INTRODUCTION:

Draped along the greatest heights of the Himalayas, the Kingdom of Nepal is a land of eternal fascination, a place where one visit is rarely enough, it's land of ancient history, colorful cultures and people, superb scenery and some of the best walking on the earth.

It is a unique country of natural splendour crowned with world's highest mountains, amazingly diverse landscape from majestic mountains to great rivers to rich farmlands of planes are home to almost 19 million people. Ancient cities of the country offer an incredibly rich history and independent entity. The high mountains, Terraced farmlands meticulously carved like stairways out of hill ridges, cascading mountain rivulets and rushing rivers, forest full of wild life, flowers and birds and the colorful cultural heritages are the enchantment of the country. An amazing spectrum of diverse flora and fauna and cultural heritage have been attracting tourist from various destinations.

GEOGRAPHY

The Kingdom of Nepal covers an area of 147,181 square kilometers, and stretches 145-241kilometers north to south and 850 kilometers west to east. The country is located between India in the south and China in the North. At latitudes 26 and 30 degrees north and longitudes 80 and 88 degrees east, Nepal is topographically divided into three regions: the Himalaya to the north, the hills consisting of the Mahabharat range and the Churia Hills and the Terai to the south. Elevations are varied in the kingdom. The highest point is Mt. Everest (8848 m) in the north and the lowest point (70 meters above sea level) is located at Kechana Kalan of Jhapa District. Altitude increases as you travel south to north. To the north temperatures are below – 40 degrees Celsius and in the Terai, temperatures rise to 40 degrees Celsius in the summer. During June, July and August, the Kingdom in influenced by monsoon clouds.

The Himalaya: The Himalayan range makes up the northern border of the country and represents 16% of the total land area of Nepal. Peaks like Mt. Everest (8848 m), Kanchenjunga (8598 m) and Dhaulagiri (8137 m) are found here and sparse vegetation is found up to 4,500 meters. Some of Nepal's most beautiful animals plants life are also found here. Although rare the snow leopard and danphe bird are such talked about sights among visitors. The people in this region produce and sell cheese besides working as porters and guides. Many also trade with Tibet and travel across the border to sell their goods.

The Hills: This region covers 65% of the total land area of the country. Kathmandu the capital of the Nepal is located here. Elevation range from 500 to 3000 meters above sea level. During summer the temperature reaches an average 32 degrees Celsius. Winters are cold, temperature reaching –1 degree Celsius sometimes. Areas in the eastern hills receive more rainfall because of the monsoon cloud, which come from the south –east. The rivers in the west, which do not receive much rainfall are dependent upon the melted snow that flow down the Himalaya. Wild animal to be found here are the spotted leopard, barking dear and Himalayan back bear. The hilly region is also popular for different kinds of birds. Over four hundred species of birds are found here. The people in this region have gained from the growth in the tourism industry. The people here work as trekking guides and porters and also sell garments and carpets to add their income.

Terai: The Terai covers 17% of the total land area of Nepal . It provides excellent farming land and the average elevation of flatlands is 100 to 300 meters above see-level. Sub-tropical forest areas marshes, and wildlife which include the Royal Bengal tiger, one horned rhino, and the gharial crocodial are found here. After the eradication of malaria in the 1960s, many people migrated to the Terai in search of farming land. Today 48% of the country's population occupies this region's flexible topography have given rise to many industries. The main industrial towns are Biratnagar, Butwal, Bhairawa, Birjung, and Janakpur. Culcutta a metropolitan city in India is the closest sea-port . It lies 1,000 Kilometers away from Birgunj.

The People, Culture, languages and Religion: In Nepal ethnic cultural groups are diverse and many of them have their own languages and customs. However they can be geographically categorized according to their habitats. The sherpas who are of Tibeto-Burman stock mainly occupy the higher hills of eastern and central Nepal. Generally they are Buddhist but some follow the Bon, the pre-Buddhist religion of Tibet. The Sherpas are professionally involved in mountaineering and expeditions.

A wide variety of ethnic groups such as Kirats or Limbu and Rais occupy the mid-hills. They are not originally Hindus or Buddhist but ancestor worshippers. However, today, many embrace Hinduism.The Kirats speak Tibeto-Burman languages. Many serve in the British Army today have earned a reputation as the brave Gurkhas.

The Population of Kathmandu valley consists mostly of Newar. They speak Nepalbhasa and practice Hinduism and Buddhism. Their culture also reflects tantrism and animism. Newars are accomplished in commerce and most enterprises in the heart of the valley are run by them. They are well known for establishing the three artistically beautiful cities of Patan, Bhaktapur and Kathmandu.

Other ethnic groups like Magars and Gurungs live in western and central hills of Nepal, they have their own distinct languages. Many find employment in British and Indian armies.

The Bahuns and Chhetris who formed their own Kingdom in the far-west. They are Hindus and speak Nepali language, which is the country's official language. Traditionally Bahuns were priests are better educated than most ethnic groups. In fact, many occupy important government and educational post. The chhetris have traditionally been known as warriors.

The Tharus are one of the original ethnic groups to inhabit the Terai. The Majhi, Danuwar, Rajbansi, Darai, Satar and Dhimal also occupy the flat lands. The Tharus have their unique religion and practice animism. Their culture specially suited for the hot plains and they are actually immune to malaria. They have mongoloid features and speak their own language.