Nepal Information

INTRODUCTION

Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and latitudinal variation. The elevation of the country ranges from 60 meters above the sea level to the highest point on earth — Mt Everest at 8,848 meters. 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.

This spectacular geography has also produced one of the richest cultural landscapes anywhere. The country is a living museum of 59 registered ethnic groups and sub-groups with over 70 languages and dialects. Nepal offers an astonishing diversity of sightseeing attractions and adventure opportunities found nowhere else on earth. Besides, one can experience numerous local festivals round the year, observed by different ethnic communities highlighting age-old customs, beliefs and traditions.

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!

Nepal @ glance

• Extension: 147,181 sq. km.
• Population: 23,000,000
• Border: Tibet (China) to the North and rest with India.
• Region: Terai, Hill and Himalaya
• Ethnic Groups: Sherpa, Tamang, Gurung, Magar, Rai, Limbu, Thakali, Lopa, Dolpo, Tharu, Satar, Dhangar, Rajbansi, Danwar, Majhi, Darai.
• Religion: Buddhism, Hinduism, Kirat, Bon, Muslims, Christians etc.
• Currency: Nepali Rupee.
• Language: Nepali & various proper dialects. General English.
• Time difference: + 5h 45'.
• Altitude: It varies from 70 m to 8848 m, the highest in the world - Mt. Everest
• Climate: Nepal has four major seasons

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.

International Highlights

• 8 of the world's 10 tallest mountains
• 2% of all world's flowering plants
• 8% or 848 species of the world's birds
• 4%of the world's mammals
• 11 of the 15 families of the earth's butterflies
• 6,000 of the plant species known to the world
• 319 species of the world's enchanting orchids