Nepal is a small country, tucked in between India on the east, south, and west, and China to the north. The country's dramatic elevation change from the low land Terai to the High Himalayan region has made this small county unique. The Terai, along the border with India, has a warm subtropic climate and fertile soils, making it the granary of the country. Moving north into the Mahabharat range is the Siwalik region known for it's fertile but unstable and rugged landscape. As you continue north you enter the Middle Hills region. Great valleys are formed here by the Bhote Kosi, Tamba Kosi, Dudh Kosi, Kaligandaki, and Karnali. These hills the first barrier to the monsoon clouds and give the region a high percent of annual rainfall. Father north the terrain becomes very rugged and cold. The High Mountains and High Himalayas contain eight of the tallest peaks in the world, including: Everest, Kangchenjuna, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Annapurna.

Going to Nepal is a wonderful adventure. From the chaos of the capital city, Kathmandu, to small quiet villages, you will fall in love with the kindness and joy of the people around you. Nepal is a country with many different religions and cultural beliefs. Make sure to respect that with modest attire, nothing flashy or revealing. A smile and "Namaste" greeting could get you invited in for chiya (wonderful sweet, sometimes spicy, black tea with milk) and chance to get to interact with the kind locals. Make sure to save room for dal bhat, a simple lentil soup served over rice. Momos, a steamed dumpling filled with veggies, are a great snack or addition to a meal.

About 80% of the population identifies as Hindu, about 10% Buddhist, and 4% Muslim. The Hindu deity Shiva is regarded as the guardian of the country, with a

Nepal is also broken down into five Development Regions, Easter, Central, Western, Mid-Western, and Far-Western. Regions were developed to help govern the country.  They are also a great way to understand where the great rivers are located. Nepal is filled with great rivers for rafting and kayaking, many of them being multi-day trips.

Eastern

Central

Western

Mid-Western

Far-Western