Nepal, a landlocked country nestled in the heart of South Asia, is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and towering mountains. But Where Is Nepali territory exactly, and what geographical features define this unique nation? The answer lies in understanding Nepal’s diverse physical belts, ranging from fertile plains to the world’s highest peaks. This article delves into the geographical tapestry of Nepal, exploring its relief and drainage systems that shape its identity.
Nepal’s landscape is overwhelmingly mountainous, with approximately 75% of its terrain covered by mountains. From its southern borders to the towering Himalayas in the north, the country can be broadly divided into four primary physical belts running east to west.
The southernmost belt is the Tarai. This region is an extension of the Gangetic Plain, characterized by low, flat, and highly fertile land bordering India. The Tarai’s width varies, ranging from less than 16 to over 20 miles, narrowing in certain areas. The southern section boasts a 10-mile strip of rich agricultural land, while the northern part, adjacent to the foothills, transforms into a marshy region. This marshland is known for its dense vegetation and was historically endemic for malaria and home to diverse wildlife.
Moving north from the Tarai, the landscape ascends into the forested Churia foothills and the Inner Tarai zone. The Churia Range rises sharply, forming near-perpendicular escarpments reaching altitudes exceeding 4,000 feet. Between the Churia Range and the Mahābhārat Range to the north lie broad basins, the Inner Tarai. These basins sit at elevations between 2,000 and 3,000 feet, are roughly 10 miles wide, and extend for 20 to 40 miles in length. Historically covered in forests and savanna grasslands, many of these areas have been cleared for timber and agriculture.
Further north lies the mid-mountain region, situated between the Mahābhārat Range and the Great Himalayas. This complex system of mountain ranges spans about 50 miles in width, with elevations varying from 8,000 to 14,000 feet. The Mahābhārat Range is marked by steep slopes facing south and gentler slopes towards the north. North of this range, encompassing the Kathmandu Valley, are the higher ranges of the Inner Himalaya, also known as the Lesser Himalaya, with peaks perpetually covered in snow. Within this mid-mountain region, the Kathmandu and Pokharā valleys stand out as flat basins. These valleys were once lakebeds, formed by the accumulation of river and glacial deposits during the Pleistocene Epoch.
Aerial view of terraced fields and hills in Nepal
Finally, the northernmost belt is the Great Himalaya Range. This majestic range is where Nepali territory reaches its highest points, with elevations soaring from 14,000 to over 29,000 feet. It is home to some of the world’s tallest mountains, including Everest, Kānchenjunga, Lhotse, Makālu, Cho Oyu, Dhaulāgiri, Manāslu, and Annapūrna, all exceeding 26,400 feet. Apart from scattered settlements in high mountain valleys, this entire region remains largely uninhabited due to its extreme altitudes and harsh conditions.
The drainage systems of Nepal are as crucial to its geography as its relief. The Kathmandu Valley, the nation’s political and cultural center, is drained by the Bāghmati River. This river flows southward, passing the sacred Paśupatinātha temple and exiting the valley through the deep Chhobar gorge. The valley’s geology includes sandy layers from former lakebeds that act as aquifers, creating springs. These springs are often channeled through stone dragon mouths, providing water for drinking, washing, and rice cultivation. Similarly, the Pokharā Valley, located west of Kathmandu, is drained by the Seti River and is also a flat lacustrine basin. Remnant lakes dot the Pokharā basin, with Phewa Lake being the largest, approximately two miles long and nearly a mile wide. To the north of this basin rises the Annapūrna massif of the Great Himalaya Range.
Nepal’s major rivers—the Kosi, Nārāyani (Gandak), and Karnāli—flow southwards, cutting across the Himalayan ranges and forming deep gorges. These transverse valleys can be thousands of feet deep from the crests of the bordering ranges. Interestingly, the watershed of these rivers lies north of the highest Himalayan peaks, typically in Tibet.
These powerful rivers hold significant potential for hydroelectric power generation. Nepal has collaborated with India on irrigation-hydroelectric projects on the Kosi and Nārāyani rivers. Discussions have also explored harnessing the immense potential of the Karnāli River. The Kulekhani hydroelectric project, funded by international institutions, began operations in 1982, showcasing Nepal’s efforts to utilize its water resources.
While the upper reaches of Nepalese rivers in the mountains experience minimal flood issues, the low-lying Tarai plain is prone to severe flooding. Furthermore, pollution is a growing concern in the rivers and streams of the Tarai, Kathmandu, and Pokharā valleys due to untreated domestic and industrial waste. This pollution renders surface water increasingly unsuitable for drinking, highlighting the challenges of development and environmental management in Nepal.
In conclusion, where is Nepali land situated? It is a nation geographically defined by its dramatic relief, stretching from the plains of the Tarai to the towering heights of the Himalayas. Its drainage systems, characterized by powerful rivers and fertile valleys, are equally important in shaping its landscape and influencing human settlement and economic activities. Understanding this geography is key to appreciating the unique character and challenges faced by Nepal.
