Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
climatic zones therefore correspond to Nepal's land regions.
Narrow east-west trending bands of climate change abruptly
within very short north-south distances. In fact, within fewer
than 100 miles, one can travel from steaming tropical condiᆳ
tions to sparkling snowfields and glaciers.
As is the case throughout the United States and Canada,
Nepal enjoys four distinct seasons—spring, summer, autumn,
and winter. Inasmuch as the country is in the Northern Hemiᆳ
sphere, the seasons occur during the same months as they do
in North America. In general, spring and autumn are the most
pleasant seasons.
The lowᆳlying Terai enjoys a mild, subtropical climate. In
the lowlands, summers can be hot and steamy, with temperaᆳ
ture and humidity similar to those of the southeastern United
States. Temperatures have risen as high as a sweltering 116°F
(46.4°C) in the lowland region. Northward, the hill region
has a moderate climate. The Kathmandu Valley, at an elevaᆳ
tion of 4,500 feet (1,370 meters), experiences a mild climate
that ranges from 70°-100°F (20°-30°C) during the summer,
and from 30°-64°F (1°-20°C) in the winter. In the mountains,
conditions are frigid yearᆳround, dropping to well below zero
at high elevations. Mountain valleys, many of which are inhabᆳ
ited, are somewhat warmer; temperature extremes depend on
their elevation.
The second primary control of Nepal's atmospheric condiᆳ
tions is the monsoon that affects much of Asia. Fundamentally,
the monsoon (which means “season”) is a seasonal shift in the
wind that is accompanied by a marked change in precipitation.
During the late fall, winter, and early spring, the wind blows
mainly from the north. Because it comes from the interior of
Asia, it is very dry. Little precipitation occurs during this time
of year. Toward the end of June, however, the wind changes,
blowing from the south off of the tropical waters of the Indian
Ocean. Between late June and midᆳSeptember, Nepal receives
about 90 percent of its annual precipitation. Much of the rain
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