Nepal, popularly known as 'the abode of Gods' is a land of the world's highest mountain, the Everest, the fighting Gorkha soldiers, and the tigers of the southern Terai region. Nepal is the world's only Hindu Kingdom and finds itself squeezed between its two gigantic neighbours - India and China. Over a quarter of the country's land mass is over 9500' high and includes eight peaks over 26,000'. In contrast, the green valley of Kathmandu and Pokhra provide the lushness you might expect from a location that is on the same latitude as Florida. Close to Katmandu are ancient cities of Patan and Bhaktapur with street markets, bazaars, colourful temples and ornate architecture.. Centuries of tradition, art and architecture are concentrated in this valley.