Nepal is an interesting country from geographical perspective too. The elevation of this country ranges from 90 to 8848 meters (70 to 2928 ft). Nepal can be divided into three terrains, geographically - the north which is made up of the Himalayan Mountains, central Nepal consisting of the Himalayan Valley which is also abundant with mountains, and the Terai which makes up southern Nepal. These broad physiographic areas run laterally and only 20 percent land is cultivatable of the total land area.

The Terai is very interesting and different to the rest of the country even if it doesn’t have some of the world’s highest mountain peaks surrounding the area and domineering over the skies. Instead this area has National Parks to trek through on elephants and never-ending wildlife. While most people who visit the Terai area of the country only do so on their way to Kathmandu, most don’t stop over. This can be a waste as the southern part of Nepal does have lots to offer, just not on such a wider scale as the north.

The three regions of Nepal

Himalayan Region
The Himalayan range makes up the northern border of the country and represents 15% of the total land area of Nepal. The altitude range of this region is 4877 to 8848 m and the climate is very cold. This is the home of the Himalayas; 8 Himalayas out of the world’s 14 highest peaks lie within Nepal are Mt. Everest (Sagarmatha) - 8848 m, Kanchenjunga - 8586 m, Mt. Lhotse - 8516 m, Makalu - 8463 m, Cho-Oyu - 8201 m, Dhaulagiri - 8167 m, Manaslu - 8163 m, Annapurna - 8091 m. Altogether there are 1310 peaks lie in Nepal exceeding 6000 m. The world’s highest lake is situated at an elevation of 4,919 m. Some of Nepal's most beautiful animal and plant life are also found here. Although rare, the Snow Leopard and Danphe bird are much talked about sights among visitors. The people in this region produce and sell cheese besides working as porters and guides. Many also trade with Tibet and travel across the border to sell their goods.

Mountain (Hilly) Region
This region is in the middle part of Nepal. The altitude this region ranges from 450 to 4877 m. Hilly Region occupies 68 % area of total land of Nepal. This area also comprises of some middle class mountains up to 3000 m. They are called Mahabharata or Chure ranges. The Deepest Gorge: The gorge of Kali Gandaki between Dhaulagiri 8167 m and Annapurna I 8091 m is the deepest gorge in the world with 6,967 m depth. Areas in the eastern hills receive more rainfall because of the monsoon clouds, which come from the south-east. The rivers in the west, which do not receive much rainfall, are dependent upon the melted snow that flows down the Himalaya. Wild animals to be found here are the spotted leopard, barking deer, and Himalayan black bear. The hilly region is also popular for different kinds of birds. Over four hundred species of birds are found here. The people here work as trekking guides and porters and also sell garments and carpets to add to their income.

Terai Region
The Terai covers 17% of the total land area of Nepal and lies in the south. The altitude ranges from 57 to 450 m and the climate is hot. It provides excellent farming land and the average elevation of flatlands is 100 to 300 m above sea level. Sub-tropical forest areas, marshes, and wildlife that include the Royal Bengal tiger, one-horned rhino, and the garial crocodile are found here. After the eradication of malaria in the 1960s, many people migrated to the Terai in search of farming land. Today, about 48% of the country's population occupies this region. Flat farmlands and the region's flexible topography have given rise to many industries. The main industrial towns are Biratnagar, Butwal, Bhairawa, Birgunj, and Janakpur. Calcutta, a metropolitan city in India is the closest sea-port. It lies 1,000 kilometres away from Birgunj.

Rivers of Nepal

Nepal is the second largest country of the world in water resources. There are about 6,000 rivers in Nepal. Most of the rivers emanate from the Himalayas and some are from Chure Parbat and Mahabharat Ranges. Out of them, three rivers are categorized as major rivers having seven branches of each.

Koshi – Dudh Koshi, Sun Koshi, Tama Koshi, Arun, Tamor, Likhu and Indrawati

Gandaki – Marsyangdi, Trishuli, Budhi Gandaki, Seti, Kali Gandaki, Madi and Daraudi

Karnali - Humla Karnali, Mugu Karnali, Thuli Bheri, Sani Bheri, Seti, Budhi Ganga and Tila.

Other major rivers are Bagmati, Mahakali, Mechi, Rapti, Babai, and Kamala etc

Lakes in Nepal
In Nepal, there are number of pristine lakes originating in the Himalaya, Hill and Terai. Some of them are Rara (Mahendra Tal) in Mugu, Phewa in Pokhara, Shey Phoksundo in Dolpa, Tilicho (Highest lake of the world) in Manang, Begnas Lake, Rupa Lake, 20 Thousand Lake in Chitwan National Park, Rupa Lake, Satyabati Lake and Khaptad Lake are popular among tourists in the world.

Water Falls
Waterfalls are one of the natural beauties of Nepal. There is little number of waterfalls but pretty good to see. In another hand, countless waterfalls can be seen everywhere in summer. The highest waterfall of Nepal is Hyatung, which lies in Taplejung. It falls from the mountain and the length is 1300 m. The most beautiful waterfall of Nepal is Rupse falls near Tatopani on way to Kodari boarder. Surrender to astounding waterfalls discovered in many remote parts in Nepal. Waterfall tours are not operated regularly. Contact your tour operator to arrange for specialized tour. For water gardens, visit the Balaju water gardens which is located at the foot of Nagarjun Hill in Kathmandu.

Major Peaks
There are 1310 peaks in Nepal. The major peaks are: Mount Everest (8848 m), Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world and the second highest in the country (8586 m), Mt Lhotse (8516 m), Mt. Makalu (8463 m), Mt. Cho-Oyu (8201 m), Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Mt. Manaslu (8163 m), Mt Annapurna (8091 m), Mt. Gaurisankar (7134 m), Mt. Machhapuchhre (6996 m) and many other gracious peaks.

Main Glaciers
Most of the rivers of Nepal are originate from the Himalayas. The major sources of these rivers are the glaciers. Mahalangur, Kumbhakarna, Kanchenjunga, Khumbu, Langtang and Machhapuchhre are the main glaciers of Nepal.

Natural Resources
Hundreds of natural resources can be seen due to Nepal’s unique biodiversity. Such natural resources are Himalayan peaks, water, forest, minerals etc. Quartz, Lignite, Copper, Cobalt, Iron Ore, petroleum, gold are discovered as main particulars of minerals.

Administrative Divisions
Administratively Nepal has been divided in 5 Development Regions, 14 Zones, 75 Districts, 62 Municipalities and 3914 Village Development Committees.

Some Geographical World Records from Nepal

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