Mantled with the high Himalaya to the north, Nepal is a land of scenic splendor, age-old temples, diverse cultures, exotic wildlife and some of the friendliest people in the world. All these combine to offer a medley of experience to the visitor in a country that stretches roughly 885 km east to west and 193 km north to south over an area of 147,181 sq. km. Little wonder, those visiting Nepal return home with a longing to come back again and again.

TOPOGRAPHY
Roughly rectangular in shape, the Kingdom of Nepal is sandwiched between China to the north and India to the south. Nepal contains the world’s tallest peaks, while the fertile plains to the south, known as the Terai, lie at almost sea level. In between the plains, which are interspersed with tropical jungles teeming with wildlife, and the high mountains, lie lush hills and valleys. More than 80% of the people live off the land, while tourism, carpets and garments are its main industries.

ETHNIC MILIEU
Nepal’s 23 million people belong to dozens of ethnic groups. If the Newars are indigenous to the Kathmandu Valley, the sturdy Sherpas, known for their climbing skills, inhabit the Everest region. Brahmins and Chhetris are scattered across the hills and valleys while the Tamangs live in the hills surrounding the Kathmandu Valley. Also inhabiting the hills are the Gurungs, Limbus, Magars and Rais of the Gurkha fame. The Terai is home to the Maithili, Bhojpuri and Tharu people.

LANGUAGE
Nepal’s different communities speak different languages and dialects, but Nepali is the national language, and it serves as the lingua franca of its people. In this linguistic diversity, there are six languages - Nepali, Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tharu, Tamang and Nepal Bhasa - which are spoken by more than half a million people as a mother tongue. In the urban areas and places frequented by tourists, people understand Hindi and English.

RELIGION
The majority of the people follow either Hinduism or Buddhism, which since ages past have co-existed in harmony in Nepal. Some of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus are located here, while the Buddha was born in Lumbini, which lies to the southwest of Kathmandu.

ART AND CULTURE
Straddling the trans-Himalayan trade routes, Nepal has been exposed to varied cultural influences throughout history. The kingdom’s diverse heritage is mainly religious in character. In the Kathmandu Valley, which is a center of cultural excellence, the traditional art, architecture, music, dance and festivals are all expressions of religious devotion. Art consists of scroll paintings, murals, carvings and statues depicting sacred themes. Folk music and dances are linked to the agricultural cycle.

CLIMATE
Because of its differing elevation, Nepal offers varied climatic conditions - from the tropical heat in the Terai to the freezing cold in the mountains. In the mid-hills, particularly Kathmandu, the climate is temperate with warm summers and cool winters. Temperatures range from a maximum of 37 to a minimum of 8 degrees Celsius in the plains, 28 to 2 degrees in the Kathmandu Valley, and between 16 and -6 degrees in the mountains. From June to August is the rainy season.

WHAT TO WEAR
Light, loose garments are recommended in spring and summer, while woolens and jackets or similar warm clothing are needed from November to February.

MONEY
Banks here accept major international currencies as well as the Indian rupee. The Nepalese currency is the rupee (Rs.), which is made up of 100 paisa. The Nepalese rupee comes in denominations of Rs. 1,000, 500, 250, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1. When traveling outside the major city areas, carry smaller notes. At the time of going to press, the exchange rate was US$ 1 = Rs. 70.

CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
When visiting a temple, always circumambulate it in a clockwise direction. Entrance to some temples is restricted, so look out for such signs. Refrain from touching the images or the offerings, and don’t climb on the statues to pose for photographs. Always ask for permission to photograph or film personal ceremonies. If you have been invited to a Nepalese home, it is customary to take your shoes off before entering the room. Showing affection in public is frowned upon in Nepal.