Geography of Nepal

Nepal is a small yet geographically diverse country, stretching from the humid Gangetic plains to the towering Himalayas. Known for Mount Everest (8,848m), Nepal's terrain includes snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and subtropical forests, making it one of the most ecologically varied nations on Earth.

Key Geographic Features of Nepal

1. Three Main Physiographic Regions

Nepal is divided into three distinct belts running east to west:

  • A. The Terai (Plains) - 17% of Land
    Elevation: 60-300 meters
    Climate: Tropical & subtropical
    Features:
    • Fertile flatlands (part of the Indo-Gangetic Plain)
    • Major agricultural hub (rice, wheat, jute)
    • Home to Chitwan National Park (rhinos, tigers, elephants)
    • Cities: Biratnagar, Nepalgunj, Janakpur
  • B. The Middle Hills (Pahad) - 68% of Land
    Elevation: 300-3,000 meters
    Climate: Temperate
    Features:
    • Rolling hills, valleys, and river basins
    • Major cities: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Dharan
    • Dominated by the Mahabharat Range and Siwalik Hills
    • Terraced farming (rice, maize, millet)
  • C. The Himalayas (Himal) - 15% of Land
    Elevation: 3,000-8,848 meters (Everest)
    Climate: Alpine to Arctic
    Features:
    • Contains 8 of the world's 10 highest peaks
    • Glaciers, deep gorges, and high-altitude deserts (Upper Mustang)
    • Major trekking routes: Everest, Annapurna, Langtang

Major Rivers & Watersheds

  • Koshi River - The "Sorrow of Bihar" due to floods
  • Gandaki River - Deepest gorge at Kali Gandaki
  • Karnali River - Longest river in Nepal
  • Bagmati River - Sacred river in Kathmandu Valley

Climate Zones

Zone Elevation Climate Vegetation
Tropical <1,000m Hot & humid Sal forests, rice paddies
Subtropical 1,000-2,000m Mild winters Oak, pine, rhododendron
Temperate 2,000-3,000m Cool summers Coniferous forests
Alpine 3,000-5,000m Cold, snowy Shrubs, juniper
Arctic >5,000m Permanent snow No vegetation

Unique Geographic Highlights

  • Highest Mountain on Earth - Mount Everest (8,848m)
  • Deepest Gorge - Kali Gandaki Gorge
  • Highest Lake - Tilicho Lake (4,919m)
  • Rain Shadow Desert - Upper Mustang
  • Biodiversity Hotspot - From Bengal tigers to snow leopards

Environmental Challenges

  • Deforestation - Soil erosion in hills
  • Glacial Melt - Climate change affecting water sources
  • Earthquake Risk - Lies on the Indo-Eurasian tectonic plate boundary

Why Nepal's Geography Matters?

  • Tourism: Trekking, mountaineering, wildlife safaris
  • Hydropower Potential: Fast-flowing rivers for electricity
  • Cultural Diversity: Ethnic groups vary by elevation (Sherpas in Himalayas, Tharus in Terai)

Final Thoughts

Nepal's geography is a dramatic mix of extremes—from steaming jungles to icy peaks. This diversity shapes its culture, economy, and adventure tourism, making it one of the world’s most fascinating landscapes.