The Kingdom of Nepal is home to the World's
highest Himalayan Mountains and to an impressively diverse culture. It is bordered
on three sides by India, and to the North, China and has a population of over
23 million. This is a country of amazing extremes with the greatest variation
in altitude from the low lands of the Terai to the peak of Mount Everest. Roughly
rectangular in shape, Nepal stretches 885Km from East to West, and 193km, North
to South, from China to India. Our geography is divided into three topographical
strips, lengthwise: the northern Himalayas, the mid-range foothills, and the southern
plains. er. |
| The People of Nepal:
Nepal's
population is actually a collection of many diverse ethnic groups and castes scattered
across various regions. Each area has its own history of language and culture.
In fact, it is only been a few hundred years that Nepal has been united under
one Monarchy. Brahmans and Chhetries, who together share the largest caste population
in Nepal, live in hills and valleys all across the country. Newars, who are renowned
for their artistry, are the major ethnic group of Kathmandu, the Capital of Nepal.
Sherpas, who are also known as 'The Tigers of the snow' are the major inhabitants
of the Northern Himalayan region. The southern lowlands, bordering India, are
home for the Tharus, Yadavas, Satar and Dhimals. The Gurung and Magar castes are
famous for their brave Gorkha soldiers who served the British Army. These groups
mainly live in the western mid-hills, especially on the southern slopes of the
Annapurna range and Ganesh Himal. |
Religion and Culture:
Although designated as a Hindu country, Nepal peacefully supports many religions,
including Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity. People of all faiths live together
with a sense of fellowship sometimes, worshiping common deities and festivals.
It is said that Nepal is the land of festivals, most of which celebrate the tales
and legends of the revered deities. Some of the unique festivals observed in Nepal
are Dashain, Tihar, Kumari Jatra, Indra jatra, Loshar, Buddha Jayanti, and Chhath
. Nepal is also admired for its unique medieval art and architecture. There
are seven world heritage sites listed by the UNESCO in the Kathmandu valley alone.
Most of these incredible examples of art and architecture were created between
the 12th and 18th centuries during the ruling Malla dynasty. Typical latticework
windows, pagoda temples, stone statues of various deities, artistic courtyards,
and the cobblestone streets reflect the medieval craftsmanship. Most Hindu temples
and shrines are embellished with exquisite wood and stone carvings on pillars
and roof struts. |
Entry to Nepal: Tourists
can enter Nepal by Air or overland from India or China. There are many airlines
that fly into Tribhuvan International Airport, in Kathmandu, including the Royal
Nepal Airlines Corporation (RNAC), Nepal's national airline. |
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Trekking
