HIMALAYAN KINGDOM NEPAL

NEPAL AT A GLANCE

Geography :	Situated between China in the north and India in the south
Time Difference :	Nepal is 5:45 hours ahead of GMT
Area :	147,181Sq.km.
Population :	25 Miliom
Capital :	Kathmandu (city population 500,000) (Kathmandu Valley 1 million)
People :	More than 61 ethnic groups and 70 spoken languages
National Language :	Nepali
Currency :	Nepalese Rupees (approximately USS 1= RS. 72)
Religion :	Hinduism and Buddhism
Climate :	winter (Dec.---Feb.), summer (June --- Aug)
Political System :	Republic of Nepal

It is said "Nepal looks like a Silver Necklace from the Space". Obviously, Himalayan kingdom Nepal, sand-witched between China and India, is the land of eternal fascination. It is not only the land of Everest. It is not only the birthplace of Buddha and the abode of gods but also the land of brave Gurkha soldiers and the playground of mystical snowman 'Yeti'. Moreover, it is the land of culture, nature and adventure.

The elevation of the country ranges from 60m above the sea level to the highest point on earth. Because of its unique geographical position, climate varies from place to place. Consequently, different kind of vegetation, flora and fauna of every corner of the world can be found here. Although, Nepal occupies only 0.1% of the earth but it is the home to 2% of all the flowering plants in the world, 8% of the worlds population of birds, 319 species of exotic orchids, 635 species of butterfly, 4% of mammals on earth. The world's highest lake and the world's deepest gorge are in Nepal. The Nepalese Himalayas contains 8 of the 10 highest peaks on earth including Sagarmatha 'Everest' 8,848m the tallest of all. Hence, Nepal is often known as the biggest natural museum in the world.

Nepal enjoys possessing the eight world heritage sites (cultural) offered by UNESCO including the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The Nepalese art and architecture are stupendous! As Nepal has more than 61 ethnic groups and 70 spoken languages, all they have their own culture and tradition. It is said "Many temples as many houses and many god-goddess as many people in the Katmandu valley". Half of the year passes with colorful festivals depicting a rich cultural heritage with profound religious meaning. Although, Nepal is a Hindu kingdom- here is a harmonious blending of Hinduism and Buddhism. Religion is an integral and deep-rooted part of Nepalese life. It is the land where feet are respected. And, it is the land where myths and legends are still alive.

Therefore, why don't you make up your mind to befriend yourself among the people who know the 'Way of Living' - Relax among the people who know the peace of mind and discover the beautiful bliss, sacred culture and tradition hidden from the outside world. Who knows the world may end tonight?

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