Population: 25 million.

 

Capital: Kathmandu

 

Area: 147,181 sq.Kilometers (56,629,85 sq. miles)

 

Religion: Hindu and Buddhist, with a small population of Muslims and Christians.

 

Culture & Language: Nepal contains more than 40 ethnic groups with their own unique traditions. Buddhists live in the northern mountains while Hindus, inhabit the southern plains (Terai). The Hills in between is home to different ethnic groups. This variety of lifestyles makes trekking in Nepal fascinating. Even with over 40 different languages and dialects, the national language Nepali is predominant. English is widely spoken and understood in cities and towns.

 

Geography, Flora & Fauna: Nepal contains nearlyone-third of the Himalaya, and 8 of the 10 Highest Mountains in The World. (Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse I & II, Makalu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Cho Oyu and Annapurna). No other country can make this boast, it is our biggest attraction. Although a small country Nepal has the world's greatest altitudinal variation, from the tropical jungles of the Terai at near sea level to the highest point on the earth, the 8848 meter summit of Mt. Everest. This variation creates an incredible wealth of wildlife, particularly in birds;over 800 species, one tenth of the world's total. The Terai plains are home to the Royal Bengal tiger and the rare one-horned rhinoceros, sloth bear, leopard, various crocodiles, and the Gangetic dolphin. Birds, butterflies and troupes of monkeys are widely found in the populated Middle Hills, Rhododendron and birch forests above 3000 meters (10000 ft.) harbor rich bird and animal life. Eagles, bear and wolves live above 4000 meters (13000 feet) along with the elusive snow leopard.

 

Location: Nepal is bordered by Tibet in the north, Sikkim in the east and mainland India in the south and west.

 

Climate and Trekking Season: The climate is primarily temperate, with some tropical regions. June to August, the monsoon, is too wet for most trekking, but it is Tibet travel season. Main trekking time is from September to May. The countryside is beautifully lush at this time; with excellent mountain views. Winter (Dec. - Feb.) is dry and clear, but at high altitudes it can go down to -10 degrees C (0 F) or less, Kathmandu can get up to 25 degrees C (75F). Spring (March-May) is slightly hazy, but the rhododendrons and orchids are particularly beautiful. Temperature hovers around 28 degrees C (75 degrees F). Lightweight clothing is necessary for all trekking seasons and warmer clothes according to season and altitude.

 

Time: Nepal is 5 hours 45 minutes ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

 

Kathmandu Accommodation: If you are arriving in Kathmandu early or staying after the trek, we will be happy to book your accommodation and make any other arrangements. We offer very special discounts and unbeatable rates at Hotel Khumjung. Please contact us details and bookings.