17 Must-Know Facts About Nepal: A Journey Through the Himalayas

Nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, Nepal is a country that is as diverse as it is captivating. From its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, to its resilient people, Nepal is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. It is home to eight of the world’s ten highest peaks, including Mount Everest, the tallest of them all. But Nepal is not just about mountains; it’s a country that boasts a vibrant tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions.

Nepal’s history is as complex as its topography. It has been a melting pot of ancient civilizations, a crossroads for trade routes, and a battleground for empires. Today, it stands as a testament to its past, a beacon of biodiversity, and a symbol of harmony in diversity.

In this article, we delve into ten fascinating facts about Nepal. These facts will take you on a journey from the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the bustling streets of Kathmandu, from the sacred temples to the lush wildlife reserves. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a curious reader, these facts will offer a glimpse into the soul of this remarkable country.

So, let’s embark on this journey and explore the wonders of Nepal, a country where every corner holds a story, every path leads to an adventure, and every moment is steeped in rich cultural heritage. Welcome to Nepal, the land of the brave Gurkhas, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, and the roof of the world.

17 Facts About Nepal

Home to Mount Everest

Nepal is home to the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest, which rises 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 ft) above sea level. The peak lies on the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas, with the China-Nepal border running across its summit point. The south side of Everest is accessible from Nepal, making it the more popular route for climbers.

Land of the Eight Thousanders

Nepal proudly wears the title of the “Land of the Eight Thousanders.” Out of the 14 mountains in the world that tower over 8,000 meters (26,247 feet) above sea level, a staggering eight are located within Nepal’s borders. These majestic peaks, including Mount Everest, the tallest mountain on Earth, form the crown jewel of the Himalayas, the world’s highest mountain range.

The Eight Jewels of Nepal:

1. Mount Everest (8,848.86 meters)
2. Kanchenjunga (8,586 meters)
3. Lhotse (8,516 meters)
4. Makalu (8,485 meters)
5. Cho Oyu (8,201 meters)
6. Dhaulagiri I (8,167 meters)
7. Manaslu (8,163 meters)
8. Annapurna I (8,091 meters)

These mountains not only attract mountaineers and adventurers from all over the world but also contribute significantly to the country’s tourism industry and cultural identity.

Extraordinary Landscape

Nepal boasts diverse landscapes, from the soaring peaks of the Himalayas to the lush Terai plains in the south. It also holds records for the highest freshwater lake (Tilicho Lake), highest peak (Mount Everest), deepest gorge (Kali Gandaki Gorge), highest valley on Earth- the Arun Valley etc.

Unique Flag

The Nepalese flag is the only non-quadrilateral national flag in the world, consisting of two crimson triangles superimposed on one another. Here’s more about the remarkable design of the Nepalese flag:

Shape and Design:

Double Pennant Shape: The flag of Nepal consists of two joined pennons (triangular flags) creating its unique non-quadrilateral shape. This makes it instantly recognizable and stands out among the rectangular flags used by most countries.

Crimson Red: The background features a rich crimson red, a color traditionally associated with the Nepalese people. It symbolizes bravery and the rhododendron, Nepal’s national flower.
Blue Border: The two triangles are outlined with a deep blue border, which represents peace and harmony.
Celestial Symbols: Within the triangles are white symbols of the sun and the crescent moon, representing the importance of Hinduism and Buddhism in Nepal’s history and culture. They also signify the hope that Nepal will endure as long as the celestial bodies do.

Symbolism and Meaning:

• Combination of Dynastic Flags: The flag’s design is believed to have originated from the merging of flags from two rival dynasties that ruled separate kingdoms within Nepal.
• Himalayas: The double triangular shape is often interpreted as representing the peaks of the Himalayan mountains.
• The Sun and the Moon: The celestial symbols have a historical significance. The sun is associated with the Rana dynasty, while the moon with the Shah Dynasty, both having played essential roles in shaping the country. It also symbolizes the hope that Nepal will last as long as the sun and moon are in the sky.

Interesting Facts:

• Ancient Tradition: Nepal is one of the few countries that has largely retained its traditional flag design, while most other nations have adopted rectangular flags influenced by European traditions.
• Mathematical Construction: The flag has an official geometric description for its construction, ensuring accurate proportions and consistency of the design.

The Living Goddess: The Kumari

The Kumari, also known as the Living Goddess, is a fascinating and unique tradition practiced in Nepal. A young girl, selected through a rigorous process, is believed to be the embodiment of the divine feminine energy, specifically the goddess Taleju or Durga.

Here’s a deeper look into this centuries-old tradition:

Selection Process:

The Kumari is chosen from the Shakya clan of the Newari Buddhist community.
She undergoes a meticulous selection process involving physical, psychological, and astrological tests.
The chosen girl must possess 32 physical attributes considered auspicious, including flawless skin, unblemished teeth, and a captivating gaze.

Life as a Kumari:

1. The Kumari resides in a specially designated palace called the Kumari Ghar, located in Kathmandu Durbar Square.
2. She lives a cloistered life, receiving limited education and participating in only specific religious ceremonies.
3. She is adorned with elaborate jewelry and traditional attire, symbolizing her divine status.

End of the Kumari’s Role:

When the Kumari reaches puberty or experiences any physical imperfections, it is believed that the goddess departs her body.
She then returns to a normal life, facing challenges in reintegrating into society after years of seclusion.

Significance of the Kumari

1. The Kumari is deeply revered by both Hindus and Buddhists in Nepal.
2. She is seen as a symbol of prosperity, good fortune, and protection for the nation.
3. Her public appearances during festivals are highly anticipated and considered auspicious.

Contemporary Issues:

1. The Kumari tradition has been criticized for its restrictive nature and the challenges faced by former Kumaris in reintegrating into society.
2. There are ongoing discussions about balancing the cultural significance of the tradition with the well-being and rights of the young girls involved.
3. The Kumari tradition is a complex and multifaceted aspect of Nepali culture, steeped in history, religious beliefs, and evolving social considerations.

Never Colonized

Nepal stands unique in its history as one of the few nations to never be formally colonized. This is despite the extensive colonial endeavors of neighboring empires like the British Raj in India and the Qing Dynasty in China.

Several factors contributed to Nepal’s successful resistance to colonization:

• Rugged Terrain: The formidable Himalayan mountains served as a natural barrier, making large-scale invasions challenging and costly for potential colonizers.
• Skilled Military: Nepal boasts a long history of military prowess, evident in its successful unification under King Prithvi Narayan Shah in the 18th century and its valiant defense against the British during the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814-16).
• Strategic Diplomacy: The Nepali rulers employed astute diplomacy, playing the British and Chinese empires against each other to maintain their independence. They even signed treaties with both empires, establishing themselves as a buffer state between the two giants.
• Internal Unity: Despite its diverse ethnic and cultural makeup, Nepal has historically maintained a strong sense of national identity, fostering unity in the face of external threats.

However, it’s important to acknowledge that while Nepal wasn’t formally colonized, it did experience unequal treaties and certain limitations on its sovereignty during the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in its dealings with the British Empire.

Birthplace of Lord Buddha

The birthplace of Lord Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama, is Lumbini, located in the present-day Rupandehi District of Nepal.

Here are some details about this historically significant site:

1. Location: Lumbini is situated in the southern Terai plains of Nepal, near the Indian border, about 300 km (186 miles) southwest of the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu.
2. Archaeological Remains: The main archaeological site in Lumbini includes the Mayadevi Temple, which marks the exact spot where Queen Mayadevi is said to have given birth to Siddhartha Gautama in 623 BCE. The temple is built around the sacred Ashokan Pillar, erected by the Indian Emperor Ashoka in 249 BCE, which bears one of the earliest known inscriptions referring to the birth of the Buddha.
3. Lumbini Garden: The Lumbini Garden, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, surrounds the Mayadevi Temple. It is a serene and well-maintained park with ruins of ancient monasteries, stupas, and other Buddhist structures, as well as the remains of ancient stone sculptures and carvings.
4. Archeological Excavations: Extensive archaeological excavations have been carried out in Lumbini, revealing the remains of ancient temples, monasteries, and other structures dating back to the 3rd century BCE, providing evidence of Lumbini’s significance as a Buddhist pilgrimage site from an early period.
5. Pilgrimage Site: Lumbini is one of the four major pilgrimage sites for Buddhists from around the world, along with Bodh Gaya (where Buddha attained enlightenment), Sarnath (where he delivered his first sermon), and Kushinagar (where he attained Parinirvana or final liberation).

Lumbini is revered as the birthplace of the Buddha, who later went on to found the Buddhist religion, which has influenced millions of people across the world. It is a significant spiritual and archaeological site, attracting visitors and pilgrims from around the globe.

The Gurkhas – Feared Warriors

The Gurkhas are legendary Nepalese soldiers celebrated for their valor, resilience, and unmatched combat abilities. Serving with distinction for over two centuries in the armies of Britain, India, and Singapore, they have earned a formidable reputation as some of the world’s most feared warriors.

What distinguishes the Gurkhas:

• Rigorous Selection Process: Joining the Gurkhas demands enduring a grueling selection process. Candidates undergo a series of physical and mental assessments, evaluating their strength, endurance, and determination. Only the most exceptional young men from Nepal are deemed worthy of the honor.
• Feared Khukuri: The khukuri, a curved and formidable knife, is the Gurkhas’ weapon of choice. They exhibit unparalleled mastery in wielding the khukuri during close combat encounters.
• Mountain-Honed Strength: Originating from Nepal’s mountainous regions, Gurkhas are renowned for their exceptional physical prowess. Their ability to thrive in harsh terrain and adverse weather conditions underscores their adaptability and resilience.
• Renowned Loyalty: Gurkhas boast a storied history of unwavering loyalty to their comrades and the nations they serve. Their motto, “Better to die than be a coward,” epitomizes their steadfast commitment to honor and duty.

Through their unparalleled courage, combat proficiency, and unyielding loyalty, the Gurkhas have left an indelible mark on military history, earning their place as revered warriors revered the world over.

The National Animal is Sacred

The national animal of Nepal is the cow, which is considered sacred in Nepalese culture and Hindu traditions.

Here are some key points about the sacredness of the cow in Nepal:

• Religious Significance: In Hinduism, which is the predominant religion in Nepal, the cow is revered as a sacred symbol of life and is associated with many deities, including Goddess Laxmi, Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva.
• Veneration: Cows are deeply respected and venerated in Nepal. They are considered the “mother” that nourishes human life with milk and dairy products.
• Ban on Slaughter: The slaughter of cows is strictly prohibited in Nepal, and their products, such as milk, ghee, and curd, are widely used in religious rituals and ceremonies.
• Cultural Importance: Cows have been an integral part of Nepalese culture and tradition for centuries. They are used in agriculture, and their dung is also used as a natural fertilizer and as a fuel source in some rural areas.

Large Concentration of World Heritage Sites

Nepal boasts a remarkably high concentration of World Heritage Sites. Kathmandu Valley holds seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites within a mere 15 kilometers, earning it the nickname “the living cultural museum of the world. This density of cultural heritage sites makes Nepal a truly unique destination for those interested in history, religion, and art.

The Moving Land of Nepal

Nepal is situated in a geologically active region due to the ongoing collision between the Indian tectonic plate and the Eurasian plate. This collision process is what pushes the Himalayas ever higher and has significantly shaped Nepal’s landscape. Here’s a breakdown of how Nepal’s landmass is still on the move:

• Himalayan Uplift: The ongoing plate collision is constantly pushing the landmass upwards. The 2015 Gorkha earthquake, for instance, resulted in measurable land uplift due to this very mechanism.
• Seismic Activity: Nepal is prone to earthquakes due to the building pressure between the tectonic plates. These earthquakes can cause land movement, though it’s important to note that most movement is vertical (uplift or subsidence) rather than horizontal.
• Landslides: The steep slopes of the Himalayas, combined with heavy monsoon rains, can trigger landslides. These landslides can cause localized movement of landmasses.

While the movement of land might seem dramatic, it’s important to understand that it happens over vast stretches of time. The human experience of Nepal’s land movement is more through occasional earthquakes and localized landslides.

Nepali Calendar: When you’re in Nepal, you’re living in the future

The Nepali Calendar, also referred to as the Bikram Sambat, is a lunar calendar employed in Nepal. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown:

Structure of the Nepali Calendar: The Nepali calendar is rooted in the Hindu calendar system, utilizing lunar months and solar sidereal years. Consequently, the months are determined by the phases of the moon, alternating between 29 and 32 days. A year comprises 12 lunar months, with each month having a minimum of 28 days and a maximum of 32 days.

Time Discrepancy: There exists an approximate 56.7-year difference between the Nepali and Gregorian calendars. This variance arises due to the distinct rates of progression between lunar and solar calendars, tracking the moon’s orbit and the Earth’s orbit around the Sun, respectively.

New Year: The Nepalese new year commences on the 1st of Baishakh, typically falling in mid-April.

Dal Bhat Power 24 Hour!

Dal Bhat 24 Power Hours! is a popular saying in Nepal that captures the importance of this hearty dish to the Nepalese people, which is also considered as national dish of Nepal.

Dal Bhat is a set meal that typically consists of:

Dal: A lentil soup, usually made with black lentils (masura dal) or split peas (chana dal). It is simmered with various spices, such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili peppers, for a flavorful and comforting base.
Bhat: Steamed rice, the staple grain in Nepal.
Tarkari: A seasonal vegetable curry, often stir-fried with onions, tomatoes, and spices.
Achchar: A spicy pickled condiment made from vegetables like radish or carrots.
Gundruk: Fermented green leafy vegetables, another flavorful condiment.
Papad: Thin, crispy lentil wafers.

Dal Bhat Power

Dal Bhat is not just a meal; it’s a way of life in Nepal. It’s a complete and affordable meal that provides sustained energy, making it ideal for the active lifestyle of many Nepalese. The phrase “Dal Bhat Power 24 Hour” reflects this importance. Tourists frequently encounter this saying on t-shirts and even hear it from Nepalese people.

Where to Try Dal Bhat

Dal Bhat is widely available throughout Nepal, from local restaurants and cafes to teahouses during treks. It’s a delicious and affordable way to experience Nepali culture and cuisine

Amazon of Asia

Nepal is often referred to as the “Amazon of Asia” due to its rich biodiversity and cultural diversity. Here are some reasons why:

1. Biodiversity: Despite covering only 0.3% of Asia’s land area, Nepal is home to a significant portion of the world’s species. It boasts over 900 varieties of birds, which account for approximately 9% of the world’s total bird species. It also houses around 650 types of butterflies, accounting for about 4.2% of all butterflies globally. Additionally, Nepal has an incredible variety of around 5980 types of flowering plants, which account for 2.4% of similar plants worldwide. Among these, at least 250 species of flowering plants are endemic or unique to Nepal.
2. Unique Ecosystems: Nepal’s geographical diversity, ranging from the lowland Terai plains to the high Himalayan peaks, supports a wide range of ecosystems. This variation in altitude and geography results in diverse habitats for hundreds of flora and fauna.
3. Cultural Diversity: Nepal is home to 125 different ethnic groups and communities, each with their own languages and dialects. This cultural richness adds to the country’s vibrancy and uniqueness.
4. Natural Landmarks: Nepal is known for its stunning natural landmarks, including Mount Everest and other high peaks. It also boasts 10 National Parks, 3 Wildlife Reserves, 6 Conservation Areas, and 1 Hunting Reserve.
5. Historical Sites: Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is home to 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it one of the richest cities in the world in terms of cultural heritage.

These factors contribute to Nepal’s nickname as the “Amazon of Asia”, reflecting its abundant natural and cultural wealth. It’s a testament to the country’s unique position as a hotspot of biodiversity and cultural diversity in Asia.

Once A Weed Capital

For centuries, cannabis use was widely accepted in Nepal, even integrated into religious practices. Hindu god Shiva is often depicted smoking cannabis, and some holy men smoke it in temples

In the 1960s and 1970s, Nepal’s relaxed attitude towards cannabis drew in many Western hippies seeking an alternative lifestyle. During this time, Nepal earned a reputation as a “weed capital” of the world. Tourists flocked to the area around Kathmandu, particularly a place called “Freak Street” or “Hippie Hill” which became a center for counterculture and cannabis use.

However, due to international pressure, particularly from the United States’ “War on Drugs“, Nepal outlawed cannabis in the late 1970s. This crackdown on cannabis cultivation and use scattered the hippie community and severely limited its availability.

Despite the ban, cannabis use persists in Nepal, and there’s a growing movement to legalize it again, particularly for medicinal purposes.

The Myth of Yeti

The Yeti, also known as the Abominable Snowman, is a legendary hairy bipedal creature that has been captivating imaginations for centuries in Nepal. Here’s a breakdown of the myth:

Origins:

• Pre-dates written records: Stories of the Yeti likely go back thousands of years, woven into the oral traditions of the Himalayas.
• Local Names: The Sherpas call it Yeti, which means “rock dweller.” Other names include Ban Manche (“forest man”) and Meh-Teh (loosely translates to “unwashed”). Interestingly, the term “Abominable Snowman” is a mistranslation by Western explorers.

Descriptions:

• Varies by region: Descriptions differ depending on location. Some say it’s ape-like, while others describe a bear-like creature. Sizes range from tall as humans to a staggering 15 feet! It’s generally said to be covered in thick fur, reddish-brown or grey.

Folklore and Sightings:

• Respectful Coexistence or Dangerous Predator: Legends vary. Some portray the Yeti as a protector of the mountains, while others fear it as a dangerous predator.
• Mountaineer Claims: Many climbers have claimed Yeti sightings, with some even attributing deaths to the creature. However, there’s no concrete evidence like photographs or remains. The most famous evidence might be footprints attributed to the Yeti.

Enduring Mystery:

• The Search Continues: The lack of evidence hasn’t stopped the fascination. Expeditions continue to search for the Yeti, hoping to solve the mystery.

Scientific Inquiry:

• DNA analysis of purported Yeti hair samples haven’t provided conclusive results, pointing to known animals like bears or brown bears.

The Yeti remains a captivating part of Nepali folklore and a symbol of the mysteries hidden in the Himalayas.

The Nepal’s Capital Was Once A Lake

The capital of Nepal, Kathmandu, was once a large lake. This fact has been scientifically proven by geologists. The valley was filled with water, and it was said to be full of floating lotuses.

The legend about Kathmandu’s evolution holds that the valley was once a huge lake thousands of years ago. A visiting Buddhist saint named Manjushri cut through the Chobhar ridge with his mighty sword, Chandrahas, and allowed passage to the lake water. This drained the lake and revealed the land that is now Kathmandu. The city is known for its rich history and heritage, and it’s also referred to as the ‘Living Cultural Museum of the World’. It’s fascinating to think about how the landscape has changed over time!

Geological and fossil evidence indicates that the Kathmandu Valley was covered by a large lake between approximately 2.8 million and 10,000 years ago. Today, Kathmandu is a bustling city and the cultural, economic, and political heart of Nepal.

Also Read:

List of National Symbols Of Nepal