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Nestled in the Himalayas on the northern edge of the Indian subcontinent
lies Nepal, the land where mortals mingle with deities. In this
tiny Himalayan Kingdom you will find the highest mountains on
Earth, dense tropical jungles teeming with wildlife, thundering
rivers and broad valleys. Together, they offer an astonishing
diversity of sight-seeing attractions and opportunities for adventure
found nowhere else in the world.
As diverse as the land in which they
live, the people of Nepal represent a variety of distinctive
ethnic groups - each with their characteristic language, customs
and dialects. The rich tapestry of Nepal's cultural heritage
can be found in Kathmandu Valley, home of the ancient, sophisticated
Newari culture.
The Newars are the original settlers
in the Valley and the driving force behind the spendid civilisation
which blossomed in the Valley's three cities - Kathmandu, Patan
and Bhaktapur. The magnificent temples and palaces, delicately
engraved stone and metal images, carved wooden columns and pillars
plus the ancient shrines and chaityas of these three cities stand
as testaments to the devotion and artistic achievements of the
Newars.
The Newari word for the Kathmandu Valley
is "Swoniga" - what the Newars call the Valley of three
cities. We decided to name our hotel after Swoniga as a way of
celebrating the remarkable history and achievements of the people
of the Kathmandu Valley.
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