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ABOUT NEPAL
Nepal, home to Mount Everest, is dominated by the world's most
imposing mountains. Although the country is relatively small (147,181
square kilometers), 80 percent of its territory is occupied by the
dramatic peaks of the Himalayas.
Nepal was closed to foreign visitors until 1951, a situation which
contributed greatly to its mystique in the west. This small, hospitable
country has since become an exceptionally popular destination for
travelers, whether they are in search of climbing challenges or spiritual
enlightenment.
Nepal can be divided into three geographical
regions, each stretching from east to west across the country. The
southernmost strip of land, the Terai, is bordered to the north by
Himalayan foothills and to the south by the Ganges River. The area was
originally covered with tropical vegetation, but has been almost
completely converted to agricultural production. The Teraiis now the breadbasket of Nepal and is covered with farms.
The central section of Nepal is formed by the
Mahabharat Chain, a range of mountains that reach modest altitudes of
2,000-3,000 meters. Farming has become an important activity in the area;
terraced farms produce rice, corn and wheat. The Kathmandu Valley, a
stretch of green in the middle of the Mahabbarat, is home to Nepal's
capital and other historic cities.
The Himalayas stretch across the northern
section of Nepal. Eight of the ten highest peaks in the world are located
here, and most are covered with permanent snowfields. The area is sparsely
populated, with little vegetation above the tree-line (4,200
meters).
The climate varies considerably with
elevation. May to October is monsoon season, when rain soaks the Terai and
snow falls on the Himalayan peaks. Mid-October to mid-December is prime
mountaineering weather: the skies are clear and sunny, temperatures range
from warm in the lowlands to crisp in the mountains. March and April are
also good months for mountain treks, although temperatures in Kathmandu
and the Terai tend to be steamy.
History and People
While there is evidence that Nepal was
inhabited in prehistoric times, there has been little archeological
research on early indigenous peoples. In the 8th century BC, migrants from
India settled in the region of Kathmandu. Indian influence in the region
was further consolidated by the Licchavi Dynasty (300-900 AM), who
introduced Hindu traditions and culture (including the caste system). By
the 13th century, three kingdoms, all under the control of the Malla
Dynasty, dominated the Kathmandu Valley. Over the next five hundred years,
the Malla rulers proved to be important patrons of the arts, building
elaborately-decorated temples and palaces that survive to this day.
Throughout the centuries, Nepal's topography protected the country from
outside invaders. The Himalayas provided an impenetrable boundary to the
north, while endemic malaria in the Terai kept out attacks from the south.
Nepal's kingdoms were unified in 1769 by
Prithvi Narayan Shah, an ancestor of Nepal's present-day king. Inspired by
India's independence, a nationalist movement grew in Nepal in the 1940's,
but the king remained in control of the country. It was not until 1991
that a new constitution was introduced and multiparty elections were held
for the first time.
Nepal's 18 million inhabitants belong to
dozens of different ethnic groups. They can be divided roughly into Hindu
peoples (who live mainly in the lowlands) and Buddhists, who live in
mountain villages close to Tibet. Hindus, who make up 90 percent of the
population, dominate political and religious life. But Buddhism has a
special connection to Nepal: Siddhartha Gautama, who was later revered as
the Buddha, was born in the Terai in 543 BC. Perhaps the most well-known
Buddhist ethnic group are the Sherpa, who have long been associated with
Himalayan mountaineering expeditions. The vast majority of Nepal's
population makes a living from subsistence agriculture.
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Nestled in the Himalayas lies Nepal, known as the Kingdom 'where mortals mingle with
deities'. Kathmandu, its timeless capital, is a melting pot of
Himalayan culture and Western idiosyncrasies.
Hotel Mountain, The most conveniently located place to stay in the heart of Kathmandu. Within walking distance of shopping complexes, banks, business establishments and centers of tourist interest. The Hotel offers 56 spacious and tastefully decorated rooms with TV and modern communication system, 15 deluxe rooms and 4 luxury suites. All attended by friendly and courteous staff.
