Nepal is one of the most marvelous countries and it truly defies description. It can also be called a living cultural museum where the past exists comfortably with the present. Nepal is an intricate and beautiful tapestry formed by the interweaving of Hinduism, Buddhism and other beliefs. Nepal is the birthplace of enlightened Gautam Buddha ‘light of Asia’. Religious tolerance and harmony found in Nepal, is perhaps a unique example to the world. Nepal is a land where the arts culture are as well preserved as the valleys and forests-temples enriched with woodcarving and bronzes, millennium-pled statues standing along the wayside, songs and dances unchanged for centuries and entire cities preserved in their medieval splendour. It is a place where craft traditions are as vital as they were a thousand years ago, a place where one can buy woodcarvings, statues, gems and weavings similar to those of the ancient world. The tale of the country dates back to the time when the Gods and goddesses communed with the mortals. Religion and festivals are an integral part of every day life here. People still respect century's old culture and tradition and history still lives on here among the numerous beautiful temples, monuments and palaces of exquisite art and architecture. Nepal is also endowed with a wide variety of flora and fauna. It has more than 848 species of birds, 600 indigenous plant families, 10 out of worlds 14 tallest mountains, jungles teeming with wildlife and deep river gorges besides numerous lakes, glaciers, mountains and lush green valleys. All these attributes make Nepal a prime tourist destination. The country has also managed to preserve some endangered species of Asia in its extensive parks and protected natural habitats.

There are numerous world heritage sites in Kathmandu to explore, there is beautiful lake city of Pokhara for a relaxing holiday and ever popular view points of Nagarkote or Sarangkot to enjoy breathtaking mountain views in a total comfort. You can have an exciting elephant back safari in Chitwan national park and conclude your tour with a thrilling rafting trip in a Himalayan river or an enchanting mountain flight.

Nepal has rightly been a favourite destination for travellers for many years. It is now entering a new era of democracy but retains its friendly and chaotic charm, and there has never been a better time to take a holiday in Nepal. This forbidden land until 1950 drew explorers and mountaineers in the beginning and later general tourist and trekkers, and the hippies at one time. Since then it has been drawing a lot of attention throughout the world.

Geography of the country has influenced the culture and religion of many ethnic groups. In the north residents are Bhotia (Tibetan) origin this includes Sherpas who live in the vicinity of Mt. Everest. The Sherpas of Eastern Nepal follows primarily Buddhist religion; and in Far Western part there are many followers of Bon Po - a pre Buddhist religion. Kiratis known as Rais and Limbus whose ancestors established Kathmandu valley in 7th century BC and ruled the valley for 1000 years lives in the middle hills of Eastern part of Nepal. Their culture and religion have been greatly influenced by Hindu religion. The Kiratis basically practice animism - worship of ancestors. Like Sherpa they are descendents of Tibeto-Burman group. The other major ethnic groups from Tibeto-Burman stock are Magar, Gurung and Tamang. Magar inhabit central region around Gorkha and mid west, and Gurung in the western region on the foothills of Annapurna and Lamjung. Tamang villages are located mostly around Kathmandu valley. Newars are dominant ethnic group in Kathmandu valley. They practice mixture of Hinduism and Buddhism with reflection of tantrism and animism. Far - west is the origin of Bahuns and Chettri, who are known as Khas. They are Hindu. Their presence is spread all over the middle hills of Nepal. The inhabitants of Terai (plain) belt are Tharu. Though animism is practiced widely but their culture is very much influenced by Hindu religion and culture of neighboring Indian states.

Nepal offers unique pleasure for everyone - a tourist, trekker, river runner, wildlife enthusiast, poet, artist, writer, scholar and those in search of a personal Shangri-La. Nepal is a land for all seasons-year around there is a myriad places to go, people to meet and sites to see. Year around there are exciting adventure activities; trekking, white water rafting, biking and jungle safaris. And year round there is a delightful, never ending procession of colourful festivals. A visit to this region is a step towards paradise that promises you the most fascinating holiday of your life. Explore the beauty of the snow-capped mountains, the extraordinary flora and fauna and the fascinating culture of people from several diverse ethnic groups. 'Nepal and Beyond' will help you plan your holidays making sure you experience every aspect of our magical world.