Monday, August 26, 2013

Trekking in Nepal

Nepal is the ultimate destination for the trekking enthusist offering a myraid of possibilities from the short and easy to the demanding chanllenges of the snowy peaks.Nepal has been also called "A Trekking Paradise" as the terrain -mountains, hills and terai offers some of the the spectacular trekking routes in the world.The immense contrasts in altitude and climates found here support an equally spectacular mix of lifestyles, vegetarian and wildlife. Trekking in Nepal is as much as cultural experience as a Himalayan adventure. In the shadow and foothills of the icy pinnacles of the Himalaya, one passes picturesque charming villages inhabited by diverse ethnic groups.Treks vary from expedition, high altitude treks to simple easy paced walks.

World Heritage Sites in Nepal

 A World Heritage Site is a place that is listed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNECO) as of special cultural or physical significance in 1979. The tern Heritage refers to valuable objects and qualities such as historical building and cultural tradition that have passed down from previous generation are to the present generation.The heritage reflects are, culture and tradition of the country.


List of world heritage sites in Nepal:
  1. Kathmandu Durbar Square
  2. Bhaktapur Durbar Square
  3. Patan Durbar Square
  4. Bouddhanath Stupa
  5. Swoyanbhunath Stupa
  6. Pashupatinath Temple
  7. Changu Narayan Temple
  8. Lumbini
  9. Chitwan National Park
  10. Sagarmatha National Park
 So, the small mountain kingdom of Nepal is blessed with such astonishing and unique sites  within the area of 140,800 sq km Nepal holds a considerably high number of places recognised by UNESCO. Among the above ten World Heritage sites, seven of them are in Kathmandu Valley, Capital of Nepal. The list includes both natural as well as cultural sites.

Pokhara

Pokhara is blessed with stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna range himalayas. It is the largest and most beautiful og the three lakes attracting a large number of visitors who enjoy boating on its placid water. The Barahi temple is the most important monument in Pokhara.

The major tourist destination in Pokhara are Sarangkot, World peace pagoda, Phewa Lake, Begnas lake, International Mountain Museum, Tal Barahi Temple, Bindhyabasini Temple, Chamera Gupha, Davi's Falls, Mahendra Cave etc.


Pokhara is the place, from where some of the most popular treks in the Annapurna region begin and end. Among them the highly recommended treks are the intensive Annapurna Circuit and Jomsom Treks. For those with limited time, there are number of short treks that are equally fascinating like Sarankot, Naudanda, Ghandruk or Ghorepani treks.The other attractions of Pokhara are mountain biking, paragliding, ultra-flights, hiking and so on.

Rafting in Nepal's River

Nepal is the second richest country in terms of water resources, second only to the South American country Brazil. Nepal has thousand of rivers and rivulets and they form three major river system that drain the country: Koshi, Narayani and Karnali river system.

Rafting is regarded as a popular adventure activity in Nepal after trekking and mountaineering.rafting is believed to have begun in the 70'. It is believed that the employees of various foreign embassies and diplomatic agencies in Nepal initiated rafting in Nepal.

Rafting in the rivers of Nepal is one of the best best ways to explore the typical cross section of the natural as well as cultural heritage of the country. One can glide down the rivers with magnificent scenery all around or rush through roaring white rapids.

Muktinath

Muktinath is composed of two words Mukti mean Salvation and Nath means god. So it holds great significance fro all in the south Asia sub continent.

Muktinath has been one such a holy site, where thousand of devotees flock for attaining moksha or freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth. It is also believed that one should visit Muktinath after completing pilgrimage of four special sites, Chardham Yatra of India.

Muktinath is important place both for Hindus and Buddhist. The holy shrine at Muktinath is in a groove of trees and includes a Buddhist Gompa and the pagoda style temple of Vishnu.It is one of the most ancient Hindu temples of God Vishnu.The pagoda style Muktinath Temple is a symbol of the religious harmony between both Hundus and Buddhist.





Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath temple is one of the biggest and most scared Hindu temples of Lord Shiva in the world. It is located on the banks of Bagmati River in the eastern part of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.The temple is famous for its awe-inspiring and astounding pagoda architecture. The two level roofs of the temple are embellished with golg and the four doors are adorned with silver.The western door has a staue of large Bull ornamented in gold, Nandi.

Believers in Pashupatinath, mainly Hindus are allowed to enter the temple premises. Non Hindu visitors are allowed to have a look the temple from the opposite bank of Bagmati river. Pashupati area is regarded as one of the most important pilgrimaged by the followers of Hinduism. Thousand of devotees from within and outside the country come to pay homage to Pashupatinath everyday. And on, special occassion like ekadasi, sankranti, mahashivaratri, teej, raksha Bandan, grahan (eclipse), poornima (full moon day) the whole atmosphere turns festive and mirthful as people congregate here in a far greater number. During Shivaratri festival Pashupatinath Temple glows with the lights of ghee lamps thoughtout the lights and the temple remains open all night.

Jungle Safari

Ride an elephant through the silent jungle catching wildlife by surprise, it will be one of the most enduring  experience in Nepal.The Chitwan National Park and The Bardia National Park are home to an incredible variety of mammals. reptiles and birds.The former is recognized as best preserved conservation ares in all Asia with facinating range of wildlife roaming. The main attraction in Jungle activities is One Horned Rhinoceros and Royal Bengal Tiger.The many safari lodges in Chitwan and Bardia provide excellent accomodation and facilities for guests to enjoy wildlife activities.All the activities like elephant safari, jeep drive, a boat ride or nature walk will be done in guidance of expert.Each trip is unique as one never knows what will show up like a bear, a herd of deer, a flock of peacocks, langur monkeys on treetops, a pair of rhinos and some lucky guest get to see the exclusive tiger prowling among the tall grass.


Sunday, August 25, 2013

Adventure Activities in Nepal

Adventure tourism in Nepal had begun with the early attempt to scale the world's highest peaks. Since Nepal is home to most of the world highest peaks, adventure enthusiasts became increasingly fascinated with the country.Apart from the usual trekking and mountaineering activities, entire range of other possibilities has been explored in recent year.

Bungy Jumping:
Bungy Jumping is equally a major adventure attraction in Nepal. Although it is restricted ion some parts of the world, it is in operational in Nepal. The Last Resort, located near Nepal-China border on the Araniko Highway has developed this new adventure product

Paragliding & Ultra light aircraft:
Paragliding and ultra light aircraft or power gliders are operated in Pokhara. Paragliding is operated from Sarangkot, a small hillock famous for mountain view.Paragliders take off from Sarangkot and land long the shores of Fewa Lake.

Canyoning:
Nepal also offers canyoning to the visitors.In Nepal canyoning offeres you the freedom to explore some of the most beautiful, amazing but forbidden places in the world.

Mountain Biking:
Biking is yet another adventure that Nepal caters to the visitors. Nepal's diverse terrain provides challenging trails that meander through isolated villages and dense forest filled with wild life.








Lumbini

Lumbini is the birth place of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Maya Devi , the queen of Shakya King Suddhidhana of Kapilvastu, gave birth to Buddha on her way to her parents home in Devdaha in May in the year 623 B.C. It is said that he walked immediately after his birth and took seven steps, under each of which a lotus flower bloomed and also he had announced that, "this is my final rebirth" after he entered the world.

Buddha, as stated in Mahaparinirvana Sutta, spoke to his followers that, " After I am no more, men of belief will visit four places with faith, curiosity and devotion. Lumbini where I was born, Bodhgaya where I attainred enlightenment, Sarnath where I set motion the wheel of Dhamma and Kusinara whrere I shall pass into Mahaparinivana. Those who make pligrimages to these places will reborn on the dissolution of their bode after death in a heveanly state.So, there four historical places have become worl famaous pilgrimage sites for all Buddhist around the world.

Tourism in Nepal

Nepal is one of the richest country in the world in terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and altitudinal variation. The elevation of the country rages from 60 meter above the sea level to the highest point on earth.

Tourism is the largest industry in Nepal, and the largest source of foreign exchange and revenue. Processing 8 of the 10 highest mountain in the world. Nepal is the main destination for mountaineering, rock climbing and for those people seeking adventures. The Hindu and Buddhist heritage of Nepal, and its cold weather are also the major attraction.World's highest peak Mt. Everest (8848 meters) is also in Nepal.Tourism Industry is seen as a way to alleviate poverty and achieve greater social equity in Nepal.

The major religion in  Nepal is Hinduism and The Pashsupatinath Temple, the world's largest temple of Shiva which is located in Kathmandu , attracts many pilgrim and tourist. Other Hindu pilgrimages site includes the temple of Swargadwari located in Pyuthan district, lake Gosainkunda near Dhunche, the temples of Devghat, Manakamana, Pathibhara.

According to Nepal's Ministry of Tourism, major tourist activities include wilderness and adventure activities such as Mountain biking, Bungy , Rock climbing, Mountain Climbing, Trekking, Bird Watching, Mountain flight, Paragliding, exploring the waterways by raft, Kayak, Canoe, Jungle Safari etc.