Cultures of this landlocked county are varied. Geography of the country has influenced the culture and religion of many ethnic groups. Northern region is resided by people of Bhotia (Tibetan) origin this includes Sherpas who live in the vicinity of Mt.Everest. They follow primarily Buddhist religion and in western part of the country there are many followers of Bon–po (pre Buddhist religion). 'Kiratis' known as Rais and Limbus whose ancestors establish Kathmandu valley in 7th century BC and ruled the valley for 1000 years lives in eastern Nepal. Their culture and religion have been greatly influenced by Hindu religion. Basically they practice animism - worship of ancestors. Like Sherpa they are descendents of Tibeto-Burman group.

The other major ethnic groups from Tibeto-Burman stock are Magar, Gurung and Tamang. Magar inhabit central region around Gorkha and Gurung in the western region of Annapurna. Tamang villages are around Kathmandu valley. Newars are dominant ethnic group in Kathmandu valley. They practice mixture of Hinduism and Buddhism with reflection of tantrism and animism. Far - west is the origin in Nepal of Bahuns and Chettri, who are known as Khas. They are Hindu; Hindu is a major religion in Nepal. The inhabitants of Terai (plain) belt are 'Tharu.' Though animism is practiced widely but their culture is greatly influenced by Hindu religion and culture of neighboring Indian states. Therefore the cultures in Nepal are as varied as diverse ethnic groups.

The people are highly religious and the practice of religious rituals is a part of everyday life. Hinduism is the main religion of Nepal. 86.5 percent of the people are Hindus, 7.8 percent Buddhists, 3.5 percent Muslims and 2.2 percent Jains, Christians and others. There is a unique blend of Hinduism and Buddhism. The two religions have overlapped and harmonized to an extent that Hindus and Buddhists worship the identical gods.

Nepal has preserved one of the world's oldest and richest continuous cultures. Her culture finds exquisite expression in the fields of religion, art, music, dance, social and socio-religious festivals. There are thousands of temples, shrines, pagodas, intricate wood carvings and bronze and stone images of great elegance. There is not a single week, not even a single day without observing some festivals. All of the religious festivals of the country are based on Lunar Calendar.

In Nepal, Hinduism and Buddhism are the two main religions. The two have co-existed down the ages and many Hindu temples share the same complex as Buddhist shrines. Hindu and Buddhist worshipers may regard the same god with different names while performing religious rites.

Hinduism :
Thousands of gods and goddesses make up the Hindu pantheon. Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva are he three major Hindu gods who have heir own characteristics and incarnations. Each god has his own steed which is often seen kneeling faithfully outside that god's temple. Symbolic objects are carried by the multiple ands of each deity which empowers them to perform great feats.

Buddhism :
Sakyamuni Buddha is the founder of Buddhism who lived and taught in this part of the world during the sixth century BC. The great stupas of Swayambhunath and Bouddhanath are among the oldest and most beautiful worship sites in the Kathmandu Valley.

The spinning of prayer wheels, prostrating pilgrims, collective chants and burning butter lamps are some Buddhist practices often encouithtered by tourists. A slip of paper bearing a mantra is kept inside the wheels so that prayers are sent to the gods when the wheel is spun. Scenes from the Buddha's life and Buddhist realms are depicted on thangka scroll paintings which are used during meditation and prayer ceremonies. Many Buddhist followers are seen performing these practices in Swayambhunath, Boudanath, and at other Buddhist sites around the Valley.