About Nepal

Nepal Pyramids Trekking & Climbing

Nepal, located in the heart of the majestic Himalayas, is a country of unparalleled beauty and cultural heritage. Its picturesque landscapes, towering mountains, and vibrant traditions make it a truly captivating destination for travelers from around the world. It is a country where snow-capped peaks reach the heavens, lush valleys teem with vibrant flora and fauna, and ancient temples and monasteries stand as testaments to a rich history and spiritual heritage. As you traverse the diverse landscapes of Nepal, you are greeted by the warm smiles and genuine hospitality of its people, who embody resilience and kindness in the face of adversity.

In recent years, Nepal has emerged as a popular destination for adventure seekers, offering activities like mountain climbing, paragliding, and white-water rafting. The country’s pristine rivers and challenging peaks provide a thrilling backdrop for adrenaline-pumping experiences.

The glamour of Nepal lies not only in its stunning natural landscapes but also in its deep-rooted traditions and spiritual heritage. The country is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the ancient city of Kathmandu, with its complexly designed temples and pagodas. The Durbar Squares in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan is a testament to the country’s architectural brilliance and historical significance.

The mystical city of Kathmandu, with its bustling streets and ornate temples, is a living museum that immerses visitors in a vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and scents. From the mesmerizing prayer flags fluttering in the wind to the melodious chants resonating from ancient monasteries, there is an undeniable aura of tranquility and spirituality that permeates the air.

Venture beyond the bustling cities, and you will discover a world of pristine natural wonders. The towering peaks of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, the highest peak on Earth, beckon intrepid adventurers from around the globe. The Annapurna and Langtang regions offer breathtaking trekking trails that traverse through verdant forests, picturesque villages, and cascading waterfalls. Amidst this awe-inspiring scenery, you can find solace and inner peace as you connect with nature in its purest form.

But Nepal is more than just its natural splendor; it is a tapestry of diverse cultures and traditions. With over 100 ethnic groups and languages, the country is a melting pot of vibrant festivals, colorful costumes, and intricate artwork. Whether it’s the joyous celebrations of Dashain and Tihar or the mystical rituals of Buddhism and Hinduism, every corner of Nepal resonates with the rhythm of ancient traditions and the timeless spirit of its people.

The Nepalese people are known for their warm hospitality and rich cultural traditions. From the vibrant festivals that celebrate the various ethnic groups and their customs to the age-old art forms like Thangka painting and wood carving, Nepal’s cultural tapestry is a testament to the country’s deep-rooted heritage.

Beyond the surface beauty, Nepal holds a profound charm that touches the soul. It is a place where time seems to stand still, allowing you to disconnect from the chaos of the modern world and reconnect with your inner self. Whether you seek adventure, spiritual enlightenment, or a deeper understanding of humanity, Nepal offers a transformative journey that leaves an indelible mark on your heart.

In every sunrise over the majestic Himalayas and every sunset that paints the sky with hues of orange and gold, Nepal reveals its timeless beauty. It is a land that captivates the senses, evokes a sense of wonder, and inspires the soul. Nepal is an enchanting destination where nature, culture, and spirituality intertwine, leaving visitors forever touched by its magic.

PEOPLE OF NEPAL - THE NEPALESE

The people of Nepal, with their invincible spirit and unwavering resilience, form the vibrant soul of this nation. From the bustling streets of Kathmandu to the remote mountain villages, the people of Nepal embody a fascinating blend of traditions, values, and aspirations. They shape the country's identity and contribute to its progress. This essay explores the remarkable characteristics of the people of Nepal and the significance of their cultural heritage in the nation's tapestry.

Cultural Diversity:

Nepal is a mosaic of ethnicities, with over 125 distinct ethnic groups, each with its own language, customs, and traditions. The Nepalese people exhibit a remarkable tolerance and acceptance of this diversity, fostering an environment of harmony and unity. The major ethnic groups include the Indo-Aryan and Tibeto-Burman communities, such as the Chhetri, Brahmin, Newar, Gurung, Magar, Sherpa, Tamang, and Tharu, among others. This diverse composition not only contributes to the cultural richness of the nation but also serves as a testament to the inclusive nature of Nepalese society.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity:

The people of Nepal have faced numerous challenges throughout their history, ranging from natural disasters to political upheavals. Earthquakes, such as the devastating one in 2015, have tested their resilience and unity. Despite such adversities, the Nepalese people have displayed remarkable courage, solidarity, and determination to rebuild their lives and communities. Their unwavering spirit has been instrumental in recovering from these tragedies and finding solace in the embrace of their shared cultural heritage.

Cultural Heritage and Traditions:

Nepal's cultural heritage is a living testament to the country's rich history and traditions. The people of Nepal take immense pride in their ancient customs, rituals, festivals, music, dance, and arts. Festivals like Dashain, Tihar, and Teej bring communities together, reinforcing the bonds of kinship and fostering a sense of collective identity. The Newar community, known for its rich cultural heritage, celebrates vibrant festivals like Bisket Jatra, Indra Jatra, and Machhindra Nath Jatra. All these showcase their distinct artistic expressions and religious beliefs. Through these cultural practices, the Nepalese people reinforce their connection with their ancestors and transmit their values and wisdom to future generations.

Harmony with Nature:

The people of Nepal share a profound bond with the natural environment that surrounds them. The majestic Himalayan ranges, sacred rivers, and lush green valleys have shaped their way of life, inspiring a deep reverence for nature. Communities in remote mountainous regions have developed sustainable practices, such as terrace farming, to overcome the challenges of their rugged terrain. Sherpas, renowned for their mountaineering skills, exemplify the intimate relationship between the people of Nepal and the mountains. Their enduring resilience and adaptability in the face of harsh conditions are a testament to their symbiotic coexistence with nature.

CLIMATE:

Though Nepal's climate varies with its geography and altitude, its monsoon is affected by the Bay of Bengal in India, the world's largest bay making June to September very wet and humid. Monsoon (June, July, and August) is probably not the real off-season for people who fancy coming to Nepal. During this time Nepal Pyramids operates a number of treks to upper Mustang and upper Dolpo which is a rain shadow area and monsoon is the perfect time to visit these once forbidden kingdoms which are very in cultural aspects and still untouched by civilization. The three different regions of Nepal do have a variation in climate - the Terai region can change from seriously chilly in winter to very hot and humid in the summer. The Mountain Region basically has a moderate climate all through the year with frosty nights. However, the Himalayan region with its alpine climate can get to freezing temperatures during winter.

SEASONS:

Nepal has four distinct seasons.

Spring (between March-May):

The temperature will be moderate giving you plenty of opportunity with stunning mountain views and picturesque landscapes. It's more of a very ideal time for expeditions where mountaineers from different parts of the world come to summit varied peaks of Nepal. In addition, spring is real-time for different floras giving anyone abundant prospects to understand the exquisiteness of natural surroundings.

Summer (between June – August):

This is the monsoon and summer season in Nepal where the weather is hot, humid, and wet. It's literally off-season and not a very favorable time to trek in Nepal other than the rain shadow area of Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpo.

Autumn (between September – November):

This is the longest trekking season and is considered the best period for trekking in Nepal. This is the finest season where beautiful days are certain offering you clear skies and outstanding mountain views. In addition, the popular Hindu festivals fall in this season where anyone can participate and witness the splendor of celebration.

Winter (between December – February):

This season is particularly encouraging for those doing the lower elevation foothills treks. Despite the cold temperature the weather is very promising presenting you with clear blue skies without much hindrance from the monsoon clouds and giving you the marvelous advantage of being in the less crowded trails and tea houses.

Contributions to Society:

The people of Nepal have made significant contributions in various fields, both within the country and on the global stage. From renowned mountaineers like Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Pasang Lhamu Sherpa to accomplished writers, artists, and scholars, the Nepalese have left an indelible mark on the world. Moreover, their warm hospitality and welcoming nature have made Nepal a favored destination for tourists, providing opportunities for cultural exchange and economic growth.

NEPAL FACTS:

Nepal is a beautiful country rightfully called a paradise on Earth. Here we are listing the most fun and interesting facts about Nepal. The most baffling fact about Nepal is that all of the following happens within the limited area of 147,181 sq. km (56,827 sq. mi) and within the extending length of 885 km (550 mi) SE – NW and the width of 201 km (125 mi) NE – SW.

GEOGRAPHY

  • Nepal has 8 out of the world’s 14 highest mountains including Mount Everest.
  • In a span of 100 km going from South to North in any part of Nepal you can experience a hot tropical climate to bone-chilling Arctic-type weather with an altitudinal variation that ranges from 70 meters to 8848 meters.
  • Nepal boasts the most thrilling places on the earth such as the highest lake on the earth (Tilicho 4800 meters), the deepest gorges (over 6000 m) in Kaligandaki, the highest valley on earth (Arun Valley), and the tallest grassland in the world in Chitwan.
  • Kaligandaki is a river older than the Himalayas. Therefore, it acts as a major ecological dividing line of the whole eastern and western Himalayas.
  • Nepal is a four-season destination.
  • Nepal is called the Amazon of Asia. The hidden treasure of its rich biodiversity is not yet fully explored. Many new species could be discovered in Nepal.

BIO-DIVERSITY

  • Nepal has more than 360 species of Orchid which constitutes over 2% of the world’s orchids.
  • Nepal has 8 % of the total species of birds found in the world.
  • Nepal comprises 6% of the world’s rhododendron species.
  • Nepal harbors 5980 species of flowering plants which covers 2.4% of the world’s total. Over 250 species of flowering plants are endemic in Nepal (i.e. It is not found elsewhere else in the world.)
  • It is said that Nepal has the largest moth in the world (Atlas Moth)
  • Some of the largest wild honeybees are found in Nepal.
  • The only natural breeding ground of the Long Snouted Gharial crocodile exists in the Nepalese river.
  • The mysterious creature of the Himalayas called Yeti is said to be spotted in the Nepalese Himalayas by many. Sir Edmund Hillary even led an expedition to find the Yeti in 1958.
  • The second largest population of One-horned rhinos is found in Nepal.
  • Nepal has one of the best habitats for Snow Leopard.
  • Sukla Phanta in West Nepal harbors the world's largest herd of Swamp deer.

CULTURE, LIFESTYLE, AND PRIDE:

  • Nepal has the only living goddess in the world called Kumari. Kumari literally means virgin in Nepali.
  • Nepal was never been under any foreign invasion. Thus Nepal does not have an independent day because Nepal was never colonized. Nepal is also the oldest country in South Asia.
  • Nepal has the densest concentration of World Heritage Sites. Kathmandu Valley alone has 7 World Heritage Cultural sites within a radius of 15 kilometers. No wonder Kathmandu is called the living cultural museum of the world.
  • Nepal is the only country with a non-rectangular flag. The current flag has been in place since 1962 although the basic design has been used for over 2,000 years in Nepal.
  • People in Nepal greet one another by saying “Namaste” or “Namaskar” with their palms together and bowing their foreheads. Namaste is directly translated as ‘I salute the God in youˇ.
  • The elephant polo game originated in Meghauli, Nepal. Tiger Tops in Nepal is the headquarters of elephant polo and the site of the World Elephant Polo Championships.
  • Some of the highest permanent human habitats in the world exist in the Himalayan region of Nepal.
  • Nepal has over 80 ethnic groups and 123 Languages.
  • Nepal opened its borders in 1949.

ENVIRONMENT:

  • Over 19% of the total country’s landmass is protected under National Park and Protected Area in Nepal.
  • Shivapuri National Park at Budhanilkantha in Kathmandu is the only World National Park close to the capital and international airport.
  • Multi conceptual park management system was first successfully implemented in the Annapurna Area and now ACAP is the world model for conservation and sustainable development (1986).
  • Under developing countries like Nepal and with abundant ancient infrastructure, it is the first in the world to survive 8-magnitude earthquakes with minimal human and property damage.
  • The world’s best weed (marijuana) grows wild in Nepal. Especially in rural areas. Though it’s not legal yet marijuana grows almost everywhere in Nepal and is used basically for animal digestion ailments.

ADVENTURE:

  • Gosainthan (8046 m) is the Nepali name for Shisha Pangma, the 14th highest peak in the world that falls in Tibet.
  • Nepal boasts a few of the world’s most popular trekking trails such as the Annapurna Circuit trek and Everest Base Camp Trek.
  • Nepal is one of the best arenas for Extreme and adventure Sports tourism such as mountaineering, cannoning, paragliding, mountain biking, kayaking, rafting, bungee jumping, high altitude marathons, etc.
  • Karnali in Simikot is one of the best rivers in the world for kayaking and most of the upstream Nepalese rivers offer the best rapids for white-water rafting.