Major Festivals of Nepal

Nepalese people celebrate many festivals throughout a year. Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Chtistianity are some names of major religions adopted and practiced by most Nepali people. But almost 80% of Nepali practice Hinduism and there are more than fifty festivals in existence in Nepal in a year. Most of these festivals are mainly set by lunar calendar. Nayavasha , Loshar, Teej, Dashain, Tihar, Christmas, Id, Holi, Buddha Jayanti, Gai Jatra, Shiva Ratri, Swaraswati Puja are few examples of them.
1. Nayavarsha:
It is the new year, Baishak 1st of each year's annual calendar of Nepal. It falls in about the 2nd week of April. All Nepalese people celebrate this day as national holiday with many programs like street festivals, carnivals, cultural shows and parties. Some people organize tour or picnic too to celebrate it.
2. Loshar:
It is the Tibetan new year especially celebrated by Nepali Sherpas of Nepal. It falls in February of English calendar. It is also registered as national holiday. Many cultural groups especially from Himalayan tribe of Nepal organize many cultural shows and carnivals around the country to celebrate this festival. Contemporary changing social situation has promoted direct involvement and support of almost all Nepali people in this festival as they too enjoy and celebrate it as the national festival of Nepal and all Nepali.
3. Swaraswati Puja:
It is also known as Shree Panchami. Almost all Nepali celebrate this festival as their common festival to worship goddess of learning, Swaraswati. In this day people worship pens and books to please goddess for her blessing. It generally falls on month of Magra as Nepali calendar which is some day of January or February of English calendar. Especially students take this day as an auspicious day for them to please the Goddess. They wake up early on the day, take bath and pray in-front of the image or idioms of the Goddess. Many undergo feast on this day.
4. Shivaratri:
It is also known as Maha Shivaratri. Nepali celebrate this festival with great enthuism and even hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from other neighboring countries visit different holy shrine of Lord Shiva of Nepal. It is believed to be the sacred night of Lord Shiva which generally comes after Swaraswati Puja, around February or March of English calendar. Flocks of Nepali and other Indian shadu come to Nepal especially Pashupati Nath to celebrate this holy night. This day Nepali government has allowed pilgrims to take different intoxicating substances like marijuana, hashish etc freely in the college of Shiva shrine.

5. Holi:
This festival of colour is famous among many asians. Except Nepal it is celebrated in India, Shrilanka, Bhutan too. It falls in Falgun month of nepali calendar which happens to be some day of February or March of English calendar. It is also known as Phagu in Nepal. It is a holy day which marks as per hindu culture extermination of female demon Holika by child Prahlad, one great devotee of Bishnu. Kathmandu celebrates this festival with Lola and color. This day is also registered as a national holiday.
6. Ghode Jatra:
It is a festival of horses which falls on some day of March or April of English calendar. Nepali government has managed this day as another national holiday. Nepali Arm Force organize horse parade on this day at Tundikhel and performs other different exciting activities in the presence of senior officers of nepali government.
7. Buddha Jayanit:
This day is celebrated as a birth anniversary of Lord Gautama Buddha. It falls in some day of May month of English calendar. Thousands of Buddhists pilgrims visit different holy Buddhist shrine on this day to pay their homage to Lord Gautama Buddha and lit butter lamps and chant different sacred lines with best wishes of restoration of peace and love throughout the world. Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Lumbini face hundreds of thousands visitors this day. It is also a national holiday.
8. Gai Jatra:
It falls in between August or September of English calendar. This festival is also taken as a national forum for one to prick satire, humor, mockery on the contemporary socio-political scenarios. Originally it is celebrated by Newar Community of Kathmandu Valley in memoir of their bygone family members in that year. They in this day send their young sons and daughters in cow like attire and walk through roads with cultural music. Thousands of commoners on this day parade in the roads of Kathmandu valley especially on this day.
9. Teej:
This day is another national holiday of Nepal and in this day nepali girls especially married undergo strict feast and worship Lord Shiva and wish for their happy married life. Unmarried girls too wish for good husband like that of Lord Shiva. Women in red costumes visit holy shrine of Lord Shiva on this day to prey. It falls in some day of August or September of English calendar which is some day of Bhadra month of Nepali calendar.
10. Tihar:
It is a festive of light which comes after 15 days of end of Dashain. It is some days of October or November of English calendar. It is also the 2nd biggest festival of Nepal after Dashain. This festival goes for 5 days in which people worship crow, dog, cow, ox and brothers/sisters on each day separately with delicious food and garland. They worship Goddess Laxmi, goddess of wealth and prosperity, lit candles, oil lamps and illuminate their home and its premises. Newar community on the fifth day of Tihar celebrate "Ma Puja" which means worship of one's self. It is peculiar cultural practice of this community. It would be nice and really exciting for foreigners to visit Nepal on this period.
11. Dashain:
This festival is also known as Bijaya Dashami as it is believed to be the auspicious day of victory of Goddess Durga over Demon. This is the longest and most auspicious festival of Nepali as it goes for 15 days in total. It falls on some days of Aswin and or Kartik months of Nepali calendar which happens to be some days of September and or October of English calendar. During lunar fortnight ending on the day of the full moon people worship Goddess Durga, sacrifice animals to please Her, take holy bath and receives tika and blessings from the elders of the family and relatives.

Learn about the national symbols of Nepal

National symbols are something tangible that carry a sense of nationality for a nation. Such symbols work as a medium of unity amid the diverse geo-socio, political scenarios of a country. Such symbols always unite all the people of the country and motivate them to walk in a single linage of nationality to work for the benefit and progress of their country. All the inhabitant of the nation respects such national symbols and proudly associates his/her identities to them. In case of Nepal there are …….. national symbols officially registered. They carry the image of Nepal throughout the world and all Nepali from the world show their respect and sincerity to them. They proud upon them and always associate a sense of nationality on them.
1. National Flag:
Every country has their own unique flag which represents/identifies the country throughout the world. Nepal too has its own national flag which is distinct in its shape and size then that of other countries. It is red in color with blue boarder. It has a shape of two overlapping right angled-triangles. And in between these triangular figures have two figures of Sun and the moon. The smaller upper triangle pose white 12-pointed Sun while the larger lower triangle bears white half-circled moon. These two symbols suggests, as it is believed the immortality of the existence of country Nepal as the Sun and the Moon are never going to die from this universe.
2. National Bird and animal:
Lophophoros and cow are national bird and animal of Nepal respectively. As they are assigned the sense of national identity, it is illegal to kill them throughout the nation. And as majority on Nepalese population have adopted Hindu culture, cow not only carries sense of nationality but also posses religious values too. Nepali during Tihar festival, second greatest festival of Nepalese even worship cow as goddess Laxmi, Goddess of wealth.
3. National Color- Dark Red:
Dark red is another national symbol of Nepal. Sense of peace, deep love and sense of brotherhood, and faith are some meanings assigned to this color. This color also represents the strong will power and courage of a Nepali. It is a symbol of justice and sincerity and benevolence.

Know about the currency of Nepal

Nepali currency is named as "Rupee" in English and "Rupaiyaha" in Nepali. It is different than other currency in use in this time in terms of its look. There are two types of Nepali currency in use. One among them can be found in paper sheet decorated and sealed in especial way and other can be found in metallic coin form. Nepal has regulated such coin with small monetary value that they pose values which ranges from one rupee to ten rupees but more small coins are still in use which pose value small then that of one rupee coin. They are called 1 paisa, 5 paisa, 10 paisa, Charaana(25 paisa), Aathana (50 paisa). Paper note ranges from 1 to 1000 in value. There are 1 rupee note along with other different 2 rupee notes, 5 rupee note, 10 rupee note, 20 rupee note, 25 rupee note, 50 rupee note, 100 rupee note, 500 rupee note and finally 1000 rupee note.
Nepalese rupee is recognized world-widely that one can get Nepalese currency in any official money exchange counter of any country of the world. It pose lesser value in terms of the currency of India, china and other western countries. One can get approximately 75 rupees though it keeps on changing according to the contemporary situation, from 1 US dollar.
There are lots of money exchange counters in existence which provides money exchange service at minimum cost rate. And this service can be found in different big financial intuitions too. They also provide one credit card facility along with travel-cheque in reasonable service charge.

Learn about the Art and Craft of Nepal

Nepal has always been an area of interest and quarries and mysteries for its visitors no matter they belong to western or orient culture. Thus hundreds of thousands visitors visit Nepal annually to solve their quarries regarding Nepal and feel Nepal lively. Its unique cultural patterns, social life style, natural resources, wide ranges of Himalayas which includes world's largest elevation, Mt. Everest (8,848 m), its fauna and flora, cultural heritage sites and well developed art craftship are some areas of interest of its non-natives. Lumbini, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Pokhara, Illam, Taplejung, Sarangkot, Janakpur Dham and many other cities and places attracts thousands of visitors and provides enough matter for their amusement. Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Christianity are some prominent cultural practices of this nation. With this article, I believe you will discover much about some of the finest forms of art and craft of this region.
About the Architecture of Nepal:
Nepal is rich and prosperous in art and architecture. One can find numbers of temples, Stupas, Pagodas erected throughout its different areas. Kathmandu valley especially Kathmandu Metropolitan city along with Bhaktapur and Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan Cities are known as cities of temples that one can see the well craved temples everywhere of these cities. And same is the case with rest parts of Nepal that every where there are such cultural monuments of elite class patterns and decorations. Even wells, stone spouts, Chautaris, street walls are decorated with such carvings and patterns. Such patterns are mainly built by different ruler class of Nepal in some 10th to 18th centuries. These art and craft and patterns reflect a close resemblanece to that of patterns developed by Gupat Dynasty of India of some 5th and 6th centuries.
About the Painting of Nepal:
Painting are another important aspects of art, culture and architecture of Nepal. Its origin can be located to some 11 century cultural patterns of ancient Nepal. During this time painting was noticed to be very popular and were done on palm's leaves, walls. Thangkas are famous around the world and are dominant aspect of art, craft and paintings of Nepal. Buddhists produce such Thangkas. They use liquid colors and draw different cosmic figures and drawings on wall and ceilings of monasteries, stupas. They also design mandalas and images of life-cycle on such paintings and try to define it in terms of Buddhism.
About the Bronze Figures of Nepal:
Bronze figures made by different Nepali artists and craftsmen are famous around the world for their beauty and grandeur. Such bronze figures are generally alloyed with copper. Most of Nepali craftsmen produce religious deities or images and legendary figures on such metal works.
About the Pottery of Nepal:
It is an important part of art, craft an architecture of Nepal. It is also an important part of development of human civilization. Nepali porters produce different religious figures along with the traditional task of making earthenware. They produce terracotta oil lamaps, pots and different decorated images of wild lives like rhinos, rabbits, elephants, peacocks etc.

Learn about Mountain Biking in Nepal

Nepal is famous around the world for its geography, climate, ever going rivers and natural resources. Its steep hills and cliffy mountains are popular. Thus bungee jumping, rafting, paragliding, ice sliding, parachuting are some famous adventurous activities of this region. And mountain biking is one among them. It is famous worldwide as good destination for mountain bikinig. There are about 13/14 world's tallest snowy elevations. Nepal government too has in recent decades promoting it as one more alternate for its visitors who desires to feel the adventure in its cliffy and steep mountains and hills. Thus it is promoting Nepal as "Mecca for Mountain Biking". Now a visit of Nepal without mountain biking appears an incomplete task. With it one can feel the true life style of rural area of Nepal. It's cheap, easy to get bikes of high quality and efficiency in hire.

Some Mountain biking routes:

Kathmandu Valley Biking Tour:

This tour begins from the center city of Kathmandu and passes through different historical, cultural tourist sites. Nagarkot, Godawari, Dhulikhel, Daman fall in its route. This tour gives you a fine chance to explore this lend city lively. The panoramic view of Jugal Himalayan range, Gaurishankar Himalayan ranges makes the trip more beautiful and immemorial. You can experience the bird view of this city of temple.

Valley Rim-Long Route:

In this route of mountain biking you will be able to lively experience the outskirt areas of Kathmandu valley that it goes around the different historical sites of its surrounding sides. Grand views of Ganesh Himal, Jugal Himal, Lantang Himal along with the panoramic view of Mt. Everest will make your trip immemorial. The unique life style of the ethnic groups that fall on the route will give you another chance to understand Nepal from some close distance.

Day down-hill trip :

This route of mountain biking give you chance to explore the old villages and its unique socio-political, and cultural aspect of its habitants.

Nagarkot Mountain Biking Tour:

This mountain biking tour goes through the Shivapuri National Park, small villages of the surround areas finally to Nagarkot. And this place is famous for its locality that it provides a chance to overview the different Himalayas of Nepal. If you are lucky enough then you may encounter dense ice-fall in this area on winter season. Different high class hotels and restaurants and pubs will make your stay in Nagarkot easy and comfortable.

Some other famous mountain biking routes are:

1. Nagrakot to Namo Buddha Mountain Biking

2. Kathmandu to Nagarkot Mountain Biking

3. Pokhara to Kathmandu Mountain Biking

4. Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking

5. Tumlingtar to Dharan Mountain Biking

Learn About Gorkha

The history of Gorkha is associated with the history of formation of contemporary Greater Nepal. It is situated on the northern hilly part of Kathmandu valley. one can simply switch to this historic place by leaving the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway and covering a just 25 km distance northward. It is an ancient city area of Nepal which is now its one district among other 75 districts. About some 300 yrs ago it was separate kingdom alike other different kingdoms under the rule of Late King Pritivinarayan Shaha who united or let's say assimilated other small kingdoms in his single kingdom to a greater ruling territory. And his the then palace is still in existence which is situated on the top to a hill at an altitude of 1,000m. Thus all Nepali are still known as Gurkhalis as Gorkha was the center at that time in formation process of out 21st greater Nepal.

Some places to be visited while reaching Gorkha:

The Gorkha Palace

The Gorkha district includes different sites. Wide range of Manaslu Himalayan and Himchuli mountain and its panoramic view will certainly fascinate you. You can also go through ancient Gorkha Royal Palace complex which is best for its architecture and art craft, Gorakhkali Temple. Tsum valley too falls in its northern region. One can enjoy the chanting view of sunrise but for it he/she should climb the Gorkha hill early in the morning.

Birth day anniversary of Late king Prithivi Narayan Shaha Dev

This day is marked on Nepali Calendar as a national holiday. It falls on last week of January according to English Calendar. On this day various programs are organiswd by different organization to celebrate the marry birth day anniversary. Especial programs are used to be organize on this day on Gorkha Bazar.

Dashain Jamara Procession

On the greatest festival of Nepal, Dashain, Jamaras(Sacred weeds) are brought to Darbar Square of Kathmandu from this Gorkha Darbar square. And this procession is completed on the direct involvement of Nepal Arm Force who goes to the Gorkha Darbar on the seventh day of Fulpati and brings the Jamara to mark the beginning of great festival. The Jamaras are believed to be the blessing of Late king Prithivi Narayan Shaha Dev during Nepal's monarch system and it is still on existence but now people take it as blessing from their ancestors.

Popular Trekking from Gorkha

Gorkha to Kathmandu trek route, Gorkha to Pokhara trek route, Gorkha to Luitel to Hirmantar to Tarughat to Besisahar to Ghattekhola to Gharpokhari to Rupatal to finally Pokhara , Gorkha to Tsum Valley are few available option for one to go to trekking from this point.

Jungle Safari, an Adventurous Activity in Nepal

Nepal provides full range of different interesting and exciting activities and opportunity for its visitors. It’s a land of diversity, in terms of culture, society and availability of natural resources. Trekking, hiking, rafting, canoeing, mountaineering, paragliding, ultra-light flight, boating, fishing, bungee jumping, mountain biking and cycling are some lists of options available for its visitors to engage themselves. But it is not final as one can also enter its wide and wild tropical and sub-tropical forest areas to explore the hidden part of world about its different wild species. And jungle safari is one which is Nepal's fourth popular and most desired activities by its visitors especially its external visitors. There are almost 16 forest areas officially registered and recommended and developed as best places for exploring different aspects of its wild species, its flora and fauna. Out of them nine are registered as national park areas, four are wild-life reservers and three conservation areas. One can experience the thrill of jungle safari and adventure associated with it lively by either covering the area by a ride on elephant's back or by four wheeler drive or by foot. He/she is suggested to take expert along the journey to make the adventure safe and better and immemorial. Bird watching, natural walk, rafting be complement to the journey.

National Parks in Nepal

Chitwan National Park:

Etymologically "Chitwan" means "situated in the heart of jungle". And this Chitwan National Park is the heart of all jungle areas and parks of Nepal. It is also known as Royal Chitwan National Park but the changing political scenario of Nepal has changed its name too. It situated at Chitwan District. At first it was famous places for hunting for Royal Families of Nepal. They used to slaughter and poach wild lives legally. But their such barbaric activities badly hampered the ecosystem resulting the massive decreases in numbers of rare wild lives. So the then Nepal Government body registered it Nepal's first National Park in the year 1973 and restricted such activities by forming legal rules. And later UNESCO too supported this attempt by registering it in World Heritage Site list in the year 1979. Since then it has remained as a most desired and loved forest area of Nepal by its visitors. It has stretched over 932 Sq. km area in the southern belt of Nepal. It is the fine habitat of wild species. One horned-rhino, Gangetic Dolphin, Royal Bangal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Gharial Crocodile, Gaur are some precious wild lives of this park. It contains more than 400 species of birds like Giant Hornbill, Lesser Florio, One can simply fly to the National Park area from Kathmandu and there is also an easy access of four wheeler as The National Mechi-Mahakali Highway connects it through Sauraha and Bharatpur.

Names of other National Parks of Nepal are:

1. Bardia National Park

2. Shivapuri National Park

3. Khaptad National Park

4. Langtang National Park

5. Makalu Barun National Park

6. She-Phoksundo National Park

7. Rara National Park

8. Sagarmatha National Park

Parsa Wildlife Reserve:

Because of its wild species like Asian wild elephants, wild cats, different species of bird and snake royal, bangle tigers, leopards, hog deer, monkeys and langurs this wildlife reserve is famous in the world.It is situated in the central part of Nepal which covers almost 499 sq. km area.

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve:

This wildlife reserve is situarted in the eastern terai belt of Nepal which covers almost 100 sq. km of its total surface. It best known for the habitat of world's rare faunas especially birlds. There are more than 280 species birds recorded which includes 18 different species of duck. Between the months of October and April, it faces flocks of visitors and wild life explores, students and researchers

Names of Wildlife Reserves of Nepal are:

1. Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve

2. Shukla Phant Wildlife Reserve

Other Names of Conservation Areas of Nepal are:

1. Manaslu Conservation Area

2. Kanchenjunga Conservation Area

3. Annapurna Conservation Area

Explore Tsum Valley

Surrounded by the Buddha Himal to the west with Himal Chuli, Ganesh Himal to the south and Sringi Himal to the north , Tsum Valley is one of the eight sacred valleys (called Beyuals) in th inner himalayas which is situated in the northern Gorkha District of Nepal Valley. This valley is believed to be built by a Buddhist Saint Padmasambhava. It is believed that the Buddhist Monk in some 8 century built the Beyuals as a refuge for those people who were fleeing to escape the negative impacts of war, feminine and religious insurgencies of the time. Thus till this time, one can find the strong impacts of Buddhism in this area. This valley has uniquely preserved and is practicing the religious values and customes of the Buddhism. This valley is under the inhabitation of Tsumbas, a native group who follow their own distinct Himalayan civilization, life style, culture, art and tradition, thinking and customs. These people never slaughter animals, not even in religious and cultural activities.

Etymologically the word "Tsum" has come from the Tibetan word "Tsombo" which means "Vivid" and "clear".

This valley is beautiful, peaceful and lovely. It is decorated with the distinct rural traditional ways. Mani walls, small and very decorated stony settlements, Chortens and Kaanis, snowy peaks which generally ranges more than 6000 meter height, massive fields and cultivated fields and pure natural environment have made it really beautiful. Tsumbas eract different small stupas monuments like mani walls and Chortens and Kaanis to strengthen their religious believes, to mark some historical moments of the community and area. Mani walls are long walls made with mantras carved stones to ask Gods for the well being of the visitors of the area.

At some higher altitudes by the Tsum Valley close to the snowy peaks there are two famous trekking routes. A high altitude hike around the Mu Gompa is one route and another goes around the Ganesh Himal. The hike around the Mu Gompa begins from Dephyudonma Gumba which generally takes 6/7 days for one to complete. As this is the route for the villagers to trade with Tibet, one if lucky one may encounter with the caravans of the yaks. This caravans generally appear in each two months. The second circuit is the one to base camp of Ganesh Himal (3888 m). now people seldom use this route as monks and nuns used to use it in past. One can enjoy the beauty of Kangthang lake, a glacier lake.

The people by the village are generous and benevolent. They always respect and help their visitors. Generally one should not pay for lodge in this area. And it is difficult to get any lodge hotels by the area as Tsumbas themselves serves and helps the visitors of the area but for this in return the visitors must be humble and well mannered. One will have to pay only for fooding.

Piren Phuy is the site one must not have to miss while going through the area. It is also called the pigeon cave located in the village of Burji, a sacred cave of the Tsum Valley. it is also believed to be the largest and popular cave of the Gorkha Distirct. This valley can be the fine destination even for those who are unfamiliar to the high altitudes of Nepal. To visit this area and go through the above mentioned routes one have to get two permits from the Nepal Government which can be prepared at Kathmandu easily and Tsum Wellfare Committee may be helpful for you as this committee is organized to promote and develop this valley as a good destination point for one to visit.

Explore Thecho Village

Owning centuries old-traditional and historical monuments and cultural pattern, Thecho is adding glory not only to the locale of Lalitpur Sub-metropolitan City but to the nation as a whole. Thecho is a 16th century village area located just at outskirt of some 12km southward of Kathmandu central city. Despite its proximity, in terms of distance, Thecho is still capable of maintaining its traditional cultural, social life style. So one can simply feel the vibe of centuries old-tradition by accessing the Thecho village area.

Thecho is surrounded by Sharuwarashi, Badegaun, Harishiddi, Godawari and Dhapakhel on the east, Bungmati and Khokana on the west, Sunakhoti on the north and Chhampii and Chapagaun on the south. The Nakkhu River and Karmanasa rivulet separate this village from other villages on the west and east respectively.

Newar is the main ethnic group of this village area that almost 80% of its total population are from this community. And rest is from other ethnic groups like Chhatri, Magar, Kami, Damai. Majority of its population depends on agriculture for their livelihood.

Thecho village is rich n its culture and tradition. Despite the surge of modernity and development, it is still practicing and preserving its distinct cultural behaviors and patterns. Cultural shows, dances, music, feasts are some essential parts of their day to day life. They celebrate Baishak Sangranti (New Year), Dashain, Tihar, Indra Jatra Maghe Sangranti, Sithi Nakha, Gatha Mugal along with many other festivals throughout a year. Among them a fair that occurs in every interval of 12 years named Barha Barshe Mela is one. It is one of the interesting fair in their social life. This fair has an interesting story that villagers believe that it has a linkage with the traditional practice of human sacrifice by the end of the fair. Thus it is still not permitted for non native to stay a night in the village area. Grand feast is organize by the end of the fair on each time and everyone from the village participates on it. They form a straight line to celebrate the feast and simply demolish anything that tries to obstruct it. It is interesting and surprising for outsiders.

Ponds, stone temples, Stupa, Pagodas, Chaityas, historical stone spouts, water holes, Raj Kulos are some historical monuments on which the Thecho people boast upon. There are mainly 12 main artificial ponds in the area but they pose historical importance and they have remained as main sources of drinking water supply and irrigation for the village. Bramhayani Temple, Sorhakutte pati, multi tiered Balkumari Temple, Nava Durga Temple are some other sites of the Thecho village to be visited.

About Different Languages and Slangs of Nepal

"Nepal Char Jaat Chhatis Barna Ko Fulbari Ho". -Late King Prithivi Narayan Shaha

Nepal is known as a multilingual, multiethnic and multicultural country where many people from different cultural and ethnic and religious history are living creating a good social cultural environment. They believe in love, peace and brotherhood. Thus Nepal is famous in the world as a region of love and peace. Lord Gautam Buddha too had started preaching Buddhism and its non-violent movement from its land. According to the census 2001 of Nepal, there are more than 60 ethnic groups living in this small country who uses more than different 100 languages. Most of them have their own cultural and social pattern to follow. Though they live in mixed settlement, they have maintained love and social harmony. Nepal has though developed Nepali and English as a means of communication for its official purpose, has recognized and registered other different language as languages of Nepal. Newari, Maithili, Bhojpuri, Aawadhi, Limbu, Kirati, Rajbansi are some of its examples. Peoples of Nepal are generally categorized into four castes which are 1. Brahman 2. Chhatri 3. Baisnaw 4. Sudra who have remained dwelling in its different parts. Generally sherpas and other different Mongolian tribes live in its northern Himalayan belt, where as different castes of Brahman and Chhetris can be found in different hilly areas and northern belt of Terai Region. And all remained castes people and people of Dravidians in its southern areas of Terai.

Language composition of Nepal

Majority of Nepalese people use Nepali as the means of communication in different public offices and public forum though they at the same time use their mother tongue to communicate within their social periphery. Though English is officially recognized as alternative language for communication in public areas, it is confined to very limited groups of educated groups of urban and semi urban areas. Thus nepali is mostly used language of Nepal.

Languages Composition of Nepal

Nepali : 47.8%

Maithali : 12.1%

Bhojpuri : 7.4%

Tharu : 5.8%

Tamang : 5.1%

Newar : 3.6%

Magar : 3.3%

Awadhi : 2.4%

Santhal : 0.19%

Other languages : 9.81%

Unspecified : 2.5%

Total : 100%

Know about Slangs of Nepal

Your journey will be good and full of excitement if you have to some extent approach to the slangs of the area that you have planned to visit. And learning other's language is always a matter of excitement and romance too. If you just used few slangs of the people that you are going to visit it will help you to get good response in turn. There are few mostly used slangs of Nepal and their English translation:

Namaskar : Hellow

Kripaya : Please

Dhanyabad : Thank you

Hajur / hunchha : Yes / ok

Nai / hudaina : No / no thanks

Maaf garnu hola : Excuse me/ I'm sorry

Pheri bhataula : See you later

Tapai lai kasto Cha? : How are you?

Malai thikai chha. Tapailai ni? : Me fine. And how about you?

Tapai ko naam ke hola? : What is your name?

Mero naam …………. Ho. Aani tapaiko? : My name is ……… and yours?

Shubha prabhat : Good morning

Shubha Sandhya : Good evening

Shubha Ratri : Good night

Mero des …………….ho : I am from …………..

Yo thauko naam ke ho? : What is the name of this area?

Malai Thikai chha : I am fine

About Holidays of Nepal

Festivals and fairs are some important parts of Nepalese people's day to day life. Thus they celebrate many festivals throughout a year. Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Chtistianity are some names of major religions adopted and practiced in Nepal. Therefore there are more than 50 festivals in existence. Most of them are mainly set by lunar calendar. And Nepal government has managed or marked them as national holidays to support its people to practice such cultural activities. Nayavasha , Loshar, Teej, Dashain, Tihar, Christmas, Id, Holi, Buddha Jayanti, Gai Jatra, Shiva Ratri, Swaraswati Puja are few examples of them. Despite such cultural practices Nepal celebrate manages holidays to mark and celebrate some important days on its history like Republican Day, Martyrs Day, Prithivi Jayanti, Bhanu Jayanti, Laxmi Jayanti along with some international holidays like Labor Day, International Woman Day. Apart from such holidays all governmental and private offices, schools and industries remain closed on all Saturdays.

Nepalese Holidays

Here by all these holidays are listed according to English calendar.

1. January: New Year as per English Calendar

Prithvi Jayanti and National Unity Day

Maghe Sankranti, Makkar Snani

National Martyrs' Day

The Maghe Sankranti is one important national holiday of Nepal. It is celebrated to mark the beginning of Margh month of nepali calendar. It also marks the end of winter season. It falls on the second or third week of Janurary month.

2. February: Lhosar (Tibetan New Year)

Tribhuvan Jayanti and National Democracy Day

Maha Shivaratri

Loshar is the Tibetan new year especially celebrated by Nepali Sherpas of Nepal. It falls in February of English calendar. It is also registered as national holiday. Many cultural groups especially from Himalayan tribe of Nepal organize many cultural shows and carnivals around the country to celebrate this festival.

Maha Shivaratri another holiday of Nepal which is celebrated throughout the country to honor Lord Shiva. Pilgrims and sadhus on this day go to nearby holy shrine of Lord Shiva to pay their homage. Great fair is organized by Pashupathi Area Development Commission on this day in Kathmandu and pilgrims from the many places visit this holy shrine on this day.

3. March: Holi

Ram Nawami

Holi is a festival of color. It is also celebrated in India, Bangladesh, Shree Lanka and Bhutan. This festival has religious as well as social importance. It is on these days is celebrated as a festival to mark social unity and brotherhood.

4. April: Nayavarsha (New Year of Nepal)

Matatirtha Aausi (Mother's day)

Labor Day

Buddha Jayanti

This day is celebrated as a birth anniversary of Lord Gautama Buddha. It falls in some day of May month of English calendar. Thousands of Buddhists pilgrims visit different holy Buddhist shrine on this day to pay their homage to Lord Gautama Buddha and lit butter lamps and chant different sacred lines with best wishes of restoration of peace and love throughout the world. Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Lumbini face hundreds of thousands visitors this day. It is also a national holiday.

5. May: Shithi Cha Hey Puja

Republican Day

6. June: International Environment Day

7. July: World Population Day

8. August: Raksha Bandhan (Janai Purnima)

Krishna Janmashtami

This festival marks the auspicious day of birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. On this day pilgrims go to the nearby Krishna Temple to celebrate this day. Music and dance along with feast will be organized on this day. SKON Temple of Budhanilkantha, Krishna Temple of Patan face flocks of pilgrims on this day especially.

9. September: Teej

Indra Jatra

This day is another national holiday of Nepal and in this day nepali girls especially married undergo strict feast and worship Lord Shiva and wish for their happy married life. Unmarried girls too wish for good husband like that of Lord Shiva. Women in red costumes visit holy shrine of Lord Shiva on this day to prey. It falls in some day of August or September of English calendar which is some day of Bhadra month of Nepali calendar.

It is an auspicious day to worship god of rain Indra. On this day Kathmandu celebrates with great excitement and enthusiasm. During its eight days period different ritual dances of masked pilgrims makes it more interesting. Drum, dance, and other cultural show makes it exciting.

10. October: Dashain or Bijaya Dashami or Durga Puja

Tihar or Laxmi Puja or Dipawali (Festive of light)

Ma Puja

Chhath Parba (Worship of Lord Sun)

Tihar is a festive of light which comes after 15 days of end of Dashain. It is some days of October or November of English calendar. It is also the 2nd biggest festival of Nepal after Dashain. This festival goes for 5 days in which people worship crow, dog, cow, ox and brothers/sisters on each day separately with delicious food and garland. They worship Goddess Laxmi, goddess of wealth and prosperity, lit candles, oil lamps and illuminate their home and its premises. Newar community on the fifth day of Tihar celebrate "Ma Puja" which means worship of one's self. It is peculiar cultural practice of this community. It would be nice and really exciting for foreigners to visit Nepal on this period.

Dashain is also known as Bijaya Dashami as it is believed to be the auspicious day of victory of Goddess Durga over Demon. This is the longest and most auspicious festival of Nepali as it goes for 15 days in total. It falls on some days of Aswin and or Kartik months of Nepali calendar which happens to be some days of September and or October of English calendar. During lunar fortnight ending on the day of the full moon people worship Goddess Durga, sacrifice animals to please Her, take holy bath and receives tika and blessings from the elders of the family and relatives.

11. November: Constitutional Day

12. December: AIDS Day

Human Rights Day

Nepal's Neighbor Countries

Nepal is a land locked country whose boarders are sealed by India from three sides west, east and south and by China from north side. Thus India and China are its main and prominent neighbor countries and Nepal shares much of its cultural behaviors with them too. But there are other countries like Pakistan, Sri-Lanka, Bangladesh and Bhutan too which have very distinct and prominent importance for Nepal as its neighbor countries.
Pakistan, A Brief Information
Pakistan is located at the west north direction by the Nepal. It covers 803940 sq. km of world's total land surface. Officially it is named as Islamic Republic of Pakistan whose capital city is Islamabad. Pakistan contributes 163417500 people to the world's total population(2008, 20 May). Jasmine is its national flower and Deodar is its national tree.
Pakistan is divided into four provinces through North West Frontier Province (NWFP) (74521 sq. km), Punjab (205344 sq. km), Sindh (140914 sq. km) and Balochistan (347190 sq. km). The tribal belt adjoining NWFP is managed by the Federal Government and is named as FATA. Azad Kasmir and Northern Areas have their own respective political and administrative mechanism yet they are under the guidance of Federal Government.
Pakistan is best known in the world as an amazing region of natural beauty. Its wide ranges of Himalayas and fascinating southern belts are famous around the world. Northern area of Pakistan spread over 74496 sq. km. the cultural patterns of this region are as interesting as its topography.
The people with typical costumes, folk dances, music and sports like polo and buzikashi provide the traveler an unforgettable experience. Nowhere in the world there is such a great concentration of mountains, glaciers, hills then it is there in Pakistan. Of the 14 eight thousanders on the world, five fall in this area. They are K-2 of height 8611 m and it is the world's second highest elevation, Nanga Parbat of height 8126 m, Gasherbrum-I and Gasherbrum-II of 8068 m each, and Gasherbrum-III of height 8047 m. There are about 66 other elevations which range more than 7000m (for example Masherbrum, Rakaposhi, Disteghil Sar).The northern Pakistan is also famous for its some longest glaciers like Siachen which is about 72 km long. Hispar is another 61 km long glacier. Biafo, Baltoro, Batura, Atrak are other well known glaciers of this region.

The Flora and Fauna of Nepal

The geographical extremes of Nepal ranges from near sea level 90 m, Kechana Kawal in the south to the altitude of 8848 m, the top of Mt. Everest. Its variety of eco-system which includes tall Sal trees, forest of the south to the Oak and Rhododendron woods of the middle hills, dense fir forests of the high valleys and tree-less sub-alpine pastures have made Nepal a good habitat for fauna and a rich collection place of flora. Such a variety of rich environment has given suitable and appropriate residence/habitat for many such fauna and wild lives and birds which are rare in rest part of the world. Nepal government has for the practical comfort divided and categorized flora and fauna of Nepal into main four regions according to their geographical location. They are:
1. Tropical Deciduous Monsoon Forest
2. Sub-trophical Mixed Ever-green Forest
3. Temperate Ever-green Forest
4. Sub-alpine and Alpine Zone

Namaste! Wel-Come to Nepal

Namaste! Done with palm joined together and with friendly smiling humble posture, is a tradition Hindu but now a typical greeting of all Nepali. So "Namaste" to all. Everything of Nepal will give you an extra and charismatic experience. For that what you need is to have a desire to stay and visit it at least for 3 or 4 days. It is for one to experience lively the real Nepal and to appreciate the charms of its cities, villages, plains, hills and mountains. And I am damn sure that you will then never forget this land where nature itself relies. Then you too will call it a real paradise as others have claimed it to be.
Nepal is a country of amazing extremes everywhere. It is a region where Mt. Everest, the tallest elevation of the world falls. It is also known as the birth land of Lord Gautama Buddha. Massive and wide ranges of Himalayas are stretching across the northern frontier of this region. Beautiful middle ranges of hills and wide plains of southern belt Terai covered with dense forest have added its geographical diversity. The majestic royal tiger and singled-horned rhino are some such wild lives of this region which one cannot get in other part of the world.
Forests full of wildlives, flowers and birds, ever rushing rivers, huge pile of ice, soothing environment throughout a year have made it really distinct in the world. Really Nepal is always offers something for everybody that they may be scholars, poets, learners, explores, trekkers, tourists, rafters, mountaineers, artists, wild lives explores and enthusiasts and adventurists.
Art and culture have well flourished in this nation which have remained as a center of attraction of its all visitors from long time. History of tourism of Nepal is not much then 50 to 60 years but since its beginning, hundreds of thousands have come this area annually to visit from all over the world and it is still at the center of attraction to the visitors of the world. Whether one is on vacation, business, leisure, adventure or tour Nepal is for all of its kind for all season thorough out a year. One can simply visit it as it is easy and cheap too and make his/her valuable short vacation immemorial. It's one time visitor has never forgotten it then and always tried to return.

Fun and Musti in Nepal

Nepal is a landlocked country with plenty of Mountain and hilly stations and tourist areas thus it has accepted and developed tourism as its main source of economy. Nepal is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-lingual country where various ethnic groups like Indo-Europeans, Peoples of Asian Aborigines, and Mongolians are living side by side in harmony from pre-historic time. Multi-ethnicity is one of the major characteristics of Nepalese society that such rich tapestry of ethnic diversity has made Nepal a unique country in this world. Thus it has remained as a best destination point for its visitors. One can enjoy the real adventure of trekking, mountaineering and travel in its hills and mountains. Rural tourism, cultural tourism, eco tourism, biking, rafting, boating, canoeing, hiking are some choices for those who like to spend his/her few days of vacation with nature. Movies halls, dance concerts, cultural shows, discos are some other means of entertainment and fun for deservers.

Cultural Shows:
Different hotels, restaurants and pubs organize different cultural show package every day. There by one can enjoy the taste of typical Nepali culture with local songs like dohari and Jhaure, songs by Gaines in typical Nepali cultural costumes and dress. Among other Deurali Cultural Group, Nepal is one which provides such cultural show package every day and in every especial cultural occasion where many people from different places come daily to enjoy the shows
Casinos:
People from South Asian countries mainly love Nepal for its casinos. One can taste the card games like Pontoon, Flush, Blackjack, Poker, Baccarat and many other in its major 5 star and 4 star hotels. Everest hotel is well known for its superb facilities for casino players. One can participate in the game with either chips which is built especially for the game by the service provider or by US dollars or Indian Currency. Such hotels provide free drinks along with some especial food and disco as supplementary entertainment for its customers. Well furnished rooms and furniture, high class music system and vehicle facilities will make your time good.
Disco Clubs, Pubs and Bars:
There are numbers of choice for one to spend time in either Disco clubs, Bars or Pubs. The bakery Café, New Orneans Café, Jump club, Tunnel club, Kumari Restaurant and Bar, Quality Food Land, Moon Sun Disco, Club X Zone, Studio 54, Rum Doodle Restaurant and Bar are few choices to kill time with great fun and musti with some continental foods and drinks.

Movies:
The Big Cinema, Kamalpokhari, Jai Nepal Movie Hall, Kumari Cinema Hall, 3D Movie hall of NLIC Complex, Guna Cinema Hall are some famous cinema halls which run daily shows of movies of Hollywood, Bollywood and Kaliwood at an affordable price. Gurukul Theatre located at Old Baneswor provides some different shows of different Nepali and other foreign playwrights plays.
Trekking, mountaineering and hiking:
Along with all these above mentioned activities and venues of entertainment one can also go to lap of nature. Trekking, Mountaineering and hiking are easy and cheap and safe. One can also go to mountain biking, cycling, rafting, bungee jump, boating, paragliding, ultra light flight to make his/her vacation good and immemorial. Trip to world heritage sites, sacred places, places of historical places can be your choice too.

Climate and Rainfall of Nepal

Nepal is a South Asian country which is located in between two contemporary growing world powers India and China. It is best known in the world as a good destination point for travel and tourism and extreme adventures. Everything of Nepal is a matter keen interest and extreme importance for its visitors. Cliffy mountains which range from the world's highest elevation (Mt. Everest, 8,848 m) to other many dangerous eight-thousanders, and Shangri-La, its flora and fauna, its ever rushing rivers, glaciers, and world famous trekking routes have it one of the best traveling and tourist area of the world. But one must be always serious about the environment and weather condition of this region as it keeps on changing to make his/her trip easy and successful. Weather condition of Nepal is not same throughout the country as it varies according to its geography from region to region. Normally one can experience the moderate temperature in Terai belt in winter season that it ranges from 7 degree Celsius to 23 degree Celsius. The temperature of hilly areas of Nepal in summer and late spring season rise up to 28 degree Celsius and it may go to 35 degree Celsius in Terai belt.
The temperature of Kathmandu valley, which is the capital city of this nation and which is at the altitude of 1310 meter from the sea level remains mild throughout a year as it ranges from 19 degree Celsius to 27 degree Celsius in summer season and 2 degree Celsius to 20 degree Celsius in winter season. But one will experience much different temperature in higher elevations which may remain under below 0 degree Celsius throughout a year.
Annual rainfall in Kathmandu exceeds 1300 mm as it is recorded officially till this time. The mean annual rainfall of this nation ranges from more than 6000 mm long the northern slopes of the Annapurna Himalayan range to less than 250 mm in the northern central part of the country near the Tibetan Plateau. Officially it is believed that almost 80% of it total annual precipitation is confined to the monsoon period which falls in between the period of June to September.

Major High Class Hotels of Nepal

Nepal is a landlocked south Asian country. India and China have covered it from all sides. Though it is small in its geography and size, poses diverse natural properties and exciting areas to be visited. It is probably working with world's youngest republic. Kathmandu is its capital city which it also the only largest metropolitan city of this country. It is renowned in the world as a city of temples that well furnished handicraft, stone craft and metal craft have made this a living paradise. Its one time visitor can never forget it in his/her life. Thousands of visitors both internal and international come annually to visit and enjoy their short and valuable holiday. Good management of security, generous and benevolent behaviors of local people and government's clear and good policies have supported visitors to keep it at top of their list of areas to be visited. Nepal government has recently launched Nepal Tourism Year 2011 to promote and develop it as a tourist area. You may make your short and valuable time really immemorial by visiting. Here is a short list of few high-class hotels and some details about them to ease one to search and find best one for him/her to make his/her stay in Nepal a joyful one. There are mainly 4 categories of hotels available Five Star Hotels, Four Star Hotels, Three Star Hotels and Local Common Typed Hotels.


Major Five Star Hotels of Nepal:

Hyatt Regency, Kathmandu:
It is a luxury high class five star hotel resort situated at just a distance of 10 km away from the city of Kathmandu. Tribhuwan International Airport, Boudhanath Stupa, Kapan Gumba and other different shopping centers and business houses are just around it.One can enjoy the International standard service and accommodation facility in this hotel. Nepalese, Chinese, Indian and other continental dishes are available here Separate working areas with high speed internet facility, wide and well furnished rest rooms, well equipped and facilitated bed rooms with terrace to overlook the serene vista are some of its distinct features. Other Five Stars of Nepal are:
1. Yak and Yeti
2. Hotel Radisson
3. Hotel de la Annapurna
Major Four Star Hotels of Nepal:

Hotel Shankar:
Hotel Shakar is one four star of Nepal located at just by the center city. It is situated in an old palace constructed by the Rana Maharaja which echoes the French architectural pattern. It is developed as a business house in 1964. High class service and infrastructures have made it really a good hotel. There are 94 luxurious rooms, 10 suitors, two restaurant, two bars, coffee shop, music opera, swimming pool and many more.
Other renowned Four Star Hotels of Nepal:
1. Hotel Himalayan
2. Grand Hotel
3. The Blue Star Hotel
Major 3 Star Hotels of Nepal:

Samsara Resort :
Offering a panoramic view of Langtang Himalayan Range and other Himalayas, Samsara Resort boasts to be a deluxe 3 star hotel of Kathmandu. Peaceful atmosphere, panoramic view of surrounding areas have made it really good destination point. There are 25 air conditioned and advanced rooms with high speed internet access, well furnished furniture. It arranges various travel and tours package to the city's famous tourist areas and historic places.
Other Renowned 3 star hotels of Nepal:
1. Hotel Mountain
2. Maruni Sanctuary Lodge
3. Kathmandu Guest House

Some Famous Sacred Sites of Nepal

It is interesting to have opportunity to observer and travel around the sacred religious sites and historical places of Nepal. There are many sacred sites in Nepal so it is also known as a country of temples. UNESCO have enlisted ten major places of historical and cultural importanted as World Heritage Sites. Your just a visit will help to explore the sites of real natural beauty and places of historical importances. There are few details of some prominent sacred sites of Nepal.

The Pashupatinath Temple:
This sacred shrine of God Shiva is situated just by the side of Bagmati River, a sacred river. It is the only largest and most worshipped Shiva Temple of the world. There is a sacred Shiva Linga of 3.5 feet height with five facets and it is only one in the world of its type. Located at just a distance of 5 km on northern east side is surrounded by Slesmantak Jungle.Silver coated artistic doors, gold plated roofs, pagoda house have made it cheristamic. Shiva Ratri is the famous day in which hundreds of thousand pilgrims and Saadhus visit this sacred site to pay their homage to the Lord Shiva. Hindus are only permitted to enter the temple complex however non-hindus can easily get a clear view to the temple complex from all sites at just a distance.
The Swayambunath Stupa:
It is believed to be created automatically about 2000 years ago that literally "Swa" a Sanskrit word means "Self" and "bhu" another Sanskrit word suggests "land" so it is defined as created by itself. It is enlisted in World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is situated at a distance of three kilometers on westward from the center city Kathmandu at a top of Padhmagiri hillock. It is a sacred Buddhist Shrine. The artistic and scriptural beauty and geographical location have made it a mystic place of Kathmandu. The four sides of the temple is painted with four eyes of Lord Buddha which is believed to be his watchful eyes. It is a good habitat of wild monkeys thus some have named it as monkey temple too.

The Boudhanath Stupa:
It is one of the sacred and largest Buddhist shrine of Nepal. It is supposed to be built in the 14 th century. There are almost 45 different Buddhist monasteries in its premise. It is another World Heritage Site of Kathmandu valley. Thousands of visitors especially Tibetan pilgrims visit this shrine daily. In these days it has emerged as a best location for pilgrimage and meditation.


Lumbini :
It falls in Terai fringe of Middle Nepal in the Rupandehi district. It is the sacred birth place of Lord Gautam Buddha. It is a complex of temples and shrines dating from 2en century B.C. to the 9th Century A.D. to the monasteries of modern time. The Dharma Swami Maharaja Buddha Temple which was built by the late king of Mustang and the Lumbini Bihar built by Nepal Government are some center of attraction in its main complex area. Outside the main complex there are other different stupa built by other countries. Thousands of visitors visit this sacred shrine daily.
Changunarayan Temple:
It is located on the top of Doladri hillock at a distance of 12 kilometers northward from the center city of Kathmandu valley at an altitude of 5000 meter. It is believed to be the Nepal's oldest temple of Pagoda Style built in about 3rd century. It is famous for its architecture and art-craft.
Budhanil Kantha Temple:
It is situated at the southern base of Shivapuri hillock at a distanc of 7 kilometers on northern side of the Center city of Kathmandu. It is named after Lord Bishnu. It is the largest lying statue of Nepal and Bharat. It is believed to be built by king Bishnu Gupt about 642 B.S. The gigantic statue of Lord Bishnu is lying on a 11-headed snake.