Kingdom of Nepal

After centuries of petty rivalry between the three kingdoms, in the mid-18th century, Prithvi Narayan Shah, a Gorkha King, set out to unify the kingdoms. Seeking arms and aid from India, and buying the neutrality of bordering Indian kingdoms, he embarked on his mission in 1765. After several bloody battles and sieges, he managed to unify the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding territory three years later in 1768. However, an actual battle never took place to conquer the Kathmandu valley; it was taken over by Prithvi Narayan and his troops without any effort, during Indra Jatra, a festival of Newars, when all the valley's citizens were celebrating the festival. This event marked the birth of the modern nation of Nepal.

In 1788 the Nepalese overran Sikkim and sent a punitive raid into Tibet. Kangra in northern India was also occupied by the Nepalese. In 1809, Ranjit Singh the ruler of the Sikh state in the Punjab, had intervened and drove the Nepalese army east of the Satluj river.[21]
Statue of a Gurkha soldier

At its maximum extent, Greater Nepal extended from the Tista River in the east, to Kangara, across the Sutlej River in the west as well as further south into the Terai plains and north of the Himalayas than at present. A dispute and subsequent war with Tibet over the control of mountain passes forced the Nepalese to retreat and pay heavy reparations to Tibet.

Rivalry between Nepal and the British East India Company over the annexation of minor states bordering Nepal eventually led to the Anglo-Nepalese War (1815–16). At first the British underestimated the Nepalese and were badly defeated until committing more military resources than they had anticipated needing. They were greatly impressed by the valour and competence of their adversaries. Thus began the reputation of "Gurkhas" as fierce and ruthless soldiers. The war ended in the Treaty of Sugauli, under which Nepal ceded recently captured portions of Sikkim and lands in Terai as well as the right to recruit soldiers.

Factionalism inside the royal family had led to a period of instability. In 1846 a plot was discovered revealing that the reigning queen had planned to overthrow Jung Bahadur Rana, a fast-rising military leader. This led to the Kot Massacre; armed clashes between military personnel and administrators loyal to the queen led to the execution of several hundred princes and chieftains around the country. Jung Bahadur Rana emerged victorious and founded the Rana lineage.

The king was made a titular figure, and the post of Prime Minister was made powerful and hereditary. The Ranas were staunchly pro-British and assisted them during the Indian Sepoy Rebellion in 1857 (and later in both World Wars). Some parts of the Terai Region were given back to Nepal by the British as a friendly gesture, because of her military help to sustain British control in India during the Sepoy Rebellion. In 1923, the United Kingdom and Nepal formally signed an agreement of friendship, in which Nepal's independence was recognized by the UK.
Nepalese royalty in the 1920s

Slavery was abolished in Nepal in 1924.[22] Nevertheless debt bondage even involving debtors' children has been a persistent social problem in the Terai.

In the late 1940s, newly emerging pro-democracy movements and political parties in Nepal were critical of the Rana autocracy. Meanwhile, with the invasion of Tibet by China in the 1950s, India sought to counterbalance the perceived military threat from its northern neighbour by taking pre-emptive steps to assert more influence in Nepal. India sponsored both King Tribhuvan (ruled 1911–55) as Nepal's new ruler in 1951 and a new government, mostly comprising the Nepali Congress Party, thus terminating Rana hegemony in the kingdom.

After years of power wrangling between the king and the government, King Mahendra (ruled 1955–72) scrapped the democratic experiment in 1959, and a "partyless" panchayat system was made to govern Nepal until 1989, when the "Jan Andolan" (People's Movement) forced King Birendra (ruled 1972–2001) to accept constitutional reforms and to establish a multiparty parliament that took seat in May 1991.[23] In 1991–92, Bhutan expelled roughly 100,000 ethnic Nepalis, most of whom have been living in seven refugee camps in eastern Nepal ever since.[24]

In 1996, the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) started a bid to replace the royal parliamentary system with a people's socialist republic by violent means. This led to the long Nepal Civil War and more than 12,000 deaths. On 1 June 2001, there was a massacre in the royal palace. King Birendra, Queen Aiswarya, Crown Prince Dipendra and seven other members of the royal family were killed. Dipendra was accused of patricide and of committing suicide thereafter. This outburst was alleged to have been Dipendra's response to his parents' refusal to accept his choice of wife. Nevertheless there are speculation and doubts among Nepalese citizens about who was responsible.

Following the carnage, Birendra's brother Gyanendra inherited the throne. On 1 February 2005, Gyanendra dismissed the entire government and assumed full executive powers to quash the violent Maoist movement,[23] but this initiative was unsuccessful because a stalemate had developed where the Maoists were firmly entrenched in large expanses of countryside yet could not dislodge the military from numerous towns and the largest cities. In September 2005, the Maoists declared a three-month unilateral ceasefire to negotiate.

In response to the 2006 democracy movement King Gyanendra agreed to relinquish sovereign power to the people. On 24 April 2006 the dissolved House of Representatives was reinstated. Using its newly acquired sovereign authority, on 18 May 2006 the House of Representatives unanimously voted to curtail the power of the king and declared Nepal a secular state, ending its time-honoured official status as a Hindu Kingdom. On 28 December 2007, a bill was passed in parliament to amend Article 159 of the constitution – replacing "Provisions regarding the King" by "Provisions of the Head of the State" – declaring Nepal a federal republic, and thereby abolishing the monarchy.[25] The bill came into force on 28 May 2008.[26]

lakes of Nepal

Majestic, splendid and holy... the lakes of Nepal are reverred not only for their natural beauty but also for the spiritual importance attached to them. There are around two hundred lakes in Nepal of glacial and tectonic origin. Mountain lakes like Rara, Phoksundo and Phewa are majestic in extent and beauty.

Fast Facts
Lake Category Location Water Surface Area (hct)
Rara Tal Mountain Lake Mugu District 1000
Phewa Tal Mid-hill lake Pokhara 523
GosikundaTal Mountain lake Himal region -
Pokshundu Tal Montain Lake Dopla District 180

Other Popular Lakes In Nepal
Mid-hill Lakes Low Land Lakes
Begnas Tal Rupia Tal
Rupa Tal Gadhbhijala Tal
Deepang Tal Nakhrodi Tal
Khaste Tal Badhaiya Tal
Maidee Tal Sakhunia Tal
Syarpu Tal BudhiTal
Rokum Tal Gaindhawa Tal
Mahadev Tal Beesh Hazar Tal
Kailali Halkhoria Tal

Activities
Nepal lakes are famous for their crystal clear water, scenic backgrounds and the adventure activities that they offer. Cited below are two of the activities that keep you fresh and vigorous like the blue waters of the lakes themselves.

Boating
The pleasure of touching water waves while siting on a boat cannot be described in words. A relaxing boat drive on Phewa lake of Pokhara is one of the most soothing experiences in Nepal. Leisure boating can be done in various locations. Pokhara, set in a lush topical alley, with a backdrop of the Annapurna range, is blessed with many lakes and is the most famous spot for boating activities.

The Phewa, Begnas and Rupa lakes provide enough space for boating experiences. Phewa Lake is Pokhara's prime attraction for photographers, boaters and shore side strollers.Visitors love sending an hour or two rowing (or being rowed by one of the local boats men) through the many inlets, with a visit to the Varahi island temple.

Fishing
Nepal, the world's second rich country in the water resources having numbers of rivers and lakes, is an ideal location for fishing and angling. There are some specific ethnic group in the hills and Terai region of Nepal whose lifestyle has been based on Fishing. Bote, Majhi, Tharu and Machhuwar are some of them.

With approximately 118 varieties of fresh water fish found in the Himalayan waters of Nepal, fishing can be really exciting. Mahaseer is the most commonly sought sport fish, besides mountain stream trout-like varieties and lowland water species. Pokhara's crystal clear lakes are the best for fishing.

Mount Everest - The Highest Point Above Sea Level

Mount Everest attracts climbers from all parts of the world and of all sporting levels from the novice to the seasoned mountaineer and anyone that is willing to pay the price asked for by professional mountaineers to help them have a successful climb. Although the mountain does not pose a climbing problem on the standard route, there is inherent danger on some of the other points. There is also the problem of certain illnesses that can be contracted by the climber such as altitude sickness. There are also dangers from wind and weather. To climb Everest requires that the climber have a permit which would cost him about $25,000 per person in American dollars. These permits are the major part of Nepal's income.

Everest has claimed about Two Hundred and Ten lives over the years; It claimed fifteen deaths of people trying to descend from the mountain. The last eight of that group died in May of 1996. These fifteen people were caught in what is called the "death zone" where the wind and weather are so cruel that rescue is near impossible. The bodies of most of the people that have perished in the death zone are just left there. These bodies can be seen by climbers who take the standard route up and down the mountain.

Annapurna Trekking, One Of World’s Best Trekking Trails

Nepal is one of the most charming and interesting countries in the world. If you want to enjoy its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, towering pagodas, breathtaking Himalayan ranges, etc you must visit Nepal. Travel to this fascinating country would be a rewarding experience with the several possibilities & opportunities such as exploring trekking tours in neap, peak climbing in Nepal, mountaineering, mountain expedition, white water rafting, bird-watching, wildlife safari, etc.

Nepal has emerged as an ultimate destination for adventure enthusiasts especially for the trekkers. Adventure enthusiasts from all over the world visit this country to enjoy mountain adventure sports in majestic Himalayas. This country presents a myriad of possibilities from the short and easy to the difficult challenges of the snowy mountain peaks for trekkers coming from different parts of the world.

There are a number of trekking trails in this country which attract trekkers from all over the world. Popular trails for trekking in Nepal Himalayas are Annapurna Base Camp - Poonhill Trek, Langtang - Gosainkunda - Helambhu Trek, Everest Base Camp - Kalapathar Trek, Round Annapurna Tea House Trek, and Kanchenjunga Trek. These popular trails make this country a Trekkers’ Paradise. Among various hiking trails the Annapurna region trek is very popular among the trekkers and adventure enthusiasts.

The Annapurna region is considered to be one of the best trekking trails in the world. This famous region is situated in the middle of northern Nepal and is defined by the Himalayan foothills to the north, the Pokhara Valley to the south, the Marsyangdi & Dudh Khola valleys to the east and the Kali Gandaki River to the west. Hiking tours in this region would be truly a rewarding, cheery, thrilling and exciting experience and you will love to treasure this on your visit to Nepal.

On Nepal trekking tour in Annapurna region of this country you will experience the ethnic and cultural diversity of the people. When you will go on 2 or 3 week trek for Annapurna circuit you will have a wonderful opportunity to experience the mist of culture and adventure. You will see a wide variety of flora and fauna, the ever changing vistas of the Himalayan ranges. The friendly climates will give you a truly memorable & cheery adventure experience of Annapurna trekking Nepal. The popular trekking & hiking routes in Annapurna region are Jomsom, Annapurna circuit, Annapurna base camp, Annapurna foothills, etc. So if you too want to enjoy the real charm of trekking in Nepal you must explore the Annapurna region.

Nepal Is a ultimate destination for the trekking

Nepal Trekking is the gift of Nepal to the world in adventure tourism. We are small group adventure travel in Nepal. Trekking in Nepal not only offers the stunning scenery of the Himalaya, but also the cheerful friendly people of Nepal, which really adds to some of the best trekking holidays in the world. Classic Nepal treks such as Everest Base Camp treks, Annapurna Sanctuary treks, Annapurna Circuit treks are guaranteed to provide an amazing walking holiday experience. Nepal Visitors operate group treks to the Himalaya as well as private best trekking holiday options.

We also have "In Style" Nepal trekking holidays in the Everest and Annapurna if you prefer extra comfort. On all our featured trekking holidays to Nepal.Nepal offers beautiful temples and some of the best walking trails in Asia. Nepal is a country rich in scenic splendor and cultural treasures. It has mystical charm that draws many travelers to its fold. Himalayas Many eastern classics and books of wisdom have referred to the Himalayas as the abode of the gods and home to the immortals. These descriptions did not stem merely from the majesty and grandeur of the natural surroundings but perhaps alluded to a special environment where communion with the divine was possible through contemplation and meditation. Since time immemorial, ascetics, scholars, philosophers and pilgrim have been drawn irresistibly to these remote and rugged mountains in their personal search for wisdom, inspiration, solitude and happiness.

Nepal is a very popular destination for trekking and expedition. The range of treks in Nepal varies from a short gentle hike through terraced foothills to lengthy expeditions to Mount Everest's summit. Depending on your level of fitness, stamina or experience, you'll find an adventure of your lifetime. Trekking in Nepal is one of the best Himalayan adventure Holiday trip for trekkers in order to explore real rural, traditional, cultural sites of remote villages and indigenous people and their daily lifestyle in Nepal. Trekking in Nepal is available from easy to strenuous level. Trekking in Nepal is also a best holiday Adventure to enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery, rivers, villages, uphill and down hill through a typical Nepal trekking trails. Nepal trekking is not a climbing mountain trip but to enjoy trekking in Nepal you should prepare physically and mentally well. Normally Nepal have a two option for the trekking like Tea house lodge or tented camping trekking in Nepal. Depending on high altitude and available of lodges or camp, trekkers need to walk minimum from of 3 hrs to maximum 7 hrs a day during trekking in Nepal.

Photos of some temples in Nepal

here are some of the photos of beautiful temples located in Nepal

The Sherpa People Of Nepal

The name ‘Sherpa’ is often mistaken for a term meaning ‘mountain porter’ on an Everest trek, because we rarely see the word in any other context. The Sherpa people are in fact a distinct ethnic group of people living in the northern highlands of Nepal and the Khumbu, which we know as the Everest region.

Despite living in an isolated and difficult environment, they are world-renowned for their friendliness and the warm welcomes they offer to visitors on the trail to Everest Base Camp and on similar treks in the Everest region. In fact, without the Sherpas’ co-operation and assistance, the journey would barely be possible for the thousands of travellers and climbers that trek in Nepal each year.

Everest trekking holidays rely upon the local knowledge and experience of the Sherpas who act as guides and porters on the various routes, under the watchful eye of the head guide or Sirdar. The in-depth knowledge and understanding of their native landscape and conditions, means that the Sherpa guides can ensure the safety of travellers on an Everest Base Camp Trek and other Everest treks, whilst the porters will help to transport the gear and supplies that the trekkers bring with them.

The Sherpas are invaluable to the mountaineers who embark from Everest Base camp on summit bids to the world's highest mountain. While the climbers use Everest Base camp as a place to acclimatise, recuperate and make training runs up the mountain, the Sherpas will be busy servicing the camp and looking after the climbers. More importantly, they will constantly conduct essential repairs to the route for the treks up Everest. In a single day the Sherpas may make multiple trips up the formidable mountain to fix ropes and the ladder bridges across the crevasses on the Khumbu Icefall, and to maintain the supplies on the higher stages of the climb.

The Sherpa capital is a town in the Everest region of Nepal called Namche Bazaar, a colourful town hanging on the side of the Khumbu valley at an altitude of 3,440 metres. This is a vital stop on many Everest trekking routes where people can rest and get used to the increased altitude. This is a market town where trekkers can find access to the internet as well as a range of goods sold by the Nepali traders.

When visitors stop in Namche Bazaar, they will enjoy the legendary Sherpa hospitality that they will also experience in the villages along the way, where trekkers can rest as they acclimatise. Treks frequently make use of the traditional Sherpa tea houses for rest stops, meals and overnight stays on most of the Everest trekking routes.

From the tea houses to the temples and the colourful streamers decorating the trails, you will be immersed in the Sherpa culture while on the Everest Base Camp Trek. You will take home fond memories of an under-appreciated race of people who are happy to share their beautiful country with travellers from all over world.