Nepal (Introduction)
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| Nepal |
Nepal is a kingdom of high Himalayan Mountains, artistic
monuments, exotic wildlife, and diverse cultures. It is the land where Lord
Buddha was born over 2,500 years ago. Roughly rectangular in world map, the
kingdom of Nepal is situated between China in the north and India in the south.
The land extends approximately 193 KM north to south, and 885 KM east to west.
Nepal is primarily an agricultural country. With beautiful panoramas and Geography,
Tourism too has been one of the major industries.
For its size, Nepal surprisingly contains the greatest latitudinal
variation on this planet. The land rises from the terrain, the southern plains
at almost sea level, and within a short distance to north culminates at
Sagarmatha (Everest), the highest peak in earth. Eight of 14 summits in the
world over 8000m lie in Nepal.
Nepal contains a variety of climatic conditions ranging from
the tropical heat of the terrain plains to freezing cold of the Himalaya. The
mid-hills, and particularly the Kathmandu Valley, are pleasant with warm
summers and cool winters. Temperatures range between a maximum of 37 and a
minimum of 5 degree Celsius in the Kathmandu valley. The rainy season lasts
from June to August.
Nepal provides shelter to over 30 species of large wild
animals and approximately 180 species of mammals. The rhinoceros, tiger,
crocodiles, snow leopards, red panda, Himalayan black bear and many other
beasts are found in Nepal’s Jungle and Wildlife. Nepal is also a home for birds
with over 800 species representing approximately 8% of the world’s population;
Nepal has as many as bird species as the whole of North America.
Nepal’s many ethnic groups are as varied as its land with
their own languages and cultures. In the Kathmandu Valley are the Newars, whose
culture and artistry have earned them an international reputation. The Sherpas
of the Himalayas are known as tough mountain climbers. Brahmins and Chettris
are scattered over the hills and valleys, and Tamangs are found in the
districts around the Kathmandu Valley. The Rais, Limbus, Magars and Gurungs of
the mid-hills have earned fame as Gorkha Soldiers. Lowland ethnic groups such
as the Maithili, Bhojpuri and Tharu enhance the colorful mosaic. The total
population of Nepal is about 28 million. Every Nepali is friendly and will
surprise you with their hospitality and friendliness.
