Religion
To say that religion is an important part of Nepali life is a considerable understatement: it is life. In the Nepali world view, just about every act has spiritual implications; the gods are assumed to have a hand in every success or misfortune and must be appeased continuously. Belief and ritual form the basis of the whole social order, governing the way husbands relate to wives, parents to children and even the king to his subjects. Three religious strands intertwine in Nepal: Hinduism, Buddhism and shamanism. In theory, these faiths are philosophically incompatible, but Nepalis, being an exceptionally tolerant lot, tend to overlook the differences. As practised by the masses, each employs superstition and rites of passage to get followers through the present life, and codes of behaviour to prepare them for the next; Hindu priests, Buddhist lamas and tribal shamans play similar roles in their respective communities. Indeed, it's really only outside observers who bother to distinguish between the religions and dwell on their outward differences - most Nepalis find such distinctions needlessly academic. Hinduism is the state religion of Nepal, and the government claims that 90 percent of the population is Hindu. However, there are social advantages to professing Hinduism in Nepal, and official statistics don't reflect the extent to which many Nepalis blithely combine Hinduism with Buddhist or shamanist beliefs. In general, Hinduism prevails at the lower elevations and Buddhism in the Himalaya, while shamanism is strongest among the ethnic minorities of the hills. Charles Leech and David Reed
www.hardrocktreks.comLaxman says "Nepal is the best adventure travel destination offering wide range of trekking, rafting, and cultural tours. Birth place of lord Buddha, the land of Mount Everest and the holiest pilgrimage destination for the Hindus is an another identity of this country.
" Trekking in Nepal Himalayanepalguidetrek says "Nepal guide trek offer trekking and tour in nepal himalya, trek to tibet, everest base camp trek, annapurna trek, langtang trekking" www.nepaltravellers.comYour Guide To Himalayas: says "Kathmandu-based tour operator provides trekking and adventure tours in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, and Indian regions. Includes camping, peak climbing, jungle safaris, and rafting." Nepal LoverPatric Lee says "Nepal is a simple country with poverty and unemployment its main concerns. Vist Nepal with an open heart, learn to love its people who are overly-hospitable, cheerful and helpful. A few simple Nepali phrases would get you around such as Dhanybad (thank you), Kati-ho (how much) also learn the numbers 1-1000, it would prove useful when you ask for the price or try to bargain down. Always have a ready smile and do not bear grudges. Because of poverty, businessmen and taxi-drivers will try to fleece you for as much as possible. Be aware of the prices of taxi trips to and from your hotel so you do not get fleeced. Ask your reception desk for the amount needed to travel to town or the next village etc. Be easy going and life will be a breeze there. The country is so beautiful you will not want to leave, but of course the villages are always dirty and littered with rubbish. Just bear with it and you will have an enjoyable time."
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