Nepal, the hub of the Himalaya

The advent of tourism in Nepal although very recent, has made quite a remarkable stride since it's inception in the early 1950's. Kathmandu the capital, now has it's share of international class hotels and tour operators with quality surface transportation facilities. Allied logistics to support the adventure travel industry in both trained manpower and quality equipment is also at a remarkably high level ensuring comfort and safety to clients. Access to many of the remote but beautiful regions is now just a stone's throw away because of an intricate domestic flight network using STOL aircraft and helicopters.

Nepal has a very liberal immigration policy. Travellers are granted a 60 day Tourist visa upon arrival. Thereafter, tourist visa extension is permissible for a total period numbering 150 days per calendar year. The fees are nominal. Cost for single entry visa's work out to only 50 cents (US) per day.

For trekking and mountaineering, Nepal is a major destination. The Classic Everest Trek to the base camp of the world's highest peak takes around a month to round off. There are easy treks, and hard treks. Long ones, and short ones. Though the major peaks require government approval for climbing and are categorized as expeditions peaks, a couple of minor peaks in the 6,000 meters range are open to trekkers. Much of the country (around 50%) is trekking territory. Non accessibility by vehicular traffic to the mountains keep them perennially pristine. Weeks and months could be spent exploring the unspoiled natural beauty of the remote interiors that are peopled by various indigenous races who live off the land just as their forefathers did.

Following the advent of trekking in the mid 1960's, Nepal has been found to be ideal for several other adventure activities:
a.White Water Rafting; the numerous rivers created by the meltdown of Himalayan glaciers provide some of the world's finest white water courses.
b.Mountain Biking; rough but scenic mountain trails offer memorable journeys.
c.Paragliding, Power-gliding, Canyoning, Bungy Jumping are some of the more recent programs that have been introduced in Nepal.

Even the most discerning traveller will find out that a fortnight is easy to while away in Nepal - on discovering the enchantment of a unique culture that include tours of exquisite historical monuments, myriads of spectacular scenery, mountain flights and wildlife safari's - all of which are conducted in the comforts of airconditioned accommodation and transportation, and the hospitality of a nation of friendly people.

It can also be said of Nepal to be the Hub Of The Himalaya. One has the option of easy access via air from Kathmandu to the other attractive neighboring regions such as Tibet, Bhutan and various parts of North India. Indulging on an itinerary that includes these other destinations offers the visitor a truly remarkable and a spectacular Himalayan holiday.