Things you didn't know about Nepal

Nepal is a stunning country in South Asia, mainly situated in the majestic Himalayas. With stunning scenery, exciting activities, and fascinating attractions, a Nepal holiday is an experience to truly treasure. But how well do you know Nepal? If you are thinking about booking a holiday to Nepal, this guide highlights some great facts about the country to inspire a future visit.

8 of the world’s highest peaks are in Nepal

As Nepal is largely situated in the Himalayas, the country is home to some incredibly tall mountains. In fact, eight of the world’s ten highest peaks are located in Nepal. Mount Everest, the tallest point on earth, is located on the border of Nepal and Tibet.

You can enjoy the epic backdrop of mountainous terrain from many of Nepal’s towns and cities but for those who want to see them up close, you can fly in a helicopter from Kathmandu for breathtaking views of the Himalayan range, and there are some incredible hiking trails available, both on day trips and multi-day adventures.

Nepal is the birthplace of Buddha

Did you know that Buddha was born in Nepal? His birth took place 2,600 years ago in the city known as Kapilvastu, Lumbini, which is modern-day Nepal. Today, 9% of the country are Buddhists, which equates to about 2.3 million people. There are some incredible Buddhist pilgrimage sites located in Nepal, such as Boudhanath Monastery, which is Nepal’s largest monastery, located east of Kathmandu, and one of Nepal’s most holy Buddhist sites. Other must visit religious and cultural sites include the Hindu Pashupatinath Temple and the ancient religious complex Swayambhunath.

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Nepal is home to the world’s deepest gorge

At 5,571 metres, Kali Gandaki Gorge in Nepal is the world’s deepest gorge. Located near Ghassa village, the gorge is enclosed by the towering peaks of Dhaulagiri and at the bottom, the Kali Gandaki River flows, providing a truly incredible natural sight. The gorge is named after the Hindu goddess Kali – the personification of the power of nature.

Nepal has the densest concentration of World Heritage Sites in the world

Many countries have World Heritage Sites, but Nepal is truly a standout as it is home to the densest concentration of World Heritage Sites in the world. Kathmandu alone has seven such sites within a 15km radius! The Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Site includes temples, royal squares and palaces known as Durbar squares, and one of the largest spherical stupas in the world – Boudhanath. A stupa is a place of meditation containing relics in a mound-like structure. Another location in the Kathmandu Valley is Bhaktapur, a city recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its well-preserved medieval nature.  

Nepal is a paradise for bird watching

Nepal is a great place for wildlife lovers but it’s a true paradise when it comes to bird watching. There are 900 different bird species in Nepal, about 8% of the world’s total population. For those who fancy discovering Nepal’s incredible birdlife for themselves, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in eastern Nepal hosts almost 500 species. Nepal’s fertile Indo-Gangetic (Terai) region in the south of the country has abundant birdlife to enjoy, as well as other incredible wildlife, such as Bengal tigers, rhinos, elephants, and leopards.

READ ALSO: Tips for going on a safari in India and its neighbouring countries

Even more things you didn’t know about Nepal

Nepal is home to many treasures and exciting things to discover, covering a vast array of topics. Did you know that Nepal is home to numerous tribal areas? This includes locations where our team can arrange homestays like in Bardia with the Tharu tribes. We’ve mentioned the incredible peaks of Nepal but it’s worth mentioning highlighting that Nepal is a true trekkers’ paradise, with several trekking options available, from easy to strenuous. There are some fantastic wildlife parks available in Nepal, with two particular highlights being Chitwan and Bardia. Further still, potential visitors might be surprised to know that white water rafting is on the agenda in Nepal, as well as other water sports like parasailing – as a result, a holiday to Nepal can be a truly exhilarating experience.

Facts you didn’t know about Nepal

·       8 of the world’s highest peaks are in Nepal

·       Nepal is the birthplace of Buddha

·       Nepal is home to the world’s deepest gorge

·       Nepal has the densest concentration of World Heritage Sites in the world

·       Nepal is a paradise for bird watching

·       Nepal is a trekkers paradise

·       White water rafting is a popular activity

·       There are important tribal areas in Nepal

·       There is beautiful wildlife to discover in its various parks

We hope this article will inspire your future visit to Nepal. There is so much to discover in the country, and we are experts in the region so we can help you tailor the perfect holiday just for you.

For more tips, guides, and advice, make sure to visit our blog.