in anticipation of the
religious ceremonies. Some with photographable hairstyles dot the area, serene
and trance-like, emulating Lord Shiva himself, who it is believed to smoke the
‘stuff’.
Holi (The
festival of colors): Holi or Faagu, the festival of color, falling in the month
of march, Faagu Purnima (Full-moon day), according to Nepali calendar, is a
colorfully distinct and unique festival in Hindu culture, celebrated amid
greater jubilance and festivity by the Hindu youth-boys and girls in
particular.
On this day,
all young and old, usually garbed in white costume, wearing red-powder on their
foreheads, and varieties of liquid colors thrown on their white Pyzama or Pant
Shirts, wander in groups from place to place reaching their friends, relatives,
kith and kin, hugging each other, receiving and offering the red-powders on
foreheads. The mood and the atmosphere is one of the state of happiness,
victory.
In similar
fashion, the young girls and women of the household, too, play Holi among
themselves, some with their male relatives, friends and kith and kin.
To add
intensity to the Holi mood or to forget their sufferings, perhaps the youth
consume Opium paste called Shiva buti or ghotta which adds momentum to the
festivity. The revelers sing and dance in a complete state of happiness wearing
strange look, a bizarre appearance, resulting form applying of several colors
on their faces.
The
significance of Holi festival, like other Hindu festivals in Hindu mythology,
is of greater theological importance.
The tradition
in the Terai of Nepal and India has it that a day before Holi festival is
cermonically observed, the local youths collects, to some extent, steal wood
and timber in the evening from vicinity and, pie them up in some isolated field
where they, after observing some rituals, set the wood on fire.
Krishna astami: (July-August): It marks the birthday
of Lord Krishna. On this day, impressive ceremonies are conducted at the
Krishna
Temple in Patan and at Changu Narayan.
Gai Jatra(Cow
festival): (July to August): It is a carnival that lasts eight days. Dancing,
singing, comedy and anything that causes mirth and laughter are its highlights.
Red
Machchhendranath Rath Jatra(May-June): This festival is the biggest socio-cultural
event of Patan. The wheeled chariot of a deity known as Bungdyo or Red
Machchhendranath is made at Pulchowk and dragged through the city of
Patan in several stages
till it reaches the appointed destination. The grand finale of the festival is
called the ‘Bhoto Dekhaune’ or the “Showing of a vest”. A similar kind of
chariot festival to Machchhendranath(white) is also held in
Kathmandu
city in the month of March-April.
Lhosar: This
festival is most impressively observed in the month of February by the Sherpas.
They organize folk songs and dances on this occasion. These dances can be seen
in Khumbu, Helambu, and other northern regions of
Nepal
and also at Boudhanath in
Kathmandu.
Ghodejatra(March-April):
Known as the festival of horses, it is one of the most exciting festivals of
Kathmandu. Horce race and other sports take place at
Tundikhel on this day. In other parts of the city, various deities are carried
shoulder-high on Palanquin to the accompaniment of traditional music.
Inrajatra(August-September):
The festival of Indra, the God of rain, is observed with great enthusiasm in
Kathmandu valley. The festival lasts for eight days. The
Chariot of Kumari, the Living Goddess, is taken out in Procession through the
main streets of
Kathmandu. The festival is specially
noted for the echoes of drums and dancing feet of the masked dancers almost
every evening.
Travel Information
Accommodation
We use a wide range of accommodation, ranging from clean and comfortable hotels
and guesthouses, to basic tea houses that are often multi-shared and waterproof
tents on our fully assisted trekking and rafting programs.
Our hotels rooms are generally twin bedded, with private facilities which are
usually of Western style.
When traveling in remote areas, toilet facilities are usually local squat style
and can often be quite primitive.
Transport
Buses:
On shorter routes we take the rather run-down local buses and mingle with the
locals.
Jeeps or minibuses are often used to get us to and from our trekking and
rafting departure points.
On longer routes, we use private or tourist buses, which provide a slightly
higher degree of comfort and safety.
Cycle:
Around
Kathmandu and Pokhara bicycles are a
great way to take in the atmosphere and scenery.
Taxis:
Widely found in
Kathmandu and Pokhara, all
licensed taxis are metered, but drivers are often reluctant to use them.
Make sure to negotiate the fare before departing.
Pedal-rickshaws:
Great way to be traveling around in the old part of the city though their
movement is restricted on the main, traffic-congested roads at the day time.
Besides, it's an environment friendly mode to explore the backstreets and
narrow alleyways of
Kathmandu.
For fare, you'll have to haggle with the driver.
On foot:
The traditional way of getting to places in the
Himalaya.
food &
drink
Meals:
Traditional Nepali food is plain and simple, not very spicy, but full of
flavors.
While trekking in the mountains, (especially in Everest and some part of
Annapurnas) the Tibetan influence becomes more evident in the food
Many Indian dishes are found in the plains in the south.
Must Try:
Dal-bhat-tarkari - a thick lentil soup (dal), with rice (bhat) and vegetable
curry (tarkari)
Vegetarians:
Vegetarians are well-catered for
Drinks:
Chang is a mild beer made from millet or rice and is the home brew of the
Himalaya.
Racksi is a country liquor usually made from millet, wheat or corn.
The Nepali morning normally begins with a cup of tea
Locally produced soft drinks are widely available.
Lassi is a curd based drink which may be either savory or sweet. It is popular
and refreshing.
The legal drinking age is 18
Water:
Do not drink the water unless you are sure it has been filtered.
The same applies to ice.
Bottled water is readily available in the main centre although a more
environmentally-friendly option is to take water purification tablets with you,
or a camping bottle with an in-built filter.
Communication:
Email:
All the major cities have internet access either in hotels or internet cafes
Expect connection speeds to be slow
Telephone:
International calls can be made from nearly all the centres we visit except for
when you're rafting and trekking in the remote regions
Mobile phone coverage is available but is unreliable
Global roaming agreements exist with some international phone companies. Check
with your provider before leaving home if you wish to access roaming
Post:
Receiving post is not convenient as we are normally doing something or
traveling during the opening hours of most post offices
When posting mail to international addresses it is best to leave your mail at
the post office rather than in a post box.
Money
Nepal
the currency is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR).
It is best to
bring a mixture of cash and travelers checks in major currencies - USD, CAD,
EUR, AUD - and ensure you have a mixture of large and small denominations.
Money may easily be exchanged at
Kathmandu
airport on arrival and banks and licensed moneychangers in cities. Credit card
cash advances and ATM withdrawals are in NPR only.
Shopping is difficult to predict, but most people buy more than they intended.
If you intend to buy quality art works including hand-painted thangkas, carpets
or traditional jewelry allow significantly more – you can easily spend USD200+
for top quality items.
What to buy?
Nepal
is great for all kinds of handicrafts, textiles and artworks
Popular buys include clothing, embroidered items, Tibetan carpets, traditional
religious paintings, hand-woven pashmina shawls, pottery, jewellery, traditional
masks, puppets, bronze, traditional knives, prayer wheels, wood carvings and
traditional musical intruments
Thangkas are traditional Buddhist painted banners. They make great souvenirs as
they are designed to be rolled up and easy to carry
Check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to import
some items back into your home country.
Australia
and
New Zealand
for example have strict quarantine laws.
Art of
Bargaining
The art of
bargaining is something you can work on during your trip. Here are a few
pointers to help you on your way:
• Start
bargaining with some idea of what you consider a fair price for the item to be.
This will usually involve sourcing the item in a number of different stores.
• The correct
price for an item is the price you agree to pay, that keeps both you and the
seller happy. Therefore, there’s no “right” price.
• Don’t appear
too interested in an item. Walking out of a store is often a good way to get
the price to drop.
• Shop with a
friend – buying in bulk will often reduce the price.
• Learn the
numbers in the local language. It will win respect from the seller
and will certainly make the process a lot more
interesting.
• Be polite,
patient, but firm in your bargaining. No one ever has received a cheaper price
through being rude or insensitive
•Most
importantly, enjoy the experience, and remember you are often only bargaining
over only a couple of dollars- Keep it in perspective.
• Once a price
you have offered is accepted it is not appropriate to back out of the deal.
• Only say
you’ll buy something later if you intend to buy later. The sellers usually have
amazing memories, and will come hounding you on your promise!
Trek/ Trip
Grades
Easy
Experience is not necessary at this level: anyone who is in good health and fit
enough to enjoy a good weekend hill walk can manage this trek. However, walking
always involves some exertion: trails are seldom flat, and you must still expect
to have a reasonable amount of ascent and descent.
Days are generally short in duration (3-5 hours)
Altitude is less than 3000m
Moderate
Most people who enjoy a weekend in the hills or mountains at home are capable
of undertaking a trek at this level: you need to be in good health and
reasonably fit, and taking regular exercise.
Days generally involve 4-6 hours walking – it may include the occasional longer
or more difficult day.
Altitude is around 3000m
Trip Grading
Easy – relaxed sightseeing with private transport to sights.
Moderate –
Whilst no strenuous activity is involved conditions will be harsher than you
are used to. Accommodations on some days will be extremely basic with shared
‘pit’ variety toilets and no washing facilities. Food will be sometimes be
basic, with little variety available. Driving days can be long, dusty and bumpy
and you may feel some effects of altitude.
Challenging –
All the aspects of a moderate trip, but sustained over a longer period of time.
The koras (circumambulation) of
Mount
Kailash and/or
Lake
Manasarovar
are challenging due to the altitude, but generally achievable by anyone in good
health.
Brief
highlights of Sightseeing places
The old city of
Kathmandu is located on a bluff
at the confluence of the Bagmati and
Vishnumati
Rivers – an easily
defended site with rich soil and a plentiful water supply.
KATHMANDU
Durbar Square
Kathmandu’s number one tourist attraction swarms with
life. Though a few of the square’s 50-plus monuments date from the 12th
century, most are from the time of the Malla Kings. Probably the most famous
building here is the Kumari Bahal, a building richly decorated with beautiful
woodcarvings, which is home to the Royal Kumari, the Living Goddess, a
manifestation of the great goddess Durga. Nearby the former
Royal
Palace
is a Mall Dynasty dwelling, once considerably more extensive than today.
Within, the courtyard Nassal Chowk, originally hosted dramatic dance
performances, now it is the coronation site of the Shah kings and contains some
of the finest wood carvings you will see anywhere in the kingdom.
The 14th century Jagannath Mandir is the oldest temple in the area, its steps
carved with inscriptions in many languages, nearby Telaju Mandir is one of the
largest and finest temples in the Valley. It is dedicated to the patron deity
of the royal family, Taleju Bhawani, a wrathful form of Durga who once demanded
human sacrifices.
Swayambhunath
The most ancient and enigmatic of the Valley’s holy shrines the golden-spired
stupa of Swayambhunath tops a wooded hillock. Records of its history date as
far as the 5th century, but its origins are believed to be older. It is the
Kathmandu
Valley’s
most sacred Buddhist shrine and whilst its worshippers include the Vajrayana
Buddhists of northern
Nepal
and
Tibet,
Newari Buddhists are the most fervent devotees.
Pashupatinath
This is
Nepal’s
most sacred Hindu shrine and one of the subcontinent’s great Shiva sites. The
supreme holiness of the site stems from the Shiva linga enshrined in its main
temple and its location. It expresses the very essence of Hinduism as pilgrims,
priests, devotes, temples, ashrams, images, inscriptions and cremation ghats
intermingle with the rituals of daily life, all sprawled along the banks of the
sacred Bagmati River. The temple’s origins are obscure, an inscription dates
from 477, but a shrine may have stood here for 1000 years before that.
Boudhanath
This great stupa is one of
Nepal’s
most distinctive monuments and one of the most important Buddhist sites in
Nepal and, with
a diameter of over 100 meters, amongst the largest in the world. There are a
number of legends accounting for the stupa’s construction, but it is generally
believed to date from the 5th century. All stupas contain holy relics and
Boudha is said to contain the remains of the past Buddha Kasyapa.
Boudha is a particular focus for
Kathmandu’s
Tibetan community and throughout the day there is a constant stream of people
circling the stupa spinning prayer wheels and reciting mantras. Surrounding the
stupa are six major monasteries and a host of smaller ones as well as cafes,
restaurants and shops selling Tibetan carpets and Newari silversmiths.
Patan
This ancient city, once a kingdom in itself, is situated across the
Bagmati
River
to the south of
Kathmandu. Approximately 80%
of the inhabitants are Newars and they fiercely retain their identity as
separate to
Kathmandu.
Patan’s origins are clouded in mystery. It claims its place as capital of the
mythic Kiranti Dynasty and association with the great Indian emperor, Ashoka,
who is credited with the building of the 4 grass-covered stupas surrounding the
city. For many centuries Patan’s importance eclipsed that of Kathmandu and by
the 7th century was one of the major Buddhist centers of Asia attracting
pilgrims, scholars and monks from
India,
Tibet and
China. Medieval
Patan was the largest and most prosperous of the three Valley kingdoms. It was
annexed to
Kathmandu in the late 6th century
and most of its magnificent architecture dates to the late Malla era (16th-18th
centuries).
Durbar Square
Patan’s
Durbar Square
offers the finest display of Newari urban architecture in
Nepal. There
are temples devoted to Shiva,
Krishna, Ganesh
and Vishnu all actively visited by residents and visitors. At the northern end
of the square the ancient sunken water tap has been restored and is still in
use with young girls filling huge jugs from the carved stone waterspouts. The
courtyards of the
Royal
Palace with their ornamented windows, columned
arcades, shrines and sunken royal bath are amongst the most lovely in all
Kathmandu.
Back streets
Old Patan comprises a small area with individual neighborhoods dedicated to
metalworking, stone carving, and woodwork as well as some lovely old temples.
One of the most lovely is the Kwa Bahal or ‘Golden Temple’, a lavish,
gilt-roofed shrine – the main façade covered in gilt and silver, the whole
surrounded by images of real and mythical beasts, scenes from the Buddha’s
life.
BHAKTAPUR
Once the capital of the Valley, Bhaktapur is the most unchanged of the three
cities. Retaining something of its medieval atmosphere, Bhaktapur embodies the
essence of the Newari city. Despite frequent rebuilding as the result of
earthquakes the city’s architecture and organization remain an excellent
example of town planning. Neighborhoods, roughly organized by caste, are
centered on a main square with a public water source, temples and a Ganesh
shrine. The 12th century the King of Banepa moved his capital here and it ruled
a unified Valley for the next 3 centuries. It was the last of the cities to
fall to Prithvi Narayan Shah in 1768 and since then its importance has
diminished considerably.
Durbar Square
Much
of Bhaktapur’s
Durbar Square
was destroyed in the 1934 earthquake and appears much emptier than those of
Kathmandu or Patan. Amongst its many attractions are
substitute shrines for the four great Indian pilgrimage sites and the
Golden Gate. This is the most famous piece of art in all
Nepal, an
exquisite monument of gilded metalwork constructed in 1753.
Potter’s Square
The neighborhood of the potter caste, where hundreds of clay vessels are set to
dry in the sun before being fired in makeshift kilns. Families work in the open
producing tiny oil lamps, teacups, bowls, vases and water jugs.
Taumadhi Tol
This square is more important to the locals and more intimately tied to daily
life and festivals than
Durbar
Square. It is dominated by the 5-roofed, 30-meter
high
Nyatapola
Temple, the tallest in
Nepal.
Main
Bazaar
This brick paved street and its offshoot alleys reveals the heart of Bhaktapur
as life spills into the street – women pond laundry, children play, old men
squat in doorways for a chat and shopkeepers sell all the necessities of daily
life.
Tachapal Tol
The original town center, dating from the 8th century. Many of the pilgrim rest
houses and those that sheltered ascetics have become private dwellings others
remain as fully-fledged temples. The famous ‘Peacock Window’ is down an alley
off the square.
Outside the
Valley
BANDIPUR
Bandipur is a charming hill town midway between
Kathmandu
and Pokhara. It is an ancient trading post inhabited by Magars (the original
inhabitants of the area) and Newars. Nestled in the hills Bandipur offers
excellent opportunities for day hikes or relaxing enjoying the panoramic
mountain vistas. Untouched by modernization, and laced with an abundance of
ancient houses, temples of great significance, and historical architecture,
this medieval-era town boast festivals all year around, besides plethora of
cultural offerings. Neighboring Magar, Gurung, Bahun, Chhetri, Damai and Sarki
villages all contribute to the cultural diversity of the region. The hilltop
town not only overlooks the incredible expanse of the Marsyanngdi river valley,
but also offers a breathtaking sweep of the Himalayan range, from Langtang in
the east to
Dhaulagiri in the west. From
nearby hilltops, one can see as far as Manakamana and Gorkha to east the great
Chitwan plains to the south, among others.
DAMAN
The tiny ridge-top
village of
Daman offers some of the best Himalayan views in
Nepal – a panorama from Dhaulagiri to
Kanchenjunga, including all five
Annapurna
peaks. 75 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu it is reached by a rugged mountain
road, which is lauded by many mountain bikers as one of the best rides in
Nepal.
DHULIKHEL
Once an important stop on the trade route between Kathmandu and
Tibet, the
wealth amassed through trade is depicted in the handsome buildings with
intricate woodcarvings. Sadly many of these fine structures have been
neglected, but this is an xcellent place if you are interested in collecting
fine pieces. The population of Dhilikhel is a mixture of Newar, Tamang and
Brahman-Chhetri. The main square includes a Narayan shrine and a rare temple to
the deity Harasiddhi. The best mountain views are from a small Kali shrine on a
ridge above the town – sunrise is the most spectacular.
GORKHA
This typical hill town is the ancestral home of
Nepal’s ruling family. It was from
Gorkha’s hilltop fortress that King Prithvi Narayan Shah (1723-1775) launched
his attempt to unify the independent states of
Nepal. Gorkha's centerpiece is the
magnificent Gorkha Durbar with a fort, a palace and a temple with excellent
views of the surrounding valleys, and the Mansalu range.
Gorkha Bazaar is primarily a cobbled street market place where by people from
neighboring hill dwellings come to trade. There are a few temples near about
and it is worth a visit as it provides a very good vista of the quiet charm
that soaks a typical hill
village
of
Nepal.
Gorkha Durbar is the main attraction of Gorkha, an hour steep walk up a hill
from the bazaar area. It used to be the dwelling of King Prithvi Narayan and
his ancestors. The Durbar itself is a humble, yet quite impressive, complex of
a temple, fort, and a palace built in the Newar style of
Kathmandu.
The view of the Himalayan range and the deep valleys from up there is quite
breathtaking.
Gorakhnath
Cave,
ten meters below the palace's southern side, is the sacred cave
temple of
Gorkhanath. The cave is is carved out of
the solid rock and is among the most important religious sites for mainstream
Brahmins and Chhetris of Nepal.
LUMBINI
Situated in the Terai of southern
Nepal, Lumbini is the place where
Siddhartha Gautam, Buddha of this era, was born in 623 BC. This sacred place is
marked by a stone pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka of India in 249 BC, is
listed as a World Heritage Site and is being developed as a place of pilgrimage
and symbol of world peace. Many countries have built shrines and monasteries
here reflecting the architectural traditions of their respective cultures.
Near the Ashoka pillar is the
Mayadevi
Temple which houses a bas
relief depicting the birth. Recent excavations have turned up a stone bearing a
"foot imprint", indicating the exact place of birth. The Puskarni pond,
where Queen Mayadevi, the Buddha's mother, had taken a bath before giving birth
to him lies to the south of the pillar. Kushinagar is the place where Lord
Buddha passed into Mahaparinirvana. The Muktabandhana stupa is believed to have
been built in the Malla dynasty to preserve the temporal relics of Lord Buddha.
A smaller shrine nearby contains a reclining Buddha, which was brought from
Mathura by the monk
Haribala. Bodhgaya is the place where Buddha attained enlightenment. The tree
under which Buddha attained wisdom is called the Bodhi tree, while the temple
marking the sacred spot is known as Mahabodhi temple.
The
Lumbini
Museum, located in the Cultural Zone,
contains Mauryan and Kushana coins, religious manuscripts, terra-cotta
fragments, and stone and metal sculptures. It also possesses an extensive
collection of stamps from various countries depicting Lumbini and the Buddha.
Lumbini International Research Institute (LIRI), located opposite the
Lumbini
Museum, provides research facilities for
the study of Buddhism and religion in general. Run jointly by the Lumbini
Development Trust (LDT) and the Reiyukai of Japan, LIRI contains some 12,000
books on religion, philosophy, art and architecture.
Kapilvastu
Museum
is situated 27 km west of Lumbini in the
village of
Tilaurakot.
The museum holds coins, pottery and toys dating between the seventh century BC
and fourth century AD. The museum also has good collection of jewelry and other
ornaments of that period.
NAGARKOT
Situated at 2300 meters, on the valley’s eastern rim, Nagarkot offers an
excellent view of the Nepal Himalaya including Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu,
Makalu and Manaslu. It also has sweeping panoramas of the
terraced hillsides so typical of
Nepal. It is a popular place for
sunrise views.
PANAUTI
This ancient Newar town is built at the confluence of two streams, with a third
visible only to sages. The confluence is a famous bathing and pilgrimage site
where a festival is held on the first day of the month of Magh and a month-long
Mela once every 12 years. The centerpiece of this charming, unspoiled village
is the Indresvar Mahadev temple. Dating back to 1294 this is the oldest extant
example of a
Newari
Temple. Along the river
there is a collection of more recent shrines and ghats, including an old
Krishna temple, a suspension bridge leading to a recently
renovated 17th century Brahmayani Mandir dedicated to the patron goddess of
Panauti and a rest house popular with old men. Add ducks, laundry and drying
grain and you have a truly lovely corner of old
Nepal.
POKHARA
Pokhara is a place of remarkable natural beauty. The enchanting city has
several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panaromic views of Himalayan peaks.
The serenity of the lakes and the magnificence of the
Himalaya
rising behind them create the ambience that has made Pokhara such a popular
place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Tourism focuses on the districts
of Damside and
Lakeside (or Pardi and Baidam,
in Nepali, respectively). These two areas, packed with hotels and restaurants,
are a few kilometers southwest of the main Pokhara bazaar.
Pokhara lies on a once vibrant trade route extending between
India and
Tibet. To this day, mule trains can
be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from
remote regions of the
Himalaya. This is the
land of
Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers
and valorous warriors who have earned worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The
Thakalis, another important ethnic group here, are known for their
entrepreneurial skill.
The climate of Pokhara is slightly warmer than
Kathmandu
with daytime temperature hovering around 15 degrees Celsius in winter and 35
degrees in summer. The monsoon season which lasts from mid-June to
mid-September is very wet; in fact Pokhara records the highest rainfall in the
country. Best time to visit is between October and April. The activities of
foreign visitors to Pokhara focus around two districts
TANSEN
Tansen, an ancient hill town, with architecture strongly influenced by Newari
migrants from the
Kathmandu valley is waiting
to be discovered. Situated at the southern slope of the Mahabharat range the
town offers an opportunity to experience genuine Nepalese culture, away from
westernized places like Thamel in Kathmandu or
Lakeside
in Pokhara. Though the Newar community forms one of the major communities in
this place now, the place originally belonged to the Magar community, one of
the most delightful ethnic groups of
Nepal. Old artistic Newari houses
and cobbled streets shape the townscape. The town's hill, Shreenagar, allows
breathtaking views of the Himalayan range from
Dhaulagiri
in the west to Ganesh Himal in the east.
Tansen is the district administrations headquarter of Palpa district, and is
itself often referred to as Palpa, and its people as Palpalis.
Amar
Ganj
Ganesh
Temple is a beautiful
three-storey pagoda style temple. The large rest house has been converted into
a school and within the grounds is a small old
temple of
Bhairab.
The mask of Bhairab, which is worshipped here, was snatched from
Kathmandu by Mukunda Sen, King of Palpa.
Amar
Narayan
Temple
is one of the largest temples in Tansen. The whole temple complex, including
the temples, the ponds and the park was built under the reign of Amar Singh
Thapa, the first governor of Palpa. According to a legend, a holy spring (or
lake) is hidden under the three-storey pagoda style
Narayan
Temple.
The two other temples of the ensemble are dedicated to Vishnu (to the west,
next to one of the ponds) and to Shiva (to the south, next to the staircase).
The remarkable huge dry stone masonry wall surrounding the whole premises is
called "The great wall of Palpa".
Sital Pati (shady rest place), near Ason Tole, is the most popular square in
Tansen and is named for the white octagonal shaped building at its center. The
Sital Pati was built under the order of the governor of Palpa (1891-1902) an
ambitious politician who was exiled from Kathmandu after plotting against the
Prime Minister
The gate opposite to the palace leads to Makhan Tole, the main bazaar of Tansen
that focuses the town's commercial activity, notably the sale of
Dhaka cloth. Of woven cotton or muslin, this cloth is
characterized by jagged, linear designs originally made famous in
Bangladesh.
With principal colors of red, black and white, the cloth is used to make saris
as well as "topis" (Palpali topi), the hat that is an integral part
of the national dress for men.
Taksar is an interesting area where, for centuries, the famous bronze and brass
works of Tansen were produced. One can have a look at how the famous ancient
articles such as Karuwa (water jug), Hukka (water pipe), Antee (jug for Nepali
brandy) etc are produced.
Shreenagar Hill (1525m) is about an hour from the town center. The top reveals
a breath-taking panoramic view of the Himalaya from
Dhaulagiri
in the west to Ganesh Himal in the east. The hill is covered by forest, pine
plantations and beautiful rhododendron flowers. At the eastern end of
Shreenagar ridge there is a statue of the Buddha with a monkey and an elephant,
donated by Thai monks, which commemorates one of the eight great events in the
Buddha’s life.
The
Responsible Traveler: Code of Conduct for Travelers
1. Respect
cultural differences
Local customs, traditions and values may be different from your own. Take the
time to learn what behaviour is acceptable and what isn’t.
2. Learn a few phrases
Take the time to learn about the country you are visiting. Learning about the
customs and a few words in the local language can go a long way and is
appreciated by the local people. It also makes your interactions more
meaningful and memorable.
3. Save ‘face’
A very important concept in Asia.Try not to raise your voice, embarrass someone
or display anger. Smile – the traveler who wishes to have a happy and
successful trip in
Asia should stay calm,
cheerful and friendly.
4. Dress Respectfully with an awarness of local standards. Covered thighs and
shoulders are expected in most of
Asia. Dress
modestly at all religious sites and check what is suitable for the beach.
5. Support local businesses
Make use of local services(hotels etc) and eat in local restaurants-not only
will your experience of the culture be greater, you are directly supporting the
people.
7. Respect
wildlife & endangered species
Viewing animals from a safe distance is fine; touching, feeding , or cornering
them is not. Do not buy products that exploit wildlife, aid in habitat
destruction, or come from endangered species.
8. Take photos
with care
Always ask permission to take photos of people and respect their wishes if they
refuse. If you do take a photo, offer to send copies back to them and make sure
to follow through with your promise. If your subject wants immediate
compensation in return for the photo taken, offering a piece of fruit or bread,
or a souvenir from your home are ways to do it.
9. Giving
gifts
Royal Mountain Travel highly discourages offering money to people begging on
the streets. Parents often send their children out into the streets, since a
child can make more than their parents make begging on the street. This
promotes further dependency and encourages more parents to send out their
children. Instead, we would suggest offering a piece of bread or fruit. Perhaps
you could offer postcard from your home, or a small pin etc.
10. Do not
litter & Reduce waste
This is one time when the old adage” When in
Rome, do as the Romans” doesn’t apply. Even
if you see a local person littering, set an example and dispose of your garbage
approximately. Recycling is extremely limited or non-existent in most
developing countries. Avoid products with excess packaging; opt for beverages
in glass bottles as they tend to be re - used. Use
11. Protect
local water systems
Use only biodegradable soaps and shampoos while camping. Avoid sun block
while snorkeling as the chemicals are harmful to the coral reef – wear a
T-shirt instead.
12. Stay on
the trail
Straying from the trail while hiking can cause erosion and other
environmentally harmful impacts.
POLITICAL
INFORMATION
Nepal: A Brief History
Nepal’s recorded history
began with the Kirantis, who arrived in the 7th or 8th century BC from the
east. Little is known about them, other than their deftness as sheep farmers
and fondness for carrying long knives. It was during this period that Buddhism
first came to
Nepal; it is
claimed that Buddha and his disciple Ananda visited the
Kathmandu
valley and stayed for a time in Patan. By 200 AD, Buddhism had waned, and was
replaced by Hinduism, brought by the Licchavis, who invaded from northern
India and
overthrew the last Kirat king. The Hindus also introduced the caste system
(which still continues today) and ushered in a classical age of Nepalese art
and architecture.
By 879, the
Licchavi era had petered out and was succeeded by the Thakuri dynasty. A grim
period of instability and invasion often referred to as the ‘Dark Ages’
followed, but the Kathmandu valley’s strategic location ensured the kingdom’s
survival and growth. Several centuries later, the Thakuri king, Arideva,
founded the Malla dynasty, kick-starting another renaissance of Nepali culture.
Despite earthquakes, the odd invasion and feuding between the independent
city-states of
Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur,
the dynasty flourished, reaching its zenith in the 15th century under Yaksha
Malla.
The rulers of
Gorkha, the most easterly region, had always coveted the Mallas with
wealth. Under the inspired leadership of Prithivi Narayan Shah, the Gorkha
launched a campaign to conquer the valley. In 1768 – after 27 years of fighting
– they triumphed and moved their capital to
Kathmandu.
From this new base the kingdom’s power expanded, borne by a seemingly
unstoppable army. Until progess was halted in 1792 by a brief and chastening
war with
Tibet.
Further
hostilities followed in 1814, this time with the British over a territorial
dispute. The Nepalese were eventually put to heel and compelled to sign the
1816 Sugauli Treaty, which surrendered Sikkim and most of Terai(some of the
land was eventually restored in return for Nepalese help in quelling the Indian
Mutiny of 1857), established Nepal’s present eastern and western boundaries
and, worst of all, installed a British ‘resident’ in the country.
The Shah
dynasty continued in power until the ghastly Kot Massacre of 1846. Taking
advantage of the intrigue and assassinations that had plagued the ruling
family; Jung Bahadur seized control by butchering several hundred of the most
important men while assembling in the Kot courtyard. He took the more
prestigious title Rana, proclaimed himself prime minister for life, and later
made the office hereditary. For the next century, the Ranas and their offspring
luxuriated in huge
Kathmandu palaces, while
the remainder of the population eked out a living in medieval conditions. In
1948, the British withdrew from
India
and with them went the Rana’s chief support. Around the same time, a host of
insurrectional movements emerged. Sporadic fighting spilled onto the streets
and the Ranas, at the behest of
India,
reluctantly agreed to negotiations. King Tribhuvan was an appointed ruler in
1951 and struck up a government comprised of Ranas and members of the newly
formed Nepali Congress Party.But the compromise was short-lived. After toying
with democratic elections- and feeling none too pleased by the result King Mahendra(Tribhuvan’s
son and successor) decided that a ‘party less’ panchayat system would be more
appropriate for Nepal. The king selected the prime minister and cabinet and
appointed a large proportion of the national assembly, which duly rubber-stamped
his policies. Power, of course, remained with only one party – the
king’s.
Cronyism,
corruption and the creaming off of lucrative foreign aid into royal coffers
continued until 1989 when the Nepalese, fed up with years of hardship and
suffering called the Jana Andolan or ‘People’s Movement’. In the ensuing
months, detention, torture and violent clashes left hundreds of people dead. It
all proved too much for King Birendra, who dissolved his cabinet, legalized
political parties and invited the opposition to form an interim government. The
changeover to democracy proceeded in an orderly, if leisurely, fashion and in
May 1991 the Nepali Congress party and the communist party of
Nepal shared
most of the votes. Since then,
Nepal
has discovered that establishing a workable democratic system is an enormously
difficult task- especially when it is the country’s first such system. The
situation has been further exacerbated by a wafer-thin economy, massive
unemployment, illiteracy, and an ethnically and religiously fragmented
population that continues to grow at an alarming rate. The fractured political
landscape in
Nepal
was torn apart in June 2001 with the massacre of most of the royal family-
including King Birendra. Civil strife erupted again in
Kathmandu,
with a curfew imposed to quell street violence. Prince Gyanendra, the brother
of King Birendra, ascended to the throne, and although relative calm has
replaced the widespread civil unrest that immediately followed the massacre,
there is still much political uncertainty.
.In February
2005, King Gyanendra dismissed
Nepal’s
elected government, declared a state of emergency, and announced his assumption
of full executive authority. He justified the coup on the pretext of trying to
curtail the 10-year-old Maoist insurgency that claimed more than 13,000 lives.
The police, the army, and the Maoists were all responsible for numerous human
rights abuses during the conflict. After the coup, Maoist leaders reached an
agreement with the main political parties to join forces and oppose the King.
They organized massive protests and in April 2006, after tens of thousands of
people took to the streets, King Gyanendra was forced to return a civilian
government.
Chief of these
is the Maoist rebellion against the government, which has claimed 1700 lives
over the past six years. The first round of peace talks between the rebels and
the government took place at the end of August 2001 and a ceasefire was
declared – then abruptly ended. Any talk of détente is at risk from the
government’s proposed land reforms and budget decisions, and major political
challenges. In early September 2001 a tentative alliance comprising 10
left-wing political party emerged, along with calls for a united government of
representatives from all political directions, including Mao rebels, and
changes to the constitution. Hopes of a settlement were again dashed with
coordinated Maoist bombings in November 2001.
In (2006-2008)
Nepal’s coalition government
and the Communist party to
Nepal
(Maoist) signed a comprehensive peace agreement to end the fighting. The Nepali
Army and Maoists agreed to an arms management pact, under which each side would
put away most of its weapons and restrict most of its troops to a few barracks,
under the supervision of monitors from the United Nations. They also agreed to
participate in elections to create a constituent assembly that would rewrite
the country’s constitution, including whether it will remain a monarchy.
Elections to the Constituent assembly held on 10, April 2008 and maoists got
the absolute seats in the elections. Thereafter, the parliament declared
Nepal as
Federal Democratic Republic overthrowing the 240 - year old shah dynasty. King
Gyanendra left the palace and the was palace then turned into National museum.
Soon the coalition government is going to be formed under the initiative of
Maoists and Pushpa Kamal Dahal (alias Prachanda) is likely to lead the
government as the new premier in
Nepal. According to the interim
Constituent the president will be the ceremonial head of state and the premier
will remain the Executive head of the government.
On
July the newly elected president Dr. Ram Baran Yadav became the first president
of Nepal through presidental run-off held on 21 July in the parliament, After
the abolishment of the institution of monarchy in the country and after the
King Gyanendra was dethroned by the constituent Assembly, Nepal has found a
farmer’s son become the first president of republic
Nepal.
Maoist
revolutionary supreme leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal, alias Prachanda has been
democratically elected as the new prime minister of Federal Democratic Republic
Nepal on 15 August 2008.Prachanda who led 10-year long insurgency against the
monarchy and under his able leadership the Maoist party scored the major seats
in the Assembly election in April, 2008.The coalition government headed by
Maoist party was brought down after a 9 month rule and another coalition government
headed by UML(United Marxist Leninst) party formed the government with the
support of Nepali Congress, Nepal Prajatantra Party, Madhesi Janadikar Forum
and other small political parties. This new coalition government was formed
under the premiership of Madhav Kumar
Nepal and the government is now in
full swing.