Nepal Country Information ⋅ Natucate

Highlights in Nepal

If you plan to go to Nepal you definitely should consider going on a trekking tour in the Himalayan mountain region. Even if you are not that into outdoors and hikes, it is worth the effort as you will see unbelievably stunning mountain sceneries, and beautiful landscapes in National Parks and get to know small mountain villages. There are a lot of offers, also for beginners, with local guides and in many cases staff members that will support you with your luggage and equipment. Popular routes include the Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit, and Langtang Valley Trek.
Kathmandu is a vibrant city full of cultural and historical highlights! Visit Durbar Square, where you can admire impressive architecture and the former royal palace. The Swayambhunath temple complex, known as the ‘Monkey Temple’, offers a fascinating mix of Buddhist and Hindu elements as well as a breathtaking view of the city.

Another highlight is Bodnath with its majestic white stupa, a spiritual centre and popular destination for pilgrims. For those interested in art and culture, a trip to Bhaktapur, a charming old town with impressive arts and crafts and historic buildings, is well worthwhile.

If you want to enjoy spectacular views of the Himalayas, Nagarkot, just 30 kilometres away, is the perfect choice. Kathmandu and its surroundings offer unforgettable experiences - let this fascinating city inspire you!
Discover Nepal's premier wildlife haven, Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its incredible biodiversity and lush landscapes. Spanning over 932 square kilometers, this protected area is home to a rich array of wildlife, including the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, and sloth bears.

Explore the park through thrilling jeep safaris, where experienced guides take you deep into the jungle to spot these majestic animals in their natural habitat. For a quieter, more intimate experience, opt for a serene canoe ride along the Rapti River, where you'll have the chance to see crocodiles sunning themselves and vibrant bird species like kingfishers, egrets, and storks.

Chitwan is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 500 recorded bird species, making it an unmissable destination for nature enthusiasts. Beyond the wildlife, immerse yourself in the local Tharu culture by visiting nearby villages, where traditional dances and cuisine offer a glimpse into the vibrant life of the indigenous community.
If you are planning your trip to Nepal in spring, you should definitely experience the colourful and vibrant Holi festival - a festival that radiates pure joie de vivre! This one-day, one-night Hindu festival marks the beginning of spring and symbolises the triumph of good over evil.

Holi, which has its origins in India and Nepal, is now a worldwide phenomenon. In Nepal, however, it is particularly authentic and exciting! The streets are transformed into a bright sea of colour as people of all ages and cultures throw coloured powder and dyed water at each other and paint their faces and bodies. It's a day of laughter, music and boundless joy, celebrating community across religious boundaries.

Be sure to pack clothes that can be brightly coloured - and let yourself be carried away by the festive atmosphere and infectious cheerfulness. Holi in Nepal is an experience you will never forget!
For an ethical and immersive wildlife experience, Bardia National Park in western Nepal is a fantastic alternative to more crowded parks. This hidden gem is one of the best places in Nepal to spot Bengal tigers in their natural habitat. With fewer visitors than Chitwan, the park offers a quieter and more intimate experience, allowing wildlife to thrive undisturbed.

Spanning over 968 square kilometers, Bardia is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including Bengal tigers, elephants, rhinos, and freshwater dolphins. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 400 species recorded. Guided walking safaris, jeep safaris, and river rafting tours are all conducted with a strong focus on conservation and respect for the animals’ natural behaviors.

The park works closely with local communities to promote sustainable tourism, ensuring that visits contribute to wildlife protection and benefit the surrounding villages. If you’re dreaming of spotting a tiger ethically and respectfully, Bardia National Park is the perfect choice.

Geography of Nepal

The landlocked country Nepal is situated along the southern ridges of the Himalayan mountain range and is located between China and Tibet in the north and India in the south. The country was formed as a kingdom in the year 1768 after the conquest by the founder of the Shah-Dynasty. Nepal was never part of a colony and is less than half the size of Germany with an area of 147,181 km². Besides the capital city Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Lalitpur that are situated in the mountain region are the next biggest cities in the country. Nepal is divided into 7 provinces, 77 districts, and 753 communities. From west to east, the country extends to up to 885 km and from north to south to 241 km at maximum. Nepal’s geography is mainly influenced by the high mountains of the Himalayas in the north and east. Further south the landscape changes to a moderate lower Himalayan range and develops to an inner valley called Terai.

Geomorphology/Geology

The Himalayas play a crucial role in shaping the geomorphology of Nepal. Stretching over 3,000 km from Pakistan to Myanmar, the range can reach a width of up to 350 km. As part of the Alpine mountain belt, the Himalayas formed around 30 to 50 million years ago due to the collision of India with Eurasia. This ongoing geological movement continues to elevate the mountain range, albeit by only a few millimeters each year, which is relatively insignificant on human time scales.

The highest mountains in Nepal are located in the north and east, including Mount Everest (8,848 m), the highest peak on Earth. At the southern edge of the Himalayas lie the Siwaliks, erosion cones formed by heavy monsoon rains and intense soil erosion. The more northern regions, in contrast, are located in the rain shadow, where precipitation is much lower. Due to the harsh conditions, the mountain regions of Nepal are sparsely populated but are a popular destination for trekking.

Settlements in the high mountains are generally found in valley areas, while summer grazing areas extend up to about 5,000 meters. The mountains are traversed by rivers that flow into the Ganges. With over 40% of its area above 3,000 meters, Nepal ranks among the highest regions in the world.

To the south, the mountains gradually transition into a flatter central region with a highly structured relief, eventually leading into the fertile Terai plain. The central region covers about 30% of the country's area and is home to nearly half of the population. The Terai, which makes up around 14% of the country, is particularly suited for agriculture due to its fertile, erosion-resistant soil and frost-free climate, making it home to almost half of Nepal’s population.

Travel tips for Nepal

In Nepal you are driving on the left side. The infrastructure in the country is not well developed as the extreme relief of the landscape is a natural limit. Moreover also landslides in the monsoon time as well as the major earthquake in 2015 have not contributed to an improvement of the situation. The Tribhuvan International Airport is located in Kathmandu as the only international airport in the country. Besides this there are also up to 40 regional airports for smaller machines across the country. The railway line in Nepal is 59 km long and only the segment from Janakpur to the Indian Jaynagar is active as the part between Janakpur and Bigjalpura is currently blocked (2018).
National Holidays
- January 18: Sonam Losar (Tameng New Year)
- March 08: Nari Dibas (International Women’s Day)
- March 25: Ram Nawami (Birthday of the God Ram)
- April 14: Nepali New Year (1 week in spring, New Year’s celebration)
- May 01: Majdoor Divas (Labour Day)
- May 29: (National Holiday: Republic was declared, also the first time the Mount Everest was ascended by Sir Hillary & Tenzing Norgay in 1953)
Depending on the time of year:
- Spring Equinox (March)
- Autumn Equinox (September)
- Midwinter/Winter Solstice (December)
- Holi: „The Festival of Colours“ – the Hindu spring festival to celebrate the Indian subcontinent and the end of winter
Do
- Embrace the local cuisine – Nepali dishes are a delightful mix of rice, lentils, vegetable curries, and spicy chutneys with diverse Asian influences. Be sure to try some of the local specialties!
- Be polite and respectful – Greet others warmly, ask for help politely, and always express gratitude. Nepali culture values kindness, and a simple "thank you" can go a long way.
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or during festivals. It's common to cover your shoulders, knees, and in some cases, calves, to show respect for local customs.
- Respect local customs around shoes – Always leave your shoes outside when entering religious places, homes, or offices. Pay attention to shoe storage areas and follow the local practice.
- Be mindful of leather use, especially at religious sites, as cows are considered sacred in Hinduism.
  - Learn a few basic Nepali greetings – It's always appreciated to know simple words and phrases in the local language. It shows respect for the culture and helps you connect with the people around you.
Don´t
- Don't disrespect local customs: Always be mindful of local manners and traditions. Avoid public displays of affection or behavior that may be considered inappropriate.
- Avoid using your left hand or feet: In Nepali culture, the left hand and feet are considered impure, so avoid eating or interacting with others using either.
- Don't raise your voice or engage in arguments: Public confrontations or raising your voice can be seen as disrespectful. Always strive for calm and respectful communication.
- Don't enter a kitchen uninvited: It is considered impolite for strangers or non-Hindus to enter a kitchen without being invited.
- Don't wander alone at night: For safety reasons, it’s best to avoid walking alone at night.
  Avoid displaying valuables provocatively: Keeping valuables discreet and secure is important, as flaunting them may attract unwanted attention.
- Don't go trekking alone or unprepared: Never underestimate the challenges of trekking, especially high-altitude treks. Always go with a guide or a group and ensure you are properly prepared.
- Remember to pay if you invite someone: In Nepal, if you invite someone for a meal or a drink, it's customary to cover the cost, even if it was just a casual offer.

Climate in Nepal

The climate in Nepal depends majorly on the geography and the seasons that are quite similar to Central European seasons regarding the time periods. In higher altitudes especially along the northern border and in the eastern part of the country, temperatures are generally lower and there is also a relatively low amount of precipitation that is coming down as snow most of the time. Above 4,000m, the region is mainly influenced by an alpine climate with temperatures generally being below 0°C so that the mountain area is covered by perpetual ice and snow. In the foothill area climate is more moderate and average temperatures lie between 10 and 24°C, depending on the season. During winter the night can be quite cold, nevertheless, temperatures only rarely drop below 0°C.

The lower Terai valley is mainly influenced by the subtropical monsoon climate. In the time between April and September the south-west monsoon dominates the country and about 80 to 90% of the annual rain falls during these months. In general, the other months are relatively dry. During this time it is quite hot and humid in the subtropical Terai with temperatures between 25 and 32°C. Winters are relatively mild and dry in this lower region. With the beginning of the dry season in October/November the view is clearing up, nature appears in a lush green and especially at the end of the dry season (February-April) wildflowers are in full bloom. Travelling to Nepal in the summer or midwinter cannot be recommended as heavy precipitation as well as a sultry climate complicate journeys during the rainy season. Moreover, the sky is often covered by clouds during this time so the view over the stunning landscape can be troubled. In winter temperatures can drop below 0°C in higher altitudes which can also be troublesome during a journey.

Flora and Fauna in Nepal

Especially in the subtropical inner Terai valley, the biodiversity is incredibly diverse. Notably, the Indian rhino, which is listed as an endangered species, roams this region, alongside various species of deer that are some of the larger mammals in southern Nepal. In addition, several species of Asian antelopes thrive in Nepal’s natural habitats, as well as wild bovids such as water buffaloes, yaks, and gaurs, which live in the lower regions and occasionally in the drier foothill areas. Bovids are often domesticated and serve as working and pack animals in rural communities.

In the dense mountain forests, the endangered musk deer is hunted due to the high demand for its secretion. Additionally, relatives of the goat species are found in the higher mountain ranges. These animals often fall prey to the endangered snow leopard, which roams the high mountain regions of Central Asia. In more remote areas of the lower valleys, large cats such as black panthers, the endangered Bengal tiger, and smaller cats like the leopard cat and fishing cat are common residents.

Other endangered mammals in the bear family that inhabit the foothill forests of the Himalayan region include the red panda and the Himalayan brown bear. Sloth bears are more commonly found in the subtropical forests and grasslands of the valleys. In the tropical areas of Nepal, you can also find crocodiles, numerous species of insects, and a variety of snakes, some of which are venomous.

Nepal’s bird biodiversity is equally diverse, especially in the inner Terai valley, home to animals like the majestic peacock and several predatory birds, including eagles, falcons, vultures, and owls. In the lower areas, cormorants, herons, and cranes are common sights. During a visit to Nepal, many travelers encounter rhesus macaques, which can be quite intrusive in touristy areas, as well as the more reserved gray langurs.

The flora in Nepal is also highly dependent on altitude, with vegetation becoming more sparse in the higher mountain regions. In the lower, evergreen, and lush Terai valley, you will find several fruit trees, banana plants, and trees used in construction, along with crops like rice and lentils. The monsoon forests are abundant with bamboo, palms, and numerous grasses, bushes, and flowers, including elephant grass (which can grow up to 3 meters), jasmine, hibiscus, and various species of orchids.

As you ascend to higher altitudes, crop plants and tropical vegetation become scarcer, making way for mountain forests and cloud forests. Above the tree line, at altitudes of over 4,000 meters, the flora changes to lichens, grasses, and mosses, showcasing the dramatic transition of the region's ecosystems.

Social Geography of Nepal

About 29.5 million people are currently living in Nepal which equals round about 180 inhabitants per square kilometer. In Kathmandu about 1.7 million people are at home and in the greater Kathmandu area nearly 3.5 million inhabitants are living. With about 15% only a very small percentage of the overall population is living in cities throughout the country. The population is composed of over 100 ethnic groups and castes from many different cultural and ethnical minorities. The average age is 23.6 years.
The landlocked country Nepal still majorly depends on traditional subsistence economy. About 70% of the population is working in the low-wage sector agriculture. Agriculture is only possible in the fertile subtropical Terai area which in conclusion means, that the major part of the country is not suitable for farming. Also the extraction of raw materials is quite difficult due to the extreme mountain relief and the poorly developed infrastructure. Especially after the earthquake in 2015 major parts of the infrastructure are damaged and make mining as well as business in general even more difficult. In addition to that the climate for investment is also inhibited due to a complicated bureaucracy, trade deficits, missing raw materials as well as the location of Nepal in between other countries. With an income per person of about 733.7 US-$ (2016) Nepal is one of the world’s 20 poorest countries. Especially the touristic sector has great economic potential as well as the unused water power, high quality craft work and the extension of the industrial region near the border to India. Moreover the transfer of finance from the Gulf States is very important for the local economy and contributes about 25% to the GDP.