The Millennium Experience

Sandwiched between India and China, the “rooftop of the world” could just as easily be called the “peak of partying.” This cultural crossroads is home to a vigorous mix of ethnicities that has contrived a fascinating array of festivals. Although the most important events are covered here, there’s always something going on in Nepal, and a visit to the Kathmandu Valley is almost certain to coincide with at least one festival.

The festivities and daily life take place in a land of stunning beauty and simple charms. With both the world’s highest mountain and its deepest gorge, the grace of Nepal’s endlessly changing landscapes is matched by the allure of its temples and villages; landmarks of a history that spans millenniums. This timeless place has seduced western travelers for hundreds of years, inviting them to wander in the shadow of Everest or relax and festival-hop in the Kathmandu Valley.

For better and for worse, tourism has for the past half-century strongly influenced the economy of one of the world’s poorest countries. As a result, getting away from the four-star set and the backpacking throngs demands a bit of creativity. On the positive side, the increase in tourism has necessitated a well-developed infrastructure of lodging and transport. As Third World countries go, Nepal is fairly comfy and hassle-free.