Foreigners were freely allowed into Nepal only in 1950. The ancient and pulsating culture of the Nepalese people and the beauty of the land that lies between the world's highest mountains and the great plains of South Asia are, as a result, only recently known to the rest of the world. The valley of Kathmandu has a myriad of vibrant temples and works of fine arts, the terai in the south is a rich source of history, legend and myth and the glittering peaks and deep gorges of the Himalayas have drawn many tourists. Over the years, the inhabitants of these remote areas have built up an infrastructure and hospitality that makes trekking a pleasurable experience: there is no other place in the world where a room with a warm bed and dining-room await visitors at a height of more than 15,000 feet. This book is a tribute to the magic of Nepal and all the delights that lie in wait for visitors to the land.