Nepal

Nepal might be overshadowed by two large countries, India and China, but yet this landlocked nation has managed to carve out its own unique identity. Nepal is mostly located in the majestic Himalayas, and is home to eight of the world’s ten highest peaks. The famous Mount Everest, standing tall at 8,848 m above sea level, looks benevolently down at this country. Whether it’s the mountains, monasteries, or bustling cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bhaktapur, and Biratnagar, Nepal is a holiday destination that everyone must visit at least once.

Highlights of Nepal

Monuments of Nepal

Nepal offers a potpourri of experiences for the eager traveller. There is much to do here, from sightseeing, shopping and participating in festivals, to adventure and even seeking inner peace. Kathmandu, the 2000-year old capital of Nepal has several important destinations that you must include in your visit here. Pashupatinath temple and Bodhnath, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites are in Kathmandu. Besides that, you must not miss visiting the many monasteries including Kopan Monastery, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Temple, and Dakshinkali Temple. You need not be in a mood for spiritual uplifting; even a desire for beauty and architecture is enough to enjoy time spent at these monuments.

Natural Beauty of Nepal

Nepal has to be experienced to be understood. The diverse land is rich in natural landscape and beautiful destinations. What’s your reason to head to Nepal? Perhaps you wish to view the majestic Mt Everest, the highest peak in the world, and also the other mountains like Kanchenjunga, Manaslu, Annapurna and Machhapuchhre. Maybe you want to enjoy the calm beauty of Nepal’s pristine lakes and gorges that are simply out of this world. Make sure your trip to Nepal includes a visit to Gokyo Lakes, the world’s highest fresh water lake system. Don’t forget to add these must-visit places like Kali Gandaki Gorge, Langtang Valley and Upper Mustang to your list. When you tire of the mountains, which is never, plan a trek inside the verdant forests and enjoy gushing waterfalls too.

Wildlife of Nepal

Nepal’s thick tarai jungles are home to many exotic species of birds and animals. Head to the national parks and spot the Asiatic elephant, the one-horned rhinoceros and the Bengal tiger. Keep your eyes peeled to catch a glimpse of the leopard and smaller mammals like the langur, jackal, sloth bear, wolf, wild cat, wild buffalo and various deer, along with snakes such as kraits, cobras, pythons and vipers. The rivers Narayani and Karnali are home to fresh water dolphins. When you head up to the Himalayas, you might be lucky to see the shy and elusive red panda. Snow leopards, blue sheep, yaks and musk deer are the other animals that inhabit these slopes. Nepal offers bird lovers spectacular opportunities too. Head to Kathmandu valley to entre popular birding areas and perhaps see some rare birds.

Nepal Adventure

Nepal is a hub for adventure-seekers. Treks, biking, hiking and river rafting abound. There are special trekking trips to Mount Everest organised for groups and individuals alike at Pokhara, the mountaineering hub of Nepal. The flowing rivers are excellent for those who wish to get soaked in the thrill of river rafting. Hop on to a bike and join the other bikers and explore Nepal along its winding roads with just breath-taking views for company. If you wish enjoy nature in a slow and languid way, you can relax in a serene boat ride or just walk through Nepal’s many jungles.

Cuisine of Nepal

Nepal is a landlocked region with strong Indian and Tibetan influences which can be seen predominantly in its food. The result of that has been an exceptional fusion of tastes, which reflects the diversity and the soul of Nepal. The sheer variety of its flavours, at time fiery but also milder often, is a delight for those with a desire to taste the unknown. Of course, thanks to globalisation, many of the foods of Nepal, such as the quintessential momos, are now served in many parts of the world.

Nepal’s staple diet consists of dal-bhat (lentils and rice), with liberal helpings of vegetables, meat curries and pickle. This might sound simple, but the flavours on this plate are a must-try. Traditional Nepalese food also includes delicious fare like thukpa (a thick noodle soup) filled with the goodness of meat and vegetables, and consumed in winter. Oh, then there is Sel Roti, a local preparation that can be found at every street corner.

Interesting Facts about Nepal

• Nepal is mainly located in the slopes of the Himalayas.
• Nepal does not celebrate an Independence Day since it has never been captured by any nation.
• Nepal is the only country with a non-rectangular flag; its flag is made of two triangles, stacked on one another and joined at the corners.
• Nepal was once known as the world’s weed capital.
• Lord Gautam Buddha was born in Nepal.
• The world’s sole living goddess, Kumari, stays and is worshipped in Nepal.
• Nepal has never suffered from any religious and ethnic riot.

Location Of Nepal

Nepal is a land-locked country in the Himalayas, north of India and south of Tibet. The region is divided into three distinct geographies – Himal-Pahad-Terai. Himal is that part of the country that lies in the Himalayas. Mt Everest, the world’s highest peak is in Nepal. Kangchenjunga, Dhaulatagiri, Annapurna and several other mountain peaks are part of Nepal. The pahad section includes those mountain ranges that are not snow-covered. Terai is the lowland region, the plains, which is fed by three rivers, Koshi, Narayani and Karnali. 

Best time to Visit Nepal

Nepal is a geographically diverse country, with five distinct seasons – summer, winter, monsoon, spring, and autumn. Of these, the best time to visit is autumn, from October to November, when the days are warm and the skies are clear, making it perfect to head off sightseeing. If Everest is on the agenda, then again autumn offers you the best climbing conditions.

How to reach Nepal

Flying from India to Nepal is very convenient since several international airlines offer flights from most major Indian cities to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Most flights are direct, although some could have a stopover at various Indian cities.

History of Nepal

The earliest records of Nepal go back to 7th-8th century BC when Kiratis moved from China into the Kathmandu valley. A succession of Kirati kings and kingdoms followed, with Buddhism as the main religion, and the Kiratis ruled until 4th century AD when the land was invaded by an Indo-Aryan king from northern India. The British tried to annexe Nepal in their bid to take over the entire region but except for a small area, they couldn’t do much. Nepal closed its border and until 1951 it remained cut off from the world. All along, Nepal continued to be ruled by kings and it was only in 1959 that Nepal took sits first tentative steps towards democracy.

Is a trip to Nepal on the horizon? Choose from our carefully-curated Nepal tourism packages and allow us to help you plan a holiday of a lifetime.