The tiny Kingdom of Nepal, nestled in the Himalaya between India and China, is one of the most diverse and fascinating countries of the world. Nowhere else on earth can visitors trek among snowy mountain peaks, raft on rushing rives and ride elephants through teeming jungles – all available within a few hours travel by coach from Kathmandu.

Nepal is not only famous for its adventure, it is also renowned for the friendliness of its people. Throughout the country, the Nepalese are smiling and helpful. Our guests soon discover that people everywhere take great pleasure in helping guests enjoy their country by explaining customs, giving directions and telling them about their village or neighborhood.

GEOGRAPHY

The remarkable geography of Nepal has attracted visitors for decades. Covering an area of only 147181 square kilometers, Nepal encompasses the world’s highest mountains and deepest valleys as well as low-elevation forests filled with rare animals. The terrain is divided into three elevation zones: the cool Himalaya, the moderate hills and the warm lowland Terai. Precipitation ranges from dry in the west to pleasantly moist in the east. Thus, Nepal has every kind of climate and can be enjoyed any month of the year.

PEOPLE

The people of Nepal are as variable and intriguing as the country’s geography. Throughout the country is an unfolding tapestry of ethnic groups, such as Newars, Tharus and Sherpas each with its own distinct language, customs, houses and dress.

HISTORY

In the middle of the 18th century, the country of Nepal was unified from numerous small principalities by King Prithvi Narayan Shah. In 1846, the power was usurped by the Rana prime ministers, who ruled the country for more than 100 years. In 1951, the Shah Dynasty was reinstated and Nepal opened its doors to the outside world. Today, Nepal is a democratic constitutional monarchy, under the aegis of His Majesty King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev.

RELIGION

Hinduism is the official religion of the Kingdom of Nepal and is practiced by the majority. Many people throughout the country are Buddhists and the two religions have co-existed in harmony throughout Nepal’s history. In fact, Hinduism and Buddhism are so intertwined that their temples often share the same location and rites of both faiths may be practiced by a single family. Christianity and Islam have a small number of adherents. Whatever their major religion, almost all the people of Nepal also have animistic beliefs. Shamans are widely used for curing, and mountains, trees and stones are revered in every corner of the country.