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Nepal

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description Nepal Overview

Nepal is a landlocked federal republic in the Himalayas between India and China, with Kathmandu as its capital. It contains eight of the world's fourteen mountains above 8,000 metres, including Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth, and its terrain descends from alpine peaks to the lowland Terai along the Gangetic plain. The population is predominantly Hindu with a substantial Buddhist minority, and Lumbini, the traditional birthplace of the Buddha, lies in the south. Trekking routes such as those to Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit attract visitors from around the world.

help Nepal FAQ

How many of the world's tallest mountains are actually in Nepal?

Nepal contains eight of the fourteen mountains on Earth that rise above 8,000 metres. The list includes Mount Everest, whose height was set at 8,849 metres by the joint China–Nepal survey announced in 2020, plus Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Annapurna I.

Do I need permits to trek to Everest Base Camp from Nepal?

Yes, the classic Everest Base Camp trek requires a TIMS card and a Sagarmatha National Park entry permit, which you can arrange in Kathmandu or Lukla. Actually climbing Everest is far costlier: the government climbing permit alone runs on the order of US$11,000 before guides, insurance and support.

When is the best time of year to visit Nepal for trekking?

The two peak windows are October–November and March–May, when skies are clearest over the Himalaya. June to September is monsoon season, bringing heavy rain, leeches on the trails and obscured mountain views, while winter treks are possible but cold at high altitude.

What currency and language do I need to know before travelling in Nepal?

The currency is the Nepalese rupee (NPR), and the official language is Nepali, though English is widely used in tourist areas like Kathmandu and Pokhara. Nepal is also culturally significant as the birthplace of the Buddha at Lumbini, a major pilgrimage site in the southern Terai plains.