Nepal

Nestled between China to the north and India to the south, Nepal covers approximately 147,181 km² and is home to around 30 million people. Kathmandu is the capital and largest city, where Nepali is the official language and the Nepalese rupee the currency. The country is a federal democratic republic with a deeply layered cultural identity drawing on Hindu and Buddhist traditions, ethnic diversity across more than 100 recognised groups, and Himalayan geography that defines everything from agriculture to architecture.

Many nationalities can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and major land border crossings. Nepal also offers an online visa application through its official Department of Immigration portal. Indian citizens enter without a visa. Travellers should check current requirements through official channels before departure, as processing conditions and fees may vary.

Everest Base Camp on the Khumbu glacier draws trekkers seeking the approach to the world's highest summit at 8,849 m. Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu is one of Hinduism's most sacred sites, set along the Bagmati River. Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world, anchors the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu. Pokhara serves as the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit, with Phewa Lake reflecting the Machapuchare massif. Chitwan National Park in the Terai lowlands shelters one-horned rhinoceroses and Bengal tigers. Lumbini, on the southern plains, marks the recognised birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama.

Nepal's climate varies dramatically by altitude. The Terai lowlands experience subtropical conditions — summers from April to June can reach 40°C, while winters sit around 10–15°C. Kathmandu Valley has a temperate climate, with summers around 25–30°C and winters occasionally dropping near 2°C at night. The Himalayas remain cold year-round. The main monsoon runs June through September, bringing heavy rainfall to most regions. October–November and March–April are widely considered the best trekking seasons, offering clear skies and moderate temperatures. Pack layers regardless of season.

• Home to eight of the world's ten highest peaks.
• Kathmandu Valley contains seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Nepal's flag is the only national flag not rectangular.
• The country abolished its monarchy in 2008.
• Yak milk and butter tea are dietary staples at altitude.

• tourism.gov.np — Nepal Tourism Board official site
• immigration.gov.np — Department of Immigration, visa applications
• mofa.gov.np — Ministry of Foreign Affairs, travel documentation
• mfd.gov.np — Meteorological Forecasting Division, weather data