Nepal, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked country in South Asia, located between India and China. Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, Nepal is often referred to as Dev Bhumi—the land of gods.

Nestled in the Himalayas, it is a spiritual home to both Hinduism and Buddhism, which coexist in harmony. The capital city, Kathmandu, is known for its ancient temples and vibrant culture. With its majestic mountains, deep traditions, and warm hospitality, Nepal offers a truly unique and unforgettable travel experience.

Geography

Nepal stretches from the lowlands of the Indo Gangetic plains in the south to the towering Himalayas in the north, including Mount Everest (8,848.86 meters) – the world’s highest peak. The autonomous region of Tibet lies to the north and India to the south, east, and west.

Nepal is divided into three major geographical regions:

• The Terai region- The Terai region is the fertile plains to the south, known for its agriculture, dense forests, and wildlife reserves.
• The Hilly region- The hilly region of Nepal lies between the Terai and the Himalayas, characterized by lush valleys, rolling hills, and traditional villages, offering stunning landscapes and a rich cultural heritage.
• The Himalayan region- The Himalayan region of Nepal is home to the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest, offering breathtaking mountain views, remote trekking routes, and a unique blend of nature and beauty.

Climate:

Nepal’s climate varies with its topography. It ranges from sub-tropical to alpine depending on the altitude. The Terai region has a hot and humid climate. The mid-hills are pleasant, and the mountainous region has a sub-alpine to alpine type of climate.

Seasons: Nepal has four seasons, namely:

• Summer/Monsoon (June-September)
• Autumn (September-November)
• Winter (December- February)
• Spring (March-May)

Major Cities

• Kathmandu: Kathmandu, known for its ancient temples, bustling markets, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is the capital and the largest city.
• Pokhara: Pokhara, known for its natural beauty and adventure activities, is the second largest city and the gateway to the Annapurna region.
• Lumbini: Lumbini, rich in spiritual significance and ancient heritage, is the sacred birthplace of lord Buddha.
• Chitwan: Chitwan is famous for its lush national park, which offers thrilling jungle safaris and a chance to see rare wildlife like rhinos and Bengal tigers.

Area:

The total surface area of Nepal is 147,181 square kilometers.

Population

Nepal has a population of around 30 million people.

Language

Nepal is a multiethnic and multilingual nation with over 100 ethnic groups and 124 spoken languages. The official language is Nepali, but other regional languages like Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tharu, Newari, and Tamang are also widely spoken. English is commonly understood and used in tourist areas, hotels, and among educated communities.

People and ethnic:

Divided into three geographical regions, people differ from region to region. There are about eighty ethnic groups and one hundred twenty-three regional languages.

• Himalayan Region: In the northern Himalayan region lives the Tibetan-speaking group, mainly the Sherpas, Dolpas, Lopas, and Manangis.
• Hilly Region: Some ethnic groups, such as the Magars, Gurungs, Tamangs, Sunuwars, Newars, Thakalis, Chepangs, Rai, Limbu, and the majority of Brahmans and Chhetris, live in the mid-hills and valleys.
• Terai Region: Some ethnic groups of the Terai, mainly Tharus, Darai, Kumhal, and Majhi, live in the southern lowlands of the Terai.

Religion

Nepal is known for its religious harmony. The two major religions are Hinduism and Buddhism. The other religions followed in the minority include Islam, Christianity, and others.

Culture

Nepali culture is a rich blend of diverse ethnic traditions, with deep roots in Hinduism and Buddhism. It is reflected in the country’s vibrant festivals, music, dance, art, and architecture.

Flora and Fauna:

Due to the variation of climate, Nepal has abundant species of flora and fauna. Nepal has about 8.9% of the total species of birds in the world. It has 4.2 % of the world’s butterfly species and 3.96 % of the world’s mammal species. Nepal holds 2% of the world’s orchids (more than 360 species) and 6% of the world’s rhododendron species.

Government & Economy

Nepal is a federal parliamentary republic, divided into 7 provinces and governed under a democratic constitution. Its economy is largely based on agriculture, tourism, remittances, and handicrafts. Trekking, mountaineering, and cultural tourism add major contributions to the national income.

GDP

The current GDP of Nepal is US$50.83 billion(estimated 2025)

GDP per head

GDP per capita of Nepal is $1,555 (estimated 2025)

Airports in Nepal

There are altogether 56 airports in Nepal(including domestic and international). Only 35 airports are in operation, while the others are either non-operational or abandoned. Nepal has three international operations: the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa, and Pokhara International Airport in Pokhara.