NEPAL

Nepal, a predominantly mountainous country 145 to 241 km wide and approximately 800 km long, is landlocked and bordered by the Tibetan region of China to the north and by India to the south, east and west. It is divided into three natural east-west geographical zones. Along its southern border is the Terai, an extension of the vast north Indian plain. The central middle hills rise to 2,700 m and are interspersed with fertile valleys of which the Kathmandu Valley is the largest. In the north, the Himalayas form an unbroken mountain range which contains eight peaks higher than 8,000 m, including Mt Everest on the border with China.

Location

Southern Asia, between China and India

Geography

Landlocked; strategic location between China and India; contains eight of world's 10 highest peaks, including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga - the world's tallest and third tallest - on the borders with China and India respectively.

Capital

Kathmandu

Population

28,287,147

Climate

varies from cool summers and severe winters in north to subtropical summers and mild winters in south.

Language

Nepali 47.8%, Maithali 12.1%, Bhojpuri 7.4%, Tharu (Dagaura/Rana) 5.8%, Tamang 5.1%, Newar 3.6%, Magar 3.3%, Awadhi 2.4%, other 10%, unspecified 2.5%.

Monetary Unit

Nepalese rupee (NPR)

Places to Visit

Kathmandu, Pokhara, Mt Everest base camp via Tyangboche Buddhist monastery, Lukla, Namche Bazaar

Airports

Kathmandu International airport, Pokhara and many other Air strips & Helipads