Nepal

Overview

Nepal is a landlocked country located in South Asia in the Himalayas. The country has the world’s highest peaks; Mount Everest which is the tallest mountain in the world and Mount Kanchenjunga which is the third tallest. It recorded a population of 28.09 million people in 2018 and covers an area of 147,516 km2.

The capital city is Kathmandu located in a valley encircled by the Himalayan Mountains. The city has the country’s largest temple called the Pasupatinath. Most of the city’s historical sites were destroyed during the 2015 earthquake.

Mera Peak, The Himalayas.

History

Nepal’s current boundaries were established by signing of a treaty after the Anglo-Nepalese war that was fought between 1814 and 1816.

The country was ruled by hereditary chiefs called Ranas between 1846 and 1951. After 1951, the country started being ruled by a monarchial government.

Later, the monarchy was also abolished in 2008 when Nepal became a republic.

Food & culture

Nepal is a multi-ethnic and multi-lingual country. The culture is manifested through dance, art, languages, religion, philosophy, festivals and foods.

The main crops are rice, maize, barley, wheat, jute, cotton and sugarcane. The main exports are tea, beverage, carpets and beverage. The main foods include momo, pulao, dal phat and sel roti.

Wildlife

The main wildlife animals include Bengal tiger and fox, Himalayan monal and tahr, Indian rhino and elephant, sloth bear, leopard and marbled cat. The best months to visit the country are between October and December when the sky and views are clearer.

Festivals & events

Indra Jatra is the biggest religious festival, which is conducted at the Durbar Square at the centre of Kathmandu city which involves masked dances.

Dashain festival is conducted to honour the victory of the gods over demons by worshipping Durga which the symbol of power.

Other festivals include Mohani, Satbyu, Kartik Purnima and Ganesh Chauthi.

Things to see

The country is a mountainous country full of deep valleys with an enjoyable nature for trekking in Pokhara city. Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga are the most populous.

Chwitan National Park has wild animals and also the jungle of Terai plain.

The legend of Kathmandu valley is believed to be an ancient lake that drained water to proto-Bagmati River after a Buddhist Saint Manjushree struck it by his sword.

Interesting facts

Mount Everest 29,000 feet high is the tallest mountain in the world and one f the country’s main tourist attraction.

Nepal is the first Asian country to protect gay rights in the new constitution adopted in 2015.

The country has the largest Hindu population in the world in terms of percentage.

The official language is Nepali.

City guides

Famous hikes in Nepal

Everest Base Camp Trek

Distance: About 130 km return
Time: 12 to 14 days from Lukla
Best time: October to November, or March to May

How to do it: Fly into Lukla and trek up the Khumbu valley, staying in teahouses. You need a national park permit and a local area permit, and most people go with a guide and porter. Build in rest days for acclimatisation.

Annapurna Circuit

Distance: 160 to 230 km
Time: 12 to 18 days
Best time: October to November, or March to April

How to do it: Teahouse trekking around the Annapurna massif, crossing the Thorong La pass at 5,416 metres. You need an Annapurna Conservation Area permit and a TIMS card.

See it on my bucket list

Run a marathon in Nepal

Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon

Everest Base Camp · usually May

Starts at Everest Base Camp on 29 May, the anniversary of the first ascent, and runs down the Khumbu valley. You trek in for about two weeks first to acclimatise.

Dates move from year to year, so check the race website before you book.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal

0 of 4 visited. See every site I've been to.

Plan your trip to Nepal

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