10 Amazing Facts about Visiting Nepal

Nepal might be small when compared to its giant neighbours of India and China, but it can certainly hold its own when it comes to exciting and breath-taking holiday destinations. In fact, in recent years, Nepal has become a hub for independent travellers looking to experience something a bit different. And holidays to Nepal really won’t disappoint. From bustling cultural Kathmandu, to the excitement of trekking in the high valleys of the Himalayas, holidays to Nepal offer something special for every type of traveller.

But before you take your holidays to Nepal, here are some incredible facts to whet your appetite and help you consider where you want to visit:

1. Nepal has the densest concentration of World Heritage sites in the world. This includes 7 monuments and temples in the Kathmandu valley alone, as well as Lumbini, the Birthplace of Buddha and the Chitwan and Sagarmatha National Parks. No holidays to Nepal would be complete without a visit to some of these unique destinations.
2. Lying on the border between Nepal and China, Mount Everest (Sagarmatha in Nepalese), is the highest mountain on Earth at a staggering 8,848m. Whilst climbing this giant might be slightly out of your reach, treks through the lower valleys and flights around the Himalayas are a popular part of holidays in Nepal.
3. Nepal boasts some of the top rated trekking areas in the world, including Everest Base camp and the Annapurna region. There are many different routes to choose depending on skill and time.
4. Nepal is predominantly a Hindu and Buddhist nation. Both of these religions are represented in the country’s flag, which is the world’s only non-quadrilateral national flag.
5. The Nepalese celebrate many festivals throughout the year, which make a colourful and memorable addition to any holidays to Nepal. These include Dashain, a 10 day festival celebrated in October and Krishna Astami in September with street processions and riotous music.
6. Kathmandu is the capital city and the usual base for holidays to Nepal as its home to the only international airport. It’s a bustling city with a population of nearly 1 million and boasts many hotels, restaurants and attractions.
7. Because of its stunning scenery, Nepal has been the location for numerous films, such as ‘Beyond the Edge’, ’Little Buddha’ and many Bollywood blockbusters.
8. Nepal is one of the few places in the world where you might be lucky enough to see a Bengal tiger, a one horned rhinoceros or the Himalayan black bear.
9. No holidays to Nepal would be complete without sampling some of the local cuisine. Make sure you try Momo, delicious filled dumplings with spicy dipping sauce, yak-meat and dal-bhat-takari, a traditional meal of rice, dal and vegetables.
10. Nepal only opened its borders to the world in 1950, so is still relatively untouched by western civilisations or the effects of mass tourism.

Holidays to Nepal really are a once in a lifetime experience, so come and explore this beautiful and varied country, there is so much to see and do.