Nepal: Roof of the World

Nepal, a landlocked Himalayan nation between India and China, contains eight of the world's ten highest mountains, including Mount Everest. Known for mountaineering, Buddhist and Hindu heritage, and Gurkha warriors, Nepal offers spiritual and natural wonders.

Mount Everest (Sagarmatha in Nepali, Chomolungma in Tibetan) attracts climbers worldwide to the world's highest peak. Kathmandu Valley has UNESCO World Heritage sites including ancient temples and squares. Lumbini, Buddha's birthplace, is a major pilgrimage site. The Himalayas dominate northern Nepal while southern lowlands (Terai) border India.

Nepal is the world's only Hindu kingdom, though it became a secular republic in 2008 after abolishing the monarchy. Nepali culture blends Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Gurkhas, Nepali soldiers, have served the British and Indian armies with distinction. Despite being one of the world's poorest countries and facing earthquake challenges, Nepalis maintain hospitality, spiritual devotion, and mountaineering excellence.