The jewel of Nepal a haven whose beauty This favored sanctuary is is simply revitalizing. Spellbinding is its allure; it is a stunning jewel of a country wedged between India and China. Indeed, Nepal is a region that has seduced generations of soul-weary travelers with the promise of peace and the music of silence. Besides Mother Nature’s panoramic vistas, a rich cultural heritage is miraculously preserved for all the world to experience here. Nepal is a natural mix of Buddhism and Hinduism where living gods and goddesses are revered, charming cows and beasts of burden cross the busy streets reverently alongside vendors peddling their exquisite pashminas and saris, tapestries, woodcarvings, and handicrafts. Shopaholics craving precious gemstones, antiques, and rare trinkets will find their nirvana here.

A promising peace process in Nepal is certainly promoting the country’s tourism, according to Info Tourism Nepal. The recent growth in tourist arrivals—up by almost 80 percent during the first quarter of the year— has added to the perception of Nepal as a peaceful country where the business community enjoys an investment- friendly environment. The Nepalese are a beautiful people with their fair- to-bronze complexion, and high noses and cheekbones. They are gracious, hospitable, and maintain very close-knit family relations, just like us. The nation is home to over half a dozen peaks that ascend to 8,000 meters. The Himalayan Mountain Range is the highest and youngest mountain system in the world. It extends over 2,400 kilometers with fully a third (800 kilometers) of its central section traversing Nepal. Known as the Nepal Himalaya, more than 250 peaks exceeding 600 meters in height congregate here—a unique concentration of lofty, dazzling windswept summits. Of the 31 Himalayan peaks of over 7,600 meters, 22 lie in the Nepal Himalaya, including eight of the world’s 14 highest peaks, of which Mount Everest is the highest.

The town of Lumbini, where Buddha was born, is truly magical. Pokhra is another destination that should be included on our must- see list the next time we visit. Wherever you go, you encounter torch bearers and masked dancers who accompany your encounter, along with traditional clay potters, weavers, holy men with brightly painted faces, and hay-laden farmers.