From Gorkhapedia, the free Gorkha encyclopedia that anyone can edit
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 m above sea level to the highest point on earth, Mt. Everest 8,848 m, all within a distance of 150 km with climatic conditions ranging 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 counrty is a potpourri of ethnc groups and sub-groups who speak over 70 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 celebrated throughout the year in traditional style highlighting enduring customs and beliefs.
CONTENTS
- Nepal at a Glance
- Places to visit
- Kathmandu Valley
- Outskirts of Kathmandu
- Outskirts of Patan
- Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon)
- Outskirts of Bhaktapur
- Hill Resorts
- Eastern Sites
- Western Sites
- Central Sites
- Adventure and other attractions
- Festive Nepal
- Calendar of Major Festivals
- Incentives and Conferences
- Foreign Investment Policy
- Filming Permit
- Information for Tourists
- Some other important Tips
- Entry Procedures
- Climbing Permit and Entry Fees
- Residential Diplomatic Missions in Nepal
- Travel Trade Associations
NEPAL AT A GLANCE
AREA | 147,181 sq km |
GEOGRAPHY | Situated between China in the north and India in the south. |
CAPITAL | Kathmandu |
POPULATION | 28,901,790 (July 2007 est.) |
PEOPLE | Nepal has more than 61 ethnic groups and 7- spoken languages |
LANGUAGE | Nepali is the national language. However, travel-trade people understand and speak English as well. |
CURRENCY | Nepalese Rupee |
CONVERSION RATE | 1 Nepalese rupee = 0.015505 U.S. dollars (as of 10 December 2008) |
POLITICAL SYSTEM | Democratic Republic |
RELIGION | Predominantly Hindu. However there is a harmonious blending of Hindusim and Buddhism. Muslims and Christians also live peacefully |
GEOGRAPHY
Nepal, a sovereign independent Republic is bounded on the north by the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) of the People's Republic of China, and on the east, south and west by India.The length of the Himalayan Republic is 885 km east to wast and its bredth varies from 145 - 241 km north to south. The country can be divided into three main geographical regions.
- Himalayan Region: The altitude of this region ranges between 4,877m - 8848 m. It includes eight of the 14 highest summits in the world which exceed an altitude of 8,000m including Everest, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and others.
- Mountain Region: This region accounts for about 68 percent of the total land area. It is formed by the Mahabharat Range that soars up to 4,877 m and the lower Churia Range.
- Terai Region: The low-land Terai occupies about 17 per cent of the total land area of the country.
HISTORY
Nepal has always been an independent and sovereign country with glorious history, culture and tradition that date back to time immemorial. Before the campaign of national integration was launched by King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the Great, 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 Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev was the twelth King in the Shah Dynasty. He was also the last King of Nepal. Nepal is today a Democratic Republic with Dr. Ram Baran Yadav as its first President. Nepal is one of the founder members of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
PEOPLE
Nepal has a population of more than 28 million people (July 2007) made of different races and ethnic groups living in different regions, with diverse culture, languages and dialects. The Gurungs and Magars live mainly in the west. The Rais, LImbus and Sunuwars inhabit 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, Satars, Rajvanshis and Dhimals in the Terai region. The Brahmins, Chhetris and Thakuris are generally spread over all parts of the Kingdom.
TEMPERATURE
Average Temperature and Rainfall in Kathmandu
Month | Minimum | Maximum | Rainfall |
Degree Celsius | Degree Celsium | In mm | |
January | 2.7 | 17.5 | 47 |
February | 2.2 | 21.6 | 11 |
March | 6.9 | 25.5 | 5 |
April | 8.6 | 30.0 | 5 |
May | 15.6 | 29.7 | 146 |
June | 18.9 | 29.4 | 135 |
July | 19.5 | 28.1 | 327 |
August | 19.2 | 29.5 | 206 |
September | 18.6 | 28.6 | 199 |
October | 13.3 | 28.6 | 42 |
November | 6.0 | 23.7 | 0 |
December | 1.9 | 20.7 | 1 |
PLACES TO VISIT
KATHMANDU VALLEY
The Valley is situated at an altitude of 1,336 m above sea level and covers an area of 218 sq miles. The rich tapestry of the cultural heritage of Nepal is synthesized in the Kathmandu Valley, the home of the ancient and sophisticated Newari culture. The Newars are the indigenous inhabitants of the Valley and the creators of the splendid civilization of its three cities - Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. The skillfully built temples and palaces, delicately engraved stone and metal images, carved wooden columns and pillars, and the history laden shrines and chaityas of these three historical cities stand testimony to the Newar's artistic achievements.
KATHMANDU
1. Sweta Machchhendranath Temple
2. Akash Bhairav Temple
3. Hanumandhoka (Kathmandu Durbar Square)
4. Temple of Kumari (Kumari Ghar)
5. Kasthamandap
6. Ashok Vinayak
7. Jaishi Dewan
8. Tundikhel
9. Martyr's Memorial (Sahid) Gate
10. Bhadrakali Temple
11. Singha Durbar
12. Narayanhity Durbar
13. Kaisar Library
14. Budhanilkantha
15. Balaju Water Gardens
16 Swayambhunath
17. The National Museum
18. Natural History Museum
19. Pashupatinath Temple
20. Guheswari Temple
21. Chabahil
22. Chandra Vinayak
OUTSKIRTS OF KATHMANDU
1. Bouddhanath
2. Gokarna
3. Sankhu
4. Sundarijal
5. Kirtipur
6. Chobar
7. Shekha Narayan
8. Dakshinkali