According to the Wiki leaks document, there is a pattern of interference by India in Nepal. Up until the leaks, there has been lot of rumours but no proof. Also India knowing that Nepal is a land locked country has tried to make Nepal buy Indian products. See below for more details of the leaks from the New Indian Express news. The Kissinger Cables, released by WikiLeaks, contain revelations about the Indo-Nepalese relationship during the Emergency, with a cable noting that Indian intelligence agencies have “a capacity for mischief-making in Nepal, and occasionally use it.”  The October 15, 1976 cable, sent from New Delhi to the Department of State in the US, accuses Indian intelligence agencies of meddling in Nepal’s internal affairs. Another cable,dated November 8, 1976, revealed the resentment in the region against the Indian government playing a “Big Brother”. According to the cable, in a meeting with US ambassador Marquita Maytag, Nepal’s ambassador Krishna Bom Malla criticise...

There are many beautiful and quite unique items to purchase in Nepal. Musical instruments, pasmina scarves, thangkas, pottery, etc., and so many people who are in your face with them, it is difficult to know what to buy or who to buy from. After two years I still can’t get a good deal on a pashmina scarf and had to just shake my head in amazement yesterday when my British guest showed me a beautiful scarf she got for only 1,000 NRs.    One of my favorite places in the area is the ancient Changu Narayan Temple site. It makes a nice side trip when you come to Bhaktapur, a must see in Nepal. The bus isn't much slower than a taxi would be so I recommend catching a local bus from Bhaktapur for 25 NRs. When a bus stops and is obviously too full just wait for another one. I've seen people hanging out the sides so often and it really makes me nervous. My eBook, Nepal: On a Budget, or whatever I begin calling it, gives more detail to safely riding buses in Nepal. Often, if you let th...

About Ghorepani trek offers a wonderful opportunity to witness the beauty of the Annapurna region with a shorter trek. This place is rich of hidden treasure of Nepalese culture and tradition. During the trek the trail passes through world's famous 'the Gorkha warrior' clan the Gurung and Magar's charming village, dense rhododendron (Nepalese national flower), Oak forest full of birds, and green hills. Just about every angle is a tantalizing glimpse of Mt. Fishtail (6,993m,) Annapurna (8,091m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167) range on the initial part of the tour is breathtaking. Once you reach the top of the trek, the place called Poon Hill one can observe the entire mountain ranges; specially beautiful in morning. Best Time to Trek March/April/May (The weather is perfect and not too cold nor too hot) Read about my Trip to Poon Hill and Ghorepani (with pictures)

Like most countries Nepal has multiple types of visa but we are going to focus on the most common types used - Tourist and Non Tourist Visa Visa can be obtained on Arrival at Nepal's International Airport -Tribhuvan International Airport or thru Nepalese Embassies abroad. Tourist visa US $25   -  15 days multiple entry visa. US $40   -  30 days multiple entry visa. US $100 -  90 days multiple entry visa. Non tourist visas US $5   - Nepalese origin with foreign Citizenship. US $10 - Licensed Journalists US $10 - Foreigners married to Nepalese citizen SAARC Countries (Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan, Afghanistan) - No visa for 30 days stay For more information on Nepal Visa please check with the official website of Ministry of Immigration

Central Zoo of Kathmandu is Nepal's one and only Zoo. I have visited it many times over the few years and was curious to see how its doing. So earlier this year 2013, I paid the RS 100 fee(for nepalis only) and entered. I will let the pictures below describe the condition and the zoo. Overall the good news is things haven't worsened. The bad news is things haven't improved much either.  Definitely the Zoo administration needs to do more to give space to the animals. Looks to be a bit too congested for certain animals that need space. For Nepal this is relatively clean, organized, good. Overall Rating 7 / 10    Boat Rentals available    Children's playground near the animal area. Im sure animals dont appreciate the noise.    The tiger taking a nap.    A leopard in what looks like a Jail cell.    Bears - notice the electric fences inside.    Small birds - don't they need bigger areas ?    S...

Happy Nepali New Year! ( Baisakh 1, 2070 B.S.) The color of p eace , p rosperity and h appiness at the entrance of Nepali house Wishing all my blog readers -  A Happy Nepali New Year! Shubh Nav Varsha ! ( Baisakh 1, 2070 - b ikram- s ambat ) – May Peace, Love and Prosperity follow you always and forever! नव वष॔ २०७० को मंगलमय शुभकामना! The Nepalese festivals are dated according to the traditional “religious” Lunar Calendar in the same sequence. An exception is New Year's Day, which always falls in the middle of April, observed throughout Nepal as the first day of the official Nepalese solar Calendar, i.e., the first day of Baisakh. This day is an official holiday for Nepal.  The most important New Year festival in the Valley is held at Bhaktapur City, located fourteen kilometers east of Kathmandu. This festival is known as Bisket Jatra meaning the festival after the death of the serpent. The main attraction of the festival is the erection of the 'lingo', a ceremonial...