10 Most Amazing Facts You Should Know About Nepal

Nepal is one of the oldest South Asian landlocked countries between two giant countries China and India. This elongated rectangular-shaped country is home to nearly 28 million populations. 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 Mt.

Everest whereas the Southern part of the country is plain fertile land bordering northern India. here, you can learn the most amazing facts about Nepal accordingly. The rough land structures like high hills, plateaus, and valleys are situated between the Himalayas and the Terai. 

The multi-cultural territories with ancient religions, broad nature and colossal mountains have made this land a magical and serene destination for all kinds of travellers. Nepal offers various kinds of opportunities including a few day’s hike exploring the localities and thrilling mountain expeditions.

The scenic views of blooming rhododendron and the majestic glaciers flowing gradually from the silver-topped mountains have proved that 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, 650 species of butterflies, endangered and rare animals like the one-horned rhinoceros and the royal Bengal tiger, etc. are the major attractions for visitors around the world.

Chitwan 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 making this land an amazing travel destination.

1. Great Himalayas (Mt. Everest)

Nepal is also popularly known as the country of Mount Everest. The highest peak of the world at an elevation of 8848.86 meters lies in Nepal. Thus, Nepal is also sometimes called the ceiling of the world. This small country contains 8 of the world’s 10 highest mountains. The eight of the world’s 10 highest mountains along with their height and rank are given below: 

2. Country with a unique non-quadrilateral Flag

Nepal is only the 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. The use of three colors is amazingly matched and meaningful.

The crimson red, the national colour of Nepal is used on the base whereas the border is painted blue symbolizing the mysterious space (sky). The white-coloured moon and sun are the sign of purity and innocence of the Nepalese.

3. Country Of The Living Goddess “Kumari”

If you are a cultural enthusiast, the living goddess of Nepal 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 kind of illness.

4. Birthplace Of Gautam Buddha

Besides having hundreds of high mountains and other natural beauties, Nepal is also a holy place with great cultural and religious significance. One of the most important identities of this country is the Birthplace of Gautam Buddha, the light of Asia. Lord Buddha is believed to be born in Lumbini of Nepal in about 623 BC. Later, he was enlightened in Bodhgaya, India, and founded Buddhism.

Today there are millions of people in the world following Buddhism. Isn’t it interesting that the origin of the world-famous religion, Buddhism is a small country like Nepal? Contact Himalayan-Masters for an amazing Lumbini Tour exploring plenty of facts related to Siddhartha Gautam and his birthplace.

5. Land Of Gurkhas

Nepal is widely known as the land of brave Gorkhali soldiers. India and Britain have managed the separate regiment in their army with the name “Gurkhas”. Gurkhas have been an important part of the British army since 1815 which is 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 19^th century.

6. Centre Of UNESCO World Heritage

In spite of the limited territory, Nepal is a culturally rich country in the world. It is home to several UNESCO world heritage sites. Altogether, Nepal constitutes four UNESCO world heritage sites counting seven sites within Kathmandu Valley as one site. The Kathmandu Valley, also the capital of Nepal contains Seven World Heritage Sites within a 15 km radius.

Thus, the valley is sometimes nicknamed the living cultural museum in the world. Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha is considered to be a cultural World Heritage site whereas Chitwan National Park and Sagarmatha National Park are listed as natural World Heritage sites. The sites in the Kathmandu Valley are filled with amazing architecture and ancient cultures.

Two national parks are outstanding destinations for nature lovers where one can explore hundreds of flora and fauna along with astonishing sightseeing.

7. Country of many World 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 but only those facts that Nepal holds naturally. The following list gives you the amazing records that Nepal is holding for centuries. 

8. Cow:- Goddess Laxmi

Nepal is probably the only country in the world where cows are regarded as Goddess Laxmi and are worshipped. They are also the national animal of Nepal. 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. Better not to expect beef in any of the Nepalese eateries. However, a few cases of murdering cows are being reported in Nepal after the promulgation of the new constitution by misinterpreting some of the questionable lines of the constitution. 

9. Never Experienced the Foreign Invasion

Do you know, Nepal does not celebrate Independence Day?

Well, Nepal is one of the countries in the world that is independent since its existence. It is never colonized in history. Thus, 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.

10. Over 100 Ethnic Groups/123 languages

From ancient times, Nepal is a common land for diverse communities. As Prithivi Narayan Shah declared ‘It is the common garden of all 4 castes and 36 sub castes’, this land is still commonplace for multi-cultural, multi-lingual, and multi-religious people. The latest statistic shows that there are 126 recognized castes in Nepal.

And it is found that 123 languages are spoken by diverse communities within the national territory. Despite all these differences, all of the communities are living in harmony with the feeling of Nepali. Nepal is a great example of “Unity in Diversity”.