Nepal is a small, landlocked country, 800km long and 200km wide making a total land area of 147,181 sq. km. The landscape soars from just 150m above sea level to 8848m at the tip of Mt. Everest. Nepal covers only 0.1% of the world’s surface area but is home to 8% of the world’s species of birds, including 72 critically endangered species.
Geographically, Nepal can be divided into three regions:
1. Himalayan (snow peaks) Region
2. Hilly (mountain) Region
3. Tarai (plain) Region
Quick View of Nepal
• Capital Kathmandu
• Literacy rate 48.6%
• Life expectancy 62 years
• Population 29.5 million
• 10 of the worlds 14 tallest mountains
• 2% of all the flowering plants in the world.
• 8% of the world’s population of birds (more than 848 species)
• 4% of mammals on earth.
• Electricity 220-240 Volts, 50 Hz
Top Picks for Nepal
1. Pokhara: Hang out by Phewa Tal and gaze across the lake towards the Annapurnas
2. Annapurna Circuit: Hit the Apple Pie Trail on Nepal’s most popular trek, or just enjoy short hikes from Jomsom
3. Tansen: Tour ancient temples, visit traditional villages and hike to hilltops with Himalayan views
4. Lumbini: Meditate on the nature of existence amidst a sea of monasteries at the birthplace of the Buddha
5. Bandipur: Soak up the medieval atmosphere and the views in this living museum of Newari architecture
6. Chitwan National Park: Track tigers and rhinos on elephant-back at Nepal’s most famous nature reserve
7. Langtang National Park: Get to the mountains quickly on the nearest trek to Kathmandu
8. Kathmandu: Immerse yourself in one of world’s most fascinating and tourist-friendly cities
9. Rafting & Canyoning: Raft down the Bhote Kosi River or abseil down a thundering waterfall for the ultimate white-water rush
10. Mountain Flights: Hitch a ride into the heavens, so close you can almost touch the Himalaya
11. Everest Region: Take it slowly up the classic trek to Everest Base Camp and the gorgeous Gokyo Valley
12. Patan: Prepare for temple overload, with some of the finest Newari architecture in Nepal
13. Bhaktapur: Stroll along traffic-free backstreets and witness the unchanging rituals of Newari life
14. Janakpur: Join the pilgrims to this ancient Hindu center, scene of the famous Hindu epic the Ramayana
15. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve: Escape to this water world of thatched villages and rice paddies where bird species outnumber tourists 400:1
(source: lonelyplanet guidebook)
