Nepal can be divided into three geographical regions, each stretching from east to west across the country. The southernmost strip of land, the Terai, is bordered to the north by Himalayan foothills and to the south by the Ganges River. The area was originally covered with tropical vegetation, but has been almost completely converted to agricultural production. The Terai is now the breadbasket of Nepal and is covered with farms. The central section of Nepal is formed by the Mahabharat Chain, a range of mountains that reach modest altitudes of 2,000-3,000 meters.

(TRAVPR.COM) NEPAL - June 19th, 2015 - Gifted with the tallest mountain in the world, the Mount Everest, Nepal is also an abode to the world's most astounding mountains. Although the country is relatively small (147,181 square kilometers), 80 percent of its territory is occupied by the imposing peaks. Nepal was closed to foreign visitors until 1951, a situation which contributed greatly to its mystique in the west. This small, hospitable country has since become an exceptionally popular destination for travelers, whether they are in search of climbing challenges or spiritual enlightenment.

Nepal can be divided into three geographical regions, each stretching from east to west across the country. The southernmost strip of land, the Terai, is bordered to the north by Himalayan foothills and to the south by the Ganges River. The area was originally covered with tropical vegetation, but has been almost completely converted to agricultural production. The Terai is now the breadbasket of Nepal and is covered with farms. The central section of Nepal is formed by the Mahabharat Chain, a range of mountains that reach modest altitudes of 2,000-3,000 meters.  Terrace farming has become an important activity in the area producing rice, corn and wheat. The Kathmandu Valley, the stretch of green in the middle of the Mahabharat, is home to Nepal's capital and other historic cities.

The Himalaya's stretch across the northern section of Nepal. Eight of the ten highest peaks in the world are located here, and most are covered with permanent snowfields. The area is sparsely populated, with little vegetation above the tree-line (4,200 meters). The climate varies considerably with elevation. Monsoon prevails form the month of May to October drenching the Terai with rain. During this season, one can witness plenty of snow falls on the Himalayan peaks. The weather during mid-October to mid-December is considered to be the best for mountaineering with crystal clear skies and bright sun. Temperatures ranges from warm in the lowlands to crisp in the mountains. March and April are also good months for mountain treks, although temperatures in Kathmandu and the Terai tend to be steamy.

Once only a favorite outdoor pick of the aristocrats, Golfing is gradually becoming a household name in Nepal. This exorbitant sport was first brought to our Himalayan terra firma by the former Royals. The history of golf in Nepal traces back to the time when a delegation of Rana ministers returned home from a visit to Scotland with golf clubs. They started playing golf in “Gaucharan”, where the Tribhuwan International Airport is currently located.  However the expanse of Gaucharan had to be shortened as longer runways were needed for bigger aircrafts. Since then several golf courses have been established in Nepal. The first real golf tournament, “Lava Cup” was started in 1920. Some of the golf courses which are currently operational in Nepal are: Gokarna Forest Golf Resort & Royal Nepal Golf Course in Kathmandu, Himalayan Golf Club & Fulbari Resort Golf Course in Pokhara and Nirvana Country Club in Dharan.

Golf is best when played between the months of March and October. Golf clubs in Kathmandu and Pokhara offer excellent verdant courses with magnificent views of the Himalayas under the crystal clear blue sky. The Gokarna Forest Golf Resort is one of the finest in South Asia. It is a 72-course golf area with 18 holes. This course is set in an old forest area of the Kathmandu Valley. The “Harmony Spa” located in absolute proximity to the resort is akin to a soothing oasis for the golfers. The Royal Nepal Golf Course, another golfing paradise established in 1829 at Kathmandu's Til Ganga, is one of the oldest courses in Nepal as well as the whole of Asia. The course was conferred the title of 'Royal' in the year 1911.

Golf, the favorite time-pass for the wealthy gentries, has now been endorsed as an actual sport in Nepal. In 2007, the SAARC Golf Championship was held in Nepal, in which Nepal bagged the 2nd position, losing to Sri Lanka.

http://www.marrontreks.com

###