Namaste! Welcome to the roof of the world—Nepal, a breathtaking Himalayan nation sandwiched between India and China. There are around 31 million people living here, and the capital is Kathmandu, a vibrant city famous for its ancient temples and bustling markets. The official language is Nepali, though over 100 different regional languages are spoken throughout the country.

Nepal covers about 147,181 square kilometers (56,827 square miles). The country is roughly the same size as the state of New York in the U.S., or about the same size as Greece. Within this relatively small area, the elevation drops from the highest peaks on Earth to tropical jungles at nearly sea level, creating incredible biodiversity.

The most popular sports are Cricket and Football, but Volleyball is officially the national sport. Their national animal is the Cow, which is considered sacred and protected by law, while the Lophophorus (Danphe) is the colorful national bird.

The flag is the only national flag in the world that is not rectangular, consisting of two stacked triangles with a sun and a moon, where the crimson red represents the brave spirit of the people and the national flower (the rhododendron), while the blue border symbolizes peace and harmony.

The food is a soul-warming mix of flavors. You must try Dal Bhat, the national staple consisting of lentil soup, rice, and vegetable curry—many Nepalis eat this twice a day. Another favorite is Momo, delicious dumplings filled with meat or vegetables and served with a spicy dipping sauce. For a snack, try Sel Roti, a ring-shaped, sweet fried bread made from rice flour.

Nepal is home to Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth, and seven of the world’s other ten highest peaks. The country is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, who was born in Lumbini, now a major world pilgrimage site. You can explore the Kathmandu Valley, which contains seven UNESCO World Heritage sites in a very small radius, including the famous “Monkey Temple” (Swayambhunath). For adventure seekers, Pokhara offers stunning views of the Annapurna range reflected in the calm waters of Phewa Lake. Interestingly, Nepal follows its own calendar (Vikram Samvat), which is approximately 56 years and 8 months ahead of the Western calendar!

From the fluttering prayer flags of the high mountains to the rhinos and tigers of Chitwan National Park, Nepal is a land of spiritual peace and towering majesty. Dhanyabad! That means “Thank you!”