Whether you seek energy charged adventure, a pilgrimage to the birth place of Buddha, a ride on an elephant, a fly past the world’s most majestic mountain range or hike up the majestic Himalayan Mountains. Nepal is a country of sheer beauty, a diverse mixture of cultures, offering an extraordinary array of activities ranging from remote Buddhist or Hindu retreats to adrenalin charged adventures.[m
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Nepal has something for everyone, a country of endless beauty, delights and surprises. The capital city of Katmandu is an experience within itself. It will take a few days to get to grips with your new environment. From the bustling streets, busy shops, the friendly Nepalese people welcome you to Nepal. The exquisite aromas and flavours of the local foods produce a gastronomic delight. Katmandu is home to approximately one million people. The capital has attracted many villagers from all over Nepal in recent years, as well as, immigrants from India and China, attracted by the possibilities of trade and business opportunities offered in this landlocked country. Nepal - History
The history of Nepal is fascinating and dates back many years. Those great rulers who have ruled in this beautiful country is a fascinating story in itself. The first known civilisation in Nepal was around the 6th century B.C. The diverse origins, cultures and traditions of the many rulers, who once ruled this mountainous kingdom, have formed part of the modern day Nepalese peoples. The traditions, cultures, art and architecture all reflect the diverse and intriguing history of a fiercely proud, interesting and magnificent people. The first known rulers of Nepal were believed to be the Kirati. Their rule was followed by the Licchavi dynasty. It is estimated that the Licchavi ruled from approximately 350 to 700. It is believed that the Licchavi lost their standing and power base in India and attacked and defeated Gasti, the last Kirati King. The Licchavi dynasty is known for its contribution of Nepali art and architecture with numerous sculptures still evident in many cities and sites throughout Nepal. Following the Licchavi dynasty, the Thakuris ruled and this was followed by the Malla dynasty. The Malla dynasty is remembered for the golden age which covered the period 1201 all the way through to 1768. The age is associated with generation of great wealth, including the completion of grand palaces, temples and great works of art. The Malla dynasty set the foundations and roots of many of the current traditions and festivals held in modern day Nepal. The end of the Malla rule came in 1768 when the dynasty was removed from power by Prithvi Narayan Shah, the founder of the Shah dynasty. Prithvi Narayan Shah succeeded his father to the throne of Gorkha in 1743. He fought many wars in the Kathmandu valley and finally in 1769 he declared Kathmandu the capital of Nepal. Prithvi Narayan Shah had unified the peoples of Nepal into a nation. A period known as the dark ages for Nepal extended for 104 years of the rule by the Rana dynasty. The Rana dynasty was founded by Jung Bahadur Rana and came to power by removing a weak Shah ruler, the Rana dynasty ruled Nepal till 1953. The first democratic elections in Nepal took place in 1959. However after just 18 months King Mahendra on 15 December 1960, he dissolved parliament, suspended the constitution and imprisoned the prime minister and other government officials. King Mahendra introduced the Panchayat system. King Mahendra ruled Nepal from March 1955 through to January 1972. His rule as King is noted for his policy of neutrality between India and China. During his reign he saw Nepal become a member of the United Nations. He saw the construction of the East-West Highway, also known as the Mahendra Highway. King Mahendra also implemented a land reform policy which saw landless people being afforded land creating stability amongst the less affluent Nepalese peoples. In 1990 the monarchy were forced to accept constitutional reforms and establish a multiparty parliament. King Birenda declared Nepal as a multi-lingual, multi-ethnic, democratic, independent, indivisible, Hindu and constitutional monarchical kingdom with the king as the symbol of national unity and the constitutional monarch. Tragedy struck in June 2001 when King Birendra and several members of the royal family were killed. The crowning of the 12th king of Nepal saw King Gyanendra take the throne. Mass protests and strikes broke out in Kathmandu in the spring of 2006 which forced the King to re-instate the parliament. The King handed power back to the people and Nepal was declared a Secular Federal Democratic Republic,
In April 2006 strikes and protest in Kathmandu against the monarch forces the king to reinstate the parliament. King Gyanendra became the last king of the Shah Dynasty and handed over the power to the people and thus Nepal was declared a Federal Democratic Republic. The 28th May is now the official republic day of Nepal. Nepal – Geography
The Federal Republic of Nepal is defined by some of the worlds most dramatic and picturesque borders. Spanning an area of approximately 147, 000 square kilometres this mountainous Kingdom is bordered in the north with the People Republic of China. The border is defined by the majestic Himalayan mountain range forming a natural border between these two countries. The southern, western and eastern boundaries of Nepal are bordered with India. Nepal is a country of extreme diversity. The lowest point in Nepal is just 70 metres above sea level compared to the height of the world’s tallest mountain, the world renowned Mount Everest, which stands majestically at 8,848 metres marking the highest point in Nepal. Apart from Mount Everest, Nepal boasts no fewer than eight of the world’s tallest mountains. Nepal is divided into three distinct regions, the majestic mountains of the Himalayas in north. The Mahabharat or hills region in the centre of the country represents 64% of the land area of Nepal. In the south of Nepal lies the Terai region, which runs up to the border with India. The Terai region is known as the agricultural basket of Nepal as well as for its spectacular wildlife. The Chitwan National Park in the Terai region is a spectacular wildlife destination with wildlife including the rare Bengal tiger, leopard, rhinoceros, sloth bear and the gharial to mention a few. The Chitwan National Park was declared a World Heritage Site in 1984. Nepal – Culture and the people
The Nepalese are a proud, diverse and culturally rich people which a varied and fascinating history. Their cultural roots date back through a mixture of influences and all is evident in their beliefs, cuisine, architecture, music and dance. Nepal is made up of no less than 40 tribes with over 90 spoken dialects. The most widely spoken language in Nepal is Nepali.
