Meditation
Vipassana is one of the most ancient meditation techniques. Long lost, it was rediscovered by Gautam Buddha more than 2500 years ago. Vipassana means ‘to see things as they really are’. It is an art of living which frees the individual from all the negativities of mind such as anger, greed and ignorance. It is a practice which develops positive and creative energy for the betterment of the individual and society.

The path (Dhamma) is a universal remedy for universal problems and has nothing to do with any religion. It can be practiced freely by anyone without conflict with race, caste or religion in any place and at any time. If practiced it will prove beneficial to everyone.

Astrology
Like the other significant parts of the Nepali heritage, astrology too links its origin to the ‘Vedas’, the major source of virtually everything (for the Hindus) written thousands of years ago.

Mesh (Aries), Brish (Taurus), Mithun (Gemini) Karkat (Cancer), Singha (Leo), Kanya (Virgo), Tula (Libra), Brishchik (Scorpio), Dhanu (Sagittarius), Makar (Capricorn), Kumbha (Aquarius) and Meen (Pisces) are the 12 signs of the zodiac, Known in Nepal as Rashi.

The moment a baby is born, the exact date and time of birth is recorded. It is given to the astrologer who, according to the position of the different planets in the solar system at that precise moment, prepares a Cheena (horoscope).The Cheena is a rectangular chart which indicates the degree of influence of the planets from the solar world on the people born to a particular Rashi highlighting both the positive and negative aspects of one’s life. When Nepalese people are having a difficult time they go to their astrologer with their Cheena for consultation. The practice is mainly carried out in the villages and more remote places nowadays, people in the towns are less likely to practice.

Astrologers are also consulted on important life occasions: When to start rice feeding a newly born child, the laying of sacred thread (Brahmins, Kshetri caste, a thread worn around the upper body) and for weddings. They are also involved in choosing the specific times for Tika (religious offering) in Dashain, Bhai Tika in Tihar, and also the times of a series of national festivals. When a person dies, their Cheena is taken to the crematorium or Ghat and cremated along with their body.

Yoga
Yoga means unity or oneness. The word came from the Sanskrit word “YOG” which means “TO JOIN”. Yoga is a series of postures (Asanas) designed to develop flexibility, general body health and awareness. These are the early stages towards the highest goal of the spiritual path. Practicing Yoga can give benefits to everyone, regardless of their spiritual aims.

The Eight Fold Path of Yoga looks deeply into the morality of living. It consists of :Yama (self restraint), Niyama (self observance) Asana, Pranayama (breathing techniques), Pratyhare (withdrawal of the senses), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (identification with pure awareness).

There is an inter-relationship between Yoga and meditatio, you can decide to focus more on one or the other or combine both. The Himalayas have played a big role in self-realization, It’s isolation from the world and pristine environment makes Nepal an ideal place to practice Yoga.

Ayurveda:- Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word meaning “the science of life” or “a natural way of living”. It includes yoga, meditation and the natural and spiritual sciences. The objectives of Ayurveda are the development of awareness that leads to desirelessness, the promotion of health and long life, prevention and curing of disease, and to understand and correct imbalances, to restore harmony in the person.

Ayurveda has been practiced in Nepal for thousands of years. The Nepal Himalaya is considered to be the base of purity, clarity and harmony which is the goal of every living creature according to Ayurveda.Due to its diverse topography, Nepal is one of the richest countries in flora ranging from tropical to alpine. Much of the flora is used for medicinal use in Ayurveda.

Homoeopathy:- Homoeopathy is a system of natural remedies made from animal, vegetable, and mineral extracts. These remedies are prepared to be non-toxic and do not cause side- effects.

Homeopathy and Ayruveda have their similarities but whereas Ayurveda will provide medicines to treat an illness, homeopathy differs by looking at the patient as a whole rather than only concentrate on the specific disease or illness. Ayurveda and Homeopathy can also compliment each other.

The ministry of Health in Nepal has a homeopathic division with practitioners and pharmacies found in many places in Kathmandu city.

Tibetan Medicine:- Tibetan medicine is one of the oldest known medical traditions it is based on the gentle treatment of the patient.. It combines science, art and a philosophy that provides a holistic approach to health care. Diagnostic techniques in Tibetan medicine includes visual observation, touch and interrogation.

Visual Observation:- Involves checking the patients skin complexion, the color of blood, nails, faeces and other general conditions. Special attention is given to the patients tongue and urine.

Touch:- Pulse reading forms the most important method in Tibetan medicine, after ensuring an important set of preconditions, the physician proceeds with the pulse diagnosis by placing the three middle fingers on the patient’s radial arteries.

Questioning:- Questioning forms an important clinical aspect of the diagnosis. There are three main elements to any questioning: Determining the causative factors, determining the site of the illness and studying the signs and symptoms. This involves the doctor asking the patient about what sort of food and drink they have been consuming and what kind of physical and mental behavior they have been experiencing.

Tibetan medicines take various forms, decoctions, powders, general pills, precious pills and syrups are all prescribed in small doses. – Faith healers and Tantric healing in the Himalayas:- The “Jhankris” are shamans, with garlands of bells around their necks, they dance and chant with the beat of the drum which they play when under the possession of spirits. Their healing ceremonies sometimes involve sacrifice of either a rooster or a black goat. A broomstick, some grains of husked rice, a pinch of ash, incense sticks, water that is charged with Tantric spirits are some of the items they use to conjure up a miracle cure.
India saw its great Tantric period between the 7th and 13th centuries. Padmasambhaba who was a great Indian spiritual master during the 8th century, introduced his own type of Tantric Buddhism to Tibet. In the 13th century the Mugal dynasty assumed control in India bringing with them their Tantric practices which eventually permeated Nepal and Tibet. Over the centuries Tantrism has become a big part of faith healing, both in Nepal and Tibet.

Dining out :- Kathmandu has become a famous destination for dining out over the years. It is possible to experience cuisine from all over the world with restaurants ranging from five star hotels to simple roadside cafes that serve local fare. There is a huge range of choice in between with prices very favourable to those of the developed world.