Saturday, January 21, 2012

10 things to do in Nepal


1.Get freaky at Kathmandu

Freakstreet Kathmandu
  Kathmandu in the early 1970s in Freak street encountered many people who were part of a sort of sub-culture that existed at the time. It was known as hippie culture.The Freak street's charm and allure of the 70's aura has never left.These days also you can feel the flower power.

2. Be in a dreamlike state

Garden of Dreams Kathmandu
                                A visit to garden of dreams will take you to your dream like serenity. The Garden of Dreams, a neo classical historical garden, is situated in the midst of Kathmandu city, Nepal. The Garden was famous as the garden of Six Seasons which was created by late Field Marshal Kaiser Sumsher Rana . It features European architectural design and houses a line of restaurants and cafes. Its plush green surrounding is complemented by crystal clear ponds and fountains as well as statues of great interest. This is an ultimate place to hang out.

3. Take a peek of Mount Everest

Mountain Flight in Nepal

 If it is physically impossible for you to conquer the peak of Mount Everest, you can certainly take a peek at it from an airplane window. Mountain flights made available by local airlines to take tourists to the breathtaking view of Mount Everest and other famous tops.

4. Marvel at history of Patan

Patan Darbar Square 

 The ancient town of Patan is worthy of a visit. It showcases the life and traditions of the indigenous Nepali community. It still upholds the ancient temples and continues to represent the splendor of Patan. It is a historic site that regaled at the top of the Top 10 Things to Do in Nepal.Patan is probably the oldest Buddhist city in the world.It is believed that city was founded in 3rd century A.D.

5. Find rest at a Hotel or Courtyard


Courtyard of Hotel Dwarika 

 As anywhere in the world, the cost of accommodation depends on what facilities are provided and where they are located. Yet, by international standards, accommodation in Nepal in most cases is very cheap. Kathmandu and Pokhara have their own tourist quarters (Thamel in Kathmandu, Lakeside in Pokhara) with fierce competition among budget lodges. with basic facilities like running hot shower facilities, flush toilets, foam mattresses and clean sheets. Then there are the so called "hotels". Most of these are slightly more luxurious than the "lodges" with probably attached bath, carpeting, furniture etc. These hotels quote their prices in dollars ranging on average $15-$40 per night. Finally you can also stay at "luxury hotels" which are generally over-priced, like any world-class hotel, at a range of $100-$300 per night.

6. Join the festival of Holi

Holi Festival of colors in Nepal

 Holi is a Hindu festival nonetheless celebrated by the entire Nepalese population. It is regarded as a public holiday which means no one is excused from celebrating. Neighbors and visitors celebrate by spraying water and colors to each other which symbolizes for the hope of a more vibrant life. Tourists are often dragged into the celebration and get to enjoy the Nepali food that friendly neighbors offer. It’s a fun filled celebration worthy of listing on the Top 10 Things to Do in Nepal.

7. Be Royal at the Chitwan National Park

One horned Rhinos at Chiwtan National Park

 Listed among the world’s heritage sites, Royal Chitwan National Park is a must see. The majestic park spreads across a 100, 000 hectares. It is a wildlife sanctuary that welcomes tourists for a stay. The towering trees and impossible vines as well as the rhinos and elephants contribute to its irresistible charm and grandeur. Such reason is good enough to tag a visit to Chitwan one of the Top 10 Things to Do in Nepal.

8. Sit Back, relax and view mountains:

Fewa lake Pokhara 

   Don't go anywhere, just stay at your hotel,at lake side of Pokhara enjoy your fresh cup of tea while watching the natural movies- the Himalayas. On clear sky days, Himalayas are visible from any part of Pokhara. Some of the mountains you can spot from there are,  Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Manaslu, five peaks of Annapurna.

9.Go Boating and find some fishes

 
 Go boating in Phewa Lake in Pokhara. This most accessible lake for recreational boating in Nepal is located on the backdrop of the Annapurna range, set in a lush green valley, and is a paradise for many photographers, boaters and shore side strollers.

10. Paragliding next to the mountains 

 Fly unreservedly in the midst of the magnificent Himalaya, soar over lakes and villages and scale new heights Drift gracefully from take off at Sarangkot (1592m). Float over mystery shrouded monasteries, beautiful turqoise lakes, raging Himalayan rivers, exotic jungles and villages forgotten by time. 

  Nepal Travel Experts warmly welcome everyone to try the best 10 activities that can be done in Nepal.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Manakamana Devi Temple


Temple of Manakamana Devi

    Manakamana is situated in the height of Gorkha district, from 12 km south of Gorkha bazzar. Manakamana is the first place where Cable car was introduced in Nepal  which becomes extremely popular among the locals as well as the tourists. This cable car is in Kurintar, from where Manakamana is 10 minutes distance via cable car. Kurintar is around 105 KM west of Kathmandu on the highway to Pokhara. Before the cable car was established, millions of pilgrims have to go to Manakamana by a long strenuous trek. Few numbers of people still prefer the foot path. The cable car ride covers a distance of 2.8 km. with 31 passenger and 3 cargo cars, each with a seating capacity of 6; the system has the overall capacity of handling 600 persons per hour. 


Devotees performing rituals in Manakamana Temple 
This place is famous for the temple of Manakamana, one of the manifestations of the Hindu goddess Bhagwati. Manakamana temple is located 12 Km south of historic town Gorkha and situated on a prominent ridge (1302 mt. above sea level) overlooking the river valleys of Trisuli (south) and Marshyangdi (west). The unique location of the place is dramatized during winter when the ridge appears as an island above the sea of morning mist. People believe Manakamana Devi fulfills the wishes of her devotees, thus called the wish fulfilling Deity. The reward on reaching the shrine is both spiritual and physical exhilaration. Spectacular views include deep valleys, terraced fields and the Manaslu-Himalchuli and Annapurna ranges. The adventure is to getting your wishes fulfilled.


      I can remember my first trip to Manakamana with my family those days there was no cable cars.People had to trek for 5 hours to reach Manakamana Devi's temple from Abu Khairani.It used to be a great fun trekking with family and stopping in the roadside stalls to have a sip of cold drinks and junk food.And staying overnight in the hotels of Manakamana was a magical experience too.Well these days reaching Manakamana has been easy with the cable car but I always miss those treks and road side stalls.




Cable Car 
Cable Car
       
Cable Car in Nepal has become extremely popular activity within the local and tourists alike. It is the recent phenomenon in Nepal. The 10-minute cable-car ride takes the visitor to the temple of Goddess Manakamma. Cable-car ride starts at Cheres, 104 km from Kathmandu on the highway to Pokhara. The Bottom Station (258 MT) at Kurintar and the Top Station (1302 MT) at Manakamana houses the most modern cable car system imported from Austria. Facilities of international standards with high priority given to safety and customer service, Manakamana Cable Car have had an overwhelming response from all the visitors.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Lumbini Birth place of Lord Buddha

   Siddhartha Gautama, the Lord Buddha, was born in 623 B.C. in the famous gardens of Lumbini. Lumbini, as of 1997, is an UNESCO World Heritage Site specifically nominated fo the international World Heritage program.The holy site of Lumbini is bordered by a large monastic zone in which only monasteries can be built, no shops, hotels or restaurants. It is separated into an eastern and western monastic zone, the eastern having theTheravadin monasteries, the western having Mahayana and Vajrayana monasteries.The holy site of Lumbini has ruins of ancient monasteries, a sacred Bodhi tree,an ancient bathing pond, theAsokan pillar and the Mayadevi temple, where the precise place of birth of Buddha is located. From early morning to early evening, pilgrims from various countries perform chanting and meditation at the site.Government of Nepal has announced 2012 as visit Lumbini year.So this year 1 million tourist are expected to visit Lumbini.

Attraction Of Lumbini
1.Sacred Garden
Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Lumbini is being developed with internationalsupport as thesupreme Buddhist pilgrimage and a symbol of world peace. The Sacred Gardenwhere the Buddha was born converges on the Ashoka pillar which carries an inscription identifying the spot as the birthplace. To one side of the pillar is the newly renovated Mayadevi Temple which houses a bas relief depicting the nativity. The Puskarni pond,
 where Queen Mayadevi - the Buddha's mother - had taken a bath before giving birth to him.

2.Temples & Monasteries


     The Myanmar Temple (Lokamani Cula Pagoda) is a gleaming gold and white structure gracefully soaring into the sky in the style of the Shwe-dagon Pagoda in Yangon. There is a monastery complex behind the temple. Nearby, the International Gautami Nuns Temple is a finereplica of the Swayambhu stupa in Kathmandu. There is a pond here known as Paleswan Pukhu.The China Temple is a complex of pagodas, prayer rooms and meditation cells. Built by theBuddhist Association of China, the centerpiece at the Zhong Hua Buddhist Monastery is a huge statue of the Buddha housed in its main pagoda. Across the road is the Dae Sung SukGa Sa Korean Temple (Tel: 071-580123) and its guest house has been completed. The NepalBuddha Temple and the Dharma Swami Maharaja Buddha Vihara are located inside the Sacred Garden.The Japan Peace Stupa is situated at the northern end of Lumbini. Built by the Nippon Jon Myohoji of Japan, the 41-m tall edifice is visible from a distance. Four different Buddha statues are set into thestupa'sdometo face the four cardinal directions. Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Thailand and Mongolia are also building temples in Lumbini.

3. Museums 
                                          

The Lumbini Museum contains Mauryan and Kushana coins, religious manuscripts, terra-cottafragments, and stone and metal sculptures. It also possesses an extensive collection of stamps from various countries depicting Lumbini and the Buddha.Lumbini International Research Institute (LIRI), located opposite the Lumbini Museum, provides research facilities for the study of Buddhism and religion in general. Run jointly by the Lumbini Development Trust and the Reiyukai of Japan, LIRI contains some 12,000 books on religion, philosophy, art and architecture.Apilvastu Museum is situated 27 km west of Lumbini in Tilaurakot. The museum holds coins, potteryand toys dating between the seventh century B.C. and fourth century A.D. The museum also has a good collection of jewelry and other ornaments from that period. Open daily, except Tuesdays and holidays, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.



LUMBINI PACKAGE TOUR


Day 01: Arrival, Overnight at Hotel.
Day 01: Arrival, Overnight at Hotel.
Day 01: Arrival, Overnight at Hotel.
Day 01: Arrival, Overnight at Hotel.
Day 01: Arrival, Overnight at Hotel.
Day 01: Arrival, Overnight at Hotel.
Day 01: Arrival, Overnight at Hotel.
Day 01: Arrival, Overnight at HotelArrival in Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal. Our representative will pickup from the airport and transfer to hotel.
 

Day 02: Fly Kathmandu to Bhairawa and drive to Lumbini, Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02:Fly Kathmandu to Bhairawa and drive to Lumbini, Overnight at Hotel.Wake up at early morning have breakfast and get ready to fly to Bhairawa. Bhairawa airport is the nearest   airport from Lumbini. It is around 25 minutes flight from Kathmandu to Bhairawa. Getoff at Bhairawa  airport. Our representative will be at Bhairawa airport and drive to Lumbini. Bhairawa to Lumbini is 25 kms. Checkin at hotel in Lumbini and after short refreshment sightseeing of Lumbini. Visit: Maya Devi Temple, Asoka Piller, museums and monasteries of Lumbini.

Day 02: Fly Kathmandu to Bhairawa and drive to Lumbini, Overnight at Hotel.
 
Day 03: Fly back Bhairawa to Kathmandu, Overnight at Hotel.
 
Day 04: Departure.
 
Tour Cost 

Day 02: Fly Kathmandu to Bhairawa and drive to Lumbini, Overnight at Hotel.
              Tour cost will depend upon the types of accommodation,services and transportation.





For Futher Information:
Evesh Basnet
Chief Holiday Planner
Nepal Travel Expert
Kathmandu Nepal
Mobile- 00977-9849495538

All NEPAL TOUR


           Few people trek around the Kathmandu valley. Yet it offers a rich insight into the lives, history, culture and religion, together with the daily toil in the fields of its inhabitants. The valley rim lies around 1000/ 2800 m and in the spring offers early flowering rhododendrons and through the autumn and winter, wonderful mountain vistas which can, from certain view-points, stretch from Everest in the east to Annapurna in the west.


When you arrive in Kathmandu, you'll be taken to your hotel. While in Kathmandu you will have time fascinating Buddhist and Hindu temples and shrines reflecting ancient local traditions are highlighted on our guided tour. There's time to explore the city's many charms on your own too. O/N in Kathmandu.
After breakfast driver to Sundarijal (Trekking Starting point) and trek to Chisopani (2194m). Chisopani is very good for walking through the forest and along the ridge with spectacular views of Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang and Jugal Himal which is offer outstanding views of the Himalaya and overnight camping in Chisopani.
Walk between the village and forest, continue our journey to Nagarkot 2300m above the sea-level. This spot provides an excellent view of the sunset and Mount Everest can be seen on a clear day. O/N camping in Nagarkot.
We'll awake early to watch the spectacular dawn, the first rays of the sun firing the peaks a hellist red slowly lighting up the Himalayas from Kachenjunga and Everest in the far East of Annapurna and Dwalagiri in the West. Travel to Dhulikhel. Afternoon, we'll drive back to Kathmandu. O/N in Kathmandu.
After breakfast drive to rafting site (Trisuli River for White water Rafting) It takes approximately 2 hrs drive from KATHMANDU. This River is popular as access to the Prithivi Highway makes "breaking off" the journey easy. Trisuli River is also an ideal beginner's River . Lunch we'll be served after 3/4 hrs rafting in the riverside. After lunch, drive to Chitwan National Park upon arrival, rooms assigned and there will be a short briefing on the program and our facilities. 4:00 PM: Elephant-back safari: Guests will ride on an elephant to explore the jungle and wildlife you will be able to see the one-horned rhinoceros, several types of deer, monkeys, wild boar, bison, sloth bear, leopard and, if lucky, the Royal Bengal tiger. This exciting ride lasts for 2-3 hours. 7:00 PM: Dinner in the central dining hall.
5:30 AM: Wake-up call followed by tea or coffee, then proceed on a Nature Walk. This encounter on foot with the environment will introduce the main features of eastern Chitwan. Sal forest, open grassland and reverie jungle. Our guides will help you identify some species of birds, plants and other wildlife that you may encounter. 8:30 AM: Breakfast 9:30 AM: Elephant briefing program: Learn more about these fascinating animals during a visit to our elephant stable. (For the brave ones there is even a crash course in riding and leading the elephants) 1.00 PM: LUNCH. After lunch , Canoeing : A traditional dug-out canoe takes you on a silent trip down the Rapti river to view aquatic birds and the animals of the river banks. Back to resort through the Jungle. 7:00 PM: Tharu Stick dance: Farmers of the nearby villages will show some of their traditional skills and dances. 8:00 PM: Dinner around the camp firing.
5.30 AM: Bird Watching (or another elephant ride) after early morning tea/coffee.8.00 AM: Breakfast9.00 AM: Luggage down and departure at 9.39 AM. To Pokhara. The actual program for your stay, will be given to you on arrival at Resort / camp. The activities are adjusted to the season and weather conditions. Naturally, it may not always be possible to follow this schedule to the minute and the circumstances may force us to alter the program at short notice. On safari in the jungle you will be accompanied by expert naturalists who will advise on safety procedures and we request you to respect their judgment at all times. If you wish to stroll in the forest alone, a guide will have to accompany you for your safety. O/N in Kathmandu.
DAY 08 : POKHARA CITY TOUR
After breakfast we've sightseeing around Pokhara valley. Pokhara lakeside villages sits, "front row center" to one of the most beautiful Himalayan panoramas in the world. The Annapurna and famous "Fishtail" mountain peak of Machapuchhare tower over the tropical setting of Pokhara and you spend there will be the scenic highlight of your trip. You're free in Pokhara Valley also called "Magic Land" or Dreamland" of Nepal, to explore the various interesting place like a boating in Fewa lake over looking the region of Annapurna Areas, David Falls, Mahendra Cave and some Temples. Evening you're free to explore the colorful town. O/N in Pokhara.
After breakfast you're return to Kathmandu by road. After arrive in Kathmandu you're free to shop and pick up some last minute souvenirs, rest and visit the shop etc.. O/N in Kathmandu.
After breakfast free for you until time to leave the international airport for your final destination.







For further information:
Contact - Evesh Basnet
                 Chief Holiday Planner
                 Nepal Travel Expert
Mobile:- 00977-9849495538
email-  nepaltravelexpert@gmail.com

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Annapurna Circuit Trekking


Annapurna Circuit trek is widely known as naturalists’ paradise for terrace field, rhododendron forest, diverse Himalayan culture, range of Massif Mountains. Most spectacular mountain scenery, fascinating insight into the life of middle hill Nepalese culture of Gurung, Manangi and Thakali are the reward that a trekkers get from Annapurna Circuit Trek. Considered by many as one of the world's classics, Round Annapurna Trek is an awe inspiring trek of incredible diversity and recognized as one of the World’s best trekking trails according to a survey by Modern Maturity (US).
The anticlockwise route of Annapurna Circuit trek, also know as Round Annapurna trek follows the masryangdi river upstream, gaining altitude gradually as you trek north through lamjung district populated mainly by gurung, after ghermu. The trail of Annapurna circuit trek crosses the left bank and ascends through narrow gorge that extends up to bagarchap in lower manang district, the marsyangdi bends towards west so does the trail, gradually entering a drier, rugged terrain ,after crossing chame, headquarter of manang district, the land scope gets even more arid as you enter upper manang also called nyeshang. At humde there is an airfield with flights to pokhara. At manang village which you eventually reach after short walk from humde, where a day rest to acclimatize the body before the onward trek to the Thorang - La pass (5416m)the highest point of the trail. From thorang Phedi (4430m)a bleak, chilly polecat the base of the pass, it is a rather steep climb to Thorang - La and very long descent to Muktinath (3800m)this is the most strenuous part of the entire trek and snow is not unusual here. From this part hills turn green again the descent is mostly gradual as you follow the Kaligandaki, passing village like Tukuche, ghasa and dana the trail works its way through narrow George and pass great waterfall.
Only a few places in the world offer a variety of superb natural beauty as the Annapurna Region. This magnificent, Annapurna circuit trek takes you through distinct scenery of rivers, flora, fauna and above all-majestic mountains. Annapurna Circuit trek goes counter-clockwise and reaches its summit in Thorung La (pass) at the height of 5,416m, or 17,769 feet. On this route, you’ll pass mountains like Manaslu (an 8,000-plus meter peak), Langtang Himal, Annapurna II and IV, Annapurna III and Gangapurna, and, of course, Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri -- passing through rivers with the world's deepest gorge in between those two 8,000-plus meter peaks. Poon Hill, at the end of the Annapurna Circuit trek, affords views of those two mountains, as well as South Annapurna and Macchupucchre, the "Fishtail Mountain.". Annapurna Circuit trek also goes through Buddhist villages where you can see friendly locals from different ethnic groups and Hindu holy sites, most notably the village of Muktinath, a holy site for both Buddhists and Hindus.
A Quaint, Timeless Place
Setting foot on the Annapurna trail is like stepping back in time. The trappings and distractions of modern society vanish. Life goes on in the mountain villages much as it must have a century ago. Gone are the sounds of cars, motorcycles, or machines of any sort. Here the sounds of rivers and waterfalls, of women tending gardens, children walking to and from school, men porting goods or playing cards is common. Local products are made by hand; buildings are erected without the aid of machines. Because everything has to be carried up the mountains on the backs of porters, luxury items such as sweets and beer are a bit scarce.
Views during Annapurna Circuit trek
As the route continues to the north of the main Himalayan range on to the high and dry Tibetan Plateau, the scenery is equally breathtaking. Its unique blend of crystal clear lakes is also an attractive sight not to miss. The highest point of the Annapurna Circuit trek is Thorungla pass at the top of the valley at 5,416m high. Due to the difficulties of crossing the pass, the Annapurna circuit trek is usually walked in a counter clockwise direction. Traveling clockwise the longer ascent and shorter descent from west to east is too much for many people to manage in one day.
As you descend to the west at Muktinath from Manang, you will continue to the barren Tibetan-like village of the Kali Gandaki River- the world's deepest gorge which passes between the giant Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains. After you cross the Thorung-La pass from Manang to Muktinath the final seven days of the Annapurna Circuit Trek are the same as the Jomsom Trek from Pokhara, but in reverse. Moreover, the way to the sanctuary is through a patty of rice fields, misty forests & tiny local villages. Once you reach there, you can also go explore the surrounding glaciers and view points.
          For more information about Annapurna Circuit Trekking contact :
Evesh Basnet
Nepal Travel Experts
Kathmandu Nepal
mobile no- 009779849495538
email:- nepaltravelexpert@gmail.com
Skype- eveshb
url:- http://nepaltravelexperts.webs.com/