Where is Nepal and What To Do There?
If you are wondering where is Nepal
, you have come to the right place to learn about this beautiful nation.
Among many the best destination in the world, Nepal is charming and rugged at the same time. You will find that people here are extremely friendly and eager to assist you in any situation.
While many travelers head to Nepal to trek Mt. Everest, there are also other fascinating things to do and see here. You will be amazed by its centuries-old history and the colorful culture of Nepal.
On the other hand, towering mountains and thick forests invite you to embark on thrilling adventures. Here’s a detailed guide on where is Nepal and what to do there!
Geography and Regions of Nepal
Nepal is a geographically diverse country in South Asia and is landlocked between India and China. The total area amounts up to 147,181 square kilometers and it is shaped like a rectangular.
The mountains and rugged hills which amount up to 75% of the country are very inviting for trekkers. The highest point in Nepal is Mt. Everest while the lowest point is the Terai Plains situated in Kechana Kalan.
We can divide Nepal into three regions, namely; Himalayan, mid hill and Terai regions.
The Himalayan Region
The Himalayan region of Nepal is home to Mt. Everest and many other famous peaks like Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Annapurna.
Also, it also has alpine pastures and forests for you to explore. It is the Himalayan mountain range that borders the north side of the country. This region is always covered in snow and holds up to 16% of the county’s total land area.
Even though agriculture is the primary source of income, there are also few cottage industries prevalent in this region.
The Mid Hill Region
The mid hill region which holds up to 64% of the total land consists of valleys, flatlands, and hills. The capital city of Nepal; Kathmandu is also located in this region.
You will come across greenish landscapes and vast paddy fields here. The main work of people living here is agriculture, and this region is known for its ethnically diverse population.
The Terai Region
The Terai region in the south consists of national parks and reserves and occupies up to 17% of the country’s area.
It is the ideal area for agriculture in Nepal, and a wide range of cash crops such as rice, wheat, corn, and sugar cane are grown here.
It is also where you will come across rich wildlife including some exotic species like one-horned rhino and gharial crocodile.
The Climate of Nepal
Nepal has a sub-tropical climate, but its weather conditions vary from place to place. Typically, Nepal experiences five major seasons namely, spring, summer, monsoon, autumn, and winter.
Autumn which is between September and November is the best time to visit Nepal. It is very pleasant, ideal for trekking, and offers breathtaking views.
The climate of Nepal in each of its geographical regions is contrastingly different, and this is due to its altitude differences.
The Himalayan region experiences severe winters and cool summers. The Terai region is hot and wet, and the mid-hill region has a pleasantly warm climate throughout the year except during winter.
Places to Visit in Nepal
Nepal, known as a utopia of natural beauty, is an exciting venture for anyone craving for a natural retreat. But, if you know where is Nepal, you will agree when I say its beauty isn’t limited to natural attractions.
Being an Asian country with a heritage that dates back to centuries, Nepal is both cultural and spiritual.
Mount Everest
One of the best places to visit in Nepal would be the iconic Mount Everest. It is known as the highest mountain in the world. It is tucked in the Himalayan region and is 8848 meters in height.
Read more: Go Trekking in The Nepalese Himalayas!
Every year, people from around the globe head to this place to trek through its tedious routes and feel the excitement. The bird’s eye view you get from here is indeed a fantastic sight.
The journey is challenging and dangerous yet thrilling to partake in. It will surely be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will cherish forever.
Kathmandu
Kathmandu is Nepal’s capital city and is home to many sacred temples and monuments. The top highlight here is the Durbar Square which is the largest palace square out of the three royal cities.
The Royal Palace is another prominent attraction here and is known for the infamous Royal Family massacre that took place in 2001.
Kathmandu is where you will come across exciting tourist shops, fancy hotels and restaurants, important cultural sites and much more!
Lumbini
Lumbini is a very sacred site in Nepal because it is considered as the birthplace of Buddha. You will come across many religious places built by different countries, shrines, and instruments related to Buddhism here.
If you hire a good tour guide, you can learn about the history of Lumbini which is very interesting.
Tilicho Lake
The Tilicho Lake in Annapurna is also another fascinating sight. It is the worlds' highest lake set at an altitude of 4,919 meters.
A trek to this place would be an awe-inspiring experience because the surrounding is simply breathtaking with towering mountains and deep valleys.
Chitwan National Park
This national park is located in the Terai region. It is ideal for anyone who wants to explore exotic wildlife.
It is one of the few conserved areas in the region that aims to protect wildlife while allowing travelers to experience preserved nature.
It provides shelter to many endangered species like the one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger, four-horned antelopes, and sloth bears. You will also come across a range of native flora here.
Nagarkot
If you are looking for a serene place to relax and enjoy your holiday, this is perfect.
It is a small village located 20 miles east of Kathmandu and is a beautiful, nature-bound place. This popular hill station is famous among travelers and offers scenic views of green hills, mountains, and sunrise.
In addition, you can also engage in many activities, tour around the village and get to know about Nepalese people here.
What to do in Nepal
Do you love extreme sports and activities that will test your adrenaline?
Nepal is a utopia for thrill-seekers and offers a range of fun activities for anyone who loves adventures.
Climb the giant peaks of the Himalayas, raft in the gushing rivers and zip line through the wilderness for an unforgettable experience.
Trekking
Nepal is home to one of the tallest mountains in the world and therefore offers the best trekking experience in Asia. There are many kinds of trails available here depending on whether you need a long route or a short journey.
Read more: Adrian's Trekking Experience in Nepal
Trekking allows you to challenge rugged mountains, explore wild nature and test your endurance. The ideal time to trek in Nepal is during warm seasons because the paths will be clear and easy to access.
Paragliding
If you want to test your adrenaline and make your tour more adventurous, head to Pokhara for paragliding.
It is one of the perfect places to paraglide in the entire world because it has proper take-off and landing areas and a large lake for safety.
Even though paragliding is quite expensive, it’s a great experience. Choose a trusted company which has insurance coverage though.
Water Sports
Even though Nepal is famous for trekking, you also shouldn’t miss the river rafting and kayaking experiences here. Kathmandu and Pokhara are the best places to engage in water sports because there are many rivers.
There are many kayaking courses available here, and you can choose one according to your experience level. You can also camp near the river, explore the nature of Nepal and get to know new people.
Zip Lining
If you didn’t know already, the world’s longest, steepest and the fastest zip line is in Nepal. The ZipFlyer which is 1800 meters long with a vertical drop of 2000 feet runs at a speed of 120kmh.
It is located in Pokhara with an inclination of 56 degrees, and the entire ride takes only 2 minutes.
So, if you are someone who likes challenges and will go a step further to experience new things, this is for you.
Woodcarving
Willing to do something enjoyable and exciting? Try the art of woodcarving then.
You will come across woodcarving workshops in Kathmandu and nearby areas.
While you can also enjoy watching skilled artisans carve intricate patterns on wood, you can also take a woodcarving course if you have time!
Cuisine of Nepal
If you are wondering where is Nepal in terms of food, it has a wide range of delicious dishes to offer you.
The cuisine of Nepal is a mixture of Indian, Tibetan and Thai food. These are some of the food items you must try when in Nepal!
Dal Bhat
Dal Bhat is the staple food of Nepalese people and is a unique dish. Dal is a soup made out of lentils and served with boiled grains known as Bhat.
Rice is the most common grain used for this but is also substituted with other grains like cornmeal and barley. This dish is often complemented with other extra dishes like pickles, yogurt, meat or fish curry.
Sel Roti
Sel roti is another special food found in Nepal and is a traditional snack offered in all kinds of ceremonies.
It is made from rice flour and takes the shape of a bagel or a doughnut. You will definitely love the sweetness and the crispy texture of sel roti.
Thukpa
Thukpa is a noodle soup containing meat and vegetables. The well-flavored meat stock brings out a pleasant aroma, and the meat and vegetable toppings complement it perfectly.
It is very popular in Kathmandu and other mountainous regions. You will find this warm dish tempting, especially during winter.
Momo
Momo is a kind of dumpling stuffed with vegetables or meat varieties. It is also flavored using cheese and is usually accompanied by dips like tomato base.
It is a very popular snack not only found throughout Nepal but also in countries like India and Bhutan.
Yomari
If you love sweet treats, you should definitely try Yomari which comes in different fillings such as chocolate and desiccated coconut.
Here, soft dough made from rice flour is molded to form the shape of a vessel and then filled with the sweet mixture, closed up afterward and steamed well.
But Yomari also comes in savory flavors like mushroom and black lentils.
Nepalese People
One of the kindest and warmest people you will ever come across are Nepali people. They are known for their hospitality towards visitors.
There are more than 60 ethnic groups found living across different regions in Nepal. Most of them have different cultural values, traditions, religions, and beliefs.
Read more: Meet the People of Nepal!
However, Nepalese people can be broadly categorized into two groups namely Tibeto-Burman and Indo-Aryan. It is this diversity that makes Nepal such an interesting place to visit, and you can learn about Nepal culture facts from them.
The most prominent Nepal religion is Hinduism while Buddhism plays an important role too.
Over the years, Nepal has received a vast number of visitors from around the world. While its natural beauty attracts some, others seek its cultural heritage. In April 2015, Nepal was hit by an earthquake, but fortunately, most of its monuments remained unaffected. If you want to spend your holiday in a relaxing place, Nepal is the ideal country. Nepalese people consider visitors as very noble and treat them with great respect. So, even if you are a solo traveler, you won’t have any trouble touring around the country. While this is only the gist of Nepal, it has endless attractions and hidden treasures. So, get ready to explore them and find where is Nepal on your Top 10 list!
