At the outset, it has to be mentioned that the history of ancient Nepal is the history of Kathmandu Valley. There are two reasons for this. One is the lack of historical records for other parts of Nepal and the other is that the colorful past of this beautiful valley easily out dazzles what is known about elsewhere. There is also the fact that the name of the country is taken from what Kathmandu used to be known in earlier times – Nepal valley.
The tale of Kathmandu dates back to the time when the Gods communed with mortals. A glimpse into that period can be found in the Buddhist chronicles that tell of the coming of the Manjushree Bodhisattva from China to worship Swayambu. As the legend goes, Swayambu, a manifestation of Adhi Buddha, the primordial Buddha was a brilliant flame emanating from a lotus flower that rested in the midst of the lake Nagarad. From atop distant Mandapgiri (now Nagarkot), Manjushree gazed at this wondrous sight and decided to worship this flame more closely.
For the first-time Nepal Visitors (and, I can assure you, for the repeat visitor as well), a trip to Nepal can be an overwhelming experience. Jet lag and culture shock, thin air and smog, streets with no names and gods with many names all conspire to confuse, challenge, and astound visitors to this Himalayan kingdom. Before you immerse yourself in the cultural crossroads that is modern-day Nepal, it pays to have a clear idea of where you are going and what you want to see and do. This chapter will tell you about some of the best experiences that Nepal has to offer so that you can plan a trip that will fulfill your expectations and be suited to your needs. These selections will, among other things, clue you in to which trek might be right for you, which temples you should not miss, where to stay, where to eat, and what to bring home from your visit. After deciding on an itinerary, tap your reserves for all the patience you can muster, and you just might be ready to explore tourism the Republic of Nepal.
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