BusinessTravel Guide
NEPAL
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Asia’s alpine playground
N E P A L
NEPAL Famed as the hiking capital of the world, the country’s agricultural charm and altitudinous landscape is capturing the curiosity of travellers from all over
LYING ON THE southern slopes of the Himalayas, Nepal is renowned as the world’s trekking paradise. Home to eight of the world’s 10 tallest mountains, the alpine terrain offers stunning views that are arguably unrivalled across the continent. However, travellers are not only able to enjoy mountain climbing in
Writer: Jonathan Dyble Project Manager: Ryan Gray
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Nepal. Landlocked between China to the north and India to the south, the country is home to some of the continent’s most intriguing culture and history. Having only been declared to be a democratic republic in 2008, Nepal to this day has largely remained exempt from Western influences as a result of its self-imposed isolationist policy that had been implemented by a series of prime ministers up until 1951. Untarnished by industrial and commercial influences, the country features a number of thriving national parks and nature reserves that are home to an array of exotic species such as the Asiatic elephant, one-horned rhinoceros and the Bengal tiger.
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Meanwhile, having largely been inspired by the Hindu and Buddhist religions, Nepal exhibits some of the world’s most amazing architecture, colourful artwork and music from the ancient times that has been preserved by families throughout generations. From world heritage sites to ancient squares to Mount Everest, there is an abundance of reasons to visit Nepal.
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ASIA FACTS & FIGURES
Languages: Nepali Area: 147,181 km² Population (2016): 28.98 million GDP (2015): $21.14 billion Currency: Nepalese rupee (Re) Time zone: GMT+5:45 Dialling code: +977 Internet TLD: .np Highest recorded temperature: 45°C
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The Business End AGRICULTURE REMAINS NEPAL’S principal economic activity, with more than half of the population and roughly 27 percent of GDP accounted for by agricultural activities. The country grows a variety of crops including apples, pears, tomatoes, various salads, peaches, nectarines, potatoes, rice and wheat, with the lowland Terai region producing a surplus that helps supply food deficient areas in the forests and mountains. Meanwhile, progress is being made in a number of alternative and more advanced industries. The national resources sector has somewhat flourished in recent times, whilst Nepal has also expanded its hydroelectric
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capabilities with an estimated 42,000 MW of commercially feasible capacity. However, one sector that has truly come to the forefront of the economy is tourism. 2017 alone witnessed a 24 percent increase in the number of travellers visiting the country, rising from 753,002 in 2016 to 940,218 in 2017, largely driven by interest from India, China, the United States and the United Kingdom. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council in its Travel & Tourism Economic Impact 2018 report on Nepal, the travel and tourism sector accounted for 7.8 percent of GDP last year, supporting more than 1,000,000 jobs.
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Indra Sarovar is a man-made lake constructed in Kulkekhani and Markhu villages in Nepal. It is about 35 kilometres south of Kathmandu. The lake is part of the Kulekhani dam and hydroelectric project. Besides its hydropower contribution, the lake is also an important source of income for the locals from fishing
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Out & About
Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal
WHILST NEPAL IS best known for its popularity amongst hikers and mountain climbers, so too is the country becoming renowned for the broad range of other adventurous activities on offer. Operators provide a range of helicopter tours and paragliding and bungee jumping experiences, whilst the country is also home to one of the most exhilarating rafting scenes on the planet. With a number of fast flowing rivers across Nepal, including the Sun Kosi River, Trishuli River, and others, rafting and kayaking excursions that last up to 10 days are in good supply. On land, tours are a popular way of exploring the variety of sights. The beauty of Nepal is that wherever
you decide to stay, there is almost undoubtedly going to be an abundance of places to see and things to do, and having a guide to show you the way is often the best option to satisfy cultural cravings and other interests. Exploring city streets can pay dividends, with locals offering vibrant homemade food. Defined by its flavoursome but healthy ingredients, there are evidently gastronomic influences from India, China and Tibet throughout the country’s national cuisine that aren’t to be missed. Some cookery highlights include Momos, Nepal’s version of dumplings; Dhal Bat, considered to be the national dish of Nepal; and the local take on Pulao.
Dhal Bat
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Outlook Recommends “Nepal combines Himalayan views, golden temples, charming hill villages and jungle wildlife watching to offer one of the world’s great travel destinations” – Lonely Planet
HOSPITALITY
MUSEUMS
THINGS TO DO
Patan Museum
Hiking in Nagarkot
Annapurna Group of Hotels A Group that is 50 years old, Annapurna offers three alternative deluxe accommodation options across Nepal. Spread over 5.5 acres, Hotel Annapurna is positioned in central Kathmandu next to breath taking heritage sites and the regional business districts. Meanwhile, Jagatpur Lodge situated in the heart of the Nepalese jungle and Fishtail Lodge on Fewa Lake pose as two of the most immersive getaways on offer.
Chandragiri Cable Car Bhaktapur Tour RESTAURANTS National Museum of Nepal
The Old House Kumari Boutique Hotel Hotel Mystic Mountain 6
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International Mountain Museum
Le Sherpa Mul Chowk
KATHMANDU
POKHARA
CHITWAN
HOTEL ANNAPURNA • PO Box 140, Durbar Marg • Kathmandu, Nepal • T: +977 1 4221711 • info@annapurna.com.np FISH TAIL LODGE • PO Box 10 • Pokhara, Nepal • T: +977 61 465071 • info@fishtail-lodge.com.np JAGATPUR LODGE • Bharatpur Maha Nagarpalika 23 • Jagatpur, Chitwan, Nepal • T: +977 56 411085 • info@jagatpurlodge.com
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Transport Links DUE TO THE terrain, weather and the condition of the vehicles in Nepal, getting around can be a challenging business, so it’s worth ensuring you put aside plenty of time to accommodate for any delays or mishaps when travelling. However, for those looking to immerse themselves in local culture or the landscape, there are a multitude of transport options that allow tourists to soak in the sights. Flying is often considered to be
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the most effective option for quickly getting around, particularly with routes operating between Kathmandu and Pokhara fairly regularly. Navigating the roads by bus can certainly be an interesting experience, with many local travellers opting to cram on top of vehicles. With this in mind, private car hire is likely the better option for those looking for a smoother, more comfortable, more convenient ride. However, if you’re only looking
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to travel shorter distances, cycling can be the perfect option. Nepal’s stunning mountain roads are ideal for experienced cyclists, whilst scooters and motorbikes are equally a relatively cheap and easy ride if you’re able. To this end, it is no surprise that rickshaws have become regionally synonymous with Nepal, readily found in Kathmandu and Terai in particular, offering a more scenic and relaxing way of getting around the country’s winding inner city streets.
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ASIA
Landmark Attractions Nayatapola Temple
“The imposing structure, a classic of Nepali pagoda architecture built in 1702-03, stands proud with its large lion, elephant and other guardians. It’s worth climbing the steps to the top for the view of the square below” – The Culture Trip
Bhaktapur Royal Palace
“Forming the entire eastern side of Durbar Square, the Royal Palace of Patan was originally built in the 14th century, and expanded during the 17th and 18th centuries by Siddhinarsingh Malla, Srinivasa Malla and Vishnu Malla. The Patan palace predates the palaces in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur and remains one of the architectural highlights of Nepal” – Lonely Planet
Bishwa Shanti Stupa
“If you are bored of crowds and are searching peace then the place you deserve is Bishwa Shanti Stupa (World peace Pagoda). Situated at the birth place of Lord Buddha, this is a place that is free from pollution” – SuggestNepal.com
Durbar Square
“Kathmandu’s Durbar Square was where the city’s kings were once crowned and legitimised, and from where they ruled. As such, the square remains the traditional heart of the old town and Kathmandu’s most spectacular legacy of traditional architecture” – Lonely Planet
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BusinessTravel Guide joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com
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ryan.gray@outlookpublishing.com
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