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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 traveler.
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