How is Nepal?

     Nepal has a monsoon climate. The heavy rains of the monsoon, originates in the Bay of Bengal, occur from June to September and begin in the eastern parts in the west. More rain falls in the east, which is closer to the moisture source. At high of altitudes, above about 20,000 ft (6000 m), there is snow rather than rain. In addition , less well defined winter occurs from December to the end of March. This precipitation tales the form of snow at altitudes above about 8000 ft (2440 m).

      The monsoon is caused by the movement of moist air north and west from the Bay of Bengal. As the moist air raises, it cools and condense as rain. This precipitation falls on the southern side of the main Himalayan rang. Generally, there is less precipitation at higher altitudes, because the clouds have already released much moisture at the lower altitudes. When the result in day air mass crosses the himalaya, it has very little moisture left to deposit on the northern sides. A rain screen thus exists on the north sides of the Himalayan, producing the xerophytic conditions in Dolpa ans Mustang.

       The winter rains enable Nepalis to grow a second crop at lower altitudes. Generally, crops are grown up to the altitude at which clouds hang during the monsoon, as the clouds limit the amount of sun available. Local factors are imensely important in determining  the rain fall and climate. Rain falling on north and west faces evaporates less, and more rain falls on steeper slopes, so there tends to be greater variety in the flora in these areas. Shady areas also have a more varied vegetation.