For adventure seekers, rafting is the perfect way for an extended adventure on the river to get your adrenaline pumping to a new high. Nepal has some of the best rivers for rafting. Rafting trips for some is the highlight of their stay in Nepal. The waters in Nepal offer something for everybody: Grade 5-5+ rivers with raging white water rapids for the adventurous, to Grade 2-3 rivers with a few rapids for novices. Rafters also have a choice ranging from two to three day trips to trips of two or three weeks. Paddling is a fun way to enjoy the trip as well as bonding with fellow rafters.
A typical day in the river begins early morning when rafters arrive at the put-in point. The river guide begins with instructions on safety and emergencies before everyone is given life vests and helmets. This is a must for safety on the river at all times. Lunch on some white sandy beach around mid-day is fun. The best time for rafting is from October through mid-December and March to early May. In winter the water is cold and during the monsoons months from June through September, the white water sections are dangerous, but gentler stretches are easy to raft on.
introduction
Tourism in NepalNepal is a mountainous country where can be found different kinds of natural beauties and different panoramas as well as Vistas. They are the main source of tourist’s attractions where there are natural vender Vistas panoramas, pond, lake; stream and Himalayan ranges they attract the tourists to enter in those area from which we can get earn enough foreign currency.
In our country Nepal we can find many above mentioned sources. They should be repaired and reconstruct in our Nepal to enhance the national social status and economic status in the other hand, Tourism hotel, park and many resort should be established around tourism places, if they are established in our mountainous region then we can flourish the trekking in our country Nepal.
In our country Nepal, there are so many places where many people from different countries are visit for different purpose. Maximum people for their personal satisfaction and some to learn about different cultuture of our country. some famous places in Nepal are as,MAHENDRA CAVE,FEWA LAKE,JANAKPUR,LUMBINI,GORKHA DARBAR,and in the eastern part TEA GARDEN OF ILLAM(KANYAM),SANDAKPUR ,SHRIANTU and so many religious places like PASHUPATINATH,SHYAMBHU,KRISHNA MANDIR,PATIBHARA and so on.For bird watching one need not look elsewhere. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in the eastern tarai close to Itahari attracts a large number of migratory birds. Established in 1976 to protect the grassland and islands in the floodplains of Sapta Koshi River, it is also the last habitat of the Arna (wild water buffalo). Bird watchers arrive here in search of the beautiful Bengal florican and the flamboyant sarus cranes. More than 440 species of birds have been recorded here including those that arrive from Siberia and Tibet around November to February. The reserve is also home to wild boar, jackals, pythons and crocodiles. The endangered Gangetic dolphins are seen occasionally when they surface in the river. A park fee is charged for entering the reserve.So as a hole for the betterment of the country and culture we should heve to promote the tourism.
In our country Nepal we can find many above mentioned sources. They should be repaired and reconstruct in our Nepal to enhance the national social status and economic status in the other hand, Tourism hotel, park and many resort should be established around tourism places, if they are established in our mountainous region then we can flourish the trekking in our country Nepal.
In our country Nepal, there are so many places where many people from different countries are visit for different purpose. Maximum people for their personal satisfaction and some to learn about different cultuture of our country. some famous places in Nepal are as,MAHENDRA CAVE,FEWA LAKE,JANAKPUR,LUMBINI,GORKHA DARBAR,and in the eastern part TEA GARDEN OF ILLAM(KANYAM),SANDAKPUR ,SHRIANTU and so many religious places like PASHUPATINATH,SHYAMBHU,KRISHNA MANDIR,PATIBHARA and so on.For bird watching one need not look elsewhere. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in the eastern tarai close to Itahari attracts a large number of migratory birds. Established in 1976 to protect the grassland and islands in the floodplains of Sapta Koshi River, it is also the last habitat of the Arna (wild water buffalo). Bird watchers arrive here in search of the beautiful Bengal florican and the flamboyant sarus cranes. More than 440 species of birds have been recorded here including those that arrive from Siberia and Tibet around November to February. The reserve is also home to wild boar, jackals, pythons and crocodiles. The endangered Gangetic dolphins are seen occasionally when they surface in the river. A park fee is charged for entering the reserve.So as a hole for the betterment of the country and culture we should heve to promote the tourism.
people and culture
The two major religions practiced in Nepal are Hinduism and Buddhism with a majority of the people being Hindus. The two have co-existed through the ages and many Hindu idols are found within Buddhist shrines. Hindus visit Buddhist shrines and Buddhists visit Hindu temples without a second thought as many worship in both. Some gods and goddesses are shared by Hinduism and Buddhism although they have been given different names. The other religions practiced in Nepal are: Islam, Christianity, Jainism, Sikhism and Bon. Some of the earliest inhabitants like the Kirants practice their own kind of religion based on ancestor worship and the Tharus practice animism. Over the years, Hinduism and Buddhism have been influenced by these practices which have been modified to form a synthesis of newer beliefs.
Nepal was declared a secular country by Parliament on May 18, 2006.
According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, the total population of Nepal was 26,427,99 in 2007. The population comprises people of more than 100 multiple ethnic groups who speak about 93 different languages and dialects which are further divided into different castes. The distinction in caste still plays a significant part in a Nepali’ life when it comes to marriage.
Some of the main ethnic groups are: Gurungs and Magars who live mainly in the western region; Rais, Limbus and Sunwars who live in the eastern middle hills; Sherpas, Manangbas and Lopas who live near the mountains of Everest, Annapurna and Mustang respectively; Newars who live in and around the Kathmandu valley; Tharus, Yadavas, Satar, Rajvanshis and Dhimals who live in the Tarai region; and Brahmins, Chhetris and Thakuris generally spread over all parts of the country.
Nepali is the official language of the state, spoken and understood by almost all the people of Nepal. English is spoken by many in government and business offices. It is the mode of education in most private schools of Kathmandu and some other cities.
| ETH. GROUP | POPULATION | |
| Brahman | 2,896,477 | |
| Chhetri | 3,593,496 | |
| Magar | 1,662,241 | |
| Tharu | 1,533,879 | |
| Tamang | 1,282,304 | |
| Newar | 1,245,232 | |
| Rai | 6,35,151 | |
| Gurung | 5,43,571 | |
| Limbu | 3,59,379 | |
| Thakuri | 3,34,120 | |
| Sherpa | 15,462 | |
| Thakali | 12,973 | |
| Chepang | 52,237 | |
| Raute | 658 |
Trekking
Trekking is by far Nepal’s biggest attraction. Pioneered by Col. Jimmy Roberts in the early 1960s, most tourists embark on some trek or the other and many do multiple treks before heading back home. Some arrive each year to do a different trek each time. A trek is also the best means of seeing the country and to understand its people. Walking through emerald rice fields; through rhododendron forests; crossing streams, camping out on a hilltop in the wilderness with towering mountains in the background, make trekking an unforgettable experience.
One can also do pony treks in some remote places, which is equally enthralling for visitors. Pony treks are offered mostly in western region of Pokhara, Dolpo and Lo Manthang (Mustang).
The two most popular treks are the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Around Annapurna also known as the Annapurna Circuit as it goes right around the Annapurna range. There are many different treks offered in the Everest and Annapurna regions. Other popular regions are the Langtang valley, Helambu, Makalu, Manaslu, Kanchenjunga and the Arun Valley. Another popular destination in the Everest region is the Gokyo valley.
One can also do pony treks in some remote places, which is equally enthralling for visitors. Pony treks are offered mostly in western region of Pokhara, Dolpo and Lo Manthang (Mustang).
The two most popular treks are the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Around Annapurna also known as the Annapurna Circuit as it goes right around the Annapurna range. There are many different treks offered in the Everest and Annapurna regions. Other popular regions are the Langtang valley, Helambu, Makalu, Manaslu, Kanchenjunga and the Arun Valley. Another popular destination in the Everest region is the Gokyo valley.
hill stations
tourism in nepalNepal is basically known for its altitudinal variations, ranging between 100 m above the sea level to pinnacle of the Earth, the Mt. Everest. This fact describes Nepal as the mountainous country encompassing many sky-penetrating mountains with lush green meadows, serene hills and deepest gorge. Notable among hill stations include: Bandipur, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Tansen, Gorkha amongst others.
Bandipur is an ancient trading town of quaint streets and charming atmosphere, which lies 135 km out on the Kathmandu -Pokhara highway. Bandipur retains its age-old cultural attributes. Nagarkot, located 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu, is one of the most scenic spots in Bhaktapur district and is renowned for its spectacular sunrise view of the Himalaya when the weather is clear. Nagarkot has become famous as one of the best spots to view Mount Everest as well as other snow-topped peaks of the Himalayan range of eastern Nepal. Dhulikhel is a scenic and ancient town situated 30 kilometers east of Kathmandu on the Arniko Rajmarg (Kathmandu Kodari Highway). From here one has a panoramic view of the Himalayan range. Tansen is on the way from Pokhara to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, and it is not too far from the Chitwan National Park and located around 1,300 meters above sea level, on the south flank of Srinagar Hill. Gorkha is a scenic hill- town with great historical significance. King Prithvi Narayan Shah, who unified the Nepal during eighteenth century, was born in the township of Gorkha. It offers panoramic view of snow-fed mountains.
Nepal where major chunk of area is occupied by villages has tremendous potential in rural tourism. Its main aim is to link Village Development and Sustainable Tourism through the generation of income, employment and local markets for agricultural products and handicrafts. Other objectives include the provision of incentives for forestation and nature conservation and the creation of a global family through the encounter between rural Nepalese people and foreign tourists during village home stays, resulting in mutual understanding and learning.
The main target group of the program is women who will be the main beneficiaries due to new income opportunities. It is a rural enterprise owned and operated by the local people. It is a group activity, and benefits are shared among as many villages and individuals as possible. "Village Trek", visits to indigenous people are the activities, which will make tourists, experience rural life and Nepalese hospitality off the beaten path with all the beautiful scenery and cultural diversity of Nepal.
Accommodation is in individual guestrooms with host families or, in between villages, in tents. During the trekking, meals are prepared by a professional team. In the villages, the visitors can try a delicious, hygienically prepared Nepali "Daalbhaat" consisting of locally produced rice, lentils and garden-fresh, organically grown vegetables. The guestrooms are simple, but clean and cozy.
The main target group of the program is women who will be the main beneficiaries due to new income opportunities. It is a rural enterprise owned and operated by the local people. It is a group activity, and benefits are shared among as many villages and individuals as possible. "Village Trek", visits to indigenous people are the activities, which will make tourists, experience rural life and Nepalese hospitality off the beaten path with all the beautiful scenery and cultural diversity of Nepal.
Accommodation is in individual guestrooms with host families or, in between villages, in tents. During the trekking, meals are prepared by a professional team. In the villages, the visitors can try a delicious, hygienically prepared Nepali "Daalbhaat" consisting of locally produced rice, lentils and garden-fresh, organically grown vegetables. The guestrooms are simple, but clean and cozy.
Bandipur is an ancient trading town of quaint streets and charming atmosphere, which lies 135 km out on the Kathmandu -Pokhara highway. Bandipur retains its age-old cultural attributes. Nagarkot, located 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu, is one of the most scenic spots in Bhaktapur district and is renowned for its spectacular sunrise view of the Himalaya when the weather is clear. Nagarkot has become famous as one of the best spots to view Mount Everest as well as other snow-topped peaks of the Himalayan range of eastern Nepal. Dhulikhel is a scenic and ancient town situated 30 kilometers east of Kathmandu on the Arniko Rajmarg (Kathmandu Kodari Highway). From here one has a panoramic view of the Himalayan range. Tansen is on the way from Pokhara to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, and it is not too far from the Chitwan National Park and located around 1,300 meters above sea level, on the south flank of Srinagar Hill. Gorkha is a scenic hill- town with great historical significance. King Prithvi Narayan Shah, who unified the Nepal during eighteenth century, was born in the township of Gorkha. It offers panoramic view of snow-fed mountains.
geography
The geography of nepal is divided into high mountains,mid hills and low lands.A wide range of ecosystem from sub topical jungles of the terai to the arctic conditions of himalayan highlands are found within an area of 147.181 square kilometers.
There are a total of 9 national parks,three wildlife reserves ,3 conversation areas,1 hunting reserve including 11 buffer zones in and around protected areas covering a total of 28,998,67 square kilometer(19.70%)of countries total land.nepal’s rich bio-diversity renders it ideal as an eco-tourism destination.
There are some famous national parks in nepal are as,CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK(932 sq km),SAGARMATHA NATIONAL PARK(1,148 sq km),BARDIA NATIONAL PARK(968 sq km),LANGTANG NATIONAL PARK(1,710 sq km),RARA NATIONAL PARK(106 sq km),SHEY-PHOKSHUNDO NATIONAL PARK(3,555 sq km),KHAPTAD NATIONAL PARK(225 sq km),MAKALU-BARUN NATIONAL PARK(1500 sq km),SHIVAPURI NATIONAL PARK(144 sq km) and so many wildlife reserves,SUKLAPHANT WILDLIFE RESERVE(305 sq km),KOSHI TAPPU WILDLIFE RESERVE(175 sq km) and PARSA WILDLIFE RESERVE(449 sq km).and so many new visiting places are established.Nature has bestowed Nepal an amazing diversity in terms of topography besides the people and climate. Within a distance of a mere 150 km. the land rises from as low as a 100 m above sea level to the pinnacle of the Earth, Mt. Everest rising 8,848m into the sky. Within that short distance the climate amazingly changes from sub-tropical to arctic conditions. In between are hills and valleys covered in greenery, where people are fond of going to escape the heat of the low lying areas. Some of the popular hill stations are Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Kakani, Daman, Bandipur, Tansen, Hile, Basantapur amongst others.
There are a total of 9 national parks,three wildlife reserves ,3 conversation areas,1 hunting reserve including 11 buffer zones in and around protected areas covering a total of 28,998,67 square kilometer(19.70%)of countries total land.nepal’s rich bio-diversity renders it ideal as an eco-tourism destination.
There are some famous national parks in nepal are as,CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK(932 sq km),SAGARMATHA NATIONAL PARK(1,148 sq km),BARDIA NATIONAL PARK(968 sq km),LANGTANG NATIONAL PARK(1,710 sq km),RARA NATIONAL PARK(106 sq km),SHEY-PHOKSHUNDO NATIONAL PARK(3,555 sq km),KHAPTAD NATIONAL PARK(225 sq km),MAKALU-BARUN NATIONAL PARK(1500 sq km),SHIVAPURI NATIONAL PARK(144 sq km) and so many wildlife reserves,SUKLAPHANT WILDLIFE RESERVE(305 sq km),KOSHI TAPPU WILDLIFE RESERVE(175 sq km) and PARSA WILDLIFE RESERVE(449 sq km).and so many new visiting places are established.Nature has bestowed Nepal an amazing diversity in terms of topography besides the people and climate. Within a distance of a mere 150 km. the land rises from as low as a 100 m above sea level to the pinnacle of the Earth, Mt. Everest rising 8,848m into the sky. Within that short distance the climate amazingly changes from sub-tropical to arctic conditions. In between are hills and valleys covered in greenery, where people are fond of going to escape the heat of the low lying areas. Some of the popular hill stations are Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Kakani, Daman, Bandipur, Tansen, Hile, Basantapur amongst others.
religious places
The Jomsom trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. The diverse landscapes and cultures to be found along the trek route give marvelous insight into the way of life of rural Nepali people. The highlight of the trek is the walk through the gorge carved by the Kali Gandaki River, which originates in the Tibetan plateau to eventually flow into the Ganges in India.
Normally, trekkers continue the trek beyond Jomsom to Muktinath, the famous pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus. To Hindus, Muktinath is a sacred place of salvation. They believe that to wash in the waters here guarantees salvation after death. The Hindu god, Brahma, is said to have lit the eternal flames that still burn at Muktinath. To the Buddhists it is a place where the great sage guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) came to meditate. To the rest, it is the source of fossilized ammonites, known locally as shaligrams, which are found all along the upper reaches of Kali Gandaki. This part of Nepal is inhabited by Gurungs and Magars in the lower regions of the Kali Gandaki, Thakalis around Jomsom and people with obvious Tibetan roots, the Lopa, around Muktinath and up to Mustang. Their customs and attire are all quite distinct and this trek is ideal for observing the diversity among the people and their customs. Hinduism dominates the lower parts while as one climbs further up, Tibetan Buddhism predominates. If you happen to be in Muktinath in early September, you are likely to be in time for one of Nepal’s unique festivals, the annual horse race known as Yartung. This is a week of some serious horse racing, Tibetan style, and some equally serious merrymaking.
Most of the route along the Jomsom trek has been described as part of the Annapurna circuit and Annapurna foothill treks. The usual starting point is Naya Pul on the Pokhara to Baglung road and from there, via Ghorepani and Tatopani, into the gorge of the Kali Gandaki. Between Tatopani and Lete Khola, there is a dramatic change of scenery. Pine forests crowd in on the trail and the villages take on a quite different appearance. The layout of the villages and the design of the houses are unique to this area. The houses are designed to protect the inhabitants from the strong winds that blow up the valley everyday from the late morning onwards. These winds are caused by differences in atmospheric pressure between the Tibetan plateau and the lower reaches of the valley. The best example of the unique architecture of this region is found in the village of Marpha which is a two-hour walk down from Jomsom. The stone flagged streets with an efficient underground drainage system and the flat-roofed houses with a central courtyard make an attractive spot to spend an extra day resting. Use the free time to sample apple products of this region from the lush orchards up in the valley.
Jomsom is best known for its airport that offers a quick entry or exit to the valley with regular daily flights from Pokhara. The strong winds that blow up the valley prevents flights from taking off from Jomsom after 11 a.m. Jomsom can also be considered a place to use as a base for exploring the upper part of the Kali Gandaki region. There are numerous accommodation options including a new high-class resort complex.
Normally, trekkers continue the trek beyond Jomsom to Muktinath, the famous pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus. To Hindus, Muktinath is a sacred place of salvation. They believe that to wash in the waters here guarantees salvation after death. The Hindu god, Brahma, is said to have lit the eternal flames that still burn at Muktinath. To the Buddhists it is a place where the great sage guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) came to meditate. To the rest, it is the source of fossilized ammonites, known locally as shaligrams, which are found all along the upper reaches of Kali Gandaki. This part of Nepal is inhabited by Gurungs and Magars in the lower regions of the Kali Gandaki, Thakalis around Jomsom and people with obvious Tibetan roots, the Lopa, around Muktinath and up to Mustang. Their customs and attire are all quite distinct and this trek is ideal for observing the diversity among the people and their customs. Hinduism dominates the lower parts while as one climbs further up, Tibetan Buddhism predominates. If you happen to be in Muktinath in early September, you are likely to be in time for one of Nepal’s unique festivals, the annual horse race known as Yartung. This is a week of some serious horse racing, Tibetan style, and some equally serious merrymaking.
Most of the route along the Jomsom trek has been described as part of the Annapurna circuit and Annapurna foothill treks. The usual starting point is Naya Pul on the Pokhara to Baglung road and from there, via Ghorepani and Tatopani, into the gorge of the Kali Gandaki. Between Tatopani and Lete Khola, there is a dramatic change of scenery. Pine forests crowd in on the trail and the villages take on a quite different appearance. The layout of the villages and the design of the houses are unique to this area. The houses are designed to protect the inhabitants from the strong winds that blow up the valley everyday from the late morning onwards. These winds are caused by differences in atmospheric pressure between the Tibetan plateau and the lower reaches of the valley. The best example of the unique architecture of this region is found in the village of Marpha which is a two-hour walk down from Jomsom. The stone flagged streets with an efficient underground drainage system and the flat-roofed houses with a central courtyard make an attractive spot to spend an extra day resting. Use the free time to sample apple products of this region from the lush orchards up in the valley.
Jomsom is best known for its airport that offers a quick entry or exit to the valley with regular daily flights from Pokhara. The strong winds that blow up the valley prevents flights from taking off from Jomsom after 11 a.m. Jomsom can also be considered a place to use as a base for exploring the upper part of the Kali Gandaki region. There are numerous accommodation options including a new high-class resort complex.
Mountaineering
Nepal first came into world focus when Tenzing Norgay Sherpa of Nepal and Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand conquered Mt. Everest in 1953. Ever since, there have been countless expeditions heading off to the Himalayas. With eight of world’s highest peaks within Nepal’s boundaries, there is tremendous interest in the Nepal Himalaya. Most of the peaks over 8000m high were conquered during the Golden Decade of Climbing in the 1950s. Climbing by then had become a national affair with various nations vying with each other to be the first to climb. Today it is all about breaking records. There are some 326 peaks in Nepal open for mountaineering today.
Climbing permits for peaks in the Nepal Himalayas are issued for all seasons by the Mountaineering Section of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. The requisite official documents must be furnished when seeking permission to climb. Around 121 peaks do not require liaison officers for expedition while the rest must be accompanied by one.
Climbing gear and equipments can be bought or rented in Kathmandu or the whole expedition can be handled by mountaineering and trekking agencies. All logistics are taken care of by these agencies including gear, food, transportation, guide and porter services. They also arrange for insurance coverage. Always choose an agency that has a good track record.
Climbing permits for peaks in the Nepal Himalayas are issued for all seasons by the Mountaineering Section of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. The requisite official documents must be furnished when seeking permission to climb. Around 121 peaks do not require liaison officers for expedition while the rest must be accompanied by one.
Climbing gear and equipments can be bought or rented in Kathmandu or the whole expedition can be handled by mountaineering and trekking agencies. All logistics are taken care of by these agencies including gear, food, transportation, guide and porter services. They also arrange for insurance coverage. Always choose an agency that has a good track record.
janakpur
Janakpur in the eastern tarai is one of the historic cities of Nepal and lies 20 km south of the (East-West Highway) Mahendra Highway. Previously renowned as Mithila, it was the capital of the Videha (bodyless) spiritual rulers, the Janakas. Janaki or Sita was born to Sivadhwaga Janaka and was married to Rama, the King of Ayodhya and legendary hero of the great epic ‘Ramayana’. A famous center of learning in ancient times, Mithila once boasted hundreds of sages who contributed substantially to Hindu philosophy. One of the oldest texts produced by them is the well-known Upanishad Brihadarandyaka.
Predominantly inhabited by Maithili people, Janakpur has its own language, script and a unique artistic tradition and rich culture. Recently, religious Mithila art has found its own niche in the art world both locally and internationally. Surprisingly, Japan has shown immense interest in this art form even dedicating a museum to Mithila art. Many hotels and restaurants in Kathmandu now feature Mithila art in their decor.
Janakpur’s landmark is no doubt the popular Janaki Temple in the middle of the bazaar which is dedicated to Sita. A simple but beautiful building nonetheless, the present structure owes its existence to King Pralapa Singh and his consort who donated 900,000 silver coins when they were blessed with a child by Sita. The construction of the temple began in 1895 and took years to evolve into its present form and was completed in 1911. Occupying an area of 4,860 sq. feet, it has a mixed style of Islamic and Rajput Domes. This three storied structure is made entirely of stone and marble rising up to 50m. All 60 rooms of the temple are decorated with stained glass, engravings and paintings, with beautiful latticed windows and turrets.
Pilgrims have been coming to Janakpur since the 4th Century BC. Thousands of pilgrims visit the temple in November/December for Sita Vivah Panchami, the town's major annual festival, when the marriage of Sita and Rama is celebrated with various re-enactments. It is also the time many couples choose for tying the knot. Another festival related to Ram is the Ram Nawami, celebrating his birthday in March/April when huge processions are brought out to the streets.
One of the other big festivals celebrated in Janakpur is the Chhat, when people worship the Sun God (Surya). Devotees gather once at sunset and then the next day at dawn by the holy rivers, offerings fruits and setting burning lamps afloat on the river’s surface. As the sun comes up or when the sun sets, prayers are said facing the sun. Many enter the water while others stand on the shore to pay homage.
Predominantly inhabited by Maithili people, Janakpur has its own language, script and a unique artistic tradition and rich culture. Recently, religious Mithila art has found its own niche in the art world both locally and internationally. Surprisingly, Japan has shown immense interest in this art form even dedicating a museum to Mithila art. Many hotels and restaurants in Kathmandu now feature Mithila art in their decor.
Janakpur’s landmark is no doubt the popular Janaki Temple in the middle of the bazaar which is dedicated to Sita. A simple but beautiful building nonetheless, the present structure owes its existence to King Pralapa Singh and his consort who donated 900,000 silver coins when they were blessed with a child by Sita. The construction of the temple began in 1895 and took years to evolve into its present form and was completed in 1911. Occupying an area of 4,860 sq. feet, it has a mixed style of Islamic and Rajput Domes. This three storied structure is made entirely of stone and marble rising up to 50m. All 60 rooms of the temple are decorated with stained glass, engravings and paintings, with beautiful latticed windows and turrets.
Pilgrims have been coming to Janakpur since the 4th Century BC. Thousands of pilgrims visit the temple in November/December for Sita Vivah Panchami, the town's major annual festival, when the marriage of Sita and Rama is celebrated with various re-enactments. It is also the time many couples choose for tying the knot. Another festival related to Ram is the Ram Nawami, celebrating his birthday in March/April when huge processions are brought out to the streets.
One of the other big festivals celebrated in Janakpur is the Chhat, when people worship the Sun God (Surya). Devotees gather once at sunset and then the next day at dawn by the holy rivers, offerings fruits and setting burning lamps afloat on the river’s surface. As the sun comes up or when the sun sets, prayers are said facing the sun. Many enter the water while others stand on the shore to pay homage.
nature
Covering an area of 147,181 sq.km, Nepal shares a border with India in the west, south and east and with the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China in the north. Kanchan Kalan in Jhapa district is the lowest point at 70m above sea level and the summit of Mt. Everest at 8,848 m is the highest. From east to west, Nepal is 800 km long and only 230 km. north to south at its widest. Within this narrow stretch of land there is incredible diversity in topography ranging from a sub-tropical climate in the tarai (plains) to Alpine conditions in the Himalayan regions. Mountains, mid hills, valleys, lakes and plains dominate the landscape of this landlocked country. Eight of the fourteen peaks over eight thousand meters lie in Nepal including Everest, the highest in the world.
Nepal also has an abundance of rivers most of which originate in the Himalaya while some flow down from Tibet. They all flow on to India, many of them joining the holy Ganges. High amid the mountains there are glacial lakes and spectacular valleys where few people venture. Recent physiographic data show that around 4.27 million hectares (29 % of total land area) is made up of forests, 1.56 million hectares (10.6%) of scrubland and degraded forest, 1.7 million hectares
(12%) of grassland, 3.0 million hectares (21%) of farmland and 1.0 million hectares (7%) of un-cultivated land.
Climatic conditions within Nepal vary from one place to another in accordance with the geographical features. In the north, summers are cool and winters severe, while in the south summers are sub-tropical and winters mild. The monsoon that brings rain from June through September affects most of the country except those that lie in the rain-shadow areas like Mustang which is within Nepal but a part of the Tibetan plateau. Large tracts of forested land have been preserved as national parks and wildlife reserves where endangered species like the Royal Bengal tiger and the Greater one-horned rhinoceros roam freely along with an amazing variety of mammals and reptiles that include bear, leopards, hyenas, wild boar, wild elephants, monitor lizards, crocodiles, pythons, turtles and various species of insects and birds. Nepal is home to almost 10 percent of the world's bird species among which 500 species are found in the Kathmandu valley alone.
The most abundant natural resource in Nepal is water. Much of the rivers have been harnessed for hydro-power but they also play a crucial role in tourism as most of them are suitable for adventure sports like kayaking and rafting.
The Himalayas are not merely a source of revenue through mountaineering and trekking, they are also mined for quartz, lignite, copper, cobalt and iron ore. The scenic beauty of the countryside attracts hordes of trekkers while there seems to be an ever increasing number of mountaineers attempting to climb the hundreds of peaks that have been opened for climbing.
Nepal also has an abundance of rivers most of which originate in the Himalaya while some flow down from Tibet. They all flow on to India, many of them joining the holy Ganges. High amid the mountains there are glacial lakes and spectacular valleys where few people venture. Recent physiographic data show that around 4.27 million hectares (29 % of total land area) is made up of forests, 1.56 million hectares (10.6%) of scrubland and degraded forest, 1.7 million hectares
(12%) of grassland, 3.0 million hectares (21%) of farmland and 1.0 million hectares (7%) of un-cultivated land.
Climatic conditions within Nepal vary from one place to another in accordance with the geographical features. In the north, summers are cool and winters severe, while in the south summers are sub-tropical and winters mild. The monsoon that brings rain from June through September affects most of the country except those that lie in the rain-shadow areas like Mustang which is within Nepal but a part of the Tibetan plateau. Large tracts of forested land have been preserved as national parks and wildlife reserves where endangered species like the Royal Bengal tiger and the Greater one-horned rhinoceros roam freely along with an amazing variety of mammals and reptiles that include bear, leopards, hyenas, wild boar, wild elephants, monitor lizards, crocodiles, pythons, turtles and various species of insects and birds. Nepal is home to almost 10 percent of the world's bird species among which 500 species are found in the Kathmandu valley alone.
The most abundant natural resource in Nepal is water. Much of the rivers have been harnessed for hydro-power but they also play a crucial role in tourism as most of them are suitable for adventure sports like kayaking and rafting.
The Himalayas are not merely a source of revenue through mountaineering and trekking, they are also mined for quartz, lignite, copper, cobalt and iron ore. The scenic beauty of the countryside attracts hordes of trekkers while there seems to be an ever increasing number of mountaineers attempting to climb the hundreds of peaks that have been opened for climbing.
history
Nepal, as a state, was established when an ambitious Gorkha king named Prithvi Narayan Shah embarked on a conquering mission that led to the defeat of all the kingdoms in the valley (including Kirtipur which was an independent state) by 1769. Instead of annexing the newly acquired states to his kingdom of Gorkha, Prithvi Narayan decided to move his capital to Kathmandu establishing the Shah dynasty which ruled unified Nepal from 1769 to 2008 when the last Shah ruler, Gyanendra relinquished his power to make way for total democracy under the rule of a Prime Minister.
The history of the Gorkha state goes back to 1559 when Dravya Shah established a kingdom in an area chiefly inhabited by Magars. At this time the Kathmandu valley was ruled by the Malla kings. During the 17th and early 18th centuries, Gorkha continued a slow expansion, conquering various states while forging alliances with others. Prithvi Narayan dedicated himself at an early age to the conquest of the Kathmandu valley. Recognizing the threat of the British Raj in India, he dismissed European missionaries from the country and for more than a century, Nepal remained in isolation.
During the mid-19th century Jung Bahadur Rana became Nepal's first prime minister to wield absolute power relegating the Shah king to a mere figurehead. He started a hereditary reign of the Ranas that lasted for 104 years during which time the Shah kings had no real power. The Ranas were overthrown in a democracy movement of the early 1950s with support from an unlikely person, the monarch of Nepal, King Tribhuvan. Soon after the overthrow of the Ranas, King Tribhuvan was reinstated as the head of the state. In early 1959, Tribhuvan's son King Mahendra issued a new constitution, and the first democratic elections for a national assembly were held. The Nepali Congress Party was victorious and their leader, Bisheshwar Prasad Koirala formed a government and served as prime minister. But by 1960, King Mahendra had changed his mind and dissolved Parliament, dismissing the first democratic government.
After many years of struggle when the political parties were banned, they finally mustered enough courage to start a people's movement in 1990. With the public rising up against absolute monarchy and demanding democracy, the then ruler King Birendra accepted constitutional reforms and established a multiparty parliament with himself as head of state and the prime minister heading the government. In May 1991, Nepal held its first parliamentary elections. In February 1996, one of the Communist parties (Maoist wing) went underground to wage a people's war against monarchy and the elected government.
Then on June 1, 2001, a horrific tragedy wiped out the entire royal family along with many of their close relatives. With only King Birendra’s brother, Gyanendra and his family surviving, he was crowned the king. King Gyanendra tolerated the elected government for only a short while and then dismissed Parliament to grab absolute power. In April 2006, strikes and street protests in Kathmandu led to a 19-day curfew and the political parties joined forces with the Maoist rebels to bring pressure on the monarch. Eventually, King Gyanendra realized it was futile holding on to power and relented. He agreed to reinstate parliament. But the political parties and a majority of the general public had had enough of dynastic rule and their abuse of power. On May 28, 2008, a newly elected Constituent Assembly declared Nepal a Federal Democratic Republic, abolishing the 240 year-old monarchy. Nepal today has a President as Head of State and a Prime Minister heading the Nepal Government.
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