Highlights - Essential Info - Itineraries - History
Dominated by the soaring snow-clad peaks of the Himalayas and blessed with fertile mountain valleys and sub-tropical lowlands, the Kingdom of Nepal boasts a rich diversity of topography and climate that has nurtured an intriguing variety of peoples, languages and traditions.
On Nepal's southern borders lie the jungles of the terai at just a few hundred metres above sea level. Here the sal forests and palm-lined swamps play host to endangered mammals such as the one-horned rhino and the mighty Royal Bengal tiger. To explore this enchanting world on elephant back is a unique and compelling experience. To the north, in bygone centuries, the Kathmandu Valley would ring to the sound of clashing arms as the leaders of the Shah and Rana dynasties vied for ultimate power and control.
Their fast expanding cultures and customs were reflected in the construction of exotic temples and palaces that can still be seen throughout the maze of narrow bustling streets of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. It is, however, the towering Himalayan peaks hugging the northern borders that have made this ancient kingdom such an attraction.
The Annapurna Massif and Kanchenjunga are evocative names, but it is Mount Everest soaring to 8848 metres that truly captures the imagination and is synonymous with so many remarkable feats of courage and daring in past years. Throughout the length and breadth of this mountain range lie ancient paths linking small villages where the traditional way of life has remained virtually unchanged for centuries. Passing through rhododendron and bamboo forests, high altitude pastures and steep river valleys, these trails offer breathtaking views and provide a fascinating insight into a remote and peaceful world.
