Interesting Facts About Nepal Which Will Amuse You

The dramatic differences in elevation found in Nepal result in a variety of biomes, from tropical savannas along the Indian border, to subtropical broadleaf and coniferous forests in the Hill Region, to temperate broadleaf and coniferous forests on the slopes of the Himalaya, to montane grasslands and shrublands and rock and ice at the highest elevations.

At the lowest elevations is the Terai-Duar savanna and grasslands ecoregion. These form a mosaic with the Himalayan subtropical broadleaf forests, which occur from 500 to 1,000 metres (1,600 to 3,300 ft) and include the Inner Terai Valleys. Himalayan subtropical pine forests occur between 1,000 and 2,000 metres (3,300 and 6,600 ft).

Above these elevations, the biogeography of Nepal is generally divided from east to west by the Gandaki River. Ecoregions to the east tend to receive more precipitation and to be more species-rich. Those to the west are drier with fewer species.

From 1,500 to 3,000 metres (4,900 to 9,800 ft), are temperate broadleaf forests: the eastern and western Himalayan broadleaf forests. From 3,000 to 4,000 metres (9,800 to 13,100 ft) are the eastern and western Himalayan subalpine conifer forests. To 5,500 metres (18,000 ft) are the eastern and western Himalayan alpine shrub and meadows.

1.  Major Part Of Himalayas Is In Nepal

The Himalayas mountains is shared between five countries in descending order: Nepal, Bhutan, India, China and Pakistan. The mountainous north of Nepal has eight of the world’s ten tallest mountains, including the highest point on Earth, Mount Everest.

Mountains thats are present in Nepal these are the list .

Mountain/Peak	metres	feet	Section	Notes
Mount Everest	8,848	29,029	Khumbu Mahalangur	Earth's highest from sea level
Kanchenjunga	8,586	28,169	Northern Kangchenjunga	3rd highest on Earth
Lhotse	8,516	27,940	Everest Group	4th highest
Makalu	8,463	27,766	Makalu Mahalangur	5th highest
Cho Oyu	8,201	26,906	Khumbu Mahalangur	6th highest
Dhaulagiri I	8,167	26,795	Dhaulagiri	7th highest
Manaslu	8,156	26,759	Mansiri	8th highest
Annapurna I	8,091	26,545	Annapurna	10th highest
Gyachung Kang	7,952	26,089	Khumbu Mahalangur	between Everest and Cho Oyu
Annapurna II	7,937	26,040	Annapurna
Himalchuli	7,893	25,896	Mansiri	18th highest
Ngadi Chuli	7,871	25,823	Mansiri	First ascent 1970
Nuptse	7,861	25,791	Everest Group	319 metres prominence from Lhotse
Dhaulagiri II	7,751	25,430	Dhaulagiri
Jannu	7,711	25,299	Kumbhakarna Kangchenjunga
Dhaulagiri IV	7,661	25,135	Dhaulagiri
Dhaulagiri V	7,618	24,993	Dhaulagiri
Annapurna III	7,555	24,787	Annapurna
Jongsong Peak	7,462	24,482	Janak	#57 in the world
Gangapurna	7,455	24,459	Annapurna
Yangra	7,422	24,350	Ganesh
Kabru	7,412	24,318	Singalila Kangchenjunga
Churen Himal	7,385	24,229	Dhaulagiri
Kirat Chuli	7,365	24,163	Kangchenjunga
Nangpai Gosum	7,350	24,114	Khumbu Mahalangur
Gimmigela Chuli	7,350	24,114		First ascent 1995
Chamlang	7,321	24,019	Barun Mahalangur	#79 in the world
Dhaulagiri VI	7,268	23,845	Dhaulagiri
Putha Hiunchuli	7,246	23,773	Dhaulagiri
Langtang Lirung	7,227	23,711	Langtang	#99 in the world
Annapurna Dakshin	7,219	23,684	Annapurna
Langtang Ri	7,205	23,638	Langtang	#106 in the world
Chamar	7,187	23,579	Sringi	First ascent 1953
Melungtse	7,181	23,560	Rolwaling	First ascent 1988
Pumori	7,161	23,494	Khumbu Mahalangur	First ascent 1962
Nemjung Manang	7,140	23,425		First ascent 1983
Gauri Shankar	7,134	23,406	Rolwaling	First ascent 1979
Tilicho Peak	7,134	23,406	Annapurna	First ascent 1979
Api	7,132	23,399	Yoka Pahar Gurans	First ascent 1960
Baruntse	7,129	23,389	Barun Mahalangur	First ascent 1954
Nilgiri	7,061	23,166	Nilgiri Annapurna	First ascent 1962
Saipal	7,031	23,068	Saipal Gurans
Machapuchare	6,993	22,943	Annapurna	Sacred mountain, unclimbed
Kang Guru	6,981	22,904	Larkya or Peri	2005 avalanche kills 18
Dorje Lakpa	6,966	22,854	Langtang
Kanjiroba	6,883	22,582	Kanjiroba Himal
Kubi Gangri	6,859	22,503	Himalayas
Jethi Bahurani	6,850	22,474	Himalayas
Ama Dablam	6,812	22,349	Barun Mahalangur	"Mother and her necklace"
Kangtega	6,782	22,251	Barun Mahalangur	First ascent 1963
Cho Polu	6,735	22,096	Barun Mahalangur	First ascent 1999
Changla	6,721	22,051	Himalayas
Lingtren	6,714	22,028	Khumbu Mahalangur	First ascent 1935
Num Ri	6,677	21,906	Barun Mahalangur	First ascent 2002
Khumbutse	6,640	21,785	Khumbu Mahalangur	First mountain west of Everest
Thamserku	6,623	21,729	Barun Mahalangur	First ascent 1964
Pangpoche	6,620	21,719	Kutang Himal
Dragmarpo Ri	6,578	21,581	Langtang	Unclimbed
Taboche	6,542	21,463	Khumbu Mahalangur	First ascent 1974
Singu Chuli	6,501	21,329	Annapurna	Trekking peak
Mera Peak	6,476	21,247	Himalayas	Trekking peak
Hiunchuli	6,441	21,132	Annapurna	Trekking peak (difficult)
Cholatse	6,440	21,129	Khumbu Mahalangur	Connected to Taboche
Kusum Kangguru	6,367	20,889	Barun Mahalangur	Trekking peak (difficult)
Ombigaichan	6,340	20,801	Barun Mahalangur
Om Parvat	6,191	20,312	Himalayas	Sacred summit
Kongde Ri	6,187	20,299	Barun Mahalangur	Trekking peak (difficult)
Imja Tse	6,160	20,210	Khumbu Mahalangur	Also known as Island Peak. Popular trekking peak.
Lobuche	6,145	20,161	Khumbu Mahalangur	Trekking peak
Pisang Peak	6,091	19,984	Annapurna	Trekking peak
Nirekha	6,069	19,911	Khumbu Mahalangur	Trekking peak (difficult)
Baden-Powell Peak	5,825	19,111	Jugal	Formerly known as Urkema Peak
Pokalde	5,806	19,049	Khumbu Mahalangur	Trekking peak (moderate)
Mount Khumbila	5,761	18,901	Mahalangur	Unclimbed
Tharpu Chuli	5,663	18,579	Annapurna	Trekking peak
Kala Patthar	5,545	18,192	Khumbu Mah	Popular hiking peak below Pumori
Yala Peak	5,520	18,110	Langtang
Gokyo Ri	5,357	17,575	Himalayas	Popular hiking peak

2. Nepal Is The Only Country With A Non-Rectangular Flag

The national flag of Nepal  is the world's only non-quadrilateral national flag. The flag is a simplified combination of two single pennons, the vexillological word for a pennant. Its crimson red is the color of the rhododendron, the country's national flower. Red is also the sign of victory in war. The blue border is the color of peace. Until 1962, the flag's emblems, the sun and the crescent moon, had human faces. They were removed to modernize the flag.

The flag was adopted, with the formation of a new constitutional government, on December 16, 1962. The individual pennants had been used for the preceding two centuries and the double pennant since the 19th century. The flag borrows the basic design from the original design, which has been in use for more than 2,000 years.

he flag was adopted after Prithvi Narayan Shah unified all small principalities of Nepal. In modern times the concept of the flag has changed to have a different meaning. The blue border symbolizes peace and harmony. The crimson red is Nepal's national color, and it indicates the brave spirits of the Nepalese people. The two triangles symbolize the Himalaya Mountains. The depiction of celestial bodies represents permanence, the hope that Nepal will last as long as the sun and the moon.

The moon symbolizes that the Nepalese are soothing and calm, while the sun symbolizes fierce resolve. The moon also symbolizes the shades and the cool weather of the Himalayas, whereas the sun symbolizes the heat and the high temperature at the lower part (Tarai) of Nepal. Another interpretation: The flag's shape could also symbolize a Nepalese pagoda - as noted by local Nepalese, placing a mirror at the side of the flag closest to the flagpole will generate an image of a pagoda.

3.Nepal Was Once Named As The Weed Capital

Weed is said to be illegal and is not available for buy and sale, we can find the growth of weeds everywhere mostly in the rural area, around the roads, ditches, farm lands, mountainside and everywhere. Who would not love to fire a pot and get along with the fine environment that Nepal beholds.
It is said that lord shiva (who is god ) use to have it when in Nepal. So every one will have it when they are is so festival called shiva ratri in Nepal.
Now we can say that it is legal in the particular day of maha shiva ratri

4. Nepal Is The Birthplace Of Lord Gautam Buddha

Siddhartha Gautam (Buddha) was born in Kapilvastu, Lumbini which lies in Nepal. Lumbini is a sacred place for Buddhists.One of the four most holy places for Buddhists religion, Lumbini is situated at the foothills of Himalayas in the Terai plains of southern Nepal. The bewitching beauty and tranquility of Lumbini is not only for the pilgrims but also to any one seeking peace and serenity. This spiritual destination paramount's with historical, cultural and spiritual values. Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, the Holy Pond and many other Buddhist monasteries built by Myanmar, Thailand, Korea, China, Japan, and Vietnam have impeccable architectural values.

Several other places near Lumbini are linked with stories connected to Buddha and Buddhism. Lumbini is about 300 kilometers south-west of Kathmandu. Buses and flights to Bhairahawa which is about 22 kilometers from Lumbini, are available from major cities. From Bhairahawa transport services to Lumbini are easily available. There are sufficient hotels and restaurants in Lumbini and Bhairahawa.

4. The Only Living Goddess In The World Called Kumari Can Be Found In Nepal

Kumari, or Kumari Devi, or Living Goddess - Nepal is the tradition of worshiping young pre-pubescent girls as manifestations of the divine female energy or devi in Hindu religious traditions. The word Kumari, derived from Sanskrit Kaumarya meaning "PRINCESS"[1]

In Nepal, a Kumari is a pre-pubescent girl selected from the Shakya caste or Bajracharya clan of the Nepalese Newari community. The Kumari is revered and worshiped by some of the country's Hindus as well as the Nepali Buddhists, though not the Tibetan Buddhists. While there are several Kumaris throughout Nepal, with some cities having several, the best known is the Royal Kumari of Kathmandu, and she lives in the Kumari Ghar, a palace in the center of the city. The selection process for her is especially rigorous. As of 2010, the Royal Kumari was Matina Shakya, aged four, installed in October 2008 by the Maoist government that replaced the monarchy. Unika Bajracharya, selected April 2014, as the Kumari of Patan is the second most important living goddess.

In Nepal a Kumari is generally chosen for one day and worshipped accordingly on certain festivals like Navaratri or Durga Puja. In Kathmandu Valley this is a particularly prevalent practice.

In Nepal, a Kumari is believed to be the incarnation of Taleju, after which it is believed that the goddess vacates her body. Serious illness or a major loss of blood from an injury are also causes for loss of deity.

           

5.Nepal Gurkhas Have Been Part Of The British Army Since 1816

Gurkhas have been part of the British Army for almost 200 years, but who are these fearsome Nepalese fighters?

"Better to die than be a coward" is the motto of the world-famous Nepalese Gurkha soldiers who are an integral part of the British Army.

They still carry into battle their traditional weapon - an 18-inch long curved knife known as the Khukuri/kukri. In times past, it was said that once a kukri was drawn in battle, it had to "taste blood" - if not, its owner had to cut himself before returning it to its sheath.

Now, the Gurkhas say, it is used mainly for cooking.

The potential of these warriors was first realised by the British at the height of their empire-building in the last century. The Victorians identified them as a "martial race", perceiving in them particularly masculine qualities of toughness.

    Bravest of the brave, most generous of the generous, never had a country more faithful friends than you” End Quote Sir Ralph Turner MC, 3rd Queen Alexandra's Own Gurkha Rifles, 1931

 After suffering heavy casualties in the invasion of Nepal, the British East India Company signed a hasty peace deal in 1815, which also allowed it to recruit from the ranks of the former enemy. Following the partition of India in 1947, an agreement between Nepal, India and Britain meant four Gurkha regiments from the Indian army were transferred to the British Army, eventually becoming the Gurkha Brigade. Since then, the Gurkhas have loyally fought for the British all over the world, receiving 13 Victoria Crosses between them. More than 200,000 fought in the two world wars, and in the past 50 years they have served in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Borneo, Cyprus, the Falklands, Kosovo and now in Iraq and Afghanistan. They serve in a variety of roles, mainly in the infantry but with significant numbers of engineers, logisticians and signals specialists. The name "Gurkha" comes from the hill town of Gorkha from which the Nepalese kingdom had expanded. The ranks have always been dominated by four ethnic groups, the Gurungs and Magars from central Nepal, the Rais and Limbus from the east, who live in villages of impoverished hill farmers. They keep to their Nepalese customs and beliefs, and the brigade follows religious festivals such as Dashain, in which - in Nepal, not the UK - goats and buffaloes are sacrificed. Joanna Lumley with Gurkhas outside the High Court Actress Joanna Lumley has been the public face of the campaign on behalf of the Gurkhas. But their numbers have been sharply reduced from a World War II peak of 112,000 men, and now stand at about 3,500. During the two world wars 43,000 men lost their lives. The Gurkhas are now based at Shorncliffe near Folkestone, Kent - but they do not become British citizens. The soldiers are still selected from young men living in the hills of Nepal - with about 28,000 youths tackling the selection procedure for just over 200 places each year. The selection process has been described as one of the toughest in the world and is fiercely contested. Young hopefuls have to run uphill for 40 minutes carrying a wicker basket on their back filled with rocks weighing 70lbs. They are tough, they are brave, they are durable, they are amenable to discipline.” End Quote Tony Gould Historian

Prince Harry lived with a Gurkha battalion during his 10 weeks in Afghanistan. There is said to be a cultural affinity between Gurkhas and the Afghan people which is beneficial to the British Army effort there. Historian Tony Gould said Gurkhas have brought an excellent combination of qualities from a military point of view. He said: "They are tough, they are brave, they are durable, they are amenable to discipline. "They have another quality which you could say some British regiments had in the past, but it's doubtful that they have now, that is a strong family tradition. "So that within each battalion there were usually very, very close family links, so when they were fighting, they were not so much fighting for their officers or the cause but for their friends and family." Historically, Gurkhas who had served their time in the Army - a maximum of 30 years, and a minimum of 15 to secure a pension - were discharged back to Nepal.

6.Nepal Holds A Number Of Records Which Makes A High Profile For This Small Country

Mount Everest being the peak of the world at the height of 8,848 m, there are others like the Tilicho lake- the highest lake on earth at the height of 4800m, Shey Phoksundo Lake- the deepest lake of 145m at the height of 3600m, the deepest gorge of Kalidanki of 1200m and the highest valley on Earth- the Arun valley. Nepal also holds some of the world famous Guinness world records and different international prizes, international recognitions and involvements that have made the profile of this small country to be one of the best.

7. Nepal Has Over 80 Ethnic Groups And 123 Languages

The culture of Nepal is rich and unique. The cultural heritage of Nepal has evolved over the centuries. This multi-dimensional heritage encompasses the diversities of Nepal's ethnic, tribal, and social groups, and it manifests in music and dance; art and craft; folklore and folktales; languages and literature; philosophy and religion; festivals and celebration; foods and drinks. It's culture is mostly influenced by Indian, Mongolian and Tibetan culture.

Nepal's diverse linguistic heritage stems from four major language groups: Indo-Aryan, Tibeto-Burman, Mongolian and various indigenous language isolates. The major languages of Nepal (percent spoken as native language) according to the 2011 census are Nepali (44.6%), Maithili (11.7%), Bhojpuri (6.0%), Tharu (5.8%), Tamang (5.1%), Nepal Bhasa (3.2%), Bajjika (3%) and Magar (3.0%), Doteli (3.0%), Urdu (2.6%) and Sunwar.[citation needed] In addition, Nepal is home to at least four indigenous sign languages.

Derived from Sanskrit, Nepali is written in Devanagari script. Nepali is the official national language and serves as lingua franca among Nepali of different ethnolinguistic groups. The regional languages Awadhi, Bhojpuri, Maithili and rarely Urdu of Nepali Muslims are spoken in the southern Terai Region. Many Nepali in government and business speak English as well. Varieties of Tibetan are spoken in and north of the higher Himalaya where standard literary Tibetan is widely understood by those with religious education. Local dialects in the Terai and hills are mostly unwritten with efforts underway to develop systems for writing many in Devanagari or the Roman alphabet.

8. Nepal Was Never Under Any Foreign Invasion

The British were the invading forces, while the Nepalese maintained a defensive position. The British attacked in two successive waves of invasion. It was the most expensive war waged during the governorship of Lord Moira.

The Gorkha War (1814–1816), or the Anglo–Nepalese War, was fought between the Kingdom of Gorkha (present-day Nepal) and the British East India Company as a result of border disputes and ambitious expansionism of both the belligerent parties. The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Sugauli in 1816, which ceded around a third of Nepal's territory to the British.

9.Not A Single Drop Of Blood Has Ever Been Shed In Nepal In The Name Of Religious And Ethnic Riot.

Something for the world to learn from these people who hold the best feeling for Unity and Patriotism. There hasn’t been a single case were there has been a clash in the name of religion in Nepal.