Natural life of Nepal

Nepal is one of the most spectacular countries on earth, inhabited by the most friendly and endearing people. For a country that lies 800 kilometres from the sea, it has a scenic and altitudinal variety that is quite unrivalled. It contains the highest mountains in the world, thundering rivers, magical montane forests and dense lowland jungles. The Kathmandu Valley - once the bed of a large and ancient lake - is now a colourful mosaic of rice paddies and quaint farmhouses surrounded by high forested hills supporting a fabulous range of exotic bird and mammal species including monkeys, Muntjac, Jungle Cat, Leopard and even Tiger. The bustling capital city combines medieval and modern in unique fashion and visitors will be fascinated by the beautiful pagoda-style Hindu temples, Buddhist stupas and elaborate royal palaces. The trekking opportunities to be found in Nepal are unrivalled. The majestic Himalaya range contains eight of the world's highest mountains, culminating in Mount Everest. Walking through magnificent forests of oak and rhododendrons beneath the towering white summits, one can understand why some claim this to be the most beautiful place on the planet.