Nepal is a tiny Himalayan country located in south Asia. It is a developing country, sandwiched between the giant neighbors- China and India. The country is spread over 147181 sq. km. It is the home of Mt. Everest and the birthplace of Lord Buddha. A small country Nepal is diverse in various aspects. The geographical division can be categorized into three sections: the Himalayan region, the hilly region, and the plainland Terai region.
The Himalayan Region
The eastern and northern part of Nepal is dominated by soaring peaks. The Himalayan range of Nepal extends up to 8848 meters, which is the tallest peak in the world. Nepal is home to 8000-meter peaks. Out of fourteen, eight peaks above 8000 meters lie in this country along with thousands of fewer height mountains and climbing peaks. Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Annapurna I are those 8000-meter peaks. The Himalayan region is much more remote and isolated.
Along with the Himalayas, there are abundant Lakes, glaciers, forests, and wild animals. The Everest regions, Upper Manaslu, Annapurna region, Langtang region, and Kanchenjunga region are normally renowned as the Himalayan region. In this region, mostly rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and treeless regions are located. Himalayan Thar, snow leopard, and other fauna can be found.
The Himalayan region is dominated by indigenous communities. There are many hidden valleys as the Sherpa valleys of the Everest region and the Tamang villages of the Langtang region. Generally, people from the Himalayan region are highly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism.
Popular tourist activities: Mountaineering, Trekking, Heli tour
The Hilly Region
The middle section of Nepal is known as the hilly region. It is dominated by sub-tropical evergreen forests. Terraced hillside can be a suitable term for this. It is beautiful and more cultivated than the Himalayan region. Waterfalls, Rivers, gorges, Lakes, and terraced fields are the usual views of the hilly region.
The middle hill region is loaded with rich cultural and social phenomena. Mixed social groups, ethnic communities, and scattered villages are located in this region. Gurung, Magar, Tamang, Brahmins, and other social groups populate this region. The form of untouchable exists in many societies, which is called 'achhut paratha's. People celebrate different festivals and celebrations.
Popular tourist activities: Trekking, Tours, Sightseeing, Heli tour, Rafting, Canyoning, Paragliding
The Terai Region
The Terai region is a grain store in Nepal, which is a highly cultivated region of Nepal. It is also called Madhesh. This region is basically populated by the Madhesis, however, many immigrants from the hilly region have been settled too. It is located mostly in the border region of India. So, the culture and lifestyle is similar to the Indian societies.
Terai region is dominated by tropical forests and exotic wildlife. Various National Parks are located in this region, including Chitwan national park, Bardiya national park, and others. Jungle safari is very much popular in this region by sitting on the elephant's back. Tharu, Rajbanshi, Thakur, and others are the indigenous groups of the Terai region.
Popular tourist activities: Tours, Rafting, Canoeing, Jungle safari
Nepal at a glance
- Country: Nepal
- Language: Nepali
- Area: 147181 sq. km
- Capital city: Kathmandu
- Major Religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam
- Currency: Nepali rupees
- Population: about 3 million
- Min altitude: 60 meters
- Max altitude: 8848 meters