No trip to South Asia is complete without a hop over to Nepal the land of the Himalaya. Nepal is a small country that divides Tibet and India. It is here that you see the confluence of Asian and Caucasian people. The Nepalese are neither Asian nor Caucasian, but a beautiful blend of both. My trip to Nepal was on a speaking engagement as President of ASTA at the time. My host was the owner of Yeti Travels a very large tour company of Nepal. They are the oldest in their field and I found them most dependable. They can be found at www.yetitravels.com. Yeti handled us while in Nepal, with little advance notice, and did a fine job.

While in Nepal, one can spend time visiting many Tibetans who live in Nepal. Guests see, first hand, all of the intricacies of the Hindu and Buddhist religions as well as enjoy a Mountain flight on Buddha airlines which takes you to the crest of Mount Everest with views of China and the surrounding area! With good binoculars they may catch a glimpse of climbers of Mount Everest. One of the hotels I found most interesting was the Dwarika's Hotel owned by Ambica Shrestha. This hotel has doorways going back to the 13th and 14th century.

Nepal is better known by her capital, Kathmandu, which is the city point for those who travel to Nepal for their guides, the Sherpas, to travel up Mount Everest. Nepal produced the toughest solders known to the world and were called Gurkhas, soldiers from Nepal who still serve in the British and Indian armies. They are tough, disciplined fighters noted for their skill with a curved knife called a Khukri. The weapon they used was formidable and worth seeing. Nepal has become one of my best loved small countries with no moments to spare. You are busy every time. So much to see!!

Add this to your must visit destination.

Mike Spinelli
http://www.mikespinelli.com