Nepal is a landlocked country located in southern part of Asia. Often degraded as the least developed nation in the world, this small country is almost unbeatable in natural heritage. With diverse ecosystem due to varied geographical and climatic conditions, Nepal is popular in exhibiting some of world’s rare flora and fauna. Nepal is one of the fifty richest countries in water resources and a home to eight of the fourteen eight-thousands including the highest peak of the world, Mt. Everest at the elevation of 8,848 meters. Nepal Culture tour is one of the famous activities in Nepal. Majority of the Nepalese follow Hinduism and Buddhism. People of many religions reside in Nepal with such tolerance and harmony that it has set a unique example to the world. Nepal is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha on whose teachings, Buddhism was found. Thousands of local and foreign Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims visit the country each year. Pashupatinath Temple, a famous Hindu temple of the lord Pashupatinath situated in the capital city, Kathmandu on the banks of the holy Bagmati River is one major attraction especially to Hindu pilgrims from around the globe.
Kathmandu Valley consists of three major districts of Nepal, viz. Lalitpur (Patan), Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. There are seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 130 significant monuments within the valley. Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square are basically the old royal palaces of Kings who ruled the valley in past from 12th to 19th century while Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and Changunarayan are temples which is there from ancient times. There is a belief that in ancient times many Hindu and Buddhist gods and goddesses chose Kathmandu valley as their meditation home. Those old temples and gumbas depict this belief and people even in this 21st century still have faith and respect in such things. These world heritage sites also showcase a spectacular craftsmanship of people living in the valley for centuries. For those who come to explore rich and unique culture of Nepal for Nepal culture tour, you will not get enough at one visit as there are over sixty ethnic groups with each following different tradition and lifestyle. All these ethnic groups have their own language, festival, dress and even cuisine. Stretching from east of Nepal to the west and from down south to the north, people of different caste, religion and culture are found living in peace. South of Nepal is Terai region also called the granary of Nepal. Chhath is considered as one of the main festivals here which according to the environmentalists is the most eco-friendly Hindu festival. Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita, wife of Rama in Ramayana is also based in Dhanusa district of Nepal. Located about 123 km south-east of Kathmandu, Janakpur is a historical city which long ago was the capital of Videha dynasty that ruled ancient Mithila. Maithili is the language spoken here. Lumbini where Lord Siddhartha Gautama Buddha was born is in Terai region, near Siddharthanagar, in Lumbini zone. Maya Devi Temple is the main temple also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kathmandu Valley in hilly region is the treasure house of Nepalese history, art and culture. Since Kathmandu is the capital city, people from different parts of the country migrate off here in search of better life and good opportunities; however that does not disturb the long existing culture. In this city of temples, people tend to forget all the worries. Buddhist monasteries in many parts of the valley are mesmerizing and have always been a place of interest for everyone. A light stroll in the evening along the narrow winding colorful streets, sitting in a café near the historical architectures, sipping in coffee and the night view of Kathmandu, people come from different countries just to cherish these moments. One can see as many temples as there are number of trees considering the fact that trees are found everywhere. Kathmandu is a fusion to all kinds of culture. Although the Newars are the inhabitants of the city, people from different ethnic and religious background live here which makes it even more interesting. Some part of the population is strictly traditional; nevertheless they accept and learn from every new culture they come across with. Dashain and Tihar are the biggest and most popular festivals of Nepal. Dashain lasts for 10 days whereas Tihar is basically over in three days. Normally, this biggest festival of Nepal is celebrated during the month of September to November in the beginning of spring. Nepal culture tour can be a relaxing yet an adventurous tour. Meeting up and interacting with people from different culture and ethnicity is a valuable gain. It leads to knowing more about the lifestyle of Nepalese people from one culture to another. Nepalese culture is all about tradition, religion, language and people’s belief. Each historical monuments and architectures portrays the culture of Nepal, it shows how one evolved from the other. This tour can be one memorable tour as tourists will have a delightful experience as they unfold the living behavior of different people from different ethnic group.
If you are willing to take a chance to know in depth about Nepal and its people, this could be your chance. Nepalese are known to be the most hospitable and welcoming people in the planet. One hello and they will tell you their life story, that’s the easiest way you can know more about the culture of Nepal. Travel from east to the west and from South Terai to the North Mountain region. One region’s living style differs with other. Nepal is rich in natural resources too. Chitwan National Park, Bardiya National Park in Terai region to Sagarmatha National Park in the Everest Region is another major places to go. Pokhara is one of the developed cities 204.5 km away from Kathmandu; this city of lakes has never disappointed its guests. Pokhara has a large population and is culturally equally wealthy as any other cities of Nepal. Major attractions of Pokhara are Phewa Lake, Mahendra Cave, Shanti Stupa, Davis Fall and Brindabashini Temple. Paragliding and parahawking is not something to be missed at all. Hike up to the villages from Pokhara and talk to the Gurungs who are the inhabitants. They will tell you about how they have been living life in the hills; they let you participate in their cultural activities like the famous folk dancing and Dohori. They have their own dress, language and rituals. Religion is the base of the cultural diversity in Nepal followed by people from distinct ethnic groups.
