Trade in Nepal

Nepal is a small landlocked country, stretched in an area of 1; 47,181 sq km. Nepal is also known as Himalayas with the highest pick of the world¾the Mount Everest. It is located between the two giant nations, China in the north and India in the south, east, and west. Geographically, it is situated between 26° 22' north to 30° 27’ north latitude and 80° 4' east to 88° 12’ east longitude. Nepal is 885 km in length from east to west and 193 km (Non-uniform) in width from north to south. It has a population of 2,27,36,934 with an annual growth rate of 2.24 percent.

International trade has often played a crucial role in the historical experience of the developing world including Nepal. Throughout the developing world, export of primary products has traditionally accounted for a sizable proportion of national income. In some small countries, up to 25 percent or more of national income is derived from the overseas sales of agricultural and other primary products such as coffee, grain, sugar, palm oil, etc.  This is a serious problem because the markets and prices for these products are often unstable. Dependency on primary product export carries with it a degree of risk and uncertainty. This is an important issue because prices of primary products have been gradually falling during a decade of two.

In addition, for most developing countries, import demands have increasingly exceeded their capacity to generate sufficient revenues from sales of export. This has led to chronic deficits on their balance of payment (BOP) position. Such deficits in current accounts (an excess of import payments over exports receipts for goods and services) are more than compensated by a surplus on capital account (a receipt of foreign private and public lending and investment in excess of repayment of principal and interest on former loans and investment). In recent years, the debt burden of repaying earlier international loans and investments has become increasingly acute and severe deficit on current and capital accounts have therefore led to a rapid depletion of their international monetary reserves, currency instability, and a slowdown in economic growth in most of the developing countries including Nepal.

Nepal has been pursuing its trade and foreign exchange policies in tandem with the global liberalization process and pushing its best to integrate it with the changing world economic order. In this light, on 7 December 1995, Nepal entered into an agreement to enforce SAPTA and declared duty exemption on imports of 14 various items from SAARC countries. With globalization, the world today is becoming more and more integrated. Globalization gives nations the opportunity to increase their productive efficiency and attain their comparative advantage. This reward has been attractive to many nations and consequently membership in WTO is ever increasing. In this regard, Nepal has also pursued membership in WTO for many years. Finally, it became the member of WTO on 11 September 2003. Nepal subsequently notified WTO that the process of ratification and acceptance of the Protocol of Accession had completed in Parliament. On 23 April 2004, Nepal became the 147th member of the rule based international organization. Membership in WTO entails both general and negotiated commitments, whose aim is for transparency and stability of international trade. International trade has played a significant role in economic development of Nepal. Despite various strategies adopted by the government to promote international trade, Nepal has been facing increased trade deficit due to lack of import substituting industries and exportable goods. Most of Nepalese major exportable goods are primary products, herbal, handicraft, garments, carpets, etc. Among these products, Pashmina is one of the new exportable products.

The Dilemma of Economic Development of Nepal

Naturally, Nepal is one of the beautiful countries in the world but economically it is considered to be among the bottommost countries of the world economy.
Only the capital city of Kathmandu cannot represent the true picture of Nepal. Nepal stands at the top in Asia as far as inequalities are concerned. The innumerable patches on the clothes of the majority of the population of Karnali Zone of western Nepal and the traffi c jams in Kathmandu valley are just examples of the inequality.
According to the population census, poverty in the rural areas of Nepal is increasing much more than in the urban areas. Besides, the scale of poverty is increasing in far-western and mid-western regions of Nepal. There is reproduction of poverty, rather than poverty alleviation, in Nepal. The economic gap between the developed districts like Kathmandu, Biratnagar and Birgunj measured against the undeveloped districts like Jumla, Baitadi and Bardiya is as stark as the inequality between Europe and Africa. Poverty has multidimensional effects to worsen development. Vicious cycle of poverty has affected every sphere of the nation and the social structures are not much accommodating for development due to their traditional feudal structures. Too much politics and high attachment of economic agenda with politics have been afflictions to the nation. The majority of the poor are from remote areas. For them, development has little meaning.
Millions of young people are working abroad as cheap, unskilled labourers. There is very low opportunity for jobs for the people inside the country. The small children and the general people walking for hours to reach schools, health posts and to fetch water is a normal phenomenon in the mountains of Nepal.
The productivity of most of the plain land of the south is diminishing and the agriculture sector is incapable to feed the fast-growing population. The centuries-old western development replica can be revisited in Nepal. The real development procedures in Nepal have not been yet started due to continued instability.
After the introduction and restoration of democracy in 1951, 1990 and during the 30 years party-less system, Nepal has never been profi cient to exhibit incredible enhancement in its economy as well as national development, the whole system is not functioning properly and it appears that the system is digging its own grave.
South East Asian countries that were in similar position as Nepal during the 1960, have brought great revolutions in their economy. Even the South Asian nations other than Nepal are in good positions in relation to growth and development due to their concrete policies and correct strategy.
There were some hopeful moments some decades ago in Nepal. Unfortunately, it could not be sustained. For example, I felt pleased and surprised after witnessing queues at shops of Nepalese woollen carpets across the streets of Frankfurt during my visit there around the nineties. In the same period, in a western newspaper, a photograph of Queen Elizabeth wearing Nepalese pashmina shawl was published. Export of Nepalese pashmina and garment in the USA and the western countries was at satisfactory levels by that time. And export of many Nepalese products to India including edible oil, ghee, black pipe, yarn, etc. had given good impetus to Nepalese export industries. After the beginning of this decade, export of these entire products was shrunken in a dramatic manner. The condition has not improved. There were many domestic factors responsible for the export breakdown of Nepal. The external factors were much more dominant compared to domestic factors. Export of low quality woollen carpet produced in the name of Nepalese carpet both in Nepal and India, export of sub-standard pashmina shawl branding as product of Nepal, but imported from China and locally made, quota restriction on garment import by the USA and quota and non-tariff barriers imposed by India on major Nepalese production were key elements for the crumple of exports of Nepal. The tiny and primary industrial and export base of Nepal could not bear these heavy shocks and the whole economy became ailing after that intolerable fright.

 

A Dark Nepal

Nepal is a country, haunted by a lot of problems. Among them political, economic and social are the most important one to be solved. Within this a problem with new dimension has borne which is none other then the problem of load shedding.
Previously, it was seasonal. In dry season one or two hours in a week Nepal was dark. But in this year it started from 2 hours, climbed the 6 hours hill and eventually 8 hours mountain. If this continues then the day is not far when there will be 12 hrs load shedding. Doesn’t seem a big deal to us but seems as a joke to the people of other countries because it is a fact that Nepal is the 2nd richest country in the context of water resources. We had learned in our school level that 83 thousand megabyte is the electricity generation capacity of our water resources. It is stated that million of cubic meter of water is crossing the boarder of country through the different rivers from east to west having a high potential to generate electricity. At present situation, however, we feel shame to say this. Actually who is accountable for this? Politicians?  Planners? Bureaucrat? Who? Can manpower of the country get its answer? What can we do from our side to overcome this problem? Remaining is just continuation of migration to foreign country as of our elders. Is there no space for patriotism?
The impact of load shedding is immeasurable in various sectors like industry, business and others. Further, our teacher taught us much- a poor country like Nepal has to work two times more in a day and four times more in a night in comparison to the developed country.  In contrary to this, every section of life in our country are compelled to sleep.   But, how it is? Few years back our grand parents saying about diyalo and Kerosene lamps was like a story to us but became daily life nowadays. As we are facing the same problem our grand parents had to. We are passing a lot of time talking on load shedding schedules, and fuel to cook. In fact it could not be a problem for a country like ours.  Students, the next hands of a country, are notable to pay their keen attention to their study. Need less to mention the loss is tremendous in the industrial and business sector too. Ultimately it is a loss of country. It is unrecoverable. He who cannot foresee even a few years problem in planning are condemned much from suffer especially student like me. It could be same for all other section of life.
 For students like us load shedding has been proved to be as a troublesome part in our day to day life. Today every where I hear people talking about the problem of load shedding, why not it is the hot news of Nepal as the schedule keep on changing. There is a one bright day in a week and rest are dark, hey don’t take me the either way I mean that only one day there is no load shedding. If this race of increasing hours exceeds its limit I think what Nepal would get profit for also would be bunged completely. But viewing today’s context I do not think the hour limit shall decrease. This also has been a topic of discussion in my classes there I hear my teachers saying that it’s better that there would be no light and we would also experience the life of villagers of Nepal.
As every thing has its good part I think load shading’s got it too. The people engaged in the business of candles, kerosene lamps, emergency light are turning well of day by day. However its disadvantages out numbers it advantages.      



 

Kathmandu - The Gateway To Nepal

Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal and often called "The Gateway to Nepal" and "Gateway of Mount Everest". When anybody who has come to Nepal thinks of Kathmandu, the first impression he carries on his mind is the temples of Kathmandu and its rich culture. Pashupatinath, Boudhanath Stupa, Swyambhunath temple (often called Monkey temple), Changunarayan are the world heritage sites of Kathmandu that are in the memories of thousands of tourist who have visited Nepal. Kathmandu is the melting point of Buddhism and Hinduism. The greatest Hindu shrine, Pashupatinath, situated in the eastern part of Kathmandu attracts thousands of tourists every year. Spectacular stupas such as Swyambhunath and Boudhanath would keep any peace lover spellbound and surrender to the symbol of peace and take mesmerizing experience back.
Now I would like to scratch some history behind Kathmandu valley. Nobody would ever believe this beautiful city was once a great lake and Swyambhunath, a floating lotus. A Chinese warrior named Manjushree came to Nepal to see the Swyambhunath. It looked like a lotus floating around the lake. He then drained the water out of Kathmandu by cutting hill in Chobhar with his sword. Kathmandu valley is believed to have got its name from imposing pagoda Kasthamandap in Hanuman Dhoka.
Nepal is a country of great culture and traditions. Believe it or not here are 3 million gods and festivals more than there are days in a year. So, if you are in Kathmandu on any month in a year, you would definitely want to check the festival out there. It's a lot of fun.
Pashupatinath is the greatest tourist destination. Though on the main temple only the Hindus are allowed to enter there are several interesting things in Pashupatinath which will make your visit worthy. Pashupatinath has covered a very big area. Monkeys, dears, beautiful pigeons can be seen around Pashupatinath. Pashupatinath is a temple of God Shiva. You can see lot of devotees with the ashes put around their body and smoking weeds. Pashupatinath is situated on the bank of holy river Bagmati. On the bank of Bagmati River you can see the cremation ceremony. IN Hindu culture, when there is death of any person, then they are burnt and at last the ashes are flown to the Bagmati River which will ultimately reach the Holy River Ganges. This is quite an interesting culture of Hindus which you can witness in Nepal unlike the burial ceremony of other religions and culture.
When you are in Kathmandu you would not want to miss the opportunity to see the sunrise in Nagarkot. The golden color cloud with the sunrise makes you feel like you are in Heaven and the spectacular view of Mount Everest makes your visit million dollar one. I would strongly recommend get yourself to Nagarkot, one of the premier hill stations, where you will find a hotel for any budget and taste. It is not very difficult to get to Nagarkot. You can book a taxi or take the daily tourist bus which departs from Thamel at 7 am everyday in tourist season and on demand out of season. A great view of mountains, one of the Nepal's biggest attractions can be enjoyed on a clear day. From Nagarkot, views can be seen right from Annapurna in the west all the way down to Kanchenjunga in the east. The best time of year to see impressive views of the mountains is from September through to February. When you are returning from Nagarkot I would recommend you to trek down through the hillside Tamang Villages to Changunarayan, the oldest and one of the loveliest temples in the Kathmandu Valley. The entry fee is just 70 rupees.
Thamel, Narayanhiti national museum, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Rani Pokhari, Dharahara are other interesting places which are within a 2km radius so I hope you would you could visit these places without any difficulty. Thamel is the gathering point of Tourists in Nepal where I believe every tourist will go once they go to Kathmandu. Here you can witness as many tourists as native people. You can find some good restaurants and good hotels for your accommodation in Thamel. It is worth visiting in Kathmandu.
Kathmandu Durbar Square is another tourist place where you must definitely go when you are in Nepal. It seems like there was a competition of putting as many temples and big museums in the smallest area possible. I would recommend taking a rickshaw (three wheeler bicycle) and wander around the place. You can stay on the top of one of the temples and just watch the activities on busy city as well.
If you want to go for trekking from Kathmandu you can easily go to any popular trekking sites such as Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Trekking Circuit, and Manaslu Trekking etc. If you want to go to Mount Everest, then you need to take a mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla which is about 30-40 minutes. Lukla is one of the world's most dangerous airport and the airport on the highest point.

 

Why is Nepal backward?

If the sole geographical structure of Nepal is only considered then it might be the world's most beautiful country. With fourteen zones and seventy five districts, it is a full land-locked nation with rich resource of water and natural beauty.It's rich history makes it stand tall among other nations.Along with birth place of Lord Buddha,the highest mountain in the world Mount Everest (Sagarmatha)  is also situated in Nepal.With this and many unique features, Nepal  is considered the museum of historical and natural beauty. Millions of tourist from many different nations in the world visit Nepal and spend a lot of money over here.Government of Nepal collects tax from all these tourists because of which tourism is considered to be the number one souce of tax collection in Nepal.
Donations are made by the developed nations to Nepal in hundreds and thousands millions of dollars yet nation is degrading instead of upgrading that is because  of only one factor, politicians. Politicians are the only thing that  are preventing this beautiful and naturally rich country to develop instead they are pulling the country back in the path of deterioration and developing only their lifestyle and bank balance.
The politicians of Nepal just swallow the money that comes into this nation from other nations in terms of donations as well as the funds that is collected as tax from the citizens of Nepal itself also goes into their pocket only instead of reaching to the poor people over here.They are surely not going to develop the nation they can even sell the nation to the third party if they could get one and keep the arising funds into pocket.If this nation is imagined to be a cruise then these politicians are the only factor that can cause the cruise to drown in the sea. If this nation is considered to be a tree, then, these politicians are like the axe that cut the tree and make it fell to ground. According to hindu religion,there is a story that once upon a time,there was a nation whose king was too much harsh and always used to curse it's citizen for nothing and kill them for doing nothing.This went on for few years and one of the major hindu god, Lord Vishnu, took birth in the nation in a poor farmer's family and later on killed the king and rescued the nation's citizen from the  harsh activity of him.These politicians and current rulers just resemble that harsh king and the citizen from Nepal resemble the nation's citizen. Now the nepali citizens are still awaiting that rescuer Lord Vishnu who will come in some form and then rescue us from them.

Trekking In Nepal – A Unique Lifetime Experience

Few places in the world can harmonize the breathtaking beauty and charming culture of Nepal. Adventure enthusiasts talk wildly about it. And more and more tourists are planning for the trek in Nepal on the positive appraisals of others. In my point of view trekking is the best way to experience the marvelous amalgamation of fantastic nature beauty and rich culture which is unbeatable. This beautiful land is often referred to as the "Trekkers' Paradise". Annually more than 20000 travelers visit Nepal and enjoy trekking to experience fantastic nature beauty, breathtaking views of mountains, picturesque landscapes, rich flora & fauna, vibrant culture, unique tradition and glorious history. Travelers leave this beautiful country with splendid tales to share with their family, relatives, colleagues and friends. You will love Nepal, it beauty, it culture and it friendly people – I am sure.

There are many trekking routes and locations in Nepal where travelers can seek their delights. Popular locations for Nepal Treks are following.

Everest Base Camp Trekking – Kala Patthar Trek – If you have set you mind for highest summit then it is the perfect & very exciting trek location in Everest region. It gives trekkers a golden opportunity to fulfill a dream and watching some of the most spectacular scenery in the majestic Himalayas. This deserving location is very popular among trekkers, climbers and adventure enthusiasts from all over the world. The scenic train to the base camp of the mountain has been one of the most popular routes for trekking in Nepal.

Everest Trekking Via Jiri – This the one of the best ways to do enjoy the charm of exciting trekking tours of Everest. It allows trekkers to follow the footsteps of the old approach route followed y Everest expeditions. It provides trekkers a wonderful opportunity to watch densely populated middle hills and the high altitude magnificence of the Everest or Khumbu.

Mera Peak, Kanchanjungha Peak, Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Sanctuary, Mustang Trekking, Dolpo Trekking, Rara Lake Trekking, Langtang Region, Gokyo Lake Trekking, Singla Pass & Jemrung Trekking etc are some of popular options for Nepal treks.

For trekking in Nepal has been classified into four grades according to their nature and type. Grade A is easy treks. Grade B is moderate treks. Grade C is strenuous treks. And Grade D is challenging treks. If you too want to enjoy the charm of this beautiful country, trek Nepal according to their grades and your desire and treasure a unique lifetime experience

Home Page > Travel > Nepal Tourism: Welcome to the Land of Gorkhas Nepal Tourism: Welcome to the Land of Gorkhas

Federal democratic republic of Nepal is a landlocked country situated in the Himalayas. It shares its borders with Peoples republic of China in the east and Bhutan in the south and west by India. Until recently, it was the world’s only Hindu kingdom governed by monarch. However, now it has switched over to parliamentary system of governance.

Although the country is predominantly Hindu, there is a sizeable population who follow Buddhism. Nepal is a small country but it boasts of one of the diverse cultures. It is a multi ethnic, multi linguistic, multi religious society. The capital city Kathmandu is a visual paradise with scenic mountains and fabulous night life. The geography of Nepal is quite different as one may find humid terrais in the south and mighty Himalayas in the north.

Tourism is the only major source of revenue in Nepal. As a matter of fact, Nepal is also considered to be a trekker’s paradise. The highest mountain peak in the world Mount Everest captivates every single tourist with its mighty presence. Those who are seeking peace and tranquility in life should make a visit to Nepal. There are various destinations one can choose from while visiting Nepal. For instance, there is sagarmath national park, which is well k known for its varied topography and flaura and fauna.

There are also other options like adventure sports such as river rafting, hiking, Para sailing and gliding etc. One way or the other, everyone can find something in Nepal. Moreover, what makes your experience worthwhile is the cheerful nature of the people. They are always present and willing to assist you even if it means loosing their valuable time.

You can also visit the numerous medieval temples dotting this tiny Himalayan country, among which Macchendra Nath Temple, Durbar Square, Hanuman Dhoka are prominent. To learn more about the country and its people, you can visit the national state museum situated in the heart of the city.

As of now, the country is s lowly getting back to its feet after nearly a decade of civil war. Even then, before embarking on a journey to Nepal, special emphasis should be laid on to have a secured journey. The best time to visit Nepal is in between October until April. so take a trip of the mighty gorkhaland and soak yourself in its history.

Nepal: Religon & Philosophy

The 2001 census identified 80.6% of the population as Hindu and Buddhism was practiced by about 11% of the population (although many people labelled Hindu or Buddhist often practice a syncretic blend of Hinduism, Buddhism and/or animist traditions). About 3.2%of the population is Muslim and 3.6% of the population follows the indigenous Kirant religion. Christianity is practiced officially by less than 0.5% of the population.

Hindu and Buddhist traditions in Nepal go back to more than two millennia. In Lumbini, Buddha was born, and Pashupatinath temple, Kathamandu, is an old and famous Shiva temple of Hindus. Nepal has several other temples and Buddhist monasteries as well as places of worship of other religious groups. Traditionally, Nepalese philosophical thoughts are ingrained with the Hindu and Buddhist philosophical ethos and traditions, which include elements of Kashmir Shaivism, Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, works of Karmacharyas of Bhaktapur, and a variety of tantric traditions. Tantric traditions are deep rooted in Nepal, including the practice of animal sacrifices. Five types of animals, always male, are considered acceptable for sacrifice: water buffalo, goats, sheep, chickens, and ducks.

With a multiplicity of groups, Nepal has several cults, and gods and goddesses, which co-exist with the major religions. In its long cultural history, Nepal has always remained a land of religious harmony.

Nepal on the view point of Tourism

Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and altitude variation. The elevation of the country ranges from 60 meters above sea level to the highest point on earth, Mt. Everest at 8,848 meters, all within a distance of 150 kilometers resulting in climatic conditions from sub-tropical to arctic.

This wild variation fosters an incredible variety of ecosystems, the greatest mountain range on earth, thick tropical jungles teeming with a wealth of wildlife, thundering rivers, forested hills and frozen valleys.
Within this spectacular geography is also one of the richest cultural landscapes anywhere. The country is a potpourri of ethnic groups and sub-groups who speak over 93 languages and dialects.Nepal offers an astonishing diversity of sightseeing attractions and adventure oppurtunities found nowhere else on earth. And you can join in the numerous annual festivals that are celevrated throughout the year in traditional style highlighting enduring customs and beliefs.

                                           

Nepal, nestled between China and India, is the country eight of the world's 10 highest mountains, including Mount Everest. Some Nepal tours view the majestic peak by plane, while more adventurous travelers can hike among its foothills, exploring isolated monasteries, local teahouses, glacial valleys, thundering waterfalls and natural hot springs.

The travel and tours in Nepal are into different groups depending up on the cost and time frame. First, there is a list of travel and tours operators that only visit Nepal, then there is a list of tours that include a visit to Nepal as well as other regions.