For centuries Nepal had been divided into many principalities. The eastern part of the country was ruled by the Kirats while the capital city, Kathmandu valley, was ruled by the Newar community and the mid-west was occupied by the Gurungs and Magars. However in the late 10th century, almost after 600 years, King Prithvi Narayan Shah of Gorkha united Nepal into a kingdom by conquering Kathmandu valley. In the mean while, there was British Raj in India, realizing the threat of British Raj he dismissed the European missionaries from the country, due to which Nepal was in isolation for many years. In the 19th century, Jung Bahadur Rana became Nepal’s first Prime Minister and took over the power. Then after, in early 1950s, the Ranas were overthrown in the democracy movement. Since then Nepal enjoys a full democratic system with a president as the head of the nation.

Nepal is known as a country landlocked between India (on the south-, east- and westside) and China (on the northside). Geographically, the country is divided into the Himalayas, the Hills and the Terai. The country covers an area of 147.181 sq kilometers and stretches 145-241 kilometers north to south and 850 kilometers west to east. The highest peak of the world Mt. Everest, which is 8848 m high, is located in the northern region of Nepal. The lowest point of Nepal is 70 m above sea level and located in Kechana (Jhapa disctrict).

Nepal is among the poorest and least developed countries in the world with almost one-third of its population living below the poverty line. Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy, providing a livelihood for three-fourth of the population and accounting for 38% of GDP. Industrial activity mainly involves the processing of agricultural products including jute, sugarcane, tobacco and grain. Nepal has considerable scope for exploiting its potential in hydropower and tourism; areas of recent foreign investment interest. However, prospects for foreign trade or investment in other sectors will remain poor, because of the small size of the economy, its technological backwardness, its remoteness, its landlocked geographic location, its civil strife and its susceptibility to natural disasters.

Tradition

Nepal is rich in its culture and tradition. The way of welcoming guests in Nepal is very different from other countries. Every country has its own uniqueness and originality in welcoming guests. Guests or tourists from different countries visiting Nepal are welcomed with a warm 'Namasté'. This is a popular way of welcoming people in Nepali culture. When the word 'Namasté' is spoken, the hands are put together in front of the chest and a little bow is made. By doing this, the light (or glance of God) in the other person is greeted and respected. Another way of welcoming is putting a tika (a  mark made of rice and red powder) on the guests forehead and hang flower garlands and khadas (a kind of white scarf usually used by the Buddhists) around the neck. For a more sophisticated and amusing welcome, the hotel managements often use national musical instruments like dhime baja, sarangi, flute, etc. Panchakanyas (five little girls who represent the five embodiments of goddess) dressed up in full traditional attire such as chaubandi cholo, sari, garlands and sirful (goldplated headbands) sometimes welcome the guests or tourists before entering the hotel. A travel experience in Nepal begins and ends with a nice welcoming gesture. These rituals are performed to make the tourists from different countries feel comfortable and at home. The traditional touch in the welcoming process not only helps to preserve the cultural value of Nepal, but also gives a quick glance towards its original rituals.