Nepal is steeped in history and culture and is proud of its rich heritage. The religions of Hinduism and Buddhism co-exist and flourish, providing a wealth of ornate temples, stupas and other religious monuments and symbols. Whilst cities like Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan display a smorgasbord of heritage sites, the country is primarily a country made up of small villages and rural farmlands and to many it is amongst these tiny, hill settlements that the 'heart and soul' beats. Indeed it is said that if you walk a kilometre or two from a road, you'll walk back a couple of hundred years in time. The Nepalese often say that the country has a third religion; tourism, and the influence of tourism has a tendency to create 'artificial' experiences wherever it goes.

For those who wish to totally immerse themselves in the richness of Nepali life, then staying in local homes 'off the beaten track' perhaps provides the most genuine cultural experiences. Whilst of course it is also possible to enjoy luxury holidays in Nepal, the locations of deluxe hotels are limited to the principle tourist places, although it is entirely possible to incorporate some Himalayan trekking as part of a luxury holiday and utilise the luxury trekking lodges in the Annapurna and Everest regions. Whatever style you choose to follow you're almost certain to encounter the warmth and friendly hospitality of the people.

Indeed it is the encounters with the people that seem to create the longest, lingering memories of a visit. The landscapes may be both beautiful and dramatic, but it is the people within the landscape that make Nepal what it is. To inspire you, we've created some suggested Nepal cultural tours