facts about nepal

Nepali Flag

Capital: Kathmandu
Language: Nepali (official) & 20 other languages divided into numerous dialects. Derived from Sanskrit, Nepali is related to the Indian language, Hindi, and is spoken by about 90 percent of the population in either native or second language fluency. Many Nepalese in government and business also speak English.
Time Zone: 5 hrs 45 min ahead of GMT
Currency: 1 Nepalese Rupee (NR) divided into 100 paise  Exchange Rate: 74.5 NR = 1 US Dollar

International Calling Code: 977 + city codes (Kathmandu 1, Pokhara 61)

National Calendar: The Nepali year begins in mid-April and is divided into 12 months: Baisakh, Jestha, Asadh, Shrawan, Bhadra, Aswin, Kartik, Marga, Poush, Phalgun, Chaitra.                 Saturday is the official weekly holiday.
Unification Day: 1768 (by Prithvi Narayan Shah - First King)
National Anthem:"Nepali are like the garalnd with many flowers....."
National Motto: "The Motherland Is Worth More than the Kingdom of Heaven."
National Bird: Danphe
National Flower: the spectacular rhododendron 'gras' in Nepali
Land:
Area Total: 140,800 km2, Area Land: 136,800 km2
Land use: arable land: 17%  permanent pastures: 15%
forests and woodland: 42%
Geography: landlocked; strategic location between India and Chinese-occupied Tibet; extremely diverse terrain ranging from fertile plains and broad valleys to containing eight of the world's ten highest peaks.
Climate: Nepal has a climate that ranges from subtropical summers with mild winters in the southern lowlands to an alpine climate with cool summers as well as severe winters in the mountains. Average annual precipitation decreases from 1,778 mm (70 inches) in the east to 899 mm (35 inches) in the west.
People: 
Ethnic Groups: Among the earliest inhabitants were the Newars of the Kathmandu Valley and aboriginal Tharus in the southern Terai region. The Indo-Nepalese migrated from India and are ancestors of the Brahman and Chetri caste groups, which account for nearly 80% of the population. The Tibeto-Nepalese account for the remainder and trace their origins to central Asia and Tibet, including the Gurungs, Magars and Tamang in the west, Rais and Limbus in the east, and Sherpas and Bhotias in the north.
Religion: 90% Hindu (official state religion) 5% Buddhist, 3% Muslim, 2% Other (Christian, indigenous & animistic practices) While Nepal is the only Hindu country in the world, Hinduism has synthesized with Buddhism in Nepal. As a result, Buddhist and Hindu shrines and festivals are respected and celebrated by all.
Population: 23,200,000 (2001 census)

Environment

Nepal's environmental challenges are largely a consequence of its dependence on fuel derived from wood, and the expansion of agricultural lands through non-sustainable development methods. This includes removing trees without measures for replanting, which results in widespread deforestation and soil erosion. Water pollution and contaminated water also presents human health risks.

Major natural hazards in Nepal include severe thunderstorms, flooding, landslides, drought, as well as famine resulting from the timing, intensity, and duration of the summer monsoons. Nepal is also an earthquake prone area due to the Himalayas.

Facts about Pokhara

Population	About 170,000 thousand. It is believed that Pokhara was the city of Mallas, the rulers of Nepal about 250 years ago. The Newar community of Kathmandu Valley migrated to Pokhara, built houses like those of Mallas, and started developing settlements which lead to the development of this city. Today, Pokhara is developed by tourism, import and export business of both domestic as well as foreign products to various towns and villages in Kaski and other districts of Nepal
Land Area	47.5 square miles (about 123 sq kilometers), About half of the area is the Sub-Metropolitan City area.
Location	Longitude : 83 58' 30"E to 80 02' 30" E Latitude : 28 10' N to 28 16' N
Altitude	2900 feet (about 884 meter)
Distance	124 miles (200 kilometers) from the Capital, Kathmandu 114 miles (about 184 kilometers) from the Indian border located about 2.5 miles from Bhairahawa (Also called as Belhia)
Weather	Pokhara receives very good amount of Rainfall every year. Rainy months include May to September, where July is the most heavy rain fall season receiving upto 33 inches (about 845 mm or millimeter) rainfall. Pokhara has a mild weather all year around, however during December to February, temperature can drop to freezing point. Pokhara gets more rain than any other city of Nepal. Best time to visit this city is October and April, but if you have an umbrella in your hand, then cross that out, please!
Official Holidays	All Major National Holidays and Each Friday Half Day (Evening Shift) and Saturday Full Day.
What does Pokhara mean for Nepal?	It is a main center for the import and distribution of the domestic and imported foreign goods for various districts that are linked to Pokhara. Pokhara is the main entry point for goods going to the Kaski district of Nepal. Pokhara's population is growing more than ever, as the city has become the immediate choice for those who are leaving Kathmandu because of pollution or congestion factors, and it is also the number one choice for Nepalese living abroad for buying lands or houses in Nepal. Population of vehicles in Pokhara is also increasing. Pokhara will eventually develop the nearby villages and towns both by tourism industry as well as by local business, which will benefit all

Pokhara:paradise in earth

About Pokhara

Pokhara is situated at about 827 meter from sea level, and is located 124 miles (about 200 km) west of Kathmandu and can be reached by plane in 35 minutes or in 5 hours by bus. Pokhara is the next destination after Kathmandu for many adventure and pleasure trips in and around Pokhara. Pokhara is often called the enchanting Himalayan valley with a heart of major actions and adventures.

Surrounded by beautiful snow-caped mountains, with a magnificent lake of crystal-clear pure Himalayan water, all-year round pleasing weather, and friendly Pokhralis will greet you with a smile and leave you with the most unforgettable moments in your life. So pack up your bag, load your camera, and get ready for Pokhara experience!

Places to Visit

The Fewa (or Phewa) Lake 1.5 kilometer long, second largest lake in Nepal, offers an excellent view of the mountains and their reflections on the lake. Many tours and trekking operators and hotels are located on the lakeside. One can easily find a place to sit back, relax and enjoy great meal while enjoying scenery here. You will also enjoy boating on the lake. Most hotels and guest houses have traditional designs and layouts which match with the surrounding views. The photo on the right is of Rara Lake, another popular lake located in Pokhara.

Davis Fall, you sure will remember this snap in Pokhara!!

How to get to Pokhara?

Mountain flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara is the best option. View Himalayas including the Annapurna range which lies right next to flight path. So sit back, turn your head to the right, and enjoy the flight. Be careful though, this will blow your mind away, don't hurt your neck, do not push the passenger on the right out through the window!!

Riding a public bus or a taxi to Pokhara is also a good option. Public buses run daily from Kathmandu. It takes about 5 to 6 hours by bus. Buses are crowded, but thats' how Nepalese travel all life long, so what the heck, go ahead experience it, for you, it's only for a day! Remember, public buses do not have A/C, Heaters and have frequent stops on the way. Bus will stop at Mugling for Lunch or Dinner. Have some Nepail food there, if you can digest spicy foods, or you can pick restaurants which specifically cater to foreigners. Taxis are expensive, probably will cost you as much as the Air-fare. When you ride by land, you get to see more places, you get to enjoy the scenery that you would not be able to see from the airoplane.

Mountains in Nepal

Nepal contains part of the Himalaya, the highest mountain range in the world. Eight of the fourteen eight-thousanders are located in the country, either in whole or shared across a border with Tibet or India.

Mountain/Peak	metres	feet	notes
Mount Everest	8,848	29,028	Highest mountain in the world (measuring from sea level to peak)
Kangchenjunga	8,586	28,169	#3 in the world
Lhotse	8,516	27,939	#4 in the world
Makalu	8,462	27,765	#5 in the world
Cho Oyu	8,201	26,906	#6 in the world
Dhaulagiri	8,167	26,794	#7 in the world
Manaslu	8,156	26,758	#8 in the world
Annapurna	8,091	26,545	#10 in the world
Gyachung Kang	7,952	26,089
Ngadi Chuli	7,871	25,823
Nuptse	7,861	25,790
Chamlang	7,319	24,152
Langtang Lirung	7,227	23,711
Baruntse	7,220	23,688
Chamar	7,187	23,326
Melungtse	7,181	23,555
Pumori	7,161	23,494
Gauri Sankar	7,134	23,405
Api	7,132	23,399
Tilicho Peak	7,134	23,405
Salasungo	7,110	23,326
Machapuchare	6,993	22,943	Sacred mountain, unclimbed
Kang Guru	6,981	22,904	2005 avalanche kills 18
Dorje Lakpa	6,966	22,854
Kanjiroba	6,883	22,580
Ama Dablam	6,812	22,349	"Mother and her necklace"
Cho Polu	6,735	22,096
Num Ri	6,677	21,906
Thamserku	6,623	21,729
Khumbutse	6,640	21,725	First mountain west of Everest
Taboche	6,501	21,329
Mera Peak	6,476	21,246	Trekking peak
Hiunchuli	6,441	21,132	Difficult trekking peak
Cholatse	6,440	21,128
Kusum Kangguru	6,367	20,888	Difficult trekking peak
Kongde Ri	6,187	20,298	Trekking peak
Imja Tse	6,160	20,210	Popular trekking peak
Pokalde	5,745	18,848
Kala Pattar	5,545	18,192	Popular hiking peak below Pumori
Nirekha	6,069	19 911	New trekking peak
Baden-Powell Peak	5,825	19,111	Formerly known as Urkema Peak

Highways of Nepal

Highways in Nepal
Kathmandu and major cities of Nepal are inter-connected with Highways and roads. They are also well connected with India through plains of the Terai. However Nepal does not have well developed network of Highways of western standard. There are only a few highways with better engineering and several connecting roads to main highways. Condition of Highways vary from well maintained two lane Highways to potholed and hilly roads.  Visitors are permitted to drive their own cars but the vehicles must possess an international carnet. There are regular bus services to Kathmandu and major cities from all the border points. The interior parts of the country are also linked with a number of highways and roads. Any way the network of roads and highways have linked several tourist destinations, cities, Industrial and commercial centers in Nepal. The main highways are from East to West and Link roads from North to south. List of highways are:

Mahendra Highway: It is longest highway in Nepal. It links Eastern border with India to Western border with India. The East Pont is at Kakarbhitta. It is also an Exit point to Northeast India including Darjeeling and Sikkim. The West Point is at Mahendra Nagar. It is linked with Northwest India including Kumau, Nainital of Uttarnchal. The major destinations along and around the Highways are Kakarbhitta, Bhadrapur, Dharan, Janakpur, Narayanghat, Butwal, Shiddarthnagar, Nepalganj, Bardiya, Mahendranagar, et

Prithvi Highway: It is a busiest Highway in Nepal. It connects Kathmandu with Pokhara and then to Baglung. Baglung is a start point of Trekking to Mustang and also put in point of white water river rafting at river Kaligandaki. Major destination along and around the highway are Mankamana, Gorakha, Damauli, Bandipur, Besisahar, etc.
Shiddarth Highway: It is an important Highway which connects Sunauli at Shiddarthnagar to Pokhara via Tansen. It crosses Mahendra Highway at Butwal.
Tribhuvan Highway: It is an oldest Highway linking Capital with India at Birganj. Other major destination in the Highways are Daman and Hetauda.
Arniko Highway: It is the only Highway going to Nepal Tibet border at Kodari from Kathmandu. It has several connecting roads including Lamosangu to Jiri. Jiri is considered a gateway to Everest region.

Important North South roads
Kathmandu Dhunche: This road links with Langtang region. It starts from Kathmandu to Nuwakot. It has several hilly connecting roads. These include Dhunche, Rasuwa at Nepal Tibet border.
Bhadrapur to Ilam: The road has major destinations including Ilam, Pashupati Nagar, Panchthar (Kanchenjunga region), etc.
Biratnagar to Hile: It connects Mahendra Highway at Itahari and links Dharan and Dhankuta. Hile and Basantpur are gate way of Kanchenjunga and Barun Makalu conservation.
Narayanghat to Gorakha: It is an important link road connecting Mahendra Highway at Narayanghat and Prithvi Highway at Mugling
Nepalganj Surkhet: This road starts Nepalganj at Nepal India border to Surkhet valley which gateway to Jumla and other remote hilly area. It crosses Mahendra Highway at Kohalpur.
Dhangadhi Dadeldhura: This road starts at Nepal India Border at Dhangadi to Dadeldhura crossing Mahendra Highway at Atariya.

Airports in Nepal

There are many airports in Nepal .Among them Tribhuvan International Airport is only international airport in Nepal located in Kathmandu .Lists of Airport in Nepal are:

Town	Airport name	ICAO	IATA	Usage	Customs	Runway	IFR	length
Baglung	Baglung	VNBL	BGL	Civ.	No	Unpaved	No	2000 ft
Baitadi	Baitadi	VNBT	BIT	Civ.	No	Unpaved	No	1600 ft
Bajhang	Bajhang	VNBG	BJH	Civ.	No	Unpaved	No	2100 ft
Bajura	Bajura	VNBR	BJU	Civ.	No	Unpaved	No	1800 ft
Bhairahawa	Bhairahawa	VNBW	BWA	Civ.	No	Paved	Yes	5000 ft
Bharatpur	Bharatpur	VNBP	BHR	Civ.	No	Unpaved	No	3800 ft
Bhojpur	Bhojpur	VNBJ	BHP	Civ.	No	Unpaved	No	1700 ft
Biratnagar	Biratnagar	VNVT	BIR	Civ.	No	Paved	Yes	5000 ft
Chandragadhi	Chandragadhi	VNCG		Civ.	No	Unpaved	No	5000 ft
Dang	Dang	VNDG	DNP	Civ.	No	Unpaved	No	2700 ft
Darchula	Darchula	VNDL	DAP	Civ.	No	Unpaved	No	1900 ft
Dhangadhi	Dhangadhi	VNDH	DHI	Civ.	No	Unpaved	No	5000 ft
Dolpa	Dolpa	VNDP	DOP	Civ.	No	Unpaved	No	1500 ft
Doti	Doti	VNDT		Civ.	No	Unpaved	No	1400 ft
Gorkha	Gorkha	VNGK	GKH	Civ.	No	Unpaved	No	3600 ft
Janakpur	Janakpur	VNJP	JKR	Civ.	No	Paved	No	3300 ft
Jomsom	Jomsom	VNJS	JMO	Civ.	No	Unpaved	No	2000 ft
Jumla	Jumla	VNJL	JUM	Civ.	No	Unpaved	No	2200 ft
Kathmandu	Tribhuvan Intl	VNKT	KTM	Civ.	Yes	Paved	Yes	10000 ft
Lamidada	Lamidada	VNLD	LDN	Civ.	No	Unpaved	No	1700 ft
Lukla	Lukla	VNLK	LUA	Civ.	No	Unpaved	No	1600 ft
Mahendranagar	Mahendranagar	VNMN		Civ.	No	Unpaved	No	2900 ft
Manang	Manang	VNMA	NGX	Priv.	No	Unpaved	No	2000 ft
Meghauli	Meghauli	VNMG	MEY	Civ.	No	Unpaved	No	3500 ft
Nepalgunj	Nepalgunj	VNNG	KEP	Civ.	No	Paved	Yes	5000 ft
Pokhara	Pokhara	VNPK	PKR	Civ.	No	Unpaved	No	4700 ft
Rajbiraj	Rajbiraj	VNRB	RJB	Civ.	No	Unpaved	No	4200 ft
Ramechhap	Ramechhap	VNRC	RHP	Civ.	No	Unpaved	No	1700 ft
Rukumkot	Rukumkot	VNRK	RUK	Civ.	No	Unpaved	No	1500 ft
Rumjatar	Rumjatar	VNRT	RUM	Civ.	No	Unpaved	No	1800 ft
Sanfebagar	Sanfebagar	VNSR	FEB	Civ.	No	Unpaved	No	1400 ft
Simara	Simara	VNSI	SIF	Civ.	No	Unpaved	No	4000 ft
Simikot	Simikot	VNST	IMK	Civ.	No	Unpaved	No	1800 ft
Surkhet	Surkhet	VNSK	SKH	Civ.	No	Unpaved	No	3400 ft
Tumlingtar	Tumlingtar	VNTR	TMI	Civ.	No	Unpaved	No	4000 ft

Lakes and ponds in nepal

Lakes and Ponds of Nepal

There are number of lakes and tanks of glaciers and tectonic origin in Nepal . Mountain lakes like Rara, Shey-Phoksundo, Tilicho, Damodar Kunda etc., are majestic in extent and beauty.

Tilicho is situated in the highest altitude in the world. Rara in Mugu district of western Nepal is the country largest lake. Shey-Phoksundo lake is the deepest lake in Nepal. Phewa at Pokhara is another equally famous lake. Rupa tal and Begnas tal (Pokhara), Gaduwal tal (Chitwan), Satyavati Tal (Palpa), Khaptad tal (Doti), Barhakunetal (Dang), Surma Sarobar (Bajhang) and Tilicho tal (Manang) are some of Nepals other well-known lakes.

Damodar Kunda, Saraswoti Kunda and Gosainkunda and other lakes in the Langtang region are of religious significance. However, most of the ponds in Nepal also has its own religious significance too.

Lakes & Ponds in Nepal

Name of Lake or Pond District Jhirradaha Arghakhanchi Kamal Pokhari Arghakhanchi Khandaha Arghakhanchi Shalyangdaha Arghakhanchi Gauchaur Arghakhanchi Rudra Tal Baglung Jalpa Khagar Tal Baglung Chhubhal Lake Bajhang Shurma Sarowar Bajhang Nilkhati Bajhang Kund Bajhang Khapar Bajhang Dhaha Bajhang Hila Daha Bajhang Raksya Tal Bajhang Rani Talau Banke Siddha Pokhari Bhaktapur Bhaju Pokhari Bhaktapur Kamal Pokhari Bhaktapur Salpa Pokhari Bhojpur Kala Pokhari Bhojpur Hansa Pokhari Bhojpur Panchakanya Pokhari Bhojpur Bhimle Tal Chitwan Devi Tal Chitwan Khageri Tal Chitwan Munda Tal Chitwan Mujura Tal Chitwan Beeshazar Tal Chitwan Nanda Bhauju Tal Chitwan Tamar Tal Chitwan Tami Tal Chitwan Bahrakunedaha Dang Charange Dang Gangasagar Dhanusha Dhanussagar Dhanusha Dugthawatee Dhanusha Aragaja Dhanusha Kalimchokmai Kunda Dolakha Panch pokhari Dolakha Shey Phoksundo Dolpa Jogdulla Dolpa Sundaaha Dolpa Gamakunidaha Dolpa Rigma Tal Dolpa Putha Tal Dolpa Pungma Tal Dolpa Khaptad Daha Doti Kaluchhuma Tal Gorkha Naradkunda Tal Gorkha Sano Dudh Pokhari Gorkha Thulo Dudh Pokhari Gorkha Tatopani Gorkha Bhulbhulekhar Gorkha Jadya Daha Humla Selim Humla Lade Humla Nilapani Humla Mai Pokhari Illam Dhauli Daha Jumla Giri Daha Jumla Dhudh Kunda Jumla Shyarpudaha Kailali Kamal Pokhari Kailali Ghoda Ghodi Lake Kailali Dhaulidaha Kalikot Joginidaha Kalikot Bistadaha Kalikot Garidaga Kalikot Dahathekidaha Kalikot Shankhudaha Kalikot Rani Tal Kanchanpur Banjha Tal Kapilbastu Sagara Tal Kapilbastu Juwa Tal Kapilbastu Sisawa Tal Kapilbastu Niglee Tal Kapilbastu Bijuwal Tal Kapilbastu Jagadishpur Resevour Kapilbastu Fewa Tal Kaski Rupa Tal Kaski Begnas Tal Kaski Dipang Tal Kaski Maidee Tal Kaski Khalte Tal Kaski Taudaha Kathmandu Indradaha Kathmandu Nag Pokhari Kathmandu Rani Pokhari Kathmandu Balaju Water Garden Kathmandu Dew Pokhari Kavrepalanchok Narayan Pokhari Kavrepalanchok Mahadev Pokhari Kavrepalanchok Tarokhaseko Pokhari Kavrepalanchok

Name of Lake or Pond District Baraha Pokhari Khotang Guwaldaha Lalitpur Katuwaldaha Lalitpur Godawari Kunda Lalitpur Nagdaha Lalitpur Bojho Pokhari Lalitpur Saraswatidaha Lalitpur Baraha Pokhari Lamjung Dudha pokhari Lamjung Barunsar Mahottari Bhargawasar Mahottari Mahodari Mahottari Indra Sarobar Makawanpur Dharma Pokhari Manang Dimla Pokhari Manang Him Pokhari Manang Pongkar Manang Tilicho Tal Manang Raradaha Mugu Rin Mokshayadaha Mugu Chhayanathdaha Mugu Teligha Mustang Damodar Kund Mustang Tatopani Kund Mustang Suryakunda Nuwakot Jore Pokhari Pachthar Suke Pokhari Pachthar Namdu Pokhari Pachthar Ratamate Pokhari Pachthar Baraha Pokhari Pachthar Suke Tal Palpa Satyawati Tal Palpa Mallaj Tal Parbat Khairi Barah Tal Parbat Pyasbarahi tal Parbat Banjari Tal Parsa Bhairab Kunda Rasuwa Dudh Kunda Rasuwa Ganesh Kunda Rasuwa Gosain Kunda Rasuwa Jageswar Kunda Rasuwa Kalo - seto Kunda Rasuwa Saraswati Kunda Rasuwa Surya Kunda Rasuwa Sapru Pokhari Rukum Kamal Pokhari Rukum Kubhinde Daha Salyan Ghoda Daha Saptari Kalyan Saptari Kamala Saptari Mahuli Saptari Manik Saptari Ghudda Sarlahi Madimain Sarlahi Sabha Pokhari Shankhuwasabha Gosa Pokhari Shankhuwasabha Rata Pokhari Shankhuwasabha Banduke Pokhari Shankhuwasabha Kala Pokhari Shankhuwasabha Jumlyaha Pokhari Shankhuwasabha Panch Pokhari Shankhuwasabha Kapdane Pokhari Shankhuwasabha Bhairawa Kunda Sindhupalchok Surya Kunda Sindhupalchok Panch Pokhari Sindhupalchok Syabru Pokhari Sindhupalchok Dudhkunda Solukhumbhu Dudh Pokhari Solukhumbhu Goke Pokhari Solukhumbhu Imja Lake Solukhumbhu Gokyo Lake Solukhumbhu Jalim Pokhari Solukhumbhu Namche Pokhari Solukhumbhu Salpa Pokhari Solukhumbhu Simrakhanidaha Surkhet Jajura Tal Surkhet Baraha Tal Surkhet Bulbule Tal Surkhet Manas Tal Taplejung Nurak Pokhari Taplejung Siwa Pokhari Taplejung Kali Pokhari Taplejung Rale Pokhari Taplejung Iwa Pokhari Taplejung Tin Pokhari Taplejung Pancha Pokhari Taplejung Jalijale Pokhari Taplejung Chilling Pokhari Terhathum Tiche Pokhari Terhathum Siddamarga Pokhari Terhathum Chitre Pokhari Terhathum Lam Pokhari Terhathum Rautahako Udayapur Suke Pokhari Udayapur