 Overview: Nepal's acronym of
, does well to characterise this
nation of good natured and accommodating people; a land of majestic
Himalayan scenery comprising eight of the world's ten highest
mountains, including Mt Everest: the uppermost place on earth at
29,029 feet (8,848m). Situated between India and Tibet, the Federal Democratic
Republic of Nepal is filled with many different ethnic groups,
customs and traditions reflected in a wonderfully diverse
geography. From the hot Indian plains and steamy southern Tarai
lowlands, the terrain crosses the Kathmandu Valley and rises to the
frozen heights of the Himalayan peaks towards the Tibetan plateau
known as the 'roof of the world'. Spread across these varied altitudes are communities of
colourful cultures and people (many untouched by modern
development), animated cities and towns, and far-flung mountain
villages. Life here revolves around an intricate intermingling of
ancient Hindu and Buddhist religious rituals. Numerous festivals
are celebrated throughout the year coloured by a diversity of
religious and tribal traditions. The capital of Kathmandu brings an
assortment of these different societies together into a vibrant
collection of brilliant sights and exotic smells, with modern shops
co-existing with street sellers, while pyramidal Buddhist temples,
holy Sadhus of the Hindu faith and medieval palace squares fill the
urban landscape. Nepal is well endowed with glorious scenery - verdant terraced
valleys, rushing rivers and ice-blue lakes that originate in the
'abode of snows', or Himalayas. The uplifting sight of soaring
mountains is a magnet for mountaineers and trekkers, offering some
of the greatest challenges and most scenic walking opportunities on
earth. Its diverse terrain offers tremendous opportunities for
adventurous activities, and although mountain climbing and trekking
are the most popular, there is also superb white-water rafting on
steep mountain rivers, as well as elephant-back safaris or tiger
tracking in the Royal Chitwan and Roya
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