Overview
Area: 1, 47,181 square kilometers
Geography: China is in the north and in other three directions is India. Nepal is divided into three main geographical regions: Himalaya Region, the altitude of 4,877 meters to 8,848 meters is included in Himalayan region. Mountain Region, the altitude down from 4,877 meters to lower Churia range is included in mountain region. Tarai Region, the low land of Nepal is called Terai region
Capital: Kathmandu
Population: 27.80 million
Official Language: Nepali
Currency: Nepali Rupee
Political system: Federal Democratic Republic, Multi Party System
Religion: Nepal is a secular country. Majority of Nepali are Hindu but other religions, including Buddhist, Muslim and Christian, also equally exist in Nepal
History: Before 1768 AD, there were more than 200 small kingdoms in Nepal. The Kathmandu valley was ruled by Malla dynasty. In 1768 AD, there was a campaign of national integration lunched by King Prithivi Narayan Shah who unified and made modern Nepal. The monarchy exists no longer in Nepal.
Entry and exit points in Nepal
- International airport, Kathmandu
- Kakarbhitta, eastern Nepal jointed with India
- Birgunj, central part of Nepal Jointed with India
- Kodari, central part jointed with Tibet China
- Belhia, western part close to Lumbini and jointed with India
- Jamunaha, mid-western part, jointed with India (on the way to Bardiya National Park)
- Mohana, far-western part, jointed with India (on the way to Bardiya National Park)
- Gadda Chauki, far-western part, jonted with India (on the way to Bardiya National Park)
Some Do’s & Don’ts in Nepal
- ‘Namaste’ is the form of gretting in Nepal. Namaste is performed by joining two palms together. The first word our guests would hear in Nepal is ‘Namaste’.
- We take off the shoes before entering the Nepalese homes, temples and monastries.
- Touched food/drinks is considered as impure in Nepal. Do not use the same spoon,fork and hands in Nepali people’s food or plate which is already used by you. Do not eat from their plate and drink from their bottle or glass.
- In village area, please avoid skimpy outfits.
- Get a permission before entering the Hindu temples as westerners are not allowed to enter and take photographs in some Hindu temples.
Nepal – Complete Detailed Information
1. Introduction
Nepal, officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a small yet culturally and geographically diverse nation in South Asia. Positioned between two global giants—China to the north and India on all other sides—Nepal serves as a unique cultural crossroads and natural wonderland.
It is globally recognized as the home of Mount Everest, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, and a land of ancient traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and incredible biodiversity.
2. Geography of Nepal
Nepal has an area of 147,516 square kilometers and stretches approximately 885 km east to west and 145–241 km north to south. Despite its small size, Nepal’s landscapes vary drastically within short distances—from lowland jungles to the highest peaks on Earth.
Geographical Zones
Nepal is divided into three major geographic regions:
A. Himalayan Region (15% of total area)
Elevation: 4,000–8,848 meters+
Contains 8 out of the world’s 14 highest peaks, including:
Mount Everest
Kanchenjunga
Lhotse
Makalu
Cho Oyu
Climate: Alpine to Tundra
Population density: Very low
Key Areas: Khumbu, Mustang, Manang, Dolpa
Economy: Tourism, yak herding, medicinal herbs
B. Hilly Region (68% of total area)
Elevation: 600–4,000 meters
Characterized by green hills, valleys, rivers, terraced farms
Major cities located here: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Dharan
Climate: Mild, temperate
Economy: Agriculture, tourism, commerce
C. Terai Region (17% of total area)
Elevation: 60–600 meters
Flat fertile plains of the Ganges Basin
Known as Nepal’s farming and industrial hub
Climate: Hot and humid
Key Cities: Biratnagar, Janakpur, Birgunj, Nepalgunj
Economy: Agriculture, industry, trade with India
3. Climate
Due to extreme altitude variation, Nepal has diverse climatic zones:
Climatic Zones of Nepal
Tropical (Terai)
Subtropical (lower hills)
Temperate (mid-hills)
Subalpine (upper hills)
Alpine (mountain region)
Tundra (high Himalaya)
Seasons
Spring (March–May): Clear skies, flowers bloom
Summer/Monsoon (June–September): Heavy rain, humid
Autumn (October–November): Best weather; peak trekking season
Winter (December–February): Snow in mountains, cool in hills
4. Population
Approximate population: Around 30 million
Ethnic groups: 125+
Languages spoken: 120+
Major ethnic groups: Chhetri, Brahmin, Magar, Tharu, Tamang, Newar, Rai, Limbu, Sherpa, Gurung
Urbanization is rising rapidly, especially in Kathmandu Valley.
5. Language
Official Language: Nepali
Written in Devanagari script
Spoken nationwide
Other Major Languages
Maithili
Bhojpuri
Tharu
Newari (Nepal Bhasa)
Tamang
Magar
Gurung
Limbu
English is widely used in business, education, and tourism.
6. History of Nepal
Ancient Period
Nepal’s history traces back to ancient Kirat, Gopal, and Mahispal dynasties.
Lumbini is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) around 563 BCE.
Medieval Period
Ruled by Malla kings who built magnificent temples and palaces.
Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan were independent kingdoms.
Unification
King Prithvi Narayan Shah united Nepal in 1768.
Monarchy & Democracy
Ruled by Shah dynasty for centuries
Transitioned to democracy in 1951
Became a Federal Democratic Republic in 2008, ending 240 years of monarchy.
7. Government & Administration
Government System
Federal Democratic Republic
Executive: Prime Minister
President: Ceremonial head
Administrative Division
7 Provinces
77 Districts
753 Local Units
Metropolitan Cities
Sub-Metropolitan Cities
Municipalities
Rural Municipalities (Gaunpalika)
8. Economy of Nepal
Key Sectors
A. Agriculture (Main sector)
Employs majority of population
Major crops:
Rice
Wheat
Maize
Millet
Vegetables
Tea, Coffee, Spices
Livestock: Cattle, buffalo, goats, yaks
B. Tourism
One of Nepal’s largest industries
Attractions: Trekking, mountaineering, safaris, cultural heritage
Popular regions:
Everest
Annapurna
Langtang
Mustang
Dolpo
C. Hydropower
Nepal has huge hydropower potential (~80,000 MW)
Many rivers like Karnali, Koshi, Gandaki
D. Remittance
A major contributor to Nepal’s GDP
Millions of Nepalis work abroad in Gulf countries, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, Europe, and beyond.
E. Industry
Small and medium industries:
Textiles
Carpets
Cement
Steel
Food processing
Handicrafts
9. Culture of Nepal
Nepal’s culture is one of the world’s oldest, deeply influenced by Hinduism and Buddhism.
Festivals
Nepal celebrates dozens of festivals every year.
Major Festivals:
Dashain – 15-day Hindu celebration
Tihar – Festival of lights
Holi – Festival of colors
Buddha Jayanti
Teej – Women’s festival
Maghe Sankranti
Chhath (mainly in Terai)
Losar – Tibetan & Himalayan New Year
Traditional Music & Dance
Madhesi folk music
Newari masked dances
Sherpa traditional dance
Instruments: Madal, Sarangi, Bansuri
Clothing
Daura Suruwal, Dhaka Topi – Men
Gunyu Cholo, Sari – Women
Sherpa, Newar, Gurung clothing vary by culture
10. Architecture
Nepal’s architecture is world-famous for its beauty and detail.
Styles
Pagoda Style – temples with tiered roofs
Stupa Style – Buddhist domes (e.g., Swayambhunath, Boudhanath)
Shikhara Style – tall temple towers
Newari Architecture – wood carvings, courtyards, red brick buildings
UNESCO Heritage Sites
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Swayambhunath
Boudhanath
Pashupatinath
Lumbini
Changu Narayan
11. Tourism in Nepal
Top Tourist Attractions
Mount Everest
Highest mountain on Earth (8,848.86m)
Located in Solukhumbu district
Lumbini
Birthplace of Buddha
Spiritual center with monasteries from many countries
Pokhara
Lakeside city
Gateway to Annapurna region
Popular for paragliding, boating, sunrise views
Chitwan National Park
UNESCO site
Home to tigers, one-horned rhinos, elephants
Bhaktapur and Patan
Ancient cultural cities with temples, palaces, and festivals
Mustang
Known as “the last forbidden kingdom”
Desert-like landscapes, ancient caves
Adventure Activities
Trekking
Peak climbing
Mountaineering
Paragliding
Rafting
Bungee jumping
Mountain biking
12. Biodiversity
Nepal is ranked among the most biodiverse countries in the world.
Wildlife
Royal Bengal Tiger
One-Horned Rhinoceros
Snow Leopard
Red Panda
Himalayan Tahr
Gharial Crocodile
Asiatic Elephant
Flora
6,500+ flowering plant species
250+ endemic plants
Dense tropical jungles to alpine meadows
National Parks & Conservation Areas
Chitwan National Park
Bardiya National Park
Sagarmatha National Park
Langtang National Park
Annapurna Conservation Area
Makalu Barun National Park
Shey Phoksundo National Park
13. Nepalese Cuisine
Nepal’s food varies by region and culture.
Popular Dishes
Dal Bhat – Rice, lentils, curry
Momo – Dumplings
Thukpa – Noodle soup
Newari Cuisine – Bara, Yomari, Chatamari
Sel Roti – Sweet rice donut
Gundruk – Fermented leafy greens
14. Transportation
Modes of Travel
Domestic flights (due to hilly terrain)
Roads, buses, microbuses
Tourist coaches
Cable cars in some regions
International airport: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
15. Education & Literacy
Education system: School (1–12), undergraduate, postgraduate
Growing number of universities: Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu University, Pokhara University, etc.
Literacy rate improving steadily across the country.
16. Important Facts About Nepal
Only country with a non-rectangular flag
Contains the highest number of Himalayas in the world
Home to Mount Everest
Birthplace of Lord Buddha
Rich in hydropower potential
Among the world’s richest biodiversity zones
Known for warm hospitality and unique culture
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Gear List
- Backpack (50 liters) with outside pockets to keep smaller items
- Trekking boots, well broken in and waterproofed. Gaiters to keep snow out of boots
- Woolen sweaters and down jacket, gloves, wind proof outer garments, pants jacket, skirts, T-shirts, shirts, baggy pants and underwear
- Several pairs of woolen and few pairs of nylon socks. A pair of sandals
- Sleeping bag adequate for temperatures encountered
- Hat with wide brim and sun lotion cream
- One liter water bottle and some food for contingencies
- Repair and medical kit
- Head lamp with spare lithium batteries and bulbs
- Handkerchief and toiletries
- Verified phone number of your Embassy, consulate ,trekking agency and private phone number of your director
- Pen, pencils and letterhead to write an emergency message
- Pocket knife with opener and scissors
- Sunglasses with spare eyeglasses or contact lenses if you wear them
- Umbrella and rain coat
- Camera
SUPPORT
Important Information Before Your Trip to Nepal
Payment: Down payment: 15% of total payment is required to confirm the reservation.
Payment of the Balance: Rest amount can be paid in our office after your arrival.
Arrival Point: You will be met at the Kathmandu international airport. Our office representative will be waiting for you holding play card of the Nepal Mountain Lovers Treks and Expedition. In case of your change plan, please let us inform.
Booking Air Ticket: If you don’t have regular travel agent, please visit makemytrip.com, www.kayak.com, www.vayama.com. They offer you very good price.
Room System: Normally we have two people in a room. Twin bed or single bed depends on the choice of guests and budget. If tourists want single room, s/he should pay single supplementary.
Trekking Leading Person: Our trekking guide will lead the whole trip with his/her helpers and porters.
Currencies: USD, AUD, EURO are major acceptable currencies in Nepal and visa and credit cards also accepted. There is ATM facility in city area.
Altitude Sickness: Altitude sickness will start from 3000 meter height. Trekkers should immediately inform trekking guide if faced any problems.
Drinking Water: We can get mineral water and boiled water in city area and in some trekking places. We use water purification tablet or liquid in some remote trekking sites.
Laundry Facility: Laundry facility are available in city area but not during the trekking.
Visa: You can get arrival visa at Kathmandu airport that cost 25 USD for 15 days and 40 USD for 30 days. Please bring 2 passport size photos. You can get your visa from the closest Nepali embassy.
Orientation Program: Before starting trekking, trekkers are provided with an orientation by our office representative or trekking guide about the necessary trekking information.
Group Size: There will be maximum 12 persons in one group.
Accommodation: You will stay in a nice tourist standard hotel/resort in city areas. Normal hotels or tents are available during the trekking.
Foods: We provide breakfast, lunch, dinner. Tourists can get continental food both in city and trekking places. Food during the trekking might not meet the standard of your country.
View of Mount Everest: Trekkers to Everest region will of course see the Mount Everest. For trekkers visiting other regions where they cannot view Mount Everest, there are daily mountain flights which approach close to Mount Everest.
Travel Insurance: It is compulsory to have travel insurance.
Personal Expenses: It depends on your spending interest and shopping. There are some expensive handmade carpets, Thanka paintings, jewelries and handicrafts to purchase in Nepal.
Luggage: We take only about 10kg per person in trekking. Your excess baggage will be stored in a hotel.
Tips: Tips are highly accepted and appreciated.
Rules and Regulation
Nepal Mountain Lovers Treks and Expedition accepts your reservation under the following rules and regulations.
1. If the balance payment is not paid before your departure for trekking, the booking will be cancelled without any refund.
2. If there is war or the situation of the country is out of control and the country faces emergency situation before your arrival to Nepal, we inform you not to come Nepal and refund your payment. But in case of any emergency situation or war after your arrival or during the trekking, we will not refund your money. But we will try our best to make your trip successful and pleasant. In such situation, we may need to change the trip plan and itinerary.
3. In case of increase in government royalty and other costs such as the national park fee, you have to pay extra money.
4. If you commit any illegal act or disturbance for the safety and welfare of the group, our leader or guide can ask to leave the group without any right to refund.
5. If you have any complain with regards to trekking and tour please inform our tour leader or company. All kinds of valid complain are welcomed and processed with necessary actions.
6.You are responsible to ensure that all travel documents are with you during the entire trip.
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