Explore the wonders of Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital and largest city of Nepal. It is situated in a valley in the heart of Nepal. The entire terrain of Kathmandu is like a steep incline, descending from the Himalayan heights to the Terai flatland within a short distance.

Kathmandu is truly the heart of the Himalayas, it has a wonderful history that goes back to about two hundred years and a very refined culture, the richest of all in Asia. Kathmandu attracts many tourists all year round, and it is not only just a tourist destination it is also an important business hub and a sacred place for pilgrims.

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People of Nepal

.People of Nepal


Perched on the Southern slopes of the Himalayan Mountains, the Kingdom of Nepal is ethnically diverse. The Nepalese are descendants of three major migrations. These migrations have taken place from India, Tibet, and Central Asia. Among the earliest inhabitants were the Newar of the Kathmandu Valley and aboriginal Tharu in the southern Tarai region. The ancestors of the Brahman and Chetri caste groups came from India, while other ethnic groups trace their origins to Central Asia and Tibet, including the Gurung and Magar in the west, Rai and Limbu in the east, and Sherpa and Bhotia in the north.



In the Tarai, which is a part of the Ganges basin, much of the population is physically and culturally similar to the Indo-Aryan people of northern India. People of Indo-Aryan and Mongoloid stock live in the hill region. The mountainous highlands are sparsely populated. Kathmandu Valley, in the middle hill region, constitutes a small fraction of the nation's area but is the most densely populated, with almost 5% of the population.



Nepal's 2001 census enumerated 103 distinct caste/ethnic groups including an "unidentified group". The caste system of Nepal is rooted in the Hindu religion while the ethnic system is rooted in mutually exclusive origin myths, historical mutual seclusion and the occasional state intervention.



In FY 1985, more than US$40 million worth of foreign exchange was earned through tourism. By FY 1988, this amount had increased to more than US$64 million. In FY 1989, tourism accounted for more than 3.5 percent of GDP and about 25 percent of total foreign exchange earnings. The 1989 trade and transit impasse with India negatively affected tourism because the transport and service sectors of the economy lacked supplies. Beginning in FY 1990, however, Kathmandu initiated a policy to allocate fuel on a priority basis to tour operators and hotels.

Education in Nepal

Education in Nepal




Education in Nepal has only recently been developing and continues to improve. Several international organizations are involved in assisting Nepal with its education system and in educating children in rural areas of the country. Educational development in Nepal is vital to cut-down the poverty rate as well as promoting community development. With this in mind Nepal's government continues to undo the damage the previous governmental regime inflicted on Nepal's education system.

For many years, during the rule of Nepal by the Rana family, education was suppressed. The Rana regime feared a public that was educated. Prior to World War Two however English middle and high schools were established in several villages along with an all-girl's high school in Kathmandu. As Gurkha soldiers returned to the villages having learned to read and write, education became more important to local people. Soon high-caste families would send their children to university who in turn began the anti-Rana sentiment ending the oppressive regime in 1951. Despite the establishment of an education system in Nepal, poorer families could not afford to send their children to school and also wanted their children to work on the farms. Primary education was offered for free by the government as of 1975.



Nepal's education system has been largely based on that of the United States and has received much assistance in forming a curriculum from various NGO's. Primary education runs from grade 1 through 5. Secondary education consists of lower secondary (grade 6 to 8), upper secondary (grade 9 to 10) and higher secondary (grade 11 to 12). Students will receive a School Leaving Certificate after completing grade 10. The streams for higher secondary education are education, science, commerce and humanities after which they receive a Higher Secondary Certificate. Students have the option of attending Basic Technical Schools after grade 5 to be awarded a Training Level Certificate.



10.People of Nepal

Perched on the Southern slopes of the Himalayan Mountains, the Kingdom of Nepal is ethnically diverse. The Nepalese are descendants of three major migrations. These migrations have taken place from India, Tibet, and Central Asia. Among the earliest inhabitants were the Newar of the Kathmandu Valley and aboriginal Tharu in the southern Tarai region. The ancestors of the Brahman and Chetri caste groups came from India, while other ethnic groups trace their origins to Central Asia and Tibet, including the Gurung and Magar in the west, Rai and Limbu in the east, and Sherpa and Bhotia in the north.



In the Tarai, which is a part of the Ganges basin, much of the population is physically and culturally similar to the Indo-Aryan people of northern India. People of Indo-Aryan and Mongoloid stock live in the hill region. The mountainous highlands are sparsely populated. Kathmandu Valley, in the middle hill region, constitutes a small fraction of the nation's area but is the most densely populated, with almost 5% of the population.



Nepal's 2001 census enumerated 103 distinct caste/ethnic groups including an "unidentified group". The caste system of Nepal is rooted in the Hindu religion while the ethnic system is rooted in mutually exclusive origin myths, historical mutual seclusion and the occasional state intervention.

Adventure in Nepal

Adventure in Nepal


Excitement Beyond Limits...



Nepal is the most famous tourist destination for adventure sports and adventure tours in Asia. The topography of this Himalayan Kingdom makes it the first choice for adventure tours. Let us have a look at most thrilling, electrifying and mind blowing adventure places, sports and activities that Nepal offers.



Adventure Activities

Ultimate Adventure

• Mountaineering

• Trekking in Nepal

Flying Activities

• Paragliding

• Montain Flight

• Bungee Jumping

River Adventure

• River Rafting



• Kayaking

• Boating



Adventure Sources

Raging Rivers

River journeys in Nepal are electrifying and nerve thrilling. Your life flashes before you as you comfortably hurtle towards monster boulders and towering walls of water. Sunkoshi, Trisuli, Marshyangdi, Seti, Kali Gandaki and Karnali are the major rivers of Nepal, famous for Kayaking and White Water Rafting. The wild, steep, warm and bug free rivers of Nepal tickle the tourists' adventurous side and embrace them in their crystal clear blue-green waters.



Spectacular Mountains

Want to experience the intense pleasure of being alive, aware and adventurous....set yourself to a trekking and mountaineering expedition to the abode mountains, Nepal. God blessed Nepal with awe inspiring mountains and radiant snow peaks. Set against a brilliant blue sky, the view is jaw dropping. So what are you waiting for the world of adventure awaits you...



Himalayan Wildlife

Unleash yourself and play with elephants at Royal Chitwan national park or observe the endangered snow leopards at the Sagarmatha national Park. Neapl is blessed with unique wildlife raging from Palm Civet, Green Pit Viper, Pangolin to Red Panda, Marten, Himalayan Mousehare and Musk Deer.

Mountains in Nepal

Mountains in Nepal


Let Us Touch the Sky...



Nepal is the home of mountains. The awe-inspiring, majestic mountains of Nepal attract the tourists from far and wide. Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, juts out in north eastern region of the country, on the Sino-Nepalese border. It seems competing with other mighty mountains. Adventure activities like mountaineering, trekking and hiking can be enjoyed in this mountain range. Journey on these mountains transends one to an entirely different world. Mountain biking is also a popular game in this region.







Snow Line

Snow line generally occurs between 5,000 and 5,500 meters. The region is characterised by cold climatic and rugged topographic conditions. Human habitation and economic activities are extremely limited.



Population

The region is sparsely populated, and whatever farming activity does exist is also confined to the low-lying valleys and the river basins. Upper Kali Gandaki Valley is an example of such valleys.



Mountaineering Regulations

According to the Nepal Mountaineering Association:-

• Any person or mountaineering team wanting to climb Nepal Mountains and Peaks must receive permission from Nepal Mountaineering Association.

• The team shall not indulge in activities that may be contrary to the customs and religious, political, social or cultural traditions of the locals.

• The team shall set up camps in its route to the base camp in such a way that they are acceptable to the local people or as prescribed by Government.

• The team shall not have any arms, ammunition and explosives etc. They are required to take government permission for the same.

• The team shall not get involved in any activity, which is or may be likely to affect negatively to the security and reputation of Nepal.

Festivals in Nepal

Festivals in Nepal




Celebrating Life...



Festivity is synonym to the Nepalese Culture. For the Nepalese, festivals are not merely the annual spectacles, but also are a living part of their rich cultural heritage. Festivals effectively bind together the Nepalese people of diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs into one nation. Most Nepalese festivals are related to different Hindu and Buddhist deities. They are celebrated on days consecrated for them by religion and tradition.

Month Festival



Jan-Feb •Sweta Manchhendra Snan

• Swasthani Puja

• Maghe Sankranti

• Basanta Panchmi & Saraswati Puja



Feb-March • Maha Shivaratri

• Losar

• Fagu Purnima or Holi

March-April • Chaitra Dasain

• Ghode Jatra

April-May • Biska Jatra

• New Year's Day

• Red Machhendranath Jatra

• Buddha Jayanti July-August • Gunla

• Krishna Astami

• Janai Purnima

August-Sept • Gai Jatra

• Teej

Sept-Oct • Indra Jatra

• Dasain or Durga Puja

Oct-Nov • Mani Rimdu

• Tihar or Deepali Nov-Dec • Balachaturdarsi

• Bibah Panchani

• Yomari Punhi

Nepali Food

Nepali Food

The food of Nepal is as diverse as the country itself. The Nepalese recipes are quick to cook and good to eat. Nepalese food is famous for its nutrition level and tempting taste. Whilst Nepalese cuisine is somewhat basic, it certainly does not lack in flavor, making extensive use of spices and flavorings such as ginger, garlic, coriander, pepper, cumin, chilies, cilantro, mustard oil, ghee and occasionally yak butter. Come let us savour some of the famous dishes of Nepal.



Eating Habits

Main Meal

In most part of country, especially rice-growing areas, Dal Bhat (pulses and rice) is the staple food of Nepalese, that is eaten twice a day.



Snacking

Snacks such as bread, chura (beaten rice), roti (flat bread), curried vegetables, milked tea and other snacks are also generally eaten in between the two big meals.



Famous Nepalese Cuisine



Gundrook- Dheedo

Equally popular among Nepali people and foreign tourists, Gundrook-Dheedo is a sugar-free dish made of wheat, maize and dried green vegetable. The food is high on nutrition level and satisfies the taste buds as well.



Alu Tama

Aloo Tama (Alu Tama) simply means 'Potato Bamboo Shoots'. It is a unique and classic Nepali curry flavor dish.

Vegetable Pulao (Fried Nepali Rice)

Vegetable Pulao is one of the popular ways rice is served during the parties and events in the Nepalese household. It has flavor of turmeric and cumin to it.



Masu

Masu is spiced or curried meat (usually chicken, mutton, buffalo or pork) with gravy. Served with rice, it is a main course dish, very popular in Nepal.



Chatamari

Regarded as Newari pizza, Chatamari is a flat bread made from rice flour with or without toppings (meat, vegetables, eggs, sugar). It is highly savoured by the tourists who consider it as a good and healthy substitute to pizza.