Buddha Eyes, Bodnath, Katmandu, Nepal (frontrange.ca)
While it may not be the birthplace of the Buddha (or may), Nepal is nevertheless a spectacular Buddhist country. [WQ continues to investigate claims that the real "Kapilavastu" and "Lumbini" ares in Iran and that the reason the archaeological finds in Nepal have been dubbed so are more political than scientific.] It is the only nation on earth to have all temperate zones, from the humid terai to its alpine heights. The Buddhism here connects to surviving Indian and Tibetan Buddhist populations.
Trekking to the base of Mt. Everest
Blended with Hindu beliefs, Bon religion holdovers, and a mix of Islam, Sikh, and Sufi influences, Nepalese Buddhism is vibrant and palpably ancient. Geopolitically, it is considered the only "Hindu nation" in the world, which likely has more to do with influence from its major trading partner and census irregularities -- as one discovers by mingling even on a short visit. Go in search of Yetis, white water rafting (with rare freshwater dolphins), or settle into its few man made lakes.
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Nestled between China and India, between the world's highest peaks and swamps in the south, Nepal is landlocked with unique geography keeping its unique kingdoms and treasures hidden for centuries.
Of course, Katmandu is wondrous world of its own with the mystical Buddha's Eyes of Perhaps most remarkably, it's literally walking distance to India. A bus from Kathmandu to the border, and you'll have to walk across on your way to Gorakhpur and the fascinating pilgrimage site of Kushinagar (where Gautama Buddha passed into parinirvana and where a worldwide movement and Relic Tour is building the world's largest buddha statue of Maitreya).
Trekking amid dazzling scenery and unbelievably kind hospitality, Nepal- Pictures and itineraries: http://www.dungevalley.co.uk/nepal%20mustang.htm
- Indian woman canonized by Catholics: http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=10163659&ch=4226714&src=news
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