A survey was conducted to study the identification and distribution of some nodulating and non-nodulating leguminous and actinorhizal herbaceous, shrubby, climber and tree species in the eastern part of Nepal from the tarai (60 m altitude) to the treeline (above 3000 m). Of 186 species and 79 genera explored, 172 and 14 species, 70 and 9 genera were recorded in leguminous and actinorhizal groups, respectively. Totals of 144 and 7 species, and 59 and 5 nodulating genera were recorded in leguminous and non-leguminous species, respectively. In the 3 sub- families of Leguminosae [Fabaceae], the Papilionoideae had the highest number of nodulating species and the Caesalpinioideae the highest number of non-nodulating species. However, maximum numbers of nodulating herbs, shrubs, and climbers were recorded in the Papilionoideae and of trees in the Mimosoideae. The distribution of nodulating leguminous species was concentrated in the tropical and sub-tropical areas, with a sharp decline from 1800 m altitude onwards. The maximum number of 92 species occurred in the 0-600 m altitudinal range, followed by 84 species at 600-1200 m, 80 species at 1200-1800 m, 48 species at 1800-2400 m, 17 species at 2400-3000 m, and the minimum number of 5 species at and above 3000 m. These nodulating species distributed in the different altitudinal ranges can be further screened with a view to use in the various afforestation and soil-improvement programmes in the region.