Mention Nepal, and most people will conjure up images of the HIMALAYAS. Indeed eight of the worlds 10 tallest peaks are here. This country however is distinguished not only for its mountains, but for its rich cultural heritage ,exotic monuments and protected wildlife, which are regularly reflected in the country's languages, architecture and the valued biodiversity. Nestled in between Tibet of the Peoples Republic of China in the North and India on the other three sides, Nepal is the confluence of two great world religions-Buddhism and Hinduism. It is in this sacred land where Lord Gautama Buddha was born more than 2,500 years ago and it's the birth place of Sita, consort of Lord Rama.

Nepal is a Kingdom of high Himalayan mountains, artistic monument, exotic wildlife, and diverse cultures. It is the land where lord Buddha was born over 2,500 years ago. Roughly rectangular in shape, the kingdom of Nepal is situated between china in the north and India in south. The land extends approximately 885 km east to west, and 193 km north to south. Nepal is primarily an agricultural country. Tourism, carpet and garments are the major industries.

The LAND: For its size, Nepal surprisingly contains the greatest altitudinal variation on this planet. The land rises from the terai, the southern plains covered with tropical jungles and fertile farmland at almost see level, to the high Himalaya mountains in the north – with valleys and lush hills in between – within a distance of less than 200 km. Eight of the 10 highest peaks in the world lie in Nepal.

CLIMATE: Nepal contains a variety of climate conditions ranging from the tropical heat of the Terai plains to the freezing cold of the high Himalayan. The mid-hills, particularly the Kathmandu valley, are pleasant with warm summers and cool winters. Temperatures range between a maximum of 37 and a minimum of 8degrees Celsius in the plains, 28 and 2degrees Celsius in the Katmandu valley, and between –6 and 16 degrees Celsius in the mountains. The rainy season lasts from June to August.

WHAT TO WEAR: Medium-weight and easy–to-wash cotton can be a good choice year-round in the Kathmandu valley. From October to February, woolen sweaters, jackets or similar other warm outfits are necessary. Short or long-sleeved shirts are good March through May. From June to September, light and loose garments are advisable.

WILDLIFE: Nepal provides shelter to over 30species of large wild animals and approximately 180 species of mammals. The rhinoceros, tiger, crocodile, snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan black bear, and many other beasts are found in Nepal’s jungles. Nepal is also a haven for birds and over 800 species, representing approximately 10% of the world’s population, are found here. Nepal has nearly as many bird spices as the whole of North America.

THE PEOPLE: Nepal’s many ethnic groups are as varied as land with their own languages and cultures. In the Kathmandu valley are the Newars, whose culture and artistry have earned them an international reputation. The sherpas of the Himalaya are known as though mountain climbers. Brahmins and Chhetris are scattered over the hill and valley, and Tamangs are found in the districts around the Katmandu valley. The rain, Limbus, Magars and Gurungs of the mid-hills have earned fame as Gurkha soldiers. Lowland ethnic groups such as the Maithili, bhojpuri and Tharu enhance the colorful mosaic. The population of Nepal is about 20 million.

LANGUAGE: Nepali, written in the Devanagari script, is the national language as well as the lingua franca for Nepal’s diverse communities. Numerous languages and dialect are spoken in the Kingdom; however, only six (Nepal, Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tharu, Tamang and Nepalbhasa) are spoken by more then half a million people. English and Hindi are widely understood in the urban centers and areas frequented by tourists.

CURRENCY: Nepalese currency is the rupee (abbrev Rs.), which is divided into 100 paisa. Bank notes come in denominations of 1000,500,100,50,25,20,10,5,2 and 1rupees. Approximate exchange rate at time of going to press US$ 1 = Rs.68.

GETTING THERE: Katmandu is connected by direct flights to Amsterdam, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Moscow, Vienna, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai, Karachi, Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Patna, Varanasi, Dhaka, Paro, Lhasa, Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Osaka.

TOURIST VISA: A visa required to enter Nepal except for Indian nationals. A single enter visa for 60 days can be obtained from any Royal Nepalese Embassy or Consulate upon payment of US$ 30.You can also get a visa at the point of entry upon arrival. Visitors who require single, double or multiple re-entry visas can get them by paying an additional US$ 25,40 and 60 respectively. For extension of visas once you are in Nepal, the Department of Immigration charges US$ 50 for each additional month. Children under 10years are not charged any visa fees.