Nepal Festivals
Nepal is the ?Land of Festivals? with at least one part of the kingdom celebrating a festival every day of the year. Festivals may be linked with the remembrance of the departed soul, to herald a different season, to mark the beginning or end of the agricultural cycle, to mark national events, or for family celebrations. On a festival day the Nepalese take their ritual bath, worship different gods and goddesses, visit the temple, observe fasting and undertake feasting. The most important aspect of Nepalese culture is the religious harmony and understanding prevailing among the Hindus and Buddhists.
Festival Name
Description
Dashain:
Celebrated in October, nationwide in October.
The most important of all Nepalese celebrations.
Features the biggest animal sacrifice of the year.
Tihar:
Celebrates in November
Animals are honoured.
Holi:
Celebrates in March.
Chaitra Dashain:
Celebrates in April.
Animals are sacrifice.
Haribodhini Ekadashi:
Celebrates in November.
Celebrates in Pashupatinath.
Maha Shivaratri:
Celebrates in March.
Celebrates in Pashupatinath
Gai Jatra:
Held in August, Kathmandu.
Krishna Jayanti:
Held in August/September in Patan.
Mani Rimdu:
Celebrates in November, Solu Khumbu.
Buddha Jayanti
Celebrates in May, Kathmandu.
Losar (Tibetan New Year):
Held in February, Swayambhunath, Jawlakhel and highland communities
The rich cultural heritage of Nepal is best expressed in the many large and small festivals that occur throughout the year. Though the Nepalese have diverse beliefs and ethnic background, all unite in the celebration of the year's major festivals. There are many kinds of festivals: some honor certain Hindu and Buddhist gods or goddesses, some recreate important events from ancient mythology and epic literature, some herald the seasons or mark important times in the agricultural calendar, and others propitiate the minor deities that populated the spirit world of the country.
Festivals such as Dashain and Tihar are of national significance; some such as Bisket or Red Machhendranath Jatra, belong to the traditions of the old Valley towns; and still others, such as Mani Rimdu, are celebrated only in particular countryside community. It has been said that in Nepal, "every other building is a temple and every other day is a festival & quot; Whatever time one visits Nepal, there is certain to be a colorful and rewarding festive experience.
The annual dates for the festivals were fixed long ago on specific days of the ancient lunar calendar. Obviously these do not coincide with the solar calendar currently used in Nepal, nor with Gregorian calendar. Calendars are printed each spring at the beginning of the Nepalese year which show all three dates - the lunar, the Nepalese and Gregorian. The Nepalis skip nimbly from one to the next while Westerns flounder in confusion.
Thus, unless one is a learned astrologer, possessed of mathematical genius, there is no way to foretell the exact date for next year's festivals.
The Nepalese Calendars: The calendar question, in Nepal, is a little complex. Indeed, in addition to the Western (Gregorian) calendar, which is merely tolerated, there are four different 'time computers'.
a) The official calendar, mandatory in all public acts and correspondence. It is called "Vikram Sambat Era" comes from the name of Vikramaditya, which started on Feb. 23re, 57 B.C. But the year begins in Mid-April.
b) The Newar community, in Kathmandu Valley in particular, are traditionally and sentimentally attached to their own calendar which is, paradoxically, called 'Nepal Era'. This Nepal Era started in 879-880 A.D. The year begins on the festival called Tihar that takes place on the new moon night of the month of Kartik (Oct./Nov.).
c) The third calendar is the 'Sakya Era', which began in 77-78 A.D. under King Raja Nanda Deva, a descendant of King Amsuvarma, the founder of the Licchavi dynasty. This new era is said to have been introduced in commemoration of Nanda Deva's access to the throne.
The Nepalese New Year's Day:On this day a popular festival takes place in the 3 rd city of Kathmandu valley Bhaktapur, where a gigantic pole installed with two long flags hanged on the top will be laid down (rooted out) in a great pomp and show. This will last for a week, many chariots festivals of Gods and Goddesses will be celebrated with open joys and cheers.
Red Machhendranath Jatra (April) This festival is the biggest socio-culture event of Patan. It begins with the chariot journeys of the most widely venerated deity of the Nepal valley, who resides in his twin shrines at Patan and Bungamati. His popular name is Bunga Deo, but non Newars call him also by the name of Red Machhendranath. The wheeled chariot is prepared at Pulchowk and pulled through the town of Patan in several stages until several month later it reaches Jawalakhel for the final celebration of this festival called the Bhoto ekhaune. The two Machhendranath of Patan and Kathmandu form part of same cult of Avalokiteswara in the Mahayan religion.
Buddha Jayanti (May) This day which falls on the full moon of the month of Baisakh is celebrated to commemorate the birth attainment of enlightenment and the death of Gautam Buddha, the founder preacher of Buddhism, more that 2500 years ago. Prayers are sung and worship is offered by the Buddhists in leading Buddhist shrines throughout the country including Lumbini in the Rupandehi district, which is the birth place of Buddha. There is a great fare held at Lumbini on this day.
Janai Purnima (Rakchshya Bandhan) (August) The full moon of the month of Shrawan, the day when this festival is observed is considered sacred all over Nepal and is celebrated in different manner by various groups of people of Nepal. However, the most widely accepted mode of celebration is that on this day all the twice-born caster take ritual bath and they change their sacred thread. Everyone gets strings of thread on his wrist from the Brahmans as a protective mark for the whole year. This day is also held sacred for bathing in Gosainkunda. One can also see a pageantry of the Jhankris attired in their traditional costume as they come to bathe at Kumbheshwor at Patan. These Jhankris also visit the temple of Kailinchowk Bhagwati in Dolkhas district where they go to bet for their healing powers as they are the raditional healers of the Nepalese villages.
Gai Jatra (The cow festival) (August) In this festival teen-aged boys addressed up as cows, parade the streets of the town. This costume springs from the belief that cows help the members of the family who died within that year to travel to heaven smoothly. Some are also dressed up as an ascetic or a fool for achieving the same objective for their dead family members. Groups of mimics improvise short satirical enactment on the current social scenes of the town for the entertainment of the public. The week beginning from Janai Purnima actually unfolds a season of many good religious and cultural activities.
The Buddhist monasteries open their gates to the visitors to view their bronze sculptures and collection of paintings for a week.At Patan, one observes the festival of Mataya at this time. The festivity of Gai Jatra itself lasts for a week enlivened by the performance of dance and drama in the different localities of the town. The spirit of the old festival is being increasingly adapted by cultural centres, newspaper and magazines to fling humour and satire on the Nepalese Social and Political life.
Krishnaastami (September) The day is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Krishna, one of the incarnations of Vishnu. Religious fast is observed and Krishna's temple visited by the devotees on this day. A procession goes around the town displaying the pictures of Lord Krishna, a practice which was started in the recent years by a social organisation called the Sanatan Dharma Sewa Samiti.
Teej (September) This is a festival for the ladies. On this day the Nepalese women go to Shiva temple in colourful dresses to worship Shiva. In Kathmandu Valley they go to Pashupatinath and then worship Shiva (Hindu God of Destruction) and whatever they wish that will by fulfilled.
Indra Jatra (September) Like Gai Jatra, this also heralds a week of religious and cultural festivity in Kathmandu. There are several face of this festival. On the night when this festival begins members of the family in which death has taken place within one year, go round the town limits of Kathmandu burning incense and putting lamps along the route. The same morning a tall wooden pole representing the statue of Indra and large wooden masks of Bhairab are put on display in the bazaar. Several groups of religious dance like the Devinach, Bhairava and Bhakku as well as Mahankalinach come into life duringthis week. The week also commences with pulling of chariot of Ganesh, Bhairava and Kumari in Kathmandu. On this historical day, King Prithwi Narayan Shah made a victorious march with his troops into the town and ascended the throne of Kantipur the old name for Kathmandu displacing the Malla King Jaya Prakash Malla.
Ghatasthapana - Bada Dashain (Vijaya Dashami) (September - October) It is truly the national festival of Nepal. Every Nepali is stirred by the prospects of the joy that this festival is supposed to bring with it. The change of mood is also induced psychologically by the turn of autumn season after a long spell of monsoon, introducing clear and brilliant days, an azure blue sky and a green carpet of fields, the climate is also just ideal at this time, it is neither being too cold nor too warm. The Nepalese cherish their Dashain as time for eating well and dressing well. Each house also sets up a shrine to worship the Goddess at this time. Barley seeds are planted on the first day in every household and nurtured for nine days. During this period Goddess Durga Bhawani is worshipped and offered a lot of blood sacrifices. Buffaloes, goats, chickens and ducks are killed by the thousands at the temples at military posts and in every household. One of the main centre that witnesses the animal sacrifice in a large scale at this time is the Hanuman Dhoka palace on the night of the eighth day and morning of the ninth. On the concluding day of the festival called the Tika, the elders of the family give Tika to their junior members and to other relatives who may also come to seek their blessings. The fresh shoots of the barley are also given. Family feasting and feting of guests is a common practice at this time.
Tihar (October - November) It lasts for five days and is marked by worship to different animals such as crow, the dog and the cow, five various days. The most important day is Laxmi Puja. The most endearing sight of this festival is presented by the illumination of the entire town with rows of tiny flickering lamps on Laxmi Puja. In the evening of this day, the Goddess of Wealth, Laxmi is worshipped at every household and it is in her welcome that myriad of lamps are burnt. On the fifth day sisters show their affection towards their brothers with a puja and feed them with delectable food. They pray for their brothers long life to Yama, the Hindu God of death.
For one Year after the death, the soul of the dead wanders around awaiting entrance to the under world and it is the inescapable duty of living relatives to provide it with substance, comfort and peace once or twice each year and Bala Chaturdasi is one of them. The relatives pay homage to Pashupatinath and offer grains while taking a round of the temple.
Shree Panch Prithwi Jayanti (January) The day is celebrated as the birth anniversary of the great conqueror of Nepal, the first Shah King of United Nepal. The great festivity celebrates particularly around the bronze life size statue of the great monarch in front of the magnificent unique Lion Palace'Singha Durbar' in Kathmandu. On that day a large procession in its front with a big life size photo of the king in a well-decorated chariot starts from Basantapur in the ancient Royal Palace square and ends in front of Lion Palace. On the same day evening, the ritual bath of White Machhendra takes place at Kel Tole, Kathmandu.
Magh Sankranti (January) A Sankranti signifies the first day of any month in the Nepali calendar year. The first day of the month of Magh, which falls in January is sacred day in Nepal, because the sun, on this day, is believed to be astrological in a good position. It starts onits northward Journey in its heavenly course on this day, thus announcing the commencement of the Uttarayana. In the Nepalese belief this day marks the division of the Winter and Summer Solstice. Bathing in rivers is prescribed from this day, especially at the river onfluence and feasting with rich foods of special preparation is common in the family.
Madhav Narayan Mela (January) A religious procession of the devotees fasting for a month ago with a silver statue of Lord Vishnu to Aryaghat, Pashupati, Deopatan, Kathmandu. Thousands of people get together there to take holy bath in the Bagmati river at the time of the submergence of that statue of Lord Vishnu in the Bagmati.
Basanta Panchami (January) On this day Nepalese people bid farewell to the winter season and look forward to welcome the spring season. Most of the people of Nepal worship Goddess of learning called 'SARASWATI'. The people of Kathmandu valley go to a little shrine near Swayambhunath to worship this Goddess.
Maha Shivaratri (February) This is the most famous and celebrated festival of Nepal which attracts large crowds from far flung places both in India & Nepal. The festival is consecrated in honour of Shiva. It is observed by bathing and holding of a religious fast. All Shiva shrines become the places of visit for 'Darshan', but the greatest attraction of all is held by the temple of Pashupatinath in Kathmandu. One gets to see many thousands of Hindu devotees coming to visit the temple of Pashupati. Among them are a large number of Sadhus and Naked ascetics. Many people like to keep awake for the whole night keeping vigilance over an oil lamp burnt to please Shiva. Children are seen keeping awake similarly over a bonfire in many localities. In the afternoon an official function is held to celebrate this festival at Tundikhel. The Royal Nepal Army organises a show in which series of gun fire are sounded. The ceremony is witnessed by His Majesty the King.
Happy Holi (March)The ancient Hindu festival of Holi falls on late February or on early March. Allegedly named after the mythical demoness Holika, it is a day when the feast of colours is celebrated. The festival is of a week. However it's only the last day that is observed by all with colours. Phagu is another name for Holi where Phagu means the sacred red powder and Pune is the full moon day, on which the festival ends. People can be seen wandering through the streets either on foot or on some vehicle, with a variety of colours smeared over them.
Families and friends get together and celebrate the occasion with a lot of merry making. This spring time celebration is also an outburst of youthful exuberance in which throwing colours and water bolloons (lolas) on passer- by is acceptable.
But, the Indian community, that is, the Marwari class who have settled down in Nepal for centuries and the people of Terai celebrate it a day later with more pomp and ceremony.
The days prior to the last don't have a lot happening except, the installation of the ceremonial pole called "chir', on the first day. It's a bamboo pole, fringed with strips of cloth representing good luck charms. It is said to symbolize the tree on which lord Krishna hung the milkmaids' garments while they were bathing, unseen as they thought, in the Jamuna river of northern India. As the pole is put up in the street at Basantapur, the festivities and worship commences for the week. At the end of which its taken to a bonfire.
The myth following Holi, reveals that a fiend named Holika together with her brother, an atheist king by the name of Hiranyakasyapu conspired ways to kill his son Pralhad because Pralhad was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. But their attempts always failed for Lord Vishnu protects those who love him. Finally, Holika who having received a blessing from Lord Bramha to be immune to fire, jumped in with Pralhad. But Brahma's blessing could only be used for good purposes and so Holika was consumed by the fire where as Pralhad was saved by the grace of the Gods. Thus, Holi is said to be celebrated to rejoice Holika's extermination and the traditional bonfires are believed to commemorate her death.
According to another story, from the Puranas and the Bhagvat, Kansa sent a female demon named Putna to kill his nephew Lord Krishna. Taking the form of a nurse Putna went to Brindaban where the child Lord Krishna was growing up and tried to feed Him her poisonous milk but the attempt backfired and she was killed. Her body was burnt on the night of Holi. So some consider Holi, the festival of fire also.Holi for everyone is a time for fun and frolic. A day when one forgets the worldly anxieties and just enjoys the finer things in life.
Ghoda Jatra (March) The festival has two sides of its celebration. Its cultural side involves the Newars of Kathmandu, who celebrates it for several days, The idols of the Gods of many localities are taken in a procession in their area in portable chariots. Every households will be feasting at this time. A demon called 'Gurumapa' is also propitiated at Tundikhel. The other \aspects of the festival is provided by the function organised by the Royal Nepalese Army at Tundikhel in the afternoon of the main day. Horse race and acrobatic shows are presented at this time in which His Majesty the King will be present. A meeting of Lumari, Bhadrakali, Kankeshori and Bhairab at Asan on the second day of the main celebration is another highlight of the festival.
Seto Machhendranath Jatra (March) On this day a popular festival held in honour of the white Machendranath, who is actually the Padmapani Lokeswara, whose permanent shrine is situated at Matsyendra Bahal in Kel Tole in the middle of the bazaar in Kathmandu. A huge chariot of wood supported on four large wheels and carrying tall spire covered with green foliage is made ready for receiving the image of the divinity on this occasion and for dragging in the old town. There is such a spontaneous and heavy turnout of the devotees to pay homage to this God, who is also said to be the 'Embodiment of Compassion' at this time.
Ram Nawami (March) This day celebrates the birth of Rama, one of the incarnation of Vishnu, a prominent Hindu God. Religious fast is observed and worship is offered to Rama. A special celebration takes place at Janakpur temple of Rama and Janaki on this day.
Mother's Day"Mother's Day": This religious festival is known as Matatirtha Aunsi. We see mother's face on this ritual day. It is a special occasion for greeting and paying respect to all mothers by offering a lot of gifts like fruits, cookies, etc. those who have missed their maternal parents are obliged to take a holy bath at Matatirtha Sthan in fond memory of the departed souls.
GunlaaThis is a special Buddhist festival lasting for one month. It lies between the bright half of Shrawan and the dark half of Bhadra. They call it the "Holy Buddhist Month" rather. Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur, Swoyamvu and Adinath are the focal points of grand worship this occasion. Public rituals including classical band music and signing of hymns take place early in the morning throughout the entire month. The display of divine images, particularly the ones of the Dipankar Buddha, is displayed in all the 'bahals' of the Valley. Gunla is precisely the sacred month of the Newar Buddhist, a time of special prayer and worship exercises.
The month includes events like Pancha Daan ? the Five Offerings rite, Bahi Dyo Boyegu ? the Exhibition of the Gods, and Mata-Yaa. Unrelated festivals occur throughout the month as well. It is a month of light field work while significantly many of the pujas require extremely long walks. The Great Stupa of Swayambhunath, illuminated every night this month, is the major center of daily worship for Kathmandu Newars. Patan Buddhists journey to Chobahal and its Adinath Lokeshwor Temple. Devotees begin walking from the city around 2-3:00 a.m., many leaving small oil lamps on the trails and roads to either hill. Women at home fashion votive images from rice flour as well as alluvial black clay each morning, accumulating them throughout the month.
First week it's Namo Buddha, past Dhulikhel, second week Sankhu's Khadgayogini Temple (many also detour to Champak Narayan Temple on return), third week Swayambhunath walk, done on the full-moon light (though some folks ride buses to and fro), the other hikes are all on Wednesdays. On the 8th day of the bright moon Patan Buddhists hold the Panch Daan rites, reenacting the days when monks lived solely off the alms of the people. In important bahals in the morning, the Golden Temple (Hiranya-Barna Mahabihar) for one, a high-priest in ceremonials grab asset to receive the Five Offerings ? unhusked rice, polished rice, lentil seeds, wheat and salt. From the 12the day of the bright moon the Exhibition of the Godly statues begins. Buddhists bihars in Patan, Bhaktapur and the central part of old Kathmandu display their various religious treasures. These may be bronze images, old Buddhas (some wooden), thangkas, gifts from the faithful (including the clothes they intend to wear in Heaven) and painted narratives scrolls.
The latter are mounted on the walls of the bahal and are good specimens of a little-known art form. The best in Patan are found at Guita Bahal, in the eastern quarter, while in Kathmandu two festivals stories are subjects ? at Itum Bahal it's the Guru Mapa tale and at Thamels' Thabahil it's the saga of Chakandyo. The exhibition runs through the second day of the dark moon. In Kathmandu, Kathesimbhu (Shreegha) and the bahals on the Kumari's Mata-Ya route are the most interesting. In Patan the Golden Temple's collection is the easiest to view, but many bahals hold exhibitions and it can be quite a walk of discovery searching them out. On the 13th day of the dark moon Kathmandu Buddhists stage their own Panch Daan, decorating bahals with Buddha portraits and adoring stupas. Sometimes the ceremonials are very elaborately staged and even include khat processions to and from Swayambhunath. On the last morning of Gunla Newar women gather up all their homemade votive images and ritually immerse them in the sacred river. The following day group of devotees come to Swayambhunath Hill for an all-day picnic.
Lhosar (Tibetan New Year)LHOSAR marks the Happy and Prosperous New Year for all Tibetans (refugees or not) and Bhotia individuals living in Nepal. It is celebrated by the Sherpas, Tamangs, and some Lhasa-Newars comprising the Dhakhwas of Patan and the Tuladhars of Kathmandu as well. The surname of 'Lama' applies to both the Tamangs and the Sherpas as a common factor. Thus the overall faith in general practiced by those special-ethnic communities is known as 'Lamaism.' It is a high time for feasting, dressing-up, calling on relatives, visiting companions and dancing to the enchantment of some fervent music. The charming occasion signals the unofficial end of the off-season trades and commercial trips too, as it is traditional to be home for Lhosar. It would be disgusting and against the 'Dharma' or religion for any of them to miss Lhosar.
Lamas and monks in the 'gompas' (Mahayan Buddhist monasteries) perform a week-long Mahankal Puja (worship ceremony) first, an exercise so designed to eliminate all the accumulated defilements of the preceding year. Two days before the new moon from about one's clock in the afternoon, costumed monks at Swayamvu Stupa (a recognized WORLD HERITAGE SITE) carry out a large idol representing the old year and tote it through the Great Stupa complex and further down around the back to the 'saddle' existing between the two knolls of Swayamvu Hill which is sometimes called the Bajra Hill (Dorji Ri) also. There the head Lama whose authentic title goes 'Rimpoche' fatherly conducts the rites accompanied by intermittent drumming and horn-blowing by monks all along the ridge. At the conclusion this peculiar idol is set ablaze. The procession returns to the Great Stupa and performs a supplementary rite yet right before the 'gompa' namely KARMA-RAJ which virtually ends with the mass hurling of barley-flour known as 'champaa'.
Lhosar's ceremonies and celebrations appear private and domestic for the next several days until the bright morning of the fourth day. The big crowds of colorfully robed and ornamented hill citizens gather at Boudha Stupa (a recognized WORLD HERITATE SITE)- the largest shrine of Asia. Tenish a hearty procession of monks escorts an image of the Dalai Lama around and up onto the first level of the Great Stupa. He as the Living Buddha is the Religious Head and the Spiritual Leader of the Tibetan Buddhist community. The phrase of Dalai Lama in the Mongolian language signifies 'Ocean of Wisdom.' The present one living in exile is virtually the fourteenth incarnation and His literal Tibetan name goes Tenzing Gyatso ? one of the winners of the International Peace Award. At the Stupa various persons pay ritual homage for the next half hour or so. The glamorous ceremony concludes with the blast of long trumpets and of course the hurling of 'champaa.' Lhosar is indeed the best opportunity to view Himalayan Buddhist peoples in a great m?lange of primitive and civilized splendor. The Sherpa homelands of Helambu, a location four day trek north of Boudha bazaar, and Solu Khumbu of east Nepal in particular lying adjacent to Mount Everest are pure sceneries of much public merry-making during Lhosar including both religious and folk dances which unanimously contribute to the typical aspects of the 'Shangri-La'!
Monday, July 30, 2007
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Is your Task Manager and Folder Option Disabled?
Do you find your task manager and folder option Disabled? Don’t worry I have a solution for you. First of all scan your pc with an updated antivirus. If there is any virus it will be detected and after that next step is to get a version of “Remove Restriction Tool” (RRT).You must have an administrator privilege. Open it you’ll get three heads:1. Enable Registry Edit2. Enable Task Manager(Ctrl+Alt+Del)3. Enable Folder OptionAt last you’ll get three Button:a. Enable all b. About c. ExitJust click on Enable all button and reset your computer you’ll get your Task Manager and Folder Option as well as Registry Edit enable.Note: This is just a basic idea and this may not work for all computers.
Remove Autoplay from your hard drive
It is found that wscript.exe, autorun.exe, boot.exe etc are very famous virus easily found in your hard drive.I am here giving you the tips to remove it from your computer. you need an updated antivirus for removing these viruses. First scan your pc with updated antivirus scan all hard drives then virus will be detected by your antivirus delete the detected virus and open folder option, then view menu and tick show hidden files and folder and also unmark on Hide protected operating system files(recommended) you will get [autorun]shellexecute=wscript.exe ms2DLL.dll.vbs and autorun delete it from your computer and reset your pc. Now your pc will be free form these viruses.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Nepal Adventure Activities
Nepal Adventure Activities
Whether you choose to balloon, bungy jump, canyon, ice-climb, rock climb, climb trekking peaks, mountains fly or fly an ultralight, you will find an adventure everyday in Nepal.The Himalayas have long since held a mysterious attraction to travelers and trekkers alike. In recent years, there has been a surge of extreme sports to the small Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal. Now, in this part of the world, you can experience some of the most physically and mentally challenging action sports in an exotic destination.As if trekking, rafting/kayaking, biking and jungle safari are not enough, any adventure mentioned below will entice the ultimate adrenaline junkie.
Nepal Adventrure Activities
Mountain Biking
Ultralight Aircrafts
Bungy Jumping
Paragliding
Skiing & Snowboarding
Mountain Flight
Cable Car
Boating and Fishing
Whether you choose to balloon, bungy jump, canyon, ice-climb, rock climb, climb trekking peaks, mountains fly or fly an ultralight, you will find an adventure everyday in Nepal.The Himalayas have long since held a mysterious attraction to travelers and trekkers alike. In recent years, there has been a surge of extreme sports to the small Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal. Now, in this part of the world, you can experience some of the most physically and mentally challenging action sports in an exotic destination.As if trekking, rafting/kayaking, biking and jungle safari are not enough, any adventure mentioned below will entice the ultimate adrenaline junkie.
Nepal Adventrure Activities
Mountain Biking
Ultralight Aircrafts
Bungy Jumping
Paragliding
Skiing & Snowboarding
Mountain Flight
Cable Car
Boating and Fishing
Nepal Tours
Nepal Tours
Nepal, the only Hindu kingdom of the world is situated between Tibet and India and has thus produced a remarkable mixture of people and culture offering us a fascinating diversity of ethnic and cultural groups with their wonderful historical background. After Nepal's long period of isolation Kathmandu has become the gateway to Nepal. The Kathmandu Valley, which is the cultural and political centre of Nepal, is magnificent for its wealth of unique temples. In the Nepal Intensive tour we visit in Nepal the greatest mountains of the world. The Nepal intensive tour includes the visit and stay in Chitwan National Park and Pokhara so that we can explore Nepal intensively. In this tour we also visit the temples of Swayambhunath, Bodhnath, Patan, Bhaktapur and Dakshinkali.
Nepal's Tour Destinations
Ayurveda & Spa Tours
Kathmandu City
Lalitpur (Patan)
Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon)
Pokhara
Lumbini Tours
Dhulikhel
Nepal, the only Hindu kingdom of the world is situated between Tibet and India and has thus produced a remarkable mixture of people and culture offering us a fascinating diversity of ethnic and cultural groups with their wonderful historical background. After Nepal's long period of isolation Kathmandu has become the gateway to Nepal. The Kathmandu Valley, which is the cultural and political centre of Nepal, is magnificent for its wealth of unique temples. In the Nepal Intensive tour we visit in Nepal the greatest mountains of the world. The Nepal intensive tour includes the visit and stay in Chitwan National Park and Pokhara so that we can explore Nepal intensively. In this tour we also visit the temples of Swayambhunath, Bodhnath, Patan, Bhaktapur and Dakshinkali.
Nepal's Tour Destinations
Ayurveda & Spa Tours
Kathmandu City
Lalitpur (Patan)
Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon)
Pokhara
Lumbini Tours
Dhulikhel
Nepal National Parks
Nepal National Parks
For a small country, Nepal is incredibly diverse. It has the greatest range of altitudes of any nation on earth, ranging from the earth's highest mountains to subtropical river plains. And as the trading ground and meeting place among several cultures, dozens of different languages are spoken by even more ethnic groups. In general, Nepali parks are not"untouched" environments, but have a long history of use by humans. Many national parks incorporate grazing, farming, wood gathering, survival hunting, and human habitation into their boundaries, as well as tourism and trekking. These uses are not without their tensions and their environmental stresses. But there's also something wonderful about this close association of humans and the natural environment; a trip to a Nepali national park always involves interacting with other cultures as well as with the raw stuff of nature.
Nepal National parks
Royal Chitwan National Park
Rara National Park
Shey Phoksundo National Park
Royal Bardia National Park
Khaptad National Park
Langtang National Park
Sagarmatha National Park
Makalu-Barun National Park and Conservation Area
Royal Sukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve
Parsa Wildlife Reserve
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve
Shivapuri National Park
For a small country, Nepal is incredibly diverse. It has the greatest range of altitudes of any nation on earth, ranging from the earth's highest mountains to subtropical river plains. And as the trading ground and meeting place among several cultures, dozens of different languages are spoken by even more ethnic groups. In general, Nepali parks are not"untouched" environments, but have a long history of use by humans. Many national parks incorporate grazing, farming, wood gathering, survival hunting, and human habitation into their boundaries, as well as tourism and trekking. These uses are not without their tensions and their environmental stresses. But there's also something wonderful about this close association of humans and the natural environment; a trip to a Nepali national park always involves interacting with other cultures as well as with the raw stuff of nature.
Nepal National parks
Royal Chitwan National Park
Rara National Park
Shey Phoksundo National Park
Royal Bardia National Park
Khaptad National Park
Langtang National Park
Sagarmatha National Park
Makalu-Barun National Park and Conservation Area
Royal Sukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve
Parsa Wildlife Reserve
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve
Shivapuri National Park
Nepal Rafting
Nepal Rafting
If you're looking for Nepal river rafting trips, you've come to the right place! The following is a list of outfitters that offer whitewater rafting in Nepal. The whitewater rafting outfitters that you'll find here offer a large variety of Nepal river rafting trips, from warm weather express runs to multi-day whitewater rafting vacations, fully equipped and catered. Each whitewater rafting trip in Nepal is carefully geared to meet your level of experience and sense of adventure. Whitewater rafting in Nepal allows you to experience the fast-paced adventure and thrills of river rafting. These action packed vacations are sure to provide you with enough adrenaline and memories to last a lifetime!
We recommend you study our listing of Nepal river rafting outfitters, narrow your selection to 2 or 3, and contact those outfitters for more detailed information. In addition to whitewater rafting in Nepal, you may also filter whitewater rafting outfitters by the rivers that they operate river rafting trips on.
Rafting Destinations
Kali Gandaki River Rafting
Arun River Rafting
Bhotekhosi River Rafting
Sunkoshi River Rafting
Marsyangdi River Rafting
Seti River Rafting
Bheri River Rafting
Wild Karnali River Rafting
Trisuli River Rafting
If you're looking for Nepal river rafting trips, you've come to the right place! The following is a list of outfitters that offer whitewater rafting in Nepal. The whitewater rafting outfitters that you'll find here offer a large variety of Nepal river rafting trips, from warm weather express runs to multi-day whitewater rafting vacations, fully equipped and catered. Each whitewater rafting trip in Nepal is carefully geared to meet your level of experience and sense of adventure. Whitewater rafting in Nepal allows you to experience the fast-paced adventure and thrills of river rafting. These action packed vacations are sure to provide you with enough adrenaline and memories to last a lifetime!
We recommend you study our listing of Nepal river rafting outfitters, narrow your selection to 2 or 3, and contact those outfitters for more detailed information. In addition to whitewater rafting in Nepal, you may also filter whitewater rafting outfitters by the rivers that they operate river rafting trips on.
Rafting Destinations
Kali Gandaki River Rafting
Arun River Rafting
Bhotekhosi River Rafting
Sunkoshi River Rafting
Marsyangdi River Rafting
Seti River Rafting
Bheri River Rafting
Wild Karnali River Rafting
Trisuli River Rafting
Monday, July 16, 2007
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Nepal Tourist Attractions
Nepal Tourist Attractions
There are many beautiful and interesting places, to visit outside the Kathmandu Valley - places of historical importance of noted for natural beauty. Most of them can be easily reached from Kathmandu by road or by air.Kakani:Located 29-km north-west of the Kathmandu city, the fabulous holidays area of Kakani features attractions ranging from beautiful alpine scenery to the magnificent Himalayan panorama particularly of the Ganesh Himal massif. Other peaks that can be closely seen from Kakani are: Gaurishanker (7,134m.), Choba Bhamre (6,109 m), Manaslu (8,163 m), Himalchuli (7, 893m), Annapurna ( 8,091m), and several other peaks.Gosainkunda:One of the most famous religious places of pilgrimage of Nepal is Gosainkunda lake, situated at an altitude of about 4,360m. The best approach to Gosainkunda is through Dhunche, 132-kms north east of Kathmandu.Dhunche is linked with Kathmandu by a motorable road. Surrounded by high mountains on the north and the south the lake is grand and picturesque. There are other nine famous lakes such as Saraswati Bhairv, Sourya and Ganesh Kund, etc.Dhulikhel:This ancient town is situated 30-km east of Kathmandu on the side of the Arniko Rajmarga (Kathmandu-Kodari highway). From here one can have a complete panoramic view of the snowy ranges from Karyolung in the east to Himalchuli in the west.Panauti:It is a thriving village of the road to Dhulikhel, with some very lovely temples and interesting old houses particularly beautiful area some 14th century wooden temple struts. The drive is through beautiful countryside.Namo Buddha:It is situated on a hill above Panauti. It requires an easy drive or good walk to get here. There is an amazing story concerned with the Buddha which is commemorated by an ancient stone slab and a stupa with the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha.Timal Narayan:The route from Dhulikhel to Timal Narayan is ideal for a short trek. From here one can have a beautiful view of Gaurishanker Himal and other important peaks as well as Sunkoshi river. It is also very pleasant to visit to the village of the tamang people who live in this area.Palanchowk Bhagawati:7-km north of the mountain of Panchkhal, on the top of a hill lies the noted historic temple of palanchowk bhagawati. The temple houses a three feet long beautiful artistic stone image of goddess bhagawati.Charikot:About 133-km from Kathmandu, Charikot provides a spetacular mountais view of the Gaurishanker. In the eastern upper part of Dolakha township there is a famous roofless temple of Dolakha Bhimsen.Helambu:HelambuHelambu situated about 72-km north-east of Kathmandu is famous for its scenic grandeur and pleasant climate. There are many Buddhist monasteries amidst a rich and enchanting landscape. Sundarijal is the starting point to trek to Helambu which is mere 11-km away from Kathmandu.Gorkha:Gorkha is the birth place of King Prithivi Narayan Shah - The Great, the founder of modern Nepal. Situated on a hill overlooking the snowy peaks of the himalayas, there is a beautiful old palace known as Gorkha Durbar. There are two attractive temples of Gorakhnath and Kali inside the palace precinct. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple of Gorakhnath. Gorkha can be reached in about 6 hours from Kathmandu and in about 4 hours from Pokhara. A side trip to Manakamana on the way to Gorkha is very enjoyable and interesting.Muktinath:The famous temple of Lord Muktinath lies in the district of mustang and is situated about 18-kms north-east of Jomsom at an altitude of about 3,749m. The temple is situated on a high mountain range and is visited during fair weather.There are two ways to get to Muktinath from Kathmandu. Either to take a direct flight from Kathmandu via Pokhara to Jomsom and hike for a couple of hours via Kagbeni or to trek all the way from Pokhara. There is also air service from Pokhara. There is also air service from Pokhara to Jomsom.Pokhara Valley:The Pokhara Valley one of the most picturesques spot of Nepal, is enhanced by its lovely lakes Phewa, Begnas and Rupa. Situated 200-kms west of Kathmandu, Pokhara is connected by air as well or by bus from Kathmandu and Bhairahawa a border town near India. Situated at an altitude of 827m, Pokhara offers the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, five peaks of Annapurna and others. Pokhara?s numerous lakes known as ?Tal? in Nepali offer fishing, boating and swimming.Tansen:Situated at an altitude of 1,343m, Tansen is the most popular summer resort in western nepal on account of its position and climate. It has perhaps Nepal?s most far stretching views of the country?s chief attractions. The Himalayas from Dhaulagiri in the west to Gaurishanker in the north-east. It takes just seven hours by bus from Pokhara to reach Tansen.Lumbini:LumbiniLumbini is the birth place of Lord Buddha, the apostle of peace, and non violence. It is situated 250-kms south-west of Kathmandu. The broken Ashokan Pillar, remnants of old monastery, images of Buddha?s mother Maya Devi, etc. are still preserved in Lumbini. It is accessible by air from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa. Also one can reach Lumbini in about 3 hours by bus or car from Tensen via Bhairahawa. From Kathmandu it takes about 8 hours by bus or car.Rapti Valley (Chitwan):From Kathmandu it takes 6 hours to reach chitwan. Situated 120-kms south-west of Kathmandu, the main attraction of chitwan is Royal Chitwan National Park. This is one of the Nepal?s largest forest regions with a wide range of wildlife - the rare great One-horned Rhinoceros, several species of Deer, Sloth Bear, Leopard, Wild Boar, Fresh Water Dolphin, Crocodile, more Royal Bengal Tiger. Visitors to chitwan may view game of Elephant back excursions, nature walks, canoe trips, from window and on jungle treks. There are several authorized agencies to organize such safari. Visitors may also take river raft, driving from Kathmandu to the river Trishuli or Seti Khola.Daman:It is situated 80-kms south-west of Kathmandu at an altitude of about 2,400m. Daman is located on the Tribhuvan highway in between Kathmandu and the town of Birgunj. For the view of the breathtaking grandeur of the world?s highest peaks extending in one glittering are from far west of Dhaulagiri to far east of Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) there is no better place than Daman. There is a view tower fitted with long range telescopes. Daman can be reached in four hours from Kathmandu.Namche Bazaar:Mount EverestThe name of namche bazaar is generally associated with that of Sagarmatha or Mt. Everest - the highest peak in the world. It is the entrance to the Everest region. Situated on the lap of Khumbu Himal range, Namche Bazaar is about 241-kms. From Kathmandu and the distance is generally covered within 15 days by trekking. This place is the home of the legendary Sherpas. One can fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and Syangboche in the Everest region.Janakpur:A great religious place, Janakpur is famous as the birthplace of Goddess Sita, the consort of Lord Ram. There is an artistic marble temple of Sita (Janaki), popularly known as Naulakha Mandir. Religious festivals, pilgrimages, trade fairs and other festivities are held here on Bivaha Panchami and Ram Navami days.Biratnagar:The second largest city of Nepal Biratnagar is situated in the Koshi Zone. The city has some of the largest industrial undertakings in the country. There are a couple of pilgrimage spots in dharan and barahachhetra nearby the city. Biratnager is linked with kathmandu by air and road.Barahachhetra:A few kilometers from the main city of Biratnagar, Barahachhetra, the holy place of Hindu pilgrimage, lies at the confluence of the two rivers the Saptakoshi and Kokaha. There is the temple of Lord Baraha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Historians have traced the existence of this image from the 12th century.Hile:It is situated about 13-kms north of Dhankuta Bazaar. The panorama of the major peaks of the eastern Himalayas including Sagarmatha or Mt. Everest, Makalu, Lhotse and Kumbhakarna.Antu Danda:It is situated at an altitude of 1,677 m. In the llam district and is famous for its unique views of everest and kanchenjunga. It is the best place for viewing sunrise and sunset.
There are many beautiful and interesting places, to visit outside the Kathmandu Valley - places of historical importance of noted for natural beauty. Most of them can be easily reached from Kathmandu by road or by air.Kakani:Located 29-km north-west of the Kathmandu city, the fabulous holidays area of Kakani features attractions ranging from beautiful alpine scenery to the magnificent Himalayan panorama particularly of the Ganesh Himal massif. Other peaks that can be closely seen from Kakani are: Gaurishanker (7,134m.), Choba Bhamre (6,109 m), Manaslu (8,163 m), Himalchuli (7, 893m), Annapurna ( 8,091m), and several other peaks.Gosainkunda:One of the most famous religious places of pilgrimage of Nepal is Gosainkunda lake, situated at an altitude of about 4,360m. The best approach to Gosainkunda is through Dhunche, 132-kms north east of Kathmandu.Dhunche is linked with Kathmandu by a motorable road. Surrounded by high mountains on the north and the south the lake is grand and picturesque. There are other nine famous lakes such as Saraswati Bhairv, Sourya and Ganesh Kund, etc.Dhulikhel:This ancient town is situated 30-km east of Kathmandu on the side of the Arniko Rajmarga (Kathmandu-Kodari highway). From here one can have a complete panoramic view of the snowy ranges from Karyolung in the east to Himalchuli in the west.Panauti:It is a thriving village of the road to Dhulikhel, with some very lovely temples and interesting old houses particularly beautiful area some 14th century wooden temple struts. The drive is through beautiful countryside.Namo Buddha:It is situated on a hill above Panauti. It requires an easy drive or good walk to get here. There is an amazing story concerned with the Buddha which is commemorated by an ancient stone slab and a stupa with the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha.Timal Narayan:The route from Dhulikhel to Timal Narayan is ideal for a short trek. From here one can have a beautiful view of Gaurishanker Himal and other important peaks as well as Sunkoshi river. It is also very pleasant to visit to the village of the tamang people who live in this area.Palanchowk Bhagawati:7-km north of the mountain of Panchkhal, on the top of a hill lies the noted historic temple of palanchowk bhagawati. The temple houses a three feet long beautiful artistic stone image of goddess bhagawati.Charikot:About 133-km from Kathmandu, Charikot provides a spetacular mountais view of the Gaurishanker. In the eastern upper part of Dolakha township there is a famous roofless temple of Dolakha Bhimsen.Helambu:HelambuHelambu situated about 72-km north-east of Kathmandu is famous for its scenic grandeur and pleasant climate. There are many Buddhist monasteries amidst a rich and enchanting landscape. Sundarijal is the starting point to trek to Helambu which is mere 11-km away from Kathmandu.Gorkha:Gorkha is the birth place of King Prithivi Narayan Shah - The Great, the founder of modern Nepal. Situated on a hill overlooking the snowy peaks of the himalayas, there is a beautiful old palace known as Gorkha Durbar. There are two attractive temples of Gorakhnath and Kali inside the palace precinct. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple of Gorakhnath. Gorkha can be reached in about 6 hours from Kathmandu and in about 4 hours from Pokhara. A side trip to Manakamana on the way to Gorkha is very enjoyable and interesting.Muktinath:The famous temple of Lord Muktinath lies in the district of mustang and is situated about 18-kms north-east of Jomsom at an altitude of about 3,749m. The temple is situated on a high mountain range and is visited during fair weather.There are two ways to get to Muktinath from Kathmandu. Either to take a direct flight from Kathmandu via Pokhara to Jomsom and hike for a couple of hours via Kagbeni or to trek all the way from Pokhara. There is also air service from Pokhara. There is also air service from Pokhara to Jomsom.Pokhara Valley:The Pokhara Valley one of the most picturesques spot of Nepal, is enhanced by its lovely lakes Phewa, Begnas and Rupa. Situated 200-kms west of Kathmandu, Pokhara is connected by air as well or by bus from Kathmandu and Bhairahawa a border town near India. Situated at an altitude of 827m, Pokhara offers the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, five peaks of Annapurna and others. Pokhara?s numerous lakes known as ?Tal? in Nepali offer fishing, boating and swimming.Tansen:Situated at an altitude of 1,343m, Tansen is the most popular summer resort in western nepal on account of its position and climate. It has perhaps Nepal?s most far stretching views of the country?s chief attractions. The Himalayas from Dhaulagiri in the west to Gaurishanker in the north-east. It takes just seven hours by bus from Pokhara to reach Tansen.Lumbini:LumbiniLumbini is the birth place of Lord Buddha, the apostle of peace, and non violence. It is situated 250-kms south-west of Kathmandu. The broken Ashokan Pillar, remnants of old monastery, images of Buddha?s mother Maya Devi, etc. are still preserved in Lumbini. It is accessible by air from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa. Also one can reach Lumbini in about 3 hours by bus or car from Tensen via Bhairahawa. From Kathmandu it takes about 8 hours by bus or car.Rapti Valley (Chitwan):From Kathmandu it takes 6 hours to reach chitwan. Situated 120-kms south-west of Kathmandu, the main attraction of chitwan is Royal Chitwan National Park. This is one of the Nepal?s largest forest regions with a wide range of wildlife - the rare great One-horned Rhinoceros, several species of Deer, Sloth Bear, Leopard, Wild Boar, Fresh Water Dolphin, Crocodile, more Royal Bengal Tiger. Visitors to chitwan may view game of Elephant back excursions, nature walks, canoe trips, from window and on jungle treks. There are several authorized agencies to organize such safari. Visitors may also take river raft, driving from Kathmandu to the river Trishuli or Seti Khola.Daman:It is situated 80-kms south-west of Kathmandu at an altitude of about 2,400m. Daman is located on the Tribhuvan highway in between Kathmandu and the town of Birgunj. For the view of the breathtaking grandeur of the world?s highest peaks extending in one glittering are from far west of Dhaulagiri to far east of Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) there is no better place than Daman. There is a view tower fitted with long range telescopes. Daman can be reached in four hours from Kathmandu.Namche Bazaar:Mount EverestThe name of namche bazaar is generally associated with that of Sagarmatha or Mt. Everest - the highest peak in the world. It is the entrance to the Everest region. Situated on the lap of Khumbu Himal range, Namche Bazaar is about 241-kms. From Kathmandu and the distance is generally covered within 15 days by trekking. This place is the home of the legendary Sherpas. One can fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and Syangboche in the Everest region.Janakpur:A great religious place, Janakpur is famous as the birthplace of Goddess Sita, the consort of Lord Ram. There is an artistic marble temple of Sita (Janaki), popularly known as Naulakha Mandir. Religious festivals, pilgrimages, trade fairs and other festivities are held here on Bivaha Panchami and Ram Navami days.Biratnagar:The second largest city of Nepal Biratnagar is situated in the Koshi Zone. The city has some of the largest industrial undertakings in the country. There are a couple of pilgrimage spots in dharan and barahachhetra nearby the city. Biratnager is linked with kathmandu by air and road.Barahachhetra:A few kilometers from the main city of Biratnagar, Barahachhetra, the holy place of Hindu pilgrimage, lies at the confluence of the two rivers the Saptakoshi and Kokaha. There is the temple of Lord Baraha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Historians have traced the existence of this image from the 12th century.Hile:It is situated about 13-kms north of Dhankuta Bazaar. The panorama of the major peaks of the eastern Himalayas including Sagarmatha or Mt. Everest, Makalu, Lhotse and Kumbhakarna.Antu Danda:It is situated at an altitude of 1,677 m. In the llam district and is famous for its unique views of everest and kanchenjunga. It is the best place for viewing sunrise and sunset.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Nepal Trekking
Nepal Trekking
If you have the time and energy to trek, don't miss the opportunity to leave Kathmandu and see the spectacular beauty and the unique culture of Nepal. Fortunately for the visitor, there are still only a few roads extending deeply into the hills, so the only way to truly visit the remote regions of the kingdom is in the slowest and most intimate manner - walking. It requires more time and effort, but the rewards are also greater.
Instead of zipping down a freeway, racing to the next "point of interest," each step provides new and intriguing viewpoints. You will perceive your day as an entity rather than a few highlights strung together by a ribbon of concrete. For the romanticist, each step follows the footsteps of Hillary, Tenzing, Herzog and other Himalayan explorers. If you have neither the patience nor the physical stamina to visit the hills of Nepal on foot, a helicopter flight provides an expensive and unsatisfactory substitute.Trekking in Nepal will take you through a country that has captured the imagination of mountaineers and explorers for more than 100 years. You will meet people in remote mountain villages whose lifestyle has not changed in generations. Most people trust foreigners.
Isolation is traditionally a crucial element of any wilderness experience but in Nepal it is impossible to get completely away from people, except for short times or at extremely high elevations.
While trekking you will see the great diversity of Nepal. Villages embrace many ethnic groups and cultures. The terrain changes from tropical jungle to high glaciated peaks in only 150 km. From the start, the towering peaks of the Himalaya provide one of the highlights of a trek. As your plane approaches Kathmandu these peaks appear to be small clouds on the horizon. The mountains become more definable and seem to reach impossible heights as you get closer and finally land at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan Airport.
Major Trek Routes of NepalThere are many criteria that might influence your choice of a trek. If you have the time and are in reasonably good condition, the Everest walk-in trek, which allows you a glimpse of both lowland villages as well as the high Himalaya, is the best choice. If time is a constraint, check the various that are less than a week long, or if you don't want to trek to a high elevation, look at the treks listed under low altitude treks. If you are an experienced trekker, and want to go to one of the newly opened regions of Nepal, such as Mustang, look at the list of restricted area treks.
If you have the time and energy to trek, don't miss the opportunity to leave Kathmandu and see the spectacular beauty and the unique culture of Nepal. Fortunately for the visitor, there are still only a few roads extending deeply into the hills, so the only way to truly visit the remote regions of the kingdom is in the slowest and most intimate manner - walking. It requires more time and effort, but the rewards are also greater.
Instead of zipping down a freeway, racing to the next "point of interest," each step provides new and intriguing viewpoints. You will perceive your day as an entity rather than a few highlights strung together by a ribbon of concrete. For the romanticist, each step follows the footsteps of Hillary, Tenzing, Herzog and other Himalayan explorers. If you have neither the patience nor the physical stamina to visit the hills of Nepal on foot, a helicopter flight provides an expensive and unsatisfactory substitute.Trekking in Nepal will take you through a country that has captured the imagination of mountaineers and explorers for more than 100 years. You will meet people in remote mountain villages whose lifestyle has not changed in generations. Most people trust foreigners.
Isolation is traditionally a crucial element of any wilderness experience but in Nepal it is impossible to get completely away from people, except for short times or at extremely high elevations.
While trekking you will see the great diversity of Nepal. Villages embrace many ethnic groups and cultures. The terrain changes from tropical jungle to high glaciated peaks in only 150 km. From the start, the towering peaks of the Himalaya provide one of the highlights of a trek. As your plane approaches Kathmandu these peaks appear to be small clouds on the horizon. The mountains become more definable and seem to reach impossible heights as you get closer and finally land at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan Airport.
Major Trek Routes of NepalThere are many criteria that might influence your choice of a trek. If you have the time and are in reasonably good condition, the Everest walk-in trek, which allows you a glimpse of both lowland villages as well as the high Himalaya, is the best choice. If time is a constraint, check the various that are less than a week long, or if you don't want to trek to a high elevation, look at the treks listed under low altitude treks. If you are an experienced trekker, and want to go to one of the newly opened regions of Nepal, such as Mustang, look at the list of restricted area treks.
Nepal Village Tourism
Nepal Village Tourism
Village tourism, a recent innovation, is successfully demonstrated at Sirubari in Syangja a half day s distance from Pokhara. It is a three hour walk from the road-head just 30 kilometers from Pokhara. A management committee takes responsibility for visitors, their welcome, accommodation, sightseeing and guiding. The village consists of 60 households of which many are offering guest accommodation. It is a very neat and clean village, the accommodation is simple, but comfortable, with good bedding, as well as clean toilet facilities. Meals of daily fresh food are eaten with the family, and each evening there is entertainment provided by the community, which is usually Gurung dancing and singing.There is a Buddhist monastery/Gompa in the core of the village; it has a vibrant Gurung culture, and they are a mixture of Buddhist, Hindu or Shaman. The region abounds with flora and fauna, with two hills nearby providing stunning views of Nepal s western Himalayas. Trails and steps are formed and paved, and many shrines and pilgrimage sites dot the landscape. The season is September to June, and while staying there visitors can visit cottage industries such as traditional handicrafts and paper making; and a plant nursery covering 380 hectares of flora, including one million trees and plants. There are two small lakes nearby and bird watching and wildlife observation are possible. Sirubari won the PATA Gold Award 2001 in the Heritage & Culture - Heritage Category.In the Gorkha District of Nepal a community tourist program is in its third year of operation. The area is full of natural beauty, panoramic views, green mid-hill trekking, unspoilt jungle areas, lakes, caves, waterfalls and flora (medicinal, scented and edible plants).Accessible from Kathmandu and Pokhara, there is a one day walk to the model tourism village . Village treks can be undertaken while experiencing village and rural life, as well as visiting the majestic hill-top palace of Gorkha Bazar. Accommodation is in individual guestrooms with host families, or in between villages, in tents. During trekking meals are provided by professional teams, and in the villages visitors can try a delicious, hygienically prepared Nepali Daalbhaat consisting of locally produced rice, lentils and garden fresh organically grown vegetables. The guestrooms are simple, but clean and cosy, with latrines available and a water tap close by. (Electricity, hot showers and separate bathrooms are not available so far).In the mid-west of Nepal in the Shyangja District, another model tourism village project is underway. This is an agricultural and animal husbandry based community with no other income source; the intention is to carry out infrastructure development, heritage conservation and renovation, plus training and development of the villagers in the region. Located to the north east is Dahare Deurali, a famous religious site, and a beautiful location for viewing Himalayan peaks like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhare. It is at an altitude of 3,900 feet with a population of more than 6,500 people in the village and surrounding area.
Village tourism, a recent innovation, is successfully demonstrated at Sirubari in Syangja a half day s distance from Pokhara. It is a three hour walk from the road-head just 30 kilometers from Pokhara. A management committee takes responsibility for visitors, their welcome, accommodation, sightseeing and guiding. The village consists of 60 households of which many are offering guest accommodation. It is a very neat and clean village, the accommodation is simple, but comfortable, with good bedding, as well as clean toilet facilities. Meals of daily fresh food are eaten with the family, and each evening there is entertainment provided by the community, which is usually Gurung dancing and singing.There is a Buddhist monastery/Gompa in the core of the village; it has a vibrant Gurung culture, and they are a mixture of Buddhist, Hindu or Shaman. The region abounds with flora and fauna, with two hills nearby providing stunning views of Nepal s western Himalayas. Trails and steps are formed and paved, and many shrines and pilgrimage sites dot the landscape. The season is September to June, and while staying there visitors can visit cottage industries such as traditional handicrafts and paper making; and a plant nursery covering 380 hectares of flora, including one million trees and plants. There are two small lakes nearby and bird watching and wildlife observation are possible. Sirubari won the PATA Gold Award 2001 in the Heritage & Culture - Heritage Category.In the Gorkha District of Nepal a community tourist program is in its third year of operation. The area is full of natural beauty, panoramic views, green mid-hill trekking, unspoilt jungle areas, lakes, caves, waterfalls and flora (medicinal, scented and edible plants).Accessible from Kathmandu and Pokhara, there is a one day walk to the model tourism village . Village treks can be undertaken while experiencing village and rural life, as well as visiting the majestic hill-top palace of Gorkha Bazar. Accommodation is in individual guestrooms with host families, or in between villages, in tents. During trekking meals are provided by professional teams, and in the villages visitors can try a delicious, hygienically prepared Nepali Daalbhaat consisting of locally produced rice, lentils and garden fresh organically grown vegetables. The guestrooms are simple, but clean and cosy, with latrines available and a water tap close by. (Electricity, hot showers and separate bathrooms are not available so far).In the mid-west of Nepal in the Shyangja District, another model tourism village project is underway. This is an agricultural and animal husbandry based community with no other income source; the intention is to carry out infrastructure development, heritage conservation and renovation, plus training and development of the villagers in the region. Located to the north east is Dahare Deurali, a famous religious site, and a beautiful location for viewing Himalayan peaks like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhare. It is at an altitude of 3,900 feet with a population of more than 6,500 people in the village and surrounding area.
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