Over View

The Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal (Nepal or NP), commonly known as Nepal, is a landlocked country primarily located in South Asia. It consists of 7 provinces, 77 districts, and numerous rural municipalities and urban centers. At approximately 147,516 square kilometers (56,956 square miles), it ranks as the world’s 93rd largest country by land area. Nepal shares land borders exclusively with China (Tibet Autonomous Region) to the north and India to the east, south, and west. With a population of over 30 million people, it is the 49th most populous country in the world. The national capital and largest city is Kathmandu, while the major tourist hub and second-largest city is Pokhara.

Key parallels maintained:

  1. Official & Common Names: Includes full official name and common names/abbreviations.

  2. Location: Specifies primary continent/region (South Asia) and landlocked status.

  3. Administrative Divisions: Lists the main subdivisions (Provinces, Districts) instead of states/territories.

  4. Size & Ranking: Provides area in both sq mi and sq km, along with its global size ranking.

  5. Borders: Clearly states the neighboring countries (China and India) and the nature of the borders (land borders).

  6. Population & Ranking: Gives the approximate population and its global ranking.

  7. Capital & Major City: Names the capital (Kathmandu) and a significant second city (Pokhara), highlighting its primary role (tourist hub).

  8. Concise Structure: Follows a similar flow: Names -> Location/Composition -> Size -> Borders -> Population -> Capital/Major City.

Explore the City

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The Everest Base Camp Trek: An Expert’s Guide for 2025/2026

Langtang Valley Trek: Serene Peaks & Tamang Culture in Nepal

Manaslu Circuit Trek Package: A Comprehensive Guide for 2025/2026

Upper Dolpo Trek

Lower Dolpo Trek

Upper Mustang Trek

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Express Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Larke Pass Trek

12-Day Tsum Valley Trek & Information

The Maps

Trip Ideas

MUSEUMS

city Spotlight: Kathmandu

The Eternal City of Temples

Location & Scale:
Nestled in the Kathmandu Valley at 1,400 meters (4,600 ft) elevation, Kathmandu is Nepal’s capital and largest urban center, with a metropolitan population of ~1.5 million people. Surrounded by the Himalayan foothills, the city blends ancient heritage with rapid modernization.

Historical Crossroads:
Founded over 2,000 years ago, Kathmandu was the seat of the medieval Malla and later Shah dynasties. Its Durbar Squares (palace plazas) — UNESCO World Heritage Sites — preserve intricate pagoda temples, royal palaces, and stone-carved deities, reflecting centuries of Newari craftsmanship.

Cultural Heartbeat:

  • Living Heritage: Walk through Asan Tole, a bustling market square where spices, textiles, and rituals collide, or witness the living goddess Kumari in her Durbar Square palace.

  • Sacred Sites: The Buddhist stupa of Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) overlooks the city, while the Hindu pilgrimage site Pashupatinath hosts open-air cremations beside the Bagmati River.

  • Festivals: Indra Jatra transforms streets into processions of masked dancers and chariots; Dashain fills the air with the scent of marigolds and sacrificial offerings.

Modern Pulse & Challenges:

  • Thamel: A labyrinthine tourist hub alive with rooftop cafés, trekking gear shops, and live music bars.

  • Urban Evolution: Contemporary galleries, vegan bistros, and tech startups emerge amid historic neighborhoods.

  • Growing Pains: Traffic congestion, air pollution, and earthquake reconstruction (post-2015) remain pressing issues.

Why Kathmandu?
From sunrise views over Himalayan peaks to the scent of incense in hidden courtyards, Kathmandu is a sensory overload where spirituality and survival intertwine. It’s not just a gateway to Everest — it’s a living museum of resilience.


Key Parallels to the Philadelphia Format:

  1. Nickname & Header: “The Eternal City of Temples” mirrors Philly’s “Birthplace of America.”

  2. Location/Population: Clear geographic context and scale.

  3. Historical Significance: Highlights founding era and UNESCO heritage.

  4. Cultural Icons: Replaces cheesesteaks with Kumari and stupas; markets (Asan Tole ≈ Reading Terminal).

  5. Modern Identity: Contrasts tourism (Thamel) with urban challenges (pollution).

  6. Evocative Closing: Captures the city’s essence (spirituality/resilience vs. Philly’s “gritty charm”).