Nepalgunj (Nepalganj), Nepal

Capital City

The scorching heat and humidity in Nepalgunj can be a real test, with temperatures reaching a stifling 44°C (111°F) in the summer. Of the 141,241 residents, over a quarter are Muslim, and the city has a diverse mix of ethnicities, with Nepali, Awadhi, and Urdu being the top three languages spoken. While the city boasts an international airport and a modern highway, recent conflicts between the Pahari and Madhesi communities have resulted in at least one death and dozens of injuries. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the climate can be a challenge, but for those seeking an authentic Nepali experience outside the tourist hubs, Nepalgunj may be worth considering.