Nepal – Mysterious-Magnificent-Magical

Nepal is a sensational landlocked country of Asia. It is bounded by India in the east, south, and west and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north. Nepal combines Himalayan views, golden temples, charming hill villages and jungle wildlife watching to offer one of the world's great travel destinations. Nepal contains some of the most rugged and difficult mountain terrain in the world. Roughly 75 percent of the country is covered by mountains. 

From the south to the north, Nepal can be divided into four main physical belts, each of which extends east to west across the country. These are, first, the Terai, a low, flat, fertile land adjacent to the border of India; second, the forested Churia foothills and the Inner Terai zone, rising from the Terai plain to the rugged Mahabharata Range; third, the mid-mountain region between the Mahabharata Range and the Great Himalayas; and, fourth, the Great Himalaya Range, rising to more than 29,000 feet (some 8,850 meter)

Diverse Glimpses of Nepal

Flora and fauna

Nepal has tropical, temperate and alpine flora and fauna .The species of flora and fauna available in such a small country is really mind boggling. It is the only country in the world where you can see tropical animals like wild elephants, tigers, rhinoceros and also alpine animals like snow leopards and yak.

Nepal is the home to 2% of all flowering plants in the world. 8% (848 species) of the total birds of the world (more birds than in USA and Canada combined).It also has 11 of 15 butterflies families found in the world (500 species), 600 indigenous plant families and more than 300 species of orchid species. Many National parks and conservation areas are established to protect the habitat of these fauna and flora.

People of Nepal 

The large-scale migrations of Mongoloid groups from Tibet and Indo-Aryan people from northern India, along with aboriginal people, have produced a diverse linguistic, ethnic, and religious pattern in Nepal. Most of the Tibetan-Nepalese groups belong to the Tamang, Rai, Limbu, Bhutia (including the Sherpa), and Sunwar, live in the north and east, while the Magar and Gurung inhabit west-central Nepal. The mid hills are inhabited by Bramhins and Chhertris.

Festivals of Nepal

The culture and mainstay of the country revolves around its diverse festivals and its deep rooted significance. Amongst all the festivals Dashain, is one of the biggest festivals celebrated nationwide in the month of October each year. It features the biggest animal sacrifice of the year. The festival of lights is next, revered as Tihar (November), other festivals celebrated nationally include the water-tinged Holi (March) and Maha Shivaratri (March), both celebrated in Pashupatinath. Besides that, Gai Jatra (August) in Kathmandu, and the Krishna Jayanti (August/September) in Patan is celebratd . Buddhist celebrations are just as thick on the ground, and include Mani Rimdu in Solu Khumbu, Buddha Jayanti in Kathmandu, and Losar (Tibetan New Year) (February) in Swayambhunath, Jawlakhel and highland communities.

Languages of Nepal

Nepali is the official language. English is understood by majority of people in the cities. The country is a home of more than 60 ethnic groups & sup-groups and has over 70 different languages & dialects. 

Delicacies of Nepal

Nepali cuisine consists of a wide variety of regional and traditional cuisines. Given the range of diversity in soil type, climate, culture, ethnic groups, and occupations, these cuisines vary substantially from each other, using locally available spices, herbs, vegetables, and fruit. Nepali cuisines possess their own distinctive qualities to distinguish these hybrid cuisines from both their northern and southern neighbors.

Religion of Nepal 

The Hindus and Buddhists have coexisted in Nepal for centuries in total harmony. There are about 2 % Muslims, 20 – 25% Buddhists and rests are Hindus. Nepal is the birthplace of Lord Buddha and a country greatly influenced by Buddhism.In Upper Dolpo, Mustang and other regions you find few people still practicing ancient Bonpo religion. Shamanism is also popular in certain areas.

General Information of Nepal with Facts and Figures

• Location: Between India and the Tibetan autonomous region of the Republic of China
• Area: 147,181 square kilometer
• Capital: Kathmandu
• Location: Situated between China in the north and India in the south, east and west
• Population: 25.8 million
• People: Nepal has more than 106 ethnic/caste groups and 100 spoken languages.
• Language: Nepali is the national language; people involved in travel and trade understand and speak English as well.
• Religion: Nepal is a secular state with predominance of Hindu and Buddhist population.
• Political System: Federal Democratic Republic
• Climate: Nepal has four major seasons (1) winter: December-February, (2) spring: March-May, (3) summer: June-August, (4) autumn: September-November. Nepal can be visited the whole year round.

A list of Parks and cultural Heritage sites 

National Parks:

• Bardia National Park (968 sq.km})
• Langtang National Park (1710 sq.km)
• Shey-Phoksundo National Park (355 sq.km)
• Rara National Park (106 sq km)
• Khapted National Park (255 sq. km)
• Makalu- Barun National Park (2330 sq.km)
• Chitwan National Park (932 sq.km)
• Sagarmatha National Park (2330 sq.km)

Wildlife Reserve of Nepal

• Sukla Phanta Reserve (305 sq.km)
• Parsa Reserve (499 sq.km)
• Koshi-Tappu Reserve (175 sq.km)

Conservation Areas of Nepal:

• Annapurna (2600 sq.km.)
• Makalu- Barun (2330 sq.km)

Hunting Reserve of Nepal

Dhorpatan (1325 sq.km)

Climate types of Nepal

Nepal’s weather is generally predictable and pleasant. There are four climatic seasons:

• Spring: March-May
• Summer: June-August
• Autumn: September-November
• Winter: December-February.

Top Best Tourist Attractions in Nepal

Nepal is an astonishingly diverse country that attracts visitors for infinite reasons. Some are lured by the call of the mountains and seeking to climb or trek in the Himalayas; others are intrigued by the culture and the famous city of Kathmandu, whilst others come in search of spiritual salvation. Nepal can be an isle of adrenaline adventure, a unique cultural eye opener, and a life-changing experience of a life time.

Some of the best places to visit in Kathmandu and outside the city are enormous. Here are the best compiled that are remarkably popular and worth trekking and traveling.

Kathmandu

First on the list is the capital city of Kathmandu, for many a decades Kathmandu was one of the royal cities. It is renowned for its religious heritages and traditions. Various temples, monasteries, and stupas adorn the city's landscape.

The highlight of Kathmandu has long been Durbar Square, the largest of the palace squares in the three royal cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Temples and monuments of varying shapes, sizes, styles, and faiths can be found here. All these travel ingredients have been a pupil dilating factor that draws travelers from all around the world.

Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur, lies on the old trade route to Tibet, just outside of Kathmandu. Bhaktapur is one of the ancient medieval cities known for culture, arti-crafts, age old traditions and an artisan’s hub. The remarkable architecture, the exquisite woodcarvings and metal craft are phenomenal. The impressions of which can be seen around the city takes one back to the time of the Malla rulers. The Pottery Square, the Palace (Durbar) Square which dates back to the 12th century, where devotees still celebrate their centuries old festivals and the temple squares that still remain vibrant, are Bhaktapur’s major attractions. 

Boudhanath Stupa 

The Bodhanath Stupa, is one of the largest stupas situated just outside the Kathmandu valley. It is one of the largest stupas of its kind in the world and dates to the 6th century. Listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, it symbolizes enlightenment. It shape and dimensions represents one of the five elements, earth, water, fire, air, and sphere. These represent the traits of five Buddhas.  It is an iconic structure that attracts and should be visited to get the blessings of Buddha.

Pokhara

Pokhara is a nature’s paradisiacal playground. It is embellished by some of the highest mountains in the world - Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Annapurna I. Pokhara is one of Nepal's most scenic cities. Lake Phewa, with its cluster of lakeside hotels, restaurants, and shops, is ideal for those looking for a little relaxation. For trekkers, Pokhara is the gateway to the Himalayas It'salso a wonderful spot to relax for a bit, either before or after a hiking trip.

Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park is world renowned and is one of the visited national parks in Nepal. This is a wonderful place for wildlife viewing and it has a safari-type atmosphere. Chitwan has a tropical monsoon climate, quite different than what you'd expect to find in Nepal.

The park is home to rhinos, Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaur (buffalo), deer, and various other species. With more than 500 species of birds make Chitwan a paradise for ornithologists. Mounting on an elephants back to get close-up views of the animals is the best option. Chitwan is included in the UNESCO list of world cultural heritage sites. The best time to visit Chitwan is from October to February

Swayambhunath (The Monkey Temple)

Swayambhunath is the second most important shrine in the Kathmandu Valley after Boudhanath. Due to huge number of monkey population in and around the temple courtyard it is known as the Monkey Temple. The Swayambhu Stupa, painted with the eyes of the omnipresent god, forms the centerpiece of the temple complex. 

Lumbini

Lumbini is the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. It is situated at a distance of around 250 kilometers from Kathmandu. The pilgrimage town of Lumbini is listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Buddhist followers from all around the world visit in huge numbers to retrace Buddha's footsteps to attain blessings. 

River Rafting 

Nepal is blessed with towering mountains and free flowing rivers. This makes Nepal AN excellent place for river rafting. Water adventure lovers are drwan to Nepal to test their endurance level and excitement. Several options are available depending on how much time you want to spend on the river. It ranges from an easy one day trip to an intense two days or more. Trishuli, and Bhote Koshi river rafting are the two most popular rafting venues in Nepal amongst others.

If you are looking to spend more time on the water and interested than this will certainly fulfill your adventure quest in Nepal.

 List of World Heritage Sites in Nepal

1. Pashupatinath Temple
2. Bouddhanath Stupa
3. Bhaktapur Durbar Square
4. Changunarayan Temple
5. Swayambhunath Temple
6. Kathmandu Durbar Square
7. Patan Durbar Square

Nightlife of Nepal

Nepal is one of the ideal places to enjoy vacations for people all over the world with the opportunities to learn new cultures, try new dishes and do some extraordinary activities. However Nepal is not very popular for its clubbing nature and nightlife. Having said that there exist some selected places where you can quench your thirst of night life. Here you can get a chance to dip yourself in nightlife and its experiences.

Top best places to explore the Nightlife in Nepal

Thamel, Kathmandu

Thamel is a haven for overseas tourists and locals alike. Thamel has some of the best night clubs and bars that are loud and have karaoke nights. There are pool clubs, smoking bars and many more places where most of the parties take place. These parties are easily able to stay alive till 2 am. So this is one of the best places to experience night life when in the capital city of Kathmandu.

Jamel in Patan

It is one of the nicest places to enjoy the nighttime. There are numerous bars and restaurants which have nice décor along with some of the best chef in Nepal. These restaurants provide some of the best quality food and services that are a good value for your money.‬‬

Pokhara

Pokhara is a paradise of beguiling lakes that can make anyone relaxed. It is more often than not a very happening destination for a hearth robbing nightlife. Some of the nicest hotels, spa resorts and other famous Inns where most of the tourists stay are present here. 

Club Déjà vu

It is one of the most stylish and unique themed clubs in the capital city of Nepal. There are three bars with two floors of dancing stage. It is one of the best places for a single to be so that they can enjoy their night.

Rum Doodle

There are different them bars and clubs that can be found all over the world but having a club depicted as a mountain in time magazines is one in a wonderful thing that only this place is able to do. This restaurant in Kathmandu provides its audience an affordable yet delicious food with an outstanding décor which is particularly loved by the mountaineers and climbers.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

This is one of the most jam-packed squares in the capital area during the night and the evening time. There are thousands of people in the whole square most of the times during the day and night time. A night out into the streets of Durbar square is on the best choices for all food lovers. One can not only experience and  experiment dishes, places but its the dusk atmosphere  that makes it splendid. 

Moon Sun Disco

For all the people who love to keep their nights busy with various activities, this could be the best place to be. This disco bar is in Patan where a number of people visit for the huge variety of games and entertainment that is present there. The Moon Sun Disco has an arcade game center where a lot of tourists like to play snooker and different video games. 

Tom and Jerry Pub

This is one of the best pubs with an amazing dance floor and well developed, British styled bar with a pool table. This is one of the best places for the tourists and the locals to relax and enjoy their drinks. It offers live music performances each Friday that makes the night rewarding and memorable

Casinos of Nepal

Casinos have been one of the most attractive places in Nepal. It is one of the places that remains open 24/7.This also can be one of the best options for travelers to enjoy and spend their night.

Nepal is simply beautiful the tranquility and peace that mountain range offers here are amazing. The various vibrant tradition and vivid culture with excellent mix of nature can simply capture anyone’s mind and heart. Therefore, the generous welcome of Nepalese folks is a lifelong gesture and a pleasant experience to witness feel and be immersed in.

The time spent in this magnificent country will make your each moment count to the fullest. Mission Nepal Holidays has been offering quality trekking and adventure journeys for decades. Give us the opportunity to take you closer into the nature, culture, tradition, and people of Nepal. Our in depth knowledge, and experiences will certainly make you fall in love with the magic of Nepal and its spirits.