15 curiosities of Nepal. One of the most amazing countries in the world

The world is becoming a smaller place, almost like a handkerchief. Technology, the cheapening and speed of transatlantic travel, the exchange of trade at the global level, the growing practice of working abroad ... Anyway, sometimes it seems that we are all looking a bit more and cultural distances are they are cutting But the truth is that there are still many differences that make the planet Earth a diverse and curious place. This time we are going to move to Asia , to one of the most authentic countries that remain. Let's know some curiosities of Nepal !

Curiosities of Nepal, a fascinating country

Nepal. A mountainous country, which is considered the birthplace of Buddha by some and is home to the highest peak in the world, shared with China: the summit of Mt. Everest . It is one of the poorest and least developed countries on the planet and, moreover, it is hit roughly every 75 years by large earthquakes. These are caused by the tectonic activity that happens under the soil of Nepal.

Be that as it may, it is one of the nations with the most amazing customs in the world and we want you to know its most surprising aspects. Keep reading to discover curiosities of Nepal that will fascinate you!

1. Nepal. A dwarf among giants

Nepal is located between two Asian giants: India Y China , both have staged an economic boom in recent years.

curiosities of Nepal, between China and India

Nepal, on the other hand, has not yet had the opportunity to take off.

2. The capital of Nepal

One of the curiosities of Nepal What you should know has to do with its capital, Kathmandu.

curiosities of Nepal, Kathmandu, capital of Nepal

Streets of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal

Formerly Kathmandu was known as "Kantipur". This nickname means: "The City of Glory " However, it was not always a city, in fact, it was not even the mainland. In the past, the Kathmandu Valley was occupied by a huge lake , in the middle of the Himalayas, according to the geological studies of the area. This lake began to dry 30,000 years ago, until the place was as we know it today.

3. The religion of Nepal

The religion of Nepal The majority is Hinduism (80.6%) followed by Buddhism (10.7%) and Islam (4.2%), the remaining percentage is for other religions. From this statistic we can see quite clearly one of the most striking connection points of its neighbor India: religion.

4. The language of Nepal

He language of Nepal is Nepalese or Nepali, a language developed from Sanskrit. In fact, almost all his vocabulary comes from this language, although he has some loans from Arabic and Persian. Currently also from English.

5. Namaste in Nepal

To say hello in Nepal, we should say Namaste , but also we must also join hands at chin height in a sign of respect.

monastery

Say Namaste without making the gesture is understood by a Nepali as an "empty" greeting. If you do not do the gesture better, do not say Namaste.

6. Polyandry in Nepal

Although it is not a widespread practice at present, the truth is that there are cases of polyandry : a woman with several husbands, usually brothers. The main reason is economic, having two men in the same family can earn and save more money.

7. Breeds of Nepal

Society in Nepal was divided into castes. Rather, it is divided. Although the arrival of the Communist Party of Nepal abolished this system, in practice it remains fully in force. Among other things, a person of a higher caste will never eat in the same place as an untouchable, the lowest caste of all. This is one of the curiosities of Nepal which impacts foreigners the most

curiosities of Nepal, castes of Nepal, interior of a house in Nepal

Interior of a house in Nepal

And a tourist who is chaste? None, it's a tourist.

8. Traditions of Nepal: the Kumari

One of the traditions of Nepal that also surprises foreigners is the one that has to do with the Kumari, the goddess girls. Condemned to loneliness for supposedly being a kind of "Temporary reincarnation", in a body of a mortal, of the Taleju Goddess.

curiosities of Nepal, Kumari, goddess girl

Find out more about them: Kumari: the lonely goddess girls of Nepal.

9. Dog day

This is one of the curiosities of Nepal favorites of those who know the country and love the "best friend of man". The Nepalese society dedicates dogs one day a year.

curiosities of Nepal, dog festival

During the celebration of this curious feast, offerings are made to them, they are given a necklace of flowers, some colored powders in their hair, and they are blessed.

10. The point on the forehead

One of the images that most often arouse our curiosity when we visit Asia is that point of colors (often red) with which the forehead is decorated. Well, that point symbolizes the sixth chakra. A point of energy and wisdom.

11. The Nepalese calendar

The calendar they use in Nepal is the Bikram Sambat. According to this, they go 67 years and almost 9 months ahead of our Gregorian calendar. When are you celebrating the New Year in Nepal? In mid-April.

12. The Gurkha of Nepal

All over the world are famous Gurkha soldiers from Nepal. These are soldiers from Nepal who have earned a reputation as fierce and competent fighters whose motto is: "It is better to die than to be a coward". During the conflicts in India, the English military was extremely impressed with the Gurkha's warlike abilities.

Curiosities of Nepal, soldiers Gurkha, 1815

Illustration of soldiers Gurkha (1815)

They have served the armed forces of the United Kingdom, India and Nepal.

13. The meaning of Himalaya

The word "Himalaya", the name of the highest mountain range in the world that extends throughout countries like Bhutan, Nepal, India and China, means "abode of the snow".

curiosities of Nepal, Nepalese Himalayas

Nepalese Himalayas

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14. Nepal has very extreme altitudes

Another of the curiosities of Nepal is that the altitudes of their surfaces vary in a brutal way. While in this country we can find the Arun Valley, the highest in the world, it also has the deepest throat on the planet, called Kali Gandaki. This contrasts with Everest, the highest peak in the world.

Do not you think some impressive altitude changes? By the way, did you know that: There are more than 150 abandoned bodies on Everest? Today they use them as reference points.

15. Nepal is home to endangered species

Among the endangered species of Nepal are some of the most amazing animals in the world, such as the snow leopard, the Red panda and the Indian rhinoceros.

curiosities of Nepal, snow leopard

Snow Leopard

Did you know some of these Nepalese customs ? What do you think of these curiosities of Nepal ? Leave us your opinion and if you know more, share them with us!