Introduction of Nepal
Landlocked between India and Tibet, Nepal spans terrain from subtropical jungle to the icy Himalaya. The cultural landscape is every bit as diverse as a dozen major ethnic groups, speaking as many as fifty dialects, coexist in this narrow, jumbled buffer state. Two of the world’s great religions, Hinduism and Buddhism, overlap and mingle with older tribal traditions – yet it’s a testimony to the Nepalese tolerance and good humour that there is no tradition of ethnic or religious strife. Unlike India, Nepal was never colonised, a fact which comes through in fierce national pride and other, more idiosyncratic ways. Founded on Trans-Himalayan trade, its dense, medieval cities display unique pagoda-style architecture, not to mention an astounding flair for festivals and pageantry. But above all, Nepal is a nation of villages and terraced hillsides – more than eighty percent of the population lives off the land, sampling this simple lifestyle is perhaps the greatest pleasure of all.

The lowlands of the Terai, home of the Chitwan National Park lies only 150m above sea level, but just over 100 km to the north, runs the highest mountain range on Earth containing eight of the world’s ten highest mountains. Between the white giants in the distance and the steaming jungles of the lowlands lies a land of outstanding beauty. The Himalayas are unique among the great mountain ranges in that they themselves do not form the watershed. This lies 100 km to the north on the edge of the Tibetan plateau, resulting in the world’s greatest gorges, through which the Trans-Himalayan rivers penetrate the mountain barriers, on their way to the Indian Ocean.

Topography is obviously a key consideration when travelling in Nepal. Generally speaking, the country divides into three altitude zones running from west to east. The northernmost of these is, of course, the Himalayan chain, broken into a series of himal (massifs) and inhabited, at least part of the year, as high as 5000m. The largest part of the country consists of a wide belt of middle-elevation foothills and valleys, Nepal’s traditional heartland. Two ranges, the Mahabharat Lekh and the lower, southernmost Chure (or Siwalik) Hills, stand out. Finally, the Terai, a thin strip of flat, lowland jungle and farmland along the southern border, has more in common with India than with the rest of Nepal.

Everyone touches down in Kathmandu at some point. Hindu temples, Buddhist stupas, rolling countryside and huddled brick villages provide incentives for day trips in the prosperous Kathmandu Valley, as do the historically independent city-states of Patan and Bhaktapur. The surrounding central hills are surprisingly undeveloped. The views get more dramatic in Pokhara, set beside a lake under a looming wall of peaks. It’s in the teeming jungle and ethnic villages of the Terai that Nepal’s diversity really becomes apparent. Most travellers venture no further than Chitwan National Park, where endangered Asian one-horned rhinos are easily viewable, but three other parks and wildlife reserves are out there for the more adventurous.

The Himalaya along with all hill areas fall within the government’s prescribed trekking regions. Special rules apply in this roadless half of Nepal, distances are reckoned in days of walking, and trailside inns provide only basic shelter. The terrain can vary from infernal valley bottoms and cultivated foothills to lush rhododendron forests and glacial deserts.

Home to eight of the world’s ten highest mountains, Nepal's mountainous and hilly regions offer some of the most spectacular trekking sites in the world. The immense contrasts in altitude and climate found in the different parts of the country support an equally spectacular mix of life styles, vegetation types and wildlife. Landlocked between India and Tibet, Nepal contains some of the world’s most diverse and breathtakingly beautiful landscapes ranging from the impressive peaks of the Himalayan chain in the north, high-altitude plains and remote mountain passes, subtropical forests and national parks, terraced farmland hills and rice paddies, to the fertile plains of the Terai in the country’s south.

History of Nepal
With the passing of every new century, Nepal witnessed many rulers and dynasties play contributing roles in molding Nepal to present day’s Modern Nepal. Kirantis ruled Nepal from 9th century B.C. to 1st century A.D. Later Licchavis took over Kirantis from 3rd to 13th century and then were followed by Thakuris belonging to Malla dynasty. Then Shah Dynasty held the reign. King Prithvi Narayan Shah is solely responsible for today’s modern day Nepal for he is the one who united different kingdoms into one single nation in 1769. In 1846, the Kot massacre led by Jung Bahadur Rana back seated the power of monarchy and made Rana regime more powerful. In 1950 King Tribhuvan with the support from India restored monarchy. A coalition government comprising the Nepali congress party and the Ranas was thereafter installed with the promise of free elections in 1952. In1960, King Mahendra, son of King Tribhuvan tactically established Panchayat system, meaning ‘five councils system’, by engineering a coup, declaring a new constitution, imprisoning all the leaders of the then government and enforcing a ban on all political activities. People’s movement of 1990 opened up a new chapter for a decade of democracy in Nepal which led to multiparty democracy with constitutional monarchy. Democracy came with heavy price leading to incompetent political leaders, political conflicts, Maoist insurgency, corruptions and downfall in national economy. Royal family massacre in 2001 left whole world in complete shock. King Gynendra was crowned Nepal’s king after his brother, King Birendra’s assassination. With the advent of 2006 all major political parties committed to reform their past mistakes and Maoist rebels came together with the support from Nepali people and jointly went on several days strikes to restore democracy. Finally, King Gynendra handed over the political power to Nepali people and democracy was once again restored in Nepal.

Geography, flora & fauna of Nepal
Stretched across diverse picturesque landscape, Nepal lies geographically sandwiched between China and India. Nepal encompasses total surface area of 147,181 sq. km from the Himalayan range in the North to the Indo-Gangetic lowlands in the South at the latitude 26°12' to 30°27' North and the longitude 80°4' to 88°12'. Topographically, Nepal has lowland Terai Region in the south, central lower mountains and hills in the middle and Mountain Region in the north. On the basis of diverse ecological settings, regions have been divided into Terai, Siwalik, Middle Mountain, High Mountain and High Himalaya. Terai lies in the northern part of Indo-Gangetic plain extending nearly 800 km from east to west and about 30-40 km from north to south occupying 17% of the total land area with average elevation below 750 m including Terai region, Bhavar Terai and Inner Terai. Siwalik is also called Churia Hills and has elevation ranging from 700 to 1,500 m. Middle Mountain is also referred as Mahabharat range which stretched on 65% of the total land area with elevation ranging from 1,500 to 2,700 m. Kosi, Gandaki, Karnali and Mahakali river meet the middle mountain at many junctions. High Mountains range from 2,200 to 4,000 m and are naturally resourced with phyllite, schists and quartzite. The soil found here being shallow resist weathering. Where as High Himalayas occupy 16% of the total land area of Nepal with elevation ranging from 4,000 to above 8,000 m. This region accommodates the eight of the highest peaks in the world; Mt. Everest [(8848m], Kanchanjunga [8586m], Lhotse [8516m], Cho Oyu [8201m], Dhaulagiri [8167m], Mt. Makalu [8463m], Manaslu [8163m] and Annapurna I [8091m]

People and custom of Nepal
Ethnic diversity and custom of Nepal make Nepal the most fascinating tourist destination in the world. Official statistics indicates that Nepali population of around 23 millions includes more than 60 ethnic groups speaking 70 different languages and dialects. Northern Himalayan People, Middle Hills and Valley People and Terai People make up the total populations of the nation. Sherpas, Dolpas, Lopas, Baragaonlis and Manangis come under Northern Himalayan People. Magars, Gurungs, Tamangs, Sunuwars, Newars, Thakalis, Chepangs and majority of Brahmans and Chhetris are regarded as Middle Hills and Valley People. The Terai People are Tharus, Darai, Kumhal, Majhi and migrants from India. Nepali society is culturally influenced by caste hierarchy. Caste system comprises of Brahmin, Chettri, Vaisya and Shudra. Nepali is the official language. Nepal is a secular country. Hinduism and Buddhism are the two main religions. Official statistics shows that 89.5% of the population is Hindu, 5.3% Buddhist, 2.7% Muslim, 2.4% Shamanist and Animist, 0.1%Jain and 0.04% Christian. Regardless of ethnic background or religion, Nepali people are the most hospitable and friendly people you could ever wish to meet. Nepalese revere their guests as gods. Visit to Nepal can surely be an experience of a lifetime.
Adventure Tansen Trek will take you further into the journey of Nepal.

KATHMANDU
DURBAR SQUARE Kathmandu 's most impressive sight, Durbar Square is a colourful hotch-potch of temples and palaces. It is also home to Kathmandu 's Kumari, or ‘living goddess', a young girl believed to be a reincarnation of the goddess Durga.

SWAYAMBHUNATH Known as the ‘monkey temple' because of its resident swarm of apes, this spectacular Buddhist Stupa, from which the Buddha's eyes gaze serenely down, lies on a hilltop only 2km from Kathmandu. The views down over Kathmandu and the surrounding valley are superb.

BOUDHANATH 8km from the city center, this is Kathmandu 's largest Stupa. It's especially colorful on Saturdays, when Tibetan refugees flock here to pray.

PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE On the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, this Shiva Temple is famous for its two-tiered golden roof and silver doors.

PATAN
The ancient city of Patan faces Kathmandu on the southern bank of the River Bagmati. It's a colorful place, with Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments jostling side by side in its narrow, winding streets and unexpected squares.

PATAN DURBAR SQUARE Exquisitely carved palaces, temples and shrines litter the square, which is dominated by the ancient Royal Palace. Nestling in one corner is the triple-roofed octagonal tower of the 17th Century Teleju Bhawani Temple.

PARAN KRISHANA MANDIR The first of its kind to be built, this 17th Century temple is the only one in Nepal with entirely stone-carved shrines.

HIRANYA VARAN MAHAVIHAR Patan A 12th Century, three-tiered Golden Pagoda of Lord Buddha.

KUMBHESHWOR Patan A Shiva Temple with an unusual five-tiered roof.

BHAKTAPUR
One of the three ancient cities of Nepal, Bhaktapur is the home of medieval art and architecture, as well as thriving local pottery and weaving industries.

BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQUARE This spacious, beautiful square is packed from end to end with ancient temples and monuments. These include the colourfully named ‘Lion Gate' and ‘The Bell of the Barking Dogs.' It's a great place to explore for an hour or two and absorb the local life.

NYATAPOLA TEMPLE BHAKTAPUR Dating back to 1702, this five-storey pagoda is impressive sights staring down at you from the terraces are intricately carved figures of wrestlers, elephants, lions and griffins.

POKHARA
Pokhara is a rare combination of the long arrays of snowclad peaks, crystal clear lakes, turbulent rivers with deep gorges and picturesque villages inhabited by simple and friendly ethnic people. Situated in the lap of the panoramic Annapurna Himal, the climate of Pokhara remains favourable all the year round, neither too warm nor too cold. The monsoon rains are strongest during June to August. Other months are relatively dry.
The moment you step into any part of Pokhara, the first thing that strites is the gorgeous view of the gigantic mountains. Pokhara is infact, the first and foremost convenient point for mountain-oriented sightseeing. Mt. Annapurna, literally meaning the Goddess of Abundant Harvest, lies at a horizontal distance of 40 km. from the valley of Pokhara which is at an elevationof just 900 metre above the sea level.

LAKES
Pokhara is a city of fine lakes with crystalline water. Phewa Tal is in the immediate vicinity of the city has an island temple dedicated to Goddess Barahi in the middle. With its serene water reflecting the Annapurna range and a nicely preserved forest on the adjoining southern slope, this legendary second largest lake of the Kingdom remains a major source of attraction for the visiting tourists. Swimming can also be enjoyed in begnas & Rupa Lakes.

These twin lakes lie in the north-east of Pokhara valley about 15 km away from the airport. The road to Begnas follows the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway as far as Sisuwa near the police check post and branches off the road towards north. It is possible to take a bus ride to the damside of Begnas from the city.

TEMPLES
Two temples are really worth visiting in the Pokhara area. Bindabasini Temple some way between downtown Mahendrapul and Bagar is one of them. The temple is located on top of a beautiful mound overlooking the most popular area of the Pokhara city. The road to Sarangkot starts from the foot of this mound.

The next one is Barahi Temple situated on a small island in the above middle of Phewa Tal. A stop at this serene temple after a canoe ride is really worthwhile. There is a nice Buddhist monastery on the top of a small forested hill above Matepani east of Mahendrapul. It overlooks the majority of the Pokhara area. A little south of this monastery on another small but beautiful hill in a pleasant setting lies Bhadrakali Temple which is also worth visiting.

TIBETAN VILLAGE
There are two Tibetan villages in the vicinity of Pokhara. One of them called Tashiling is in the south past Patale Chhango. The other village called Tashi Palkhel is in North of Pokhara at Hyangja on the Pokhara Baglung Highway. The Tibetan people living in these villages keep themselves busy by producing and trading in woollen carpets and other handicraft items.

DAY HIKES
All nearby hills of Pokhara are equally good for day hikes. Some of the important ones are given below: One can drive uphill for one hour from the foot of Bindabasini temple along a ridge road to Sarangkot.

From Sarangkot: Look towards the Annapurna range and the valley of Pokhara to enjoy a visual. A view tower has been built on the top of Sarangkot hill at an elevation of 1600m.

From Kahun Danda: A enchanting hill north of Pokhara and that about two and a half hours to reach from Mahendrapul. The trail starts from near the army barrack at Phulbari across Mahendrapul and climbs slowly up a slope. The view from top of this hill is the panorama view of the Annapurna range and the flat span of Pokhara valley.

From Phoksing Danda: This ridge south of Pokhara provides an excellent view of the whole Pokhara valley and the long array of snow peaks beyond. The panorama of the mountains visible at a stretch from here includes the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges, Manaslu, Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal in the distant east. The trail to this ridge starts south of Pokhara airfield, crosses the Seti river near the power station fed by the Phewa canal and climbs up the slope overlooking the valley. It takes about two and a half hours to get to Phoksing Danda from the power station. Morning time is excellent to visit this ridge.
The ridge trail heading west from Sarangkot used to be the starting point for the Jomosom trek, but the new Baglung Road now funnels trekkers in further west, and the small touristy villages along the old trail are languishing for lack of attention. Day hikers will find it remarkably peaceful.
A half-hour from Sarangkot is Kaski, once the capital of the surrounding countryside, now a minor village. A stone staircase leads about 300 meters above the village to the ruins of the old Kaski Kot or fortress. The small Durga shrine here, little more than a rock pen, is a favorite site for Dasain animal sacrifices. Many of the summits along this ridge have old temples to the goddess Durga, who serves as bloodthirsty protectress of the villages below.
Ninety minutes further along the ridge is the village of Naudanda (1458 meters), where good mountain views include the first glimpse of Machhapuchhare's twin-peaked "fishtail." The village is not particularly pleasant but has lots of lodges and restaurants. A police checkpost will prevent you from continuing further without a trekking permit, and the Baglung Road cutting across the ridge has pretty much ruined the immediate vicinity for trekking–there's little joy to be had in plodding down a dusty road. (Things do improve after the road veers west down to Kusma, and the trail continues on to Chandrakot.) If you can't find a ride back to Pokhara from Naudanda, take the steep trail dropping down north, which reaches Phedi in about 90 minutes. From here, jeeps run back to town on a regular basis.

NAGARKOT
Nagarkot is located on the rim of Kathmandu Valley at an elevation of 7,200 feet and offers a 200-mile panorama of the Himalayas from Mt Everest in the east to Dhaulagiri in the west. It is 75 minutes drive from Kathmandu and is best for sunrise and sunset.
At dawn and dusk the snow-covered peaks are painted in shades of rose, pink orange and gold. It is a sight not to miss, though one can never be sure of the visibility of the mountain ranges even during the winter months. Seeing a single pink peak appearing in the midst of clouds can be as thrilling as seeing the whole 200-mile panorama of peaks. Since mornings are clearer than afternoons, it is recommended spending a night up here.
Nagarkot is also a place for day hikes, especially when you do not have enough time for long treks. The Best part of these hikes is that everything goes down the hill from the time you start. The three possible destinations for day hikes from Nagarkot are Banepa, Sankhu and Changu Narayan.