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Climate in Nepal |
The Kingdom of Nepal is one of the most diverse
and beautiful places on earth and it is rich in
history home to more than 80 different groups of
people and generally unaffected by the modern
ways of the western world. With the world's 10
highest mountains, lush tropics, arctic tundra,
high deserts, compressed into 147,100 square
km., there is always another mesmerizing place
for us to take you to quickly. And unlike other
Asian destinations, you |
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Religion & Language. Nepal's 21milion population is comprised of
diverse ethnic groups having their own languages and cultures.
The Newars, who are acclaimed for their unique artistry and
culture, dominate the Kathmandu Valley, whereas the Sherpas, who
are renowned more for their mountaineering skill, inhabit in the
northern mountains. Brahmins and Chhetris, two of the nation's
most dominant communities, are almost everywhere, and the
Tamangs, Rais, Limbus, Magars and Gurungs - the ethnic groups
known more as brave Gurkha soldiers - dwell mostly in mid-hills.
Maithili, Tharu, Bhojpuri and other ethnic communities have
their dwellings in the Terai plains.
Nepal has always been a dividing line between
civilization and cultures, and a cross roads for the flow of
commerce and culture between them, where the plains of the
subcontinent climb up to the high plateau of Tibet, the
languages and people of India give way to those of China and the
Hindu religion blends into Buddhism. Nepal, the land at the
margin, is often a complex blend of the two influences and this
variation is further complicated by the diversity of ethnic
groups within the country.
Religious practice is an important part of the Nepalese
way of life. Two main religions are dominant in Nepal: Hinduism
and Buddhism. Hinduism is made up of thousand of gods and
goddesses. Bramha, Vishnu and Shiva are three major Gods, but
each has a complex tapestry of manifestations and incarnations.
Each deity also has a vehicle, which is often seen kneeling
faithfully outside the shrine. Buddhism is the second major
religion in Nepal. Shakyamuni Buddha, who was born in Nepal
around 6th century BC, is the founder of Buddhism. The great
Buddhist Stupas of Swoyambhu and Bauddha in the Kathmandu Valley
are among the oldest and most beautiful worship sites in Nepal.
Nepali, like Hindi, is written in the Dev-nagari script. It is
Nepal's national language, apart from being the lingua franca of
the country's divergent communities that speak mutually
unintelligible language and dialects. English is also widely
spoken and understood in urban areas. In Tourism sector people
speaks English, Japanese, French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese and
other foreign languages. |
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History in Nepal |
For centuries, Nepal was made up of
many small kingdoms. Kirats ruled in the east, the
Newars in Kathmandu valley, while Gurungs and Magars
occupied the west. The Kirats ruled from 300 BC and
during their reign, Emperor Ashoka arrived from India to
build a pillar in Lumbini to commemorate Lord Buddha.
The Kirats were followed by the Lichhavis and then came
the Mallas. During the Malla period, art thrived in the
Valley, and most of the monuments are from this time, In
the 18th century, Prithvi Narayan Shah, king of Gorkha
conquered the Kathmandu valley and until 1951, the
country remain closed for outside world. |
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Geography |
The
Kingdom of Nepal covers an area of 147,181 square kilometers,
and stretches 145 to 241 kilometers north to south and 850
kilometers west to east. The country is located between India in
the south and China in the north. At latitudes 26 and 30 degrees
north and longitudes 80 and 88 degree east, Nepal is
topographically divided into three regions.
The Himalaya: The Himalayan range
makes up the northern border of the country and represents 16%
of the total area of Nepal. Peaks like Mt. Everest (8848 m.)
Kanchen Junga (8598 m.), and Dhaulagiri (8167 m.) are found here
and sparse vegetation is found up to 4,500 m. Some of the
Nepal's most beautiful animal and plant-life are also found
here. Although rare, the snow leopard and Danphe bird are much
talked-about sights among visitors. The people in this region
produce and sell cheese besides working as mountain-guides and
porters. Many also trade Tibet and across the boarder to sell
their gods.
The Hills: This region covers 65% of
the total land area of the country. Kathmandu, the capital of
Nepal is located here., Elevation range from 500 to 3,000 m.
above sea level. During summer the temperature reaches an
average of 32 degree Celsius. Winter are cold, temperature
sometimes reaches minus 1 degree Celsius. Areas in the eastern
hills receive more rainfall because of the monsoon clouds, which
come from the southeast. The rivers in the west, which do not
receive much rainfall, are dependent upon the melted snow that
flows down the Himalayas. Wild animals to be found here are the
spotted leopard, barking deer, and Himalayan black bear. The
hilly region is also popular for different kinds of birds. Over
four hundred species of birds are found here.
The Terai:The Terai - Low Land covers
17% of the total land area of Nepal. It provides excellent
farming land and the average elevation of flatlands is 100 to
300 m. above sea level. In the sub-tropical forest areas of
Terai are found, marshes and wildlife, which include the Royal
Bengal tiger, one horned rhino, and the Gharial crocodile etc.
About 48% of the country's population occupies this region. Flat
farmlands and the region's flexible topography have given rise
to many industries. |
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