Culture & festivals

Nepal's culture is greatly influenced by its music, architecture, religion and literature.Nepal has about thirty-six different ethnic groups and multiple religions and languages. Its music is similarly varied, with pop, religious, classical and folk music.

The architecture of Nepal is another art that has become an important part of the country's culture. Nepal's architecture can be divided into three broad groups, the stupa style, the pagoda style and the shikhara style. Nepalese celebrate various festivals. The living goddess 'Kumari' is unique in the world. The main festival of nepal is Dashain and Tihar. Some other festivals are holi, janai purnima, gai jatra, indra jatra, lhosar, chhat, etc.

World Heritage Sites

There are four UNESCO World HEritage Sites in Nepal. Two are in cultural categoyr and two in natural category. World Cultural Heritage Sites of Nepal are:

1. Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha
2. Kathmandu Durbar Square
3. Patan Durbar Square
4. Bhaktapur Durbar Square
5. Swayambunath
6. Bauddhanath
7. Pashupatinath
8. Changunarayan
9. Chitwan National Park
10. Sagarmatha National Park

Paragliding

Paragliding in Nepal can be a truly wonderful and fulfilling experience for the adventure seeker. A trip will take you over some of the best scenery on earth, as you share airspace with Himalayan griffin vultures, eagles, kites and float over villages, monasteries, temples, lakes and jungle, with a fantastic view of the majestic Himalaya.

Rafting/Conyoning/Kayaking

The Himalayan country of Nepal has varieties of white water choices, besides the Himalayan beautiful mountain ranges. The snow fed crystal clear mighty Himalayan rivers flowing towards the Bay of Bengal are the most attractive and exciting destinations for river rafting.

One can enjoy the trips with self bailing rafts, light weight paddles, white water helmets, proper life jackets, roll top day bags for the personal gear, water proof camera barrel with 14 years of experience in operating rafting and kayaking expeditions on all Nepal's wild rivers.

Jungle safari

Nepal offers the chance to enter the jungle and view some of the rarest and most endangered wildlife on earth. A Jungle Safari in Nepal can be a very exciting experience. It is possible for any visitor to stay in these parks and take part in an organized jungle safari

and activity program. It’s a great way to relax after a trek and soak up the jungle environment. One can trek into the jungle by foot with an experienced tracker, by elephant back, by dugout canoe or by jeep.

Bungy jumping

Nepal's first bungy jumping site is situated 160m over the wild Bhote Kosi river, and located close to the Nepal-Tibet border, a three-hour bus ride from Kathmandu.

The rate is $75 per jump. Nepalese are entitled to 30% discount. As of now, there is only one agency offering this sport. The jump, at 160m, was designed by one of New Zealand's leading bungy consultants, and is operated by some of the most experienced jump masters in the business.

Rock climbing

Rock climbing in Nepal is a challenging sport for outdoor lovers. Most of the areas for Rock climbing are situated towards the north of Kathmandu several place and near by Pokhara & in Everest region, Nagarjun Balaju, Hatti ban, Nagarjun and Khumbu Rock climbing.
Trip to these places can be combined with hiking, bird watching, nature tours and other activities.

Nepal as home to:

1. 2% of all the flowering plants in the world are found in nepal
2. 8% of the world's population of birds (more than 848 species) are found in nepal
3. 4% of mammal on earth are found in nepal
4. 11 of the world's 15 families of butterflies(more than 500 species) are found in nepal
5. 600 indigenous plant families are found in nepal
6. 319 species of exotic orchids are found in nepal

People & Customs

The population of Nepal was recorded to be about 25 million as of July 2002. 86% of Nepalis follow Hinduism, while 8% follow Buddhism and 3% follow Islam. The population comprises
various groups of different races which are further divided into different castes. Gurungs and Magars live mainly in the western region; Rais, Limbus and Sunwars live in the eastern mid hills; Sherpas, Manangpas and Lopas live near the mountains of Everest, Annapurna and Mustang respectively; Newars live in and around the capital valley of Kathmandu; Tharus, Yadavas, Satar, Rajvanshis and Dhimals live in the Terai region; and Brahmins, Chhetris and Thakuris are spread over all parts of the country.
Nepali is the official language of the state, spoken and understood by 100 percent of the population. English is spoken by many in government and business offices and is the mode of education in most private schools of Kathmandu and some other cities.

Nepal at a glance

Area: 147,181 sq. kilometers

Geography: Situated between China in the north and India in the south
Capital: Kathmandu
Population: 2,642,799
Language: Nepali is the national language. However, travel-trade people understand and speak English as well.
Currency: Nepali Rupee
Political System: Multi-party democracy
Religion: Nepal enjoys the distinction of being the only Hindu Kingdom in the world. However, there is a harmonious blending of Hinduism and Buddhism.
Climate: Nepal has four major seasons, namely,
(1) Winter: December-February
(2) Spring: March-May
(3) Summer: June-August
(4) Autumn: September-November
Nepal can be visited the whole year round.
People: Nepal has more than 61 ethnic groups and 70 spoken languages.
What to Wear: Lightweight clothing is recommended for May through October. Warm garments are required in October through March. An umbrella or raincoat is a must for the rainy season.

Welcome to the Nepal

Nepal is one of the richest country ni the world in terms of biodiversity due to its unique geographical position and altitude. The altitude of the country ranges from 60m above sea level to highest point on earth 8848m.
Due to variation on altitude the climatic condition also vries widely. There are thick tropical jungles, forested hills and frozen valleys. The country is home of ethnic groups and sub-ethnic groups whoi speak over 70 languages.