Nepal

According to Hindu mythology, Nepal derives its name from an ancient Hindu sage called Ne. The word pala in Pali language means ‘to protect’, and so when Ne vowed to protect the country in the heart of the Himalayas, Nepal was awarded its name. Landlocked between India and China, Nepal has an impressively diverse geography. From the flat, fertile lands of the Tarai region; to the lush forests of the Churia foothills; to the river basins that lead to the Mahabharat Range; and to the snow-covered Himalayan mountains that rise to more than 29,000ft, Nepal really has an extensive variety of landscapes. Roughly 75% of the land is covered by mountain range, with eight of the world’s tallest mountains, including Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth. Due to its location, Nepal is naturally a multi-ethinic, multi-religious and multi-cultural state. At the heart of Nepal, lies Kathmandu Valley, containing the country’s capital city, Kathmandu City, the cultural, historical and political hub of the country. Here you will find indigenous people whose ancestors are responsible for building ancient civilizations that date back to as early as 300 BCE. The valley is heavily characterised by world-famous architecture, as well as many monuments and temples, seven of which have been accorded the status of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1979. Such magnificent structures illustrate the rich cultural heritage and deep histories that have given Nepal its’ unique beauty, and subsequently attracts people from all over the world.