Nepal is definitely a superlative in many ways. But, it is our mountains that continue to awe-struck people with its magnificence.
They say, “Greatness lives in the Nepali soul.” Well, greatness lives in our tangible nature too. With its towering mountains and beasts lurking in the wild, there isn’t enough to see in this land of the Buddha. There’s no doubt that nature has done a lot for Nepal. It has been incredibly blessed with stunning natural beauty. You don’t have to go that far. Even from our windows, the scenic beauty we get is just priceless. We have become used to it. Nature has really spoiled us. Everyone knows about Mt. Everest. But did you know Nepal has other superlatives of the world too? They are the highest lake (Tilicho Lake), the highest pass (Thorong La Pass), and the deepest gorge (Kali Gandaki Gorge). Leave out the cultural, religious and historical facets of this country. This is a list of ‘the greats’ only in its natural aspects.
Mt. Everest- The Highest Mountain in the World
Mt. Everest is a peak in the Himalayan mountain range. It is situated halfway between Nepal and Tibet, a Chinese autonomous province. It is regarded as the tallest point on Earth at 8,849 meters (29,032 ft). The peak was given the name after George Everest in the nineteenth century. Chomolungma is a Tibetan name that translates to "Mother Goddess of the World." Sagarmatha is a name with many meanings in Nepali. Edmund Hillary, a mountaineer from New Zealand, and his Nepalese guide, Tenzing Norgay, were the first individuals to successfully summit Everest. They set the record together when they ascended the mountain in 1953. The height of Everest was initially measured considerably earlier, in 1856.
Tilicho Lake- The Highest Altitude Lake in the World
The highest lake in the world is Tilicho Lake. Tilicho Lake is 4,919 meters above sea level, according to the records. One of the most popular treks in Nepal among both locals and tourists is the trek to Tilicho Lake. According to studies, there are currently no aquatic organisms known to exist in the lake. The well-known Annapurna Circuit trekking route connects Tilicho Lake with the Annapurna area of Nepal. During the Annapurna Circuit trek, a side-excursion hike to Tilicho Lake can be completed.
Thorong La Pass- The Highest Altitude Mountain Pass in the World
Thorong La, also known as Thorung La, is located at a height of 5,416 meters. Manang and Mustang are two separate communities connected by the pass. It is the highest point you may possibly go while hiking the Annapurna Circuit. To avoid any worsening weather at the pass, it is advisable to begin the dangerous walk early in the morning. Since it is safer to spend the night at Thorung Phedi before heading to the peak, it is simpler to traverse the pass from east to west.
Kali Gandaki Gorge- The Deepest Gorge in the World
The Kali Gandaki River Valley, in Nepal's Annapurna Himalaya region, has the deepest gorge in the world. The Kali Gandaki gorge is regarded as the deepest gorge in the world, measuring 18,278 feet (5,571 meters). You have two completely different options if you wish to hike here. One via the "Annapurna Circuit" from Besisahar, and another by "Poon Hill Ghorepani" from Pokhara. In fact, the world's deepest gorge is situated between Mt. Dhaulagiri and Mt. Annapurna I, both of which are above 8,000 meters above sea level. The Kali Gandaki River, which originates in Tibet, is continuously eroding its sand and gravel, which is making the gorge deeper and deeper every day.
So, the next time you talk about Nepal, include these facts too.
Photo Credits: www.aa.com.tr, www.explorehimalaya.com, www.kimkim.com, www.nationalgeographic.org, https://triptins.com
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