Military and foreign affairs

Nepal's military consists of the Nepalese Army, which includes the Nepalese Army Air Service (the air force unit under it.) Nepalese Police Force is the civilian police and the Armed Police Force Nepal is the paramilitary force. Service is voluntary and the minimum age for enlistment is 18 years. Nepal spends $99.2 million (2004) on its military—1.5% of its GDP. Much of the equipment and arms are imported from India. Consequently, the US provided M16s M4s and other Colt weapons to combat communist (Maoist) insurgents. As of now, the standard-issue battle rifle of the Nepalese army is the Colt M16.
Nepal has close ties with both of its neighbours, India and China. In accordance with a long-standing treaty, Indian and Nepalese citizens may travel to each others' countries without a passport or visa. Nepalese citizens may work in India without legal restriction. However, since the Government of Nepal has been dominated by Socialists and India's by more right-wing parties, India has been remilitarizing the "porous" Indo-Nepali border, in order to stifle the flow of Islamist groups Nepal established relations with the People's Republic of China on August 1, 1955, and relations since have been based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. Nepal has aided China in the aftermath of the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, and China has provided economic assistance for Nepali infrastructure. Both countries have cooperated to host the 2008 Summer Olympics summit of Mt. Everest.Nepal has assisted in curbing anti-China protests from the Tibetan diaspora

 

Culture of nepal

A typical Nepalese meal is dal-bhat-tarkari. Dal is a spicy lentil soup, served over bhat (boiled rice), served with tarkari (curried vegetables) together with achar (pickles) or chutni (spicy condiment made from fresh ingredients). The Newar community, however, has its own unique cuisine. It consists of non-vegetarian as well as vegetarian items served with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Mustard oil is the cooking medium and a host of spices, such as cumin, coriander, black peppers, sesame seeds, turmeric, garlic, ginger, methi (fenugreek), bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon, pepper, chillies, mustard seeds, etc., are used in the cooking. The cuisine served on festivals is generally the best.

Costumed Hindu-girls in Nepal. The two small children represent the god Krishna and his consort Radha. Sitting behind are the god Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi.

Main article: Music of Nepal

The Newari Music orchestra consists mainly of percussion instruments, though wind instruments, such as flutes and other similar instruments, are also used. String instruments are very rare. There are songs pertaining to particular seasons and festivals. Paahan chare music is probably the fastest played music whereas the Dapa the slowest. There are certain musical instruments such as Dhimay and Bhusya which are played as instrumental only and are not accompanied with songs. The dhimay music is the loudest one. In the hills, people enjoy their own kind of music, playing saarangi (a string instrument), madal and flute. They also have many popular folk songs known as lok geet and lok dohari.
The Newar dances can be broadly classified into masked dances and non-masked dances. The most representative of Newari dances is Lakhey dance. Almost all the settlements of Newaris organise Lakhey dance at least once a year, mostly in the Goonlaa month. So, they are called Goonlaa Lakhey. However, the most famous Lakhey dance is the Majipa Lakhey dance; it is performed by the Ranjitkars of Kathmandu and the celebration continues for the entire week that contains the full moon of Yenlaa month. The Lakhey are considered to be the saviors of children.
Folklore is an integral part of Nepalese society. Traditional stories are rooted in the reality of day-to-day life, tales of love, affection and battles as well as demons and ghosts and thus reflect local lifestyles, cultures and beliefs. Many Nepalese folktales are enacted through the medium of dance and music.
The Nepali year begins in mid-April and is divided into 12 months. Saturday is the official weekly holiday. Main annual holidays include the National Day, celebrated on the birthday of the king (28 December), Prithvi Jayanti (11 January), Martyr's Day (18 February), and a mix of Hindu and Buddhist festivals such as dashain in autumn, and tihar in late autumn. During tihar, the Newar community also celebrates its New Year as per their local calendar Nepal Sambat.
Most houses in rural lowland of Nepal are made up of a tight bamboo framework and walls of a mud and cow-dung mix. These dwellings remain cool in summer and retain warmth in winter. Houses in the hills are usually made of unbaked bricks with thatch or tile roofing. At high elevations construction changes to stone masonry and slate may be used on roofs.

Economy of nepal

Nepal's gross domestic product (GDP) for 2008 was estimated at over $12 billion (adjusted to Nominal GDP), making it the 115th-largest economy in the world. Agriculture accounts for about 40% of Nepal's GDP, services comprise 41% and industry 22%. Agriculture employs 76% of the workforce, services 18% and manufacturing/craft-based industry 6%. Agricultural produce – mostly grown in the Terai region bordering India – includes tea, rice, corn, wheat, sugarcane, root crops, milk, and water buffalo meat. Industry mainly involves the processing of agricultural produce, including jute, sugarcane, tobacco, and grain.
Its workforce of about 10 million suffers from a severe shortage of skilled labour. About 25% of the population live below the international poverty line of $1.25 a day.. This is a significant improvement from the 41.2% in 1995-96. The spectacular landscape and diverse, exotic cultures of Nepal represent considerable potential for tourism, but growth in this hospitality industry has been stifled by recent political events. In 2009, the number of international tourists visiting Nepal was 509,956. The rate of unemployment and underemployment approaches half of the working-age population. Thus many Nepali citizens move to India in search of work; the Gulf countries and Malaysia being new sources of work. Nepal receives $50 million a year through the Gurkha soldiers who serve in the Indian and British armies and are highly esteemed for their skill and bravery. The total remittance value is worth around $1 billion, including money sent from the Persian Gulf and Malaysia, who combined employ around 700,000 Nepali citizens.
A long-standing economic agreement underpins a close relationship with India. The country receives foreign aid from India, Japan, the UK, the US, the EU, China, Switzerland, and Scandinavian countries. Poverty is acute; per-capita income is around $1,000.The distribution of wealth among the Nepalis is consistent with that in many developed and developing countries: the highest 10% of households control 39.1% of the national wealth and the lowest 10% control only 2.6%.
The government's budget is about $1.153 billion, with expenditure of $1.789 billion (FY05/06). The Nepalese rupee has been tied to the Indian Rupee at an exchange rate of 1.6 for many years. Since the loosening of exchange rate controls in the early 1990s, the black market for foreign exchange has all but disappeared. The inflation rate has dropped to 2.9% after a period of higher inflation during the 1990s.
Nepal's exports of mainly carpets, clothing, leather goods, jute goods and grain total $822 million. Import commodities of mainly gold, machinery and equipment, petroleum products and fertilizer total US$2 bn. India (53.7%), the US (17.4%), and Germany (7.1%) are its main export partners. Nepal's import partners include India (47.5%), the United Arab Emirates (11.2%), China (10.7%), Saudi Arabia (4.9%), and Singapore (4%).


 

Environment of nepal

The dramatic differences in elevation found in Nepal result in a variety of biomes, from tropical savannas along the Indian border, to subtropical broadleaf and coniferous forests in the Hill Region, to temperate broadleaf and coniferous forests on the slopes of the Himalaya, to montane grasslands and shrublands and rock and ice at the highest elevations.
At the lowest elevations is the Terai-Duar savanna and grasslands ecoregion. These form a mosaic with the Himalayan subtropical broadleaf forests, which occur from 500 to 1,000 metres (1,600 to 3,300 ft) and include the Inner Terai Valleys. Himalayan subtropical pine forests occur between 1,000 and 2,000 metres (3,300 and 6,600 ft).
Above these elevations, the biogeography of Nepal is generally divided from east to west by the Gandaki River. Ecoregions to the east tend to receive more precipitation and to be more species-rich. Those to the west are drier with fewer species.
From 1,500 to 3,000 metres (4,900 to 9,800 ft), are temperate broadleaf forests: the eastern and western Himalayan broadleaf forests. From 3,000 to 4,000 metres (9,800 to 13,000 ft) are the eastern and western Himalayan subalpine conifer forests. To 5,500 metres (18,000 ft) are the eastern and western Himalayan alpine shrub and meadows.

Nepal

Nepal  officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked sovereign state located in South Asia. It is located in the Himalayas and bordered to the north by the People's Republic of China, and to the south, east, and west by the Republic of India. With an area of 147,181 square kilometres (56,827 sq mi) and a population of approximately 30 million, Nepal is the world's 93rd largest country by land mass and the 41st most populous country. Kathmandu is the nation's capital and the country's largest metropolis.
Nepal has a rich geography. The mountainous north has eight of the world's ten tallest mountains, including the highest point on Earth, Mount Everest, called Sagarmatha in Nepali. It contains more than 240 peaks over 20,000 ft (6,096 m) above sea level. The fertile and humid south is heavily urbanized.
By some measures, Hinduism is practised by a larger majority of people in Nepal than in any other nation Buddhism, though a minority faith in the country, is linked historically with Nepal. Many Nepali do not distinguish between Hinduism and Buddhism and follow both religious traditions. There are three different buddhist traditions: Himalayan Buddhism, Buddhism of Kathmandu Valley (mostly Mahayana and Vajrayana), and also the Theravada Buddhism.
A monarchy throughout most of its history, Nepal was ruled by the Shah dynasty of kings from 1768, when Prithvi Narayan Shah unified its many small kingdoms. However, a decade-long Civil War by the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) and several weeks of mass protests by all major political parties led to the 12 point agreement of November 22, 2005. The ensuing elections for the constituent assembly on May 28, 2008 overwhelmingly favored the abdication of the Nepali monarch Gyanendra Shah and the establishment of a federal multiparty representative democratic republicThe first President of Nepal, Ram Baran Yadav, was sworn in on July 23, 2008.

hotelthamel

No place bustles with as much life and color in Kathmandu as Thamel. It is the most convenient and most fun place from which to explore the city.Thamel boasts the best restaurants, the best shopping, and the best bookshops. Everything you need is found here - trekking equipment rentals, bicycle rentals, arrangements for treks, rafting, wildlife tours and sightseeing tours. Aside from its convenience, visitors have a chance to meet Nepalis as well as people from every part of the world. Hotel Thamel is located on a quiet lane in the heart of Thamel, offering you a comfortable stay at unbelievably moderate prices, and of course, the fascinating world of Thamel. Refer the Map bellow to find us.

le Meriden kathmandu

INTRODUCTION

Hotel Le Méridien Kathmandu, Gokarna Forest Golf Resort & Spa is located inside the serene temperate Gokarna Forest , private Royal hunting grounds of the Kings of Nepal. Situated within the city limits of Kathmandu , capital of Royal Kingdom of Nepal, this Hotel Resort, Spa and Golf Course is operated by Le Méridien, a leading global chain of luxury hotels and resorts.

A winding road climbs through the forest leading to the main complex of buildings, comprising a mix of subtly majestic Malla period architecture and Rana period lodges. Further on exotic Heritage Country Club rooms are set besides a century old restored Hunter's lodge.

A quiet peaceful haven set between ancient towering trees; glimpses of the second fairway in the valley below; the perfect getaway for a few days of golf, relaxation and rejuvenation at the Spa, enchanting forest walks, and time close to nature.

Resort Description - Spa and Health Club
Set within Gokarna Forest amongst majestic trees on the edge of a plateau, overlooking the grassed valley below, Harmony Spa combines therapeutic care within a natural environment impossible to recreate elsewhere.

Harmony Spa includes a variety of rejuvenating courses, emphasizing Ayurvedic treatments within Ayura, a dedicated Ayurvedic treatment area, the Adam & Eve, and Serenity massage rooms. The Health club encompasses Apsara, the Beauty Treatment center, an indoor temperature controlled pool complex, luxurious changing rooms each with a Sauna, Steam room, and Jacuzzi. The large well equipped gym, the finest in the country, overlooks the forest through large picture windows.

Resort Description - Golf CourseAgainst the backdrop of the snow capped Himalayas, close to the heart of Kathmandu city, South Asia's finest, and one of the world's most spectacular Golf Resort Courses is stunningly set within 470 acres of the hundreds of years old Gokarna Forest Reserve.

Designed by David Kidd (Gleneagles Golf Developments of Scotland), the 6,715 yard par 72 course boasts the only Bent Grass Greens in South Asia , making it one of the highlights of the professional tour circuits in the region. The serenity and settings are overwhelming. Deer and monkey wander freely, as will the spirits of all who enter. Truly an enchanting sanctuary.

Gokarna Forest Resort Data
Hotel Name	Gokarna Forest Resort
Golf Course Name	Gokarna Forest Golf Club
City:	Kathmandu (KTM)
Elevation of Kathmandu Valley	1,336m (4,400 ft)
Country:	Nepal (NP)
Rooms Available for stay:	90 rooms
Harmony Spa	Indoor temperature controlled pool, Gym, Beauty Treatment Center, Treatment rooms, Spa facilities including Sauna, Steam, Jacuzzi, massages and treatments.
Golf Course	18 Holes par 72 - 6715 / 6305 / 5977 / 5586 yds
Distance/Time from Airport:	10 km. (20 minutes)
Distance/Time from town center:	10 km. (30 minutes) due N.E. from Town Center
Distance/Time from Hyatt	4 km. (10 minutes)
Distance/Time from Boudhnath	3.5 km. (8 minutes)
Taxi Fare:	US$7~10
Visa fee on arrival at the Airport	US$25
Airport Tax to SAARC countries	US$20 (included in ticket)
Airport Tax to other countries	US$30 (included in ticket)
Currency Conversion Indian Rupee (INR)	NRs. 1.6 (fixed)
Currency – USD	NRs. 70~75 (floating)
Total Size of Gokarna Forest	approx. 750 Acres (300 Hectares)
Total Size of Resort	approx.470 Acres (185 Hectares)
Earmarked for project	approx 240 Acres (971,280 m2) (95 Hectares)
Preserved forest for recreation use	approx 230 Acres (90 Hectares)
Area of site available for hotel estate	72,000 m2
Total capacity of main car park	100
Number of jobs to be created - estimated	250 full time / 150 part time
Golf Course:	Par 72,18 Hole: 6,715 yards – open since 1999
Golf Club House:	Pro Shop, Restaurant & Bar, Changing Rooms
Golf Practice tee:	7 open berths and 3 covered berths
Room Facilities :	Forest or Garden view, Fresh Air and heated air-conditioning, Tea/Coffee making, Mini Bar, Internet Access, Satellite TV, Hair dryer, Telephone, Tub/Shower, Writing Desk.
Technical:	Technical: 220V electricity supply, PABX with ISDN compatibility & Tele account facilities.
Facilities -	Coffee Shop, Private Dining, Bar, Lounge hall, Travel Desk, Business Center, Conference Hall, Room Service, Laundry & Dry cleaning, Housekeeping, Souvenir shop.