A beautiful little country in Asia is the only one in the world that has a flag with more than four sides. Nepal is a 750-mile-long landlocked state between China and India. It is most known for being the home to the world’s tallest mountain, Everest.
It has been called a “trekkers’ paradise” by Lonely Planet, with “Himalayan views, golden temples, charming hill villages and jungle wildlife” to explore.
Mainly situated in the Himalayas, the small country is often called one of the world’s “greatest travel destinations” with seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
To visit in Nepal are the Sagarmatha National Park, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath and more.
It is also the birthplace of the founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha Guatama. The Buddha was born in Lumbini around 500BC, the site has become a place of pilgrimage.
Nepal is unique from the rest of the world in its flag. Most countries have adopted the European tradition of a four-sided square or rectangle flag but Nepal is the only one in the world that has not.
It has five to maintain its ancient tradition, with the flag made up of two pennons. For ease, it is often printed on a rectangular white flag for events like the Olympics.
It is red with a blue border and depicts a rhododendron, a sun and a crescent moon. Red is Nepal’s national colour and stands for bravery with the blue symbolising peace and harmony.
Rhododendrons are Nepal’s national flower, the sun represents the country’s heat and the moon its people’s calm demeanour.
Reviewers on Tripadvisor called the country “breathtaking” and that the view of the Himalayas made every step of the hike “worthwhile”. Another said that it was an “experience (they) will never forget” and that Nepal would “always have (their) heart”.
One reviewer said they “couldn’t stop talking about Kathmandu” due to its unspoiled sites and history, they added that “no adjectives could describe how beautiful it is”.
Those wishing to visit Nepal can get there via indirect flights to Kathmandu from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Glasgow. There are many places to stay in the country including hostels, hotels and holiday lets.