“Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.”
- DALAI LAMA
This mystical Himalayan country is where the highest mountains in the world blend with Hindu and Buddhist spirituality and culture to create a very special experience.
Nepal is a small, land-locked country lying on the Southern slopes of the Himalayas between India and China. Its topography extends from low-lying fertile plains in the East gradually rising westward until the majestic Great Himalayan Range, which ranges in elevation from 14,000 to 29,000 ft. It contains many of the world’s highest peaks - Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Annapurna —all of them above 26,400 feet. This of course makes it a paradise for trekkers, adventurers and mountaineers with excellent trekking infrastructure, charming hill villages and the most breathtaking mountain scenery. About 75% of the country is made up of mountains.
A predominantly Hindu country, Nepal has some very important Hindu temples. Buddhism is also widespread and prominent Buddhist stupas and monasteries attract a lot of pilgrims. The Kathmandu valley is the capital and economic hub of Nepal. This valley hosts a UNESCO World Heritage Site with seven preserved locations: the centers of the three primary cities, Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, the two most important Buddhist stupas, Swayambhunath and Boudhanath and two famous Hindu shrines, Pashupatinath temple and Changu Narayan. With a rich heritage of arts and crafts – terracotta work, intricate wood carving and sculpture, metal work, painting, local jewelry, textile weaving and embroideries – Nepal is a delight for culture and art lovers. And to tick off your bucket list: A scenic 60 minute flight over Mount Everest with stunning views of the highest mountain in the world!
HIGHLIGHTS
KATHMANDU VALLEY
Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan combined are a treat for connoisseurs of fine arts. They are home to a plethora of exquisite monuments, sculptures, artistic temples, stupas, lavish wood and stone carvings and magnificent artworks. Marvel at the Pashupatinath Temple, one of the world’s most significant Hindu temples of Lord Shiva. The Boudhnath Stupa is a fascinating center of Buddhist culture. Explore the culture of Kathmandu’s “Living Goddess” and the Durbar Squares of the three towns with our knowledgeable local experts.
CHITWAN
Go on an exciting safari to track the one-horned rhino, the Royal Bengal tiger, deer, monkeys and more than 500 bird species, including the Giant Hornbill in the scenic World Heritage-listed Chitwan National Park. The spectacular landscape, covered with lush vegetation and the Himalayas as the backdrop makes the park an area of exceptional natural beauty. The forested hills and changing river landscapes serve to make Chitwan one of the most stunning and attractive parts of Nepal’s lowlands.
