10 Most Amazing Facts You Should Know About Nepal
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Let’s explore some of the most amazing facts about Nepal. In this article, you can learn 10 amazing facts about Nepal.
Nepal is among the oldest South Asian landlocked countries between China and India. This elongated rectangular country is home to nearly 30 million people. Geographically, it contains three types of land structures. The northern part of the country is full of the Himalayas, including the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest.
The northernmost part of the country has a rugged, mountainous terrain. While the southern part of the country is plain, fertile land bordering northern India. The rough land structures, such as high hills, plateaus, and valleys, are situated between the Himalayas and the Terai.
Another interesting fact about Nepal is that its multicultural territories, ancient religions, vibrant nature, and colossal mountains have made this land a magical and serene destination for all kinds of travellers.
The scenic views of blooming rhododendrons and the majestic glaciers flowing gradually from the silver-topped mountains have proved it is a paradise on Earth.
This diverse country is the habitat for several species of flora and fauna. 5980 species of flowering plants, 870 species of birds, and 650 species of butterflies compliment the beauty of Nepal.
Further, there are a few endangered and rare animals, like the one-horned rhinoceros and the royal Bengal tiger, which are major attractions for visitors around the world. In addition to that, the only species of bird found in Nepal, the Spiny Babbler, has made Nepal more alluring for bird enthusiasts.
Chitwan National Park, Bardiya National Park and many other conservation areas of Nepal are the capitals of thousands of wildlife. This article will present some interesting facts about Nepal, which makes this land an amazing travel destination.
Great Himalayas (Mt. Everest)
Nepal is also popularly known as the country of Mount Everest. The highest peak in the world, at an elevation of 8848.86 meters (29,032 ft), is located in Nepal. Thus, Nepal is also sometimes called the ceiling of the world. Apart from Mount Everest, this small country contains seven of the world’s ten highest mountains.
A country with a unique non-quadrilateral Flag
Nepal is the only country in the world to have a non-quadrilateral flag. The flag of Nepal is so unique with the combination of two triangles. The pennon-shaped flag of Nepal contains the symbol of the Moon and Sun on each triangle.
The use of the moon and sun in the flag symbolizes the permanency of the nation. While the use of three colours, red, blue, and white, is amazingly matched and meaningful. Isn’t this an interesting fact about Nepal?
The base is crimson red, Nepal’s national colour, whereas the border is painted blue, symbolizing the mysterious space (sky). The white moon and sun are the sign of the Nepalese’s purity and innocence.
Birthplace Of Gautam Buddha
Nepal is a holy place with great cultural and religious significance. In addition to its hundreds of high mountains and other natural beauties, it is also a holy place with great cultural and religious significance.
One of the country’s most important identities is the Birthplace of Gautam Buddha, the light of Asia. Lord Buddha is believed to have been born in Lumbini, Nepal, in about 623 BC. Later, he was enlightened in Bodhgaya, India, and founded Buddhism.
Today, millions of people around the world follow Buddhism. Isn’t it interesting that the origin place of the world-famous religion, Buddhism, is a small country like Nepal?
Country Of the Living Goddess “Kumari”
If you are a cultural enthusiast, the living goddess of Nepal, Kumari, is one of the amazing things to witness during your Nepal stay.
The living goddess, popularly known as “Kumari”, is a young under-teen girl selected as ‘Kumari’. Kumari literally means the ‘virgin’. The Kumari remains God only before her first menstruation.
Once the girl is appointed as “Kumari”, she is believed to be the earthly manifestation of divine female energy or the incarnation of the goddess ‘Taleju’.
She is driven through the city on a chariot during festivals. The Kumari lives in the temple and is worshipped until her first monthly period. She gets retired on her puberty or any illness.
Land Of Gurkhas
Nepal is widely known as the land of brave Gorkhali soldiers. India and Britain have managed separate regiments in their army with the name “Gurkhas”. Gurkhas have been an important part of the British army since 1815, and they are world-famous for their bravery.
“Better to die than being a coward” is the motto of Nepalese Gurkha soldiers showing great gallantry towards the nation. The Gurkhas are famous not only in Nepal but also have been attracted by the British with their dedication and skills in warfare.
They have been taking an important part in the United Kingdom’s army since the early 19th century.
Centre Of UNESCO World Heritage
Despite its limited territory, Nepal is a culturally rich country. It is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites. Nepal constitutes ten UNESCO World Heritage sites, seven of which are within the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu Valley. Thus, the valley is sometimes nicknamed the living cultural museum in the world.
Lumbini, Lord Buddha’s birthplace, is considered a cultural World Heritage site, whereas Chitwan National Park and Sagarmatha National Park are listed as natural World Heritage sites.
Two national parks are outstanding destinations for nature lovers where one can explore hundreds of floras and faunas along with astonishing sightseeing.
Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pathan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Swoyambhunath Mahachaitya, Bouddha Stupa, and Changu Narayan Temple are the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu Valley. These sites in the Kathmandu Valley are filled with amazing art, architecture and ancient cultures.
Country of Many Worlds Records
If you see Nepal from a different perspective than the area of land, you will certainly find this little gem a bigger and richer country in the world.
So many world records have been recognized about Nepal. This article does not talk about any Nepalese individual making a record in the Guinness world, only about those facts that Nepal holds naturally. The following list gives you the amazing records that Nepal has held for centuries.
- Highest Mountain in the World: Mount Everest
- Deepest Gorge in the World: Kali Gandaki Gorge (5571 m/18,278 ft)
- Highest Lake in the World: Tilicho Lake (4919 m/16,138 ft)
- Largest Himalayan Glacier in the World: Ngozumpa Glacier (36 km/22.4 miles long)
- Highest National Park in the World: Sagarmatha National Park (2845 meters to 8848 meters)
- Largest Honeybee in World: Himalayan Giant Honeybee
- Longest Suspension Bridge for Pedestrians in the World: Baglung Parbat Footbridge (567 m/1860 ft)
- Largest Rhododendron Forest in the World: Ghorepani Poon Hill region
Cow: Goddess Laxmi
Nepal is the only country in the world where cows are worshipped and regarded as Goddess Laxmi. It is also Nepal’s national animal.
Even touching the cows with the leg is believed to be a sin for Nepalese, let alone killing them! In case they are touched with the leg, people feel sorry for God and pray for forgiveness.
Slaughtering cows in Nepal is constitutionally banned. The killing of a cow will make you stay in prison for twelve years in Nepal. It is better not to expect beef in any of the Nepalese eateries.
However, a few cases of murdering cows have been reported in Nepal after the promulgation of the new constitution by misinterpreting some of the questionable lines of the constitution.
Never Experienced the Foreign Invasion
Do you know Nepal does not celebrate Independence Day? This is one of the most interesting facts about Nepal.
Well, Nepal is one of the countries in the world that has been independent since its existence. It has never been colonized, so it does not need to celebrate Independence Day. When the British were ruling over India, Nepal remained almost unaffected by British colonialism because of the brave Gurkha soldiers in Nepal.
Over 100 Ethnic Groups/123 Languages
Nepal has been a common land for diverse communities since ancient times. As Prithivi Narayan Shah declared, ‘It is the common garden of all four castes and 36 sub-castes’. This land is still commonplace for multicultural, multilingual, and multi-religious people.
The latest statistics show that there are 126 recognized castes in Nepal. Diverse communities speak 123 languages within the national territory.
Despite all these differences, all of the communities live in harmony with Nepali culture. Nepal is a great example of “Unity in Diversity”.
So, these are the 10 most amazing facts you should know about Nepal. Are you amazed by these amazing facts of Nepal?
Tell us which one was the most exciting fact about Nepal. Please let us know if you know any other fun facts about Nepal.
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