Nepal - A.K. Taylor International

Nepal

is typically thought of as a mountaineer's dream destination. The country boasts eight of the ten highest peaks in the world, and of course Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world. Surprisingly, the country has a variety of habitats from sub-tropical jungles to high altitude deserts and a flat fertile strip of land, known as the Terai, along the country's southern border.

Although these various terrains are stunning environments in which to explore, the country also has a fascinating culture created by a diverse mix of 22 million people of various ethnic groups, castes, and tribes. Hinduism and Buddhism are the most dominant religions, but these are intertwined with Tantrism, animist rites and shamanistic practices. This blended tapestry of cultures, religions, and ethnic groups produce a population of some of the most beautiful people in all of Asia. Their coffee-colored skin and high Mongol cheekbones are accentuated by the varied and vibrant colors that adorn their clothing. The physical strength and toughness of the Nepalese is unrivalled, as anyone who has climbed with a sherpa guide can attest!

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is a vibrant mix of old and new. This eclectic city is where Hinduism and Buddhism blend together and create a fascinating and mysterious place. Narrow cobbled streets are peppered with glazed-over ganesh shrines and pagodas, while old women in saris walk along with young women in Levis and Tevas. One never knows what is around the corner, a soccer game in the street, an impromptu parade, a colorful market, or a praying monk. The chaos and unknown are what make this city so appealing.

FROM THE FOOTHILLS OF THE HIMALAYAS TO EVEREST

One of the wonderful things about Nepal is that the mountain treks are of varying degrees of difficulty. One does not have to be an extreme mountaineer with five summits to their credit to enjoy the splendor of these breathtaking mountain ranges on foot! One's efforts are rewarded with sweeping views of the Pokhara Valley while walking along a ridgeline in the foothills of the Annapurna Range.

Along the route, one is able to see the rural life of many villagers whose daily activity is dictated by their agricultural backgrounds. It is quite a sight to see farmers expertly maneuvering their primitive hand tools along terraced farm land in the shadow of snow-capped mountain peaks. Their nimbleness up and down these steep hills gives great insight as to why the British were so excited to train the Gurka soldiers from this area.

A trek through the Everest Foothills provides one with a large array of sights. One can stroll through a village and learn about its history at the local museum, visit the principal monastery of the region, see the vegetation change at different elevations, and finally glimpse the most famous mountain in the world, Mt. Everest. This mountain is the source of many stories from ancient sherpa tales to modern day accounts, but to see this majestic mountain in person is more impressive than one could ever imagine.

TIGER TRACKING

Royal Chitwan National Park is one of the few places left on earth to see the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. This primeval forest is home to not only the tiger and a prehistoric looking rhino with an "armor-covered" body, but it also hosts an abundance of other animal and bird species.

The 360 square mile reserve of rolling grassland and tall grass jungle was originally a hunting ground for the royal family and their guests until 1973 when it was declared a national park. In 1984, this area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for exciting explorations on foot, boat, and even elephant-back.

POSSIBLE COMBINATIONS AND EXTENSIONS

We recommend a combination trip to India. One feels like a maharani, or princess, roaming the corridors while staying in renovated royal palaces such as the Lake Palace Hotel in Udaipur. Visit Varanasi, the holiest and oldest living city in India, and see the Hindus wash away their sins in the holy water of the Ganges River. Like Mt. Everest, the sight of the ethereal Taj Mahal in Agra will instantly stun one with its beauty.

For more information or questions, please contact us.

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