Nepal at a Glance
Nepal Fact-Sheet
Introduction:
Nepal is greatest Himalaya country. It is known as a home to Mt. EVEREST, the highest peak on the earth. Imagine the uppermost place on earth at 29,029ft, capped by snow & buffeted by the icy winds of Himalayas & the Lord Buddha's BirthPlace. It has been an independent and sovereign nation since its prehistoric period. It lies between India in the south, east, and west and China in the north and on a lap of majestic Himalaya was once called land of Himalaya. A closer look however reveals the country as a dynamic blend of a vast array of exotic nature and culture. It is one of the richest countries in the world on term of bio diversity. Because of its unique geographical position, it is a land of scenic beauty with unrivaled attraction. The elevation range is to 70m to 8,848m from sea level. It has an area of 147818 sq km. the land expends 880 km east to west and 145km to 241 km north to south. Because of its geographical variation it divided in to three major geographical region as Himalayas, hilly and Tarai, due to the country’s endowed with vast mass of natural resources making it affluent with varieties of flora and fauna.
Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and altitude variation. The elevation of the country ranges from 70 meters above sea level to the highest point on earth, Mt. Everest at 8,848 meters, all within a distance of 150 kilometers resulting in climatic conditions from sub-tropical to arctic. This wild variation fosters an incredible variety of ecosystems, the greatest mountain range on earth, thick tropical jungles teeming with a wealth of wildlife, thundering rivers, forested hills and frozen valleys.
Within this spectacular geography is also one of the richest cultural landscapes anywhere. The country is a potpourri of 103 ethnic groups and sub-groups who speak over 93 languages and dialects. Nepal offers an astonishing diversity of sightseeing attractions and adventure opportunities found nowhere else on earth. And you can join in the numerous annual festivals that are celevrated throughout the year in traditional style highlighting enduring customs and beliefs.
Geography: The Republican of Nepal covers an area of 147, 181 square kilometers, and stretches 145-241 kilometers north to south and 850 kilometers west to east. The country is located between India in the south and China in the north. At latitudes 26 and 30 degrees north and longitudes 80 and 88 degrees east, Nepal is topographically divided into three regions: the Himalaya to the north, the hills consisting of the Mahabharat range and the Churia Hills in the middle, and the Terai to the south. Elevations are varied in the kingdom. The highest point is Mt. Everest (8848m) in the north and the lowest point (70 meters above sea level) is located at Kechana Kalan of Jhapa District. Altitude increases as you travel south to north. To the north temperatures are below - 40 degrees Celsius and in the Terai, temperatures rise to + 40 degrees Celsius in the summer. During June, July and August, the Republican is influenced by monsoon clouds.
Climate: Nepal has four distinct seasons. Spring from March to May, is warm with rain showers. Summer, form June to August, is the monsoon season when the hills turn lush and green. Autumn, from September to November, is cool with clear skies and is the most popular season for trekking. In the winter, from December to February, it is cold at night, with fog in the early morning.
Because Nepal is quite for south in latitude (same as maimi) the weather is warmer and winter is much milder at lower elevations. The monsoon is determined by the Bay of Bengal. It is hot during the monsoon with rain almost everyday. During this season, trekking in most of Nepal is difficult and uncomfortable, the mountains muddy and infested with leeches. It usually does not rain for more that one or two days during the entire autumn and the winter season. In the winter, the mountains are covered with snow including some high hills. Mt Everest itself is a huge black rock during the trekking season, which becomes snow –covered only during the winter.
Nestled in the laps of mighty Himalayan Range, Nepal has a moderate climate condition throughout the year. Nepal has four major seasons, namely: (1) Winter (December - February), (2) Spring (March-May), (3) Summer (June - August) and (4) Autumn (September - November). Nepal can be visited all the year round.
Language: Nepali is the national language of Nepal. However, people in urban areas speak and understand English quite well. People in the tourism industry also speak and understand selected international languages like Chinese, Indian, French, Japanese, German, Spanish and others. Apart from these, there are hundreds of local dialects spoken by people from various ethnic groups.
People and Religion: Nepal is a secular state and it respects the practice and existence of different religions within its territory. Nepalese people are mainly divided into two distinct groups: The Indo-Aryans and the Mongoloids (the Kirants). The Hindu Temples and Buddhist Shrines are scattered all over the country. Nepal is the birth place of Lord Buddha, the Herald of Peace. Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, Christians and people of other religions live together here in perfect harmony.
Currency & Foreign exchange: Nepali bank notes comes in Rupees 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 500, 1000 denominations. Coins come in Rupees 1, 2, 5 and 10 denominations. Foreign currencies must be exchanged only through banks or authorized money exchangers. The receipts of such transaction are to be obtained and retained. Visitors can exchange foreign currency at the foreign exchange counter at the airport upon arrival too. Visitors other than the Indian nationals have to make the payment in foreign currency (non-Indian Currency)in hotel, trekking agencies or travel agencies and for air tickets.
Time: Nepal Time (NPT) is the time zone for Nepal. It is UTC+5:45, and is one of only two official time zones without an hour or half-hour offset from UTC. Chatham Islands (offshore islands of New Zealand) is the only other place with such a time zone. Its time zone is UTC+12:45. See Chatham Standard Time Zone.
Weather Forecast: The weather of Nepal is categorized into four season. Autumn, Winter Spring and Summer. October through to January is generally the clearest month’s mountain viewing. The weather in March through to may can be cloudy and humid.
In the mountains, weather very quickly and every day can be different. Trekkers and mountaineers should manage their plan considering the daily weather condition. Up to date weather conditions and reports can be got along most major trekking routes. Also when trekking, the trekker should ask what the conditions are like for the trail ahead esp. during snow and heavy rain.
The most exhilarating titles with which Nepal has been admired and praised by various renowned travel writers in recognition of her cultural richness :
are explicit and self-explanatory. They tell the world about our incomparable & prosperous cultural heritage.
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