Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia. It is bordered by China to the north and by India to the south, east and west. The Himalaya mountain range runs across Nepal's northern and western parts, and eight of the world's ten highest mountains, including the highest, Mount Everest, are within its territory.
The modern state was formed with the Unification of Nepal by Prithvi Narayan Shah on December 21, 1768. Prior to 2006, Nepal was a kingdom and the only nation with Hinduism as its official religion. At present, Nepal is officially and constitutionally a secular country. Its recent history has involved struggles for democratic government with periods of direct monarchic rule. From 1995 until 2006, Nepal suffered from a Civil War between government forces and Maoist guerrillas of the Communist Party of Nepal.
On December 28, 2007, the Interim Parliament passed a bill and declared Nepal to be a Federal Democratic Republic. The first meeting of the Constituent Assembly officially implemented that declaration on May 28, 2008.
Nepal is a multi-cultural, multi-linguistic and multi religious country. For a relatively small country, Nepal has a diverse landscape, ranging from the humid Terai plains in the south to the mountainous Himalayas in the north, which makes it a major tourist destination. Hinduism is practised by a huge majority of the people, but the country also has a strong Buddhist tradition; Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha Siddhartha Gautama is located in the Terai, one of the three regions of Nepal.
Wanderlust Travel Award 2001, UK
Second Position in the Top Country Category
Modern Maturity (Sep/Oct 2001), America's largest circulated magazine
The Annapurna Trail-one of the best 12 walks in the world
Observer Travel Award 2002, UK
Favorite Long Haul Destination, Second Position
Lonely Planet
Draped along the greatest heights of the Himalaya, the Kingdom of Nepal is a land of sublime scener, time-worn temple, and some of the best walking trails on earth.
BBC Holiday-50 place to see before you die
The heights of the Himalayas got Nepal a number 30 ranking.
Things To Do
Himalaya Trekking:
The Himalaya, the "abode of snows", extends from Assam in eastern India west to Afghanistan. It is a chain of the highest and youngest mountains on earth and it encompasses a region of deep religious and cultural traditions and an amazing diversity of people. A trek in Nepal is a special and rewarding mountain holiday. Everest Base Camp Trekking Annapurna Base Camp Trekking More Details >>
City Sightseeing: Sightseeing tours are conducted to places of interest in Nepal and the Kathmandu valley which consists of three cities: Kathmandu-the city of Glory, Patan - the city of fine art and architecture and Bhaktapur-the city of devotees; primarily to ancient religious sites of the two main religions: Buddhism and Hinduism. The four cities of the valley were founded at various times between 3rd Century B.C and the 9th Century AD. They were embellished by the Malla Rulers at the peak of their ascendancy in the 17th century. Core of all three cities are recognized as International Heritage sites by UNESCO. Kathmandu Pokhara More Details >>
Rafting:
Nepal is one of the best place in the world for rafting and kayaking. Surrounded by its mountain scenery and rivers shaped by them challenges for white-water paddles. A series of the world's most outstanding river journeys is found here, ranging from steep, adrift mountain streams to classic and big-volume wilderness expeditions. All these combination of spectacular rivers, culture, heritage and scenery makes Nepal an obvious river runner's destination. Kali Gandaki River Trisuli River More Details>>
Mountaineering:
With eight of the highest peaks in the world, Nepal has been the focus of some of the most outstanding achievements in the world of mountaineering. For many decades the dauntless icy peaks have posed as challenge to those who dare. There are some 326 peaks in Nepal open for mountaineering today. Government of Nepal opened around 175 peaks in the last two years to mark the Mount Everest Golden Jubilee Celebrations. Mt. Everest 8848M. Mt. Kanchenjunga More Details >>
Adventure Trips:
In adventurer's delight, Nepal offers a plethora of outdoor activities, from paragliding near the mountains to waiting for the Bengal tiger in Chitwan's wild. Adventure tourism in Nepal dates back to the early attempts to ascend worldâ's highest peak Mt. Everest fifty years ago. The 50th anniversary of the first ascent of Everest was celebrated recently amidst great fanfare and extravaganza. Renowned mountain summiteers Sir Edmund Hillary, Ms. Junko Tabei, Mr. Reinhold Messner, Mr. Appa Sherpa, Mr. Jamling Norgay Sherpa took part in the celebrations. Bird Watching Bungy Jumping More Details>>
Japanese Version
