Holy Places, Architecture, Art and Museums

However, there is much much more to Nepal. From a cultural point of view, there is nowhere else in the world like the UNESCO World Heritage listed Kathmandu Valley. Experience the ancient and majestic architecture of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan, centres of religious devotion and home to some of the most important Hindu and Buddhist temples. If holy cities fascinate you, be sure to visit Janakpur, birthplace of Sita, the wife of Hindu god Rama and home to ancient Maithill culture. The awe-inspiring royal palaces and squares will transport you back to to the Nepal of days gone by. Don't miss the chance to see the home of the worlds only living goddess, the Kumari, at Kumari Bahal.

For a more modern take on Nepali art and culture, why not visit the famous Kathmandu Contemporary Arts Centre? There are also fascinating museums across the country dedicated to themes as diverse as mountaineering, the Gurkhas and ceremonial jewellery.

Historical Snapshots and Key Dates

Nepal is an ancient land whose history has been shaped by its mountainous location and is position between its two neighbours, India and China. Travellers, traders and religious devotees from India, China and Tibet have all added to the historical traditions of Nepal. Over centuries, many diverse groups have settled in Nepal, all contributing to the rich and distinct tapestry that forms Nepalese society today.

• In 563 BCE, Lord Buddha Siddhartha Gautama was born in Kapilvastu, Lumbini.
• Many dynasties, confederations and principalities both Hindu and Buddhist, ruled over what is now known as Nepal for many years. These included the Thakuri, Malla and Shah
• 1768. Foundations for a unified Nepal were laid by Gurkha ruler Prithvi Narayan Shah.
• 1846. The Nepalese Royal family, the Ranas, began their rule.
• 1923. Britain and Nepal sign Agreement of Friendship.
• 1950. Ranas overthrown in democracy movement.
• 1953. Sir Edmund Hilary and Tenzing Norgay climb Mount Everest
• 1962. New constitution and "panchayat"
• 1991. Advent of Democracy- People soveriegn constitution promolugated
• 2004. Nepal joins World Trade Organization
• 2008. Nepal declared Federal Democratic Republic