Nepal's medieval history starts around the 11th century, the Khas empire had emerged in western Nepal, expanding its influence across western Tibet and Uttarakhand. By the 14th century, it fragmented into 22 states, spreading its culture and language, which later became Nepali. Simraungarh annexed Mithila in 1100 AD, forming the powerful Tirhut kingdom that ruled for 200 years. After centuries of foreign rule, including the Mughals, Nepal remained a stronghold of Hinduism.
In the Kathmandu Valley, the Mallas rose to power in the 14th century, bringing socio-economic reforms like the caste system. By the 15th century, Kathmandu grew into a major empire. The Malla princes later divided their kingdom into four, leading to a flourishing of art and architecture, especially in the famous Durbar Squares. However, internal divisions led to their decline by the late 18th century, paving the way for Nepal's unification.
Despite a brief invasion, Nepal largely avoided Muslim rule. The Mughal era saw an influx of high-caste Hindus who merged with the Khas people. By the 16th century, numerous Rajput-ruled states flourished, with Gorkha emerging as a just and influential kingdom, establishing Hindu-based laws in the Nepalese hills.
Nepal has a roughly trapezoidal shape, spanning 800 km in length and 200 km in width, covering 147,516 km². Its geological evolution began around 75 million years ago when the Indian plate drifted northeast, colliding with the Eurasian plate and uplifting the Himalayas. This process created fertile valleys and deep gorges. Nepal lies in the central Himalayan arc, with a small portion extending into the Indo-Gangetic Plain and the Tibetan Plateau.
The country is divided into three major geographic regions: Himal, Pahad, and Terai. Himal, in the north, features the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest and other towering eight-thousand-foot-tall mountains. Pahad consists of mid-altitude mountains with varying climates, while Terai is a subtropical lowland region fed by Himalayan rivers. The Shivalik Hills mark the boundary between the plains and foothills.
Nepal’s location along the tectonic collision zone makes it prone to earthquakes and landslides, while river erosion contributes to sediment flow into the Indian Ocean. The Koshi River, known as the "Sorrow of Bihar," frequently causes floods and course changes. Nepal experiences five seasons—summer, monsoon, autumn, winter, and spring—across five climatic zones, ranging from tropical lowlands to Arctic conditions in the high Himalayas.
Nepal is home to some of the most breathtaking and formidable mountains in the world, including the towering peaks of the Himalayas. The country boasts eight of the world's fourteen highest mountains, including Mount Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, and Kanchenjunga. These majestic peaks dominate the landscape, offering stunning views and attracting adventurers from across the globe. The Himalayas not only shape Nepal’s geography but also influence its climate, culture, and way of life. The mountain regions are dotted with picturesque villages, ancient monasteries, and diverse ecosystems, making them a paradise for trekkers and climbers.
Hiking in Nepal varies in difficulty, ranging from moderate treks to extreme high-altitude expeditions. Some treks, like the Gorrepati Poon Hill Trek, are relatively easy, with well-maintained trails and lower elevations. Others, such as the Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit, require significant endurance, as they involve long days of walking, steep ascents, and unpredictable weather conditions. The most challenging treks, like the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek and Everest Three Passes Trek, demand exceptional physical fitness, acclimatization, and experience in navigating rugged terrain.
The difficulty of hiking in Nepal is largely due to the altitude, weather, and terrain. As trekkers ascend beyond 3,000 meters, the air becomes thinner, increasing the risk of altitude sickness. Some routes require crossing high passes over 5,000 meters, where oxygen levels are significantly lower. The trails can be steep, rocky, and sometimes covered in snow, making navigation tricky. Additionally, the weather in the mountains is unpredictable, with sudden storms, freezing temperatures, and strong winds posing challenges. Trekkers must be well-prepared with proper gear, physical conditioning, and knowledge of altitude acclimatization to safely enjoy Nepal’s incredible mountain landscapes. Also, Annapurna has one if not the most difficult hikes in the world
The Himalyas.
Nepal has a mountain range that borders China and Tibet. The Himalayas are extremely well known due to having 8 of the 14 tallest mountains in the world, including the tallest peak on Earth, Mount Everest. Mount Everest, also known as Sagarmatha, is the tallest mountain above sea level. (There is a mountain taller than Everest but is underwater.) Mount Everest is around 8,848 meters tall (29,029 ft) tall. The Himalayas were made by collision of the Indian Tectonic plate and the Eurasian plate. The Himalayas have four mountain peaks: Sivalik Hills in the south, the Lower Himalayan Range, the Great Himalayas, (The tallest and central area) and the Tibetan Himalayas in the North.