Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in
terms of bio-diversity with unique geographical position
and latitudinal variation. The elevation of the country
ranges from 70m above sea level to the highest point on
earth, Mt Everest at 8,848m,within a distance of 150 km.
Climate range from subtropical to arctic. This wild variation
fosters an incredible variety of ecosystems, the greatest
mountain range on earth, thick tropical jungles with a
wealth of wildlife, thundering rivers, forested hills
and frozen valleys.
Nepal is also one of the richest cultural landscapes anywhere.
The country is a potpourri of ethnic groups and sub-groups
who speak over 70 languages and dialects. Nepal offers
an amazing diversity of sightseeing attractions and adventure
opportunities. And you can join in the numerous annual
festivals that are celebrated throughout the year in traditional
style highlighting enduring customs and beliefs.
We are glad to extend our warm hospitality and hope your
stay in Nepal is a memorable one. If you have any queries
or comments, please feel free to contact us.
Nepal at a Glance:
Area: 147,181 sq. km
Capital: Kathmandu
Population: 24 Million
People: Nepal has more than 60 ethnic
groups and 70 spoken languages.
Language: Nepali is the national language.
However, travel-trade people understand and speak English
as well.
Currency: Nepalese Rupee
Political System: Multi-party democracy
with constitutional monarchy.
Geography: Nepal, a sovereign independent
Kingdom, is bounded on the north by the Tibetan Autonomous
Region of the People's Republic of China, and on the east,
south and west by India. The length of the Kingdom is
880km east to west and its breadth varies from 145-241km
north souths.
Specialty: Nepal-occupying only 0.03%of the earth-is
home to
• 2% of all the flowering plants in the world;
• 8% of the world's populatSon of birds;(more then
848 species);
• 4% of mammals on earth;
• 11 of the world's 15 families of butterflies (more
then 500 species);
• 600 indigenous plant families;
• 319species of exotic orchids.
Geography of Nepal
Nepal, a sovereign independent Kingdom, is bounded on
the north by the Tibetan Autonomous Region of the People's
Republic of China, and on the east, south and west by
India. The length of the Kingdom is 880km east to west
and its breadth varies from 145-241km north-south.
The country can be divided into three main geographical
regions.
The Himalaya region: The Himalayan range
makes up the northern border of the country and represents
16% of the total land area of Nepal. Peaks like Mt. Everest
(8848m), Kanchenjunga(8598m), and Dhaulagiri (8137m) are
found here and sparse vegetation is found up to 4,500m.
Some of Nepal's most beautiful animal and plant life are
also found here. Although rare, the snow leopard and danphe
bird are much talked about sights among visitors. Many
people in this region also trade with Tibet and travel
across the border to sell their goods
.
The Hills: This region covers 65% of
the total land area of the country. Kathmandu, the capital
of Nepal is located here. Elevations range from 500 to
3,000m above sea level. During summer the temperature
reaching - 1 degree Celsius sometimes. Areas in the eastern
hills receive more rainfall because of the monsoon clouds,
which come from the south-east. The rivers in the west
that do not receive much rainfall are dependent upon the
melted snows that flow down the Himalaya. Wild animals
to be found here are the spotted leopard, barking deer,
and Himalayan black bear. The hilly region is also popular
for different kinds of birds. Over four hundred species
of birds are found here. The people here work as trekking
guides and porters and also sell garments and carpets
to add to their income.
Terai: The Terai covers 17% of the total
land area of Nepal. It provides excellent farming land
and the average elevation of flatlands is 100 to 300m
above sea-level. Sub-tropical forest areas, marshes, and
wildlife which include the Royal Bengal tiger,one-horned
rhino, and the gharial crocodile are found here. Today,
about 48% of the country's population occupies this region.
Calcutta, a metropolitan city in India is the closest
sea-port. It lies 1,000 kilometers away from Birgunj (border
point).
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Climate of Nepal
Temperature in Nepal
| Temperature chart
in Celsius |
| Months |
Kathmandu
|
Pokhara
|
Chitwan |
| |
Max. |
Min. |
Max. |
Min. |
Max. |
Min. |
| January |
19 |
2 |
20 |
8 |
24 |
7 |
| February |
20 |
4 |
21 |
8 |
26 |
8 |
| March |
25 |
8 |
27 |
11 |
33 |
12 |
| April |
30 |
11 |
30 |
16 |
35 |
18 |
| May |
30 |
16 |
30 |
19 |
35 |
20 |
| June |
30 |
20 |
30 |
20 |
35 |
23 |
| July |
30 |
21 |
30 |
21 |
33 |
24 |
| August |
29 |
20 |
30 |
21 |
33 |
24 |
| September |
27 |
19 |
29 |
20 |
32 |
22 |
| October |
23 |
15 |
27 |
18 |
31 |
18 |
| November |
23 |
4 |
23 |
11 |
29 |
12 |
| December |
20 |
2 |
20 |
8 |
24 |
8 |
| Rainfall chart
(in mm). |
| |
Kathmandu |
Pokhara |
Chitwan |
| January |
25 |
15 |
10 |
| February |
25 |
15 |
10 |
| March |
75 |
30 |
10 |
| April |
50 |
50 |
15 |
| May |
100 |
300 |
200 |
| June |
225 |
575 |
300 |
| July |
375 |
800 |
500 |
| August |
360 |
700 |
450 |
| September |
175 |
575 |
400 |
| October |
50 |
220 |
100 |
| November |
10 |
20 |
5 |
| December |
10 |
5 |
5 |
| Climate chart |
| |
Kathmandu |
Pokhara |
| |
Dry day (in%) |
Hours of sunshine |
Dry day (in%) |
Hours of sunshine |
| January |
95 |
5.54 |
94 |
5.49 |
| February |
91 |
5.39 |
94 |
6.23 |
| March |
93 |
7.37 |
89 |
7.19 |
| April |
85 |
9.30 |
80 |
8.51 |
| May |
74 |
5.43 |
53 |
5.17 |
| June |
54 |
4.54 |
05 |
4.02 |
| July |
33 |
2.37 |
03 |
2.04 |
| August |
37 |
2.23 |
03 |
1.34 |
| September |
62 |
3.18 |
07 |
1.44 |
| October |
88 |
5.12 |
64 |
4.30 |
| November |
98 |
5.12 |
96 |
4.51 |
| December |
99 |
5.06 |
99 |
5.12 |
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Festivals of Nepal
Festivals are an essential part of Nepalese life that
garner tremendous local participation. Festivals also
offer visitors a valuable opportunity not only for having
fun but gaining insight into various aspects of Nepalese
culture. The religious festivals follow the lunar calendar,
which national festivals have fixed dates.
Major Festivals
Baisakh Poornima (April):
As Nepal is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the Light of
Asia, the triple anniversary of the Buddha's birth, enlightenment
and death is observed with many colorful ceremonies on
this day. People celebrate the occasion with great veneration
paying homage to Buddha at places like Swayambhunath,
Bouddhanath and Lumbini.
Red Machchhendranath Rath Jatra (May-June):
This festival is the biggest socio-cultural event of Patan.
The wheeled chariot of a deity known as Bungdyo or Red
Machchhendranath is made at Pulchowk and dragged through
the city of Patan in several stages till it reaches the
appointed destination (Lagankhel). The grand finale of
the festival is called the 'Bhoto Dekhaune' or "Showing
of a vest". A similar kind of chariot festival to
Machchhendranath (white) is also held in Kathmandu city
in the month of March-April.
Dumji: It is celebrated in all the Sherpa settlements
in the month of July. The Sherpas of Kathmandu and Helambu
regions participate in dancing on this day.
Gaijatra(Cow festival)(July- August):
It is a carnival that lasts eight days. Dancing, singing,
comedy and anything that causes mirth and laughter are
its highlights.
Indrajatra (August- September):
The festival of Indra, the God of rain, is observed with
great enthusiasm in Kathmandu Valley. The festival lasts
for eight days. The chariot of Kumari, the Living Goddess,
is taken out in procession through the main streets of
Kathmandu. The festival is specially noted for the echoes
of drums and dancing feet of the masked dancers almost
every evening.
Dashain or Durga Puja: (September - October)
The Dashain festival is the most important festival of
the Nepalese. The entire country is in enthusiastic holiday
mood at the time of the festival.
Tihar (Deepawali) (October-November):
Known as the Festival of Lights. Tihar is celebrated for
five days. Houses are illuminated at night and special
sweets of different varieties are prepared.
Lhosar (February):
T his festival is most impressively observed
in the month of February by the Sherpas. They organize
folk songs and dances on this occasion. These dances can
be seen in Khunbu, Helambu and other northern regions
of Nepal and also at Bouddhanath in Kathmandu.
Maha Shivaratri (February):
Shivaratri or the Night of Lord Shiva is observed in February-March.
It is celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva. A great religious
fair takes place in the Pashupatinath Temple and thousands
of people from all over Nepal and India flock the temple
to worship Lord Shiva.
Teej (August- September):
Teej is a Hindu festival celebrated by women. Dancing,
folk song and the red colour of women's wedding saris
dominate the days of Teej. Women observe a fast and flock
to Shiva temples where married ones pray for a happy conjugal
life and unmarried ones for a good husband.
Mani Rimdu
Mani Rimdu is a Sherpa festival celebrated during the
fall at Tengboche Monastery in the Everest region. For
five days, Lamas and Sherpas gather for "the good
of the world." There are plays, masked dances, prayers,
and feastings. Demons are quelled and the pious rewarded.
The days are colorful and trips to the Everest region
are very rewarding indeed if they can be organized during
the days of the festival.
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Different Ethnic Groups In Nepal (Cast)
MAGARS
The magars originate in the western and centerl
areas of Nepal.though are found in sacttered communities
throughtout the country. They may be of either Hindu or
buddhist faith.Traditionally hill farmers Inhabiting he
lower slopes.They also known for their fighting abilities
and many have recruited into Gurkha regiments of the British
and Indian armies. It is thought to be a strong cultural
bond between magars and Gurung.
GURUNG
The gurungs also originate in the western and central
areas of Nepal.Though they have tended to Inhavit higher
areas adopting a lifestyle of sedetntary agricultural
and nomadic pastorals.like the magars , gurungs have been
well represted in Gurkha units.They are predominantly
Buddhist,Thougu small Hindu and shamanist communities
exist. In recent years ,may magarsbecome involved in the
hotel business,especally in the pokhara region.
THAKALIS
The thakalis originate from the kali Gandaki Gorge and
,like many Nepali groups have been subject to both Hindu
and buddhist influences. Adeptentrepreneurs, They have
cashed in on the trekking boom and have established little
hotles all along the Annapurna circuit and have also extended
their influence to other parts of country. Before Nepal
was opened upto tourism, their economy was dominated by
subsistance farming and , in the Kali Gandaki area, by
salt trading.
TAMANG
The Tamangs are found around the kathmandu valley and
in central and proportion of
the porters in these regions; bur many are also engaged
in the agriculture as small holders and day labour. The
Tamang language originates from the Tibeto-Burmese family.
NEWARS
The Newars are of Mongolian origin and are the dominant
ethnic group of Kathmandu valley an surrounding central
areas of Nepal. Despite their geogriphical origins, the
majorities are now shaivite Hindus following received
hindu customs although communicates of Newari Buddhists
do remain. They represent perhaps the greatest synchronism
of the Tibetian and Indian traditions of any Nepal's ethinic
groups and also incorporate aspects of aninism. The Newari
language has been influenced by both the Tibeto-Burmese
and Indo-European families. Traditionally leading traders,
Newars once
organised trains of basket carrying porters over the trans
Himalayan passes to Tibet. They are also remarkable craftsmen
and developed the unique building style that successfully
blends influences from India, china and Tibet with carved
wood and pagoda -like temple roofs.
KIRANTI
The Kirantis are comprised of Rais and Limbus and are
the oldest known people in Nepal. They live in the eastern
hills of Nepal, the rais being concentrated in the Solukhumbu,
Dudh Kosi, and Arun Valley, while the Limbus are at the
east of Arun Valley, in the kanchanjangha region. And
also extend in to northern Parts of west
Bangel in India. Both groups have supplied recruits to
Gurkha regiments an reference is made to their fighting
sprit in the Hindu epic " Mahabharat" of Mongoloid
features, both have Tibeti - Burmieslanguages. The religion
of the Limbus incorporates elements of
Buddhism and Shamanism, while that of the Rais are more
influenced by Hinduism Sunwars &Jirels:These related
groupes are small in number and are found in the area
around and to the east of jiri,the place that gives the
jirels their name.Their religion is significantly influenced
by Hinduism, but has distinct or apices and deities.
BHOTIA
The Bhotia lives in the northern part of Bhutan, Sikkim,
Nepal and along the Indo-Tibetan border in Garhwal, Kumoun
and Himanchal Pradesh. They are Mongoloid people who gradually
moved off the Tibetian plateau. Tibetan Buddhism plays
an important part in shaping Bhotia society. The monastery
is at the center of the social
environment, and the prayer flags, prayer wheels and chortens
are a vital part of daily life.
ETHINIC TIBETIANS
Many housands of Tibetens fled their homeland as a result
of Chinese Take over. Most are now resident in and around
Kathmandu and Pokhara valleys, but some have remained
in Bhotia country where they have been highly successful
in integrating with local populations, especially through
intermarriage.
LIMIPAS
The Limipas are a small group living in the limi Valley
in the north west of Nepal.
DOLPOPAS
With a pollution of no more then a couple of thousand.
Dolpopas live in remote areas, north of Jomsom and Muktinath.
A hard working people, they are nomadic pastorals, traders,
and weavers.
LOPAS
Lopas lives in Lo mangthang, the capital of the high and
arid region of Mustang, once an independent state. Of
Tibetan ethnicity, they follow Tibetan Buddhism and number
about 6000.
BARAGAUNLE
The name means " twelve village people". The
Baragaunle are also ethnically Tibetan and live in the
Muktinath Valley and follow the forms of Lamaistic Buddhisn
that also incorporates elements of animism.
MANANGIS
Known also as Manangpa or Nyeshang, this group live in
manang region and along the northern stretches of Marsyangdi
River. They are perhaps the wealthist of any Bhotia groups
thank to a still extent 18th century decree by Rana Bahadur
Shah which gave them trading privileges with Tibet and
which have today been adopted to the trade of luxury
Items, some which find their way to kathmandu.
SHERPAS
Sherpa live in Solukhumbu region of glacial valleys at
the southern approaches to Everest. Their name tells of
the origin (sha-east,pa-people)and has come to be almost
synonymous with great peak that dominates their country.
They immigrated from about 600 years ago. Earlier they
were traders and porters,carrying butter,meat,rice,sugar,paper
and dye from India,and salt,wool,jewelry,Chinese silk
and porcelain from Tibet and beyond. The closure of the
boarder between India and China undermined their economy.
Fortunately, with the mountaineer in expeditions and trekkers,
the Sherpa's found their load carrying skills, both on
normal treks and high altitudes in great demand. The khumbu
region has provided the valuable contingent of able bodied,
hardy and seemingly Fearless Sherpa porters and guides.
Over 80 years they have built up a mountaineering reputation
as the elite of Himalayan porters.
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