Spread across 143,351 sq km of land, Nepal within a small distance boats a rich and diverse landscape. Ranging from 70m in the south to the 8000m and above, here you will get to see changing weather and surroundings at every hour. The majority of the land lies on the lower Himalaya region which occupies over 68% of the overall area of the country. The country experiences hot and humid temperature which varies from place to place, while the Terai regions are known for humid climatic conditions, the upper Himalayan regions in the north experience cold and alpine climatic conditions.
Nepal is widely known for its rich culture that has been followed for generations. Although the culture and traditions have evolved over the years, the people of Nepal have been able to preserve its heritage. Nepal is a Hindu-dominant country that accounts for more than 80% of the total population, however, there are ample numbers of people from Buddhism and other religions who live together with a great sense of happiness and brotherhood.
The country inhabits numerous ethnic groups that vary in different regions. While Tamang, Rai, Limbu and Bhutia are the major ethnic groups in north and eastern Nepal, Magar and Gurung belong to the west-central part of the country. Music and dance are part of traditional culture that can be witnessed during festivals and religious celebrations.
Food is one of the best ways to understand and blend into the traditions of any country and Nepal is the perfect example of it. Being surrounded by the major democratic countries, China and India, the food of Nepal has been highly influenced by Tibetan and Indian food cuisines. Despite the diversity, there are few cuisines that offer the authentic cuisine of Nepal such as Newari and Thakali. Rice is a part of a staple diet and is a common item in Lunch and Dinner. Most of the dishes include meat and fish, although there is ample choice for vegetarians.
Majority of the Nepalese cuisine is spicy which can be challenging for some people. Nepal is also popular for a wide variety of chillies and pickles that are a major attraction for some tourists. Some of the authentic food dishes of Nepal include:
Apart from scenic nature and stunning landscapes, the land of Nepal is widely popular for its vibrant festivals that attract tourists throughout the year. Despite having a smaller population, the country is known to host some of the largest festivals in Asia. The people of Nepal have numerous mythological and cultural beliefs which are the major backgrounds of the festival. The majority of the festivals have similarities with Indian festivals, but the rituals and traditions are different. Dasai and Tihar which are similar to Dushera and Diwali respectively are the two major festivals where people share happiness in the form of cultural dance and musical shows. Following is a list of some of the most popular festivals in Nepal.
Air : Taking a flight is the best and fastest way to travel to Nepal. Tribhuvan International Airport is the only major international airport in Nepal that can be used to travel from India.
Train : To date, there are no railway services connecting India with Nepal. However, there are numerous passenger trains that allow tourists to connect to the southern part of Nepal in Sirsiya.
Road : Travelling to Nepal via roadways is the most affordable and convenient way. The capital city of Delhi is the major city that offers bus trips to Kathmandu. Reaching Nepal via road can be time-consuming and one needs to undergo much documentation process at the border which can make the journey unexciting.