Nepal is about the size of the South Island of New Zealand, turned through 90 degrees. But the mountains are bigger! The southern plain is fertile, growing rice, wheat and jungle. The central foothills are steep to very steep, and mostly terraced. The high Himalayas include Everest, bordering with China. They are snow-covered, and home to many unique animals and plants. The 30 million people, of 100 tribes and languages, mostly speak Nepali, closely related to Hindi. The majority are Hindus, but there are many Buddhists in the north and east, and some Muslims in the west. Remote tribes are animist or practice Tibetan Buddhism. Shamanism is common. But spiritually the people are wide open to the gospel, having become disillusioned with traditional religion and politics. Nepal is safe to visit, but politically unpredictable. It was recently declared a secular state, allowing access for ministry although a new anti-conversion law restricts where we can preach. Lacking education, health care and basic needs, the country is very poor, especially in remote areas. Strikes and corruption are endemic. But the people are friendly, warm, open, resilient and tough. They have a unique culture and history (having never been conquered), and it is a nation everyone should visit!

Nepal (main page) Where we went What to expect