1. About Nepal. Japanese yen Chinese renminbi South Korean Won

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2 1. About Nepal Nepal, situated between India to the south, east and west and China to the north, occupies an area of 147,181 square kms. At latitudes ' and ' north and longitudes ' and ' east,the country is topographically divided into three regions: the Himalayan Region to thenorth, the Mountain Region comprising Mahabharat Range and the Chure Hillsin the middle and the Terai (plains) in the south. Known as the land of Mt. Everest and the birthplace of Lord Buddha, Nepal has varied topography and climate. Elevations contrast from the highest point in the world, which is Mt. Everest at 8,848 meters of altitude, to the lowest point at 70 meters above the sea level. As of the census of 2011, Nepal has a population of 26.4 million with a fascinating diversity of culture, language and ethnicity. Kathmandu, the venue of the Eighteenth SAARC Summit, is the capital of Nepal and the country s principal city with population of nearly two million. It is situated at an altitude of 1,336meters above the sea level. The city is surrounded by green hills and mountains with snow-capped Himalayan peaks against its northern and eastern background. 2. Climate It is autumn season in Nepal throughout the month of November. The skies are generally clear. It may be a little cold in the morning, but chilly winter season begins only in mid-december. The average maximum daily temperature is around 20 to 22 degree Celsius and the minimum around 7 to 9 degree Celsius or even below with a little chance of rainfall. The delegates and visiting dignitaries are advised to bring moderate warm clothing. The dress for meetings and social events will be, in general, national dress or lounge suit. 3. Electricity Supply Voltage in Nepal is 220 AC/50 cycle. 4. Nepal Standard Time The Standard Time of Nepal is 5 hours 45 minutes ahead of the GMT. 5. Currency and Exchange Rates Delegates are requested to exchange foreign currency into local currency at the airport counters, authorized banks, dealers or hotels. It is advisable that receipts of all transactions be retained for final reconversion of the unspent Nepalese currency at the time of departure. Internationally recognized credit cards are accepted in hotels and major shopping centers. Exchange rates of Nepalese rupees fixed by Nepal Rastra Bank, the central bank of Nepal, with some of the convertible currencies as of the day this note is prepared are as follows: Currency Unit Rate U.S. dollar European euro Australian dollar Currency Unit Rate Japanese yen Chinese renminbi South Korean Won Page 2 of 6

3 The open market exchange rates quoted by commercial banks may differ. Exchange Rate of Nepali Rupee with Indian Rupee is fixed by the Nepal Rastra Bank, which currently stands at Rupee 1.60 per Indian Rupee. 6. Customs Regulations Under the existing customs rules, delegates are allowed to bringin a reasonable amount of items including the following provided that they are taken back at the time of departure: One piece/set of used Binocular, movie camera, still camera Mobile phone, computer, music system Perambulator and tricycle The following items are allowed duty free entry for the delegates travelling on Passports: Liquor up to 1.15 liter, beer up to 12 cans, cigarettes up to 200 sticks, cigar up to 50 sticks, tobacco 250 grams Medicines, packed food and fresh fruits to the tune of NRs each Personal effects, a reasonable amount of souvenirs Gold or golden ornaments up to 50 grams, silver or silver ornaments up to500 grams and ornaments with precious stone worth NRs. 30,000 Camera photo film up to 15 and movie film up to 12 reels Delegates are free to purchase any Nepali products except restricted items provided they have exchanged their currency through an authorized dealer. 7. Schedules of Meetings The schedules for the Eighteenth SAARC Summit and the meetings preceding it are as follows: th SAARC Summit Meeting : November th Session of the SAARC Council of Ministers : 25 November st Session of the Standing Committee : November th Session of the Programming Committee : 22 November 2014 (The detailed programme will be sent to the Members States once it is finalized) 8. Summit Venue Rastriya Sabha Griha (The City Hall), Pradarshani Marg, Kathmandu Page 3 of 6

4 9. Information for Media Personnel Media Accreditation Media accreditation for 18 th SAARC Summit is open for the members of the press print, photo, radio, television, news agencies and online media that represent a media organization. Deadline for accreditation: 20 November 2014 Media representatives are required to fill out and submit online Media Accreditation Form (Available at The following documents must be uploaded while submitting the Media Accreditation Form: A letter of assignment on official letter head of a media organization by the Publisher or Editor-in-Chief stating the name and duration of assignment of the media representative(s) who will cover the Summit (for representatives of media organizations) A recommendation letter from the respective Ministry of Information and Broadcasting/Communications or related Department (for Freelance Journalists) A recent passport size photograph A copy of applicant s Identity Card A list of equipment that the media representative intend to bring into Nepal (if applicable) When the assigned media person receives an confirming the approval of their accreditation, media press pass can be obtained from Media Facilitation Desk at the Tribhuvan International Airport or: 1. the Department of Information until 21 November Media Liaison Office, Hotel Radisson, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, after 22 November 2014 When picking up the media pass, the following documents must be presented: 1. Original letter of assignment/recommendation 2. Valid passport or national identity document (press card, work identity card, driver s license or other form of photo identity card) The following Officials may be contacted for media accreditation related matters: 1. Mr.Laxmi Bilas Koirala Director General Department of Information Government of Nepal Kathmandu, Nepal. Page 4 of 6

5 Fax: Mr.Mitha Ram Humagain Department of Information Government of Nepal Kathmandu, Nepal. Tel: Mr. Ramesh Shrestha Department of Information Government of Nepal Kathmandu, Nepal. Tel: A Media Center with communication facilities will be established at the Hotel Radisson, (Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Tel / , reservation@radkat.com.np). Facilities for editing, telecast, voice-cast and photo-cast will be made available on request and media representatives will have to send their requests for the use of such facilities in advance. All additional and special telecommunications services including mobile telephones should be requested for in advance. Media personnel may, at their own expense, make use of such facilities. Media representatives are requested to furnish their arrival details and number and type of rooms required in the hotel well in advance. All media personnel are requested to make use of the special baggage identification labels/tags and attach them to all items of personal and professional baggage. All media personnel will be required to pay for their accommodation, food and telecommunications facilities. Media personnel will not be allowed at the retreat. The Government of Nepal has negotiated special rates at the following hotels for the media personnel: i. Hotel Radisson, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Tel / , reservation@radkat.com.np Page 5 of 6

6 ii. Hotel Yak and Yeti, Durbar Marg, Kathmandu, , iii. Hotel del Annapurna, Durbar Marg, Kathmandu, , iv. Hotel Everest, New Baneshwar, Kathmandu, , (November being peak tourist season in Kathmandu, they are advised to contact the hotel as early as possible.) 10. Other Information Newspapers and Magazines A wide range of Nepalese and foreign newspapers and magazines are available at the hotels as well as in the news stands in the city. 11. Bookings and Travel A travel desk will be set up at the Hotel Soaltee Crown Plaza to provide facilities for reconfirmation of air tickets of the delegates. Tourist literature and brochures are available at the Hotel Soaltee Crown Plaza. Shopping There are various shopping centres in and around Kathmandu having a variety of items. Hotel Soaltee has a good shopping arcade. Mr. Bhrigu Dhungana Under Secretary, MOFA (Media Coordinator for the Summit) Mobile: bhrigu.dhungana@mofa.gov.np Police Emergency 100, Fire Brigade 101 Paropakar Ambulance Red Cross Ambulance Bir Hospital / TU Teaching Hospital / Blood Bank , Telephone Enquiry 197 Page 6 of 6