Introduction of Nepal

Beautiful Nepal

Nepal is one of the beautiful countries in the world. Nepal is landlocked country in South Asia with an area of 147,181sq.km. Nepal is one of the richest countries in biodiversity due to its unique position and altitudinal variation. The population of Nepal is approximately 30 million. Nepal is the world’s 93^rd largest country by mass.

Hinduism and the Buddhism are the main religion of Nepal. Buddhism, though a minority faith in the country, linked historically with Nepal. Harmonious blending of Hinduism and Buddhism .The capital city of Nepal is Kathmandu. The national language of Nepal is Nepali. A monarchy throughout most of its history, Nepal was ruled by Shah Dynasty of kings from 1768, when Prithvi Narayan Shah unified its many small kingdoms. The first President of Nepal, Ram Baran Yadav was sworn on July 23, 2008. The currency is Nepalese rupee(approximately US $ 1 equals Rs.71.27).The Communist Party of Nepal (Maiost) won the largest number of seats in the constituent Assembly election held on April 2008. The newly elected Assembly met in Kathmandu on 28 May 2008,and a polling of 564 constituent Assembly member with a Rastriya Prajantra Party which had four member in assembly, regarding a dissenting note. In May 2009, the Maiost government was tappled and another condition coalition government with all major political parties barring formed.

Geography of Nepal

Nepal is mainly divided into three geographical regions they are:

The Mountain Region

The Hilly Region

The Terai Region

These ecological belts run east west and ecological belts vertically intersected by Nepal’s major:  North -South flowing river systems.

The Hill Region: About the mountains and varies from 800 to 4,000metres in altitude with progression from subtropical climate bellows below 1,200metres to alpine climates above 3,600metres. Population density is high in valley.

The Mountain Regions:

Nepal is popular for mountaineering, containing some of the highest and most challenging mountains in the world, including Mt. Everest. The mountain Region is situated in Great Himalayan Range, makes up the northern part of Nepal. Seven other of the world’s 8000metres peaks are in Nepal: Lhotse, Makalu, Cho oyy, Kanchenjunga, Dhawalagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu.

The Terai Region:

Terai belong to bordering India is part of northern rim of Gangetic planes. There are three major rivers they are The Koshi, The Karnali and The Narayani.Chauria Range cresting at 700 to 1,000m marks in the limit of the Gangetic palm.

Sub division:

Nepal is divided into 14 zones and 75 districts grouped into five development regions. Each district is headed by a permanent chief officer responsible for maintaining law.

 Eastern Region contains three zones they are Koshi, Mechi, and Sagarmatha .The Central Region contains three zones they are Bagmati, Janakpur and Narayani. The Western Regions contains three zones they are Dhaulagiri, Gandaki, Lumbini. Mid Western Region contains three zones they are Bheri, Karnali and Rapti . Far Western Region contains two zones they are Mahakali, Seti. So these are the five development region of Nepal and 14 zones.

Our National Flag

Our National Flag appears to be unique in the world, precisely because of its shape. It has two equal triangles which overlap a little at the centre. No other country has a triangular flag. It consists of three colors-crimson, blue and white. It has crimson based with white emblem of the moon and the sun at the centre. In upper triangle, there is crescent moon with 16 emblems at the centre, out of which, 8 are distinct. The border of the entire flag is deep blue color. The sun and moon symbolize the existence of Nepal as long as the sun and the moon exist in the universe. The crimson color symbolizes valuable and bravery of Nepali brethren. Similarly, the blue color indicates peace, and tranquility and the white is for purity. In fact, the very flag continues bestowing life to our culture, religion and history. As such, we also have to fulfill our duties towards our motherland. The red color at the middle of flag shows the blood, white color whish is drawn as sun and moon shows brave and blue color at he edge shows peace in country and country people. So our national flag is very different in compare with other country flags.

Nepal's Religion

Our Religious Tradition

Hinduism:

Hinduism is a religious tradition comprising the beliefs and practices of Hindus. Hinduism is followed by more than 80% of the population of Nepal. Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are the main gods of this religion. Hindus believe Brahma as creator of the universe, Vishnu as the preserver and Shiva as destroyer. The main goddesses are Durga, the power, Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and Saraswati as the goddess of education. Other religious books include the Vedas, the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, the Upanishads, etc.

Dashin and Tihar are the major festivals of Hindus. The Hindu community is found primarily in Nepal, India and Bali. Substitution Hindus communities are found in Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Mauritius, Fiji, the Caribbean, East Africa and South Africa.

Buddhism:

Buddhism is a major world religion, which was founded in Nepal. Lord Buddha was born in Lumbini district of Nepal. Buddhism is divided into two branches known to their respective followers as (Theravada), the Way of Elders, (Mahayana), the Great Vehicle. The number of Buddhist worldwide has been estimated at 150 to 300 million. It is the second largest religion of Nepal after Hinduism. Buddhism teaches nonviolence, peace, love and kindness. The ‘Tripitak’ and ‘Jataka’ are the scared books of Buddhism. The followers of Buddhism are found in India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, Laos, China, Japan, Taiwan, Tibet, Nepal, Mongolia, Korea and Vietnam.

So these are the major religion of  Nepal.

Beautiful Pokhara

Pokhara is very beautiful city of Nepal.This is the important industrial and tourist town provides fantastic views of AnnapurnaMountain to the north and is important place to organize Annapurna trek. There is beautifulPhewa Taal (Phewa Lake) or spend time in one of the nearby Sarangkot’s hotels (at 1500m.a.s.l).There different museums in Pokhara like: International museum, the theme of this museum is to cover the information of exhibits related with the man, mountain and the mountainous activities around the world. Annapurna   Museum also located as the Prithvi Narayan Campus east of the old bazaar name Bagar. Pokhara Regional Museum is located in Nayabazaar, reflected the ethnic mosaic of western Nepal. Barahi temple is the most religious monuments in Pokhara. The Pagada is a massive Buddhist stupa and is situated on the top of the hill on the southern shore of the Phewa lake.Threre is Devi’s fall at Chorepatan and Gupetswar Gupha , a soared cave. Mahendra Gupha is the largest  Lime stone cave. There is Bindabyasini Temple which is the centre of religious activity in the old bazaar. Matepani Gumba on the top of small forest hill above Matepani east of Mahendrapool . There is Bhadrakali Temple near the Matepani Gumba which is  

located at the top hill is one of the most important temple from which we can see the

views of Pokhara. So Pokhara is one of the most amazing place of Nepal which natural

beauty is  very attractive. From the top of Sarangkot people can have paragliding.

Amazing Chitwan

Chitwan lies at a western part of   Narayani Zone. Bharatpur is the commercial and

Service centre of South Nepal, it is the merger destinstion for higher education health

and transportation of the region. Chitwan National Park is one of the world’s remaining

jungles. Chitwan makes it a great place for nature lovers. Chitwan has over 50 different 

species of mammal.400 different species of birds and 65 different types of butterflies in

its hardwood Sal forests, rivine vegetation and ‘elephant garss’ savannah. Chitwan has about 150 Bengal. One horned rhino are also found in Chitwan National Park. There is Chepang hills in Chitwan which seems to be very beautiful. A newly developed tourism area providing unique opportunity for travellers isn’t so far away. Withness so local culture, tradition and embrace of Chepang culture. There is Chitwan Safari tour is mainly focused for Adventure wildlife safari tour of   Chitwan National Park in Nepal. There is

Honeymoon tour is specially planned to insure to visit most interesting tour places of

Nepal starting from Ancient   temples at Bharatpur .Chitwan is also famous for Saiyatha.Basically Rambag (Kabi dada).there is famous poet like Surendra Astafal, Ganesh sharma, L.B chhetri and many others. Tiger Camp has the best location just outside the villace of Sauraha. It is most safe and has peaceful atmosphere with deep jungle transquility. Most of the relaxing atmosphere with Gardens, Lawns, Roofs top Beer Garden and a high class and clean but reasonably priced  Restaurant and Bar. So Chitwan is very rich in flora and fauna.

Birgunj City

Birgunj city is also called the heart of Nepal because all the goods which are needed can be found over here. Birgunj is situated about 3KM from the Indian northern border Raxual. It is a main entry point to Nepal from India for routes such as Calcutta and Patna. Birgunj is near to India so it is an important land for goods to Nepal. Birgunj is rich in industries and factories also. Different crops can be grown over here. Apart from a few tourists who actually go to Birgunj to see the city, the city is simply taken as a stop over place for travelers, businessman and pilgrims going to other destinations in Nepal. But spending a day or two at Birgunj is recommended, and is worth it, to discover another taste of terai. The population of Birgunj is about three thousand. Many multi lingual and multi ethnic groups can found in this city. There is hot climate so man wear Dhoti, Gangi and women wear sari. People here speak many languages such as Nepali, Maithali, Newari. Maximum people speak   Maithali language over here. Hindi language is also quite common here.

There are many sightseeing places including Shankar Acharya  Gate, Buddha Chaitya, famous Durga temple, beautiful Ghadiharwa Pokhari(pond), Clock Tower, City Hall, Goddess Gadi Mai Temple at Kalaiya town etc.. It is also connected to many cities of India. It is also connected to Kathmandu by several air flights a day. The airport is at Simara, about 20km from Birgunj. Birgunj is also well connected by road to all cities in Nepal, and the city offers offers choices in luxurious to economic accommodation for travelers. Birgunj is also one of the most important city of Nepal and it is very beautiful city.

Biratnagar

Biratnagar is a sub metropolitan city in south east Nepal which is considered as the second largest city after Kathmandu. Biratnagar is an industrial power house of Nepal with many industries located in and around its suburbs. It is also the headquarter of  Morang district.Since it is located in the fertile Gangetic plane , the land is very fertile and hence Biratnagar has traditionally been an agricultural hub and is home to many agriculture based industries of the country. It is located near the border of India and is therefore a major center for trade with India. Biratnagar is linked with Kathmanduby roadways and airways. The weather in Biratnagar is extreme,very hot and humid in Summer and very cold in winter. Biratnagar experiences 6 seasons.There are direct trains to the city of Kolkata and the Indian capital New Delhi from Jogbanigional hub for vital air services serving the Eastern part of the country.

There are many places in Biratnagar to hang out.For example dhadhiram complex where you can swim and workout. Although very few national tournaments are organized here many regional soccer tournaments can be observed in the sahid maidan(a stadium).You can hang out in casinos and dance bars in city central near the traffic chowk and jana-andolan Chowk area.You can just stroll in the local Hat-bazzars that takes place almost every day of the week.The city also has a theatre named Gurukul which regularly stages various dramas and is a major hub for theatrical artists from across the country and nearby India. There are many recreational parks and libraries dotted around the city.Biratnagar is not a typical tourist city but is a great hub to explore the interesting places in eastern Nepal like Ilam. However, there are many things to do in the city.As a hub for your travel plans in Eastern Nepal, Biratnagar is ideal. The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is a mere 90 minute drive from the city and is famous for its wildlife, especially for bird-watching enthusiasts. It is also home to the endangered wild buffaloes.

Janakpur

Janakpurdham, is one of the historical and religious city of Nepal. Janakpur is situated Dhanusa District of the Janakpur Zone and has a population of approximately 80,000.The city is located about 400 km south-east of Kathmandu, 20 km from the Indian border.Janakpur has a substantial tourist industry due to its significance in the Hindu religion and is home to the only operational railway in Nepal.Janakpur, historically called Mithalanchal is the centre of the ancient Maithil culture, which has its own language and script.The most important historical reference to Mithila/Janakpur is in the Hindu epic Ramayana, where Lord Rama's wife Sita Devi (also called Janaki).Janakpur is located in the Terai. The major rivers surrounding Janakpur are Dudhmati, Jalad, Rato, Balan and Kamala. Janakpur is famous for its temples and the numerous ponds which carry significant religious importance.One can see all the six seasons in Janakpur. Basant ritu (Spring-February/March), Grisma ritu (Summer- April/May/June), Barsha ritu (Rainy - July/August), Sharad ritu (Autumn- September/October), Hemanta ritu (Autumn-winter: November/December), Shishir ritu (Winter: December/January). The best time to visit Janakpur is from September to March. The foreigner should visit Janakpur during deepawali (Laxmi pooja or Tihar in nepali or deewali in hindi). One should consult the Nepali people before planning. After six days of Deepawali, the chhath festival (worship of God Sun) is celebrated. Janakpur is famous for both festivals and one can have the opportunity of this beautiful festival only in Janakpurdham in Nepal and not in any other places either in Nepal or in India. This would be the lifetime memory for a foreigner.The centre of Janakpur is dominated by the impressive Janaki Mandir to the north and west of the bazaar. This temple, one of the biggest in Nepal, was built in 1898 by Queen Brisabhanu Kunwar of Tikamgarm.Major religious celebrations include the major Hindu festivals such as Diwali, and Dhashara followed by specacular Chhath Puja (worship to sun) 6 days after Diwali. On the full moon day of February/March before the festival of Holi, a one-day Parikrama (circumambulation) of the city is celebrated. Two other festivals honour Rama and Sita. Rama Navami, the birthday of Lord Rama, in March-April, draws over 100,000 people. Over 100,000 pilgrims come for a procession with elephants, horses, and decorated chariots with beating drums.

Gorkha

Nepal’s most famous Gorkha district, untouched town of Nepal! This is religious and historical place in Nepal. At an altitude of 1,145 Gorkha is 20km north of village of Abu Khaireni on the

Prithvi Highway

.

Gorkha is the most historical place, the surrounding beauties and lofty Himalayas have their own place which date time immemorial. The Gorkha Village Tour’s main attraction is walking through the rivers, jungles and village. The different ethnic group inhabitance Gorkha is enrich for different culture, traditions, believes which have been following from centuries.On the clear day, you can view a long chain of mountain range including Manaslu Mountain, eighth highest mountain in the worlds. Its beauty is further accentuated by villages on mountain slopes and ridges an spoilt forests, caves lakes, flora, temples and monasteries are found over here. Some of the attracting places are:

Gorkha Durbar:

This historical palace is situated on the top of the fortified hill above the township, about one hour’s walk uphill from the bus station. On the west side of palace is the temple of Goddess Gorakhkali. There is also a famous cave sheltering the statue of Gorakhnath Baba (sage). It is believed that the name of Gorkha was derived from the name of sage,whose blessings inspired King Prithvi Narayan Shah for the unification of Nepal. From the top of the hill above Gorkha palace and from a saddle east of the bazaar, the view of Manaslu and Himchuli is spectacular.

Upallokot:

It is situated at a 20 minute walking distance from Gorkha Palace. There is viewing of platform at an altitude of 1520 metres, in Upallokot from where the spectacular view of Gorkha Palace and silver shining snow-fed peaks can be enjoyed.

Manakamana:

On a beautiful ridge south-east of the township of Gorkha lies the holy temple of Manakamana, the holy goddess of aspirations. It is famous pilgrimage site for Hindus. Manakamana is a four hour walk uphill from Anbu Khaireni on Kathmandu-Pokhara highway.

Lumbini (The birth place of Gautam Buddha)

Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha is situated about 22km from Bhairahawa below the Churia range, 24km.The birth place of Gautama Buddha,Lumbini is one of the four holy places of Buddhism.In lumbini there is a place of pilgrimage where the archeological ramains associated with birth of Lord Buddha form the central feature. There is Ashoka pillar an incribed pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka on the spot of Buddha's birth.there are two buddhist temples: one in the Tibetan style, the Dharma Swami Maharaja Buddha Temple, which was build by King of Mustang. The Lumbini BuddhaVihar, which was biuld by Nepalese Government and contains Tibetan style and Newari Buddhist style.The Japan Peace Stupa- the 41m imposing structure is situated at the northern end of the gardens. The Lumbini Museum display artifacts from Mouryan and Kushana periods, religious manuscripts and other items discovered at the site.The Lumbini International Research Institute (LIRI) is devoted tm study of Buddhism and other religions. There is Bodhi tree and pond at Lumbini. There is Eternal Peace Flame. We can found Burmese Lokami Cula pagoda and Chinese Maitreya Temple. We can find a mixture of Tibetan prayer flags and Korean lanterns near the scared pool(puskari). We can see the Exact birthplace of Gautama Bddha.

Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capiatal city and, with close to one million inhabitants, the largest metropolitan city of Nepal. The city is the urban core of the Kathmandu Valley in the Himalayas, which contains two sister cities:Lalitpur, 5 kilometres  to its south and Bhaktapur or Bhadgaon, 12 kilometres to its east, and a number of smaller towns. The Kings palace is also located in kathmandu. Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath are the main temples of Kathmandu.

The city stands at an elevation of approximately 1,400 metres (4,600 ft) in the bowl-shaped valley in central Nepal surrounded by four major mountains, namely: Shivapuri, Phulchowki, Nagarjun and Chandragiri. Kathmandu valley is part of three districts, Kathmandu District, Lalitpur District and Bhaktapur District, with the highest population density in the country and accounting for about 1/5 of its population. Among the five development regions constituted by the 14 administrative zones of Nepal located at the central part of the country. The Central region has three zones namely, Bagmati, Narayani and Janakpur. Kathmandu is located in the Bagmati Zone.
Kathmandu, as the gateway to Nepal Tourism, is the nerve centre of the country’s economy. With the most advanced infrastructure among urban areas in Nepal, Kathmandu's economy is tourism centric accounting for.The city’s rich history is nearly 2000 years old, as inferred from an inscription in the valley. Its religious affiliations are dominantly Hindu followed by Buddhism. People of other religious beliefs also live in Kathmandu giving it a cosmopolitan culture. Nepali is the common language of the city, though many speak the Nepal Bhasa as it is the center of the Newar (meaning: citizens of Nepal) people and culture. English and Hindi are understood by all of the educated population of the city.From the point of view of tourism, economy and cultural heritage, the sister cities of Lalitpur  and Bhaktapur are integral to Kathmandu. The cultural heritage recognition under the World Heritage list of the UNESCO has recognized all the monuments in the three cities as one unit under the title “Kathmandu Valley-UNESCO World Heritage Site. The literacy rate of Kathmandu is 98%. In Kathmandu many temples are found which are very famous.