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Home > Destinations > Nepal > General Info
 
 

Nepal the land of the highest peaks of the Himalayas and the Mt Everest, the kingdom of Nepal is a land of mystical attraction. It's a land of colorful cultures, ancient history and people, superb scenery and some of the best walking on earth.  

 
Geography 

Nepal stretches from north-west to south-east about 800 km and varies in width from around 90 km to 230 km. According to the official figures the total area of just 147,181 sq. km. 

Within that small area, however, is the greatest range of altitude to be seen on this earth - starting with  the Terai,only 100mt or so above sea level, and finishing at the top of Mt. Everest 8848mt, the highest point on earth. Often people wish is to see the mountains, especially Everest and Annapurna. The lowlands with their fertile soils, and the southern slopes of the mountains with sunny exposures, allow for cultivation and are the main inhabited regions.

 

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People
The population of Nepal is approximately 18 million, and  people of different races living in different regions, with diverse culture, languages and dialects live here. 
The Gurungs and Magars live mainly in the west. The Rais, Limbus and Sunuwars inhabits the slopes and valleys of the Eastern mid hills. The Sherpas live in the Himalayan region. The Newars constitute an important ethnic group of the capital valley Kathmandu. There are Tharus, Yadavas, Satar, Rajvanshis and Dhimals in the Terai region. The Brahmans, Chhetris and Thakuris are spread generally over all parts of the Kingdom.

 

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Climate

Nepal lies quite far south in Latitude, the weather is warmer and winter is much milder at lower elevations. 

Mt. Everest itself is a huge black rock during the trekking season, which becomes snow-covered only during the winter. Nepal has four distinct seasons. Spring from March to May, is warm with rain showers. Summer, from June to August, is the monsoon 
season when the hills turn lush and green. Autumn, from September to November, is cool with clear skies and is the most popular season for trekking. In winter, from December to February, it is cold at night, with fog in the early morning. 

 

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Language 

Nepali is the official language of Nepal. Nepali is closely related to Hindi and, like Hindi, is a member of the Indo-European group of languages. Although Nepali is the national language of Nepal and is the linking language between all the country's ethnic groups there are many other languages spoken. 

The Newars of the Kathmandu Valley, for example, speak Newari and there are other languages spoken by the Tamangs, Sherpas, Rais, Limbus, Magars, Gurungs and other groups. In the Terai, bordering India, Hindi and Maithali, another Indian language of their region, are often spoken.

 
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Food

Nepal also has it's own "Nepali cuisine". However, other cuisine like Indian, Chinese, Italian, French, Japanese and Thai are available in most of the hotels and restaurants. Among all, Nepali and Newari cuisine are very popular. Nepali favorite dish 'momo' is world renowned. 

Dal, Bhat, Kukhura ko Masu, Tarkari & Achar: A typical Nepali set meal consists of Rice, Lentil, Chicken, Vegetables and Pickle.

 
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