Nepal is a tiny Himalayan country located in the south Asia. It is a developing country, sandwiched between the giant neighbours- China and India. The country is spread in 147181 sq.km. It is a home of Mt. Everest and birthplace of Lord Buddha. A small country Nepal is diverse in various aspects. The geographical division can be categorized in three sections:the Himalayan region, the hilly region and the plain land Terai region.
The Himalayan Region
The eastern and northern part of Nepal is dominated by the soaring peaks. The Himalayan range of Nepal extends up to 8848 meters, which is the tallest peak of the world. Nepal is a home of 8000 meter peaks. Out of fourteen, eight peaks above 8000 meters lie in this country along with thousands of less height mountains and climbing peaks. Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Annapurna I are those 8000 meter peaks. Himalayan region is much more remote and isolated.
Along with the Himalayas, there are abundant Lakes, glaciers, forests and wild animals. The Everest regions, Upper Manaslu, Annapurna region, Langtang region, Kanchenjunga region are normally renowned as the Himalayan region. In this region, mostly rhododendron forests, alpine meadows and treeless region are located. Himalayan Thar, snow leopard and other fauna can be found.
The Himalayan region is dominated by the indigenous communities. There are many hidden valleys as the Sherpa valleys of the Everest region and Tamang villages of the Langtang region. Generally people from the Himalayan region are highly influenced by the Tibetan Buddhism.
Popular tourist activities: Mountaineering, Trekking, Heli tour
The Hilly Region
The middle section of Nepal is known as the hilly region. It is dominated by the sub-tropical evergreen forests. Terraced hillside can be a suitable term for this. It is beautiful and more cultivating than the Himalayan region. Waterfalls, Rivers, gorges, Lakes and terraced fields are the usual views of the hilly region.
The middle hill region is loaded with rich cultural and social phenomena. Mixed social groups, ethnic communities and scattered villages are located in this region. Gurung, Magar, Tamang, Brahmins and other social groups populate this region. The form of untouchable exist in many societies, which is called ‘achhut pratha’. People celebrate different festivals and celebrations.
Popular tourist activities: Trekking, Tours, Sightseeing, Heli tour, Rafting, Canyoning, Paragliding
The Terai Region
The Terai region is a grain store of Nepal, which is highly cultivated region of Nepal. It is also called Madhesh. This region is basically populated by the Madhesis, however, many immigrants from the hilly region have been settled too. It is located mostly in the border region to india. So, the culture and lifestyle is similar to the Indian societies.
Terai region is dominated by the tropical forest exotic wildlife. Various National Parks are located in this region, including Chitwan national park, Bardiya national park and others. Jungle safari is very much popular in this region by sitting on the elephant back. Tharu, Rajbanshi, Thakur and others are the indigenous groups of the Terai region.
Popular tourist activities: Tours, Rafting, Canoeing, Jungle safari
Nepal at a glance
Country: Nepal
Language: Nepali
Area: 147181 sq.km
Capital city: Kathmandu
Major Religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam
Currency: Nepali rupees
Population: about 3 million
Min altitude: 60 meters
Max altitude: 8848 meters
