Just like we don’t know everything about other countries, people of other nations know little about the country Nepal. For many in the globe, Nepal may not be a familiar name. Many even haven’t heard of it. Some know about it from their friends who may be Nepali as Nepali are spread all over the globe even if it’s a small nation. There are many misconceptions about Nepal among people all over the world.
Some recognize it as a Nation of Mount Everest and Buddha while some remember Nepal for its unique flag which is the only flag in the world that is not rectangular. Some know Nepal from the 2015 Earthquake that had majorly impacted Nepal. There is a chance that some don’t have heard its name.
Those who have visited Nepal identify Nepal as a country of natural and cultural beauties. This is quite true for us as our nature is unexploited in several places. Nepal is a melting point of different cultures, especially the Kathmandu valley.
A lot of people are not aware of Nepal and some others see it from a singular aspect only. This has caused several misconceptions about Nepal to those who have heard its name.
10 Common Misconceptions About Nepal That Others Might Have
We have tried to list some of them below. But bear in mind that all of these misconceptions may not be prevalent among all. Concepts may vary from individual to individual and one person knowing a certain aspect about Nepal may have a flawed understanding of other issues.
Nepal Was Or Is The Part of India Or China (Tibet)
Nepal is a country with a majority practicing Hinduism due to which culture and lifestyle of people are similar to that of India. There is an open border and it is hassle-free to travel across. Languages are also similar between Nepal and the Northern parts of India. People who got to know about this part think of Nepal as a part of India.
But this is very offensive to the people of Nepal as India Nepal relations are heated from time to time regarding political as well as border influences. Some people think of Nepal as a part of Tibet due to its closeness to Tibet and the Himalayas which is also false.
Nepal Is Very Rural And Not Connected To The Grid
People think this because when something about Nepal is shown, it is usually the rural villages and mountains. This makes foreigners think that Nepal is pretty off-grid.
But this is not entirely true. Although some regions of Nepal are remote, Nepal is going forward at a pace and globalization has touched Nepal in all sorts. Electricity and communication are available almost everywhere.
Nepali Eat Daal Bhaat All The Time
This is also a misconception among foreigners who know Nepali. Many wonder why Nepalese eat Daal Bhaat All The Time? Although the staple meal is Daal Bhaat, you can find cuisines based on the different castes and places. You can find foreign cuisines as well in the major cities.
The 2015 Earthquake Completely Destroyed Nepal
The 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Nepal in April 2015 was one of the worst earthquakes that shook Nepal. Nearly 9000 were killed and 22000 were injured.
This earthquake had a massive impact but it didn’t totally destroy Nepal. Electricity, transportation, and communication were undisturbed.
Foreigners likely had this misconception because of the devastation that was shown in news over the world.
Nepal Is The Second Richest Country In Terms Of Water Resources After Brazil
This is a misconception that is common across Nepali which is certainly false. This concept is still taught in school textbooks.
Nepal has a vast amount of water resources available and there is a potential of 83,000 MW of hydropower. But it’s not the second richest.
According to the CIA’s factbook, Nepal takes the 43rd position in terms of total renewable water resources.
Nepal Is A Hindu And Buddhist Country
Buddha was born in Nepal and people across the world know Nepal for this reason as well. Due to this, some think that Nepal may be a Buddhist country.
But Nepal is majorly a Hindu country. Eighty-one percent of people in Nepal are Hindus and only 9 percent are Buddhists. Up until 2006, Nepal was a Hindu kingdom and now it is a secular state. The following misconceptions are among foreigners who recognize Nepal for being the country of Mount Everest and the Himalayas.
Nepal Is Pretty Cold
Although Nepal has the Himalayas, it has a very wide difference in climate owing to the fact that the altitude from the sea level varies from 79 m to 8848 m.
It has places that are hot and cold as well. The temperature increases as we travel south across Nepal.
Everest Is The Backyard Of Every Nepali
Although it is a concept to be laughed at, some believe that Mount Everest can be seen anywhere from Nepal. Apart from this, many also believe that the expedition of Mt. Everest is easy for every Nepalese.
All Nepali Are Sherpas Or Mountaineers
This misconception is also common among those who recognize Nepal for Mount Everest and the Himalayas.
Sherpa is the ethnic group of people who live near the Himalayas and major mountaineers from Nepal are Sherpa as well.
So they think that all Nepali are born mountaineers. But here we are, living in Nepal and not having its view till now.
Depending on the part of Nepal, you can find diverse races of people and definitely not all Sherpas.
Sherpas As Guides And Porters
This misconception is due to westerners coming to climb mountains in Nepal. It is true that many involved as mountaineers and porters in the Himalayas are Sherpas, but all Sherpas don’t do that. Sherpa is an entire race and they are involved in other activities as well.
Final Words
These are some of the misconceptions about Nepal that most of the people who have heard the name of Nepal might have. But here we have only addressed 10 common misconceptions about Nepal that might be among people all over the world.
Share This Article To Let Everyone About These Common Misconceptions About Nepal. There might be some of your friends that too have these misconceptions about Nepal. Share with them and let them know about this article.
