VHS. Mystic Fire Video Journey to Nepal and explore the ancient cultures still thriving in the Himalayan kingdom - a unique mixture of Hinduism from India and Buddhism from Tibet. The film shows sacred art and religious rituals of the Nepalese; meditation training for young Tibetan monks; beliefs in local spirits, mountain gods and folk figures in daily Sherpa life in the Everest region. The narrative, written by Buddhist scholar John Reynolds, explains how lamas have taken over the shaman's role as psychic healer and guide of souls, and how Tantra is an essential part of daily life, harmonizing the relationship between man, woman, nature and a higher spiritual reality. A film by Sheldon Rochlin, Mike Spera and Loren Standlee. 60 minutes. c2002

DVD. Passport to Adventure Kathmandu is probably the world's first real adventure travel destination. It has changed considerably since the 1950's, (as every place does when tourism thrives), but in many ways, it hasn't changed at all. Nepal offers a wealth of exotic culture, spectacular landscapes, and miles of terrain for trekking. Starting out in the vibrant capital of Kathmandu, host Julie Conover takes a breathtaking flight over Mt. Everest, then heads to Pokhara, to explore this romantic lakeside village and begin a trek into the foothills of the Annapurna range.

DVD. Passport to Adventure In the southwestern region of Nepal there are no high mountain peaks to scale, just pristine rural villages and tribal cultures living undisturbed by tourism. This is the "not so famous" side of Nepal. The Bardia Reserve is one of the last remaining habitats for the nearly extinct Bengal Tiger. Host Julie Conover boards an elephant to search for the elusive cats and spends the night at the rustic Tiger Tops tented camp overlooking the river where she rafts the next morning. In the country's capital, Kathmandu, Hindu and Buddhist temples are still the center of life. Cycling through stunning rural scenery and the ancient town squares of the Kathmandu Valley, reveals more on the intriguing culture that makes Nepal a true adventure travel destination.

DVD. Nature Parks On the Indian border, in the south of Nepal, is the country's oldest animal reserve, the Royal Chitwan Park. Along with the extremely rare Indian rhinoceros, around 400 animals live within the confines of this fascinating nature reserve. One of the park's fertile valleys is crossed by the rivers Rapti, Reu and Narayani. Due to monsoons, the rivers frequently change course and constantly transform the appearance of the landscape. The rivers are home to a large assortment of fish. Even the rare Ganges Dolphin, that is threatened by extinction, has found sanctuary in their waters. An area of 932 km? is encircled by the impressive profile of the mighty and majestic Himalayan Mountains and in 1973, the Royal Chitwan was officially designated as a national park. Today, it is one of the country's most important tourist destinations. More than 70 percent of the park is covered by forests of Sal trees, the remainder being divided between river valleys, woodland and tall elephant grass. With its 800 metre high hills, the park accommodates more than 40 species of mammals, around 550 varieties of birds and 70 species of butterflies. The subtropical climate also supports the growth of numerous exotic plants, the magnificent blossoms of which are often obscured by dense undergrowth. The name `Chitwan' means `Heart of the Jungle', a name that could not better describe the large variety of fauna and flora to be found in the park. A slow drive on bumpy, natural roads travels past the tall trees of the jungle. From the tops of the trees there is the screaming of monkeys, as well as a confusing cacophony of birdcall. The park is a paradise for birds and among the 450 species that live here, there are rare hornbills, cranes, peacocks and birds of prey such as falcons, hawks and white-tailed eagles. The Royal Chitwan National Park was once the hunting ground of kings and noblemen. Today, it is the most treasured nature reserve in Asia and a final refuge for numerous animals threatened by extinction.

DVD. 7 Days. 52 Minutes. At the foot of the huge peaks of the Himalayas is Pokhara, and it is from here that we begin our journey through Nepal. In the past, Pokhara was an important trading link between India and Tibet but the trading of salt and wool came to an end after Tibet closed its doors to the outside world. Kathmandu is a melting pot of both race and religion, a metropolis in the heart of the Kingdom of Nepal, a country of snow-covered mountains inhabited by the gods. Kumari Chowk is the residence of the living goddess, Kumari, who is duly selected from childhood. She is not allowed to leave until puberty as her task is to affirm the king's power. Traditional ceremonies are celebrated throughout the year such as the Festival Of The Children that is a symbol of fertility and sexual purity. Patan is Nepal's second largest city and has retained much of its original character due to its three hundred monasteries and temples. It is also one of the oldest settlements in Kathmandu Valley and during the 15th century was the capital of one of three kingdoms. Bhaktapur is the third ancient regal city of the 30 kilometer long Kathmandu Valley that has always been a prosperous trading route between China, Tibet and India. Through the golden gate of Sundhoka is the old royal palace complex. The Torana above the gate is richly gilded and features the 10-armed goddess, Taleju, and her loyal guards. Located on a 1,400 meter high hill, Swayanbunath is a Buddhist monastery complex and one of the most interesting sights in Nepal. The country's oldest stupa dates back to the 5th century and is entered from an easterly direction up a staircase that contains 365 steps. Endless rows of prayer mills and religious images are the instruments of the people's deep faith. Hidden in a canyon and located on top of a mountain creek, Dakshinkali stands guard over the valley.This wonderful place is dedicated to the bloody goddess, Kali. The customs of the people in the `Kingdom On The Roof Of The World' may seem somewhat strange.But this land of jungle and eternal snow has developed according to its own rich traditions and beliefs. Like magic!

DVD. Vista Point. 26 Minutes. At the foot of the huge peaks of the Himalayas is Pokhara and it is from here that we begin our journey through Nepal. At one time this high valley contained seven fresh water lakes named Pokhari and they gave this holiday paradise its present day name. In the past, Pokhara was an important trading link between India and Tibet but the trading of salt and wool came to an end after Tibet closed its doors to the outside world. Its population is extremely tolerant and both the Buddhist and Hindu faiths coexist side by side. A safari by elephant is a real adventure as the mahuts skilfully lead the ambling giants through the bush. Travelling through the jungle on the back of an elephant offers good protection from rhinoceroses and other predators. Kathmandu is a melting pot of both race and religion, a metropolis in the heart of the Kingdom of Nepal. In the centre of the city is the ancient palace of Hanuman Dhoka. More than seven hundred thousand people live in the metropolis of Earth's most ancient kingdom. It was only a few decades ago that ancient Nepal opened up its borders. Until then, due to the command of the ruling Gurkha Dynasty, the `Home of the Divine' was totally isolated. Patan is Nepal's second largest city and has retained much of its original character due to its three hundred monasteries and temples. It is also one of the oldest settlements in Kathmandu Valley and during the 15th century was the capital of one of three kingdoms. Two huge lions guard the entrance of the former royal palace that originated from a monastery complex. Bhaktapur is the third ancient regal city of the thirty kilometre long Kathmandu Valley that has always been a prosperous trading route between China, Tibet and India. Our journey through this fairytale land ends at the foot of the mighty Himalayas amidst a wonderful world in which the gods are still very much alive!

DVD. Cosmos Global Documentaries. 52 Minutes. Surrounded by the highest mountains in the world is the fascinating world of Nepal, the Golden Kingdom of the Himalayas. Compared to the hubbub of the Nepal capital of Kathmandu, the lakes of the Pokhara Valley located two hundred kilometres to the west are tranquil and relaxing. The freshwater lakes, the Pokhari, also gave the region its name. The vast forest areas of Chitwan in the south of the country on the border with India provide a surprisingly diverse variety of flora and fauna and make its nickname of, The Heart of the Jungle, appropriate. Modern life is far more obvious in Kathmandu Valley than in the south of the country. But the region's rich historical heritage with its magnificent temples and palatial buildings is still a magnificent sight. The valley is like a huge treasure trove and it is where the cultural development of Nepal first began. Despite its slow development this land has preserved much of its fascinating mediaeval atmosphere. Lalitpur was once known as a centre of Buddhism with more than a hundred and fifty monasteries including the most famous main monastery, the so-called Golden Temple, the Kwa Bahal. With a population of around seventy-five thousand, Bhaktapur, once an independent royal city, is the third largest city in Kathmandu. Apart from the Swayambhunath Stupa, Bodhnath, otherwise known as, Tiny Tibet, is the most important Buddhist sanctuary and also the largest sacred building of its kind in Kathmandu Valley. Surrounded and protected by the highest mountains in the world in a truly magical setting where the Earth seems to touch the sky, the Golden Kingdom of the Himalayas lives on in perfect timeless beauty and majestic brilliance!