Eight
areas of Nepal have been designated national parks. They are Langtang,
Rara, Royal Chitwan, Sagarmatha (Everest), Shey Phoksundo, Khapad, Bardiya
and Barun National Parks. To trek in any of these national park areaa
part permit in necessary which can be obtained at the park entrance on
payment of Rs. 650/- each. Similarly trekkers are required to pay Rs. 200/-
for every trekker going into the Annapurna Region payable at the Immigration
offices while getting trekking permit, which is utilized for the environment
conservation and maintenance of the area. There are several government
registered trekking agencies in Nepal to conduct such trekking programmes.
In order to have assumed quality and safe treks it is advisable to use
them.
FLIGHT
TO REMOTE AREAS
Nepal Airlines, the national flag carrier, offers extensive domestic air services to almost all the parts of the country. Taplejung, Bhojpur, Meghauli, Pokhara, Jomosom, Manang, Jhumla, Dolpa, Sanphebagar are the the remote destinations where one can take a flight from Kathmandu. The other domestic airlines such as Nepal Airways, Everest Air, Necon Air and Himalayan Helicopter also provide regular and charter services to different popular domestic destinations. CLOTHING EQUIPMENT AND PERSONAL EFFECTS
Duffle bag or kit bag to carry to gear while trekking. - Day pack. This is a small rucksack to carry personal requirement for the day e.g., toilet item, camera, film, soap etc. - Snow glasses, water glasses, wallet, small torch etc. - Snow gaiters essential during winter . - Trekking map - personal medical supplies. The Immigration Office is open from 10.00 to 17.00 hours from February 13th to November 16th from 10.00 to 16.00 hours from November 17th to February 12th sunday through Thursday. On friday it is closed at 15.00 hours . Visa extension and trekking permit applications are accepted from 10.00 to 13.00 p. m on Friday. The immigration Offices remain closed on saturdays and on other government holidays. According to a Financial Ordinance-2061 provision, which the government has recently decided to implement, Value Added Tax (VAT) paid by tourists on goods worth more than Rs 15,000 would be refunded at the time of their departure. The decision will come into effect from May 1. Any international tourist, who has not been employed in Nepal for the past six months and has not stayed for more than 183 days in Nepal, can claim VAT refund on his purchases. The VAT refund applies only to goods being taken out of Nepal within 60 days of the date of purchase. For the time being the provision will benefit tourists leaving through the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has directed the Rastriya Banijya Bank (RBB) to open a branch at the TIA lounge to provide refund services to tourists, according to a bank source. The RBB unit will refund the amount in foreign currency to the tourists. The Ministry of Finanace has directed the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) to provide application forms VAT Refund for Tourists at department stores with immediate effect.
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