Nepal
Travels :: Nepal Travel
Guide
General Information
INTRODUCTION
Nepal - a country of amazing extremes, is the home of the world's highest
mountains, historic cities and the forested plains where the lordly tigers
and the great one- horned rhinoceros trundle at ease. In fact enchantment
is everywhere- for anyone in search of
Shangrila!
GEOGRAPHY
Nepal, a sovereign independent Kingdom, is bounded, on the North by the
Tibetan Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China, the east-south
and west by India. The length of the Kingdom is 885 kilometres east-west
and its breadth varies from 145-241 kilometers north-south. The country
can be divided into three main geographical regions.
(a) HIMALAYAN REGION
The altitude of this region ranges between 4877m. - 8848m. It includes 8
of the highest 14 summits in the world which exceed altitude of 8000 meters
including, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and others.
(b) MOUNTAIN REGIONS
This region accounts for about 64 percent of total land area. It is formed
by the Mahabharat range that soars up to 4877 meter and the lower churia
range.
(c) TERAI REGION.
The low-land Terai oceupies about 17 percent of the total land area of the
country. There is no seasonal constraint on travelling in and through Nepal.
Even in December and January, when the winter is at its severest, there
are compensating bright sun and brilliant views.
HISTORY
Nepal-a country with a long historic tradition is an amalgamation of
a number of medieval principalities. Before the campaign of national integration
launched by King Prithvi Narayan Shah the Kathmandu Valley was ruled by
the Malla Kings, whose contributions to art and culture are indeed great
and unique. In 1768 AD the Shah dynasty ascended the throne of the unified
kingdom. His Majesty King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, is tenth King
in the Shah dynasty.
The new democratic constitution of the kingdom was promulgated on November
9, 1990. Nepal is one of the founder members of South Asian Association
for Regional Cooperation SAARC of which the third summit was held in Kathmandu
in November 1987.
PEOPLE
Nepal has a population of more than 18 million people made of different
races living in different regions, with diverse culture, languages and
dialects.
The Gurungs and Magars live mainly in the west. The Rais, Limbus and
Sunuwars inhabits the slopes and valleys of the Eastern mid hills. The
Sherpas live in the Himalayan region. The Newars constitute an important
ethnic group of the capital valley Kathmandu.
There are Tharus, Yadavas, Satar, Rajvanshis and Dhimals in the Terai
region. The Brahmans, Chhetris and Thakuris are spread generally over
all parts of the Kingdom.
RELIGION & CULTURE
Hinduism and Buddhism constitute two major religions of Nepal. A remarkable
feature of Nepal is the religious homogeneity what exists, particularly
between the Hindu and Buddhist Communities. Apart from the Hindus and
Buddhists, Muslim from the third largest religious group. The exquisite
medieval Art & Architecture of the Kathmandu Valley vividly reflect
the artistic ingenuity and the religious tradition of the people.
LANGUAGE
Nepali, serves the purpose of the kingdom's lingua franca in Nepal. The
educated people speak and understand English as well.
CLIMATE
Nepal has four climatic seasons
(a) Spring : March-May
(b) Summer : June-August
(c) Autumn : September-November
(d) Winter : December-February.
The average temperature and rainfall records in Kathmandu are presented
hereunder.
CLOTHING
Clothing depends on place and time, however, it is recommended to have
both light and warm clothing. In the mountain areas warm clothes are generally
a must.
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