Landlocked between India and Tibet, Nepal spans terrain from subtropical jungle to the icy Himalaya, and contains or shares eight of the world's ten highest mountains. Its cultural landscape is every bit as diverse: Nepal has a dozen major ethnic groups and two of the world's great religions, Hinduism and Buddhism, overlap and mingle with older tribal traditions, testimony to the Nepalis' great tolerance and good sense of humour. Founded on trans-Himalayan trade the kingdom of Nepal is a land of sublime scenery, time-worn temples, and some of the best walking trails on earth. It is a multi-faceted destination with something for everyone from the avid hiker or mountaineer to the eager cultural tourist.