History and Geography of Nepal

History

The history of Nepal dates back hundreds of years with the evolution and disappearance of several dynasty of rulers. Some of the historical rulers of Nepal were Kiratis, Lichhavis, Mallas until the 18th centaury  AD. The Malla period was golden period of Kathmandu valley when great numbers of art, statues and temples were built. During the 14th century Malla ruled this valley for a total period of 568 years. At that period this country was divided into small principalities and kingdoms of 24 groups in western and 22 groups in far western Kathmandu valley was divided into three states of Kantipur, Lalitpur & Bhaktapur. When the Shah Regime late popular king Prithvi Narayan Shah integrated the divided states of Nepal.

Geography

Nepal is a sovereign mountainous tiny country, located in Southern of Asia. It is land locked country, situated between China to the North and India to the South East and West, which are the two giant countries of Asia. The area of Nepal is 1, 47,181 sq. km. In total which covers 0.3 percent of Asia and 0.03 percent area of the Earth. It lies between the latitude of 26’ 22’ and 30’ 27’ North and the longitude of 80’ 4’ and 88’ 12’ East. The country is small only about 880 km. long from East to West and breadth varies from 145 to 241 km from north to South. So the average breadth is 193 km, which covers approximately the same land area.Geographically, Nepal can be divide into three regions:

1. Himalayan Region

The Himalayan region covers 15 percent of total land area which lies in the northern side of country lying horizontally in the altitude of 4700m and above. In this region white snow falls every season. So we found here, several mountains with Mt Everest (8848m), give pleasure for all mankind. Another attraction of this region is several Kundas (Big Lakes) and also several national parks, and wild life reserves with Sagarmatha National Park, which is known as a world heritage site.

2. Hilly (Mountain) Region

The Hilly region covers 68 percent of total land area. It is formed by the Mahabharat range that soars to touch mountain regions in the altitude of 600 m to 4700 m height. In winter, snow may fall in high hills. This region is formed by beautiful valleys like Kathmandu and Pokhara which is now famous for its fascinating lakes in Pokhara Fewa, Begnas and Rupa. Tilicho Lake in the Manang District which is known as the highest lake in the world is situated at 5180m on the bottom of Tilicho peak. Swimming and boating in these lakes be can enjoyed by everyone. The three major rivers Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali come out from Himalaya and flow through this region.

3. Tarai (plain) Region

The Terai region covers 17 percent of total land area. This is a plain land area of Nepal in the altitude of 70m above sea level to 600 m in height. This region is home to religious places, national parks and wild life reserves. The famous religious places are Janakpur, Lumbini and Barahachhetra. Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha who is the activator of world peace. There are four national parks and wild life reserves in this region, among them are Royal Chitwan National park which is the most famous for rhinoceros.

Climate

There are over 6500 species of trees, shrubs and wildflowers in Nepal. The height of floral glory is in March and April, when rhododendrons, the national flower, burst into colour. Nepal also boasts an astounding diversity of animal life, with 800 bird species and exotic mammals such as the royal Bengal tiger and snow leopard, as well as rhinoceros, elephant, bear, deer, monkey and jackal. Unfortunately, due to habitat degeneration and poaching, opportunities for seeing wildlife are usually restricted to national parks, reserves and western Nepal, where the human population is sparse.

Nepal has a typically monsoonal two-season year: the dry season (October to May) and the wet season (June to September). The monsoon affects the whole country, often flooding the southern plains, before tailing off as it moves away to the north and west. Temperatures vary but are generally hottest in the summer months of May and June and coldest during December and January.

Environment

Nepal sits uneasily on the shoulder of the southern Himalaya, wedged between China to the north and India to the south. In length and breadth it is just another small country, but in height it's a world-beater. Not only does it have the world's tallest mountains, including the cloud-hugging Everest and Annapurna, it also has the youngest - and they're still growing. Apart from its four mountain ranges - Chure Hills, Mahabharat Range, Himalaya and the Tibetan Marginals - Nepal also has vast plains in the south, fertile valleys in the midlands and high-altitude deserts in the north. The heavily cultivated belt between the Mahabharat Range and the Himalaya supports the bulk of the country's population.There are over 6500 species of trees, shrubs and wildflowers in Nepal. The height of floral glory is in March and April, when rhododendrons, the national flower, burst into colour. Nepal also boasts an astounding diversity of animal life, with 800 bird species and exotic mammals such as the royal Bengal tiger and snow leopard, as well as rhinoceros, elephant, bear, deer, monkey and jackal. Unfortunately, due to habitat degeneration and poaching, opportunities for seeing wildlife are usually restricted to national parks, reserves and western Nepal, where the human population is sparse.