Vignettes of Nepal – Harka Gurung

VIGNETTES OF NEPAL
Nepal is a land of geographic contrast, cultural diversity and scenic grandeur. There is no better way of knowing a country than travelling through it and, in Nepal, this means traversing a maze of ridges and valleys that span between tropical plains and the stupendous snow heights.
The present book is a travel account by a native rambler who has made numerous treks across the country. The areas described include various parts of Nepal and more space is devoted to lesser known places. There are glimpses of northern borderlands such as Manang, Mustang, Dolpo, Mugu and Humla along with descripti- ons of mountaineering ventures of varying scale-Kagmara and Everest- and about religious gatherings at places of contrasting locale-Devghat and Gosainkund.
The book is not a mere travelogue but also provides a perceptive view of Nepal through an enquiring mind. While geographical approach binds the thread of narrative, there are relevant observa- tions on local geology and flora, folk culture and history. The author also has an eye for the changing scene and processes of development affecting interior Nepal. This book is an authentic attempt at portraying the personality of various places and peoples of Nepal.
HARKA GURUNG was born in Lam- jung, Central Nepal, in 1939. He went to school in Dehra Dun, Jullunder and Now- gong in India and topped I. A. at Tri- Chandra College, Kathmandu (1957). He graduated from Patna University (1959) with First Class Honours in Geography and subsequently studied at University of Edinburgh where he did Dip. Geography (1961) and Ph. D. (1965). He has held teaching assignments in the University of
Edinburgh, School of Oriental & African Studies, London, and Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu. He was Member, National Planning Commission (1968-73), Vice-Chairman, National Planning Commission (1973-75) and Minister of State for Education, Industry & Commerce, Tourism, Transport & Public Works (1975-78). Publications include numerous articles and three booklets: ANNAPURNA TO DHAULAGIRI (1968), REGIONAL DEVE- LOPMENT PLANNING FOR NEPAL (1969) and GRADUATES IN NEPAL (1972).
A keen sportsman, painter and photographer, he is presently finali- sing his books on history of mountaineering in Nepal, changing landscape of Pokhara Valley, and dimensions of development in Nepal.