The Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal is a landlocked country lies between 80 degree 12' east longitude and 26 degree 22' and 30 degree 27' north latitude and situated between India and China's Tibetan Autonomous region. The Himalayas fall within the country's boundaries, thus Nepal is well known for its mountainous and hilly topography. In fact, Nepal is home to the magnificent Mount Everest, believed to be the world's tallest mountain. The fascinating geography of Nepal contributes greatly to the country's wonder and touristy appeal. As we investigate Nepal's geography you will quickly discover why it draws adventure seekers and those interested in exploring its ecological diversity.
Nepal encompasses 147 181 km of land in a rough rectangular shape and is comparable in size to Arkansas. As you travel from the south to the north of Nepal you will note that the altitude changes. Despite its small size, Nepal's geography is very diverse from its lowest point in Kechana Kalan (Jhapa District) of 70m above sea level to its highest point at Mount Everest of 8848m. along this rise in altitude there are notable valleys. The length of the Kingdom is 885 kilometers east-west and its breath varies from 145 to 241 kilometers north-south. Climatically, it lies in the temperate zone with the added advantage of altitude. With the combination of mountains, rolling hills, ridges and valleys, Nepal has an eclectic mix of ecological zones. Nepal is made up of three regions defined by its topographical changes. In the north are the Himalays, then the hills with the Mahabharat range plus Churia hills and finally Terai in the south with some flatter forested or cultivated areas. In the northern reaches of Nepal you will find the temperatures can be below -40C. In the Terai region the summer temperatures can range up to 40C, a large variation. Monsoon clouds cover Nepal in June, July and August.
The Himalayan mountain range creates Nepal's border to the north. This region incorporates 16% of the country's land. Located in the region you will discover the world-renowned Mount Everest as well as Kanchenjunga (measuring 8598 m) and Dhaulagiri (measuring 8137 m). Vegetation in this area is limited and ends at 4500m.
The country can be divided into three main geographic regions:
Himalayan Region: The altitude of this region ranges between 4877 meters and 8848 meters with the snow line running around 48848 meters. It includes 8 of the existing 14 summits in the world which exceed an altitude of 8000 meters. They represent. (1) Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) 8848 m, (2) Kangchenjunga - 8586 m, (3) Lhotse - 8516m, Makalu - 8463m, (5) ChoOyo- 8201 m, (6) Dhaulagiri - 8167m, (7) Manaslu - 8163m, and Annapurna- 8091 m.
Mountain Region: This region accounts for about 64 percent to total land area. It is formed by the Mahabharat range that soars up to 4877 meters. To its south lies the lower Churia range whose altitude varies from 610 meters to 1524 meters.
Terai Region: The low-land Terai region which has a width of about 26 to 32 kilometers and a maximum altitude of 305 meters, which occupies about 17% of total land area of the country. Kechanakawal the lowest point of the country with an altitude of 70 meters lies in Jhapa District of the eastern Tera
The geography of Nepal is the country's draw card. The appeal of Nepal's physiographical and ecological diversity attracts people from around the world; your visit to Nepal will surely confirm the reality of this truth.
