Trishuli River Rafting

Trishuli is the most popular river for rafting among the visitors & locals alike. The trip takes you down the Trishuli, a river named after Lord Shiva’s trident. The river begins in the Himalaya north of Kathmandu and flows southeast to the southern plains of Nepal. This river is rated from 3 to 5 on the Colorado River rating system. Rafters enjoy one day adventure or a three to five days trip through thick forest, cultivated paddy fields, and narrow gorges. The longer trips end near the Royal Chitwan National Park where you can also go for a jungle safari.

Nepal is also rich in diverse rapid rivers: Grade 5-5+ rivers with raging white water rapids for the adventurous, to Grade 2-3 rivers with a few rapids for novices. Rafters also have a choice ranging from two to three-week trips to trips of two or three days. The options include paddling, oaring and kayaking. Paddling requires all on boat to participate with instructions from river runner. Luxury safari-style trips with full team are available too. In an oar boat, the guide rows alone giving participants a chance to observe the surroundings. Kayaking is another way to travel downstream.

The Trishuli River is most admired rafting river for the remarkable gorges, thrilling rapids and its easy accessibility from Kathmandu and Pokhara. The river is especially recommended for intermediate kayakers. It joins the Bhote Kosi flowing from Tibet. The joining of two rivers look fearsome which can be seen on the way up to the famous and pleasing Langtang trek. It is considered as the easy river so rafting on this river needs no experience. The rapids on the Trishuli are mostly big, bouncy and relatively safe.

Rafting Time: During autumn - mid-September through November, during winter December through February and spring - March through June 

If you are taking a trip involving two days or more, carry warm shirts. T-shirts, heavy woolen sweater (warm clothes), extra pair of dry shoes and trousers in addition to the regular items.

River Rafting

Nepal is considered world second richest country in water resources. Be it the Trishuli and BhoteKosi River rafting just an hour’s drive from Kathmandu, or  those in remote Tamore & Kaligandaki Rivers, rafting is increasingly gaining popularity among tourists in Nepal.

Nepal is also rich in diverse rapid rivers: Grade 5-5+ rivers with raging white water rapids for the adventurous, to Grade 2-3 rivers with a few rapids for novices. Rafters also have a choice ranging from two to three-week trips to trips of two or three days. The options include paddling, oaring and kayaking. Paddling requires all on boat to participate with instructions from river runner. Luxury safari-style trips with full team are available too. In an oar boat, the guide rows alone giving participants a chance to observe the surroundings. Kayaking is another way to travel downstream.

The popular long rafting adventures that range from five to 10 days are the conducted on the remote rivers, such Marshyangdi River Arun River Sun-Koshi River Karnali River. These long ranfting begin at higher altitudes in the north, and end nearby a settlement or national park on the lower plains.

The Trishuli  (Trisuli-Narayanghat) 

The Kali Gandaki  Kusma-Tiger Tops) 

The Bheri  (Birendranagar- Chisapani) 

The Seti  (Damouli-Tiger Tops) 

The Sunkoshi  (Baseri-Chatara) 

The Karnali  (Karaleghat-Chisapani) 

The Tama Koshi  (Busti-Chatara) 

The Arun  (Tumlingtar-Chatara) 

The Budhi Gandaki  (Arughat-Trishuli) 

The Bhote Koshi  (Kodari-Lartza Bridge) 

The Marshyangdi  (Ngadi-Bimalnagar)

Peak Climbing

Compared with the full scale mountaineering attempts of the Everest & others to be attempted by highly professional climbers only, smaller peaks offer a less risky but no less adventurous climbing to hardened trekkers & mountaineers alike. Thus, these smaller peaks are called the Trekkers’ Peaks, for they were opened to provide dedicated trekkers an opportunity to attempt mountaineering with minimal costs, and with comparatively little training.

However, as Stan Armington cautions in his Lonely Planet travel guide Nepal Himalaya, to call them the Trekkers Peaks may be interesting for the high mountaineers, but nonetheless a misnomer for average trekkers. All these smaller peaks are still higher than the highest peaks in America & Europe. Hence, you need to get some real training on climbing a snow mountain with an ice axe. Still, that’d not be a big deal for daring &dedicated hikers who wish for some extra adventure.

There are altogether 33 climbing peaks that can be attempted accompanied by a register guide with the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). Some Trekkers’ Peak on Nepal’s Popular Trekking Regions:

Annapurna Region:
Hiunchuli                                  6441meters
Mardi Himal                              5587meters
Singu Chuli                              6501meters
Tharpu Chuli                            5663meters

Everest Region:
Imja Tse                                  6189meters
Khungma Tse                           5820meters
Kwangde                                 6187meter
Mera Peak                               6476meters   

Langtang Region:   
Naya Kangri                             5846meters

Rolwaling Region:
Ramdung                                 5925meters   
       
Manang Region:
Chulu  East & West             Both around 6500meters       

The charges for climbing peak issued by Nepal Mountaineering Assoiciation:
Royalty: USD 350 to 510 depending upon the Peak category & the number of climbers
Garbage Deposit: USD 250.

Mountaineering

Nepal Mountaineering: Even if you do not agree with Nepal’s claim of being the Mecca for trekking, you’d certainly have no objection in calling the country the Mecca for the mountaineers. Boasting a list of eight out of fourteen highest mountains over 8,000 meters in the world, Nepal certainly prides & promotes its highest peaks in the planet Earth.  Another reason why mountaineers keep on choosing Nepal & wait in the queue for their turn to make records is that perhaps Nepal is the only country in the world which welcomes everyone to visit & explore its geography with least restrictions. Here are the eight most celebrated mountains of Nepal: 

Name:		Height:		World Rank
Mt. Everest		8848 m.		1
Mt. Kanchenjunga		8586 m.		3
Mt. Lhotse		8516 m.		4
Mt. Makalu		8463 m.		5
Mt. Cho-Oyu		8201 m.		6
Mt. Dhaulagiri		8167 m.		7
Mt. Manaslu		8163 m.		8
Mt. Annapurna		8091 m.		10

    
Thus, you can see that Nepal bags all top ten ranks in the geographical heights except the 2nd (Mt. K2, 8611m.) & the 9th (Mt. Nanga Parbat, 8126) ranks both of which go to Pakistan.

However, these are not all the high places Nepal has to offer. There are more than 300 snow peaks in Nepal, & more than 150 peaks were opened in 2003for mountaineering to celebrate the Silver Jubilee Year of Everest Expedition. Nepal Government leaves no stones unturned to exploit the Nepal geographical monopoly in mountaineering possibilities & records.

 

 

 

The royalty from climbing peaks start from USD 1,000 from peaks below 6501 meters, & go up with the altitude, routes, & expedition size & season up to a whopping USD 70,000 for attempting a record on the Mt. Everest. Still, you may have to wait in queue for years before your turn for expedition comes – for the number of record keepers & record breakers goes on increasing each year. Nepal is now recognized as one of greatest destinations for travelers and mountaineers throughout the world. All is the upshot of earlier-mountaineers, trekkers cum writers who have introduced the world to this-hidden paradise, nestled in the lap of Himalayas. Since then mountaineers and adventures-can't help but find themselves heading to this tiny kingdom of Himalayas,  Nepal.

Mt. Everest as westerners have named it, barely keeps under its-shadow all the other mountains above 8,000 meters and only its-prestige-as the highest makes it a dream destination to all climbers in the-world. Mt. Everest and Mt. Cho Oyu are the most popular as well as-challenging mountains for professional mountaineers from around the world.
With eight of the highest peaks in the world, Nepal has been the-focus of some of the most outstanding achievements in the world of-mountaineering. The dauntless icy peaks have, since decades,-challenged-the minds and bodies of those who dare! Currently, there are more-than-61 peaks opened for mountaineering, including the highest of them-all -Mt. Everest.

Trekking Guidelines

Trek Permit: Anyone wishing to trek on the remote & previously restricted areas is required to receive the trekking permit from the Nepal Government.

Trekking Season: Autumn (Sept-Nov): Festive Season, Trek Anywhere in Nepal

Winter (Dec-Feb): Occasional snowfalls at higher altitudes. Trek below 3,000 meters.

Spring (March-May): Trek anywhere in Nepal. 

Summer & Rain (June-Aug): Trek in the upper & Trans-Himalayan rain shadow areas of Upper Mustang, Dolpo and Mt. Kailash.

Trek Types: Most of the trekking in Nepal are conducted in two modes: 1. Lodge Treks/ or Tea House Treks 2. Camp Treks

Trekking Grades: The Everest Region & The Restricted Areas: As the regions lies on a high altitude, all treks in these reasons are of medium & hard grades, or the medium-hard combination.

Annapurna Region: All treks on this region are of easy & moderate grade. The Annapurna Circuit (Around Annapurna) falls in the hard grade.

Langtang & Helambu Region: Ganja La is hard, Gosainkunda medium-hard, others easy-medium.

Fitness & Preparations: Trekking in Nepal mountains requires a certain level of physical fitness and stamina. Hiking up, going down or even walking for a long time becomes strenuous for someone who’s used to sedentary western lifestyle. The heart, lungs, leg & abdomen muscles, as well as the knee & ankle joints work very hard during a trek trip. Your GP would advise you to go through some basic examinations before involving in any vigorous exercise.

   
Altitude Sickness & Acclimatization: Every rise you make in the high mountain trails to gain a new exciting perspective also requires you to make friends with the nature. Medically, for trekkers, making friendship with nature means acclimatizing your body to high altitudes

Remote Access

Barun Valley Makalu
Makalu Varun Valley is located in the eastern part of Nepal. The main focal point of this area is Makalu Barun National Park. This park spreads over the districts of Sankhuwasabha and Solukhumbu in northeast Nepal bordered by the Arun River on the east, Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park on the west, the Nepal-Tibet border on the north and Saune Danda (ridge) to the south. The Park covers 2,330 sq. kms. Within the wide range of altitudes and climates, the Makalu-Barun area contains some of the richest and most diverse pockets of plants and animals in Nepal, elsewhere lost to spreading human habitation. This unique landscape shelters some of the last pristine mountain ecosystems on earth. Rare species of animals and plants flourish in diverse climates and habitats, relatively undisturbed by human kind.

The prime attractions for visitors into the park include experiencing the unique Himalayan bio-diversity. The park possess  47 species of orchids, 67 species of medical herb, 30 varieties of rhododendron, 19 bamboo species, 15 oak species. The park also offers bird watching opportunities with its 400 species of birds. Wildlife includes in this park are endangered red panda, snow leopard, Himalayan balck bear, clouded leopard tops, ghoral, tahr, wild boar, barking deer, langur  monkey and serow.

Most trekkers and mountaineers visit the Makalu-Barun area during October-November and March-April when high passes are less likely to be snowed over. Lower elevations are temperate throughout winter and hot during April and May. Heavy monsoon rains occur throughout the region from June through September, with occasional showers during April-May.

Getting There
Fly from Kathmandu to either Lukla, Phaplu, Kamidanda, Bhojpur and Tumlingtar airstrips, and then trek.
Fees and Permits

The Makalu Barun National Park is subject to all the rules relating to national parks including an entrance fee and restrictions on the use of fire hood. For the Foreign Nationals, the entry fee per person per day in the Makalu Barun National Park is around Rs1, 000/-. Entrance fees are not required for children under 10 years).

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Dolpa
Dolpa is the remote region, most of which is protected by Shey Phoksumdo National Park. It is bounded in the east and South by the Dhaulagiri and Churen Himal ranges and in the west by Jumla District. The district headquarters is in Dunai. The landscape is characterized by high steep valleys and relatively dry climate. No roads exist; access is by small plane or via many days walking. Trekking into this region offers an unforgettable experience. Walking through Nepal’s Wild West with its strange mixture of ethnic groups. In this region, you will not get the views of High Himalayan peaks, but lots of good altitude scenery can be observed.
In this region, you will come across different tribes of people. The settlement of these people is considered the highest of any living ethnic group in the world. These people live beyond the mountains, west of the Kali Gandaki river valley. These people practice Buddhist customs.
Getting There
Dolpa is connected to Nepalgunj, 155 km to the south west, by air. The nearest road head in Baglung district takes almost a weeks’ walk to the east, but this would not be a possible option for trekkers who would like to spend more time in Dolpa.

The best possible option is the scheduled flight to Juphal airport or a chartered helicopter.
Presently there are four scheduled flights per week by NEPAL AIRLINES to Juphal from Nepalganj through the 18 seater STOL DHC aircraft. Yeti, Skyline and Shangrila are other airlines that have chartered flights, both passenger and cargo, to Juphal.
Entrance/Permit Fee
Entrance fee to Shey Phoksundo National Park: NRs. 1000/-
Entrance fee for SAARC Nationals: NRs. 100/-
The fee must be bought prior to departure from Kathmandu
Permit fee for lower Dolpa costs $10 per week, whereas in Upper Dolpa (Saldang, Vijer, Tinje, Mukot and Chharka) it costs $700.00 for 10 days and each extra day cost $70.00 excluding entry fee of National Park that costs Rs. 1000 extra.

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Kanchenjunga Trekking
Mount Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world and second highest in Nepal. Kanchenjunga is translated along the lines of “Five Treasures of the Snow” and the main peak of the Kanchenjunga is 8586m. Kanchenjunga is on the border of Nepal and the Indian state of Sikkim. It is the home of the Limbus. Relatives of Rais, Limbus dominate the region east to the Arun Koshi and few live elsewhere. Trekking into this region, you will have great opportunity to explore as well as have unique experience of remoteness, Himalaya, culture tradition and many more.
Fees and Permits
The immigration office will issue trekking permits for the Kanchenjunga region only to groups and not to individual trekkers. The Kanchenjunga region remains technically restricted, and you can undertake a trek only if you arrange your trekking through a trekking company. Equivalent to US$ 10 per person per week for the first four weeks and US$ 20 per week thereafter.
Accomodation
There are few teahouse in the lowlands but in the high country you must have food and a tents.
Getting There
Taplejung is connected to the rest of Nepal by the 227-km Char Aali-Ilam-Phidim-Taplejung road. There is an air link with Kathmandu and Biratnagar from the STOL airstrip at Suketar. You can also take a bus from Dharan to Dhankuta - Basantapur - Hile and trek from there.

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Upper Mustang (Lomanthang)
Mustang is the ancient Himalayan kingdom. The kingdom of Lo is situated along the north central border of the main range of the Himalayas in the upper region of Mustang district. The climate and geography of upper Mustang are nearly identical to those of Western Tibet and as such, they are dramatically different from the temperature and tropical area of the south side of the Himalayas. The dry, wind swept ecology of this Trans-Himalayan region is extremely fragile.
Livestock husbandry combined with agriculture is still the mainstay of the local economy. With the advent of tourism in Lo in 1992, few locals have also started taking up tourism as a new economic profession. Upper Mustang culture is deep rooted in the religious sentiment of its people. Chortens, Mahne-walls and monasteries shows that Buddhism is their main religion. Techi is the most popular festival of Lo-Manthang and is celebrated over three days to mark the killing of a demon by Dorje Sonnu, the demon’s son.

Trekking into this region is difficult because of high altitude, exposed terrain and continual winds. In winter season, most of the people of this region departs from Lo on trading expedition to avoid the cold and snow. Trekking season is from March until early November.

Fees and Permits
ACAP administers trekking in upper Mustang. Trekking permits for Mustang cost a minimum of US$ 700 per person for 10 days. Extra days are US$ 70 each. If you wish to travel north of Lo-Manthang even on a day trip, ACAP requires that you buy a 13 days permit for a total of US$ 910.

In Jomsom, you must register with the police post and also with the ACAP office just north of the airport. Formalities are completed at the ACAP office and police check post at the northern end of Kagbeni. Here they will check your permit and others.

Getting There
There are daily flights from Kathmandu to Jomsom and Pokhara and from Pokhara also there are daily flights to Jomsom. Kagbeni is the starting point to trek to this region.

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Manang
Getting there
Yeti Airlines has been operating weekly flights (Kathmandu – Manang – Kathmandu) and also Nepal Airlines has been operating flights (Pokhara – Manang – Pokhara). From Kathmandu, you will drive to Besishar and then on it can be reached approximately by 5 days walking.
People
The people of Manang are called Manang Bas. Their major occupations include trade and business. They have their own language and scripts and maintain their own local religious practice with 12 villages called Bara Gaule-Baragaun. The famous pilgrimage spot on the Annanpurna Circuit, Muktinath, lies in this area. Although Buddhism is part religion, they follow Bon-Po which pre-dates the reign of Buddha.
Occupation
They have agriculture as their foremost recourse of subsistence for living. The harsh and cold climate limits the cultivation to buck wheat, barley, wheat, maize, potatoes and radishes. They also breed sheeps and other cattle. Now days, they are also into trading and other professions.

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Rolwaling Trekking
Ensconced in the shadow of the Rolwaling Himal, this remote Himalayan valley lies on east of Dolakha District in Nepal. It is the most popular trekking destination in Nepal between the Everest and Langtang regions of the mid eastern range of the Himalaya. This area is famous for Mount Ghauri Shankar (7134m), Dorje Lakpa and many others. It is the most appealing region of Nepal which provides an experience of the remoteness of this region, romantic mountain views, diverse flora and fauna and rich local cultures. To trek into this area requires a good walking experience and a good physical form. This place is known as the seven hidden valleys in the Himalayas. This is a wild and barely explored district where legendary tales of the abominable snowman, known as the "Yeti", haunt the imagination of climbers. On the slope of Rolwaling Peak itself, the famous British mountaineer, Eric Shipton, first photographed Yeti footprints in 1951.
Trekking to Rolwaling start from Dolakha, near Charikot, an eight-hour drive from Kathmandu. There is also a choice to continue your trek by crossing Tashi Lapcha (5755m). Technical mountaineering skills and equipment are required for this incredible adventure. Trekkers also will be enjoying beauty of Tsho-Rolpa, the largest Glacier Lake in Nepal and can continue on to the Khumbu region, which links to trek routes in the Everest region.

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Tilicho Lake Trekking
Tilicho Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world at 4,949 m high. Mountain lakes are known to geographers as tarns if they are caused by glacial activity. The lake is situated at a stunning location in the Annapurna region at an altitude of 5000 metres. When trekking to Tilicho Lake first you will follow a part of the famous Annapurna Circuit trekking, but at Manang, you'll head towards Khangsar and Mesokantu La instead of the famous Thorang-La pass. From Manang, the trek will be a camping trekking until you reach Jomsom. Below you'll find a 12 day itinerary beginning in Kathmandu and ending in Pokhara. For acclimatization purposes and more time to relax, you better add one or two days in the region between Manang and Tilicho Base Camp. Note that this trekking is pretty hard and not comparable with the Annapurna Circuit Trekking. Crossing Mesokunto pass is very difficult and potentially dangerous. Be well prepared and make sure you hire good and experienced staff (guide, cook and porters).staff (guide, cook and porters). Due to the extremely inhospitable surrounding terrain and the difficulties associated with reaching the area, this lake is rarely visited by outsiders

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Jumla Rara
Jumla and Rara lies in remote Karnali region, about 375 Kilometers north-west of Kathmandu. The region is made-up of long ridges covered with temperate forests and alpine pastures enclosing high valleys. Rara is a good destination point for trekking in the west. The trail is very much "off the beaten path" and affords glimpses of culture and scenery very different from those in the rest of the country. The most focal point of this area is Rara National Park which offers a representive sample of the region’s flora nd fauna. This park is spread over Mugu and Jumla districts. The most important feature of the park is Lake Rara , the biggest lake of Nepal. The Lake is deep as 167 meters. Rara National Park is covered with coniferous forest while the area is dominated  by blue pine. Varieties species of animal are found here.
Summer season is considered as the ideal time for trekking into this area. Winters are cold but autumn season trekking is rewarded with profusion of alpine flowers.

The town of Jumla can be reached by a twin otter flight via Nepalgunj or direct from Kathmandu. Or by bus from Nepalgunj to Surkhet and then further walking. This flight provides a wide panorama of western Nepal landscape.

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Ganesh Himal Trekking
This trekking area lies on the central eastern region of Nepal. This region offers spectacular views, untouched natural splendor, wild and friendly inhabitants. The Ganesh Himal is named after the elephant-headed God of Good Fortune. The Ganesh Himal can clearly be seen from Kathmandu Valley. The Ganesh Range Peaks (Ganesh I, Ganesh II, Ganesh III, Ganesh IV) stand out like crystal that is the "Great Himalayan Chain" forming the skyline. This great Himalayan massif is contained between the valley of the Budhi Gandaki in the west and Bhote Koshi in the east, which becomes Trishuli Khola in the lower section.

Trekking into this region, visitors will explore typical Nepalese lifestyles, historical sites, and great scenery of mountains. Walking through the beautiful terrace farmland, you will collect the experience of your lifetime. Sparkling waterfalls and tranquil lake will touch your heart.

Langtang Region

Langtang Region lies to the north of Kathmandu, extends over its part to Nuwakot, Rasuwa and Sindhulpalchok district, offers a multitude of trekking destinations, all accessible without flights. This region offers incredible experience not found elsewhere. The outstanding close-up mountain views and interesting villages, attract visitors into this region. The chief attraction of this region is the Langtang Range in the north and several lakes in the south. High altitudes jungles with diverse vegetation and wildlife, scenic lakes and Himalayan peaks combine to make Langtang region an attractive destination for visitors. The Langtang region is also renowned for its holy lake of Gosainkunda. Thousands of Hindu pilgrims visit the lake every year, especially during the Janai Purnima festival every August. The most important activities of this region is trekking and mountaineering.
The famous and developed place of this region is Langtang Valley, lies just south of the Tibetan border. It is sandwiched between the main Himalayan range to the north and a slightly lower range of snowy peaks to the south. Langtang Lirung (7246 m) dominates the valley to the north, Gang Chhenpo (6388m) and Naya Kangri (5846 m) lies to the south and Dorje Lakpa (6966 m) protects the east end of the valley.

Another well known spot of this region is Syabrubessi, the trailhead for treks into the Langtang Valley where you will find strings of lodges and shops along the road. It is situated at the junction of the Bhote Koshi and the Langtang Khola.
Langtang National Park is the major attraction of this region, extends over parts of Nuwakot, Rasuwa and Sindhulpalchok districts in the mountainous terrain of Nepal- China border. Animals, common to this park are wild boar, Himalayan black bear, ghoral, grey langur monkey and leopard. The rare Himalayan hony guide has been sighted here and the park is also the home for Impeyan, tragopan and kalij pheasants among others. Larch, a rare deciduous conifer, is also found in the forest of lower Langtang Valley. Further up, Himalayan tahr, musk deer and snow leopard can be found. The upper Langtang Valley is one of the few known breeding grounds of the ibils bills besides the Tibetan snow cock and snow partridge.
Fees and Permits;
For SAARC Nationals, Rs. 100/-
For Other Foreign Nationals, Rs. 1,000/-
(Note: Entrance fee not required for children under 10 years).
Accommodation;
There are trekkers’ lodges throughout Langtang, Gosainkund and Helambu. Several hotels and lodges in Langtang offer free hot showers if you plan to stay, but mostly in Singgompa and other places, the water is heated by wood fire. In Langtang region, facilities are as good as those of the Annapurna and Everest regions.
Getting There and Away:
Unlike other trekking areas in Nepal, there are no reliable flight options into the Langtang.
Public buses or taxis reach Dhunche via Trishuli Bazaar from Kathmandu (approx. 7-8 hours). A seasonal road reaches Syabrubensi. Alternative routes from Kathmandu are by public bus to Sundarijal or Melamchighat. From either point, trek through Helambu to Gosainkunda via Laurebina pass or cross Ganja La pass (5122 m) to reach Langtang Valley.
The major trekking destinations of this area are:

• Langtang Valley Trekking
• Gosainkunda Trekking
• Helambu Trekking
• GanjaLa Pass Trekking
• Shivapuri Trekking

Annapurna Region

Annapurna Region is well-known for trekking. There are some awe-inspiring trekking routes in this region. Mount Annapurna is the 10th highest mountain peak in the world. It is located, east of a great gorge cut through the Himalaya by the most famous river, ‘Kali Gandaki’ and which separates it from the Mount Dhaulagiri.  Annapurna is the translated Sanskrit word, which means “Goddess of the Harvest”. In Hinduism, Annapurna is a ‘Goddess of Fertility and Agriculture’. Annapurna is surrounded by many Himalayan ranges which include the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre - the famous Fish-tail Mountain that dominates the skyline above Pokhara. In addition to this, the area also possesses the ‘Kali Gandaki’, the world's deepest gorge.

Due to its geographic features and terrain, it provides many micro-climates supporting sub-tropical lowlands and forests in the plains and the valleys, lush rhododendron and temperate evergreen forests in the South of the Annapurna, and alpine steppe and arid environments to the North of the Annapurna region. This area contains over 100 species of orchids and many of Nepal's 700 medicinal plants. The region also serves as excellent habitats for rare and endangered species such as the snow-leopard, the musk deer and the blue sheep. It is also the habitat of five of the six species of pheasants found in Nepal.

Annapurna Region is home to over 40,000 people of different ethnic and tribal backgrounds with various religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Bon Po, Shamanism and Animism represented. Gurung, Magar, Thakali and Manangi are the dominant groups. Generally, these people are farmers who depend on the forests for fuel, fodder and timber. About two-thirds of all trekkers in Nepal visit the Annapurna region. The area is easily accessible, guesthouses in the hills are plentiful, and treks here offer incredibly diverse scenery, with both high mountains and lowland villages. Also, because the entire area is inhabited, trekking in the region offers unique cultural exposure and experience.
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) is in this region which was established in 1986 under the guidance of the King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation. The project encompasses the entire Annapurna range, an area of 7683 sq km. ACAP’s program rely on the participation of local people and emphasize environmental education and conservation for development. ACAP is supported by the conservation fee of Rs 2000 that it collects from all trekkers in the Annapurna Conservation area. There are ACAP check posts and visitors centers throughout the region.
Accommodations
There are large numbers of hotels through out this region. You will be able to find a room and food wherever you go on the main route of this region. During the busy October and November season most lodges and hotels are crammed beyond their capacity. ACAP has encouraged hotels and lodge owners throughout the Annapurna Region to form local communities to fix prices.
The best and popular trekking destinations of this region include:

• Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking
• Annapurna Base Camp Trekking
• Annapurna Circuit Trekking
• Muktinath Trekking
• Jomsom Trekking
• Ghorapani Poonhill Trekking
• Ghandruk Trekking
• Royal Trekking

Everest Region

 The Everest Region is the second most popular trekking region in Nepal located in the northeast of Nepal. The most visited part of this region is Solukhumbu district, home of the legendary Sherpas as well as the highest peak of the world, the Everest at 8848 meters. To the north of Solukhumbu is Everest National Park; while to the east is the Makalu Barun National Park. Everest Region is recommended as an introduction to the hills of Nepal and their inhabitabts.
The major ethnic groups that live in the Everest region are Sherpa, Rais, Tamangs, Brahmins and Chhettris. Diverse range of wildlife and vegetation are seen in the region. Animals to be observed are mountain goat, musk deer and barking deer in the forests. Birds include Impeyan Pheasant [Danfe], ravens, crows, choughs and snow pigeons. The best time to visit is spring and autumn. The national bird, danfe (a kind of pheasant), and mountain goats are common in the Khumbu area, and because the Sherpas do not kill animals or birds, people can have a closer proximity with these animals and birds. Musk deer and snow leopards are also natives of the Khumbu Mountains.
Namche Bazzar is the remarkable town in Everest Region. As the administrative center for Khumbu, Namche Bazzar has many officials and offices including the police check post. Everyone will be attracted by the clean air, good accommodation and impressive views. Namche Bazzar used to be a trading center where grain from the south was exchanged for salt from Tibet, and it remains the trading center even though the salt trade has ended. The weekly market held on Saturday is colorful and well worth seeing and there are lots of interesting shops.
It is possible to trek in the Everest Region year round. Occasional flights operate to Lukla during the monsoon, and the summer can be a lovely season to visit Everest region. The best weather is in autumn, but it can be frightfully crowed. There will be clouds and occasional rain during spring, but the weather will be warmer and the days are longer than in autumn. It can be bitterly cold in winter but the days are comfortable.
Accommodation:
There are lodges of varying degrees of sophistication all the way from Jiri to Everest Base Camp and there are some few places where you will walk more than an hour without finding some kind of facility. In Lukla and beyond, the competition among lodges is intense and the facilities are better than those on the trek from jiri. Almost all lodges have both private and dormitory accommodation and you will find lot of varieties of facilities.
Getting There:
You can either fly or walk to the Everest Region. Buses to Jiri leave from the old bus park [Ratna Park] in Kathmandu. Jiri is a ten hours drive from Kathmandu. By air, there are three options. The most convenient for Everest trek is Lukla, which is serviced by many airlines with daily flights from Kathmandu. Another option is the airstrip at Phaplu, near the district headquarter which is serviced by daily flights from the capital, Kathmandu. From Phaphlu, it is three days walk to Lukla or four days to Namche Bazzar. The last choice is the small airstrip at Syangaboche, which is located above Namche bazaar at 3730 m.
Permits and fees:
Special trekking permits are not required to visit this area. Entry fees are charged for access to Everest National Park and Makalu Barun National park. Entry fees can be paid at the National Park desk at
Thamel in Kathmandu.

Supplies and Equipment:
In this region, you can rent almost everything including sleeping bags, down jackets and climbing gears from shops to Lukla and Namche Bazzar. There are also large supplies of sunscreen, batteries as well as candy bars.
The popular trekking of this region is as follows:

• Everest Base Camp Trekking
• Everest Kalapattar Trekking
• Gokyo Lake Trekking
• Gokyo Cholapass EBC Trekking
• Gokyo Rinjo Pass Trekking
• Ama Dablam Base Camp
• Everest Panorama Trekking
• Everest Classic Trekking

Trekking and Hiking

 This adventure vacation offers you to penetrate less accessible regions on foot, and typically includes some camping in four-season tents on air or foam pads.There is a time to spend some nights in hotels, inns or huts.Usually the accommodations are for sharing with one other member of the group, however single accommodation is always available on your request.

The best way to explore in dept Nepal's unbeatable combination of authentic natural beauty and traditionally cultural riches is walking on ones' organic rhythms of own feet. Presently it is known as trekking. The dramatic contrasts in elevations and climatic condition find here.

Nepal is a land of remote mountain villages, where people survive by growing their own food on the thousands of hill terraces that scale even the steepest slopes where mechanized farming is unheard. The fields are ploughed by water buffalo, the corn is harvested and threshed by hand and grounded by water mills. If you stay in a trekking lodge, your bread will likely as not be made from flour ground that day, your vegetables freshly harvested from the fields. Well support to the equally spectacular mix of lifestyles, wide range of vegetation and wildlife. More than 110,000 visitors in Nepal go for trekking either in Tibet, Bhutan or Nepal itself. Trekking appeals to different people for varied reasons. In short one can say trekking means getting near to the nature and appreciate the beauties that bound us to rejoice. Some trekkers have released that it is good for spiritual up liftment and highlight of the life.

Hygienic and nutritious meals are prepared by our experienced cooks and are served in our enclosed dining tent with tables and campstools or in a local dining room. Our private guides lead the way, explaining the sites and traditions and natural history of the area. Local staff handles all the camp chores. If you appreciate and not caring for one or two days loose motion then there is no hindrance for excepting local prepared food.

You walk with a daypack, typically containing your camera, water bottle and small personal items. Pack animals or porters will transport the rest of the equipment, along with camping gear and foodstuffs.

It is significant to be physically fit enough to successfully complete and enjoy the treks. Each day you walk for more or less 5-7hrs. Good cardiovascular conditioning is an important part of having an enjoyable trek. Pre-trekkers should be running, walking with backpack and boots on, and using the Stairmaster or similar equipment to improve fitness.

Weather and Climate

 Nepal’s topographical boundary governs the climatic condition of this Himalayan Kingdom. Tropical, Temperate and tundra natures of climate are correspondingly encountered in its Terai belts, midland hills and the alpine regions.

Nepal has respectively four seasons in a year - winter, spring, monsoon and autumn. The most excellent time for nature aficionados to visit the country is during spring when flowers are in full blossom and mountain slopes are covered with beautiful and colorful flowers. This amazing spring season begins from early March and continues till late May. The days are clear; and sometimes clouds may disturb or heighten the mountain views.

Then the monsoon begins in late May and continues till late August.

The autumn season starts from September. It continues till late November. With temperate climate, clear blue skies and extraordinary mountain views, it is another finest season to visit the country when the trekking season will also be in full swing.

Winter begins in late November then continues till late February.

Nepali Seasons        Months      
Spring                    April-May      
Summer                 June-July      
Monsoon    End       June-Mid September       
Autumn                  September-November      
Winter                    December-January      
Sisir(Windy)            February-March   


Temperature Chart (In Celsius)
 

		Kathmandu			Pokhara			Chitwan
		Min	Max		Min	Max		Min	Max
January		20	2		20	8		24	7
February		19	4		21	8		26	8
March		25	8		27	11		33	12
April		30	11		30	16		35	18
May		30	16		30	29		35	20
June		30	20		30	20		35	23
July		20	21		21	21		33	24
August		29	20		21	21		33	24
September		27	19		20	20		32	22
October		23	15		18	18		31	18
Nobember		23	4		11	11		29	12
December		20	2		8	8		24	8

Nepalese Festivals

 Nepal is not only a land of mountains but also a country full of colorful festivals. It celebrates over 50 festivals in a year. The most important festival for Nepalese Hindus Dashain comes once in a year. Similarly Tihar is also another major festival and celebrated after Dashain.
Besides, Buddha Jayanti (the celebration of the birth of Buddha); Maha Shivaratri (a festival of Lord Shiva, during Maha Shivaratri festivities, some people consume excessive drinks and smoke charas), ShreePanchami; NagPanchami; Teej; Maghe Sankrati, JanaiPurnima; Krishnaastami; Chaite Dashain; Kuse Aunsi; Guru Purnima; Mother's day; Father's day; Indra jatra; Ghode jatra; Buddha Jayanti, Holi etc. are major  festivals of the country.
A short description of some festivals:
          
Dashain:
Dashain is the greatest festival of Nepal. It is also known as Bijaya Dashami. Nepalese celebrate this festival for quite an extended period of time during the month of late September & early October. The  Dashain, is essentially celebrated for the ‘Victory over Evil’ and Nepalis worship the goddess Durga . Thousands of animals are scarified for the ritual holy bathing drenching the goddess in blood for days.
Tihar:
Tihar is the second biggest festival of Nepal. It is the festival of lights (also known as ‘Dipawali’), celebrated between October/November and goes around for five days, people worship Laxmi – the Goddess of Wealth during this festival. Every household is cleaned and decorated with a belief that Goddess Laxmi will enter the house, thus bringing more prosperity and wealth. People lit candles, oil lamps and these days other electric lights. The entire city brightens up with illuminating lights of different colours and it transfers into a vivid city of glowing lights. Fire crackers are also the integral part of Tihar when a numerous amount of crackers are lightened/used. During the five days of this festival’s, crows, dogs and cows are worshipped as well and honored with vermilion, garland and delicious food.
New Year:
It is known as “Navavarsha” in Nepal and usually falls in the second week of April. Nepal has its official calendar that begins from the first day of the first month Baisakh. This very first day is observed as Nepali New Year. People organize picnics, get-togethers and celebrate the day socializing in various ways and this day is also a national holiday.
Lhosar:
This is the New Year for Sherpas in Nepal and falls in February. Buddhist monasteries in Kathmandu especially in Boudhanath and Swayambunath are decorated with eye catching colorful prayer flags and people flock to these stupas/monasteries performing their traditional dances. They welcome their New Year organizing feasts and family gatherings, wearing new clothes and finest jewelries as well as exchanging gifts.

Animal

The forested areas of the Terai are home to tigers and leopards, gaurs (wild ox), elephants, buffalo, and many deer; the deer include chital, or axis, deer (which have white-spotted bodies), sambar (a large Asiatic deer with coarse hair on the throat and strong antlers), and swamp deer. The Lesser Rapti Valley, in south-central Nepal, is one of the last homes to the great Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicorns).
There are wild animals like-leopards, bears, and smaller carnivores, ravines, and muntjacs (a kind of small deer, also called the barking deer) in small number at the central zone. In the Alpine zone, musk deer - widely hunted for the musk pods they carry, the tahr (a Himalayan beardless wild goat), the goral (any of several goat antelopes, closely related to the Rocky Mountain goat), and wild sheep, snow leopards can be found.

Rhino:
Nepal is the habitat of different kinds of animals. Among them one horned rhinos, well known all over the world, are abundant. They are 5 to 6 feet tall, males slightly larger than females, and weigh up to 6000 pounds (2700 kg), and are the only mammal on planet with a horn on its nose. Rhino is one of the endangered species. Humans continue to hunt Rhino smuggling its horn which is said to have medicinal values. Especially it resides in Chitwan National Park. We have also found two horned rhinos in Nepal.
Tiger:
There are many species of tigers in Nepal such as-Siberian tiger, Penthera tiger and Bengal tiger. Bengal tigers reside in Nepal with more than 80% of its population living in Nepal. It is an endangered species and found in less than 50 countries. According to the data of WWF, 2006 – less than 5000 Bengal tigers are surviving on the planet.
Elephant:
The Asian elephant is unique, being the only species of its kind. The mammoth, after a few months of human teaching, behaves with patience and understanding. This touching relationship between man and elephant can be observed in Nepal.

Flora and Fauna

Tropical Deciduous Monsoon Forest
The Tropical Decid

uous Monsoon Forest includes the plain of Terai and the broad flat valleys and successive hill ranges. The main tree species of this area are Sal (Shorea Robusta), sometimes associated with Semal, Asna, Dalbergia spp and other species. Similarly Pinus rosburghi occurring on the higher ridges of the Churia hills.Churia hill lies at around 1800m of altitude. Tall boorish grassland covered much of the Dun valleys but has now been largely replaced by agricultural settlements. The pipal and the Anyan (ficus bengalensis) are to be noticed with their explicit natural distinctiveness. The forests are the richest area for wildlife like gaurs, buffaloes, four species of deer, tigers, leopards and other animals. The Rhinoceros, swamp deer and hot deer are found in the valley grasslands and two species of crocodile and the  and the Gangetic  dolphins reside in the rivers. The principal birds are the peacock, jungle fowl and black partridge, while migratory duck and ducks swarm live in the ponds and lakes and big rivers of Terai. Terai forests are full of jasmin, minosa, accecia reeds and bamboo.

Subtropical Mixed Evergreen Forest
The Subtropical Mixed Evergreen Forest incorporates the Mahabharata Lek, which rises to a height of about 2400m.It comprises the outer wall of the Himalayan range. Great rivers such as the Karnali, Narayani, and Sapta Koshi flow through this area into the broad plains of the Terai. Among the tree species-Castenopsis indica in association with Schima wallichii, and other species such as Alnus nepalensis, Acer oblongum and various species of oak and rhododendron are found there. The Rhododendrons cover the higher slopes where deforestation has not yet taken place. Orchids clothe the stems of trees and gigantic climbers smother their heads. The variety and abundance of the flora and fauna are decreasing nowdays. This zone is generally poor in wildlife. The only widely distributed mammals are wild boar, barking deer, serow, ghoral and bears. Different varieties of birds are also found in this zone.
Temperate Evergreen Forest
Northward, on the lower slopes and spurs of the great Himalayas, oaks and pines are the dominant species up to an altitude of about 2400m. Above we find dense conifer forests including Picea, Tusga, Larix and Abies spp. At about 3600 to 3900m, we find rhododendron, bamboo etc. The composition of the forest varies considerably with coniferous predominating in the west and eracaceous in the east. The wildlife of this region includes the Himalayan bear, serow, ghoral, barking deer and wildboar, with Himalayan tahr sometimes being seen on steep rocky faces above 2400m. The red panda is among the most interesting of the mammals found in this zone; it appears to be fairly distributed in suitable areas of the forest above 1800m. The rich and diverse avifauna of this region includes several fabulous and beautiful pheasants, including the national bird of Nepal the Danfe pheasant.
Sub alpine and Alpine Zone
Above the tree line, rhododendron and juniper scrub may extend to about 4200m where the lands are covered by tundra-like association of short grasses, sedge mosses and alpine plants.. This continues up to the lower limit of eternal snow and ice at about 5100m. The mammalian fauna found there is rare. Implausibly, we find Himalayan marmots, mouse hare, tahr, musk deer, snow leopard and also occasionally blue sheep in this area. Until some time ago, the wild Yak and great Tibetan sheep could also be sighted in this region. Birds such as lammergeyer, snowcock, snowpatridge, choughs and bunting with redstarts and dippers are often seen along with streams and rivulets. Yaks are the only livestock which exist at high altitudes. The cheese prepared from the milk is edible for months. The female Yaks are good source of milk for the Sherpas. Nepal is a paradise with a unique bio-diversity & an ideal destination for the naturalists and lovers of wild animals.

Nepalese People

Nepal is a multi-ethnic society with more than 40 types of different races, tribes, & ethnicity constituting a population of more than 26 millions. A promising Nepali social researcher Dipesh Upadhyay calls Nepal a land of refugees. Dr. Stephen Bezruchka in his seminal travel book Trekking in Nepal also agrees that Nepal’s terrain was, “settled by peoples fleeing invaders from all directions” (p140). Nepal’s remote & inaccessible landscape has offered shelter to the victims of invasions & social turmoil not only from India in the south, & China & Tibet in the north, but from Bhutan & Burma as well. Thus people in Nepal can be variously categorized according to altitude, religion, and ethnicity. 

The Hindus constitute the famous four caste people, but they take somewhat different names & forms in Nepal than India. These people carry a surname according their profession. Although Buddhists do not have systematic caste systems, some Buddhist Newars of Kathmandu have been carrying their surnames like Bajracharya, Gurubacharya, Tamrakar, Tuladhar which denoted their professions during medieval Nepal.

Brahmins (or Bahun in Nepali): These are the uppermost caste in the Hindu hierarchical caste system. Brahmins are mostly teachers, priests, & government officials.

Chetris: The Hindu people of the warrior Aryan caste. The Shah Kings, the Ranas, & the high-profile army postions are still occupied by the Chetris in Nepal.

Newars: The ethnic people from the Kathmandu valley. Most are the Hindus, but some are also Buddhist by generations.

Sherpas: Shrepa people are the original inhabitants of the Nepal’s side of Himalaya – different from Tibetans.

Magar, Gurung, Tamang, Rai, Limbu: These are the original inhabitants of mountain region.

Madhesis: The people of the Terai regions constituting both Hindus & Muslims of Aryan descent.
Tharu, Rajbansi, Danuwar, Majhi: These people consider themselves to be original inhabitants of the Terai.

Manangi & Dolpo: These are tribal people living in the isolated pockets in the valleys beyond Himalaya but inside Nepal.

Nepal Geography

Nepal is a multi-geographic country. It is located in the southern Asia, between the two large countries, China and India. Hence called 'Nepal is a yam caught between two rocks'. The total area of Nepal is 1, 47,181sq.km, where 92.94% is covered by land and the rest 7.06% is covered by water. It has 2, 926km total land border, where China touches1,236 km and India touches 1,690km. The climate varies from cool summers and severe winters in the north, to subtropical summers and mild winters in the south.

Topographically, it is Terai or flat river plain of the Ganges in south, central hill region, rugged Himalayas in north. The lowest point of Nepal is Kanchan Kalan measuring 70m and the highest point is Mt Everest, which is 8848m.The land used for permanent crops is 0.64%, arable land is 21.68% and others 77.68% according to the record of 2001. The irrigative land of Nepal is 11,350 sq km (1998 est.)Natural hazards of Nepal are severe thunderstorms, flooding, landslides, drought, famine depending on the timing, intensity duration of the summer monsoons.

Nepal is divided into three main physiographic regions-Hilly region, mountainous region and Terai regions. The Terai region supports about 48.4% of Nepal’s population and a lot of the country’s cultivable land and covers 17% of the total area of Nepal. The Terai also includes the big cities: Nepalgunj, Birgunj, Janakpur, Bhairahawa, and Biratnagar. The hilly region covers 68% of the total area of the country and it supports 44.3% of the populations. This region includes Kathmandu, Pokhara, Patan, Gorkha and Jumla. The mountain region covers 15% area of the country. This region supports 7.3% of the populations and the region includes some of the world’s most famous mountains such as Mt. Everest, Annapurna, Gaurishankar, and Machhapuchre.

Nepal is divided into 5 development regions geographically which are-eastern region, central region, mid-western region, western region, far-western region. The Eastern region has a damp climate; on the contrary the far western region has quite a dry climate even during the monsoon seasons. The influence of the monsoon is less in the west and the climate is moderate in the central region. Nepal’s geographical outline is rectangular about 800km long and about 200km wide. Most of the rivers flow southward from the glaciers of Nepal to join up the Ganges in India; several rivers flow from Tibet through deep gorges in the main Himalayan range. There is vast diversity of forests, animals as well as people in this Himalayan kingdom. The Karnali is the longest river of Nepal. Similarly the largest lake is the  Rara Lake. The geographic coordinates of Nepal are  28°00N and 84°00E.

Nepal is a multi-geographic country. It is located in the southern Asia, between the two large countries, China and India. Hence called 'Nepal is a yam caught between two rocks'. The total area of Nepal is 1, 47,181sq.km, where 92.94% is covered by land and the rest 7.06% is covered by water. It has 2, 926km total land border, where China touches1,236 km and India touches 1,690km. The climate varies from cool summers and severe winters in the north, to subtropical summers and mild winters in the south.

Topographically, it is Terai or flat river plain of the Ganges in south, central hill region, rugged Himalayas in north. The lowest point of Nepal is Kanchan Kalan measuring 70m and the highest point is Mt Everest, which is 8848m.The land used for permanent crops is 0.64%, arable land is 21.68% and others 77.68% according to the record of 2001. The irrigative land of Nepal is 11,350 sq km (1998 est.)Natural hazards of Nepal are severe thunderstorms, flooding, landslides, drought, famine depending on the timing, intensity duration of the summer monsoons.

Nepal is divided into three main physiographic regions-Hilly region, mountainous region and Terai regions. The Terai region supports about 48.4% of Nepal’s population and a lot of the country’s cultivable land and covers 17% of the total area of Nepal. The Terai also includes the big cities: Nepalgunj, Birgunj, Janakpur, Bhairahawa, and Biratnagar. The hilly region covers 68% of the total area of the country and it supports 44.3% of the populations. This region includes Kathmandu, Pokhara, Patan, Gorkha and Jumla. The mountain region covers 15% area of the country. This region supports 7.3% of the populations and the region includes some of the world’s most famous mountains such as Mt. Everest, Annapurna, Gaurishankar, and Machhapuchre.

Nepal is divided into 5 development regions geographically which are-eastern region, central region, mid-western region, western region, far-western region. The Eastern region has a damp climate; on the contrary the far western region has quite a dry climate even during the monsoon seasons. The influence of the monsoon is less in the west and the climate is moderate in the central region. Nepal’s geographical outline is rectangular about 800km long and about 200km wide. Most of the rivers flow southward from the glaciers of Nepal to join up the Ganges in India; several rivers flow from Tibet through deep gorges in the main Himalayan range. There is vast diversity of forests, animals as well as people in this Himalayan kingdom. The Karnali is the longest river of Nepal. Similarly the largest lake is the  Rara Lake. The geographic coordinates of Nepal are  28°00N and 84°00E.

Nepal Religions

Nepal is a multi religious country. Different religious aspects exist here and a strong tolerance between all of them. For instance, Hindu people are often seen praying at the Buddhist shrines as well as Buddhists at the Hindu temples. At one time, Nepal was worldwide known as the Hindu kingdom. Hindu religion is based around a trinity of three deities- Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the Preserver) and Shiva (the Destroyer).  Although Hindus in Nepal may pay an equal respect to all of these three gods as part of their religion, some may profess to follow either Vishnu or Shiva.


Nepal was a Hindu Kingdom until 2008 reflecting the predominant influence of Hinduism in Nepal. However, the founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautam, was also born in Kapilvastu of Nepal – thus molding the culture of Nepal in its own unique Hindu-Buddhist blend. Muslims constitute the second largest population by faith. Then come the Christians and others like Sikhs, Roman Catholics, & the followers of new religions like Baha’i, etc. Thus, Nepal is a diverse country from religion’s point of view as well.


The regions and monuments like the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, the Pashupatinath, & the Buddhist monasteries Swoyambhu & Bouddhanath of Kathmandu have also been declared world heritage sites by the UNESCO.

Religion Quick Facts:

Hindu		80.6%
Buddhist		10.7%
Muslim		4.2%
Kirat		4%
Christian		0.4%
Jains, Sikhs, Bahais		0.1%
Not related to religion		0.6%

Nepal History

It’s been claimed that when a great lake filled Kathmandu valley, it was exhausted by the patriarch Manjushree as he wanted to get a closer look of Swayambhu (adhi-buddha), the beautiful lotus flower blossoming on the lake. Similarly in another saying, there is a saint named ‘NE’ , thus named as "Nepal". Yet another claim says; 'Ne 'means wool &'pal' means' home'. Maximum wool was produced in Nepal during that era, so in the sense of 'home of wool', it was named Nepal.

However, the recorded history of Nepal started from around 800BC with the beginning of ‘Kirat period’, though this period developed after the Gopal & Mahispal periods. The history of Nepal started from the ‘Gopal period’. The Gopals were the first rulers according to the historical facts. Essentially, they entered Nepal from India. Their main occupation was rearing cows. They developed the concept of ownership very slowly. After them, ‘Mahispal period’ entered Nepal & ruled. Their main occupation was ‘Buffalo rearing’. Their concept of ownership is little bit advanced than the Gopals.

Kirat period (800B.C-300A.D)
After the downfall of ‘Mahispal period’, comes ‘Kirat period’ (800B.C-300A.D). Yalamber was the first Kirat king. During the Kirat period, there were 28 kings who ruled for another 1000 years. The significant event of that period is the birth of Gautama Buddha at the time of the seventh king. According to some accounts, Gautama Buddha spent time in Patan, where he bestowed the name of his own clan, Sakya, upon eminent blacksmiths and  goldsmiths. the great emperor of India, Ashoka, came to Kathmandu during this period. Ashoka also visited Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, as a follower of Buddhism. Daughter of Ashoka married a local prince and spread the religion even further.  As the Kirat dynasty came to an end in the valley, some parts still remained in the eastern mountains, where it is considered to be the forefathers of today's Rai and Limbu castes. The last king of Kirat period was Gasti.

Lhichivi period (300-1200A.D)
Lhichivi entered Nepal from India. After coming to Nepal, they were attracted by its monarchial system. They were probably the Rajputs of today's Bihar & Uttar Pradesh of India. Lhichivi period is also known as a golden era of Nepal. The first great historical figure, Manadev was also from the Lhichivi period, who introduced the first coin in Nepal. Amsu Verma was not a Lichhavi but he became the actual ruler in 602 A.D because he had married the daughter of a Lichhavi king Shivadev.

Amsuvarma was a far-sighted ruler. Due to his fine diplomacy in family connections, it helped to established and continue good relations with great countries like China & India. He gave and married his sister to an Indian prince and his daughter Bhirkuti to a powerful king of Tibet, Tsrong-Tsong Gampo.

Malla period (1200-1769A.D.)
The Malla period was a glorious era in the history of Nepal when trade & commerce, industry, religion & culture, art & architecture flourished and developed. The Malla rulers are also known as the incarnation of God Vishnu. They were Hindus but accepted Buddhism, shaivism etc. as well which shows a religious tolerance during that period. At that time, an aristocratic elites dominate the administrative feudal by their supremacy.  By dividing society into 64(sixty-four) occupational caste, they had their own monopoly.

The most popular king of that period was ‘Jayasthiti Malla’. He codified the the Nepalese society in a mainstream of Hindu frame. Jayasthiti Malla built many temples and facilitated the development of art & literature. He was also an economic reformer and introduced a system of measuring land and houses. He ruled from 1354 to1395.

Another famous Malla king was Pratap Malla. He was influenced by religion, music, and the art of warfare. He was a Hindu, but he accepted other religions-Buddhism etc. He reconstructed the Buddhist shrine of Swayambunath. He built Krishna Mandir, the Shrine of Taleju, Rani Pokhari as well as Guheswari temple.

Jaya Prakash Malla was the last King of Kantipur, today known as Kathmandu. During his rule, Kantipur was attacked by Gorkha.  He tried to save the valley from the assault by Gorkha, calling for unity among the three states around Kathmandu, but could not successed. Calling the army from the East India Company was also not fruitful and ultimately the war was lost to Gorkha. Fighting within his family was also partly to blame. Another king from the Malla period was ‘Ranjit Malla’, who was the last king of Bhaktapur. As a lover of rare and precious things, he added many courtyards at his palace. And to improve economic conditions in his kingdom, he imported silver exporting it as coins. ‘Aridev Malla’, ‘Yaksha Malla’ etc. are other kings from the Malla period.

Shah Period (1769 to date)
During the middle of the 18th Century, there were about 50 states in Nepal. The British Empire was colonizing India. King Prithvi Narayan Shah (from the state of Gorkha) believed that unless Nepal is unified, it is in danger of going into the hands of British India. He started the process by unifying the small states. In 1768, after ten years of preparation, siege and attack, Kathmandu fell to Gorkha on the day of the festival of Indra and the Virgin Goddess. Hence, Prithivi Narayan Shah is known as the creator of Nepal. He died in 1775 and was later succeeded by his son Bahadur Shah.

The new Shah rulers transferred their seats of power to Kathmandu. Altercation led to a two-year war with the British in between 1814 & 1816. Nepal was defeated and the Sugauli Treaty was signed in 1816, under which Nepal lost one-third of its territory.  Another stipulation had it that British citizens would reside in Kathmandu which brought great resentment among Nepalese. The borders were subsequently closed to foreigners not to be reopened until 1951.

The then prime minister Bhimsen Thapa had to bear mortification from the defeat and he was arrested, locked up and subsequently he committed suicide in 1839. The period between1836-1846 is marked with confusion and intrigues. During that time Pandays, Basnyats, and Kunwars were fighting each other for power. In 1846, Jung Bahadur Rana declared himself as the  prime minister and later "Maharajah" with powers (superior to those of the king). Then began the Rana period in Nepal which lasted up to 104 years. During this period, the country was kept in isolation and the people were deprived of political and social rights. The power structure and state money were expended for the self interest of the Ranas. The King was present but was kept under complete control of the Ranas. In 1850, Jung Bahadur visited England and France to seek foreign support for their system.

A "liberal" Rana prime minister proposed a new constitution offering a people's participation through an administrative system known as ‘Panchayat’. Village elders would solve problems locally with leaders elected to a national Panchayat.  But this new idea was soon discouraged by a successor. The Nepali Congress Party under the leadership of B.P. Koirala began the movement against the Rana rule.
The rightful monarch King ‘Tribhuvan, defenseless in his palace, escapes to India under the simulation of pursuing in November 1950. The King returned from India and soon thereafter, the Ranas went to live in India. The period in between 1951 & 1959 passed with uncertainty as the King did not comply with his promise of holding elections for the constituent assembly. Finally, only under pressure from the parties, King Mahendra declared elections for the parliament in 1959.
The Nepali Congress unexpectedly got a majority in the new parliament. This led the King into doubt that he would be reduced to a ceremonial role and thus on 15 December 1960, banned the Nepali Congress and began a direct rule. Mahendra’s son King Birendra reinstated multipart after the movemenmt in 1989.

When the late King ‘Birendra’ and his entire family were killed on 2001, his brother, Gyanendra Shah became the king of Nepal. Gyanendra reinstated the parliament aftewr popolar struggle in 2006. In 2008, the newly elected constitution assembly declared the country a republic.

introduction

Nepal is a landlocked country with India in the southern, eastern, western sides and China in northern sides. Nepal has a great variation in languages (70 spoken), religions, ethnic groups (more than 61), geographic structures, occupation, culture and traditions - but a strong unity among these variations. Hence, we can find unity in diversity in Nepal. 
The country has many ever flowing rivers, thick tropical jungles, greatest mountain ranges and different climatic conditions. Owing to its diversity, we find a special eco-system here. Various species of animals, rare in the world such as the one horned, rhino are also found here. Nepal has an astonishing collection of sightseeing and adventurous opportunities. The country is home to different kinds of butterflies &  of birds also.
Nepal has a rich culture, tradition and numerous festivals. Different kinds of festivals are celebrated through out the year, based on the customs & beliefs in a particular area. The country is 1, 47,181sq. km in area and the capital city is Kathmandu. According census of 2001, the population of Nepal was calculated at 2, 31,51,423.   
Agriculture is the primary economic backbone of Nepal. Farming is the occupation of more than 70% people in Nepal. Nepal has four major seasons, namely: