Geographical position and Climate of Nepal
Nepal is nestled in South Asia, sandwiched between China to the north and India to the south, east, and west. It’s a landlocked country with a diverse topography that ranges from the lowland Terai region to the towering peaks of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, the world’s highest point.
Nepal’s climate varies with its topography and altitude. It ranges from tropical to arctic depending on the altitude. Here’s a breakdown:
- Terai Region: Hot and humid with temperatures soaring up to 40°C in summer.
- Mid-Hills and Valleys: Moderate climate; warm summers and cool winters.
- High Mountains: Alpine conditions; summers are cool and winters can be harsh with heavy snowfall.
The country experiences four main seasons:
- Spring (March-May): Warm with blossoming flowers and clear skies, ideal for trekking.
- Summer/Monsoon (June-August): Hot and rainy; landslides can occur in this season.
- Autumn (September-November): Cool and dry, considered the best time for trekking with clear mountain views.
- Winter (December-February): Cold, especially at higher altitudes, with snowfall common in the mountains.
Brief history of Nepal
Nepal boasts a rich tapestry of history that dates back centuries. It was once a collection of small kingdoms until the late 18th century when Prithvi Narayan Shah unified the territories into a single nation. In the early 19th century, Nepal fought the Anglo-Nepalese War with the British East India Company, leading to the signing of the Sugauli Treaty which established its current boundaries.
The Shah dynasty ruled Nepal until a people’s movement in 1951 began a shift towards democracy. However, political instability led to a royal coup in 1960, after which the monarchy toggled between absolute power and constitutional rule. In 1996, a decade-long civil war commenced as Maoist insurgents sought to overthrow the monarchy and establish a people’s republic.
This conflict ended in 2006 with the Comprehensive Peace Accord, and two years later, in 2008, Nepal was declared a federal democratic republic, abolishing the monarchy. Today, Nepal is a multi-ethnic, multilingual country that continues to work on its democratic institutions and economic development while preserving its diverse cultural heritage.
Religion
Nepal is known for its religious diversity and tolerance. The majority of the population practices Hinduism, which is also the state religion. Buddhism is another major religion, deeply intertwined with Hindu practices, reflecting the country’s historical significance as the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha.
Besides these two, there are followers of Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, and indigenous religions. Nepal’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion while maintaining a secular state, allowing various faiths to coexist and be practiced openly. Religious festivals from multiple faiths are celebrated throughout the year, contributing to Nepal’s rich cultural mosaic
Language
Nepal is a mosaic of languages, with Nepali being the official language and used for government and most educational purposes. It’s spoken by the majority of the population and serves as a lingua franca across the country.
Beyond Nepali, there are over 120 other languages spoken in Nepal, reflecting its ethnic diversity. These include Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tharu, Tamang, Newar, Magar, Rai, Gurung, and Limbu, among others. Many Nepalese are bilingual and can communicate in multiple languages, often including English, which is widely taught in schools and used in tourism and business.
Places to visit in Nepal
- Kathmandu
- Pokhara
- Bhaktapur
- Lumbini
- Chitwan National Park
- Sagarmatha National Park
- Langtang National Park
- Bardia National Park
- Shey Phoksundo National Park
Before you visit Nepal
Travel to Nepal
Travelers can get to Nepal primarily by air or overland:
- By Air: Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu is Nepal’s main international gateway. Major airlines operate flights from Asia, the Middle East, and some destinations in Europe.
- Overland from India: There are several border crossings open for international travelers, including Kakarbhitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, and Dhangadhi.
- Overland from China (Tibet): You can enter through the Rasuwagadhi border point, but you’ll need to arrange transportation and travel documents in advance, as independent travel in Tibet is restricted.
Most visitors require a visa to enter Nepal, which can typically be obtained on arrival at both the airport and land border crossings, though it’s always best to check the latest visa requirements before planning your trip.