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.