Background of Nepal

Nepal is a landlocked South Asian country with area of 147,141 square kilometers located between China and Himalayan ranges in the north, and India and the plains of the river Ganges in the south with enormous natural beauties. The country is organized into 7 provinces with 77 districts. The total population of Nepal, as of the latest census is near about 30 million. Nepal has a huge potential in tourism industry because of its multi diverse culture and land of natural beauties. It is the land of Himalayas with 8 highest peaks of the world among 10 with 85 percent of the country being mountainous. It is second highest source of water in the world. The snows of these Himalayas form the water sources for hundreds of rivers that flow south of Nepal to India. The melting snows also feed hundreds of magnificent lakes all over Nepal. Nepal has around 5,300 lakes, among which 2,300 are glacial lakes. Many of these rivers and lakes have religious values and significance. Though being a small country, more than 120 languages are spoken in Nepal due to its multi diverse culture. One can imagine how diverse the food, cloths, language, it has with multi groups, ethnicity and religion.

The country was divided into various kingdoms and many dynasties ruled different regions of Nepal in different periods. Among varies of dynasties, Licchavi, Malla and Shah dynasties were major and the period of Malla Dynasty was called golden age of Nepal because of the civilization prosperity. Malla dynasty greatly encouraged literature, music and art and during this time, architecture flourished. Many temples and palaces were constructed and society and cities became more organized and structured. The Malla encouraged religious tolerance and so Buddhism was again able to flourish. Nepal has been a melting pot of Hinduism and Buddhism, and many ancient temples and stupas were built during the rule of these dynasties. The modern history of Nepal can be traced to the eighteenth century when King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the founder of the Shah dynasty, unified small principalities into a single kingdom and assumed power and established its capital in Kathmandu. 

Nepal became famous for its mountains, particularly Mount Everest. The first successful ascent of Everest was made by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953.

Tony Hagen's research findings and photographs were often published in scientific journals and magazines. His publications helped disseminate knowledge about Nepal's geology, culture, and landscapes to a wider audience. Hagen's documentation and publications helped promote Nepal as a destination for scientific research, cultural exploration, and tourism. His work played a role in raising awareness about the unique features of the country.

Nepal is renowned for its diverse landscapes, including the Himalayan mountain range, lush jungles, and cultural heritage. As a result, the country offers a variety of outdoor activities, including tours, trekking, jungle safaris and adventurous activities.

Nepal's travel history reflects its cultural diversity, geographic significance, and the resilience of its people in the face of various challenges. Today, Nepal is a popular destination for travelers seeking adventure, cultural experiences, and natural beauty.