Nepal Wildlife

Nepal Wildlife Besides mountains, there are various wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Nepal. The Chitwan National Park is the most famous national park of Nepal. Some other famous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Nepal are Annapurna Conservation Area, Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Kanchanjunga Conservation Area, Sagarmatha National Park, Royal Bardia National Park, Langtang National Park, Rara National Park, Shey-Phoksundo National Park, Makalu-Barun National Park, Royal Shukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve and Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. Wildlife Sanctuaries & National Parks in Nepal

Chitwan National Park A large part of the Rapti Valley in the lowlands of the Teria region has been considered as a national park and is known as the Royal Chitwan National Park. This park is situated 120 km southwest of Kathmandu in the valley of Rapti and Narayani rivers. Chitwan National Park is the oldest, best known, developed and most frequently visited national park in Nepal. This national park covers an area of 932 square km. In 1973, this park became the Nepal's first national park and strict measures were taken and hunting and poaching were banned. This park was declared as a World Heritage Site in 1984. Some of the animals which can be seen in the park are tiger, great one-horned Indian rhinoceros, leopard, gaur, sloth and wild bear, sambar, hog deer, barking deer, civet, mongoose, otter, marsh mugger crocodile, gharial and the Gangetic dolphin. The best time to visit Chitwan National Park is from October to March.

Annapurna Conservation Area Annapurna Conservation Area is the first and the largest conservation area in Nepal. It covers an area of 7,600 square kms. and is located in mid-western Nepal. About 1,226 species of plants, including 38 species of orchids, 9 species of rhododendron and many varieties of fish can be seen in this area. It is also the home of blue sheep and snow leopards. The Impeyan pheasant, and various varieties of butterflies and insects can also be seen in this park. Kanchanjunga Conservation Area Kanchanjunga Conservation Area is situated just below the looming mountains of Kanchanjunga. The conservation area is spread in an area of 2,035 square kms, and made up of alpine grasslands, rocky outcrops, dense temperate and subtropical forests, and river lowlands. The Kanchanjunga Conservation Area is situated in Northeast Nepal in Taplejung district and bordered by Tibet and Sikkim in India in the east. The area is a vast repository of flora and fauna. During spring, the area has an excellent display of rhododendrons, orchids, lilies, primula and many other flowers. Here you can see 15 of Nepal's 28 endemic flowering plants. The wildlife animals in the park includes the endangered snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, red panda, blue sheep, rhesus macaw. Impheyan pheasant, red-billed blue magpie, shy drongo are some of the birds found in the area.

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve is the only wildlife reserve in Nepal which is legalized for hunting. The reserve adjoins Rukum, Myagdi and Baglung districts below the Dhaulagiri range in West Nepal. This reserve was established in 1987, and allows sport hunting and preserve a representative high-altitude ecosystem. It covers an area of 1,325 square kms. The reserve offers some game animals for controlled hunting. The vegetation in this region includes alpine, sub-alpine and high-temperature vegetation. Fir, pine and spruce are some of the trees found in the region. Some of the wildlife animals and birds found in the reserve are the blue sheep, snow leopard, tahr, langur, ghoral,

black bear, barking deer, mouse hare, wild boar, pheasants and partridges. The endangered animals in the reserve include musk deer, wolf, red panda and birds like cheer pheasant and Danphe. Sagarmatha National Park The Sagarmatha National Park is located to the north-east of Kathmandu in the Khumbu region of Nepal. This park includes the Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world, Lhotse Shar, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, Pumori, Kangtega, Gyachung Kang, Thamserku and Kwangde. Sagarmatha National Park covers an area of 1,148 square kms. and consists of upper areas of rivers Dudh Koshi, Bhote Koshi and Imja Khola. The rugged region with deep gorges and glaciers is locally called Khumbu, and is home of the Sherpas, whose lives are interwoven with the teachings of Buddhism. The park was declared as a World Heritage Site in 1979. The vegetation in the park includes the rhododendron, birch, blue pine, juniper, silver fir, scrub, alpine plants, rock and snow. During spring and summer season, the hillsides around the villages of Namche Bazaar, Khumjung, Thyangboche and Thame are splashed with the colors of different species of rhododendron. Some of the animals which can be seen in the Sagarmatha National Park are the Himalayan tahr, ghoral, musk deer, mouse hare, weasel, jackal, Himalayan black bear, wolf, marten, Himalayan mouse hare, jackal, langur monkey and snow leopard. Some of the birds which can also be seen in this park are Impeyan pheasant, blood pheasant, snow cock, snow pigeon, red billed and yellow billed chough, Himalayan griffin vulture and lammergeier. Royal Bardia National Park The Royal Bardia National Park is situated in the mid far western Terai region of Nepal, east of the Karnali River. The Royal Bardia National Park was established in 1988 and covers an area of 968 square kms. It is the largest and most undisturbed park in the Terai lowlands. About 1500 people who used to live in this valley have been resettled elsewhere. Most of the part of the park is covered with Sal trees, grasslands, savanna and riverine forests. The one-horned rhino, tiger, wild elephant, black buck, swamp deer, gharial crocodile, marsh mugger, Gangetic dolphin, snakes, lizards and fishes are the major attractions of this park. More than 200 species of resident and migratory birds including the Bengal florican, lesser florican and Sarus crane can also be seen in this park.

Langtang National Park Langtang National Park is located in the Central Himalayas and is the nearest national park from Kathmandu. The area extends from 32 km north of Kathmandu to the Nepal-China (Tibet) border. This national park was established in 1976 and covers an area of 1,710 square kms. Langtang encloses two river areas, one drains from west into the Trisuli River and the other drains from east to the Sun Koshi river. The vegetation in the park includes the subtropical forest, temperate oak forest, pine forests, alpine scrub and grasses. Blue pine, hemlock, spruce, Oak, chir pine, maple, fir and various species of rhododendron are the main forest species. About 45 villages are situated within the park boundaries, but they are not under park jurisdiction. The area is also the home of several ethnic groups which have influenced the natural environment over the centuries. The wildlife attractions in the Langtang National Park are Deer, Himalayan Tahr, Ghoral, Seraw, Rhesus monkey, Common langur, Wild dog, Musk deer,

Himalayan black bear and Himalayan red panda. The Langtang region is a very important transit route for migratory birds. Shey-Phoksundo National Park Shey-Phoksundo National Park is situated in the mountain region of western Nepal and cover parts of Dolpa and Mugu districts. Shey-Phoksundo National Park is the largest national park in Nepal. This park was established in 1984 and covers the area of 3,555 square kms. This park is roughly divided into Himalayan range and the river valleys. The Himalayan region has desert type vegetation that mainly consists of dwarf juniper and caragana shrubs while the river valley consists of blue pine, spruce, poplar, cypress, deodar, fir and birch trees. The park is a prime habitat for snow leopard and blue sheep. Other animals which are found in the park are the black bear, Himalayan weasel, langur, ghoral, Himalayan tahr, serow, leopard, wolf, jackal, Himalayan mouse hare, yellow-throated marten and rhesus monkeys. The park is equally rich in various species of birds like the Impeyan pheasant (danphe), blood pheasant, cheer pheasant, red and yellow billed cough, raven, jungle crow, snow partridge and many others. Makalu-Barun National Park Makalu-Barun National Park is located in the Sankhuwasabha and Solukhumbu Districts in the northeast Nepal at the Nepal-Tibet border. This park was established in 1992 and covers an area of 2,330 square kms. This is the only protected area in Nepal with strict laws for nature conservation. This park is bordered by the Arun River in the east, Sagarmatha National Park in the west, the Nepal-China border in the north and the Saune Danda (ridge) in the south. This park has some of the richest and most unique varieties of plants and animals in Nepal. The vegetation in the park includes fir, birch, herbs, grasses, rhododendron and oaks. There are 47 varieties of orchids, 67 species of economically valuable medicinal and aromatic plants, 25 varieties of rhododendron, 19 species of bamboo, 15 oaks, 86 species of fodder trees and 48 species of primrose. The wildlife in the park includes red panda, musk deer, clouded leopard, barking deer, wild boar, Himalayan black beer, snow leopard, ghoral, Himalayan tahr, Himalayan marmot, weasel, common langur monkey and serow. The Arun River system contains 84 varieties of fish.

Rara National Park Rara National Park is located in Northwest Nepal, about 371 kms. from Kathmandu. This park was established in 1976 and covers an area of 106 square kms. This is the smallest park in Nepal. The main attraction of the Rara National Park is the Rara Lake, which is the biggest lake of Nepal. Most of the park, including Rara lake, lies in Mugu District and a small area is within Jumla District of Karnali Zone. The park is covered by coniferous and deciduous forest. Some of the trees which are found in this park are blue pine, black juniper, West Himalayan spruce, oak, Himalayan cypress, fir, oak, birch, Indian horse-chestnut and walnut. The wild animals which are found in this park are musk deer, leopard, black bear,

ghoral, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan tahr and wild boar. Snow trout is the only fish found in the lake. Some of the birds like great-crested grebe, snow cock, black-necked grebe, red-crested pochard, kalij pheasant, chakor partridge, Impeyan pheasant and blood pheasant can also be seen in this park. Royal Shukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve The Royal Shukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve is located in the southern part of far-west Nepal in the Kanchanpur District. This park was established in 1976 and covers an area of 305 square kms. Sal, asna, simal, karma, khair and sissoo trees are found along the riverside. The reserve is a prime habitat for swamp deer. Other wild animals include wild elephant, tiger, hispid hare, blue bull, leopard, chital, hog deer and wild boar. Birds of 200 different varieties, including the rare Bengal florican, are found here. Marsh mugger, crocodile, Indian python, monitor lizard and snakes like cobra, krait, and rat snake are also found here. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve lies in the flood plains of the River Sapta Koshi in Saptari and Sunsari Districts of Eastern Nepal. This park was established in 1976 and covers an area of 175 square kms. This reserve is a favorite place for the bird enthusiasts. The vegetation in the reserve includes tall grasses with few patches of Sissoo and Khair scrub forest and deciduous mixed riverine forest. This reserve offers a habitat for the wide variety of wildlife. The last surviving herd of wild buffaloes was found here. Some other species of animals include wild boar, hog deer, spotted deer, blue bull, crocodile, gharial and the Gangetic dolphin. About 280 species of birds, including ducks, ibises, egrets, herons, swamp partridge and Bengal floricans are also found here. The Koshi Barrage is an extremely important place for the migratory birds. Other animal species include the crocodile, gharial and the Gangetic dolphins. Commercial fishing is also an important activity here.

Nepal Trekking

October and November are the best months for trekking. The air is clear, the vegetation still lush after the monsoon, and both day and night temperatures are pleasant. December and January are colder (especially at higher altitudes) and generally dustier. High passes, like Thorong La on the Annapurna Circuit, can be closed and you need more equipment. Everest looks bare as it has very little snow cover. March and April are hazy, though in March, rhododendrons are particularly attractive. May is very hot and quite dusty and streams do not carry much water. The monsoons (June to Mid September) are wet, though you may get breaks of 3 or 4 days in the rain. Clouds can lift to give you some good mountain views. Equipment may feel a little damp. Weather in late September is unpredictable, but the trails are much less crowded, and hence, more pleasant. Leeches can be unpleasant in damper places.

Nepal Cities

Kathmandu Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal. The mystical valley of Kathmandu is the Nepal's biggest and most cosmopolitan city, a meeting place of a dozen ethnic groups, and the home town of the Newars. The city of Kathmandu is a perfect mixture of the ancient, traditional and modern. Kathmandu is also the centre of all commercial, political, cultural and social activities and the tourist, adventure and mountaineering excursions. It is also the headquarters of the government of Nepal. Kathmandu has all the features that describe it as a truly modern city. The main places to visit in Kathmandu are Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, Kumari Temple. Patan The ancient city of Patan, lying 5 km southeast of Kathmandu, is known as the city of fine arts. Patan is also known as Lalitpur. Patan is the second largest city of Nepal and known for its artistic temples and sculptures. The diversity of the medieval culture has left a rich legacy of impressive sightseeing in this city for today's visitors. Patan is the most artistic and architectural centre of the valley due to the famous Durbar Square, 55 major temples and 136 monasteries. It is believed that these monasteries were first built by the king Mandev of Lichchhavi dynasty. The main tourist attractions in Patan are Durbar Square, Mahaboudha Temple, Hiranyavarna Mahavihara and Kumbheshwar Temple. Bhaktapur Situated at an altitude of 1,401 m, Bhaktapur (or Bhadgaon as popularly known as) covers an area of four square miles. Bhaktapur or "the City of Devotees" still retains the medieval charm and visitors to this ancient town are treated myriad wonders. Bhaktapur was the first city to attain a high level of artistic achievements, after Kathmandu and Patan. The people of this town were very artistic and it contains some of the finest architectural showpieces. The artistic excellence of Bhaktapur is superior than other towns in the valley. The main tourist attractions in Bhaktapur are the Durbar Square, the Palace of 55 windows, Golden Gate, Nyatapola Temple and Bhairavnath Temple. Pokhara If Kathmandu is the cultural hub of Nepal, Pokhara is its center of adventure. An enchanting city nestled in a tranquil valley, it is the starting point for many of Nepal's most popular trekking and rafting destinations. Pokhara is located in the mid western Nepal and a six-hour drive or 20-minutes flight from Kathmandu. Due to its stunningly beautiful natural setting and the suitable base for trekking in the Annapurna region, Pokhara is one of the most popular tourist destination in Nepal after Kathmandu. There are various exotic places of interest in Pokhara. Some of these places are the Seti River Gorge, Devi Falls, Sarangkot, Phewa Lake, International Mountain Museum, Fine Art Gallery, Regional Museum, Karma Dubgyu Choling Nyeshang Monastery, Mahendra Caves and Bindya Basini Temple. Lumbini Lumbini, a small town in the Terai region is situated south of the foothills of the Churia Range. Lumbini is only a few kilometers across the Indian border in Nepal. Lumbini, evokes a kind of holy sentiment to the millions of Buddhists all over the world. Lumbini is the most important site for the followers of Lord Buddha and those interested in Buddhism. Lumbini is now being developed as a major place of pilgrimage with the assistance of United Nations. Lumbini and its surrounding area is endowed with a rich natural setting. The various tourist attractions in Lumbini are the Maya Devi temple, Pushkarani and the Tibetan monastery.

Nepal Adventure

Nepal is an adventurer's paradise and is known for the mountaineering, trekking, mountain biking, river rafting, kayaking, canoeing, mountain flights, hot air ballooning, pony trekking, jungle safaris, bird watching, fishing, hang-gliding, ultra-ling aircraft ride, bungy jumping, etc.

Trekking

Nepal is the ultimate destination for the trekking enthusiast, offering various possibilities from the short and easy to the demanding challenges of the snowy peaks. Easy, moderate or rigorous – there is something for every palate. Nepal has been aptly called a trekkers paradise as the terrain – mountains, hills and the Terai offers some of the most spectacular mix of lifestyles, vegetation and wildlife. Trekking in Nepal is a cultural experience like the Himalayan adventure. In the shadows and foothills of the icy peaks of the Himalaya, one passes through picturesque charming village inhabited by diverse ethnic groups. Treks varies from expeditions, high altitude treks to simple easy paced walks.

Mountaineering Nepal has about eight highest peaks in the world and it is known for some of the most outstanding achievement in the world of mountaineering. The mighty icy peaks have since decades challenged the spirits of those daring enough to conquer the peaks. All inquiries and arrangements for expeditions have to be made well in advance at the Ministry of Culture, Mountaineering where the guidelines have been laid down. Canoeing Canoeing is an extreme popular sport in Europe, and is now available in Nepal. Canoeing gives you the freedom to explore some of the most ruggedly beautiful, yet forbidden places in the world. Pokhara also provides ample opportunities for fishing, swimming, canoeing and boating along with majestic panoramic views in its background. Jungle Safari Royal Chitwan National Park, Bardiya National Park and Royal Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve offer exciting jungle safari. Jungle activities here include venturing into deep jungle on elephant back or vehicles to view wild animals in their natural habitat, canoe rides on the jungle rivers, nature walks and bird watching.

River Rafting The various rafting rivers of Nepal originates from the snow meltdown of the Himalayan terrain. The rivers gush through the twisted canyons, winding through calm valleys where small settlements are perched on the banks, taming out only as they spill out into the Indian plains to merge with the river Ganges. A river-rafting tour is one of the best ways to explore the country’s natural as well as the ethno-cultural heritage. Village Tours Village tours allow tourists to experience a stay in a typical Nepal village. This gives visitors an

opportunity to observe the rich Nepalese cultural tradition from the closest quarter and intermingle with the locals. Besides, any expenses made at that level directly contribute to the welfare of the local community, hence giving the visitor a sense of satisfaction. Village Tours are conducted in Sirubari, Gorkha and other place. Mountain Flights For those who can not withstand the rigorousness of mountain climbing there are mountain flights which fly around Mount Everest and other summits providing a close-up view of the top of the world. On a clear day, the hill resorts of Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, and Daman afford magnificent views of Mount Everest and the entire Himalayan range.

Nepal Art

Art The art and culture of Nepal has been strongly influenced by the religious beliefs of the country. The artwork is decorative, delicate and very beautiful. Nepal art is strongly influenced by the culture of the people and the two really go together and are interwoven. The two most typical forms of art are that of paintings and sculptures. Nepal art and culture has changed little over the centuries though western influences are slowly starting to affect some modern artists.

Painting The earliest examples of Nepalese art in painting form is that of manuscript illustrations found on palm leaves. This tradition goes far back into the past and the earliest known illustrated manuscript is the Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita of 1015 AD. Often the wooden covers which were created to protect the manuscript-painted leaves are more lavishly decorated than the actual manuscript. Many examples of this type of art have survived and are well preserved. The influence that religion has on such artwork is evident in the fact that such manuscripts are usually only decorated with figures

of divinities. All the manuscripts are illustrated with images of gods and goddesses, regardless of whether they are Buddhist or Hindu in origin. Oftentimes certain manuscripts – along with the relevant imagery – would be copied and donated to a monk, priest, monastery or temple. Thus the style of painting remained fairly constant and painting quality was maintained for a long period of time. The quality of paper manuscripts also declined. Due to this, older paintings are now held in higher regard than more modern manuscripts of lower quality. Another form of painting that is evident in Nepal since the ancient times are Thangka Paintings. These were primarily religious in nature and were used as icons in worship. These paintings are known as Paubha in Newari and Thangka in Tibetan, and originated in Nepal. The creation of illuminated wall paintings or religious metal sculptures was in big demand at one stage and this spawned an ‘industry’ of skilled artisans who catered to the demand by initiating the painting of such icons on cloth which could be rolled up and easily transported. These thangka paintings were widely received with praise and thus made their way into homes and monasteries in the ninth century and are still popular today. A good example of a thangka painting is the ‘Mandala of Vishnu’ which dates back to 1420 AD. Early thangkas are simple in design and consist of a centrally positioned large deity surrounded by smaller figures of lesser importance. From the 15th century, the Tantric cult started to take hold of the people of the land. Artists started to use brighter colors and there was a tendency towards the portrayal of Shiva and Shakti in various conventional poses. Because of the esoteric nature of Tantrism, a strong emphasis was put on the female element and sexuality during this time. The thangkas produced were said to possess magic forces and a great variety of symbols were incorporated into the artwork.

Sculpture Sculpture has enjoyed a long and interesting history in Nepal and many carved artifacts have been found in the Terai region of the country. All early sculptures were religious in nature and the artists themselves also seemed to be extremely devoted to their various deities. While early sculptures were very simple, but those from the Lichchhavi period were strikingly beautiful. These sculptures were made from stone, copper and bronze and depict round faces and slanted eyes. There is a lot of attention to detail while still presenting the deity in a simplistic way. The use of clothing and ornaments were always kept to a minimum and often the subject wears only a dhoti or sanghatis. The Lichchhavi period (5-8 CE) was the Golden Age of Nepalese sculpture and many excellently excavated and preserved examples can be found. Woodcarving, while not always in ornamental form, also served a decorative purpose in ancient Nepal and thus is viewed as an art form. Windows, doors, temples, roof-struts and numerous artefacts were all carved by hand and can be still seen in the Katmandu valley. Wood is not as long-lasting as stone and so  examples do not date back further than the 14th century yet wood carving continues to be a very prominent aspect of Nepalese architecture. Nepalese art work had far reaching effects on other cultures. The first major introduction of local art to other cultures occurred in the 7th century AD when Mahayana Buddhism was introduced in Tibet under the order of the king Angshuvarma. A large number of monasteries were subsequently built and these all needed to be filled with manuscripts and sculptures. Today some of the most outstanding examples of Nepalese art can be found in Tibet. Nepal’s artistic influence even cross the borders of China when Nepalese artisans were sent to the courts of Chinese emperors to impart their knowledge to local craftsmen and to create artworks. The most exemplary contribution of this nature was made by the innovator and architect Balbahu or ‘Arniko’, who’s many creations can still be found to this day. Stupa Style A Nepalese architectural style borne out of Buddhist concepts and used in the construction of Buddhist shrines. Stupa architecture is easy to spot. A square base is mounted upon a hemispherical structure. Atop the strong base are thirteen rings layered on top of each other and progressively narrowing to a point. A parasol tops it all off. The square bases, also known as harmika has pairs of “all-seeing” eyes painted on each of its exposed sides. Swayambhu Shrine and Baudhanath Shrines, declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, are exquisite examples of the stupa style. In Patan you will discover some of the oldest stupas in Nepal that were commissioned by King Ashoka. Shikhara Style Nepal's Shikhara style consists of 5 or nine vertical sections forming a high pyramidal or curvilinear tower-like structure. The apex is bell-shaped. This style is not very common, but a fine example can be seen in Patan, it is the Krishna temple.     Architecture The magnificent architecture of Nepal is a form of art which truly captures the culture and essence of Nepal. Traditional Nepalese architecture attracts both tourists and scholars to this amazing country. The fascinating historical buildings and unique Nepalese architectural designs inspire much awe. Particularly popular is Bhaktapur where tourists can explore numerous outstanding Nepalese architectural structures. Certain people have divided Nepal's architecture into three non-specific stylistic groups, namely pagoda style, stupa style and shikhara style. Pagoda Style This Nepalese architectural style features several layered roofs that have broad eaves carefully held up by carved wood struts. The building's roof is typically crowned by triangular spires surrounding upside-down bell made out of burnished gold. Windows on the structure protrude and are usually latticed. The pagoda style is a true demonstration of fine artistic architectural design. Interestingly, China later borrowed the style which further spread through Asia. Pay a visit to Kasthamandap in the Kathmandu Valley to view an impressive wooden pagoda constructed during the Malla age. Another spectacular example of this intriguing Nepalese architectural style is Basantpur Palace, a nine-story structure commissioned by King Prithvi Narayan Shah. Also make your way the the temples of Pashupati, Changu Narayan and Taleju.

Tihar Festival

Tihar also known as the Festival of Lights is celebrated in the month of November. This festival is a time of candlelight, tinsel decorations and festive colored sweets. This festival is celebrated for five days and on different days, there are offerings and small celebrations for crows, dogs, cows and oxen. On the night of Lakshmi Puja, garlands are hung and lamps are lighted to invite Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth into the home. Maha Puja, the New Year's Day according to the Nepal Era is celebrated as the day of the self, when people give themselves blessings to remain healthy and happy for the rest of the year. On Bhai Tika, the last day, the sisters make offerings to their brothers and the rituals include breaking of walnut, putting on garlands of Makhamali flowers and encircling brothers in rings of mustard oil to protect them from Yama, lord of the Netherworld.

Dasain Festival

Dasain is the longest and most favourite festival of Nepal. This festival is celebrated in the month of October in Nepal. On this day, everyone stays at the home with their families, offices are closed. The skies are filled with kites and the marketplaces are filled with farmers bringing their buffaloes, goats and chicken to sell. These animals are then sacrificed on the night of Kal Ratri to please the goddess Durga. On the day of Dashami, everyone puts on new clothes and goes to honour their family elders, where they receive large red tikas of vermilion paste on their foreheads. In the following days of Dasain, families and friends unite, take part in the feasts, impart the blessings and exchange the gifts.

Indra Jatra Festival

The festival of Indra Jatra is named after the Lord Indra, King of Heaven. This festival is celebrated by both the Buddhists and Hindus in the month of September in Nepal. On this day, the people worship the Lord Indra, to be grateful to him, who has blessed the valley. This festival is celebrated for eight days in the Durbar Square in Kathmandu with singing, mask dancing and rejoicing. On the first day, the Indra's dhwaj or flag is erected. It is said that many centuries ago, Indra's mother needed specially scented flowers but could not find them in heaven's gardens. Indra discovered parijat flowers in the Kathmandu Valley and tried to steal them for his mother. He was caught and imprisoned by the people of the valley. When Indra's mother came searching for him the people were punished for what they had done. As a result, they released Indra and dedicated one of the most colorful festivals of Nepal to him to appease his anger. On this day, the masks and statues representing Vishnu, Bhairab, and Shiva are shown to the public, and the Goddess Kumari witnesses the special occasion from her chariot. The chariot of the Living Goddess Kumari is taken through the main streets of Kathmandu. On the first day, the King of Nepal also pays homage to Goddess Kumari. The people gather at the streets of Kathmandu valley to enjoy the festival.

Teej Festival

The festival of Teej is celebrated in the month of August. On this day, the women dressed up in their fine red wedding saris visit the Pashupatinath temple of Shiva. The women celebrate the festival by fasting, folk songs, and dances and recall the goddess Parvati's devotion to her husband Shiva. The married women visit their fathers homes and all daughters and sisters receive gifts from their male kin, and an elaborate feast is prepared for them. It is a loud and cheerful celebration until late night, when strict fasting discontinues. On this day women observe a fast and pray to Lord Shiva for the long, healthy and prosperous life of their husbands and their families.

The unmarried women also observe this festival with the hope that they will get to marry good husbands. The blessings of Shiva and Parbati ensure that family life will be joyous for all.

Holi Festival

Holi or Fagu Purnima is one of the most colorful and playful festivals of Nepal. The Holi festival is celebrated in the month of March. The chit pole are decorated with colorful flags and erected on the first day of Fagu at Kathmandu's Durbar Square. On this day, a formal announcement is made to all the people to hide their good clothes or you would be splashed with coloured powder and water balloons. On the last day, the youths cover their body with red vermillion powder and roam the streets.

New Year Day

The Bikram Era is the official calendar of Nepal. This solar calendar was started by king Bikramditya and starts from the first day of the first month of Baisakh. The new year 2057 of the Bikram Era corresponds to 2000-2001 of the Christan Era. The New Year's Day is an official holiday. The first day of the month of Baisakh is observed as the Nepali New Year and falls in the second week of April. It is also known as Navavarsha in Nepal. On this day, the devotees visit the Pashupati temple to take a dip in the holy Bagmati river and visit other religious spots. The people People go for picnics, have get-togethers and celebrate the day by socializing in various ways. It is

a day to seek blessings from family priest and one's elders as well.

Nepal Festivals

Nepal is not only the land of mountains, but, also the land of festivals. About more than 50 festivals are celebrated in Nepal every year. While the national festivals have fixed dates, religious festivals follow the lunar calendar, which does not coincide with the solar calendar. All these festivals are celebrated with enthusiasm and galore and all the people take part in these festivals. Some of the festivals which are celebrated in Nepal are Sweta Machhendranath Snan, Maghe Sankranti, Basanta Panchami, Maha Shivaratri, Losar, Holi, Ghode Jatra, New Year's Day, Gunla, Buddha Jayanti, Krishnashtami, Janai Purnima (Raksha Bandhan), Gai Jatra, Teej, Dasain and Tihar.

Music of Nepal

The music of Nepal is just as motley, ranging from folk music to music associated with religious activities, classical music and a collection of contemporary styles. Songs and music videos from Nepal can be downloaded on the Internet and are a great way to immerse yourself in Nepali culture. The music of Nepal is an integral part of this diverse country's culture. Nepalese music has been largely influenced by musicians from Hindustan and Tibet. Due to its close association with Indian culture, Nepal too has various musician castes. Women only play music in certain circumstances such as for

all-female wedding parties. Damai are a caste who are tailors and musicians. Damai are mostly involved in panchai baja, a type of wedding band. Instruments used for such celebrations include horns, shawms, cymbals and drums. The band has to perform a particular tune or piece of music for each specific section of the traditional wedding ceremony. On the other hand you get the gaine who were fishermen at first but have become traveling minstrels. The gaine will play musical performances for audiences and are paid with food and/or other needed goods. A sarangi is the instrument of choice for the gaine. It is a handcrafted musical instrument with four strings. The Newars are likely the best known musicians of Nepal who perform folk and classical music along with dancing. Practically all important events, feasts, ceremonies and festivals are accompanied by the music and dancing of Nepal's Newars. The masked dances of the Newar people tell intricate stories about the gods as well as great heroes. Songs and musical instruments are associated with particular aspects of the Newars' life. Newar music features strong percussion with added flutes or shawms along with powerful, nasal singing. There are a large number of musical instruments in Nepal, 108 to be exact. Nepalese musical instruments are classified into four groups, these are: Membranophones, idiophones, chordophones and aerophones. All these instruments contribute to the unique sounds of Nepal's music.

Nepal Culture

Nepal's culture is greatly influenced by its music, architecture, religion and literature. The various temples, churches, monasteries and other religious buildings are on the every corner of Nepal. Nepal has about thirty-six different ethnic groups and multiple religions and languages. Its music is similarly varied, with pop, religious, classical and folk music being popular. Musical genres from Tibet and Hindustan have greatly influenced Nepalese music. Usually, women, even of the musician castes, do not play music except for specific situations, such as at the traditional all-female wedding parties. Nepal is constitutionally a Hindu kingdom with legal provisions

of no prejudice against other religions. The Hindu inhabitants in the country has been constantly over 80 percent since the 1950s. The second largest religion of Nepal is Buddhism, it is practiced by about 11 percent, while Islam comprises of about 4.2 percent of the population. The Kirat religion makes up nearly 3.6 percent of the population. Nepal has many customs and beliefs that might be difficult to understand and not so easy to obey but this is the way of life to them and you should respect it when you are in their territory. Do not feel offended if any Nepalese hesitates to shake hands with you because it hasn't been very long since the western traditions were introduced to them. Most Nepalese greet one another by a “Namaste”, a common act done by putting the palms together in a prayer like gesture. It is customary to eat and deal with food with your right hand. They use their left hand to wash themselves after being to the toilet. Note that most Nepalese eat with their hands, forks and spoons are not very common. Note that men and woman should always dress appropriately. Men should not walk or trek bare-chested, shorts are acceptable but it's recommended to rather wear long pants. Woman are recommended to wear long skirts that cover the ankles, because exposure of a woman's legs can draw unnecessary attention. Showing affection between men and woman in public is not acceptable.

Nepal's People and Ethnic Groups

Nepal has a population of more than 26 million people, made up of over 40 different races and tribes. The country offers such diversity that the visitor may experience any lifestyle from the stone age, in far west and high hills, to the jet age of Kathmandu.

When you're ready to come and visit, contact our Sponsors, Kathmandu Travels & Tours , to be guaranteed immersion in the culture and heritage of Nepal.

nepal cultural groups by altitude
The two major groups in Nepalese society are Tibeto-Burmans, or Mongoloids from the north, and Indo-Aryans from the south. Many customs are inherited from both sides and have been developed by the influences of the land, climate and available resources.

The largest groups can be divided on the basis of geographical locations by altitude.

A Living Cultural Heritage

Nepal's heritage is alive and dynamic. Shamanism, animism & Witch craft are still practiced in remote regions Temples, shrines monuments and monasteries are extremely active with devotees burning butter-lamps, singing hymns, chiming temple bells and playing drums.

World Heritage Sites (Natural):
1. Everest National Park (1148 Sq. Kms.)
2. Royal Chitawan National Park (923 Sq. Kms.)

World Heritage Site (Cultural):
1. Swayambhu
2. Bouddha
3. Bhaktapur
4. Changunarayan
5. Pashupatinath
6. Kathmandu Durbar Square
7. Patan Durbar Square
8. Lumbini

National Parks:
1. Royal Barida National Park (968 sq. Kms.)
2. Langtang National Park (1710 sq. Kms.)
3. Shey-Phoksundo National Park (355 sq. Kms.)
4. Rara National Park (106 sq. Kms.)
5. Khapted National Park (225 sq. Kms.)
6. Makalu-Barun National Park (2330 sq. Kms.)

Wildlife Reserve:
1. Sukla Phanta Reserve (305 sq. Kms.)
2. Parsa Reserve (499 sq. Kms.)
3. Koshi-Tappu Reserve (175 sq. Kms.)

Conservation Areas:
1. Annapurna (2600 sq. Kms.)
2. Makalu-Barun (2330 sq. Kms.)

Hunting Reserve:
Dhorpatan (1325 sq. Kms.)

Wildlife:
This country harbors one of the world's best habitat for One horned rhino, Royal Bengal tiger, Show-Leopard, Clouded-Leopard, Red panda, Blue-sheep and long snouted fish eating Gharial. Other wildlife includes wild elephant, buffaloes, bisons, blue bell, Brown, bear, Sloth bear, Leopard, crocodiles and many varieties of cat, dog, deer and antelope families. And 840 different species of wetland, migratory and residential birds.

Endangered Species:
Tiger, Rhino, Snow Leopard, Clouded Leopard Red Panda, Brown Bear, Asamese Macaque, Gangetic Dolphin, Wolf, Wild Elephant, Giant horn-bill, Swamp deer, Wild yak, Nayan, Tibetan antelope, Black buck, Four horned antelope, Musk deer pigmy hog, Haspd hare, Pangolin, Gharial, Indian bustard, Saras Crane, Impean Pheasant, Python

Religious Beliefs

Nepal is a Hindu kingdom in which the king is considered an incarnation of the god Vishnu. Although the majority of the country is Hindu, a number of groups of sizable populations are Buddhist. There are a few groups of Muslims in the country and an even smaller number of converts to Christianity. Except for perhaps Christians, almost all groups participate in indigenous and syncretic shamanic, oracular, or pre-Buddhist Bon beliefs and practices that recognize the effects of local gods, godlings, spirits, and places of power. Generally, Hinduism in Nepal is based on the Dharmashastras, Puranas, and various developments in Vaishnavism and Shaivism that have largely originated in India. Buddhism in Nepal blends Mahayana, or the Great Vehicle, with Vajrayana, the Diamond Way. Whether Tibetans or Newars, Buddhists believe in the five Dhayani Buddhas, and along with Hindus they believe in the principles of dharma and karma. Hindus in Nepal worship the major gods of Hinduism, such as forms of Vishnu, Shiva, Durga, and Saraswati. In the Kathmandu Valley Hindus along with the Buddhists also worship powerful local goddesses and gods known as Ajima, Vajrayogini, Bhatbatini, and others who can be very powerful, protective, and punitive. There are also a number of local cults of particular deities throughout the country, such as the Masta cult in western Nepal. People believe that dangerous ghosts and demons, such as the bhut, pret, and masan, haunt crossroads and rivers and wherever they are made offerings of appeasement. Also, some people believe that snakes and frogs have supernatural powers.

Nepal Information, Neapal Reglion & Culture, Nepal Climate

Nepal is land – locked country bordering with the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China in the north and surrounded by India in the east, south and west. Nepal is known as not only the Land of Everest but also the land of Buddha. It's a land of yaks and yetis & country of temples.

Having world’s best and archeologically very important temples, and some of the best walking trails on the Earth. The Himalaya's most sophisticated urban cultures took shape here, in the three great minikingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley - Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur - home to a world-class artistic and architectural heritage
.
The kingdom has long exerted a pull on the Western imagination and it's a difficult place to dislodge from your memory once you visit Nepal and return. This is why so many travelers are forced to visit Nepal again and again with a greater appreciation of its natural and cultural complexity, a stout pair of walking boots and a desire for improved leg-definition.

In the northern region of high Himalayas, the Tibetan speaking, the Sherpas, the Dolpas, the Lopas, the Baragaonlis, the Manangis live in different settlements scattered along the country. The Sherpas are mainly confined in the east in the Solu and Khumbu region. The Baragaonlis and the Lopas live in the semi- deserted area of the upper and lower Mustang in the part of the Tibetan plateau in the rain shadow area; the Managis in the Manang district and the adjacent areas; and the Dolpas in the highest settlements on the earth in the Dolpa district of Nepal ( in the west) at an altitude of above 4000 m
.
In the middle hills and valleys, there coexist numerous ethnic groups. Among them are the Magars, Gurungs, Tamangs, Sunuwars, Newars, Thakalis, Chepangs and majority of Brahmans and Chhetris. The Brahmans and Chhetris have long dominance in all pervading social, religious and political realms. There are also some occupational castes e.g. the Damai ( tailor), Sarki ( Cobbler), Kami (Blacksmith) and Sunar (Goldsmiths). Though, there exists numerous dialects, the language of unification is the national language, Nepali, an Indo- Aryan language.

Language

Nepal is the national language of Nepal; educated people understand and speak English as well. There are hundreds of local dialects spoken by people from various ethnic groups.

Climate

Nepal has four major seasons, namely,(1) winter; December – February,(2) Spring; March – May,(3) Summer; June – August and (4) Autumn: September – November. Nepal can be visited all the year round.

People and Religion

Nepalese people are mainly divided into two distinct groups, the India – Aryans and the Mongoloids. Nepal is the only Hindu Kingdom in the world. Hindu Temples and Buddhist Shrines are scattered all over the kingdom. Nepal is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the Light of Asia. Hindus and Buddhists live together in harmony. Muslims, Christians and other nature worshippers, too, exist.

Trekking in Nepal

Just a few years back, in 1951, Nepal was not easily accessible to foreign tourists. However, things have changed substantially until now. This wonderful and mystical land has gone tremendous transformation, especially in terms of travel.

If you are one of the hardy climbers and explorers of the unimaginable, Nepal is one of the best places. What’s more, with the advent of tourist opportunities, thee have been many opportunities in terms of tours and travels in Nepal. Indeed, it’s a land of adventures. With its immensely diverse and undulating topography, Nepal offers bountiful of opportunities for the travelers coming from all over the world.

What’s more, its varied climate and mix of people gives the travelers an unforgettable opportunity to attract loads of fun and enjoyment. It is a fact that Nepal is an indefatigable attraction for outsiders.

Interestingly, if you wish to track in Nepal, you don’t need to be an expert mountaineer or an athlete. All you need to do is to have a pair of strong legs. That’s it! The enthralling hills will mesmerize you in its entirety.

Adventure Tours in Nepal

Mountain Flight
You can always enjoy your dose of adventure on Mt Everest. As we know that since its inception, Himalayas have had a captivating effect on the peoples of the world, you can always enjoy a wide variety of enjoyment out there. However, you don’t have to actually go there since there are ample of touring opportunities falling under the category of Mountain Flights for Nepal.

Paragliding
You can always enjoy paragliding as an adventure sport in Nepal. However, there is little information in tourist guidebooks, you can always consult us in order to go for the same. Since Nepal is primarily a Himalayan country, you can enjoy exclusive paragliding in this country as it proves to be a truly wonderful and fulfilling experience. Fly above rural lands, jungles, lakes, temples, and enjoy majestic views of Himalayan region.

Nepal Religion, Culture

IN fact, it has helped it in exalting its status in terms of world tours and travels. Apart from Hindus and Muslims, it has Muslims as well.

The exquisite medieval Art & Architecture of the Kathmandu Valley also makes Nepal a rich place to visit on regular basis. The artistic ingenuity coupled with the religious tradition of Nepal makes it all the more significant and worthwhile.

Hinduism

Hinduism generally is regarded as the oldest formal religion in the world. The origins of Hinduism go back to the pastoral Aryan tribes, spilling over the Hindu Kush from Inner Asia, and mixing with the urban civilization of the Indus Valley and with the tribal cultures of hunting and gathering peoples in the area. Unlike other world religions, Hinduism had no single founder and has never been missionary in orientation. It is believed that about 1200 B.C., or even earlier by some accounts, the Vedas, a body of hymns originating in northern India were produced; these texts form the theological and philosophical precepts of Hinduism.
Hindus believe that the absolute (the totality of existence, including God, man, and universe) is too vast to be contained within a single set of beliefs. A highly diverse and complex religion, Hinduism embraces six philosophical doctrines (darshanas). From these doctrines, individuals select one that is congenial, or conduct their worship simply on a convenient level of morality and observance. Religious practices differ from group to group. The average Hindu does not need any systematic formal creed in order to practice his or her religion Hindus only to comply with the customs of their family and social groups.
One basic concept in Hinduism is that of dharma, natural law and the social and religious obligations it imposes. It holds that individuals should play their proper role in society as determined or prescribed by their dharma. The caste system, although not essential to philosophical Hinduism, has become an integral part of its social or dharmic expression. Under this system, each person is born into a particular caste, whose traditional occupation-- although members do not necessarily practice it--is graded according to the degree of purity and impurity inherent in it.
Other fundamental ideas common to all Hindus concern the nature and destiny of the soul, and the basic forces of the universe. The souls of human beings are seen as separated portions of an allembracing world soul (brahma); man's ultimate goal is reunion with this absolute.
Karma (universal justice) is the belief that the consequence of every good or bad action must be fully realized. Another basic concept is that of samsara, the transmigration of souls; rebirth is required by karma in order that the consequences of action be fulfilled. The role an individual must play throughout his or her life is fixed by his or her good and evil actions in previous existences. It is only when the individual soul sees beyond the veil of maya (illusion or earthly desires)--the forces leading to belief in the appearances of things--that it is able to realize its identity with the impersonal, transcendental reality (world soul) and to escape from the otherwise endless cycle of rebirth to be absorbed into the world soul. This release is known as moksha.
Veneration for the cow has come to be intimately associated with all orthodox Hindu sects. Because the cow is regarded as the symbol of motherhood and fruitfulness, the killing of a cow, even accidentally, is regarded as one of the most serious of religious transgressions.
Hinduism is polytheistic. It incorporates many gods and goddesses with different functions and powers; but in the most important and widely held doctrine, the Vedanta (end of the Vedas), gods and goddesses are considered merely different manifestations or aspects of a single underlying divinity. This single divinity is expressed as a Hindu triad comprising the religion's three major gods: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, personifying creation, preservation, and destruction, respectively. Vishnu and Shiva, or some of their numerous avatars (incarnations), are most widely followed.
Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, is regarded as the ninth avatar of Vishnu. Some Hindus identify Christ as the tenth avatar; others regard Kalki as the final avatar who is yet to come. These avatars are believed to descend upon earth to restore peace, order, and justice, or to save humanity from injustice. The Mahabharata (compiled by the sage Vyasa, probably before A.D. 400), describes the great civil war between the Pandavas (the good) and the Kauravas (the bad)--two factions of the same clan. It is believed that the war was created by Krishna. Perhaps the flashiest and craftiest avatar of Vishnu, Krishna, as a part of his lila (sport or act), is believed motivated to restore justice--the good over the bad

Religion and Society

Religion occupies an integral position in Nepalese life and society. In the early 1990s, Nepal was the only constitutionally declared Hindu state in the world; there was, however, a great deal of intermingling of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs. Many of the people regarded as Hindus in the 1981 census could, with as much justification, be called Buddhists. The fact that Hindus worshipped at Buddhist temples and Buddhists worshipped at Hindu temples has been one of the principal reasons adherents of the two dominant groups in Nepal have never engaged in any overt religious conflicts. Because of such dual faith practices (or mutual respect), the differences between Hindus and Buddhists have been in general very subtle and academic in nature. However, in 1991, approximately 89.5 percent of the Nepalese people identified themselves as Hindus. Buddhists and Muslims comprised only 5.3 and 2.7 percent, respectively. The remainder followed other religions, including Christianity.
The geographical distribution of religious groups revealed a preponderance of Hindus, accounting for at least 87 percent of the population in every region. The largest concentrations of Buddhists were found in the eastern hills, the Kathmandu Valley, and the central Tarai; in each area about 10 percent of the people were Buddhist. Buddhism was relatively more common among the Newar and Tibeto-Nepalese groups. Among the Tibeto-Nepalese, those most influenced by Hinduism were the Magar, Sunwar, and Rai peoples. Hindu influence was less prominent among the Gurung, Limbu, Bhote, and Thakali groups, who continued to employ Buddhist monks for their religious ceremonies.

The Four Noble Truths

The Four Noble Truths comprise the essence of Buddha's teachings, though they leave much left unexplained. They are the truth of suffering, the truth of the cause of suffering, the truth of the end of suffering, and the truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering. More simply put, suffering exists; it has a cause; it has an end; and it has a cause to bring about its end. The notion of suffering is not intended to convey a negative world view, but rather, a pragmatic perspective that deals with the world as it is, and attempts to rectify it. The concept of pleasure is not denied, but acknowledged as fleeting. Pursuit of pleasure can only continue what is ultimately an unquenchable thirst. The same logic belies an understanding of happiness. In the end, only aging, sickness, and death are certain and unavoidable.  The Four Noble Truths are a contingency plan for dealing with the suffering humanity faces -- suffering of a physical kind, or of a mental nature. The First Truth identifies the presence of suffering. The Second Truth, on the other hand, seeks to determine the cause of suffering. In Buddhism, desire and ignorance lie at the root of suffering. By desire, Buddhists refer to craving pleasure, material goods, and immortality, all of which are wants that can never be satisfied. As a result, desiring them can only bring suffering. Ignorance, in comparison, relates to not seeing the world as it actually is. Without the capacity for mental concentration and insight, Buddhism explains, one's mind is left undeveloped, unable to grasp the true nature of things. Vices, such as greed, envy, hatred and anger, derive from this ignorance.  The Third Noble Truth, the truth of the end of suffering, has dual meaning, suggesting either the end of suffering in this life, on earth, or in the spiritual life, through achieving Nirvana. When one has achieved Nirvana, which is a transcendent state free from suffering and our worldly cycle of birth and rebirth, spiritual enlightenment has been reached. The Fourth Noble truth charts the method for attaining the end of suffering, known to Buddhists as the Noble Eightfold Path. The steps of the Noble Eightfold Path are Right Understanding, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration. Moreover, there are three themes into which the Path is divided: good moral conduct (Understanding, Thought, Speech); meditation and mental development (Action, Livelihood, Effort), and wisdom or insight (Mindfulness and Concentration).