Discovering Nepal: Journey with Shriyash!

Join us on a cultural adventure through Nepal with Shriyash as we dive into the captivating traditions, festivals, art, cuisine, and way of life in this enchanting nation. Explore the heart of Nepal with us and discover the beauty and depth of its culture.

Meet Shriyash

नमस्ते, म श्रीयश घिमिरे हुँ, र म नेपालको सुन्दर सहर काठमाडौंबाट आएको हुँ। हाल, म उत्तरी आयोवा विश्वविद्यालयमा कम्प्युटर विज्ञानमा मेरो स्नातक डिग्री पछ्याउँदै छु। कम्प्यूटर विज्ञान को लागी मेरो जुनून मेरो जीवन मा एक ठूलो ड्राइभिंग बल भएको छ, र म यो मनमोहक क्षेत्र UNI मा अध्ययन गर्ने अवसर पाउँदा म आफैलाई अविश्वसनीय रूप देखि भाग्यशाली मान्छु।
Hello, I’m Shriyash Ghimire, and I come from the beautiful city of Kathmandu, Nepal. Currently, I am pursuing my bachelor’s degree in computer science at University of Northern Iowa. My passion for computer science has been a big driving force in my life, and I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to study this fascinating field at UNI.
Shriyash Ghimire – Undergraduate Student

Where is Nepal?

Nepal is a landlocked country located in South Asia. It is situated in the Himalayas and shares borders with India to the south, east, and west, and with China (Tibet) to the north. The capital city of Nepal is Kathmandu.

Places to visit

Nepal is a country with a rich cultural and natural heritage, offering a wide range of attractions for travelers. Here are some popular places to visit in Nepal:

Kathmandu Valley

The Kathmandu Valley is the cultural and historical heart of Nepal, and it is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These include the Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa (also known as the Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Changunarayan Temple.

Mount Everest

The Everest Base Camp trek is a popular destination for trekkers and climbers who want to get a close look at the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest.

The trek offers breathtaking views and a chance to experience the unique culture of the Sherpa people.

Pokhara

Pokhara is a beautiful city located next to Phewa Lake and surrounded by the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.

It is a popular destination for adventure activities like paragliding, boating, and trekking.

The city also has the World Peace Pagoda and the Gupteshwor Cave.

Rara Lake

Rara Lake is the largest lake in Nepal and is located in the remote northwestern part of the country. It offers pristine natural beauty and is a less-visited destination, perfect for trekkers seeking solitude and serenity.

Capital

The capital of Nepal is Kathmandu. Kathmandu is the largest city in Nepal and serves as the country’s political, cultural, and economic center. It is located in the Kathmandu Valley in the central part of Nepal and is known for its historical and cultural significance, including numerous temples, palaces, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Traditional food

Nepal has a rich and diverse culinary tradition influenced by its geography and culture. Here are some traditional Nepali dishes and foods:

Dal Bhat

Dal Bhat is a staple and traditional meal in Nepal. It consists of steamed rice (bhat) served with lentil soup (dal) and a variety of side dishes, including vegetables, pickles, and sometimes meat or fish.

Newari Cuisine

The Newar people of the Kathmandu Valley have a distinct cuisine that includes dishes like “Yomari” (steamed rice flour dumplings filled with jaggery and sesame seeds), “Bara” (fried lentil patties), and various types of “choila” (spiced and grilled meat, often buffalo or chicken).

Traditional Costumes

Nepal is a diverse country with a wide range of ethnic groups, each having its own distinct traditional costumes. These costumes are an important part of Nepali culture and reflect the ethnic, cultural, and regional diversity of the country. Here are some examples of traditional costumes in Nepal:

Dhaka Topi and Gunyu Cholo

The Dhaka Topi is a traditional Nepali hat worn by men, typically made of a patterned fabric known as “Dhaka.” The Gunyo Cholo is a traditional outfit for women, which includes a colorful sari, blouse, and a gunyo (sari wrapped in a specific way). This ensemble is commonly worn by people of the Gorkha and Newar communities.

Daura Suruwal

Daura Suruwal is a traditional outfit for Nepali men. It consists of a long shirt (daura) with a closed-neck design and a tapered waist, paired with suruwal, a type of baggy pants. This outfit is popular among various ethnic groups in Nepal.

Newar Women

Newar women often wear a Gunyo Cholo set, which includes a colorful sari (gunyo), a matching blouse (cholo), and a headpiece. They may also wear jewelry like necklaces, bangles, and earrings.

Tamang Women

Tamang women traditionally wear a bright and colorful outfit consisting of a “gunyo” (sari), a “fariya” (long, wraparound skirt), and a “har” (necklace). Their attire is adorned with intricate embroidery.

Festivals

Nepal is a country with a diverse cultural and religious heritage, and it celebrates a wide range of festivals throughout the year. Here are some of the major festivals celebrated in Nepal:

Dashain (Vijaya Dashami)

Dashain is the biggest and most important Hindu festival in Nepal, usually occurring in September or October. It spans 15 days and celebrates the victory of the goddess Durga over a demon. Families come together, offer sacrifices, and exchange blessings.

Tihar (Deepawali)

Tihar, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a five-day Hindu festival celebrated in October or November. Each day is dedicated to honoring different animals, including crows, dogs, cows, and oxen. The last day is reserved for celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters.

Fun facts

Lumbini, in Nepal, is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as Buddha. The sacred garden in Lumbini is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nepal has the world’s only non-quadrilateral national flag. It consists of two overlapping triangles.
Nepal is famous for its handmade crafts, including intricate Thangka paintings, pottery, and woodcarvings. Visitors often buy these traditional crafts as souvenirs.
Nepal uses a unique calendar system called the Vikram Samvat, which is about 56 years and 8½ months ahead of the Gregorian calendar.
Despite its small size, Nepal has a wide range of climates, from tropical in the lowlands to arctic conditions in the high mountain regions.
Cows are considered sacred in Hinduism, the predominant religion in Nepal. It is illegal to slaughter cows in many regions of the country.
Nepali cuisine is diverse, with influences from Indian, Tibetan, and Thai culinary traditions. Momos (dumplings) are a popular and delicious street food.
Nepal has immense hydropower potential, and its rivers are a significant source of electricity generation.

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