What Makes Nepal Special

What is Nepal famous for? Nepal is home to the world's highest mountain, Mount Everest! This small country sits between India and China. Nepal draws over 1 million tourists each year who come to see its mountains, temples, and rich culture.

Sky-High Mountains

Eight of the world's ten tallest mountains are in Nepal, including Mount Everest at 29,032 feet (8,849 meters). Since Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay first reached the top in 1953, more than 6,000 people have climbed to Everest's peak. The mountains bring in $700 million each year from tourists who love to hike and take photos of these giants.

Amazing Old Buildings and Temples

Nepal has four UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley alone. The Pashupatinath Temple is more than 1,400 years old and thousands of Hindu worshippers visit it daily. In Bhaktapur, you can see buildings that haven't changed much since the 1400s! About 80% of Nepalis are Hindu, but Buddhist, Muslim, and other religions live together peacefully.

Tasty Food

Momos (dumplings) are the most loved food in Nepal. People eat about 3 million momos every day in Kathmandu! Dal bhat (lentils and rice) is the main meal most Nepalis eat twice a day. This gives them energy for work and play. The spices in Nepali food are not as hot as Indian food, which makes it perfect for people who don't like super spicy meals.

Friendly People

Nepalis welcome visitors with a smile and say "Namaste" with their hands pressed together. Despite being one of the poorest countries in Asia with an average income of $1,200 per person per year (World Bank, 2023), Nepali people are known for their kindness. A 2022 survey found that 91% of tourists said the friendly locals were what they would remember most about their trip.

Amazing Animals

Nepal has saved the one-horned rhino from dying out. The country now has 752 rhinos, up from just 100 in the 1960s (WWF Nepal, 2023). You might also spot tigers, snow leopards, and red pandas in Nepal's national parks. The country has set aside 23% of its land for parks and nature areas.

Nepal may be a small country, but its big mountains, rich history, and warm people make it one of the most special places on Earth!