10 things you did not know about Nepal

Home to the world’s highest mountain Mount Everest, Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia with an area of 147,181 square kilometers and a population of approximately 27 million. Nepal is truly God’s playground with a lot of hidden beauty—the landscapes are stunning and full of photo-worthy scenery.

There are many interesting facts about this beautiful country that most people might not know about. Here are ten fascinating facts you might not have known about Nepal.

1. It’s not 2016. It’s 2073.

Child celebrating new years (Photo: S Pakhrin via flickr)

The Nepali calendar is based on the Bikram Sambat, a widely-used ancient calendar of the Hindu tradition in India and Nepal. The Bikram Sambat was founded by the Indian emperor Vikramaditya following his victory over the Sakas in 56 BC. This calendar is approximately 56 years 8 months ahead of Common Era. In fact, Nepal also has a unique time zone—their standard time is 5 hours and 45 minutes ahead of GMT, making it one of the three places with a time zone interval offset of 45 minutes.

2. No such national holiday called Independence Day.

Boudhanath Stupa at night time (Photo: Scilla Kim via flickr)

Being the oldest country in South Asia, Nepal does not have an independence day because it was never colonized. As a matter of fact, Nepal is one of two countries in South Asia that has not been colonized by another country.

3. The forehead is sacred…

Nepali man with forehead markings at Kathmandu valley (Photo: Jean-Marie Hullot via flickr)

The forehead is regarded to be the most sacred body part in Nepal, so it is considered rude to touch a Nepali adult’s head. This is because, in the Hindu tradition, it is believed that the forehead is the center of a person’s nervous system, the area in which a person can see spiritual truths. Moreover, people of Nepal apply forehead markings such as tilaka to represent a person’s third eye.

4. But feet are not.

Feet of Nepali women sitting down (Photo: symmetry_mind via flickr)

The feet are considered the most unclean part of the body. People are taught not to put their feet on chairs or tables. When sitting, people do not point the soles of their feet to anyone, according to Rough Guides. It is also believed to be rude to step over the legs of someone sitting. In fact, if one accidentally touches someone with his or her feet, he or she pays back respect by tapping the person’s shoulder, and then his or her own forehead, according to Nepal Vista.

5. Blackouts are normal.

Middle of a blackout in Kathmandu (Photo: eefeewahfah via flickr)

At 10pm in Nepal, it feels like midnight. Most of the restaurants in the main tourist areas like Thamel close after 10 pm. Nightlife is uncommon because at 10pm, it’s already time to go to bed. Blackouts, called load-shedding, lasts up to 16 hours a day because of the lack of electric power supply. There is a schedule that shows when the lights are going to be off, so people in Nepal are aware of when it’s lights out and time to go to bed. There are quite a few disadvantages especially for the businesses in Nepal since they can’t be productive without electricity as they can’t turn the lights on or run any machines.

6. Do not publicly display affection with the opposite sex.

Nepali man holding hands with a male tourist (Photo: Steve Hicks via flickr)

It is common for the men to hold hands together to show friendship, but not lovers of the opposite sex. It is considered rude to publicly display affection. Public display of affection such as kissing or cuddling will draw unwelcome attention as it is considered offensive, so it is better to avoid such activities. Moreover, handshakes have been used quite often now in Nepal, but some women may still avoid shaking a man’s hand. In fact, men never offer their hands first to a woman. Instead of a handshake, the namaskar is much more common, a traditional Indian greeting made by bringing the palms together and bowing.

7. No McDonald’s, but there’s always momos.

A dish of Momo (Photo: Ritesh Man Tamrakar via flickr)

There is not a single outlet of McDonald’s in Nepal, but not to worry. Momo is the popular and cheap ‘fast food’ around. Momo is Nepal’s and Tibet’s native dumpling made from flour and water filled with chicken, meat, and fried or steamed vegetables, and served with dipping sauce.

8. Beautiful women everywhere

Mega Model contestant Sikshya Shakya (@sikshya46) in traditional Nepal clothing (Photo: Mega Model Official via migme)

A Nepali reality television show, called Mega Model (@megamodelofficial), features a number of young Nepali women competing against each other to win the title of Mega Model. This show gives a chance for these young women to start their careers in the modeling industry, and experience the life of a model. The top girl also wins an appearance in a music video, a six-page fashion editorial spread and a feature on the front cover in ECS Living Magazine, followed by a prize money of Rs 100,000 (US$1,500).

9. Plethora of Guinness World Records

World’s shortest man, Chandra Dangi, playing handdrum (Photo: Gwrthanesh via Wikimedia Commons)

Nepal holds many records. According to the Guinness World Records, Nepal has the world’s shortest person, longest handshake, youngest photographer, the highest mobile phone calls and many more.

10. Internet connection on the summit of Mount Everest

Stars over Mount Everest (Photo: Sam Hawley via flickr)

People can upload their beautiful photos of the scenery as soon as they take it online at the summit of Mount Everest. They don’t have to wait to get to a WiFi hotspot to share their photos. Thanks to Huawei and China Mobile, Mount Everest has 4G coverage at 5,200 metres above sea level. Climbers are able to livestream their view from the summit of Mount Everest.

- by @hongbin.j

The post 10 things you did not know about Nepal appeared first on migme.