Its hard to imagine a more deeply affecting landscape.People speak of places where u can lose yourself, abandon your perosnal identity and be enveloped in an "oceanic feeling, smilar to a spiritual experience." On a clear morning, looking out at the glowing white face of the Himalayas, you may well feel you have found such a place.

There are few countries with a geography as diverse as Nepal's. Within its narrow borders you'll find a complete climatic range, tropical to temperate,alpines to arctic. The high peaks scatter rainshadows and rain basins everywhere, so that virtually each of the hundreds of valleys and gorges has its own unique micro-climatic.

No wonder nearly 800 species of birds- and about 10per cent of the world's species- are found in Nepal.

Within this spectacular geography is also found one of the richest and most diverse clutral landscape anywhere. The country's population of 21 million is a potpourri of ethnic and sub-groups who speak as many as 30 different languages and dialects.

Many tourists go to Nepal expecting to see the lost city of Shangri-la tucked in the mountains. Hardly a utopia, Nepal is one of the world's poorest countries, as measured by her per capita income. Life here is difficult, as most Nepalis admit, but in the same breath they will also tell you that they can never live anywhere esle.

In spite of all the things, Nepal is a traveller's paradise. For where esle could stare at the world's highest range,trek to the lower slopes where mountain folk live, ponder and admire the rich culture and artistic achievements of the Kathmandu Valley,raft down a snow-fed river, seek out rihnos from atop an elephants, and even visits a casino, all in one visit?

So to all travellers to Nepal n my homepage, I bid you- Swagat Chha!