Country Report. Nepal.

            I was thinking about my three favorite countries such as Nepal, England and Egypt. Unfortunately, I don’t know anyone from England or Egypt here; however, I have a lot of Nepalese friends in my school. That’s why my decision was to write about Nepal because I can interview my friends and learn more about their country.  

Nepal is a beautiful country where I would like to go one day. This is an interesting exotic country which looks like India. Nepal is located in South Asia between China in the north and India in the south, east and west. The total land area is 56,827 sq mil and a population of the country approximately 27 million. (1) The most interesting fact of this country is that “Nepal contains Mount Everest (29,035 ft; 8,850 m), the tallest mountain in the world. Along its southern border, Nepal has a strip of level land that is partly forested, partly cultivated. North of that is the slope of the main section of the Himalayan range, including Everest and many other peaks higher than 8,000 m”. (3) 

Therefore, Nepal is amazing place for hiking. I heard that one of the most beautiful places for hiking is Kakani, which is close to the capital city, Kathmandu. I think, anyone who would plan a trip to Nepal for hiking should definitely go there. It is also a good chance to see the natural beauty of Kathmandu. Nowhere else can people trek for days or even weeks in incredible mountains. Nepal is perfect place for mountain lovers! Moreover, “travelers are drawn here by the adrenaline rush of rafting down a roaring Nepali river or bungee jumping into a bottomless Himalayan gorge. Canyoning, climbing, kayaking, paragliding and mountain biking, everything is offered here against the backdrop of some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes.” (2)

I love Nepalese food. It is totally different taste if compare with Russian food. Living with Nepali students I learned how to cook some their traditional food. From the history “Nepali food has been influenced by Indian and Tibetan styles of cooking. Most Nepalis do not use cutlery but eat with their right hand. The regular Nepali meal is dal (lentil soup), bhat (boiled rice) and tarkari (curried vegetables), often accompanied by achar (pickle). Curried meat is very popular, but is saved for special occasions, as it is relatively more expensive. Momos (steamed or fried dumplings) deserve a mention as one of the most popular snack among Nepalis. Rotis (flat bread) and dhedo (boiled flour) also make meals in some homes.”(4)

Also, there is some interesting information about Nepal: 

• "When visiting a Nepalese home always remove your shoes. You should also remove your shoes before entering a temple or Buddhist sanctuary. 
• If you visit a home in Nepal then you should also be extremely careful not to throw rubbish of any sort into an open fire as fires are culturally held to be sacred.
• When eating, you should only use your right hand and ideally, you should try to drink without letting touching the drinking implement with your lips.
• You should dress modestly whilst in Nepal as the culture in Nepal is not one for exposing the body. Nudity is not acceptable anywhere under any circumstances.
• Do not show affection in public, do not shout, and avoid making body contact unless this is essential."(5)

There is so much to talk about this country! There are so many things that are interesting to me. I really love their food, I’m trying to do yoga sometimes and I planning to go to visit this country one day!

Work cited:

1.  “Naturally Nepal. Once is not enough”: http://welcomenepal.com/promotional/know-nepal/geography/

2.    “Introducing Nepal” (Jul 19, 2012): http://www.lonelyplanet.com/nepal

3.    “Info please. Nepal.” (2011): http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107820.html

4.   Feller, T. (2008). Nepal. The essential guide to customs and culture. London, England: Kuperard.

5.   Heinrichs, A. (1996). Nepal. Enchantment of the World. New York, USA: Children's Press.