Culture, Customs and Geography of Nepal

Nepal is a Federal Democratic Republic nation, formerly a Kingdom. The capital of Nepal is Kathmandu and it is divided into five development regions, seven provinces, 14 zones and 77 districts according to the new political division. Known for the victory of brave Gurkhas, Nepal has south Asia’s fifth-largest military.

Nepal is a landlocked country, situated in south Asia. The tremendous geographical variations as below as the 50 m above sea level to as high as the 8848 m, it has the world’s most astounding diversity. Nepal holds the total landmass of 0.1 percent, 0.3 percent area of Asia and 0.003 percent area of the world. It is geographically divided into Himalayas, Mountains and Plains. The Himalayan region of Nepal occupies 15 percent, 68 percent by mountainous region and 17 percent by plains. The neighbouring countries of Nepal are India and China. India lies in the eastern, western and southern parts, and China lies in the Northern part of Nepal. 

The culture and customs of Nepal vary according to the region and place. The diverse values integrated Nepal as a country with wonderful cultural attributes. The centuries-long civilization of Nepal and the different ruling regimes developed a sort of identification that later formed as a part of the culture. Ethnic groups, accompanied by cultural merits are the major attractions of Nepal. The customs and culture play an important role to best describe the lifestyle and values of a particular community. So, while travelling to the places, it is better to understand the culture and customs of the inhabitants. The hospitality culture of Nepal is significantly known for its warm behaviour and attitude. The festivals, unique rituals, and practices of Nepal are wonderful and renowned all over the world. 

Religious harmony and secularism have a major positive impact on Nepalese society. People respect the culture and traditions and take part in showing empathy to another different community. This is, of course, the best part for a country where the hundreds of cultural practices are prevalent. Mainly, four major religious groups in Nepal are Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity. The faith and respect towards the practices of each other is the main reason for peace and harmony in Nepal. The customs differ according to the community and ethnic groups and also cultural practices. The ceremony and festivals are celebrated according to the prevalent practices in a particular community. The matrimonial practices, baby birth, and last rites are unique and endowed the beliefs. 

Nepal is remarkably the best place to visit. The people here are liberal and open-minded, also respect the customs, culture, and beliefs of other people. The culture and customs of Nepal vary according to the geographical settlement. However, visitors should show faith in the practices and customs of local people. The moral conflict might create a sort of misunderstandings.

So, the comprehensive list of the rituals and respect vowed by the Nepalese people are stated hereunder.

• Namaste is the welcoming act done by people, putting their palms together to show respect and to spread the kind gesture to the visitors. You should also reply by saying ‘Namaste’ to the people.  
• You should never enter the temples by wearing shoes, boots and leather jackets. It might create conflict as people here regard it as disrespect of God. 
• Men should not walk around with the bare chest. And it is advisable for women to wear full clothes while visiting the rural places of Nepal. In the rural parts of Nepal, Ladies and women wear full clothes. 
• While visiting someone’s room/home, you are expected to take off your shoes.  
• Beef is prohibited in Nepal, and also cow is worshipped by Hindus and also stated as the National animal of Nepal.
• Don’t offer food to other people, if you have taken a bite or touched your lips to it. It is considered to be Jutho (polluted) and people here don’t eat others meals. 
• Some of the temples in Nepal are prohibited to enter the premises for foreigners. Don’t enter, if you are not allowed to. And don’t take photographs, if it's a ‘no photo’ zone. 
• The public display of affection is considered to be indecent in Nepalese civilization. So, it’s better not to kiss or cuddle in public places.  

“In a thousand ages of the gods I could not tell thee of the glories of the Himalaya, just as the dew is dried by the morning sun, so are the sins of mankind by the sight of the Himalaya.”  -Skandha Purana

The Himalayan region lies above 3000 m from sea level. The Himalayan region of Nepal comprises the subalpine and alpine climate. This region is mainly used by local people for seasonal pasturage. However, It has the world-renowned highest peaks.

The top of the world- Mount Everest and other 10 Himalayas out of 14 eight-thousanders and situated in the Himalayan region of Nepal. More than 80 mountain peaks are identified in Nepal and are renowned all over the world. Covered with snowcapped mountain peaks, the Himalayan region offers the most adventurous activities in the world. Some activities like Ski, Mountaineering expeditions, rock climbing, Mountain Biking, etc. are popular in this region. The culture and customs of Nepal in the Himalayas and Mountains are finest at their best. The Mountain and Himalayan region of Nepal are also known as trekking paradise in the world. 

The Mountainous region of Nepal consists of the Mahabharata range and Chure- Siwalik range. The latitude in the hilly region ranges from 600 to 3000 meters above sea levels. The exotic and pristine beauty of the hilly region of Nepal is also remembered for the trekking and hiking activities.

There are so many adventurous activities available in the mountain region of Nepal. Some of the adventurous activities include Bungee Jumping, including the second-highest in the world, Paragliding, Mountain flights, Hot air ballooning, and many other mountain activities. The pristine and wonderful cultural attractions, wildlife and heritages are also situated in the Hilly region of Nepal. 

The terai region of Nepal ranges from 60 meters to 600 meters above sea level. It is also the major region of Nepal in terms of agriculture, culture and traditions, temples, wildlife, and heritages. The fertile land, agricultural and industrial development in the Terai region has a major contribution to the national economy of Nepal.