Nepal

Source:   NDTV

Context: Nepal has waived climbing fees for 97 lesser-known mountains in the western Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces to boost tourism, attract climbers beyond Everest, and support local economies.

About Nepal:

• What It Is?

• • A landlocked country in South Asia, known for its rugged Himalayan terrain and rich cultural heritage.
  • One of the least developed nations but strategically important due to its position between India and China.

• Neighbouring Nations: India and Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
• Capital: Kathmandu
• Key Features
  • Mountains:

• • • Home to 8 of the world’s 10 highest peaks, including:
      • Mount Everest (8,849 m) – highest in the world.
      • Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Annapurna.

• Rivers:

• • • Major river systems flowing southwards into India: Kosi, Narayani (Gandak) and Karnali.
    • High hydropower potential due to steep gradients and glacial origins.