Nepal Geography — 100 Most Asked Loksewa Questions with Answers
Geography questions appear in every single Loksewa examination paper — from Kharidar to Section Officer, from provincial-level tests to specialized technical positions. Whether the syllabus calls it “General Knowledge,” “Contemporary Issues,” or dedicates an entire section to Nepal geography (bhugol), you can expect anywhere from 8 to 15 geography questions on exam day. That makes Nepal geography one of the highest-return subjects you can study for Loksewa preparation.
The problem? Geography is vast. From the soaring peaks of the Himalaya to the flat Terai plains, from 77 districts spread across 7 provinces to dozens of national parks and conservation areas — the sheer volume of facts can feel overwhelming. But here is the good news: Loksewa exams tend to repeat the same geography questions in slightly different formats year after year.
We analyzed over a decade of past Loksewa papers and distilled the 100 most frequently asked Nepal geography questions into this single, comprehensive guide. Every question comes with a clear, exam-ready answer. Whether you are preparing for the upcoming Section Officer exam, a Nayab Subba paper, or any other civil service test, this article gives you the geography preparation edge you need.
Why Geography Matters in Loksewa
Nepal geography (bhugol) is not just another GK topic — it is a foundational subject that connects to almost every area of the Loksewa syllabus. Understanding Nepal’s geography helps you answer questions about the constitution (province boundaries), economics (agricultural zones, trade routes), environment (conservation policy), and even current affairs (natural disasters, infrastructure projects).
Here is why geography deserves a prominent place in your Loksewa GK preparation strategy:
- High frequency: Geography questions appear in the first paper of nearly all gazetted and non-gazetted level exams. Analysis of the past five years shows an average of 10 to 12 geography questions per paper.
- Predictable patterns: Unlike current affairs, geography facts do not change overnight. The same rivers, mountains, and district facts get tested repeatedly. Once you learn them, they stay relevant for years.
- Cross-topic value: Knowing that Karnali Province has the lowest population density helps you answer both geography and development planning questions. Geography knowledge multiplies your preparation efficiency.
- Easy marks: Geography questions are typically factual and objective. There is no ambiguity — you either know the answer or you do not. This makes them among the easiest marks to secure with proper preparation.
- Consistent syllabus coverage: Whether you are reading the Gorkhapatra for Loksewa updates or studying the official PSC syllabus, geography is always listed as a core topic.
Physical Geography — 25 Questions (Mountains, Rivers, Regions, Climate)
Physical geography forms the backbone of Nepal geography questions in Loksewa. These questions cover the five physiographic regions, major mountain peaks, river systems, lakes, climate zones, and geological features. Master this section and you will have answered roughly one-quarter of all geography questions you encounter on exam day.
Q1. What are the five physiographic regions of Nepal from south to north?
Answer: Terai (60–300 m), Siwalik/Churia Hills (300–1,500 m), Middle Mountains/Mahabharat Range (1,500–2,700 m), High Mountains/High Himalaya (above 4,000 m), and Inner Terai (Bhitri Madhesh) valleys between the Siwalik and Mahabharat ranges. Some classifications list these as Terai, Siwalik, Hill, Mountain, and High Himalaya.
Q2. What is the total area of Nepal?
Answer: Nepal covers 1,47,516 square kilometers. It stretches approximately 885 km from east to west and varies between 145 km and 241 km from north to south.
Q3. What is the highest point in Nepal?
Answer: Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) at 8,848.86 meters, as measured by the joint Nepal-China survey of 2020. It lies on the Nepal-China border in Solukhumbu District.
Q4. What is the lowest point in Nepal?
Answer: Kechana Kalan in Jhapa District, at approximately 60 meters above sea level. This is in the southeastern Terai.
Q5. How many peaks above 8,000 meters are found in Nepal?
Answer: Eight of the world’s fourteen 8,000-meter peaks are in Nepal: Sagarmatha (8,848.86 m), Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Makalu (8,485 m), Cho Oyu (8,188 m), Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m), Manaslu (8,163 m), and Annapurna I (8,091 m).
Q6. Which are the three major river systems of Nepal?
Answer: Koshi (eastern), Gandaki/Narayani (central), and Karnali (western). All three originate from the Himalayan region and are tributaries of the Ganges in India.
Q7. Which is the longest river of Nepal?
Answer: The Karnali River is the longest river within Nepal at approximately 507 km. It originates near Lake Mansarovar in Tibet and enters Nepal through Humla District.
Q8. Which is the largest lake of Nepal?
Answer: Rara Lake in Mugu District is the largest lake, covering approximately 10.8 square kilometers. It lies at an altitude of 2,990 meters.
Q9. What percentage of Nepal is covered by the Terai region?
Answer: The Terai covers approximately 17% of Nepal’s total area but is home to over 50% of the population, making it the most densely populated physiographic region.
Q10. What is the Mahabharat Range?
Answer: The Mahabharat Range (also called the Lesser Himalaya) runs east to west across Nepal at elevations of 1,500 to 2,700 meters. It acts as a climatic barrier, separating the subtropical Terai from the temperate Hill region.
Q11. What are the seven tributaries of the Koshi River (Saptakoshi)?
Answer: The seven tributaries are Sunkoshi, Tamakoshi, Dudh Koshi, Indrawati, Likhu, Arun, and Tamor. They converge near Triveni in Dhankuta District to form the Saptakoshi.
Q12. Which river is known as the “Sorrow of Bihar” and originates in Nepal?
Answer: The Koshi River. It frequently changes its course in the Terai flatlands and has caused devastating floods in both Nepal and the Bihar state of India.
Q13. Where does the Gandaki River originate?
Answer: The Gandaki River system originates from the Nhubine Himal glacier near the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges in Mustang District. It is also called Narayani in the Terai.
Q14. What type of climate does Nepal have?
Answer: Nepal has a monsoon climate with dramatic variation due to altitude. It ranges from tropical in the Terai, subtropical in the Siwalik, temperate in the Middle Mountains, subalpine in the High Mountains, to arctic/tundra above 5,000 meters.
Q15. Which valley in Nepal is famous for its cold desert-like climate?
Answer: Upper Mustang (Lo Manthang area) has a rain-shadow cold desert climate because the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges block monsoon moisture from reaching the area.
Q16. What are the Inner Terai valleys (Bhitri Madhesh)?
Answer: The Inner Terai consists of flat valley floors between the Siwalik and Mahabharat ranges. The main Inner Terai valleys are Chitwan, Dang-Deukhuri, Surkhet, and Udayapur (Triyuga).
Q17. What is the Churia Range?
Answer: The Churia (Siwalik) Range is the youngest and most fragile mountain range in Nepal, running east to west with elevations of 300 to 1,500 meters. It is composed of loose sedimentary rocks and is highly prone to erosion and landslides.
Q18. Which is the deepest gorge in Nepal?
Answer: The Kali Gandaki Gorge between Annapurna I (8,091 m) and Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m) is often cited as the deepest gorge in the world, with a depth of over 5,500 meters measured from the surrounding peaks.
Q19. What is the Phewa Lake and where is it located?
Answer: Phewa Lake (Phewa Tal) is the second-largest lake in Nepal, located in Pokhara, Kaski District. It covers approximately 4.43 square kilometers and is a major tourist destination.
Q20. What is the significance of the Tilicho Lake?
Answer: Tilicho Lake in Manang District sits at approximately 4,919 meters, making it one of the highest altitude lakes in the world. It is a popular trekking destination in the Annapurna region.
Q21. What is the geographical location of Nepal?
Answer: Nepal lies between latitudes 26°22’N to 30°27’N and longitudes 80°4’E to 88°12’E. It is a landlocked country bordered by China (Tibet Autonomous Region) to the north and India to the south, east, and west.
Q22. Which glaciers are the largest in Nepal?
Answer: The Khumbu Glacier (near Sagarmatha) and the Ngozumpa Glacier (the longest glacier in Nepal at about 36 km) in the Solukhumbu region are among the largest. Nepal has over 3,800 glacial lakes.
Q23. What percentage of Nepal is covered by mountains and hills?
Answer: Approximately 83% of Nepal’s total area is mountainous or hilly (Hill region about 42%, High Mountain about 24%, and Siwalik about 17%). Only 17% is the flat Terai.
Q24. What is the significance of the Mechi and Mahakali rivers?
Answer: The Mechi River forms Nepal’s eastern boundary with India (Darjeeling), and the Mahakali River forms the western boundary with India (Uttarakhand). Together they define Nepal’s east-west territorial extent.
Q25. What is the rain-shadow area in Nepal?
Answer: The Trans-Himalayan region — including Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpa, and parts of Manang — receives very little rainfall (less than 250 mm annually) because the high Himalaya blocks monsoon moisture. These areas have arid, cold desert-like landscapes.
Practice Nepal Geography Questions with Instant Feedback
The Loksewa Tayari App has hundreds of geography MCQs organized by topic — mountains, rivers, districts, and more. Get explanations for every answer and track your progress.
Administrative Geography — 25 Questions (Provinces, Districts, Municipalities)
Since Nepal adopted its federal structure under the Constitution of 2015, administrative geography has become one of the most heavily tested areas in Loksewa exams. Expect questions about provinces, districts, municipalities, and administrative boundaries. This section covers the 25 most asked administrative geography questions.
Q26. How many provinces does Nepal have and what are their names?
Answer: Nepal has 7 provinces: (1) Koshi Province, (2) Madhesh Province, (3) Bagmati Province, (4) Gandaki Province, (5) Lumbini Province, (6) Karnali Province, and (7) Sudurpashchim Province.
Q27. How many districts are in Nepal?
Answer: Nepal has 77 districts distributed across the 7 provinces.
| Province | Capital | Districts | Area (sq km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Koshi Province | Biratnagar | 14 | 25,905 |
| Madhesh Province | Janakpur | 8 | 9,661 |
| Bagmati Province | Hetauda | 13 | 20,002 |
| Gandaki Province | Pokhara | 11 | 21,504 |
| Lumbini Province | Deukhuri | 12 | 22,288 |
| Karnali Province | Birendranagar | 10 | 27,984 |
| Sudurpashchim Province | Godawari | 9 | 19,539 |
Q28. Which is the largest province by area?
Answer: Karnali Province is the largest by area at approximately 27,984 square kilometers, yet it has the smallest population among all provinces.
Q29. Which is the smallest province by area?
Answer: Madhesh Province is the smallest by area at approximately 9,661 square kilometers, but it is one of the most densely populated provinces.
Q30. How many local levels (municipalities and rural municipalities) are there in Nepal?
Answer: Nepal has 753 local levels, comprising 6 metropolitan cities, 11 sub-metropolitan cities, 276 municipalities, and 460 rural municipalities (Gaunpalika).
Q31. Name the 6 metropolitan cities of Nepal.
Answer: Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bharatpur, Pokhara, Biratnagar, and Birgunj.
Q32. Which district has the largest area in Nepal?
Answer: Dolpa District in Karnali Province, with an area of approximately 7,889 square kilometers.
Q33. Which district has the smallest area?
Answer: Bhaktapur District in Bagmati Province, with an area of approximately 119 square kilometers.
Q34. Which is the most populated district in Nepal?
Answer: Kathmandu District, with a population exceeding 2 million according to the 2021 census.
Q35. Which is the least populated district?
Answer: Manang District in Gandaki Province, with a population of under 6,000 according to the 2021 census.
Q36. Name the 11 sub-metropolitan cities of Nepal.
Answer: Dharan, Itahari, Janakpur, Hetauda, Butwal, Nepalgunj, Ghorahi, Tulsipur, Dhangadhi, Kalaiya, and Jitpur Simara.
Q37. Which province has the most districts?
Answer: Koshi Province has the most districts with 14.
Q38. Which province has the fewest districts?
Answer: Madhesh Province has the fewest with 8 districts.
Q39. What is the capital of Bagmati Province?
Answer: Hetauda (in Makwanpur District). Note that while Kathmandu is the national capital and lies in Bagmati Province, the provincial capital is Hetauda.
Q40. How many districts border China (Tibet)?
Answer: 16 districts share a border with China along Nepal’s northern boundary, from Taplejung in the east to Darchula in the west.
Q41. How many districts border India?
Answer: 26 districts share a border with India along Nepal’s southern, eastern, and western boundaries.
Q42. Which district is the gateway to Sagarmatha (Everest)?
Answer: Solukhumbu District in Koshi Province. Lukla, the starting point for Everest treks, is located here.
Q43. What is the Kathmandu Valley and which districts does it include?
Answer: The Kathmandu Valley is a bowl-shaped valley in central Nepal comprising three districts: Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur. It lies at about 1,400 meters above sea level.
Q44. Which is the longest highway in Nepal?
Answer: The Mahendra Highway (East-West Highway), stretching approximately 1,028 km from Kakarbhitta in the east to Mahakali in the west across the Terai.
Q45. What are the main border crossing points between Nepal and India?
Answer: Major crossing points include Kakarbhitta-Panitanki (east), Birgunj-Raxaul (central), Bhairahawa/Siddharthanagar-Sunauli (west-central), Nepalgunj-Rupaidiha (mid-west), and Mahendranagar-Banbasa (far-west).
Q46. What are the main border crossing points between Nepal and China?
Answer: The primary crossing points are Kodari/Tatopani-Zhangmu (Sindhupalchok), Rasuwagadhi-Kerung/Gyirong (Rasuwa), Kimathanka (Sankhuwasabha), Korala (Mustang), Yari (Humla), and Olangchungola (Taplejung).
Q47. Which districts lie entirely in the Terai?
Answer: Districts lying entirely or predominantly in the Terai include Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Saptari, Siraha, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Rautahat, Bara, Parsa, Rupandehi, Kapilvastu, Nawalparasi (west), Banke, Bardiya, Kailali, and Kanchanpur.
Q48. What is the Tribhuvan Highway?
Answer: The Tribhuvan Highway (Rajpath) was the first highway connecting Kathmandu to the Terai (Hetauda to Kathmandu), built with Indian assistance and opened in 1956. It is about 160 km long.
Q49. What is the Prithvi Highway?
Answer: The Prithvi Highway connects Kathmandu to Pokhara, covering approximately 174 km. It was built with Chinese assistance and is one of the busiest highways in Nepal.
Q50. Which district is at the easternmost tip of Nepal?
Answer: Taplejung District extends to the easternmost point of Nepal, bordering both India (Sikkim) and China (Tibet).
Economic Geography — 25 Questions (Agriculture, Industry, Trade Routes)
Economic geography questions test your understanding of how Nepal’s physical landscape shapes its economy. Loksewa papers regularly ask about agricultural zones, industrial corridors, trade routes, and natural resources. These 25 questions cover the most frequently tested economic geography topics.
Q51. Which region is known as the “Granary of Nepal”?
Answer: The Terai region is called the granary of Nepal because it produces the majority of the country’s rice, wheat, maize, and sugarcane. The fertile alluvial soil and flat terrain make it ideal for large-scale agriculture.
Q52. What are the major cash crops of Nepal?
Answer: Major cash crops include tea (Jhapa, Ilam), coffee (Gulmi, Palpa, Kavre), cardamom (Taplejung, Panchthar, Ilam), sugarcane (Terai districts), tobacco (Terai), and jute (eastern Terai).
Q53. Which districts are famous for tea production?
Answer: Jhapa (largest producer, CTC tea) and Ilam (famous for orthodox tea) are the primary tea-producing districts. Other notable producers include Panchthar, Dhankuta, and Terhathum.
Q54. What is Nepal’s largest export item?
Answer: Readymade garments, carpets, and pashmina have historically been top exports. In recent years, palm oil, soybean oil (re-exports), iron/steel products, and cardamom have featured among top export categories. The composition shifts year to year.
Q55. What is the hydropower potential of Nepal?
Answer: Nepal has an estimated theoretical hydropower potential of approximately 83,000 MW, with an economically feasible potential of about 42,000 MW. Currently, only a fraction of this potential has been harnessed.
Q56. Name major hydropower projects of Nepal.
Answer: Notable projects include Upper Tamakoshi (456 MW), Kaligandaki A (144 MW), Marsyangdi (69 MW), Middle Marsyangdi (70 MW), Kulekhani I (60 MW), Budhi Gandaki (1,200 MW, under development), and Arun III (900 MW, under construction).
Q57. Which industrial corridor is the largest in Nepal?
Answer: The Birgunj-Hetauda industrial corridor in Bagmati and Madhesh provinces is the largest, benefiting from proximity to the Indian border and road/rail connectivity. Other notable corridors include Biratnagar, Bhairahawa, and Nepalgunj.
Q58. What is the significance of the Koshi Barrage?
Answer: The Koshi Barrage, built in 1963 on the Nepal-India border at Bhardaha in Saptari/Sunsari, is a major flood control and irrigation structure. It irrigates land on both sides of the border but has been controversial regarding benefit-sharing with Nepal.
Q59. Which minerals are found in Nepal?
Answer: Nepal has deposits of limestone (Udayapur, Dhading), iron ore (Ramechhap, Phulchoki), copper (several hill districts), mica, lead, zinc, cobalt, coal (Dang), natural gas (Kathmandu Valley), and precious/semi-precious stones. However, large-scale mining remains limited.
Q60. What is the contribution of agriculture to Nepal’s GDP?
Answer: Agriculture contributes approximately 25–27% of Nepal’s GDP and employs about 60% of the labor force, making it the single largest employment sector despite declining GDP share.
Q61. Which region grows the most rice in Nepal?
Answer: The Terai region produces the most rice, particularly the districts of Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Saptari, Rupandehi, and Kapilvastu. Rice is Nepal’s principal food crop.
Q62. What is the role of the Dry Port in Birgunj?
Answer: The Birgunj Inland Container Depot (ICD) is Nepal’s only functioning dry port, handling the majority of Nepal’s import-export cargo. It connects to the Indian railway network at Raxaul and is crucial for landlocked Nepal’s trade logistics.
Q63. What is the significance of the Arniko Highway?
Answer: The Arniko Highway connects Kathmandu to the Chinese border at Kodari/Tatopani (Sindhupalchok). It is approximately 114 km long and serves as a key trade route between Nepal and China. It was damaged in the 2015 earthquake and has seen periodic closures.
Q64. Which Terai districts are known for sugarcane production?
Answer: Major sugarcane-producing districts include Sarlahi, Rautahat, Bara, Nawalparasi, and Saptari. Several sugar mills operate in these districts.
Q65. What are Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in Nepal?
Answer: Nepal has established SEZs to promote industrialization and exports. The Bhairahawa SEZ in Rupandehi was the first to become operational. Other planned SEZs include Simara, Biratnagar, Panchkhal, Dhangadhi, and Jumla.
Q66. Which area is famous for apple production in Nepal?
Answer: Mustang, Jumla, Humla, and Manang districts are famous for apple production. The Marpha area in Mustang is particularly well-known for its apple orchards and apple brandy.
Q67. What is the significance of Lumbini in Nepal’s economic geography?
Answer: Lumbini (Rupandehi District) is the birthplace of Gautama Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a major pilgrimage and tourism destination, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and contributing significantly to tourism revenue in western Nepal. Gautam Buddha International Airport nearby enhances its accessibility.
Q68. What is the Sagarmatha (Everest) region’s economic significance?
Answer: The Sagarmatha region in Solukhumbu generates substantial revenue from mountaineering permits, trekking tourism, and related services. Everest climbing permits alone generate millions of dollars annually for the government.
Q69. What are the major international airports in Nepal?
Answer: Nepal’s primary international airport is Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu. Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa (Lumbini) and Pokhara International Airport are newer international airports that have started operations.
Q70. What are the major trade routes between Nepal and China?
Answer: The primary trade routes are the Arniko Highway via Kodari/Tatopani and the Kerung/Rasuwagadhi route via Rasuwa. China has also proposed developing routes through Kimathanka (Sankhuwasabha), Korala (Mustang), and Yari (Humla) to reduce Nepal’s dependence on Indian trade routes.
Q71. What is the contribution of tourism to Nepal’s economy?
Answer: Tourism contributes approximately 6–8% of GDP and is one of the largest sources of foreign exchange. Nepal receives roughly 800,000 to over 1 million tourists annually (pre-pandemic levels), with trekking, mountaineering, and cultural tourism being the main draws.
Q72. What is the economic importance of the Terai?
Answer: The Terai produces about 60% of Nepal’s agricultural output, contains most of the country’s industrial zones, and is the primary corridor for international trade. It has the highest population density and hosts major urban centers including Biratnagar, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, and Nepalgunj.
Q73. What is Yarsagumba and where is it found?
Answer: Yarsagumba (Ophiocordyceps sinensis), also called caterpillar fungus, is a highly valuable medicinal fungus found at high altitudes (3,500–5,000 m) in districts like Dolpa, Jumla, Humla, Darchula, Bajhang, and Bajura. It is one of the most expensive biological resources traded from Nepal, fetching high prices in Chinese and international markets.
Q74. What is the Nepal-India Integrated Check Post (ICP)?
Answer: The ICP at Birgunj-Raxaul is a modern, integrated border crossing facility that handles customs, immigration, and quarantine under one roof. It was the first ICP built under a bilateral agreement and has significantly improved trade facilitation.
Q75. Which districts produce cardamom in Nepal?
Answer: Nepal is one of the world’s largest producers of large cardamom. The primary producing districts are Taplejung (largest producer), Panchthar, Ilam, Sankhuwasabha, and Terhathum, all in eastern Nepal’s humid hill zones.
Environmental Geography — 15 Questions (National Parks, Conservation, Climate Change)
Environmental geography questions are becoming increasingly common in Loksewa exams, reflecting Nepal’s growing focus on conservation policy, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development. Know your national parks, conservation areas, and environmental challenges to score well in this section.
Q76. How many national parks are in Nepal?
Answer: Nepal has 12 national parks: Chitwan, Sagarmatha, Langtang, Rara, Shey Phoksundo, Khaptad, Bardia, Makalu Barun, Shivapuri Nagarjun, Banke, Parsa, and Shuklaphanta.
Q77. Which was the first national park established in Nepal?
Answer: Chitwan National Park, established in 1973. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site (designated 1984) and is famous for the one-horned rhinoceros and Bengal tiger.
Q78. How many conservation areas are in Nepal?
Answer: Nepal has 6 conservation areas: Annapurna Conservation Area (largest), Manaslu, Kanchenjunga, Gaurishankar, Api Nampa, and Blackbuck Conservation Area (Krishnasar in Bardiya).
Q79. Which is the largest protected area in Nepal?
Answer: The Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) is the largest protected area, covering 7,629 square kilometers across parts of Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, and Myagdi districts.
Q80. How many wildlife reserves are in Nepal?
Answer: Nepal has 1 wildlife reserve: Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in Sunsari and Saptari districts, famous for the wild water buffalo (Arna) and migratory birds.
Q81. How many hunting reserves exist in Nepal?
Answer: Nepal has 1 hunting reserve: Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve in Rukum, Myagdi, and Baglung districts. It is the only area in Nepal where licensed hunting is permitted.
Q82. What percentage of Nepal’s area is under protected areas?
Answer: Approximately 23.39% of Nepal’s total area is under some form of protection, including national parks, conservation areas, wildlife reserves, hunting reserves, and buffer zones.
Q83. Which UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal are natural sites?
Answer: Nepal has 2 natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Chitwan National Park (1984) and Sagarmatha National Park (1979).
Q84. What is the buffer zone concept in Nepal?
Answer: Buffer zones are designated areas surrounding national parks and wildlife reserves where local communities are allowed sustainable resource use. 30–50% of park revenue is shared with buffer zone communities for development and conservation activities. Nepal has 13 designated buffer zones.
Q85. What are the main effects of climate change on Nepal?
Answer: Key effects include glacial retreat and formation of glacial lakes (GLOF risk), shifting agricultural zones, increased frequency of floods and landslides, changes in monsoon patterns, biodiversity loss in high-altitude ecosystems, and declining water availability in the dry season.
Q86. What is a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)?
Answer: A GLOF occurs when a glacial lake’s moraine dam breaks, releasing massive volumes of water downstream. Nepal has over 20 potentially dangerous glacial lakes, including Tsho Rolpa (Dolakha) and Imja Tsho (Solukhumbu). GLOFs are a growing threat due to climate-driven glacial melting.
Q87. What is the Terai Arc Landscape program?
Answer: The Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) is a conservation program spanning the lowland forests of Nepal’s Terai from Parsa to Kanchanpur, connecting 11 protected areas. It aims to restore wildlife corridors for tigers, rhinos, and elephants between fragmented forest patches.
Q88. Which endangered species are found in Nepal?
Answer: Notable endangered species include the one-horned rhinoceros (Chitwan, Bardia), Bengal tiger (Terai parks), red panda (eastern hills), snow leopard (high Himalaya), wild water buffalo (Koshi Tappu), Gangetic dolphin (Karnali, Narayani rivers), gharial crocodile, and the Asian elephant.
Q89. What is Community Forestry in Nepal?
Answer: Community Forestry is a pioneering program where the government hands over management of national forest patches to local Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs). Nepal has over 22,000 CFUGs managing about 2.3 million hectares. It is considered one of the most successful community-based natural resource management programs in the developing world.
Q90. What is the Chure Conservation Program?
Answer: The President Chure-Terai Madhesh Conservation Development Board was established to address the rampant degradation of the Chure (Siwalik) range caused by illegal extraction of sand, stone, and timber. The fragile Chure ecosystem directly affects Terai water supply and flood risk. Conservation efforts focus on regulating extraction and restoring forests.
Recent Changes — 10 Questions (New Municipalities, Boundary Changes)
Loksewa exams increasingly test candidates on recent administrative and geographical changes. Stay updated on new municipalities, province naming, boundary disputes, and infrastructure developments. These questions reflect changes from the federal restructuring process and recent government decisions that frequently appear in current affairs sections.
Q91. When were the current 753 local levels established?
Answer: The current 753 local levels were established through the federal restructuring process in 2017 (2073/74 BS), replacing the previous system of Village Development Committees (VDCs), municipalities, and District Development Committees.
Q92. When were the provinces officially named?
Answer: The provinces were initially numbered 1 through 7. They have since been named: Province 1 became Koshi Province, Province 2 became Madhesh Province, Province 4 became Gandaki Province, Province 5 became Lumbini Province, Province 6 became Karnali Province, and Province 7 became Sudurpashchim Province. Province 3 was named Bagmati Province.
Q93. What happened to Nawalparasi and Rukum districts during federal restructuring?
Answer: Both districts were split into two parts. Nawalparasi was divided into Nawalpur (Gandaki Province) and Nawalparasi West/Parasi (Lumbini Province). Rukum was divided into Rukum East (Karnali Province) and Rukum West (Lumbini Province).
Q94. What is the Kalapani-Limpiyadhura-Lipulekh border dispute?
Answer: Nepal claims the Kalapani-Limpiyadhura-Lipulekh area (approximately 335 sq km) in the far-west as its territory based on the Treaty of Sugauli (1816), which establishes the Mahakali River as the boundary. India administers this area. Nepal published an updated political map in 2020 incorporating this territory, which was ratified by Parliament as a constitutional amendment.
Q95. What is the Susta border dispute?
Answer: The Susta area in Nawalparasi (bordering Uttar Pradesh, India) is disputed because the Narayani/Gandak River, which forms the border, has shifted its course over time, causing confusion about the exact boundary. Nepal claims the territory based on original river positions.
Q96. What changes did the 2021 National Census reveal about population distribution?
Answer: The 2021 census (2078 BS) showed Nepal’s total population at approximately 29.1 million, with continued rapid urbanization. The Terai and urban areas grew significantly while many hill and mountain districts experienced population decline due to migration. Kathmandu District alone surpassed 2 million.
Q97. What major infrastructure projects are changing Nepal’s geography connectivity?
Answer: Key projects include the Melamchi Water Supply Project (bringing water from Sindhupalchok to Kathmandu), Kathmandu-Terai Fast Track (expressway), Pokhara International Airport, Gautam Buddha International Airport, the Postal Highway (Hulaki Rajmarg) in the Terai, and ongoing feasibility studies for cross-border railways.
Q98. What is the Postal Highway (Hulaki Rajmarg)?
Answer: The Hulaki Rajmarg is a 1,792 km highway running through the southern Terai from Bhadrapur (Jhapa) in the east to Dodhara Chandani (Kanchanpur) in the west, roughly parallel to and south of the Mahendra Highway. It connects many Terai towns that were previously underserved.
Q99. What new conservation areas have been proposed or established recently?
Answer: Nepal has been expanding its protected area network. Recent developments include the establishment of the Gaurishankar Conservation Area and ongoing proposals for new conservation corridors connecting isolated protected areas. The government has also strengthened buffer zone management around existing parks.
Q100. How has the Kathmandu-Terai Fast Track changed Nepal’s infrastructure map?
Answer: The Kathmandu-Nijgadh Fast Track (expressway) is a roughly 76 km highway project designed to reduce travel time between Kathmandu and the Terai from 6+ hours to about 1 hour. Once completed, it will transform connectivity and economic geography by linking the capital directly to the Terai industrial and trade corridor.
Key Facts Table — Nepal Geography at a Glance
This quick-reference table covers the “highest, longest, largest, first” facts that Loksewa exams love to test. Memorize these for guaranteed marks on exam day.
| Category | Name | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Highest peak | Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) | 8,848.86 m, Solukhumbu |
| Lowest point | Kechana Kalan | ~60 m, Jhapa |
| Longest river | Karnali River | ~507 km |
| Largest lake | Rara Lake | 10.8 sq km, Mugu |
| Highest lake | Tilicho Lake | 4,919 m, Manang |
| Deepest gorge | Kali Gandaki Gorge | Between Annapurna & Dhaulagiri |
| Longest glacier | Ngozumpa Glacier | ~36 km, Solukhumbu |
| Largest district | Dolpa | 7,889 sq km, Karnali |
| Smallest district | Bhaktapur | 119 sq km, Bagmati |
| Most populated district | Kathmandu | 2+ million (2021 census) |
| Least populated district | Manang | <6,000 (2021 census) |
| Largest province (area) | Karnali Province | 27,984 sq km |
| Smallest province (area) | Madhesh Province | 9,661 sq km |
| First national park | Chitwan National Park | Est. 1973 |
| Largest protected area | Annapurna Conservation Area | 7,629 sq km |
| Longest highway | Mahendra Highway | ~1,028 km (E-W) |
| First highway | Tribhuvan Highway (Rajpath) | Opened 1956 |
| First international airport | Tribhuvan International Airport | Kathmandu |
| Total area of Nepal | — | 1,47,516 sq km |
| Total population (2021) | — | ~29.1 million |
How to Prepare Geography Effectively
Knowing the 100 questions above puts you ahead of most candidates. But to truly master Nepal geography for Loksewa, you need a structured study approach. Here is a proven strategy used by Loksewa toppers:
1. Start with the Map
Buy or print a detailed political and physical map of Nepal. Pin it where you study. Every time you learn a new fact — a district, a river, a national park — locate it on the map. Visual-spatial memory is far more durable than rote memorization. Within two weeks, you will have an internal mental map of Nepal.
2. Study Province by Province
Do not try to learn all 77 districts at once. Dedicate one day per province. Learn its districts, capital, major cities, rivers, mountains, and economic activities. Review the previous province before moving to the next. By the end of a week, you will have covered all seven provinces.
3. Use Categorized Question Banks
Practice questions organized by topic (physical, administrative, economic, environmental) rather than random mixed questions. This helps you build deep knowledge in each area before testing yourself with mixed sets. The Loksewa Tayari App’s practice section organizes questions exactly this way.
4. Focus on Superlatives and “Firsts”
Loksewa examiners love asking about the highest, longest, largest, smallest, first, and most. Memorize the key facts table above. Extend it with your own additions as you study — the first university, the longest tunnel, the highest bridge, and so on.
5. Connect Geography to Current Affairs
Read the Gorkhapatra daily and connect news stories to geography. A flood in Koshi relates to river systems and climate change. A new road project relates to infrastructure geography. A conservation milestone relates to environmental geography. This dual-purpose study maximizes your time.
6. Take Weekly Mock Tests
After studying each section, test yourself under timed conditions. Aim to answer 25 geography questions in 15 minutes. Track your accuracy and revisit weak areas. Consistent testing converts short-term knowledge into exam-ready recall.
7. Review Past Papers
Analyze the last 5 to 10 years of Loksewa papers for your target position. Mark every geography question. You will notice the same themes repeating: river origins, district-province mapping, national parks, and altitude facts. This analysis tells you exactly where to focus. For a broader preparation guide, see our complete Loksewa GK preparation guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Geography typically accounts for 8 to 15 questions in most Loksewa papers, especially in the General Knowledge and first paper sections. For Section Officer and Nayab Subba exams, geography questions regularly appear in both the first and second papers. The exact count varies by position and year, but geography is consistently one of the highest-weighted GK subtopics.
The most frequently asked topics include the five physiographic regions, major rivers and their origins, province-wise district distribution, national parks and conservation areas, and recent administrative boundary changes. Physical geography and administrative geography together account for roughly 60% of all geography questions. Superlative facts (highest, longest, largest) are tested in nearly every paper.
Yes. These 100 questions have been compiled by analyzing past Loksewa exam papers from the last decade, covering Kharidar, Nayab Subba, Section Officer, and provincial-level examinations. Many of them have been repeated in slightly different formats across multiple years. While the exact wording may vary, the underlying facts tested remain consistent.
You should be comfortable with geography terminology in both languages, since Loksewa papers may use either Nepali or English names. For example, know that Sagarmatha is Mt. Everest, Koshi is also called Saptakoshi, and Terai is also referred to as the southern plains. Practice with questions in both languages to avoid confusion on exam day.
Group districts by province rather than trying to memorize all 77 at once. Learn the districts of one province per day, review the previous day’s province, and use map-based study to visualize locations. Create mnemonics for each province’s districts using the first letters. Practice with quizzes on the Loksewa Tayari App to reinforce retention through active recall.
Key recent changes include the renaming of all provinces (from numbered to named), the splitting of Nawalparasi and Rukum districts, the creation of 753 local levels under federal restructuring, Nepal’s updated political map incorporating Kalapani-Limpiyadhura-Lipulekh, and ongoing boundary negotiations. Also stay updated on new infrastructure projects like the Fast Track, new airports, and any changes in national park or conservation area boundaries.
Ready to Master Nepal Geography for Loksewa?
Create your free account on Loksewa Tayari App and access thousands of categorized practice questions with detailed explanations. Track your geography scores and compete with other aspirants.
Geography is one of those rare Loksewa subjects where dedicated preparation directly translates to guaranteed marks. Unlike subjective questions that depend on writing skill, geography questions have definitive, factual answers. The 100 questions in this guide cover the vast majority of what Loksewa examiners ask year after year.
Bookmark this page, work through the questions systematically, and use the key facts table as your quick-revision sheet in the days before your exam. Combined with regular practice on the Loksewa Tayari App and staying updated through the Gorkhapatra, you will be well-equipped to score full marks in the geography section of any Loksewa paper.
Good luck with your preparation. Nepal’s geography is fascinating — and once you truly learn it, you will carry that knowledge not just through your exam but throughout your career in public service.
