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Nepal (Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal or सङ्घीय लोकतान्त्रिक गणतन्त्र नेपाल) is a landlocked country located in the Himalayas, bordered to the east, south and west by India. Its northern border is shared by the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Northern Nepal is mountainous. Of the world's ten tallest mountains, eight are in this country. Nepal has more than 240 mountain peaks towering over 20,000 ft (6,096 m) above sea level. Lowland plains (Terai) border India. As we move northward, the landscape changes into hills and foothills, then into hilly mountains and then into mountains of the Great Himalayan Range.

Nepal has eight of the world's fourteen mountain peaks which are higher than 8,ooo meters from the sea level. They are, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Kanchenjunga, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu.

Endowed with numerous mountains and peaks, Nepal has become a travel destination for mountaineering and trekking. The mountains offer changing landscapes and present five climate zones namely, subtropical zones, temperate zones, cold zones, subarctic zones and Arctic zones.

An adventure tourist can experience all the climate zones within 100 kms of travel in Nepal.

Everest mountain

1.Nepal - Photo of Everest
Author: Pavel Novak | License: CC BY-SA 2.5

Mount Everest with its peak reaching 8,848 meters (29,029 ft) above sea level is the highest mountain on the Earth. The international border between Nepal and China runs across the peak's precise summit point. The challenges involved in climbing, such as crossing Khumbu Icefall, facing blizzards, risking avalanches and low atmospheric pressure attract many highly experienced climbers and mountaineers from many nations. As on March 2012, Mount Everest has been climbed 5,656 times and associated tragic record of deaths is 223. On 29 May 1953, at 11:30 am local time, Edmund Hillary from New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay, from Darjeeling, India, successfully reached the summit.

Kanchenjunga mountain

2.Nepal - Photo of Kanchenjunga
Author: Carsten.nebel | License: CC BY-SA 3.0

Kanchenjunga is the second highest mountain in Nepal and the third highest in the world. It is in the Himalayan range known as Kangchenjunga Himal and is located on the border with Sikkim State of India. Of the five highest peaks in the range, three lie on the border between India and one is located in the Taplejung District of the country. The main Kanchenjunga peak is 8,586 m (28,169 ft) high from the sea level. Joe Brown and George Band, of a British expedition, climbed the Kangchenjunga on 25 May 1955. In fact all expeditions to Kangchenjunga stop short of the summit, to keep the summit inviolate, as a tradition of Nepal. Kangchenjunga Himal ranges have 14 protected areas rich in fauna and flora. Snow leopard, Asian black bear, red panda and white-bellied musk deer are some of the protected endangered species in these reserves.

Lhotse mountains

3.Nepal - Photo of Lhotse
Author: Uwe Gille | License: CC BY-SA 3.0

Lhotse is the third highest mountain in Nepal and the fourth highest in the world. Lhotse is located on the border with Tibet region of China. The main summit is 8,516 meters (27,940 ft) above sea level. There are two more summits, Lhotse Middle (East) and Lhotse Shar, which are also above 8000 meters. Ernst Reiss and Fritz Luchsinger of a Swiss expedition, climbed the main summit on May 18, 1956. Lhotse Shar was first climbed by Sepp Mayerl and Rolf Walter of Austria on May 12, 1970. Eugeny Vinogradsky, Sergei Timofeev, Alexei Bolotov and Petr Kuznetsov of a Russian expedition climbed Lhotse Middle on May 23, 2001. As on December.2008, Lhotse main has been climbed 371 times.

Makalu mountains

4.Nepal - Photo of Makalu
Author: Ben Tubby | License: cc-by-2.0

Makalu is the fourth highest mountain in Nepal and the fifth highest in the world. It is located in Mahalangur Himalayas sharing the border with China. Mt. Everest is 19 km from this peak. The main Makalu peak is 8,463 meters (27,766 ft) above the sea level. Kangchungtse and Chomo Lonzo are two other peaks in the Makalu range, which are above 7000 meters from the sea levels. Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy of a French expedition climbed the Makalu peak on May 15, 1955. Makalu, having steep pitches and knife-edged ridges, is one of the most difficult mountains for mountaineers to climb. Makalu-Barun glacier valley in Nepal is situated at the foot hills of Makalu mountains having beautiful landscapes comprising cascading waterfalls, deep gorges and dense forests harboring rare fauna and flora.

Cho Oyu mountains

5.Nepal - Photo of Cho Oyu
Author: Uwe Gille | License: CC BY-SA 3.0

Cho Oyu is the sixth highest mountain in the world and fifth highest in Nepal. It is 8,201 meter (26,906 ft) high above sea level. It is located in Mahalangur Himalayas sharing the border with China and is 20 km west of Everest. Cho Oyu was first climbed on October 19, 1954, by Herbert Tichy, Joseph Jöchler and Sherpa Pasang Dawa Lama of an Austrian expedition. Mountaineers consider Cho Oyu to be the easiest peak to climb among over 8000 meter peaks.

Dhaulagiri mountains

6.Nepal - Photo of Dhaulagiri
Author: Solundir | License: CC BY-SA 3.0

Dhaulagiri ranges extend 120 km from Kaligandaki River to the Bheri. Dhaulagiri ranges have thirteen above 7000 meter peaks. Dhaulagiri I is the sixth highest peak in Nepal and is the seventh highest mountains in the world. Dhaulagiri I is 8,167 metres (26,795 ft) high from sea level. Kurt Diemberger, P. Diener, E. Forrer, A. Schelbert, Nyima Dorje Sherpa and Nawang Dorje Sherpa of Swiss-Austrian expedition climbed the Dhaulagiri I summit on May 13, 1960. It is located 34 km west of Annapurna I. As of 2007, Dhaulagiri I was climbed 358 times and there were 58 fatalities.

Manaslu mountains

7.Nepal - Photo of Manaslu, Himalaya
Author: Ben Tubby | License: cc-by-2.0

Manaslu is the eighth highest mountain in the world and is the seventh highest in Nepal. It is located in the Mansiri Himal ranges of Nepalese Himalayas. Manaslu is 8,156 meters (26,759 ft) high above sea level. Other major peaks with over 7000 meters height in the region are Himalchuli and Ngadi Chuli. Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu, members of a Japanese expedition, successfully climbed the summit for the first time on May 9, 1956.

Apart from mountaineering, trekking is a popular sport in these regions. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a popular trekking trail. The Manaslu Conservation Area in Nepal has rare and endangered fauna like snow leopards, grey wolf, musk deer, blue sheep, Himalayan Tahr and pandas.

Annapurna ranges

8.Nepal - Photo of Annapurna, Himalayas
Author: Arite | License: CC BY-SA 3.0/Free Art License

9.Nepal - Photo of Annapurna ranges
Author: Dr Michel Royon | License: CC0 1.0/public domain

Annapurna ranges are located in north-central part of the country. Annapurna I is tenth highest mountain in the world and the eighth highest in Nepal. Apart from Annapurna I, thirteen more peaks towering over 7,000 meters from sea level are present in this region. The peaks in Annapurna ranges are considered dangerous to climb, having high fatalities of climbers. Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal, of a French expedition were the first to climb Annapurna I on 3 June 1950. The Annapurna Conservation Area is a trekking haven. In the snowstorms and avalanches of October 2014 in Nepal, at least 43 people were killed and 175 were injured.

1.Photo source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Everest_kalapatthar_crop.jpg
2.Photo source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kangchenjunga_South_Face.jpg
3.Photo source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lhotse-fromChukhungRi.jpg
4.Photo source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Makalu.jpg
5.Photo source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:ChoOyu-fromGokyo.jpg
6.Photo source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dhaulagiri_mountain.jpg
7.Photo source :wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Manaslu,_from_base_camp_trip.jpg
8.Photo source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Annapurna_I_ABC_Morning.jpg
9.Photo source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Himalaya_sud_avion.JPG
Current topic in Holiday travel and tourism blog: Photos of Nepal mountains.

Kingdom of Bhutan history - origins → Buddhism religion in Bhutan Kingdom history → History of British influence on kingdom → History of Kingdom → Pictures of Kingdom of Bhutan

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Bhutan pictures: View of Thimpu city

Pictures show the sprawling view of the city.

Thimpu, in the Thimpu District, is the capital city of the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Thimpu is the largest city of Bhutan with a population of 98.676 (2005 PHCB).

Thimpu is located at an altitude of 7656ft (2320m).

Bhutan pictures: View of Thimpu city

Thimpu was a small settlement and King Jigme Dorje Wangchuk developed it to replace the ancient capital of Punakha.

Today, Thimpu is a sprawling city extending across the western slopes of the Wang Chuu river valley.

Bhutan pictures: Tashichoedzong - Thimpu- seat of Government

Tashichoe dzong is the 17th century monastery-fortress and is located on the northern end of the Thimpu city.

Bhutan pictures: Thimpu street lined up by taxis

Tashichoe dzong has been the center of the Government of Bhutan from 1952.

Several government buildings and offices are located around Tashichoe dzong.

Pictures of Bhutan: Chökhor Raptentse Dzong

Trongsa or Tongsa is a town in the Trongsa district.

Chökhor Raptentse Dzong at Trongsa was built in 1644.

It used to be the seat of power of the Wangchuck dynasty.

Pictures of Bhutan: Taktsang Dzong

Taktsang Dzong (Paro Taktsang or Taktsang Monastery or The Tiger's Nest) is built in the year 1692.

It is a monastery of the Nyingma sect, a prominent Tibetan Buddhist sect and is located on the cliffside of Paro valley.

Pictures of Bhutan: Trashigang Monastery

Trashigang or Tashigang, is a town in eastern Bhutan and the district capital of the Trashigang (district).

A monastery was constructed on a cliff overlooking the town.

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Pictures of Bhutan: Punakha Dzong

Punakha was the capital of Bhutan until 1955 when the Thimpu was made the capital.

Pungtang Dechen Photrang Dzong or Punakha Dzong was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637-38.

In 1907, the coronation of Ugyen Wangchuck as the first King of Bhutan took place here.

Pictures of Bhutan: Haa Valley

Haa is a district in Bhutan and is sparsely populated. Haa valley is the major attraction in this district.

It is a steep valley running north south, and wheat, barley and to some extend rice is grown in the low lands of the valley.

Pictures of Bhutan: Gangkhar Puensum Mountains

The highest mountain in Bhutan is Gangkhar Puensum.

It is one of the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.

It has elevation of 7570 metres and a prominence of over 2990 metres.

Pictures of the kingdom: Cham dancer

Bhutan mask dances locally known as cham are performed in festivities and are believed to bring good fortunes and blessings to the onlookers.

Pictures of the kingdom: Agricultural lands

Wheat, barley are the major crops cultivated in Bhutan.

Plains at the foot-hills, valley and mountain slopes are brought under agriculture.

Pictures of the kingdom: Phuentsoling town

Phuentsoling town is in the southern Bhutan and is on the border with India. Just opposite is the Indian town of Jaigaon. There is a thrieving cross border trade and the town has a population of 20,537 (as per 2005 census).

Pictures of Bhutan: National Library

The National Library of Bhutan (NLB), Thimphu,was established in 1967 under the patronage of HM Queen Ashi Phuntso Choden. It was started with small collection of precious documents. Its is established for the purpose of "preservation and promotion of the rich cultural and religious heritage" of the kingdom. New building shown in pictures.

Pictures of Bhutan: Chorten Memorial

The Memorial Chorten (the Thimphu Chorten), is a chorten (a stupa) located on Doeboom Lam in the southern-central part of the city of Thimpu, near the main roundabout and Indian military hospital.

It built in 1974 honouring the 3rd King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928–1972).

It is a prominent landmark with its golden spires and bells.

Pictures of Bhutan: Tongsa town

View of the Trongsa (Tongsa) town, capital of the Trongsa district. Trongsa means 'new village' in Dzongkha language. Drukpa Kagyu lama, Ngagi Wangchuk had built the first temple here.

The monastery seen on the forefront of pictures. The only road connecting the eastern and western parts of the country passed through the courtyard of the monastery.

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Pictures of animals: Takin - National animal of Bhutan

Takin (Budorcas taxicolor) is a goat antelope occuring in Eastern Himalayas. There are four subspecies of Budorcas taxicolor. The Bhutan Takin is Budorcas taxicolor whitei. They are 100 - 130 cm tall and weigh upto 650 kg. Takin is the national animal of the Kingdom.

Picturs of animals: Golden langur

Golden Langur or Gee's Golden Langur (Trachypithecus geei) was brought to attention of zoologists by E. P. Gee in 1050s. It is a Old World monkey found in a small region of the foothills of Black Mountains of Bhutan and western Assam region of India. It is one of the most endangered species of primates.

Pictures of animals: Clouded leopard

The Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is a medium-sized cat found south of the Himalayas and in Southeast Asia. They occupy tropical and sub-tropical forests at elevations upto 3000 metres. Clouded leopards are highly arboreal and they rest and hunt on the trees. It has a tan or tawny coat, and is distinctively marked with large, irregularly-shaped, dark-edged ellipses.

Picture of animals: Binturong

The Binturong (Arctictis binturong) are arboreal animals belonging to family Viverridae, which includes the civets and genets. They are found in the forests of Bhutan, India, Bangladesh, Burma and south Asian countries. They primarily eat fruits and are also known to eat rodents and birds.

Pictures of Bhutan animals: Indian Rhinoceros

The Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) or the Great One-horned Rhinoceros or the Asian One-horned Rhinoceros is a herbivore and is primarily found in, Bhutan, north-eastern India, and Nepal. Their distribution is confined to the tall grasslands and forests in the foothills of the Himalayas. In the wild fully grown males are larger than females weighing from 2,000 to 3,000 kg.

Pictures of animals: Asiatic Elephant

The Asian or Asiatic Elephant (Elephas maximus), is the one of the endangered species of animals.

The elephants of Bhutan are mostly confined to the southern plains and foothills from Sipsu in the west to Dhansiri Chhu in the east along Indo- Bhutan border. In this kingdom the estimated elephant habitat is around 2,000sq.km and resident population about 60 to 100 animals.

Pictures of Bhutan animals: Indian leopard

The Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) is a leopard subspecies widely distributed south of Himalayas on the Indian subcontinent. It is smallest of the four big cats namely lion, tiger and jaguar. They inhabit temperate forests and northern coniferous forests, dry deciduous forests and tropical rain forests. The are found up to an altitude of 2.500 m, bordering snow leopard habitat.

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pictures of birds: Indian cormorant

The Indian Cormorant (Phalacrocorax fuscicollis) belong to genus Phalacrocorax. They are found south of Himalayas in Bhutan, Nepal, India and south-west and south-eastern Asian countries. They are mostly resident birds, small and slender in size and measure upto 60 cm in length. They dive into the water and catch their prey, mainly fish.

Pictures of Bhutan Birds: Greylag goose

The Greylag Goose (Anser anser), also called Graylag Goose in US, belongs to the genus Anser.
These birds are distributed widely in the Old World. These birds have evolved for an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills and feathers with oily coating so that they do not get wet. They have a rotund, bulky body, a thick and long neck, and a large head and bill.

Pictures of Bhutan birds: Parrots

Indian-ringnecked Parakeet (Psittacula krameri manillensis) originates from the southern Indian subcontinent and has naturalized populations worldwide. They are non-migratory and show gender dimorphism.In the wild, they usually feed on buds, berries, fruits, nuts,vegetables and seeds. Wild flocks also fly several miles to forage causing extensive damage to farmlands and orchards.

Pictures of Bhutan birds: Striated Heron

The Striated Heron (Butorides striata), also known as Mangrove Heron or Little Heron, is a small heron. It found to populate the low lands and water bodies of Bhutan. It is a resident non-migratory bird. However they are distributed all over the world.

Pictures courtesy: Christopher Fynn, juandazeng, Jean-Marie Hullot, Thomas Wanhoff, Doniv79, Vearl Brown, Tassilo Rau,Douglas J. McLaughlin.

Holiday travel and tourism

Nepal pictures - Images of Nepal mountains