Nepal

Facts

Draped along the greatest heights of the Himalaya, Nepal is a land of sublime scenery, time-worn temples, and some of the best walking trails on earth. It's a poor country, but it is rich in scenic splendour and cultural treasures. The kingdom has long exerted a pull on the Western imagination.
It's the kind of country that lingers in your dreams long after you leave it. This is why so many travellers are drawn back to Nepal, armed the second time round with a greater appreciation of its natural and cultural complexity, a stout pair of walking boots and a desire for sculpted calf muscles.
Whether you get your adrenaline kicks from some of the world's premier white-water rafting, kayaking and mountain biking, or from the sight of a tiger or rhino through the dawn mist from atop an elephant in Chitwan National Park, Nepal is destined to make a big impression on you. Many visitors, drawn to Nepal by the promise of adventure, leave equally bewitched by the friendliness of the Nepali people and their amazingly rich and diverse culture.
Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and altitude variation. The elevation of the country ranges from 60 meters above sea level to the highest point on earth, Mt. Everest at 8,848 meters, all within a distance of 150 kilometers resulting in climatic conditions from Sub-tropical to Arctic.

The Northern Himalayan People

In the northern region of the Himalayas are the Tibetan-speaking groups namely Sherpas, Dolpas, Lopas, Baragaonlis, Manangis. The Sherpas are mainly found in the east in the Solu and Khumbu region; the Baragaonlis and Lopas live in the semi-deserted areas of Upper and Lower Mustang in the Tibetan rain-shadow area; the Managis live in Manang district area; while the Dolpas live in Dolpa district of West Nepal, one of the highest settlements on earth at 4,000 meters.

The Middle Hills and Valley People

Several ethnic groups live together in harmony in the middle hills and valleys. Among them are the Magars, Gurungs, Tamangs, Sunuwars, Newars, Thakalis, Chepangs and majority of Brahmans and Chhetris. The Brahmans and Chhetris have long dominance in all pervading social, religious and political realms. There are also some occupational castes namely: Damai (tailor), Sarki (cobbler), Kami (blacksmith) and Sunar (goldsmiths). Though, there exist numerous dialects, the language of unification is the national language, Nepali.

Ethnic Diversity in the Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu Valley represents a cultural cauldron of the country, where, people from varied backgrounds have come together to present a melting pot. The natives of the Kathmandu Valley are the Newars. Newari culture is an integration of both Hinduism and Buddhism. The Newars of Kathmandu Valley were traders or farmers by occupation in the old days.

The Terai People

The main ethnic groups in Terai are Tharus, Darai, Kumhal, Majhi and other groups that have roots in India. They speak north Indian dialects like Maithili, Bhojpuri. Owing to the fertile plains of Terai, most inhabitants live on agriculture. There are, however, some occupational castes like Majhi (fisherman), Kumhal (potter) and Danuwar (cart driver).

Nepal Climate

The climate in Nepal is governed by the monsoon, which originates in the Bay of Bengal. The monsoon creates a rainy season from mid-June to mid-September. Our tour season extends from mid-April to December. However within this period there are obvious variations in the weather.

The post-monsoon period - From early September the monsoon rain starts to decrease. By mid-October through to mid-December the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights and clear views. Daytime temperatures can reach 25-30 degrees Celsius at lower altitudes and decrease as you gain height. Over 3000 metres the daytime temperatures can vary as much as 10-20 degrees Celsius, and may be hotter or colder, depending on whether it is sunny or windy etc. At night at lower altitudes, temperatures do not normally drop much, although as you approach November it does get colder and the days shorter. Up high it can drop sharply at night, from 0 to minus 10 or 15 or more when camped on snow or ice.

Winter Trekking - In winter (December to February), the snowline descends to around 2000-3000 metres - it rarely snows below 2000m. Winter trekking affords some of the clearest skies you will encounter, as there is no monsoon haze. Nights can be cold and temperatures may drop to as low as 0 degrees Celsius to minus 5 degrees Celsius. At high altitude, nights can drop to as low as minus 10 degrees Celsius. Daytime temperatures can be as low as 5-10 degrees at altitudes above 3000 meters. Daytime temperatures at lower altitudes will be mild at around 20 degrees Celsius. Afternoons are usually clear and pleasant. Trekking at this time of the year affords excellent photographic opportunities.

The pre-monsoon period - In March the cold, dry winter season begins to give way to the wetter warmer spring conditions. Mornings are usually clear with cloud build up bringing occasional afternoon rainstorms. Views of the mountains in the middle of the day and afternoon may often be obscured. Daytime temperatures increase quickly in March with temperatures up to 30 degrees Celsius and mild nights. At higher altitudes it is similar to the conditions of the post monsoon period, however there is usually more snow, which has accumulated over the winter. There are spectacular displays of rhododendrons and wildflowers at this time of the year. Late spring conditions i.e. April and May, are generally hot at lower elevations and as the clouds build up to the next monsoon, daily afternoon rains are common. Any mountain weather, and particularly the Himalayan, is very unpredictable and these descriptions are generalisations only. In any season at altitudes above 3000 m night temperatures can drop as low as -20°C and snow may fall at any time of the year, causing high altitude passes to be closed and treks to be re-routed.

Nepal Adventure Travel with Footloose