Nepal is a country in South Asia that is relatively small compared to its counterparts; however, it is astonishingly diverse. It is famous for its stunning mountain ranges, rich cultural diversity, and important historical backgrounds. With countries like India and China on either side, it contains the renowned Mount Everest, one of the highest mountains in the world. It is also home to various ethnic groups. Regardless of its size, Nepal has a blend of natural and cultural beauties that stand out. Here are some lesser-known yet fascinating facts about Nepal that demonstrate its importance.
1. A Nation of Striking Contrasts
A. The Foremost and the Least Altitudes of the Country
Nepal embodies the phrase, a nation of striking contrasts, exceptionally well. The country contains the world’s foremost peak, Mount Everest (8,848.86 meters), as well as the lowest point in the country (59 meters over water) located in the Jhapa district, Kechanakal. Such a drastic difference in altitude makes the geography of Nepal unique.
B. All Regions in One National Terrain
Because of its geographical configuration, Nepal has two distinct regions:
- Tropical (lowland Terai)
- Subtropical (Chure region)
- Temperate (hilly region)
- Subalpine (mid-mountain regions)
- Arctic (Himalayan region)
This variety implies that Nepal has extremely hot summers in the Terai and very cold periods in the Himalayas simultaneously.
2. Nepal’s Distinct Position in Global History
A. Completely Self-Ruling
Strikingly different from the bordering nations, Nepal was never colonized by any foreign power. The British invaded Nepal in the early 19th century, but the brave Gurkhas managed to protect the country from being conquered. This makes Nepal among the very few countries in the world that has an uninterrupted history of independence.
B. The Home of The Gurkhas
Nepal is the native land of Gurkha soldiers, considered one of the fiercest and most valiant warriors in history. They have served in the British Indian Army and Singapore Police, and they are greatly revered for their loyalty and valor.
C. Birthplace of Lord Buddha
The birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (Lord Buddha), the one who proclaimed Buddhism is Nepal. He was born in Lumbini, which nowadays happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage site. Hence, it is a holy land for Buddhists all over the world.
The two triangles represent the Himalayan Range and the Orthodox Buddhism and Hinduism Cultures. As with other flags, bravery is represented with the color red, while the blue border signifies peace.
B. The Country With a Sacred Animal
Cows in to the Pagoda style of architecture in Nepal are considered holy animals .and injuring one is punishable by law. The national animal is revered for its affection towards the followers of Hindus.
C. The Goddess in Mae Struct Kumari
In the entire globe, only in Nepal, a living goddess known as Kumari is worshipped (as of 12-year-old teenage girl. She is selected from the ethnic groups of Newars who worship her as a goddess camping of Hindu Taleju accompanied till she hit puberty.
D. Festivals Without Comparison To The Rest Of The Globe The Nepalese Himalaya region is popular with “the Land of Festivals” which has over fifty remarkable celebrations. Some of the famous for their unique festivals:
- Kukur Tihar: 40-72 hours two-sided Nepalese Diwali. The additional distinctive frequents include a day when canines are revered.
- Gai Jatra: Celebration in which men mourn the dead and fellow companions are valued by driving a herd of cattle.
- Indra Jatra: A Festival of Celebration in Kathmandu describes the head of Lord Shiva placed on a doll while performing’s mask and dance where only Kumari is allowed to show her face in public.
4. Area that Diversity Reigns Supreme
With countless animals, the national parks and woods of the Napal region have several threatened species that rest within its boundaries.
Here are some unique animals that can be found in Nepal: ‘
- Chitwan National Park is home to the One-Horned Rhinoceros
- The Snow Leopard can be seen in the Himalayas
- The red panda is considered one of the rarest mammals globally.
- Bengal Tigers are a couple of places such as Bardia and Chitwan National Parks.
B. The Deepest Gap and Highest Valley
- Kali Gandaki Gorge in Nepal is one of the wonders of the world as it has a depth of around 5,571 meters which makes it the deepest gorges in the World.
- The deepest valley in the world is called Arun Valley, which is placed amid Everest and Makalu.
Nepal’s Growing Global Influence
A Leader In Adventure Tourism
Nepal is considered the world’s best trekking country. Trekkers from all around the world flock to the country in admiration of the:
- Everest Base Camp Trek
- Annapurna Circuit Trek
- Manaslu Circuit Trek
- Langtang Valley Trek.
B. Nepal’s Contribution Towards Yoga and Meditation
Nepal is an eminent destination for Yoga and Meditation thanks to its spiritual historical background. Many tourists across the globe travel to Nepal for help in practicing **Vipassana meditation”, which was taught by Lord Buddha.
C. A Major Contributor to The United Nations Peacekeeping Forces
Nepal is known for being one of the top contributors to the UN peacekeeping missions. There is an estimated number of thousands of Nepali soldiers working in conflict zones globally.
6 Surprising facts about Nepal’s infrastructure
A. The only capital without traffic lights
Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, does not have traffic lights. Instead, road traffic is directed by traffic police officers at major intersections.
B. Hydropower Potential
Nepal possesses some of the world’s highest hydropower potentials, with an estimate of over 80 thousand megawatts. Regardless of these numbers, it has yet to develop the majority of it.
C. The highest internet and ATM in the world
Nepal possesses:
- The Highest ATM in the world is located in Namche Bazaar and is set at 4,300 meters above sea level.
- The highest internet connection is located at the Everest base camp.
Conclusion
The vast range of sacred temples, and wildlife, and serving as the gateway to the Himalayas make Nepal’s national motto of being a country of unparalleled beauty, deep-rooted culture, and extraordinary history well deserved. People of all types including explorers, spiritualists, and history lovers will be fascinated by everything Nepal has to offer