Geography
Nepal is an enchanting country, be it the snowcapped Himalayas, the terraced Mid Hills, the bustling cities,the rushing forests, where wildlife, birds and flowers are abundant. Nepal's fascinating capital is Kathmandu. Surrounded by former kingdom Bhaktapur,Patan, and Kirtipur, Kathmandu valley is famous for it's ancient shrines, temples, palaces and squares. Nepal is a land locked country. The Tibet Autonomous Region lies on the north, while to the east, south and west different provinces of India can be found. Apart from the flat Terai region in the south of nepal, the country is situated of at least 1,000 meters above sea level. Nepal is divided in three geographical regions. Himalayan Region This region ranges in altitude between 3,000m and 8,848n, with the snow line starting at 4,800 meters. It houses eight of the fourteen highest mountains in the world.
Mountain Region
This region occupies 64% of the countries total land. This region is formed by the mahavarat range soaring up to 4,877 meters. To the South lies the Chure Range which altitude varies from 610 meters to 1,524 meters.
Terai Region
At an altitude of maximum 305 meters above the sea level, Terai occupies 17% of the total land. The countries lowest altitude, just 70 meters above sea level, can be found in the eastern Terai. People The country has the population of about 25 million, representing races and tribes. The Sherpa's, de Dolpa-pa, de Baragaonli, de Manangi en de Lopa live in the himalayan region. In the hill side you find the magar, Gurung, Newar, Tamang, Sunar,raien limbu. In the Terai, there are the Tharu, Darai, Kumal, Danuwar and majadadi, most of them coming from India Religion and Culture Although Nepal is the only Hindu Kingdom in the world Hinduism and Buddhism are mingled into a complex religion blend. Hindus and Buddhists worship each other deities and celebrate each other's deities and celebrate each other's festivals. The best known feature of Nepalese culture is probably the pagoda, the unique temple architecture of the Kathmandu valley. The temples and stupas contain a mix os beautiful wood carving, metal work and stone sculptures. They add glory and grandeur to the cultural scene of the kingdom.
Climate
Nepal's climate consists of several holidays season. For trekking and Expeditions : The best month are February, March, April, May in spring and September,October, November, December in Autumn. The monsoon months June and September are excellent to go on Trekking on Dolpa, Mustang and Tibet.
For Sightseeing
Kathmandu valley offers excellant sightseeing trips throughout the year.
For Rafting
The best period is right after moonsoon, when the water level from the river is high.
For Terai and Chitwan
Octover through April , when the temperatures are pleasent.
Getting into Nepal
Nepal lies within reasonable flight distance from any part in the world. Direct connecting flight from Europe and Asia arrive daily at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport. Opening Nepal's airspace to provide run airlines companies will provide, starting September 98, excellant connecting flights withs all European Countries.
Formalities Passport and Visa
All visitors to Nepal, except Indian nationalities must hold valid passport and visa. tourist visas can be obtained from any Royal Nepalese Embassy or Consulate overseas. A visa can also be obtained at Tribhuvan International Airpart, Kathmandu, and at the overland entry points. Tourists can extend their visas at Central immigration Office.
Festivals in Nepal
Sweta Machhindranath Snan
January : Sweta Machhindranath enjoys a week-long festival in which he is bathed, oiled, perfumed and painted. The Goddess Kumari visits him at his elaborate temple near Ason Tol. If he is pleased by the music, offerings, and attentions of his devotes, the people of Kathmande can look forward to satisfactory rainfall in the planting season.
Swasthani
January-February : Goddess Swastani's three eyes burn like the sun. She is the ultimate gift grantory; if insulated, she can make life miserable. By worshipping Swastani,Parbati attained Lord shiva as her husband. In theworship rites of Goddess Swastani, outlined by Parbati, the Swastani scripture is read every evening for a month. Worshipping Swastani will bring together parted relations, remove curses, and result in limitless gifts.
Maghe sakranti
January- In the holy month of Magh the sun enters the southern hemisphere, and the days being to grow longer and warmer. Lord Vishnu, the Preserver is thanked for his efforts. On Maghe Sakranti ( the first day of magh) people take an early morning bath in a holy river, visit the shrines os Vishnu, and present flowers, incense an food to him. Reading the Bhagwat Gita, also known as the song of the gods, rub mustard oil over their bodies,and enjoy feasts of rice cooked with lentils, yams or tutuls- a must- and laddu, sweets made of sesame and a sugarcane paste.
Basanta Panchami (Swarasti Puja)
Basanta, or spring, ushers in the loveliest time of the year. Crowds gather in Kathmandu's Durbar Squire while His majesty the king and other dignitaries welcome the season as a band plays the traditional song of spring. A different celebration occures at Swayambhu and at the Nil Barahi shrine near Lazimpat. Saraswoti, the Goddess of learning, arts and craft is worshipped at her temples. Artists, musicisns, teachers and students being flowers, unbroken rice, and other fifts to please her.
Maha Shivaratri
February- Lord shiva is one of Nepal ,s most popular gods .During Maha Shivaratri ,His "Great Night",followers throughout the Indian sub-continent crowed the Pasupatinath temple to worship him. On this occasion there is no space even to sesame seed. Colorful sadhus ,the wondering sages who emulate shiva ,rub ashes over their bodies ,give lectures to disciplines,meditate or practic yoga.Devotees pray to shiva;s image inside the temple at midnight and queue for six hours to look at the Image.Bonfires are lit.neighbors and frinds share foods,and devotees enjoy two daysand neight music, song and dance throughout the pasupatinath complex and in the streets.
Sherpa's and Tibetean welcome
February- their New year with Feasts, family visits and dancing. Families don their finest clothes and jewelary and exchange gifts. Buddhist monks offer prayer for good health and prosperity, and perform dances at the monasteries. Colourful flags decorate streets and rooftops; the colour seems specially brilliant at the Buddha and Swayambhe stupas. Crowds of celeberants at Bussha bring in the new year by throwing tsampa into the air.
Holi or fagu Purnima
March- Holy is one of the most colourful and playful festivals of Nepal. The chir pole, decorated with colourful flags and erected the first day of fagu at Kathmandu's Durbar Square, is a formal announcement to all hide their good cloths, for throughout the week you may be splashed with coloured powder and water balloons. The last day is the widest: youths youths covered with red vermilion powder roam the street as inviting target.
Chaitra Dashain
March-April- Red vermilion powder, family blessings, and goat and ducksacrifices are essential to praise the victory of Ram , hero of the epic Ramayan, over the evil king Rawan. Mother Goddess Durga, the source of all power must be supplicatedtoo, for the powers helped Ram achieve his victory.
Ghode Jatra
April-Visitors are often amased by the fine horses of Nepalese army, and the Ghode Jatra is the time for the most graceful of these animals to perform before the public eye. Legend relates that this horse festival was begun after Kathmandu people buried a demon under the soil of Tundikhel showground's. The say that may raise again and cause worry to the world if he is not trampled by the horse each year. So, very spring, this victory over evil is celebrated in the valley br organised palanquin processions and a great display of show jumping, motorcycling feats, and gymnastics. Their Majesties the King and the Queen, the living Goddess Kumari, and thousands of people from all over the country are part of the jatra audience.
Biskate Jatra
April During this Important festival,The oid kingdom Bhaktapur and it is neighboring areas replay a drama passed on over the centuries. Image of warthful and some what demonic deties are placed on tottering chariots. they are offered blood sacrifices,Flowers and coins.Men brimming withful viogerand rice beer drag the chariots across brick-paved streets of the town, and wherever raths stop,too,are put on palanquies and carried arouund. So that they may see sights. At bode village ,there is a tounge -boring ceremony in which the dedicated may reserve a place in heaven. Red Machhindranath Jatra May - Until a few decades ago, before the Kathmandu valley become a purely hub, was an agricultue land which depended upon the rainy monsoon for its important rice crop. Today, through traditional farming practices have reduced, the pre-monsoon season still sees grest worship made to Red Machhindranath, a rain God. Patan's streets and palaces complex are made even more evocative by wavering lamp and candle lights, woman busily cooking feasts, and men gathering strength to pull the chariot of their red deity. As Lord Machhendranath views his followers from the high seat of his chariot, its four wheels, reprsenting the powerful Bhairab,receive and vermilion powder, the king of serpants is asked for blessing, and hos jeweled vest is shown in public. Buddha Jayanti May- The ever benevolent Buddha was burn in Nepal, and the religion he preached is the second most popular in the kingdom. On may 6, a full moon day, The Lord's birth, and salvation are prepared for the oncoming festivalities several days in advance. Monasteries are cleaned, status are polished, bright prayer flags waft in the breeze, monk prepared to dance. On the Jayanti day, people reach the stupa before down, go around them and give offerings to the many Buddha image there Gunla July- August - The monsoon has arrived, and the field have been planted. It is the time for Kathmandu valley Buddhist to observe Gunla. The month-long festivities celebrate a quot;rains retreat" initiated twenty-five centuries ago by buddha. It time for prayer, fasting, medition and religious music. Worshippers climb past junfles, stone animals, great, statues of the Buddha, begging monkeys to Swayambhu's hilltop, where daily prayers begin before down. Oil lamps, prayer flags, religious statues, and scroll paintings adorn the monasteries as temple bells chime and powerful scents fill the air. Important Buddhist statues and monasteries and the teachings of lord Buddha are remembered as the rains nature the rice, Nepal's most important crops.
Janai Purnima and Raksha Bandhan
August - On Janai Purnima, a full moon day, high-caste Hindus chant the powerful Gayatri Mantra and change their sacred Thread (Janai), while a raksha bandhan, a red or yellow protection cord, is tied around the wrists of other Hindu and Buddhist. Pilgrims journey to the mountain north of Kathmadu. Here they emulate Lord Shiva by bathing in the sacred lake of Gosainkunda. Those unable to make the trek celebrate at Shiva's Kumbheswer temple. Here, a pool with an image of shiva at its centre is filled with water believed to have come from Gosainkunda. Gai JatraAugust-The gai jatra ,or cow , Holy to Hindus.She represents laxmi, the goddes of wealth,and guides the souls of the departed to the gates of the Netherworld.But Gai jatra is not a somber Occasion.satire ,jokes ,fancy costomes ,and colorful processiona are the order of the day as people recall how an eighteenth-century king rallied his people to cheer his queen upon the death of their son. Those who have experienced the death of close ones during the past year share their sorrow and take the gai has safely transported the departed souls on their afterlife journey. Young man wearing women's saries , children dressed up as cows, and whimsical characters of all sorts fill the streets. Special issue of local magagines poke fun at everyone and everything's-even the most important people are not spread September- Pashupati, the temple of Lord Shiva, is drnched in crimson during Teej as women in their fine red wedding saris crowd the temple grounds. Thisunique woman's festival is marking by fasting, folk songs and dancing as the woman recall Parbati's devotion to her husband Shiva. Married woman visit their father's homes. All daughters and sisters receive gifts from their male kin, and an elabourate feast is prepared for them. It's loud and cheerful celabration until late late at night, when strict fasting begins. Unmarried women who fast an this day will have good luck in finding husbands. Married woman who fast their husbands faithful and see the bond of their love grow. The bleesings of Shiva and Parvati ensure that family life will be joyous for all.
Indra Jatra
September- Indra, King of Heaven and controller of the rains, has once again blesses the Valley. As the end ogf monsoon near, farmers look forward to a rich harvest; everyone is greatful to deva for hos help. For eight days, Kathmandu's Durbar Square is the focus of the great celebration fit to flatter " The King of Heaven."Indra's dhowj, or flag, iserected on the first day. It is said that many centuries ago, Indra's mother needed specially-scented flowers but could not them in heaven's garden. Indra discovered parijat flower in the Kathmandu valley and tried to steal them for his mother. He was caught and imprisoned by the valley people. When Indra's mother came searching him the people were appalled by what they had done. They released Indra and dedicated one of the most colourful festivals in Nepal to him to appease his anger. Masks and statues representing Vishnu, Bhairav and Shiva were shown in the public, and the Goddess Kumari witnessed the special occasion from her chariot. Indra is thanked for the rains and assured once again that he is respected in the Kathmandu valley.
Dashain
October- Dashain is the longest and most favorite festival of Nepal. Everyone stays on their home with their families, offices close and Radio Nepal plays Dashain music. The sky of Kathmanduis filled with kites and the marketplaces are filled with farmers bringing their buffaloes, goats and chickens to sell. The animals are to be sacrificed on the night of Kal Ratri to the Goddess Durga to celebrate her victory over evil. On the day of Dashami, everyone puts on new clothes and goes to honor their family elders, where ther receive large red tika of vermilion paste on their foreheads. On the following day of Dashain,families and friends unite, feasts are consumed, blessing are imparted and gifts are exchanged. Nepal's most beloved festival end with the full moon.
Tihar
November- Tihar, known as the festivals of lights, is the time of candlelight, tinsel decorations and fastive coloured sweets. On different days, there are offerings and small celebrations for crows, dogs, cows, and oxen. On the night of Laksmi Puja garlands are hunged and laps are lighted to invite Laksmi, Goddess of wealth into the home. Mha puja, the New Year's dayaccording to the Nepal Era, is the day of self, when people give themselves blessings to remain healthy and happy for the rest of the year. Bhai Tika, the last day of Tihar, is the day when sisters make offerings to their brothers. The ritual of breaking a walunt, putting on garlands of maklhmali flowers and encircling brothers in rings of mustard oil protects them from Yama, the Lord of the Netherw.
National Parks and Conservation Areas in Nepal
Annapurna conservation Area Projects 7,000sq. kilometers
Annapurna conservation Area Projects encompasses both the Annapurna Massif region and the recently opened Mustang. This project area includes middle Hills ,sub-alpine ,alpine and trans Himalayan dry plataeau ecosystams.An International renowend model for self-sustainable development, the project stands for suuccessful participatory natural resource managment ,combining villagedevelopment ,education and conservation with the conservation education of trekkers.
Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve 1.325 sq. Kilometers
Dhorapatan Hunting Reserve attracts sports hunters for for the highly -coveted biue ship and other game animals such as the leopard ,ghoral,serow.Himalayan tahr,Himalayan black bear,Barking deer,wild boar and so on.It is foretesd with fir, pine, birch, rhododendorn, hemlock, oak, juniper, and spruce. Pheasants and partridges are common here.Endangered animals include the musk deer,wold ,red panda ,cheer and danphe pheasant.controlledhunting is the policy in this reserve.
Khaptad National Park 255 sq. Kilometer
Khapted National park represents the flora and fauna of nepal's mid western Hill's.The common tree spices here are chir pine ,spruce, fir, maple, birch, alder and rhododendorn. Dense nigalo bamboo groves and wide varieties of medical herbs are also found here.The fauna includes the leopard ,Himalayan yellow -throated marten, Himalayan black beer, musk deer, Ghoral and Himalayan tahar .Danphe, Kalij and monalpheasants, chukor partirdge, red and yellow billed, blue magpie and the Himalayan griffin are some of the birds of the area. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve 175 sq. Kilometer The vegetation here is mainly of wetland grassland ,scrub and deciduos foerst. The reserve is uniquw for it's wild arna buffaloes . Other mammals are the hog deer, wild boar, spotted deer and blue bull. The spices of birds are total 350 here, including 20 of ducks, two of ibises, many storks, egrets, herons, and the endangered swamp partridges and Bengal floricans. The reserve is a resting place for migrating birds not seen anywhere in Nepal. The endangered gharial, marsh and Gangetic dolphin are also recorded in the Koshi river.
Langtang nathional Park 1,710 sq. kilometer
Langtang National park abounds vegetarian types. Oaks, maple, various rhododendron, chir pine, fir, blue pine, hemluck and spruce are found here. The latitude topographical variations show such divers animals as the wild dog, Himalayan red panda, pika, muntjack, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan thar, ghoral, serew, rhesus monkey and common langur. This region is also an important route for migrating birds.
Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area
1,000 sq. kilometer National Park, 830 sq. kilometer Conservation Area. Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area extends from sub-tropical forest to high alpine vegetarian. The region has 67 spices of aromatic plants, 30 varities of rhododrendron, 15 types of oak, and 48 spices of primrose. Over 400 spices of birds thrive here, including the newly-discovered in Nepal spotted wren babbler and the olive ground babbler.Wild life includes the endangered red panda, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, clouded leopard, and possibally the snow leopard.
Parsa Wildlife Reserve 499 sq. kilometer
Parse Wildlife Reserve was established as an extension of Royal Chitwan National Park, but having its own national herirage. It encompasses the east-west Churia hills of chir pine, khair, sissoo and silk cotten and drops down to the subtropical monsoon belt of salt forest and sabai grassland. The reserve supports wild elephant, tiger, leopard, sloth bear, guar, blue bull, wild dog, sambar, chittal, hog bear, barking deer, langur, striped hyena, palm civet and jungle cat.
Rara National Park 106 sq. kilometer
Rara National Park has its gems in Rara, Nepal's biggest lake 10,8 sq. kilometer at 2,990m. The park ascends from 1,800 m to 4,480m and abounds in coniferous forest and blue pines, black juniper, West Himalayan spruce, oak and Himalayan cypress as well as Indian horse-chestnut, walnut and Himalayan poplar. It is an ideal habitat for musk deer, Himalayan black bear, leopard, ghoral Himalayan tahr, and wild bear. Snow trout is the only fish found in rara lake. Royal Bardiya National Park 968 sq. kilometer Royal Bardiya National Park is the largest and most undisturbed wildernessarea in the terai.It is thickly forested by sal trees and is carpated with grass,savanna and riverine forest.It is a regenerated habitat for endangered species like the rhinoceros ,wild elephant, tiger, swampdeer, black buck, gharial crocodile and Gangetic dolphin. Endangered birds include Bengal florican , silver -eared mesia and sarus crane.
Royal Chitwan National Park 932 sq. kilometer
Royal chitwan National park is listed as a world Heritage site and is the most poular safari destination in Nepal. It covers a unique ecosystem, containing hills, ox-bow lakes and flood plains.Dominated by sal forest, the park has 50 spices of grasses. The 43 spices of animals include the endangered one-horned rhino, Royal Bengal tiger, garial crocodile, gaur, wild elephant, four horned antilope, striped hyana, Gangetic dolphin, monitor lizard, and pythons.
Royal Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve 305 sq. kilometer
Royal Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve was until recently a royal hunting domin. It is dominated by sal trees associated with asna, semal, karma, khair,and sisso sub-spicesand phanta grass lands. a prime habitat for the swamp deer, it is also home to the wild elephants, tiger, hispid hare, blue bull, leopard, chittal, hog deer, and wild bear, along with 400 spices of birds. Raptiles include the mugger, Indian python, monitor lizard, cobra, krait, and rat snake.
Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park 1,148 sq. kilometer
Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park, which includes the tallest mountain in the world, is listed as the world heritage site. Geologically young and broken into deep gorges and glacial valleys, the parh has vegation graduading from pine, hemlock, fir, juniper, birch, rhododrendon, scrubs, alpine plants, and then to bare rock and snow. This is home to the Himalayan tahr, ghoral, serow, and musk deer. The Himalayan black bear and snow leopard are recently sighted.
Shey-Phoksundo National Park 3,555 sq. kilometer
Shey-Phoksundo National Park is the biggest park in Nepal. Luxuriant forest of blue pine, spruce, cypress, poplar, deodar, fir and birch are found here. It is the primal habitat for the snow leopard and the blue sheep; so also for ghoral, Himalayan tahr, serow, leopard, wolf, jackle, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan weasel, Himalayan mouse hare, yellow- throated martin, langur, and rhesus monkeys. The park is equally rich in many kind of birds.
Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve 144 sq.
kilometer Shivapuri watershed and wildlife reserve is situated on the hill of shivapuri to the north of Kathmandu. It is one of the chief sources of water for Kathmandu valley. This is an easy accessible destination for viewing orchids,rhododendorn,pines,Utisa trees as well as many medicinal and herbal plants.Rising to the height of 2,732 m, shivapuri is home to the sloth bear.langur monkey,Leopard,barking deer and may species of birds.
Kathmandu Valley (Place for the sight seen)
- Swayambhu
- Pasupatinath
- Changu Narayan
- Bouddanath
- Durbar Square
- Patan
- Bhaktapur
- Daksinkali
- Bhudhanilikantha
Ethnic Groups (Cast)
MAGARS
The magars originate in the western and centerl areas of Nepal.though are found in sacttered communities throughtout the country. They may be of either Hindu or buddhist faith.Traditionally hill farmers Inhabiting he lower slopes.They also known for their fighting abilities and many have recruited into Gurkha regiments of the British and Indian armies. It is thought to be a strong cultural bond between magars and Gurung.
GURUNG
The gurungs also originate in the western and central areas of Nepal.Though they have tended to Inhavit higher areas adopting a lifestyle of sedetntary agricultural and nomadic pastorals.like the magars , gurungs have been well represted in Gurkha units.They are predominantly Buddhist,Thougu small Hindu and shamanist communities exist. In recent years ,may magars become involved in the hotel business, especally in the pokhara region.
THAKALIS
The thakalis originate from the kali Gandaki Gorge and ,like many Nepali groups have been subject to both Hindu and buddhist influences. Adept entrepreneurs, They have cashed in on the trekking boom and have established little hotles all along the Annapurna circuit and have also extended their influence to other parts of country. Before Nepal was opened upto tourism, their economy was dominated by subsistance farming and , in the Kali Gandaki area, by salt trading.
TAMANG
The Tamangs are found around the kathmandu valley and in central and eastern Nepal. Mainly Buddhist, they form a significant of the proportion of the porters in these regions; bur many are also engaged in the agriculture as small holders and day labour. The Tamang language originates from the Tibeto-Burmese family.
NEWARS
The Newars are of Mongolian origin and are the dominant ethnic group of Kathmandu valley an surrounding central areas of Nepal. Despite their geogriphical origins, the majorities are now shaivite Hindus following received hindu customs although communicates of Newari Buddhists do remain. They represent perhaps the greatest synchronism of the Tibetian and Indian traditions of any Nepal's ethinic groups and also incorporate aspects of aninism. The Newari language has been influenced by both the Tibeto-Burmese and Indo-European families. Traditionally leading traders, Newars once organised trains of basket carrying porters over the trans Himalayan passes to Tibet. They are also remarkable craftsmen and developed the unique building style that successfully blends influences from India, china and Tibet with carved wood and pagoda -like temple roofs.
KIRANTI
The Kirantis are comprised of Rais and Limbus and are the oldest known people in Nepal. They live in the eastern hills of Nepal, the rais being concentrated in the Solukhumbu, Dudh Kosi, and Arun Valley, while the Limbus are at the east of Arun Valley, in the kanchanjangha region. And also extend in to northern Parts of west Bangel in India. Both groups have supplied recruits to Gurkha resiments an reference is made to their fighting sprit in the Hindu epic " Mahabharat" of Mongoloid features,both have Tibeti - Burmies languages. The religion of the Limbus incorporates elements of Buddhism and Shamanism, while that of the Rais are more influenced by Hinduism Sunwars &Jirels:These related groupes are small in number and are found in the area around and to the east of jiri,the place that gives the jirels their name.Their religion is significantly influenced by Hinduism, but has distinct or apices and deities.
BHOTIA
The Bhotia lives in the northern part of Bhutan, Sikkim, Nepal and along the Indo-Tibetan border in Garhwal, Kumoun and Himanchal Pradesh. They are Mongoloid people who gradually moved off the Tibetian plateau. Tibetan Buddhism plays an important part in shaping Bhotia society. The monastery is at the center of the social environment, and the prayer flags, prayer wheels and chortens are a vital part of daily life.
ETHINIC TIBETIANS
Many housands of Tibetens fled their homeland as a result of Chinese Take over. Most are now resident in and around Kathmandu and Pokhara valleys, but some have remained in Bhotia country where they have been highly successful in integrating with local populations, especially through intermarriage.
LIMIPAS
The Limipas are a small group living in the limi Valley in the north west of Nepal.
DOLPOPAS
With a pollution of no more then a couple of thousand. Dolpopas live in remote areas, north of Jomsom and Muktinath. A hard working people, they are nomadic pastorals, traders, and weavers.
LOPAS
Lopas lives in Lo mangthang, the capital of the high and arid region of Mustang, once an independent state. Of Tibetan ethnicity, they follow Tibetan Buddhism and number about 6000.
BARAGAUNLE
The name means " twelve village people". The Baragaunle are also ethnically Tibetan and live in the Muktinath Valley and follow the forms of Lamaistic Buddhisn that also incorporates elements of animism.
MANANGIS
Known also as Manangpa or Nyeshang, this group live in manang region and along the northern stretches of Marsyangdi River. They are perhaps the wealthist of any Bhotia groups thank to a still extent 18th century decree by Rana Bahadur Shah which gave them trading privileges with Tibet and which have today been adopted to the trade of luxury items, some which find their way to kathmandu.
SHERPAS
Sherpa live in Solukhumbu region of glacial valleys at the southern approaches to Everest. Their name tells of the origin (sha-east,pa-people)and has come to be almost synonymous with great peak that dominates their country. They immigrated from about 600 years ago. Earlier they were traders and porters,carrying butter,meat,rice,sugar,paper and dye from India and salt, wool, jewelry, Chinese silk and porcelain from Tibet and beyond. The closure of the boarder between India and China undermined their economy. Fortunately, with the mountaineer in expeditions and trekkers, the Sherpa's found their load carrying skills, both on normal treks and high altitudes in great demand. The khumbu region has provided the valuable contingent of able bodied, hardy and seemingly fearless Sherpa porters and guides. Over 80 years they have built up a mountaineering reputation as the elite of Himalayan porters.
Temperature
in Nepal |
Temperature
Chart in Celsius |
| Months |
Kathmandu |
Pokhara |
Chitwan |
| |
Max. |
Min. |
Max. |
Min. |
Max. |
Min. |
| January |
19 |
2 |
20 |
8 |
24 |
7 |
| February |
20 |
4 |
21 |
8 |
26 |
8 |
| March |
25 |
8 |
27 |
11 |
33 |
12 |
| April |
30 |
11 |
30 |
16 |
35 |
18 |
| May |
30 |
16 |
30 |
19 |
35 |
20 |
| June |
30 |
20 |
30 |
20 |
35 |
23 |
| July |
30 |
21 |
30 |
21 |
33 |
24 |
| August |
29 |
20 |
30 |
21 |
33 |
24 |
| September |
27 |
19 |
29 |
20 |
32 |
22 |
| October |
23 |
15 |
27 |
18 |
31 |
18 |
| November |
23 |
04 |
23 |
11 |
29 |
12 |
| December |
20 |
02 |
20 |
08 |
24 |
08 |
| |
Rainfall
Chart in mm. |
| Months |
Kathmandu |
Pokhara |
Chitwan |
| January |
25 |
15 |
10 |
| February |
25 |
15 |
10 |
| March |
75 |
30 |
10 |
| April |
50 |
50 |
15 |
| May |
100 |
300 |
200 |
| June |
225 |
575 |
300 |
| July |
375 |
800 |
500 |
| August |
360 |
700 |
450 |
| September |
175 |
575 |
400 |
| October |
50 |
220 |
100 |
| November |
10 |
20 |
05 |
| December |
10 |
05 |
05 |
|
Climate
Chart |
| Months |
Kathmandu |
Pokhara |
| |
Dry
Day |
Hours
of Sunshine |
Dry
Day |
Hours
of Sunshine |
| January |
95% |
5.54 |
94% |
5.49 |
| February |
91% |
5.39 |
94% |
6.23 |
| March |
93% |
7.37 |
89% |
7.19 |
| April |
85% |
9.30 |
80% |
8.51 |
| May |
74% |
5.43 |
53% |
5.17 |
| June |
54% |
4.54 |
05% |
4.02 |
| July |
33% |
2.37 |
03% |
2.04 |
| August |
37% |
2.23 |
03% |
1.34 |
| September |
62% |
3.18 |
07% |
1.44 |
| October |
88% |
5.12 |
64% |
4.30 |
| November |
98% |
5.12 |
96% |
4.51 |
| December |
99% |
5.06 |
99% |
5.12 |
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