Mention Nepal, and most people conjure up images of the Himalayas. Indeed eight of the world's ten tallest peaks are located here. The country is however distinguished not only for its high mountains, but also for its unique cultural heritage, artistic monuments and exotic wildlife, which are reflected in the country's languages, architecture and biodiversity.

History :
For centuries the Kingdom of Nepal was divided into many principalities. The Kirats ruled from 300 BC followed by the Lichhavis. With the end of the Lichhavi dynasty, Malla kings came to power in 1200 AD and they also contributed to Nepal's art and cult. However, after almost 600 years Prithvi Narayan Shah conquered Kathmandu and united Nepal into one kingdom.

Access :
By air, Kathmandu is connected by direct flights with main cities all over the world.

By road one can enter Nepal from India through 6 points - Kakarbhitta, Birgunj, Belhiya, Nepalgunj, Dhangadhi and Mahendranagar or through Kodari from Tibet. All movement within Nepal is by bus or plane. Taxis, local buses and rickshaws are available in the cities.

All foreigners, except Indians, need a visa to enter Nepal. Indians must enter Nepal with identification papers. Single, double and multiple entry visas are available from the Royal Nepalese Embassy or Consulate or at the point of entry on arrival. A single entry visa lasts 60 days.

Kathmandu Valley : Kathmandu Valley was historically inhabited by the Newari, who are accomplished in commerce and well known for establishing the three artistically beautiful cities of Patan, Bhaktapur and Kathmandu. Kathmandu, the country's capital and largest city simultaneously reeks of history and the wear and tear of increasing modernity. The tightly packed historical centre, with its squares and temples, continues to preserve a world light years away from the shantytowns, expensive hotels, restaurants and shops on the city's outskirts. Kathmandu's core place is Durbar Square, with the Vishnumati River to the west and Ratna Park to the east. The Bagmati River forms the southern boundary, while Thamel, the budget travellers' hangout, sprawls to the north. Patan, the second-largest city in the valley, lies just across the Bagmati River from Kathmandu, but it's a much quieter and less frenetic place to visit. The city is justly proud of its temples and artisans and it is their handiwork that provides the focus of the stunning Durbar Square - choc-a-block with the largest display of Newari architecture in Nepal. It includes the Royal Palace, which contains a richly decorated bathtub, and the two-tiered brick Jagannarayan Temple. Look up to the roof struts to see carvings of figures engaged in quite athletic acts of intercourse.

A few minutes' walk north of the square is the Golden Temple, a Buddhist monastery guarded by sacred tortoises that potter around the courtyard; and the Kumbeshawar, reputedly the oldest (1392) temple in Patan. Bhaktapur is in many ways the most medieval of the three major cities in the Kathmandu Valley. Most sights can be easily traversed by foot and include yet another Durbar Square, which is infinitely larger than Kathmandu's and has its fair share of temples, statues and columns, many with grisly histories behind them.

For instance, the sculptor of the Ugrachandi & Bhairab Statues had his hands chopped off to prevent him from duplicating his masterpieces. Bhakatapur's second main square is Taumadhi Tole, which features Nyatapola, the highest temple in the valley, and Til Mahadev Narayan, an important place of pilgrimage. Bhaktapur is about 35 km south east of Kathmandu's city centre and is easily reached by bus, minibus or trolley bus. Apart from Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, there are a number of other fascinating villages, temples and stupas scattered around the valley. One of these is probably the best known site in Nepal - the Buddhist temple of Swayambhunath.

Beyond Swayambhunath, on the banks of the Bagmati River, is Pashupatinath, the country's pre-eminent Hindu temple and one of the most significant Shiva temples on the subcontinent. Another site with a religious bent is the huge stupa of Bodhnath, which is the largest in the country and among one of the largest in the world.

The valley also offers plenty of opportunities to get off the beaten track, with treks to and from the resort villages of Nagarkot and Dhulikhel; wallowing in Tatopani's hot springs; exploring cloud forests in Pulchowki; and mountain biking in the regions of Chapagaon and Bungamati.

Pokhara : The city of Pokhara is famous for its setting rather than its historical or cultural endowments. Its quiet lakeside location and proximity to the mountains mean it as an ideal place for recovering from (or gearing up for) a trek, taking leisurely strolls or simply putting your nose in a good book. And as if to make everything perfect. Pokhara has some of the country's best accommodation and restaurants as well. There's a batch of Tibetan settlements, a hilltop monastery and the pretty Devi Falls nearby. Day walk can be taken to Sarangkot (1592 mtr), the limestone caves at Mahendra Gufa or Rupa and Begnas Tals lakes. More exertion(but not much more) will be required to tackle the three to four-day. Annapurna

Skyline Pokhara Trek. There are daily flights between Pokhara and Katmandu. The buses plying between the two towns takes about eight hours.

Season : February-May and September-November are the best time to visit Nepal. The rainy season lasts from June to August.