NEPAL

Best known for the king of mountains, Mt. Everest and the elusive Yeti, Nepal is one of those places you simply have to visit once in your life. The country’s cultural landscape is every bit as diverse as its topography. Sandwiched between India and China in a small area of 800km by 300km, Nepal has over two dozen distinct ethnic groups and tribes with over forty languages and dialects.

The numerous festivals celebrated in Nepal throughout the year flavored with Hindu, Buddhist, and other tribal traditions are a testament to this remarkable diversity.

Ethnic groups aside, the famous Chitwan National park is home to scores of incredible species of birds and animals including the tiger. If wildlife isn’t your thing, then the Himalayas will be and there’s no better country in the world to experience this humbling mountain range. Apart from Everest, several legendary peaks kiss the Nepal sky; Annapurna, Dhaulaghiri, Lhotse and Kanchanchga all find their home right here.

No visit to Nepal is complete though without a couple of days (or longer) in the equally legendary capital of Kathmandu. Get lost in the tiny bylanes of Thamel, shop till you drop, visit the famous temples and stupas that form an important part of local life and share some beers with one of the Everest expeditions who’ve just returned from the summit in one of the hundreds of great restaurants and bars that.

With tourism an integral part of their economy, the Nepalese and a host of westerners who have made Nepal their home have mastered the art of hospitality. Don’t take our word for it though, come and see for yourself.