1.1.2.1 Based on Topographical Features

🗺️ Division of Nepal Based on Topographical Features

Geographically, Nepal is divided into three east-to-west elongated ecological belts, which can be further categorized into three wide geographical regions from north to south:

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🏔️ 1. Himalaya Region

📌 Overview

• 📏 Covers: 15% of total land area

• 📐 Width: 25–50 km (north to south)

• 📍 Altitude: Above 3,000 meters

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Population: 6.08% of Nepal’s total (Census 2078)

🗻 Mountain Ranges & Peaks

• 28 famous ranges from east to west: Kanchanjungha, Janak, Umbak, Mahalangur, Rolwaling, Pumori, Jugal, Langtang, Ganesh, Serang, Kutang, Mansiri, Pero, Lugula, Damodar, Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhawalagiri, Mustang, Gautam, Palchung Hamaga, Kanjirowa, Kanti, Gorkha, Changla, Chandi, Nalakanker, Gunras

• Major peaks (east to west): Kanchanjunga, Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Choyu, Gaurishanker, Langtang, Manaslu, Macchapuchhare, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri

🗺️ Districts (21)

Taplejung, Sankhuwasabha, Solukhumbu, Ramechhap, Dolakha, Sindhupalchowk, Rasuwa, Dhading, Gorkha, Manang, Mustang, Myagdi, East Rukum, Dolpa, Jumla, Mugu, Humla, Kalikot, Bajura, Bajhang, Darchula

🏞️ Subdivisions of the Himalaya Region

Subdivision	Features
Main Himalayan Region	- Peaks over 8,000m - 1,311 mountains over 6,000m - Includes 8 of world’s 10 tallest peaks - 28 mountain ranges east to west
Inner Himalayan Region	- North of main Himalaya, south of Tibet - Snowy valleys (Purang, Humla, Mugu, etc.) - Altitude: 2,400–5,000m - Crops: barley, wheat, potatoes - Transport: mules, horses, yaks
Frontier Himalayan Region	- Trans-Himalaya Range, 130 km north - Tibetan Plateau (6,000–7,000m) - Rain shadow area (“Himalayan desert”) - Important passes (Bhanjyang): Tiptala, Popti/Hariyaghanti, Nangpa, Rasuwagadhi, Gysla, Mustang Gwana, Luguwa, Namjala, Yari, Tinker

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🌄 2. Hilly Region

📌 Overview

• 📏 Location: Between Himalaya (north) and Terai (south)

• 📐 Width: 76–125 km

• 📍 Altitude: 300–3,000 meters

• 🗺️ Area: 68.0% of Nepal’s total

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Population: 40.3% of Nepal’s total (Census 2078)

🗺️ Districts (28)

Ilam, Panchthar, Tehrathum, Dhankuta, Bhojpur, Khotang, Okhaldhunga, Kavrepalanchok, Nuwakot, Tanahu, Lamjung, Kaski, Syangja, Parbat, Palpa, Gulmi, Arghakhanchi, Baglung, Pyuthan, Rolpa, Rukum (West), Salyan, Jajarkot, Dailekh, Achham, Doti, Dadeldhura, Baitadi

🏞️ Subdivisions of the Hilly Region

Subdivision	Features
Chure Hill Range (Shiwalik)	- Altitude: 610–1,872m - Covers 12.7% of Nepal’s area - Forests dominant - Highest point: Garva (Kailali) 1,872m - Valleys: Dang, Deukhuri, Rapti, Chitwan
Mahabharat Range	- Up to ~12,000 ft (3,658m) - Gorges carved by major rivers (Karnali, Kaligandaki, etc.) - Prominent hills: Sailung, Fulchoki, Shivapuri, Daman, Sworgadwari - Highest: Shailung Hill (Dolakha) 3,500m
Midland Range	- Large valleys, fertile plains - Major river valleys: Chamelia, Trishuli, Sunkoshi, Arun, Tamor - Plateaus: Tumlingtar, Rumjatar, Mangaltar, Khumaltar, etc. - Covers 29.5% of Nepal’s area - Includes Kathmandu Valley (Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur)

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🌾 3. Terai Region

📌 Overview

• 📏 Location: South of mountain region, up to Indian border

• 📐 Width: 25–30 km

• 📍 Altitude: 60–600 meters

• 🗺️ Nickname: “Granary Store of Nepal”

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Population: 53.6% of Nepal’s total (Census 2078)

🗺️ Districts (18)

Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Saptari, Siraha, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Rautahat, Bara, Parsa, Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West), Rupandehi, Kapilvastu, Banke, Bardiya, Kailali, Kanchanpur

🏞️ Subdivisions of the Terai Region

Subdivision	Features
Proper Terai	- Southern lowland plains - Includes Jhapa, Morang, Saptari, Rautahat, Bara, Kapilvastu, Banke, Kailali, etc.
Bhabar Area	- Narrow strip north of Terai, south of Chure - Altitude up to 380m - Covers 4.5% of Nepal’s landmass
Inner Madhesh	- Plains between Chure & Mahabharat ranges - Altitude up to 610m - Covers 8.5% of Nepal’s area - Four zones: 1. Eastern: Udayapur, Sindhuli Valley 2. Mid: Makwanpur, Chitwan, Nawalparasi East 3. Western: Dang, Deukhuri 4. Mid-Western: Surkhet Valley

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📊 Topographical Summary Table

Region	Area (%)	Population (%)	Altitude Range	Key Features
Himalaya	15%	6.08%	3,000m+	Snow peaks, 28 ranges, high-altitude deserts
Hilly	68%	40.3%	300–3,000m	Valleys, Mahabharat Range, Kathmandu Valley
Terai	17%	53.6%	60–600m	Fertile plains, “Granary of Nepal”, Bhabar & Inner Madhesh

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🎯 Key Takeaways

• 🏔️ Himalaya: High, snowy, sparsely populated

• 🌄 Hilly: Diverse, populous, cultural heartland

• 🌾 Terai: Fertile, densely populated, agricultural hub

• 🌍 Nepal’s topographical diversity supports rich biodiversity, culture, and economy.

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