Nepal is made of imposing mountains and lakes with turquoise waters, starry skies and silent monasteries that invite introspection and meditation. A coveted destination for trekking lovers, Nepal is actually a destination that can be appreciated by anyone who loves nature. Let's find out more about this fascinating nation and why it is worth organizing a trip.
Where is Nepal
Nepal is located in southern Asia and its capital is Kathmandu. It confines in the north with China and Tibet, in the south with India. It doesn't have borders with the sea and it's mostly mountain territory.
When should you go in Nepal
When should you visit Nepal? The climate is fairly mild and pleasant all year round, with two seasons, the dry season and the monsoon season. The dry season runs from October to June and is characterized by poor precipitation and clear skies, which offer magnificent views of the mountains. Autumn is the best season for trekking, because the sunshine is good and the temperatures are not low. Between December and February, the temperatures begin to fall and the mountain passes are covered with snow: trekking becomes more difficult and the nights are colder, but this is also the period when there are fewer tourists.
Between March and May the temperatures begin to rise: provided that you can withstand the heat on certain days, this is also a good time for trekking, admiring the blooming of rhododendrons in the valleys.
What to see in Nepal: Himalaya's mountains
The mountain range of Himalaya (spreading also in China, India and Bhutan) is among the most known attractions of Nepal. It’s a very famous destination, a dream for adventurers and trekking lovers.
8 out of 10 of the highest mountains in the world can be found in Nepal.
- Everest: 8848 meters
- Kanchenjunga 8586 meters (3° highest in the world)
- Lhotse 8516 meters (4° highest in the world)
- Makalu 8463 meters (5° highest in the world)
- Cho Oyu 8201 meters (6° highest in the world)
- Dhaulagiri I 8167 meters (7° highest in the world)
- Manaslu 8156 meters (8° highest in the world)
- Annapurna I 8091 meters (10° highest in the world)
Discover the Unesco sites of Nepal
Nepal has the highest concentraion of UNESCO sites by surface.
These are the 4 “World Heritage” sites:
- Chitwan National Park - one of the rare places where it is possible to see endangered animals such as the Bengal tiger and the Asian rhinoceros. It also hosts an incredible variety of flora.
- Kathmandu Valley - rich in temples, sanctuaries and monuments. Some of these have suffered damages in the earthquake of 2015.
- Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha - it’s a sacred place for all Bhuddists, here Siddhartha Gautama (Gautama Buddha) was born. Since 1997 it is part of the UNESCO Heritage and it has mantained its aura of sacred place, without any commercial activity nearby. Many monasteries and memorial shrines, Viharas and Stupas, can ben found near the main Asoka pillar.
- Sagarmatha National Park - it includes the Everest and different rare species such as the snow leopoard and the lesser panda.
Interesting facts about Nepal
Nepalese people strongly believe in their traditions and rituals, in Nepal spirtuality is a strong part of daily life.
There are many curious facts about this little nation:
- Due to the “Vikram Samvat” calendar, Nepal is 58 years and 8 months ahead of the Gregorian calendar.
- In 2008 it became a democracy, in the past it was a monarchy
- It’s the only nation with a flag that doesen’t have 4 sides.
- You must avoid eating with the left hand and touching other people's head.
