The tiny Kingdom of Nepal is a great vacation destination with its towering mountains, spectacular scenery, ancient temples and some of the best trekking trails on the planet. Home to some of the highest mountains in the world, Nepal is rich in majestic beauty and cultural diversity. For adventure lovers, this country is the perfect vacation hot spot with activities like mountain climbing, hiking, white water rafting and kayaking.
Located in South Asia, Nepal sits in the central section of the Greater Himalaya Mountains and is bordered by Tibet in the north and by India in the south, east and west. Roughly rectangular in shape, Nepal is a landlocked country covering a total area of 140,800 square kilometers (87,296 sq. mi.), which is mostly mountainous with some lowlands to the south. Extending 885 km (550 mi) east to west and 193 km (120 mi.) north to south, Nepal is known throughout the world as the home of Mt. Everest, which stands at 29,128 feet and lies to the north of the country near the Nepal-Tibet border. The capital of Nepal is Katmandu which is in the west of the country.
The terrain and climate of Nepal can be characterized into three distinct regions. The lowlands in the south of the country are known as the Terai Region. This area has a hot and tropical Indian climate. The central area of the country is mountainous with a cooler sub-tropical climate, while the northern regions of Nepal have alpine weather.
The Himalayan/Northern Region
The Himalayan region of Nepal is among the highest in the world. It lies between the altitudes of 4877 meters to 8848 meters (16,094 – 29,198 ft.). This region includes 8 of the world highest summits which exceed 8,000 meters (26,400 ft.). Mt. Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu are just some of the many peaks that lie in this area.
Central (Mountain) Region
The central region of Nepal is mostly mountainous and hilly and accounts for around 64% of the country’s total land area. Formed by the Mahabharat Range which soars up to 4877 meters (16,094 ft) and the Churia Range which ranges between 610 to 1524 meters (2,013 – 5,029 ft), this region of Nepal has pleasant summers and cold winters.
Terai Region
The Terai region is located in the south of the country and occupies around 17% of the total land area in Nepal. It stretches about 32 kilometers (20 mi) across and has a maximum altitude of 305 meters (1,006 ft). The lowest point of the country is Kechanakawal which lies in the east of the Terai Region at a height of 70 meters (231 ft). The capital city of Nepal, Katmandu is both beautiful and stunning. Filled with temples and friendly locals, this city is the most happening place in the country. The center of trade and commerce in Nepal, Katmandu’s is the place to go to soak up the rich cultural diversity this country has to offer.
Just south of Katmandu is the nearby town of Patan, the second largest city in the valley. Bhaktapur lies to the west of Katmandu and is most famous for its Newari architecture. One of the three most ancient cities in the Katmandu Valley, Bhaktapur retains much its 17th century style. Pashupatinath and Bodnath are the holiest cities of Nepal. Bodnath is home to the largest Stupa of Nepal and has many Tibetan exile communities living here.
For some stunning views of the Nepalese mountain ranges, visit Nagarkot or Pokhara which lie to the east of Katmandu. Pokhara has some of the most stunning mountain view settings in the world. Another must see place in Nepal is the Mt. Everest region. You do not have to be a mountain climber to visit and the sight of the highest mountain in the world is indeed a moment to be treasured forever.
The Royal Chitwan National Park lies to the south of Katmandu, near the Indo-Nepalese Border. With some amazing and spectacular wildlife, this nation park is not to be missed. Some of the ‘must see’ destinations in Nepal also include the Royal Bardia National Park in the Terai Region, the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve just east of Pokhara, Dakshinkali, which lies to the south of the Katmandu Valley, the Nagarjun Forest Reserve near Katmandu, Lalitpur, Butwal in the Terai Region, Dhulikel, Kodari near the Tibetan Border, and Daman, which lies just Southwest of Kathmandu.
