Facts About Nepal

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Is Nepal your next travel destination? Are you interested to learn facts about Nepal? Nepal is a country full of surprises and wonders. If you’re considering travelling Nepal, then you’re in for a treat!

With so much to offer, Nepal is a must-visit destination for all types of travelers. Learning about the fascinating facts about Nepal will add to your overall experience and make your trip even more memorable.

A small yet beautiful country between China and India, is home to numerous natural wonders, rich culture, and ancient history. It is a landlocked country in South Asia with a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and ancient traditions. From majestic mountain peaks to lush forests and tranquil lakes, the country offers diverse landscapes that captivate the heart of tourists, trekkers and adventurers alike.

The beautiful country of Nepal i     s renowned for several adventure activities like trekking, mountaineering, rafting and so on. Nepal is also renowned for its intricate history, warm hospitality, diverse flora and fauna, historical landmarks,  unique culture and much more.    

To help you better gain insight into the topic, we will explore interesting facts of Nepal. Buckle up and get ready to discover and learn about the hidden gems of Nepal.

Interesting Facts about Nepal

A significant part of the Himalayas is in Nepal

Nepal is known as the “ceiling of the world,” as the country is home to some of the tallest mountains in the world. There are over 1,300 peaks in Nepal that are over 6,000m high, earning the title “Himalayan nation.” As a result, the country has become a popular hub for trekkers and mountaineers to commence adventurous expeditions.

Nepal is home to the eight tallest mountain peaks in the world, including :

• Mount Everest – 8848 m
• Kanchenjunga – 8586 m
• Lhotse – 8516 m
• Makalu – 8481 m
• Cho Oyu – 8201 m
• Dhaulagiri I – 8167 m
• Manaslu – 8156 m
• Annapurna I – 8091 m

Under No Foreign invasion

Nepal is among the few countries in the world that were never colonized. Despite being a small nation, Nepal is a sovereign nation. This is why Nepal does not celebrate  Independence Day like most other nations.

Unique Triangular Flag

An interesting fact about Nepal is that it is the only country in the world with a non-rectangular flag, which makes its triangular flag unique. The flag features two red triangles with a blue border around them. The upper triangle of the flag consists of the moon, whereas the lower triangle is the Sun.

The Sun in the flag of Nepal represents Buddhism and Hinduism, the country’s two major religions. The respective flag was incepted in the year 1962. However, it is believed that the design is 2000 years old.

The Weed Capital

Nepal was once a central hub for hippies in the 1960s. Travelers from all around the world took to the hippie trail and visited Nepal. However, the chain was broken off after the Nepalese government declared the use of marijuana illegal. As a result, marijuana is currently illegal and not for buying and selling.

Birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha

Lord Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, was born in Kapilvastu, Lumbini, in 623 B.C. Siddhartha Gautam, renowned as Lord Gautam Buddha, was a prince of the Shakya dynasty.

Due to its historical, cultural and religious importance, Lumbini was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The exact place of his birth is preserved inside the Maya Devi temple. Over the past few decades, Lumbini has been a major  cultural attraction for religious travelers and devotees worldwide.

The Living Goddess-Kumari

The only living goddess in the world, Kumari, can be found in Nepal. The name Kumari translates to “Virgin girl.” In the Newari culture, it is believed that pre-pubescent girls are an earthly manifestation of divine female energy. Further, the Kumari is also believed to be the incarnation of the goddess Taleju.

Kumari often lives in temples and is worshiped by devotees. Also, they are carried in chariots during festivals. The Kumari retire after puberty or fall prey to accidents or illness.

Natural Wonders

One of the amazing facts about Nepal is that it holds records featuring some of the magnificent natural wonders of the world. Nepal is home to Rara Lake, which lies at an elevation of 3200m. It is one of the biggest lakes in Nepal and a major attraction that travelers visit to witness the lake’s magnificence every year.

Further, the recently discovered Kajin Sara Lake is the highest in the country, with an elevation of 5,200 m at Singarkharka, Manang. Similarly, Nepal also features one of the deepest gorges, Kali Gandaki, estimated to be around 6,000m deep.

A Large Concentration of World Heritage Sites

Apart from being a popular mountaineering trekking destination, Nepal is also renowned for its cultural and historical heritage. Around seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites are within a 15 km radius of Kathmandu city. As a result, the country has been nicknamed the living cultural museum.

During your travel to the country, you can visit these heritage sites, including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bauddhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa, Changu Narayan and Pashupatinath.

Ethnic Diversity

The country is multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multilingual, which boats unity in diversity. Nepal has over 80 diverse ethnic communities across several regions of the country. Further, more than 123 local languages and dialects are spoken in different parts of Nepal.

Each of these ethnic groups has its unique traditions, cultures and festivals, which they celebrate with mutual respect and harmony. Traveling to Nepal is a perfect opportunity for you to experience and immerse yourself in the country’s distinct cultural and religious heritage.

Religious And Ethnic Unity

Despite a large number of ethnic groups and religions thriving in the country. There have not been any significant clashes or riots between the religious and ethnic groups. Nepal is a secular state, and the constitution allows citizens to practice any religion and culture. As a result, the Nepalese people hold respect for Patriotism and Unity.

Nepal’s Own Venice!

Another interesting fact about Nepal is that geological study and mythology confirm that Kathmandu was once a giant lake. Nepalese mythology depicts that the lake crest of the lakes was cut in half by the mighty sword of Manjushri. This enabled the water to flow out of the valley allowing human settlement to thrive in the fertile valley.

On the other hand, the scientific theory provides evidence different from what the myth claims to be. The theory explains that the lake was drained out of the Kathmandu valley because of natural causes over 15,000 years.

Home of Endangered Animals

Traveling to Nepal is a perfect opportunity for you to witness the country’s exotic wildlife and lush vegetation. The country is home to unique animals such as the one-horned rhinoceros, snow leopard, red panda, Bengal tiger and golden monitor lizard.

Designated conservation areas such as the Chitwan National Park, Sagarmatha National Park, and Langtang National Park were established to protect these endangered animals against poachers and hunters.

The Legend of Yeti

Facts about Nepal are incomplete without mentioning the Yeti, also known as “Jigou” by the Tibetans. One of the fascinating pieces of evidence of the legendary beast is the “Yeti scalp” of the Khumjung Monastery in Nepal.

The locals claim that the remains of the Yeti are 300 years old, and Sir Edmund Hillary carried parts of it around the world for inspections by experts and zoologists. However, numerous scientists claim that the remains belong to a Himalayan bear, but some argue that it belongs to the Abominable Snowman.

Amazon of Asia

The unique biodiversity and climatic condition of Nepal have resulted in rich biodiversity. The country is home to 208 species of mammals, 123 reptiles, 55+ amphibians, 651 butterfly species and 230 freshwater fish. Similarly, Nepal is a natural habitat for more than 5,980 flowering plants.      This is the reason Nepal is a major attraction for travelers who seek to venture into the pristine wilderness and experience nature at its best.

Perfect for Thrilling Adventures

Nepal is a prime destination for adventure sports and extreme tourism. Paragliding, white-water rafting, kayaking, high-altitude marathons, bungee jumping, mountain biking, and mountaineering are thrilling experiences to tick off the bucket list. With diverse landscapes ranging from towering peaks to raging rivers, Nepal offers endless opportunities for adrenaline junkies.

Original Inhabitants

The Kiratis, a Mongoloid tribe, were the first rulers of Kathmandu. However, in 300 A.D., the region became predominantly Hindu when the north Indian rulers conquered the Kiratis. Further, Nepal faced its ‘Dark Ages’ in the 700s when Kashmiris and Tibetans invaded it.

Isolation from the World

Many travelers do not know this fact about Nepal. From 1846 to the 1950s, Nepal followed a policy of isolationism under the Rana regime. The Rana rulers aimed to protect their country from European conquest by closing the borders and cutting off communication with the outside world. This period of isolationism is known as the “Closed Door Policy.”

During this time, Nepal remained cut off from the rest of the world, and there was little interaction with foreign countries. Trade was limited, and the economy remained stagnant. The Rana regime also suppressed political dissent and prevented the emergence of a democratic system.

Elephant Polo

Elephant Polo, a sport that combines the excitement of polo with the unique experience of playing on the back of an elephant, is said to have originated in Meghauli, Nepal. This small town, located near Chitwan National Park, is known for its elephant stables and has a long history of elephant training.

Natural Porters

The Sherpas are an ethnic community residing in the eastern region of the Nepalese Himalayan Mountains. One of the interesting facts about Nepal is that the Sherpa are renowned for their remarkable ability to work at high altitudes as mountain porters, guides, and climbers. Due to their genetics and upbringing, the Sherpas have developed unique physiological adaptations to the high-altitude environment.

have a genetic predisposition to altitude adaptation, with studies indicating that they have evolved to utilize oxygen at high altitudes better. Additionally, their upbringing in the high-altitude environment has led to a greater lung capacity and increased hemoglobin concentration, allowing for efficient oxygen uptake.

The Booming Tourism Industry

Tourism is a crucial sector of Nepal’s economy, contributing to about 25% of the country’s revenue. The tourism industry in Nepal attracts travelers from all over the world who come to explore the country’s breathtaking natural landscapes, rich culture, and adventure sports activities. The tourism industry provides employment opportunities for many Nepalese people, from hotel workers to trekking guides and mountain porters.

Naming Mount Everest

The highest mountain in the world is known as Mount Everest. Sir Andrew Waugh suggested the name in 1865 after its discovery by the Royal Geographical Society. At the same time, the locals in the regions of China and Nepal have attributed different names to the mountain.

The Tibetans call it Qomolangma., which translates to “The Mother’s universe.” The Nepali have named the peak Sagarmatha, which means “The Heaven’s forehead,” The Sherpa calls it Chomolungma, which translates to “The mother goddess of the earth.”

Namaste!

A fascinating fact about Nepal is the way the people greet each other. The traditional way to greet people in Nepal is “Namaste.” It generally means, “I salute the God in you.” The respective gesture is made by pressing your palms together in front of the chest. It is similar to the way Indians greet each other as well.

Dal-Bhat 24 Hours!

Dal Bhaat is regarded as a staple food of the Nepalese people. It is widely consumed throughout the country. You must try Dal Bhaat or the Nepali Thali Set during your visit to Nepal.

The dish usually consists of two components Bhaat (rice) and Dal (Lentils). You can enjoy Dal Bhat with side dishes such as curry, meat, and pickles. It is a simple but essential part of the Nepalese cuisine. Most people in Nepal consume Daal Bhat for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Nepalese Gestures

Nepalese culture comprises certain beliefs and customs which differ from other countries. An interesting Nepal’s fact is that touching someone with your feet is considered offensive. Similarly, using your left hand to eat your food or do certain activities is considered rude. According to Nepalese culture, the head is believed to be the sacred part of the human body. So, it is highly impolite to touch someone’s head without their permission. 

Holy Cow

Another fact about Nepal is that cows are important in Nepalese culture. They are considered to be sacred beings in Hinduism. The cow is also a national animal, and killing one in the country is illegal. There are laws implemented in the country to protect cows and honor them according to their religious and cultural beliefs.

Nepal is a country full of breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, and hidden gems waiting to be explored by you. Nepal has something to offer everyone, from remote mountain villages to bustling cities.

During your visit to Nepal, trekking is a must-do expedition. Annapurna Circuit trek and Manang Trek are some of the best trek routes in the country. With the help of these travel agencies and trekking companies, you can plan a perfect journey and explore the mountain regions of Nepal at your own pace.

These agencies provide several tour packages, ranging from budget-friendly to luxurious, which ensures that every traveler can find something that suits their preference and needs. Nepal is a spiritual and adventure haven for travelers; its unique landscape and stunning scenery will inspire you. Let our Nepal travel guide help you embark on the adventure of a lifetime and take back memories that will last a lifetime.

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