Geography of Nepal
Nepal is a sovereign mountainous tiny country, located in south Asia. It is land locked country, situated between two giant Asian nation's china to the north and India to the south, East and West. The area of Nepal is 1, 47,181sq.km. The total area of Nepal covers 0.3 percent of Asia and .003percent area of the Earth. It lies between the latitude of 26'22'and 30'27' north and the longitude of 80'4' and 88' 12' East. The country is small only about 880km. Lang from East to west and breadth varies from 145 to 241 km from North to south.
Geographically, Nepal can be divided three regions:
- Himalayan region
- Hilly (mountain) Region
- Tarai (plain) region.
1. Himalayan Region
The Himalayan region covers 15 percent of total land area which lies in the northern side of country lying horizontally in the altitude of 4700m and above. In this region white snow falls every season. So we can find several mountains like Mt. Everest (8848m) and other high peaks in this region. Another attraction of this region is several kundas (big lakes) and also several national parks, and wild life reserves like sagarmatha national park, which is listed in the world heritage site. Sherpa communities are the only setters of this region. In snow season, foot print of the mystical creature 'YETI' and bear foot prints can also be seen in this region.
2. Hilly regions
The hilly region covers 68percent of total land area. It is formed by the Mahabharat range that soars to touch mountain regions in the altitude of 600 m to 4700m. In winter, snow may fall in high hills. This region is formed by beautiful valleys like Kathmandu and pokhara. It is also famous for its fascinating lakes like Fewa, Bagnas and Rupa in pokhara. Tilicho Lake in Manang District known as the highest lake in the world is situated at 5180m on the bottom of tilicho peak. Rara and Shey Phoksundo Lake in far western are remarkable for their beauty. Swimming and boating in these lakes be can enjoyed by everyone. The three major rivers Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali originate from Himalaya and flow through the region.
3. Tarai (plain) Region
The tarai region covers 17 percent of total land area. This is a plain land area of Nepal in the altitude of 70m above sea level to 600m. This region is home to religious places, national parks and wild life reserves. The famous religious places are janakpur, Lumbini and barahachhetra. Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha who spread the knowledge of place through out the world is one of the main destinations to be visited in Nepal. There are four national parks and wild life reserves in this region, among them is Chitwan national park which is the most famous for its one horned rhinoceros and elephant breeding center.
Trekking areas and routes
Trekking in Nepal is a spectacular and rewarding experience. Regardless of where you are, every trek routes have their own distinguished view of the great Himalayan Mountains. Walking through the rural mountainous villages with alpine settlements offer unique moments that one hardly forgets.
Although trekking is possible throughout the year, the best months are October and November during autumn and March and April during spring season.
