Culture in Nepal

The Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal (former Kingdom of Nepal) is a rich country in term of cultural heritage. Nepalese culture represents a fusion of Indo-Aryan and Tibeto-Mongolian influences, the result of a long history of migration, conquest, and trade. The Nepalese culture has many symbols from Hindu and Buddhist sources. This multi-dimensional cultural heritage encompasses within itself the cultural diversities of various ethnic, tribal, and social groups inhabiting different altitudes, and it manifests in various forms: music and dance; art and craft; folklores and folktales; languages and literature; philosophy and religion; festivals and celebrations; and foods and drinks. Important among symbols for the nation as a whole are the national flower and bird, the rhododendron and Danfe (Lophophorous); the flag; and the crossed Kukhris (curved knives) of the Gurkhas. In nationalistic rhetoric the metaphor of a garland with hundreds of flowers is used to symbolize national unity amid cultural diversity. In Nepal they believe that ‘unity in diversity’ and it is the Nepalese speciality.

Cultural in Nepal's Himalayan Regions

Home to some cultures and religions that have shaped the philosophical outlook of the civilized world for the thousands of years, Nepal is not only a paradise for adventurers but a scenic revelation, cultural inheritance, and an educational in it to all visitors. Nepal is blessed with a unique diversity of natural beauty and cultural varieties that occupies special places in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

According to Hindu mythology, the Himalayas are the abode of the gods, and are specifically associated with lord Shiva, one of the three principal Hindu deities. Pashupatinath, a large Shiva temple in Kathmandu, is among the holiest sites in Nepal and attracts Hindu pilgrims from all over South Asia. In the Kathmandu Valley alone, there are hundreds of such shrines, large and small, in which the major gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon, as well as local and minor divinities, are worshiped. Many of these shrines are constructed near by the rivers or at the base of Pipal trees, which are considered sacred. Beside this, Manakamana temple, DakshinKali, Muktinath, Gosainkunda, Khaptad, and other more Hindu holy sites are popular for the cultural tour in Nepal.

For Buddhists, Nepal is significant as the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the apostle of peace. It is also home to a number of important Buddhist monasteries and stupas, including Bouddhanath and Swayambhu, whose dome shaped architecture and painted all-seeing eyes have become symbols of the Kathamandu Valley. Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, is another major destination for Buddhist pilgrims and cultural tourism in Nepal.

The capital city of Kathmandu set in a wide valley ringed by forested hills and snow-capped peaks is a fascinating city and an ideal base for cultural tourism in Nepal. Together with another two ancient cities of Lalitpur (Patan) & Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon), the three cities of the Kathmandu valley form the historical and cultural heart of Nepal with number of unique templates, stupas, squares, places, and museums. Places like Pokhara, Gorkha, Tansen, and Chitwan can provide a good projection into Nepal's variegated attractions. Pokhara, with its lakes, Himalayan views and mellow climate, is one of the most delightful place in the country and located 200 KMs away from Kathmandu. Gorkha, the historical town, is a good take off points for short as well as long haul treks. Chitwan National Park is easily accessible from all of the major cities of Nepal is another good destination to understand the culture of Tharu who are the ethnic people of low land, Terai.

Beside this Nepal has number of cultural sites from rural villages to urbanized cities. Please visit our Travel holiday package section for more cultural tour option to Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. You may also would want to check our Cultural Consideration in Nepal, section for some of cultural values and respecting them.

In all of package cultural tours in Nepal, you will get invaluable and incomparable insight into the diverse ethnic group lifestyle, tradition, religion, belief, social behavioral pattern which are the important aspects of culture tours in Nepal. Across Himalaya being a reputed tour operator base in Nepal committed to customize the best cultural tour in Nepal as per your requirements to suit your time and interest.

Dashain is biggerst festival of Hindus living in Nepal