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.