Breathtaking Nepal

Geography

Nepal is a country of mountains (75% of the country is covered by mountains) and  is home to eight of the worlds ten highest, including Mount Lhotse (8,516 m), Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) and of course the colossal Mount Everest (8,848 m). However, although this collection of mountains dominate the landscape, Nepal has four identifiable, physical regions; Tarai is low, flat, and fertile, situated adjacent to neighbouring India and the forested China foothills Then there is the mid-mountain region between Mahabharat Range and the Great Himalayas, and then there is the famous Himalayas themselves. Due to this fluctuating topography, there is a varied climate across the country, from sub-tropical monsoon conditions, to cool and alpine climates in the mountain regions.

In total, the country covers an area of over 147,000 square kilometres, (roughly the same size of England and Wales combined). 

Earthquake 2015

The earthquake which stuck the Kathmandu region in Nepal in the year of 2015 had severe consequences for this developing country. The main earthquake occurred on April the 25^th and had devastating effect, killing an estimated 9,000 people, injuring 16,000 and displacing up to 2.8 million, within the country itself and the surrounding areas. The earthquake of 7.8 magnitude on the Richter scale, and the two large aftershocks swiftly following it, caused over 600,000 structures in Kathmandu and other nearby towns to be damaged or destroyed, as well as landslides which devastated rural villages. The Himalayan region is one of the most seismically active in the world, but an earthquake had not struck this region since 1988. The initial damage of the earthquake was worth in between $5-$10 billion, which for the 18^th poorest country in the world is still having overwhelming effect on the struggling economy.

To support the re-build effort within one of the most severely affected regions, Discover Adventure is actively engaged with Support Rural Nepal, a re-build project based in the Nuwakot region - you can find out more about this here.

History        

Although Nepal has ancient roots, the modern day state of Nepal as we know it today was only formed in the 18^th century. Strategically placed between the modern day giants of China and India, Nepal has prospered from its location as a resting place for traders, travellers and pilgrims. Nepal is the epitome of a cultural mixing pot and yet it retains a truly unique character.

It is widely understood that the first known rulers of the Kathmandu Valley were the Hindu Kiratis, occupying the area from the 7^th/8^th century BC. In the 13^th century, the Nepal that we know today consisted of up to 50 states, and only became unified in 1796 by ruler Prithvi Narayan Shah. During this period, as Nepal’s boundaries shifted, it collided with the British Raj, leading to the first Anglo-Nepali war which was won by the British after two years of fighting. The British were so impressed by their enemies that they incorporated Gurkha mercenaries into their own army, fighting in both WWI and WWII, receiving a total of 13 Victoria crosses (the highest military honour).

Nepal remained closed to the outside world from 1816-1950, and much of what happened during this period within the country remains unknown.Corruption and poverty throughout the 80s took its toll and after protests in 1990 calling for democracy, a new constitution was formed guaranteeing freedom of speech, human rights and a constitutional monarchy, which consults the prime minister and cabinet. In May 1991 Nepal’s first free elections were held in thirty years. Nepal’s subsequent stable period was marred in summer 2001 by the tragic shooting of the Royal Family. While this inevitably impacted politically, and parts of Nepal have seen a resurgence of Maoist rebel activity, tourism has been largely unaffected and Nepal remains a very stable country to tourists and trekkers, with the tourist industy as infact one its most valuable.

If you want to experience the joys of Nepal yourself, check out our related challenges taking place in this amazing country!

Everest Base Camp

Our Everest Base Camp trek will take you to some of the world’s most awesome scenery, and will have you gasping, in more ways than one! Situated in the beautiful Himalayan Mountains, this trek is full of breath-taking beauty; pass through steep valleys, dense forests and across glacial rivers, and of course catch a glimpse of the mighty Everest, the highest mountain on earth before reaching Base Camp. This trek also has time built in to summit Kalapatar, the famous Everest viewpoint, before descending. 

Nepal Langtang Trek

This magnificent trek, with the ultimate combination of spectacular scenery and fascinating culture, takes us to the magnificent Langtang region of the Himalayas, open again for trekking after 2015’s devastating earthquake.

We trek through the wooded gorges, yak pastures and rocky ridges of the Langtang valley, with its friendly Tibetan-style culture and awe-inspiring mountain views. We stay in teahouses in small villages en-route, allowing a wonderful insight to the daily lives of the local people.

Our trek culminates in historic Nuwakot village, in one of the districts that suffered most from the earthquake. Discover Adventure actively supports the re-building project here; we end our trip getting involved in the practical work, a rewarding way to give something back to this magnificent country.