Homeland

After 4 long years, I was able to visit my homeland last month. I was extremely happy to see its beauty again; therefore, I decided to describe it to you a bit.

Nepal is a beautiful, diverse and landlocked country in South Asia. Its neighbouring countries are India and China. Nepal is geographically and culturally rich. It is the country of Mount Everest, the highest mountain peak in the world, and the Birthplace of Gautama Buddha- Lumbini. In fact, eight of the world’s top ten highest mountains are in Nepal.

It is geographically divided into three regions: Himal, Pahad and Tarai. So, the weather in Nepal varies based on geographical zones. In different regions, diverse ethnic groups are residing in harmony and peace. The economy of the country mostly depends on agriculture and tourism.

Nepal is the most popular destination for tourists. Mountaineering and other types of adventure tourism and ecotourism are important attractions for tourists. Every year, many tourists visit famous attractive destinations of Nepal like Kathmandu, Namche Bazar, Annapurna base camp, Mount Everest base camp, Pokhara, Mustang, Manang, Chitwan and Lumbini, etc.

March/April and September/October are the best months for trekking, paragliding, mountain climbing and sightseeing. Tourists travel differently. Whether it be individually, as a couple, as family, or as a group of friends, they all travel to enjoy natural and/or cultural attractions. Many hotels provide accommodations, tourist guides and other activities related to travel like rafting, trekking and /or bungee jumping.

Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal. Kathmandu valley has different types of architectural buildings that represent the oldest forms of art and culture. It is also called the city of temples. There are different types of artistic temples and stupas. Some religious sites are more attractive to Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims, such as Pasupatinath, Boudhanath stupa, Swayambhunath Temple and Namo Buddha. Basantapur Durbar Square and Narayanhiti museums are also interesting historical places for tourists.

Pokhara is the most popular tourist destination in Nepal. Many tourists visit Pokhara to see the panorama of mountains like Mount Machhapuchhre, Annapurna and Daulagiri. It is famous for three lakes: Fewalake, Begnaslake and Rupalake. Visitors can enjoy boating. Fewalake is also famous for the reflection of Mount Machhapuchhre. Besides that, visitors can enjoy varieties of different interesting places, such as caves, temples, international museums, Devid Fall, boating, hiking, and extreme sports like rafting and bungee jumping.

Mustang whose landscape is more of a desert is in the north-central region of Nepal.There is a majestic view surrounding the mountains in Annapurna and Gangapurna ranges. It is especially famous for trekking and nature sightseeing. On the way north there are spectacular waterfalls, glaciers, hills, rivers and snow lakes. For transportation, people can use helicopters, buses and horses or just walk. There are hotels and homestay facilities.

Chitwan National Park is famous for some of the best wildlife sights in Asia. So, it is a safari destination for tourists who can enjoy riding elephants as well as sightseeing.

Lumbini, where Siddhartha Gautama, the Lord Buddha, was born in 623 B.C. is a sacred pilgrimage site for Buddhists, and a famous tourist destination, In Janakpur, where Sita, the Lord Ram’s wife, was born, there is Janaki Temple.

Nepal is such a wonderful blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage that no doubt it attracts so many people.