Where is Nepal Located?

Where is Nepal located on the map? Nepal is an independent nation located in Southern Asia. Check out the following images to see location of Nepal on maps.

Nepal Location in World Map

Here you can see where Nepal is and how the state is formed.

Location Information of Nepal

Latitude and Longitude

Nepal is a landlocked country located in South Asia, nestled between China to the north and India to the south, east, and west. It lies at approximately 28.3949° N latitude and 84.1240° E longitude. Nepal is home to the Himalayas, including the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest. The country spans an area of 147,516 square kilometers (56,956 square miles) and is characterized by diverse geographical features, including plains in the south, hills in the central region, and towering mountain ranges in the north.

Nepal’s location in the Himalayas makes it unique, as it provides spectacular natural landscapes, including deep valleys, snow-capped peaks, and extensive river systems.

Capital City and Major Cities

Capital City: Kathmandu

The capital of Nepal is Kathmandu, located in the Kathmandu Valley in the central region of the country. With a population of approximately 1.5 million people, Kathmandu is the largest city and the political, economic, and cultural center of Nepal. It is known for its historic temples, Buddhist stupas, and rich cultural heritage, as well as being the gateway for trekkers traveling to the Himalayas. The city is home to the Durbar Square, the Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), and the Pashupatinath Temple, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Kathmandu also serves as the primary hub for trade, transportation, and services in Nepal, with Tribhuvan International Airport connecting the country to international destinations.

Major Cities

1. Pokhara: Located in central Nepal, Pokhara is the second-largest city in the country, with a population of about 400,000. Situated on the Phewa Lake, it is known for its stunning mountain views, including a panoramic view of the Annapurna Mountain Range. Pokhara is a major tourist destination, popular for activities like trekking, paragliding, boating, and exploring Pokhara Valley.
2. Lalitpur (Patan): Lalitpur, also known as Patan, is located just south of Kathmandu. The city has a population of around 200,000 people and is renowned for its historical significance, with an abundance of ancient temples, palaces, and stupas. Patan Durbar Square and the Mahabouddha Temple are among its most famous landmarks.
3. Bhaktapur: Another city in the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur is an ancient city known for its preserved medieval architecture and cultural heritage. Bhaktapur has a population of around 300,000 people and is famous for Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the Golden Gate, and Bhairab Nath Temple. The city is a popular destination for tourists interested in Nepal’s cultural history and medieval architecture.
4. Biratnagar: Located in the eastern part of Nepal, Biratnagar is the second-largest city in terms of population, with around 250,000 people. It is an industrial hub of Nepal, known for its textile, manufacturing, and agricultural industries. Biratnagar lies near the border with India and serves as an important trade and commercial center.
5. Janakpur: In the southeastern part of the country, Janakpur is a city with historical significance, particularly for Hindus. It is the birthplace of Sita, the wife of Lord Rama in Hindu mythology. Janakpur is a pilgrimage center for Hindus, and it hosts the famous Janaki Mandir, which attracts thousands of visitors annually.

Time Zone

Nepal operates on Nepal Time (NPT), which is UTC +5:45. This time zone is unique in that it is offset by 45 minutes from its neighboring countries. Nepal does not observe daylight saving time, and the time remains consistent throughout the year. NPT places Nepal ahead of countries like India (UTC +5:30) and behind countries such as China (UTC +8:00).

Climate

Nepal has a diverse climate, influenced by its topography, ranging from tropical in the lowlands to alpine in the Himalayas. The climate varies significantly across different regions, particularly between the southern Terai plains, the central hill areas, and the northern mountain regions.

1. Tropical and Subtropical Climate (Terai Region)

The Terai region, which is the lowland area in the southern part of Nepal, experiences a subtropical climate. Summers are hot, with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 40°C (86°F to 104°F), while winters are milder, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). The region also experiences the monsoon season from June to September, which brings heavy rainfall.

2. Temperate Climate (Hills and Valleys)

The central hill areas, including Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Lalitpur, experience a temperate climate, with mild summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), while winters can dip to 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F). The region receives moderate rainfall during the monsoon season, with the heaviest rains occurring between June and August.

3. Alpine Climate (Himalayan Region)

The northern regions, including areas like Everest Base Camp and Annapurna, have an alpine climate. Temperatures in these regions can be extreme, especially at higher altitudes, where temperatures can drop below -20°C (-4°F) in the winter. Summer temperatures remain cold at higher elevations, often hovering around 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). The mountainous region receives light rainfall during the monsoon, but snow is common at higher altitudes.

4. Monsoon and Dry Seasons

Nepal experiences a monsoon season from June to September, with heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon winds. The dry season occurs from October to May, with cooler, dry weather in the central and southern regions, and very cold weather in the high mountains. The monsoon season contributes to Nepal’s lush greenery, but it can also cause landslides and flooding in some areas.

Economic Status

Nepal is one of the poorest countries in Asia, with a predominantly agrarian economy. The country has made significant strides in economic development in recent years, though it still faces challenges related to poverty, unemployment, and limited infrastructure.

1. Agriculture

Agriculture is the cornerstone of Nepal’s economy, employing a significant portion of the population, especially in rural areas. Major crops include rice, maize, wheat, and vegetables. The country is also known for livestock farming, particularly in the Terai region, where cattle, buffalo, and goats are raised. Farming remains the primary source of income for many Nepalese families, although the agricultural sector faces challenges such as low productivity, poor infrastructure, and vulnerabilities to climate change.

2. Tourism

Tourism plays a significant role in Nepal’s economy, attracting trekkers, adventurers, and cultural tourists. Mount Everest, the Annapurna Circuit, and Chitwan National Park are among the most popular destinations. Tourism is a major foreign exchange earner for the country. It also provides employment opportunities in the hospitality sector, including hotels, restaurants, and trekking agencies. Nepal has made efforts to improve its tourism infrastructure, and the Visit Nepal Year campaign aims to attract more international visitors.

3. Remittances

A significant portion of Nepal’s GDP comes from remittances sent by Nepali workers abroad, particularly in countries like India, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Remittances support families in rural areas and contribute to the country’s foreign exchange earnings. However, the dependence on remittances presents challenges, as it leaves the economy vulnerable to fluctuations in the labor market abroad.

4. Industry and Manufacturing

The industrial sector in Nepal is relatively small, but it has seen growth in areas such as hydropower, textiles, cement, and small-scale manufacturing. The government has focused on developing the country’s hydroelectric potential, as Nepal has significant water resources. However, the industrial sector faces challenges, including power shortages and underdeveloped infrastructure.

5. Challenges

Despite economic growth, Nepal continues to face significant development challenges, including poverty, corruption, poor infrastructure, and limited access to healthcare and education. The country’s reliance on agriculture and remittances also makes it vulnerable to external shocks.

Tourist Attractions

1. Mount Everest Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world, and Everest Base Camp treks are some of the most popular trekking routes in Nepal. Sagarmatha National Park, which includes Mount Everest, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Tourists come to Nepal from all over the world to trek to base camp, experience the culture of the Sherpa people, and view stunning Himalayan landscapes.
2. Annapurna Circuit The Annapurna Circuit is one of the most famous trekking routes in the world. The route takes trekkers through diverse landscapes, including subtropical forests, alpine meadows, and high-altitude deserts. It also offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna mountain range, with peaks such as Annapurna I, Machapuchare, and Dhaulagiri.
3. Chitwan National Park Chitwan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the lowlands of Nepal. It is one of the best places in Nepal for wildlife safaris, offering opportunities to see rhinos, tigers, bears, and a variety of bird species. Visitors can explore the park by jeep or boat, making it a popular destination for eco-tourism.
4. Kathmandu Valley Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple. The Kathmandu Valley itself is a cultural treasure trove, with temples, palaces, and courtyards that showcase the country’s rich religious and architectural history.
5. Lumbini Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha and an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide. The site contains the Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, and several monasteries from different Buddhist countries. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts both pilgrims and tourists interested in learning about the life and teachings of Buddha.

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens can obtain a tourist visa for Nepal on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or at border entry points. A valid U.S. passport is required, along with a visa application form and payment for the visa fee. The visa allows for a stay of up to 90 days. U.S. citizens can also apply for a tourist visa through the Nepalese embassy in the U.S. prior to travel.

Distance to New York City and Los Angeles

Distance to New York City

The distance from New York City to Kathmandu is approximately 12,300 kilometers (7,640 miles). Flights generally take about 14 to 17 hours, with at least one layover in major cities such as Doha, Dubai, or Delhi.

Distance to Los Angeles

The distance from Los Angeles to Kathmandu is approximately 13,300 kilometers (8,270 miles). Flights from Los Angeles typically require one or two stopovers, with travel times ranging from 16 to 18 hours, depending on the route and layovers.

Nepal Facts

Size	147,181 km²
Residents	28.51 million
Language	Nepali
Capital	Kathmandu
Longest river	Ghaghara (1,080 km)
Highest mountain	Mount Everest (8,850 m)
Currency	Nepalese rupee