Diya Upreti, Jadetimes Staff
Diya Upreti is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Travel
Between two of the world's goliaths- India and China, Nepal finds itself. If measured in size, it's really not very large, but it certainly does house a couple of the world's most varied landscapes. This has made it one of the most favourable places for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and cultural explorers who are willing to plunge into this rather surprising land. From the snow-capped summits of the Himalayas to green hills and fertile plains of the Terai, Nepal has an incredible spectrum of environment-interesting to tourists from all walks of the world.
Probably, the most prominent feature of Nepal is the Himalayas that towers over northern parts of the country. To date, these towering mountains contain eight of the highest fourteen mountains, where Mount Everest-Sagarmatha, the tallest mountain in the world, stands tall, a magnet attracting adventurers, trekkers, and mountaineers who want to test their limits and witness the great beauty of these majestic peaks.
The most popular trekking route is the Everest Base Camp Trek, which offers the tourists the possibility to walk under the shadow of the world's highest mountain. However, the Himalayas are not only about Everest; other prominent peaks like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Makalu equally make exciting treks with each offering different charms. Of course, south from the Himalayas, the scenery opens up to the hilly Mahabharat Range of terraced fields, dense forests and rolling, emerald-tinted hills ideal for trekking and nature walks. Among the most coveted destinations in Nepal is the picturesque city of Pokhara, flanked by placid Phewa Lake, with spectacular views of the Annapurna range reflected in its still waters. The hills around Nagarkot** just outside of Kathmandu offer breath-taking views of the sunrise over the Himalayas for those seeking a peaceful retreat with nature and are an excellent short trek and relaxation destination.
This far south flattens out into the fertile plains of the Terai. It remains vastly different from the towering mountains way up in the far north. Beyond the agricultural heartland of Nepal, the Terai is a haven for wildlife, which also holds the status of a UNESCO World Heritage site, and serves as one of the finest locations to view wildlife in South Asia. Jungles safaris here allow seeing Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinoceroses, and Asian elephants.
Further west is the Bardiya National Park, which offers a more remote and unmolested wilderness experience, attracting both nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Other super neat facts about Nepal involve incredible and weird facts. Here is Mount Everest, the earthly highest point, and the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, known as Lord Buddha, in the Lumbini region. Such extreme geographical diversity - from tropical jungles to high-altitude deserts on such a small scale is impressive. Interestingly, Nepal has never been colonized; hence it retained and enriched its traditions and culture throughout history. Conclusion In conclusion, among the countries that boast of the world's best scenic and geographical diversity is Nepal. The Himalayas exist for all those who want to trek in them, or simply sit by one side of a lake in the hills, or even yes, try the jungles of the Terai. Its natural beauty combined with its rich cultural heritage makes it a true beauty destination that continues to awe all who visit.
