The remarkable geography of Nepal has attracted travellers for decades. A tiny kingdom nestled in the Himalayas between India and China, it is one of the most diverse and fascinating countries of the world.

Geography: Covering an area of only 14,7181 sq. kms, Nepal encompasses the world's highest mountains and deepest valleys as well as low-elevation forests filled with rare animals. The terrain is divided into three elevation zones: the cold Himalayas, the moderate hills and the warm low-lying Terai. Precipitation ranges from dry in the west to pleasantly moist in the east. Thus, Nepal has every kind of climate and can be enjoyed during any month of the year.

History: In the middle of the 18th century, King Prithvi Narayan Shah unified the country from numerous small principalities. In 1846, the Rana prime ministers usurped power and ruled for more than 100 years. In 1951, the Shah Dynasty was reinstated and Nepal opened its doors to the outside world.

In recent times, Nepal has seen lot of political turmoil and now the country is coming back to normalcy after the present Monarch was stripped of all his titles and the Government chose to be a secular state.

Religion: Hinduism is the official religion of the Kingdom of Nepal and is practiced by the majority. Many people throughout the country are Buddhists and the two religions have co-existed in harmony throughout Nepal's history. In fact, Hinduism and Buddhism are so intertwined that their temples often share the same location and a single family may practice rites of both faiths. Christianity and Islam have a small number of followers. Whatever their major religion, almost all the people of Nepal have animistic beliefs. Shamans are widely used for curing, and mountains, trees and stones are revered in every corner of the country.

People: The people of Nepal are as variable and intriguing as the country's geography. Throughout the kingdom one finds an unfolding tapestry of ethnic groups, such as Newars, Tharus and Sherpas, each with their own distinct language, customs, houses and dress.

All in all, whatever you are looking for the buzz of all-night casinos or to get away from it all and be one with nature, Nepal will not fail you.