Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and altitude variation. The elevation of the country ranges from 60 meters above sea level to the highest point on earth, Mt. Everest at 8,848 meters, all within a distance of 150 kilometers resulting in climatic conditions from Sub-tropical to Arctic.
Nepal – occupying only 0.1% of the earth – is home to:
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
11 of the world's 15 families of butterflies (more than 500 species)
600 indigenous plant families
319 species of exotic orchids
Nepal religion is not just a set of beliefs and accompanying rituals handed down from generation to generation; rather it is a complex intermingling of traditions, festivals, faiths, and doctrines that have permeated every strata of Nepalese society in such a way as to become the heart beat of the nation.
Trekking is the ultimate sport in Nepal. This mountainous land, contains thousands of miles of pristine trails, winding through the jungles and forests, above emerald valleys and beneath breathtaking Himalayan peaks, including Annapurna, Ama Dablam, and legendary Mt. Everest itself. Treks pass through some of the most stunning scenery in the Himalayas - an unforgettable experience of the country and people that make Nepal.
Fast Facts
Area:
147,181 sq. kilometers
Geography
Situated between China in the north and India in the south
Capital City:
Kathmandu
Population
22 million
Languages:
Nepali is the national language. However, travel-trade people understand and speak English as well.
Currency
Nepali Rupee (approximately US$ 1 equals Rs. 72.00) in May 2004
Political System
Multi-party democracy with constitutional monarchy
Religion:
Nepal enjoys the distinction of being the only Hindu Kingdom in the world. However, there is a harmonious blending of Hinduism and Buddhism
Climate
Nepal has four major seasons, namely, (1) Winter: December-February (2) Spring: March-May
(3) Summer: June-August (4) Autumn: September-November. Nepal can be visited the whole year round.
People
Nepal has more than 61 ethnic groups and 70 spoken languages.
What to Wear :
Lightweight clothing is recommended for May through October. Warm garments are required in October through March. An umbrella or raincoat is a must for the rainy seaso
Communication Facilities Telephone Services: Telephone, fax, telex and telegraph services are available at the Nepal Telecommunications Corporation at Tripureshwar. Hotels and private communications centers provide long distance telephone. For calling from outside, country code for Nepal is 977 and the area code for Kathmandu is 1.
