Nepal

Nepal is a diverse and mountainous wilderness which offers remarkable diversity for a relatively small country. There really is something for everyone in Nepal and one visit to this mystical land is rarely enough. A country of contrasts; from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu to the natural splendour of the Chitwan National Park and Himalayan Mountains, you could spend months exploring every inch of it.

Its vast forests, low lying valleys and striking snow capped peaks are the perfect terrain for adventure enthusiasts. Outdoor activities such as trekking, jungle safari’s, paragliding and white water rafting are the activities of choice. As well as its inexplicable beauty, Nepal is also rich in wildlife and is home to many exotic and beautiful animals such as the Bengal tiger, snow leopard and elephants. If you take a trek high up into the mountains, you may even spy the elusive Himalayan Tahr – the native Nepalese goat!

Chitwan National Park

Once you’re worn out from sightseeing, trekking in the Himalayan’s or exploring the historic Kathmandu Valley, it’s time to turn your attention to the third biggest attraction in Nepal – The Chitwan National Park. This vast and beautiful nature reserve on the south-central border of Nepal protects over 900 sq km of marshes, grassland and sal forests.

The park is home to the endangered one-horned Indian Rhino as well as a number of tigers, leopards and the extremely rare Gangetic dolphins. Visitors to the park can take an Elephant Back Safari and go in search of the 45 or so species of animal that live amongst its foliage.

Kathmandu

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, has long been a haven for backpackers. A bit of a culture shock after the serenity of the country’s national parks and valleys, but certainly a feast for the eyes and ears! At first glance it may seem as though Kathmandu is just like any other city, with noisy streets and people hailing taxi’s, but take a walk in the backstreets and you will soon see that there is more to it than first meets the eye.

The capital’s amazing cultural and artistic past is evident in hidden courtyards and temples scattered around the city’s working centre.

Whilst in Nepal, it would be a sacrilege not to at least feast your eyes upon the mighty Mount Everest. If you’re not quite up to the trek across the surrounding mountains to its base you can opt instead for a flight in a light plane for a bird’s eye view of its splendour.

It’s impossible to imagine what wonders a land like Nepal can offer before you get there, but when you leave this sublime country it’s impossible to forget…

More great pictures from Nepal…

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It’s easy to get lost or dazzled by the vibrancy of a city like Kathmandu, which makes it the perfect place to take advantage of a guided day tour or two!