Between the high Himalayas and the beautiful Indian Plains, Nepal is a land of unique traditions and culture with warm faces and the best hospitality. It is also known for peaks with snow and Sherpas. Monasteries and temples are the features that also highlight the beauty of Nepal.
Medieval Cities & Sacred Sites:
Tourist in Nepal gets a lifetime experience starting from the beautiful Himalayas and walking through the medieval city of Kathmandu. The Temples and Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims and centuries-old Stupa give an experience of the spiritual stroll in Nepal.
Nepal known for the Himalayas and forested plains is also known for its tradition and Kathmandu valley is still known for its cultural and heritage sites even after the devastating earthquake of 2015.
Total Area: 147,181 km2 (56,827 sq. mi)
Lowest point: 59m above sea level.
Highest point: Mt. Everest -8848.86m (above sea level)
Borders: Nepal shares its border with India in the South, East, and West and China in the North.
Number of Reserves, National Parks, and Conservation Areas: 20
Nepal is protected by the Himalayas from the north and beautifully presented by forested plains in the south.
The topography can be divided into four parts: the the Trans Himalayan region (4500-5000m), the Mountain region (3000-5000m), Hill Region (700-3000m), and the Terai Region (60-700m). Nepal is home to the 8 highest mountains in the world as well as the world’s highest mountain Mt. Everest. It also has more than 1900 peaks that are over 5500 meters.
The source of fresh water in Nepal is the Himalayas and glaciers and the country has beautiful rivers flowing through hills and plains. About twenty-five percent of Nepal’s land is covered by forest and the photography of scattered forested hills and the sight of national activity are the best views one can get in Nepal.
Geographical Location:
Nepal shares its border with India to the south, east, and west and with Tibet Autonomous region of the People’s Republic of China in the north. Nepal is commonly divided into three physiographic areas: Himal (mountain) Pahad (Hill) and Terai (Plain). These ecological belts run east-west and are vertically intersected by Nepal’s major, north-to-south flowing river systems. Nepal is a landlocked country.
Nepal has the eight highest peaks including Mount Everest the highest peak and Mount Kanchenjunga third highest bordering India and China.
Language:
The national language of Nepal is Nepali, however, English is also spoken widely. It is also rich in local dialects which are more than 100.
Climate:
Nepal has four main seasons
- Spring: March-May
- Summer: June-August
- Autumn: September-November
- Winter: December-February.
You can visit Nepal in any season.
People and Religion:
Nepal is divided into two main groups, the Indo- Aryans and the Mongolians (the Kirats). Nepal was declared a secular country in 2007 before that it was the only Hindu Country in the world. The majority of the population in Nepal are Hindus.
Buddhism is another major religion that is followed in Nepal as Nepal is the birthplace of Lord Buddha and you will find Hindu and Buddhist temples in almost every part of Nepal. Other religions such as Christianity and Islam are also followed in Nepal. Nepal is a country where people from different religions live in peace in harmony.
Currency:
You will find Nepali currency in the form of notes and coins, notes usually found these days are of NRs. 5,10,20,50,100,500, and 1000. Notes of NRs. 1, 2, and 25 are rare these days.
Coins are of NRs. 1, 2, 5, and 10 denominations.
Electricity:
Electricity is 220V/50 cycles, and appliances of 120V from the USA require transformers. Various types of sockets are available such as two-round pins and three-round pins. You will find adapters in the local electricity shop, however, it is best to carry a universal adapter with you.
ATMs:
You will find ATMs widely available in all major cities of Nepal however in rural areas and trekking zones, ATMs are difficult to find.
Health:
The best hospitals are available in Kathmandu and you may also find decent hospitals in other major cities of Nepal. The health facilities may deteriorate when traveling away from the capital city of Nepal. The mountainous region of Nepal lacks proper hospitals.