NEPAL

Introduction:
Welcome to Nepal- the most happening destinations in the world- a heady mixture of unique culture proudly preserved, mind boggling adventure and remarkable natural beauty. A land where you can revitalize your mind, body and soul amidst scenery that is simply a knock out. Age - old traditional hospitality is a bonus, of course.

The Himalayan kingdom has the richest and most diverse culture landscapes anywhere. Nepal is the holy land of Lord Pasupatinath and Gautam Buddha where the Hindus and Buddhist have lived together in harmony for centuries.

The Temple of Pasupatinath is Nepal's most sacred Hindu shrine and one of the four most important cities in the world for Shiva worshippers.

Lord Buddha, the light of Asia, was born in Lumbini in Nepal's southern plains, which makes Nepal a sacred pilgrimage destination for Buddhists as well.

The rich tapestry of the culture heritage of Nepal is synthesized in the Kathmandu valley. The three ancient cities of the valley-Patan, Kathmandu, and Bhaktapur - represent an epitone of harmony in urban design, elegant architecture and refined culture.

These cities pack a concentration of religious monuments unequalled in the world.

Don't miss the seven monument zones named as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO all situated within the small confines of the valley.

Adding dazzling color to Nepal's myriad attractions are the many festivals that dot the calendar.
Join in the numerous annual festivals that are celebrated throughout the year in traditional style highlighting enduring customs and beliefs.

Go for village tours and visit the multi-ethnic groups to get first hand experience of their customs and lifestyles.

As eating is a special affair in Nepal, there is food for each and every occasion and festival. Kathmandu offers an incredible selection of dining opportunities. There are many restaurants that serve only authentic Nepali food complete with ethnic ambience.

Geography: Nepal, the only Hindu Kingdom in the world is located between India and China occupying an area of 147,181 sq. km, its length from Northwest to Southeast is about 800 km and its width varies from 90 km to 230 km. Though Nepal is small in size, we find different geographical positions and variations in the altitudes of different places. Its elevation ranges from 60 mts. Above sea level to 8848 meters.

Nepal is geographically divided into three major regions: 

Himalayan region: This region possesses one third of the entire Himalayan ranges including the ten highest peaks in the world and 1300 other peaks well above 6000 mt. In height making Nepal proud of its natural beauty and heritage.

Mountain region: This region covers 64% of Nepals total surface area. The Mahabharat range with an altitude of 4877 mt. And chure hills ranging from 135 mt to 900 mt.

Terai region: This region covers 17% of Nepals total surface area. A major portion of this region is used in farming. This is where most of Nepal's forests and wildlife are found. Royal Bengal tigers, one horned rhinos, crocodiles, snakes, fresh - water dolphins, 350 species of birds etc are all a part of the wildlife found in this region.

History: Nepal has seen many rules and ruling dynasties. The earliest rules were the Kirantis who ruled from 9th century B.C to 1st century A.D. Legends and chronicles mention that the Buddha has visited Kathmandu during the rule of the 7th Licchivi king and that the Indian Emperor Ashoka had come to Nepal and built five stupas of Patan. He had visited Lumbini, the place where the Buddha was born, and a huge stone pillar erected to commemorate his visit to that spot.

The Kirants were replaced by the Licchavis who, who according to the earliest evidences in inscriptions of the 5th century A.D found in the courtyard of Changunarayan temple which is about 15 km. North east of Kathmandu, ruled this country from 1st century to 9th century A.D. This period is noted for the many temples and fine sculptures built.

The Licchavis were followed by the Thakuris, then came the Malla dynasty. The Malla ruled focusing maily on the Kathmandu valley which has been the residence for most Nepali rules from time immemorial. No other part of Nepal is as rich in cultural heritage as Kathmandu. Thanks to the exceptionally talented crafts-men, who dedicated themselves to construct the many temples and statues, as a result, we have seven world heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley itself.

In the 14th century A.D King Jayasthiti Malla established a rigid social order. His grandson tried in every way to protect his country from suspected enemy states. Unfortunately all his efforts were fruitless, everything went beyond his control and the country eventually got divided upto into 50 small feudal states including the three major ones in the valley.

Then came the Shah dynasty, which prevails even today. King Prithivi Narayan Shah, who had been watching every political activity of the three states in the Kathmandu valley captured these three kingdoms one by one thus became the founder of the modern Nepal.

Ethnic groups:
Newars: Kathmandu, the capital city has been the homeland of the Newars. The Newars are inhabitants of a Tibeto-Burman origin who speak in Newari (their own dialect) as well as Nepali. The Newars are among the largest indigenous groups of Nepal and make up the 7% of the total population. Several Newar families follow Buddhism as well as Hinduism. They are usually inclined towards commerce, trade and farming.

Brahmins: Brahmins, the priestly class of Indo-Aryan origin, occupy the highest position in the Hindu hierarchy. They are said to have come to Nepal from different parts of India. Today they are found in every part of Nepal and have taken up different occupations.

Chhetris: The Chhetris, who like the Brahmins also have an Indo-Aryan origin have been traditionally classified as warriors and administrators. They are recognized for their bravery and administrative skills. Today, they are distributed in almost all the parts of Nepal and have been working in different fields. They are said to have originally come from northern Indio during and after the time of the Buddha. The Khas are generally regarded as Bahuns and Chhetries who set up their own Kingdoms in the far-western parts of Nepal. Their language , Khas-kura (Nepali) which had evolved out of Sanskrit, was later introduced as the state language after King Prithivi Narayan Shah conquered the Kathmandu valley in 1778.

Gurung: The Gurung, originally belonging to the Tibet-Burman ethnic group, live mostly in the central region of Nepal in places like the foothills of Kaski, Lamjung and Annapurna himal. The Gurung villages surrounding the hills of Pokhara have attracted tourist because of their beautifully maintained stone houses. The Gurungs are good farmers as well as warriors. They, like the Rais, Limbus and Magars, have introduced themselves internationally as the brave Gorkha-soldiers. They follow Hinduism or Buddhism.

Kiratis: The Kiratis are among the first group of people ruling over Nepal. Ancient Hindu texts like Himvat-Khanda, and Mahabharata have mentioned their names. They basically come from eastern Nepal's Tamakoshi, Bhotekoshi, Arun and Tamor. These people of Tibeto-Burman origin worship their ancestors and at the same time follow Buddhism, Hinduism, Animism and so on. They are very good farmers and warriors. They are rich in culture and have several languages and scripts called the Sri-Jung.

Magars: The Magars, having Tibeto-Burman origin, live in the Kali Gandaki region on the South of Dhaulagiri. They speak the Tibeto-Burman language and are Hindu by faith but they also follow Buddhism. They are mostly farmers but their martial qualities and physical fitness have made them good soldiers.

Sherpas: The Sherpas, who are said to have come from Tibet, speak the Tibeto-Burman language and live in the Himalayan region of Nepal. They are hardworking, friendly, and reliable in nature.
The largest Sherpa settlement is in Solu Khumbu at the foothill of Mt. Everest the world's highest peak (8848m). The sherpa are adventurous mountaineers of international repute. Tenzing Norgay was the Sherpa, who with Sir Edmund Hillary from Mew Zealand, successfully climbed Mt. Everest in 1953. Ang Rita, Babu Chiri(Late), Passang Lhamu (Late) are a few well known Sherpas in the field on mountaineering.

Tharus: The Tharus are the only people living in the forests of the Terai along the southern base of the Shivalik hills. Their age old religions has been Animism, which often reflects their mixed belief in Hindusim and Buddhism. The Tharu, who are said to be descendants of the Rajputs (ruling class) of India, have spread from eastern to western part of Nepal. We have many modesi or Terai people living along the border between India and Nepal. They speak language like Maithali in the eastern Terai, Bhojpuri in the central Terai and Avadhi in the western Terai.

Religion: Nepal is one of the most peaceful muti-religious countries in the world. Here , we find more than 70 ethnic groups with their own religious cultures, languages and lifestyles and yet there has been no ethnic violence or war caused for religious reasons.
The King, in Nepal among the Hindu, is traditionally regarded as living symbol of religious harmony. Among the Buddhists in Nepal, the king is honored as the Buddhist god of compassion and public welfare.

Hinduism is among the oldest faiths in the world, deeply rooted in the Vedas (the holiest among the Hindu scriptures) whose antiquity goes back to 2000 B.C.

According to Hindu philosophy the ultimate goal of one's life is to attain Maksha or liberation. There are three paths recommended to attain the goal: Artha (economic efficiency) , Dharma (righteousness) and kama (devotion to family). The three paths are designed to gradually lead one from Bhukti, to Mukti or Mokshya the state of supreme bliss and detachment. Rituals are another aspect of religion in Nepal as most Nepali people are religious. For them rituals elevate them spiritually and help them to maintain solidarity among each other.

The recorded history of Buddhism in Nepal began with the Buddha himself. Many archeological ruins found in Kapilastu and the vicinity indicate that many historical buildings were built there, 600 years before Christ. With the passage of time Buddhism underwent many socio-religious upheavals and Bajrayana and other sects were also introduced.