Nepal's acronym of
Never Ending Peace And Love, 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
29,029ft (8,848m).
Situated between India and Tibet, the Kingdom of Nepal is filled
with as many different ethnic groups, customs and traditions as it
is diverse in 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 Royal Bardia National Parks
situated within the jungles of the southern Tarai belt.
Nepal has many attractions, but the essence of the country is
its smiling, friendly people with their heartfelt palm-pressed
greetings, and together with its inspiring scenery, this beguiling
kingdom is a place where one visit is usually not enough to satisfy
the captivated traveller.
