The
remarkable geography of Nepal has attracted travellers for decades. A tiny
kingdom nestled in the Himalayas between India and China, it is one of the
most diverse and fascinating countries of the world.
Geography: Covering an area of only 14,7181 sq. kms, 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 cold Himalayas, the moderate hills and the warm
low-lying 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
during any month of the year.
History: In the middle of
the 18th century, King Prithvi Narayan Shah unified the country from
numerous small principalities. In 1846, the Rana prime ministers usurped
power and ruled for more than 100 years. In 1951, the Shah Dynasty was
reinstated and Nepal opened its doors to the outside world.
In
recent times, Nepal has seen lot of political turmoil and now the country is
coming back to normalcy after the present Monarch was stripped of all his
titles and the Government chose to be a secular state.
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 a single family may practice
rites of both faiths. Christianity and Islam have a small number of
followers. Whatever their major religion, almost all the people of Nepal
have animistic beliefs. Shamans are widely used for curing, and mountains,
trees and stones are revered in every corner of the country.
People: The people of Nepal are as variable and intriguing as the
country's geography. Throughout the kingdom one finds an unfolding tapestry
of ethnic groups, such as Newars, Tharus and Sherpas, each with their own
distinct language, customs, houses and dress.
All in all,
whatever you are looking for the buzz of all-night casinos or to get away
from it all and be one with nature, Nepal will not fail you.
