Nepal and the special time zone

When you arrive in Nepal from Germany, you have to change the clock. This can lead to a little confusion, because Nepal has a unique role in time zones. The country has an unusual time shift of 5 hours and 45 minutes or 4 hours and 45 minutes compared to Universal Time Coordinated (UTC). In Nepal, the time is not changed twice a year like in Germany. This time shift is indeed crooked, as most other countries have either a full hour or a half hour shift. There are several reasons why Nepal has chosen this unusual time shift:

Geographical location: Nepal is in a geographical position that makes it difficult to find a suitable time zone. The country lies between longitudes 80° and 88° east of Greenwich. Nepal lies between India and China and could not decide on a time zone.
Cultural reasons: The decision for the crooked time shift also goes back to cultural reasons. In Nepal, astrology has a long tradition and is an important part of daily life. The time shift is therefore intended to help ensure that astrological predictions and rituals can take place in accordance with local time.
Cooperation with neighboring countries: Nepal shares its borders with India to the south and China to the north. Both countries have their own time zone, which is 30 minutes off the hour. The unusual time difference in Nepal should help to reduce confusion in cooperation with its neighboring countries.

Overall, there are various reasons why Nepal has opted for an unusual time shift. Although this decision may seem unusual, it has stood the test of time and has become an important part of daily life in Nepal.

If you want to read more interesting facts about Nepal and Germany make sure to check out our article about fun facts.

or check out the timezones websites