Thursday, December 9, 2010

Ice Climbing & Rock climbing

Nepal is a country well known for its Himalayan mountain range. Among the 10 highest peaks in the world, eight, including the highest peak Mt. Everest, crown this country. Nothing on earth can beat the exhilaration of scaling them. No wonder Nepal is the favorite destination for mountaineers and every year more than 500 expeditions trudge up the Himalayas. There are four seasons for mountaineering in Nepal: Spring - March to May,, Summer - June to August, Autumn - September to November and Winter - December to February. A total of 153 Himalayan peaks are open to mountaineers in these seasons
The growing Himalayas are a temptation for those that want to be tethered to them - or want to free climb the mountains. Whatever your pleasure, these young mountains are sure to offer enough finger-clinging holds to give a lifetime of memories. Most trekking outfitters offer all the gear you'll need for mountaineering. But for more specific climbing needs, consider coming loaded with your own gear.

Monday, December 6, 2010

This ancient town is situated 30-km east of Kathmandu which is capital city of Nepal on the side of the Arniko Rajmarga (Kathmandu-Kodari highway). Since Nepal is a Himalayan region country, from here one can have a complete panoramic view of the snowy ranges from Karyolung in the east to Himalchuli in the west.
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.
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. It is very special place for Buddhist. Many People every year come and visit this place and have fun.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Rafting in Nepal

Nepal has 8 of the 14 Highest Mountains that are above 8,000m. and includes Mount Everest - the highest peak in the world. These mighty mountains and the glaciers of the Himalayas are the source of Nepal's fast flowing rivers. These rivers starting from the glacial water of the Himalayas flow down due south meandering through beautiful landscape, deep gorges, valleys and flat land of south Nepal to ultimately drain in the Bay of Bengal after joining Ganges in the Indian plains.
These rivers offer rafting and canoeing trips to both adventurous as well as beginners. A rafting trip in one of the rivers here in Nepal gives you a chance to get the real fragrance of Nepal while you raft through beautiful countryside enjoying the sight of traditional Nepali houses perched on the hillsides and slopes, terraced paddy fields where the people sow their dreams with hopes of growing better future for themselves and for their offspring.
For the beginners a rafting trip in River Trishuli for one or two days is perfect and for the white water adventure lovers, a longer trip in River Karnali in the Western Part of Nepal or River Sunkoshi in the Eastern Part of Nepal is perfect. Rafting trip for longer duration can be combined with trek for couple of days and for such a trip River Karnali and River Arun are perfect. The other rivers where rafting trip can be organized are River Kali Gandaki, River Seti, River Bhote Koshi, River Tamur. Some rafting trips are easily available but others are to be organized well in advance. Whether you are looking for a trip to experience just the charm of rafting or an adventurous river trip, Nepal is the perfect destination.

Hanumandhoka

It is the historic seat of royalty. The Durbar Square, with its old temples and places, epitomizes the religiuous and cultural life of the people. It is here that kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. 
Interesting things to see here are; Taleju Temple built by king Mahendra malla in 1549 A.D.; Kal Bhairav, the God of Destruction, Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal Chowk, The Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the Big Bell, Big Drum and the Jagannath Temple. 
On the right hand corner, larger wooden lattice screen hides an enormous gilded face of Sweta Bhairav. The screen is removed only during the Indra Jatra festival. There are also Numismatic Museum and Tribhuvan museum inside the Hanuman Dhoka Palace building. Photography is prohibited inside the museums. Both the museums remain closed on Tuesdays and government holidays.
Temple Of Kumari (Kumar Ghar): The temple or the residence of Living Goddess, “Kumari”, is situated in the vicinity of Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The building has profusely carved wooden balconies and window screens. The Kumari - the Living Goddess, acknowledges the greetings from her balcony window. Photography is prohibited.

Biratnagar & 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.
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.

Namche Bazaar & 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.

The 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.

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.

Lumbini

Lumbini is in Lumbini zone and western development region of Nepal. Lumbini is the birth place of Lord Buddha who is light of Asia, the apostle of peace, and non violence. It is situated 250-kms south-west of Kathmandu. The very popular broken Ashokan Pillar built by Great king Ashok, 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. This is in terai region of Nepal, the plain land.

Pokhara

The Pokhara is beautiful place of Nepal, it is one of the valley of Nepal. Pokhara is one of major city of Nepal. Climate is here cool and fine. Pokhara is rich in its natural beauty, this place is very popular among tourist and many tourist visit the place every year. Many lakes are also here. Pokhara is 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. Boating is also one of the major attraction for people. 

Gorkha & Muktinath

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.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.

Dhulikhel, Panauti & Namo Buddha

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.
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.
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. This is the place where every year many Buddhist come to visit as a religious place. It is also a good place for tours and picnics from schools and colleges.

Kakani & Gosainkunda

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.
One of the most famous religious places of pilgrimage of Nepal is Gosainkunda lake, situated at an altitude of about 4,360m. It is one of most beautiful and a religious place, if you even been to Nepal then you must be in this place. 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.