The remote mountain Kingdom of Nepal contains more of the world’s highest mountains than any other country and is dominated by the soaring snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas. It is also a community of stunning Hindu and Buddhist temples and pagodas, at their best in the capital Kathmandu. To the north is Pokhara, trekker gateway to the breathtaking Annapurna range where winding paths link rural villages and yak pastures.

Kathmandu Valley has served as the country's cultural metropolis since the unification of Nepal in the eighteenth century by late King Prithvi Narayan Shah from Gorkha. The Valley comprises cities of Lalitpur, Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. Some parts of the three cities provide a peek into the ancient world of the Valley.

A prominent factor in a Nepali's everyday life is religion. The natives of Nepal still follow age-old customs of Hindu and Buddhist religious practices.Adding colour to the lives of Nepalis are festivals the year round which they celebrate with much pomp and joy. It is said that Nepal has a higher number of festivals than the days in a year.

DID YOU KNOW?
• Spinach orginated in Nepal