It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves – Sir Hedmund Hilary
Nepal boasts eight of the world’s tallest mountains and the world’s oldest Hindu and Buddhist sites. While Kathmandu Valley is made of three ancient cities filled with enchanting medieval palaces, pagodas, temples, statues and stupas, the rest of the kingdom offers unparalleled adventure options with abundance in flora and fauna. As for its people – From the Tharus that share their land with the splendid Asian tuskers in the plains to the brave Yak herders of Dolpo, they are as amazing as the land itself. Here in its tropical jungles the Royal Bengal Tiger prowls, higher up the legend of the Yeti lives on.
Although modernization has set in, the quintessence of ancient Nepal remains amongst its people.
Bhutan or the “Land of the Peaceful Dragon” is a country of sprawling forests, venerated monasteries, overpowering fortresses, lush green valleys fed by bountiful rivers and age-old practices. Cultivated fields surrounded by pitched roof houses with their typicaltrefoil-shape windows and Dzongs (fortresses) dominate the scenery with their sheer size.
Its people are hardworking, vibrantly attired and deeply religious while the land is immaculate. Bhutan’s alpine pastures, peaks, forests, lakes and flowers make it a paradise. Bhutan is arguably the world’s happiest country, and also one of the greenest.
King Jigme Singye Wangchuck developed his signature Gross National Happiness index based on four pillars: sustainable development, environmental protection, cultural preservation, and good governance.
