Travel Nepa

Switzerland opens embassy in Nepal
Switzerland, Nepal’s long –time development partner, has opened its embassy in Nepal on August 17.
Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal inaugurated the newly opened embassy in Ekantakuna, Lalitpur amid a function.
Addressing the inaugural function, PM Nepal said, the establishment of the residential mission has added a new dimension in the bilateral relation between the two countries.
Switzerland has been supporting Nepal’s development since the last fifty years through Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC) .PM Nepal appreciated the Swiss support.
Speaking at the function Thomas Gass, the residential ambassador of Switzerland to Nepal said, he would strive to strengthen the relation between Nepal and Switzerland.

Nepal provides the solitude environment for meditation, which is unparalleled in this part of the world.
Nepal is a land for all seasons and for all reasons .If it rains heavily in Pokhara, Annapurna Region just behind Pokhara is the rain shadow area where you can make trekking even during the rainy season without any hindrance. Round the year the exciting adventure activities ranging from mountaineering to trekking, white water rafting, jungle safaris, biking, bungy jumping, and paragliding take place in Nepal .And, delightful and colorful festivals never cease to amuse people throughout the year.
For many tourists, Nepal is an escape from the scorching hot as Kathmandu and its surrounding areas provides soothing ambience with air- condition climate- neither too hot nor too cold. The climate of diverse Nepal itself is a tourism product for many people.
Nepal is known for its round the year festivals. There is a saying that Nepalese people are said to have observed more festivals that the days in a year. Hardly a day passes by without some festivities, ceremonial observances or traditional events.
Tourists don’t need to wait for right season to come to Nepal. For trekkers, Annapurna Region offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the world throughout the year, and for spiritual seekers, temples and monasteries provide divine capsules that guard them from worldly evils.
Nepal provides the solitude environment for meditation, which is unparalleled in this part of the world. Nepal has much to offer to those interested in meditation, yoga and Ayurveda. The indigenous practice yoga, which is taught by Gurus with vast knowledge on spiritual aspect, is a perfect epitome of oriental values. It also helps one achieve balanced, harmonious and integrated development of all the aspects of their personalities. Yoga is a pathway to true; happy and healthy living .You doesn’t need to wait for a particular time to do these kinds of activities in Nepal. There are more things to see and do in Nepal than you possibly think of .So don’t think of right time, every time is right time to travel Nepal.

Junita Sambahanghe to climb seven summits
Junita Sambahanghe (Limbu) who successfully climbed Mt. Everest this year in May is planning to climb all highest mountains of seven continents on the occasion of Nepal Tourism Year 2011 .In this connection, a press meet was organized in Nepal Tourism Board on August 7, 2009.Born and brought up in the hill area of eastern Nepal, she is determined to climb all highest mountains of seven continents. Addressing the press meet, she expressed to garner support and encouragement from all quarters of the society. She said it is a big challenge for her but she was confident to achieve the success.

Dolphin Festival 2009 observed on far west
With the aim at highlighting the tourism attractions and activities of far western region by showcasing the habitat of unique Gangetic Dolphins in Tikapur region, Tikapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry in coordination with the tourism stakeholders organized a Dolphin Festival-2009.
Hon’ble Member of National Planning Commission Mr. Prem Kunwar inaugurated the festival on August 19 2009 amid a huge gathering of people from Tikapur and neighboring districts. Hob’ble member in his addressing remarks opined that the region has long been deprived of development activities albeit having immense potential on various economic sectors including tourism.”Therefore there is a need to act urgently at national level to develop the region by allocating sufficient budgets” he added.
During the inaugural function, Mr .Hikmat Sing Ayer , Director of NTB also stressed on need for development of an integrated tourism package of the region for tourism promotion with partnerships between NTB and local entrepreneurs.
The festival concluded with great fanfare with traditional Tharu cultural dances and a dozen of dolphin sightings at Patharaiya and Mohana River.
Similarly, an Interaction program on “Integrated Tourism Development in and around Tikapur area” was also organized jointly by Nepal Tourism Board and Tikapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This exercise was aimed to build consensus among the local stakeholders for the integrated tourism development of Tikapur and its surroundings and to update the media and local bodies about Nepal Tourism Board’s plans and programs as well as Nepal Tourism Year-2011 campaign activities.
Mr. Hikmat Singh Ayer- director, NTB in response to the concerns of stakeholders said that NTB would reinforce its commitment towards extending all possible supports to local tourism stakeholders for the development of the region. He urged on the formation of a committee responsible for the integrated tourism development of the whole far- western region. During the program, Mr.K.B Shah, officer of NTB shed light on Nepal Tourism Year -2011 campaign and its activities.

Doleshwore Mahadev manifestation of Kedarnath
A special puja (worship) was organized on August 22 at temple of Doleshwore in Bhaktapur to reconfirm that it’s the head part of Shri Kedarnath ji, temple of which is in India .Kedarnath is amongst the holiest pilgrimages for the devout Hindu. The chief priest of Shri Kedarnathji temple Kedarnath Swarup Bhimashankar Langa Shankarcharya Mahaswami ji unveiled the plaque claiming that it’s the head part of Shri Kadarnath ji .According to legend , the Pandavas after having won over the Kaurava in the Kurukshetra war felt guilty of having killed their own brothers and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. He eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed he divides into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface .The remaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other places. Head is believed to be manifested in Doleshwore.
A large process was organized to celebrate this occasion from Bhaktapur to Doleshwore which is situated at Siphadole. Addressing the gathering, Kedarnath Swarup Bhimashankar Linga Shankarcharya Mahaswami Ji said that Nepal is peaceful and would tell his followers to visit this place.

Australian Tour Operator Visit Nepal
With objective of promoting Nepal among Australians, Nepal Tourism Board supported a familiarization trip for two Australian tour operators from 31 August – 7 September 2009 .Mr. Rosalie B. Horn and Ms. Mary Thapa had a chance of experiencing different tourism activities and were very much impressed by the beauty and attractions of Nepal. After taking ultra light flight in Pokhara, they said, “every tourist visiting Nepal must go to Pokhara and must take ultra light flight to make the visit more memorable. The view from the sky in Pokhara was fantastic.”
The tour operators were on a familiarization trip as lucky draw winner of the Nepal evening program held on 25 the February 2009 during Nepal Sales Mission in Sydney.

A taste of Nepali Evening in USA
“A taste of Nepali Evening “was organized on July 8 2009 in New York to promote Nepal’s tourism. The program was jointly hosted by the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations and the Rubin Museum of Arts. The program featured the tour of exhibition “From the land of the Gods, Art of the Kathmandu valley” in the Museum followed by Nepalese cultural performance showcasing Nepal’s cultural diversity and reception featuring Nepalese food and live Nepali music.
Welcoming the guests, permanent Representative Ambassador Mr. Madhu Raman Acharya said that as one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world, Nepal’s scenic beauty , its cultural and geographical diversity, its hospitable people, its rich repository of art and culture and availability of various adventures attract hundreds of thousands of tourists, including many thousands from the united states, to visit Nepal every year .Requesting guests, friends and families to visit Nepal taking opportunity of peace and tranquility that has returned to Nepal at least recent years, Mr .Acharya quoting Nepal Tourism Board told those who have been to Nepal at least once “once is not enough “ and those who are frequenting Nepal,” You are always welcome.”
A large number of guests along with many distinguished personalities attended the program with a lot of enthusiasm. Various Nepalese community organizations contributed diverse cultural performance to the program. Souvenir and travel related kit bags provided by Nepal Board were distributed to the guests.

Shopping & Souvenirs
The handicrafts of Nepal are popular throughout the world for their superior quality, splendid workmanship and artistic excellence.
The receptivity and creativity of any given culture manifests itself through an assortment of expressions in the form of art, craft, painting, belief, ritual, dance, and household items. Handicrafts not only carry finest sensibility and artistic expression but also cultural conscience about the historical and religious significance of the place.
It may be out of sheer love for the culture and itself of an alien social milieu , or our of pride to mark the occasion of having visited a particular place, or simply to keep the flame of reminiscence burning , souvenirs retained as memento play a c crucial role in the travel habit of people round the world.
Indigenous Products
Pashmina: Pashmina are made from the inner fur of the Himalayan lambs and are popular for their softness of touch and natural colour. Pashmina fabrics like shawls, mufflers, sweaters caps and winter wears are fashionable worldwide. It is more soft and warmer than the synthetic mixed and artificially colored fabrics. Among other places, the best places to buy Pashmina items are New Road, Indrachowk and Thamel in Kathmandu.
Paubha/Thanka: Paubha also known as Thanka are sacred scroll paintings depicting deities, icons and myths of Buddhist scriptures and cosmology .The painting is executed in cotton scrolls, canvas or silk using gold, silver and stone pigment to create lustrous effect. The scroll art work is time –consuming and hence it takes two to six months to complete the painting work. Although they are available in most tourist hubs, the best places to buy these are Boudha in Kathmandu and Ekantakuna in Lalitpur.
Mithila Painting: Mithila Painting is bright colourful art work with Maithali culture themes and motifs from the Terai region of Nepal. Sita, the ideal woman and perfect wife of Lord Ram from the popular Hindu epic of Ramayan, is said to have hailed from Mithila. Mithila women have been mostly engaged in the patronage of the Mithila paintings largely in Janakput and the neighboring areas. The painting depicts scenes of domestic’s rituals with religious offerings to gods and goddesses to ward off evil. These worldwide popular paintings are available in the Janakpur and Dhanusha region of Terai, the seat of the Maithali culture .The paintings may also be available at some of the tourist hubs in Kathmandu.
Lokta Paper: Lokta paper is prepared form the bark of a particular tree found in the high altitude hills of Nepal. The soft pulp obtained as a result of boiling, washing, and beating of the wooden fiber is spread in a wooden frame and dried in the sun before it is put to use. Business stationery, decorative items like lampshade and wall paper, wrapping paper, carry bags are popular items made of the lokta paper. Authentic official transaction especially in the government section is also done on this paper due to its durable nature .Lokta paper and paper products are available at most tourist hubs like Thamel, New Road and the three Durbar Squares of Kathmandu valley.
Hemp Products: Hemp passport bags, backpacks, shoulder bags, laptop bags, jogi bags, hats, slippers, belts, camera cover, wallets and many more products are all available in hemp made by the local artisans. These products are available in Thamel, heritage sites of Kathmandu valley and in Lakeside areas of Pokhara.
Ceramics: Pottery is made usually from black clay both as sun-baked terracotta and glazed earthenware in furnace for attractive color and durability .Items of house hold needs like water jar, animal figure, deities and coin – container are also made of clay .Pottery and Nepali earthenware are found in different parts of the Kathmandu valley .Although there are quite a few places to buy ceramic ware in Kathmandu, it is recommended that you pay a visit to the pottery centers in Bhaktapur and Thimi to observe the traditional ways of working on the wheel, for original designs , and for authentic buys.
Leather Accessories: Accessories made from goat skin and water buffalo leather are quite popular .They are comfortable to wear, affordable in price and easy to pack. Shoes, belts, jackets and wallets made of leather are worth buying and are available in Thamel and New Road areas of Kathmandu.
Khukuri: Khukuri are curved knives used by the Gurkhas. The authentic Khukuri is made by the traditional ironsmith and represents the legendary valor of the brave Gurkhas. There are several places to buy in Kathmandu especially at the popular tourist hub of Thamel. Khukuris from Bhojpur in the eastern part of Nepal are considered the most authentic among the different kinds.
Tea: Ilam the hilly districts of eastern Nepal produces world famous tea. The Tea is wrapped in small pouch and packets and very suitable for providing as gifts. Packaged tea from different tea gardens in the country as well as international brands retaining the original flavor and aroma are available everywhere in Kathmandu or Pokhara .For a taste of fresh tea directly from the tea gardens; however a visit to the tea gardens in the eastern part of the country is recommended.
Spices: Nutmeg, ginger, saffron, mace, anise, fenugreek, black pepper, coriander seeds and other aromas are very popular flavor. Spices are essential part of the Nepali cooking and are available almost everywhere in Kathmandu and elsewhere .For variety and choice, however, a visit to the ancient alleys of Ason is highly recommend.
Garments and Knit wares: Garments like jackets, trousers, caps and embroidered T-shirts are very popular among shoppers. Similarly articles such as, pullovers, sweaters, mufflers, socks, legwarmers, bags, hats, are equally fashionable .These items are available in Thamel and heritage sites of Kathmandu valley and the tourist hubs in Pokhara.
DhaKa: Nepal is also popular for Dhaka cloth from which traditional Nepali clothes like Daura Surwal and Dhaka Topi (Nepai Cap) are made. The fabric of Dhaka made in Palpa district of Nepal is considered the best .The fabric is also available in Ason, Janabahal. Indrachowk ,areas and other cloth outlets in Kathmandu.
Fabrics: Fabrics of the finest kinds like chiffon, silk georgette, silk satin, and other similar fabrics made of rayan, polyester or mixed are available in various colors , shades and with different kinds of prints. Sharees, the traditional wear of the Nepali woman are also available in most places. Fine quality fabrics can be bought in Putaisadak , NewRoad and leading departmental stores and shopping malls in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Musical Instruments: Music plays a therapeutic role in the day to day existence of life surrounded by frequent hardship and occasional social revelry. To express the joys and sorrows of life Nepali people developed their own typical musical instruments like Sarangi (Nepali version of violin ) Maadal (drum), Bansuri (flute), Murchunga, ( typical instrument played by mouth) and Panchebaaja (fusion of five instruments), which are very popular. These musical instruments are available at the tourist hubs of Kathmandu and lake side of Pokhara.
Music: DVD’s, CD’s and cassettes the contain music of folk culture, culture, classical and sacred tunes of Nepal could also be a suitable choice for taking back home. Good quality CD’s , DVD’s and cassettes are available in tourist areas like New Road, Thamel, Kantipath in Kathmandu and in the Lake side area of Pokhara.
Glass Ornaments: Pote (glass beads necklaces) and Chura (glass bangles ) are very popular ornaments among Nepalis. They are supposed to be worn by all married women. The dazzling pote beads are also used in embroidery .Coming in various beautiful colors and shades, pote and chura are popular shopping items for tourists as well .You can buy pote and chura in Ason and Indrachowk areas in Kathmandu. The items can also be bought in most other areas since these are the essential decorative ornaments of Nepali women.
Jewelry and Gems: Necklaces, rings, ear ring and ornaments of gold, silver and semi precious stones are available in fine workmanship and priced less expensively than elsewhere. Ornaments of precious and semi precious in attractive designs and stones like sapphire, aquamarine, amethyst, ruby, garnet and tourmaline are available in superior quality. You may be able to see several shops exhibiting beautiful stone jewelry in Thamel, New Road, Durbar Marg and other tourist hubs of Kathmandu area and Mahendrapul and Lakeside area of Pokhara.
Metal wares: Metal carving is very popular in the Newar community of Kathmandu valley. Carving images of deities and divines and the dexterous chiseling on bronze and copper mould is one of the finest pieces of souvenirs. Beautifully carved replicas of temples and stupas, and decorative items like singing bowl, bell, cymbals, wine jar, cups etc are made of copper, bronze or brass and are popular for their aesthetic values, functional use and religious purposes. Metal craft in household items like jars, plates, bowl, spoons, hanging oil lamps, flower vase are also very popular .Karuwa (traditional water jar usually made of brass and sometimes silver) which used to be a common way to drink water in the old days is still a popular items in Nepali household and is often used during special occasions. Karuwa made in Palpa is considered the most authentic among all. Metal wares and items are found in most tourist areas in the valley, the best place to buy the metal art work area at the Patan Industrial Estate.
Sculptures: Sculptures of different Hindu and Buddhist deities are very popular among Nepalis as well as tourist. While Nepalis place them in the Puja room to worship, tourists carry them back home to add to their collection of souvenirs. Copper, brass and bronze statues are made by pouring molten metal into baked earthenware which covers wax image in exact size and details of the desired product. After the molten metal cools and hardens, the earthenware is cast away and the statue is intricately carved and polished. These items are found in most tourist areas in the valley, however, the best place to buy the metal sculptures in the Patan Industrial Estate.
Wood Carvings: The Newars of Kathmandu valley are endowed with the ingenuity of wood carving which constitute items like intricately carved windows, ornate doors, photo frames, jewelry boxes and household items .Peacock window of Durbar Square in Bhaktapur is the finest example of excellent workmanship of wood carving in ancient Nepal. This legacy has indeed been carried forward through the generations of talented artisans. Using teak, sal or rose wood, the artisans also make figures of religious deities, door panels, temples, stupas, window frames, tables, lamps stands, photo frames, assorted furniture and kitchenware. The places to look for wood and metal carving are Bhaktaput Durbar Square and other heritage areas of Kathmandu valley.
Rudraksha (Rosary): Rudraksha are the dark berries of the evergreen Elaeocarpus ganitrus tree. In Sanskrit Rudraksha consists of twom words Rudra and Aksha. Rudra is another name of Lord Shiva and Aksha means eyes in Sanskrit. The holy beads of Rudrasha are used to make prayer rosaries and have clefts on the surface known as Mukhis ranging from one face to 21 faces. The Rudraksha rosary is often worn by manly Hindus and used during meditation .It is believed that on holding or wearing the Rudraksha rosaries with faith and devotion, a person is able to experience the bliss of Rudra and absolve himself from the stains of earthy sins. These are very popular among Hindus and can be bought in the premises of the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, in the lakeside area of Pokhara and in many Hindus temple premises.
Woolen carpets: Carpet weaving started as a household occupation in the mountains of Nepal from the 1960’s .Hand knotted carpets is available in Nepali and Tibetan themes with both traditional and modern designs in a great variety of colors, sizes and knots. Nepali carpets are very popular in Europe and America. These bright colored floor decorative and wall hangings can be purchased in special carpet stores in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Root Art: Figures of animals, reptiles made from the root of trees are gaining popularity in Nepal .These can be purchased in Thamel , the popular tourist hub of Kathmandu.
Shaligram (holy rocks) : Shaligram is fossil rock found on the banks of River Kaligandaki of Central Nepal.these fossil rocks have Chakra (disk like formations) made by a river worms called Bajra –Keeta which takes shelter in Shaligram. As per Hindu mythology, these fossil rocks are believed to be the manifestation of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the world. It is believed that worshipping Shaligram, chanting Shaligram mantra and washing the holy fossil will protect us from evil and bring material reward and spiritual prosperity. Shaligram is also very popular among Hindus and can be found in premises of the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, in lakeside area of Pokhara and in many Hindu temple premises.
Masks: Masks have always been popular among the Hindus of Kathmandu valley and are an important part of the cultural performance in festivals and rituals. Masks of different religious deities are worn by performers during Lakhe dance on Indra Jatra day. Masks of Bhairav (god of terror) and Ganesha (Elephant god) and other deities are very popular. Interesting masks are available at most tourists’ junctures like Thamel and the three Durbar Squares areas of Kathmandu valley.
Books: Books the dwell on a wide array of subjects are aplenty in the tourist hotspots of Kathmandu and Pokhara. Books on different subjects, beautiful picture books of the Nepali people and far off Himalayan and Terai landscape, information about the ancient Nepal or the Nepali people, trekking information and travel guides as well as latest books on national and international contemporary issues, and popular fictions are available in bookstores of Thamel, kantipath and other tourist areas of Kathmandu valley and Lakeside area of Pokhara.
Other items suitable to take home as gift or souvenirs
Bags and Accessories- Purses, hand bags, travel bags and the like made from cloth leather
Bamboo craft- Various types of products made from bamboo and cane and craft using wheat, rice bran, stem, waste thread and other materials
Fancy Hats- Hats with impression of flags and animals
Napali Dolls- Dolls and puppets of Nepali Culture made of cloth, clay and wood
Home Furnishing- Bed covers, bed linens and the like with block, screen printing, embroidery, crochet and similar skills.
Incense- Incense that have different kinds of aroma and are packed in various circular and square type elongated boxed made of copper, brass and other metals
Natural Buttons- Buttons made from small tree branch, stone, bone and horn
Fiber products- Apparel and non- apparel products made from hemp, nettle and similar indigenous plants.
Shopping Malls and Departmental Stores: Nepal is fast becoming a shopping paradise with new malls opening up every now and then with an assortment of products ranging from branded cloth wear to household items. Shopping malls and departmental stores have become indispensable feature of the urban lifestyle due to the quality and affordability .Even though shopping malls and departmental stores are gaining popularity in bordering towns of Nepal like Biratnagar, Bhairawa, Nepaljung and so on larger ones are found in Kathmandu and Pokhara where you can shop for items like electronic appliances, music system ,kitchenware’s, branded garments, jewelry , perfume, watches, children toys, fitness equipment and household items. Popular shopping centers in Kathmandu are New Road ,Putalisadak, kumaripati, Tangal, Lazimpat,Sundhara, Tripureshwor, Jawlakhel,Kamal pokhari etc and in Pokhara they are lakeside and MahendraPul bazaar areas. You can shop both local items as well as branded stuff. Periodic sale with as much as 50 percent seasonal and festival discounts on selected items are provided.
Caution: All handicraft items above 100 years are termed as antique and taking them out of the country is illegal and a serious offense.But rest of the handicraft items particularly made of stone, metal and wood or paintings or any handicraft resembling historical artifacts need to be cleared from the Department of Archaeology (Kathmandu near Supreme Court) to obtain clearance certificate before being taken abroad.Please take the purchase receiot for clearance of the same.

Chinese Tourists are increase by doubled
Now a day’s tourist from china increasing day by day, in compare to the earlier year this year from Jan 2009 to September shows that the Chinese tourist arrival in Nepal has increased by 14.6 percent. The 1999 data shows that there are altogether 3577 Chinese had arrived in Nepal.
One of the reasons behind this could be the direct flight from china to Nepal. In compare to India tourist arriving from china is less. Till 2009 September data shows that there are altogether 65967 tourists arrived from India. Whereas from china only 11583 only. This can be the result of the different promotions tools organized by NATA, HAN, and other associations etc in order to attracts the tourists in Nepal for ” 2011 Tourism Day”.
Some reports are as follows
Year tourists
2000 3924
2001 3968
2002 3490
2003 4418
2004 5799
2005 6423
2006 6531
2007 14426
2008 14076
2009 (Jan – Sep) 10108
2009 (Jan- Sep) 11583

National Parks, Conservation Areas and Wildlife Reserve of Nepal
The geography of Nepal can be divided into high mountains, mid hills and low lands. A wide range of ecosystem from sub- tropical jungles of the Terai to the arctic conditions of Himalayan highlands is found within an area of 147181 sq km.
There are a total of 9 National parks, 3 wildlife Reserve, 3 Conservation Areas, 1 Hunting Reserve including 9 buffer zones around national parks, covering a total of 28585.67 sq km (19.42 %) of the country’s total land. Nepal’s rich biodiversity renders it ideal as an eco- tourism destination.
Annapurna Conservation Area Project-ACAP (7629 sq km)
The Annapurna conservation Area is one of the best trekking trails in the world.The area spreads around Kaski, Mustang,Manang and Lumjung districts of Central Nepal.Starting with an altitude of 790 meters, the area reaches as high as 8091 meters of Mt.Annapurna.Ghandruk is the first experience and further down is Ghorepani that provides fantastic panoramic view of the Annapurna ranges.Equally eye catching are hills of rhododendron that blossom every spring .The turning point of the Annapurna Circuit is Jomsom.The trek southeast from Lomsom, leads to the scenic Tilicho Lake area at an altitude of 4919 meters.In the circuit route, is the famous Hindu religious sites Muktinath Temple .The vegetation in this region includes various species of orchids and rhododendron.Wildlife includes around 100 different kinds of mammals including rare snow leopards and blue sheep.The region also boasts of around 478 species of birds including multi-colored Impheyan, Koklas and blood pheasants.In addition the region is also home to 39 species of reptiles and 22 species of amphibians.
Activities:Trekking , mountaineering
Accomodarion: Resort hotels,lodges, camping
Access: From Pokhara which is 202 km by road or 30 minutes by air from Kathmandu
Best Season: March –May,sep-Nov
ACAP Headquater:Hariyo Kharka, Pokhara
Dhoroatan Hunting Reserve (1325 sq km)
Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve is the only area in Nepal where licensed hunting is allowed.The reserve adjoins Myagdi district and Baglung district,jist below the Dhaulagiri range in West Nepal.The reserve begins at 3000 meters reaches as high as 7000 meters.Trees like fir, pine, birch ,rhododendron, hemlock, oak, juniper and spruce are available in the reserve .One of the prime attractions for hunters is the blue sheep,which is abundant in the area.Hunters also get pheasants and paetidges in viable populations for hunting .Other animals found here are leopard,ghoral, serow, Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan black bear, barking deer, wild boar, rhesus macaque , langur and mouse hare.Endangered animals in the reserve are musk deer, wolf , red panda , cheer pheasant and Danphe.
Activities: Trophy hunting ,game viewing
Accommodation: Camping
Access: Four day’s walk from Baglung which is 72 km form pokhara by road
Best Season: Mar-Apr, Oct-Nov, Jul-sep (monsoon),Dec-Feb(cold ,windy , snow)
Reserve Headquarter: Dhorpatan
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area [KCA] (2035 sq km)
Situated in north eastern Nepal in the district of Taplejung, the kanchanjunga conservation Area is bordered by the Tibet-China in the north,Sikkim-India in the east and Sankhuwa Sabha district in the west.
The area has alpine grasslands, low river valleys with temperate and sub-tropical forests.Ten species among Nepal’s 20 indigenous gymnosperms and 15 among Nepal’s 28 endemic flowering plants are found in this region .In addition , almost 30 varieties of rhodendron species and 69 varieties of orchids are found here.Wildlife includes endangered snow leopard, Himalayan black bear,musk deer, red panda, blue sheep and rhesus macaw.About 202 species of different birds including pheasant, red-billed blue magpie,shy drongo are found in the area.
Activities: Trekking, mountaineering
Accomodation: Tea house,camping
Access: From Taplejung which can be reached by air from Kathmandu
Best Season: March-May ,Sep-Nov
Park headquater:Lelep
Khaptad National Park (225 sq km)
Khaptad National Park in West Nepal is the home is Khaptad Swami, the renowned scholar and a hermit .The park with rolling hills of grasslands and forests of subtropical,temperate and sub alpine vegetation, is also a rich natural habitat.The park boasts of 242 species of medicinal herbs and offers excellent birds watching oppottunities ,with 270 species of birds, the common one s being different varieties of Impheyan Phesant, partridges, flycatchers, bulbuls,cuckoos and eagles.Animals in the park are barking deer,wild boar,ghoral ,Himalayan black bear,yellow –throated marten,rhesus monkey and langur monkey.The park also offers religious sightseeing at Tribeni on the way to its headquarters.There are several historical temples surrounding this area and an annual celebration of Ganga Dashhara is held here every Jestha Purnima.another religious site is Sahara Linga at 3200 meters, the highest point of the park.Other religious areas in the park include Ganesh Temple,Nagdhunga, and Kedardhunga.These areas are ideal places for meditation.Towards the northeast of the park is Khaptad Lake where a festival is held every August and September.
Activities: Game viewing , bird watching
Accomodation: Resorts and Tented camp
Access: 90 minute drive (40 km) from Biratnagar which is 50 minutes by air or 541 km by road from Kathmandu
Best Season:Oct –Mar,Apr-Jun (hot) , Jul- Sep( rainy)
Reserve Headquater:K usaha
Langtang National Park( sq km)
The Park extends over parts of Nuwakot, Rasuwa and Sindhupalchok districts in the mountainous terrain of Nepal- China (Tibet) border.
The chief attraction of this park is the Langtang range in the north and several lakes in the south.High altitude jungles with driverse vegetation and wildlife, scenic lakes, glaciers and Himalayan peaks combine to make Langtang an attractive destination for visitors.Twenty five percent of the park’s total area is covered by forest , starting at sub-tropical forests below 1000 meters giving way to alpine scrubs and grasslands towards higher altitude.Animals seen here are wild dog,red panda, pika, muntjac, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan tahr,ghoral, serow, rhesus monkey ,common langur, snw leopard among others.Commong birds seen here are tragopan,impeyan, and pheasants (kakij).The Langtang valley is also renowned for its holy Lake Gosaikunda.Thousands of Hindu pilgrims visit the lake area every year,especially during the Janai Purnima festival every August.
Activites: trekking ,Mountaineering
Accomodation:Lodges,camping
Access:From Dhunche which is 117 km by road from Kathmandu
Best season:oct-nov and Mar-May (cold at higher elevation); jun-sep (monsoon),Dec-feb(snow)
Park headquater:Dhunche
Makalu –Barun National Park(2330 sq km)
The park spreads over the districts of Sankhuwasabha and Solukhumnu in norterast Nepal.One of the prime attractons for visitors to the park is experience the unique Himalayan bio diversity.The vegetation range from sub tropical forests to sub alpine and alpine as the altitude increases. The park boasts of 47 species of orchids, 67 species of medicinal herbs,25 of Nepal’s 30 varieties of rhododendron,19 bamboo species, 15 oak species, 48 species of primrose and 86 species of fooder trees. The park also offers bird watching opportunities with its 400 species of birds, including the rare spotted wren babbler and the olive ground warbler. Wildlife include the endangered red pands,snow leopard,Himalayan black bear , clouded leopard tops,tahr, wild baor, barking deer, Himalayan marmot, weasel, langur monkey and serow. River Arun that flows through the park has 84 varieties of fish including salmon.
Activities: Trekking, Mountaineering
Accommodation: Camping
Access: Fly to Tumlingtar from Kathmandu (one hour)and then a six day walk
Best Season: Oct-Nov and Mar-Apr; Apr-May (hot at lower elevations),June –sep (monsoon)
Park headquarter: Seduwa,
Manaslu Conservation Area (1663 Sq km)
The Manaslu area is Gorkha district is a classic setting to experience pristine mountain nature and cluture.The conservation area starts at 600 meters and is crowned by the eighth highest peak in the world Mt.Manaslu at 8163 meters. The region is home to 29 species of mammals including snow leopard, musk deer and Himalayan Tahr. There are over 20 species of birds and three species of reptiles and over 200 species of plants.
Activities: trekking, Mountaineering
Accomodation:camping,lodges
Access:By bus to Dhading(87 km form Kathmandu)or to Besi Sahar (106 km from pokhara) and then trekking
Best Season:March-May; Spe-Nov
Park headquater:Prok
Parsa Wildlife Reserve (499 sq km)
The Parsa wildlife reserve spreads over parts of Chitwan , Makawanpur, Parsa and Bara district s.The vegetation is tropical and sub tropical mostly covered with sal forests, while the hills are covered with chir pine.Khair, sissoo and silk cotton are found along water areas. The reserve provides good habitat for animals like wild elephant, tiger, leopard, sloth bear, gaur, blue sheep and wild dog .Other common animals in the reserve are sambar , chital, hog deer, barking deer, langur monkey,rhesus macaques, striped hyena, rat , palm civet and jungle cat. There are 527 species of birds found in the reserve, one being the endangered great hornbill found in certain parts of the forest .Other birds species include peafowl, red jungle fowl , flycatchers and woodpeckers .Birds and animals apart the reserve also habitats snakes like king cobra, common cobra, krart, rat snake and python.
Activities: Jungle safari on elephant-back,jungle walk, jeep drive
Access: Fly to samara from Kathmandu (15 minutes) and then by road to the reserve headquarters (7 km), or overland all the way from Kathmandu (150 km via Hetauda)
Best Season: Oct –Mar, Apr-Jun (hot ,30-35 degrees Celsius),Jul-sep (monsoon)
Reserve Headquarter: Adhabar,
Rara National Park (106 sq km)
Rara National Park is the far northwestern part of the country offers a representative sample of the region’s flora and fauna .Sprawlwd over Mugu and Jumla districts the heart of the park is the country’s biggest lake, Lake Rara from where the park gets its name .The lake is as deep as 167meters at some places
, and drains into the River Mugu Karnali via Nijar Khola. The park is mainly covered with coniferous forest while the area around the lake is dominated by blue pine. Rhododendron, juniper, spruce, oak and cypress are found around 3000 meters while at higher altitude pine, spruce and fir are more common. The rich vegetation of the park is a home to the endangered red pands. Musk deer, Himalayan black bear, leopard, jackal, Himalayan Tahr, wild yellow –throated martin, wild dog, wild boar, common langur, rhesus macaque and common otter. During winter the park abounds in bird varieties like coots, great-crested grebe, black necked grebe, red crested pochard, mallard, common teal, merganser and gulls. Migrant water fowls and gallinaceous birds can also be seen during certain seasons. As for water life in the lake, the snow trout is the only fish recorded so far.
Activities: trekking
Accommodation: camping
Access: Fly to Jumla from KTM via Nepaljung and then a day walk, or by bus from Nepaljung to surkhet (114km) and then week’s walk
Best season: Feb –Apr and Oct-Nov
Park Headquarter: Hutu
Bardia National Park (968 sq km)
The Bardia National Park is the largest and most undisturbed protected area in the Terai and is home to the endangered Royal Bengal tiger and Nepal’s famous one-horded rhinoceros. The national park located in the far western district of Bardiya , is bordered by river Karnali in the west, the churia range in the north, while the river Babai flows right through the park. The varied geographical factors together with the thick cover of Sal , Savannah forests and grasslands render this region ideal as wild animal habitat. The park hosts 30 different mammals, more than 250 species of birds, and several varieties of reptiles and water animals. Some of the other animals found here are elephant , swamp deer, black buck , gharial crocodile and marsh mugger crocodile .The exotic Gangetic Dolphin is also sometimes seen In River Karnali .Birds include endangered varieties of Bangal florican,lesser florican, silver –eard mesia and sarus crane. The park offers the rare opportunity of fishing at River Karnali and River Babai.
Activities: Jungle safari on elephant – back, jungle walk, boat ride ,jeep drive.
Accommodation: Jungle lodges
Access: Three hours by jeep (95 km) from Nepaljung which is 1 hour 10 min by air or 531 km by road from Kathmandu?
Best season: Oct –Mar, Apr-Jun (hot up to 45 degrees Celsius), Jul –Sep (rainy)
Park Headquarter: Thakurdwara
Chitwan National Park (932 sq km)
Owing to its rich adornment of nature, Chitwan National Park was declared UNESCO National Heritage Site in 1979. The park that includes in its area a part of the Shivalik hills, is covered with deciduous forests overlooking the floodplains of Narayani ,Rapti and Reu Rivers and offering a wilderness of rich ecosystem that includes mammals, birds ,reptiles and water animals of several kinds. There are around 600 plant species, 50 mammals, 526 birds about 49 amphibians reptiles found in the park .The highlights, of course, are the 500 Asian one – horned rhinoceros and some 100 nocturnal Royal Bengal tigers that live in the dense forests of the park. Sharing home with these are other animals like rhesus monkey, grey langur. Deer, leopards, white stockinged gaur,wild boar, wild dogs and wild cats. Among reptiles are different kinds of snakes including the python, while the river areas breed amphibians like the endangered snouted gharial popularly known as Gangetic crocodile and marsh crocodiles? The forest is alive during summer with the arrival of migrant bird’s paradis flycatcher, Indian pitta and parakeets, while winter birds from Siberia. Other bird’s varieties are woodpeckers, hornbill, peacocks, peahens, floricans and redheaded trogons. A rare attraction of the park is the world’s fresh water dolphin variety sometime seen in river Narayani. Another factor adding a distinct touch to the Chitwan experience is the colorful Tharu culture. There are also sites of religious and historical importance at Devghat, Pandavnagar,Balmiki Ashram and Kabilaspur.
Activities: Jungle safari on elephant – back, jungle walk, canoe ride, jeep drive
Accommodation: Resort hotels and lodges
Access: The park headquarters at Kasara is a 21 –km drive from Bharatpur which is 2 minutes by air or 146km by road from Kathmandu
Best season: Oct-Feb (average temperature 25 degrees Celsius), Mar-Jun (hot up to 43 degrees), Jul –Sep (rainy)
Park headquarter: kasara
Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve: (305 sq km)
Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve is located in the far- eastern lowland Terai of Nepal. The pristine sub-tropical jungle makes Shuklaphanta Nepal’s second largest wildlife Reserve in Terai.
The open grasslands and numerous waterholes of the park is a vast expanse of plain grasslands and Sal forests, while marsh vegetation is found along Rivers and lakes. The park that was originally reserved as a hunting area was later converted to wildlife reserve to protect swamp deer. The reserve now shelters almost 2000 swamp deer, around 50 wild elephants and 30 tigers. Other animals found here are spotted deer, blue bulls, barking deer, hog deer, wild boars, leopards, jackals, langurs and rhesus monkeys .Among birds the reserve provides habitat to sarus crane, swamp francolin, grass owl, warblers, flycatchers, and the endangered Bengal Florican. Reptile species include marsh mugger, crocodile, cobra and python.
Activities: wildlife viewing on elephant –back
Accommodation: Jungle lodges
Access: Fly or drove to Mahendranagar (695 km from Kathmandu)
Best season: Feb-Mar (22-25 degrees Celsius) Dec- Jan (cold , foggy),r-Jun (hot up to 42 degrees)
Reserve Headquarter: Majhgaon, Kanchanpur
Sagarmatha National Park (1148 sq km)
The prime attraction in the Sagarmatha National Park is Mt. Everest, the highest peak of the world. The perk was added to the list of World Heritage site in 1979.The park, a part of the Himalayan ecological Zone , has several other prominent peaks most of which are above 6000 meters. With most of the park above 3000 meters, Sagarmatha is full of rugged terrain with deep gorges, glaciers and huge rocks. With its Himalayan terrain and its unique culture, the park offers a blend of natural and cultural tourist products here. The vegetation at lower elevation is dominated by pine and hemlock forests , while 3500 meters the forest is dominated with silver fir, birch, rhododendron, and juniper trees. During spring and monsoon the varieties of rhododendron flowers are seen. The common wildlife in the park is Himalayan Tahr, ghoral, musk deer, pikka (mouse hare) weasel, jackal. Other rarely seen animals are Himalayan black bear, wolf, and snow leopard. Birds inhabitation the park are of over 118 species .Common ones among them are the impeyan pheasant (Daphe), blood pheasant, red billed cough, yellow – billed chough, snow cock, snow pigeon, Himalayan griffon and lammergeyer. The national park also showcases the cultural trophies with the warm Sherpa hospitality and its many monasteries and cultural landmarks.
Activities: Trekking, Mountaineering
Accommodation: Resort hotels, lodges, camping
Access: Two-day walk from Lukla which is 30 minutes by air from Kathmandu
Best season: Oct-Nov and Mar- May, Dec- Feb (0snow, daytime temperature 5 degrees Celsius) Jun – Sep (rainy)
Park Headquarter: Mandalphu, Namche Bazzar
Shey-Phoksundo National Park (3555 sq km)
Shey-Phoksundo National Park is situated in the Trans-Himalayan region of North West Nepal. It is Nepal’s largest National Park.
With diverse terrain altitude variation, the park spreads over Dolpa and Mugu districts and supports a broad range of wildlife and vegetation. Geographical landmarks of the park are the Himalayan peaks in the north and Lake Phoksundo, in the southern region. Vegetation includes pine, walnut, willow, oak and cypress in the lower altitude and pine, spruce, juniper and birch at higher regions. Barberries, wild rosea and caragana are seen in alpine areas while the region higher up are mostly arid with grass alpine meadows with barky any trees. The park contains 286 flora species of botanical importance. Animals found in the region are sheep, ghoral, musk deer, leopard, wild dog , marmot, weasel, mouse hare , rhesus and langur monkeys, Himalayan tahr, Himalayan black bear and jackals .In the upper reaches is seen the rare snow leopard. Over 200 species of birds including yellow-throated marten, Tibetan partigr, wood snipe, white-throated tit, wood accentor, and crimson- eared rose finch are found in the park. Other species of birds found here are Impeyan , cheer pheasant, chough, ravens, Tibetan snow cock, Tibetan twit , brown dipper, Himalayan grifon and lammergeyer. Apart from these, the park is home to 6 species of reptiles and 29 species of butterflies.
Activities: Trekking, Mountaineering
Accommodation: Camping
Access: Fly to Dolpa’s airport from Nepaljung or Pokhara and then a three – day walk
Best Season: Mar-May (high passes may still be covered with winter snow) and Jun-sep(clear weather)
Park Headquarter: Smduwa
Shivapuri National Park (144 sq km)
Popular as trekking, hiking and recreation areas, the Shivapuri National Park offers the nearest retreat from Kathmandu. The park was established as a watershed and wildlife Reserve in 1976.The park was declared as a national park in 2002 for the protection of its unique natural adornments. Vegetation varieties in the park includes its 129 species if mushrooms while animals include 19 species of mammals including beer , leopards, deer, wild boar, wildcat and langur monkey. The park also boasts of 177 species of birds of butterflies.
Activities: Hiking, rock climbing, bird watching
Access: 11 km to the north of Kathmandu, taxi or bus
Best Season: Sep-Jun, Jun- Aug (rainy)
Park Headquarter: Shivapuri

Trip to khasa 2066/06/24
It was Saturday morning i wake up early morning and get ready. I need to peak up the bus from Shobabhagwati , there my friends were waiting for me it was already 5:45 am then we head towards Pashupati where other friends were waiting it was 6:20 am then some few more stops then at 7:10 we reached to Banepa through Arniko Highway ,where we took our tea break again by 7:50 we leave Banepa and by 8:05 we reached to Dhulekhel Mountain Resort then by 8:30 Panchkhal Police Checking , 8:40 Dolalghat Pul ,9:15 Khadichour and at 9:30 we reached to Barbesi , where we took our Lunch Break , in lunch we had dal bhat tarkari with fish . Since I got a headache I also had a vomit .By 10:20 am we leave Barbise , by 11:25 we reached Tatopani ,11:45 border Meteri Pul or Nepal custom office .For entering china we need to fill the form which cost Rs 10 and in one form three persons name can be included .we need to stamp on it and with our citizenship we cross the border .In that bridge (Metiri Pul , in our side our police men are standing and checking and in their side Chinese police men .We don’t understand their language and neither we do , so we have a language problem and one thing that you cannot take a photo's in Meteri Pul it is strictly prohibited and written above the bridge gate if you do so then your cameras memory card or reel will be pulled out. We reached China at 12:00 noon, where we had some shopping’s in Khasa Bazzar .It is only Khasa Bazzar not Khasa , if you need to go to Khasa then you have to take a micro from there it will take about 1 hour going and 1 hour coming additional if shopping. We didn’t go to khasa since we have limited time. The price was similar like in Nepal Khasa bazzar (Mahabauddha) there is no language problem since the entire stall have Nepali salesgirl. After bargaining we bought some goods .This stall will be opened 8:00 am in the morning and 3:00 pm it will be closed .While talking with sales girl , they told us that we can take more stuff than other days as today’s is a Saturday .After finishing our shopping we leave china at 3:15 pm and reached at 3:45 to the border and at 4:00 pm we reached to Tatopani where we took hot water bath , it was also my dream to take bath in natural hot water . It is believe that one who take bath under this water his/ her skin diseases will be cured, next to it there is a hot water pool after paying Rs 10 per person we entered the pool and have some swimming .The gents and ladies bathing section is different but pool has to be shared by both .while entering this place we have to pay Rs 10 per person and extra Rs 10 for pool. we also took some snaps there .At 4:40 we leave Tatopani a whole body is relaxed then , by 5:10 we reached to bunjijump (A Last Resort) , 5:35 we reached to Barbise and 6:30 Khadi Chour where we had our dinner in dinner some take bitten rice where as we took a dal bhat tarkari with fish again and about 7:15 leave Khadi Chour , 8:00 pm we reached to Dolalghat then i get asleep for while and when i wake up we were in Bhaktppur and it was 9:00 while we reach home it was 10:30 pm and I was tired and strait went to my room to have some sleep. The whole trip was fun bit fear due to land sliding in many places, excitement to see the flora and fauna the river, terrace farming and many more .as a whole a good experience.

List of Trekking Peaks of Nepal

One has to obtain the Climbing Permit for these Trekking Permits from Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). As per the rules and regulations, the climbing team should take climbing guide registered with Nepal Mountaineering Association.
Newly Opened Peaks – Group A

Name of Peak Height Region/Area

Mt. Cholatse 6440 m/21,123ft Khumbu, Everest Area

Mt. Machermo 6273 m/20,575ft Mahalangur, Everest Area

Mt. Kyazo Ri 6186 m/20,290ft Mahalangur, Everest Area

Mt. Phari Lapcha 6017 m/19,736ft Mahalangur, Everest Area

Mt. Nirekha 6159 m/20,201ft Mahalangur, Everest Area

Mt. Langsisa Ri 6427 m/21,080ft Langtang National Park

Mt. Ombigaichen 6340 m/20,795ft Mahalangur, Everest Area

Mt. Bokta 6143 m/20,149ft Kanchenjunga, East Nepal

Mt. Chekigo 6257 m/20,523ft Gaurishankar, East Nepal

Mt. Lobuje West 6145 m/20,156ft Khumbu, Everest Area

Mt. Larkya Peak 6010 m/19,713ft Manaslu Himal, West Nepal

Mt. ABI 6097 m/19,998ft Mahalangur, Everest Area

Mt. Yubra Himal 6035 m/19,795ft Langtang National Park

Mt. Chhukung Ri 5550 m/18,204ft Khumbu, Everest Area

Mt. Yala Peak 5732 m/18,800ft Langtang National Park

South Asia Climate Change Conference kicks off
Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal inaugurated ‘Kathmandu to Copenhagen: South Asia Climate Change Conference’ in Kathmandu on August 31.

All SAARC nations along with China and some other mountainous countries are taking part in the event. Ministers from Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are attending the regional meet on climate change. Bhutan is, however, not participating in the conference.

Speaking on the occasion, Mohan Munasinghe, vice-chairperson, Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), said that sustainable development approach could only help reduce the impact of climate change on the Himalayas.

Andreas Schield, director general, Integrated Centre for Mountain Development (ICIMOD) urged the government to declare the Himalayan region as the hotspot for climate change. He appealed for more focus to mitigate the risks of the global problem.

The conference is slated to reach a consensus on the agenda for the Copenhagen Conference.

The SAARC Environment Ministerial meeting, held in Dhaka last year, adopted the SAARC Action Plan and Declaration on Climate Change and the SAARC summit, held in Colombo in August 2008, reiterated the need for strengthening the cooperation in the region to tackle the problem.

PRESS RELEASE

Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal’s (TAAN) attention has been seriously drawn to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation’s (DNPWC) decision to close seven jungle resorts operating inside Chitwan National Park from July 15.

TAAN feels that the concerned government offices kept hundreds of tourism professionals in dark by not informing industry people about the terms and conditions of the lease agreement on time.

We feel that the government should address the demands of hundreds of tourism professionals – ignoring the demands of a handful of people close to power centers – and close the resorts forever.

At a time when our protected areas are becoming the example of conservation in global arena, TAAN urges the government not to take any decision that puts our protected areas in peril.

Nabaraj Dahal
General Secretary

Chitwan resorts can operate till mid-2012
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the legislature parliament has directed the government to allow the seven resorts inside Chitwan National Park (CNP), a UNESCO world heritage site, to operate until July 15, 2012.

A meeting of the PAC held on September 12 also made it clear that no hotel, lodge or resort will be allowed to operate inside the park under any condition after the given deadline. The committee said it decided to allow resorts to operate till mid 2012 keeping view the upcoming Nepal Tourism Year 2011 campaign.

If the resorts decide to shift outside the national park within a year, they will be allowed to provide their services from outside the park under a new contract for five years.

The CNP had ordered seven jungle resorts – Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge, Narayani Safari, Temple Tiger Jungle Lodge, Machan Widlife Camp, Island Jungle Resort, Chitwan Jungle Lodge and Gaida Wildlife Camp – to stop operation after their lease contract expired on July 15.

The PAC has also directed the government to recover royalty, conservation fee, VAT, income tax and fine amounts within a month, before allowing them to resume operations.

Briddim Village
Briddim , a Tibetan Buddhist village in the bosom of langtang Himal, is located at an elevation of 2229m.
Around 43 houses are spread in Z shape. Most of the houses are made up of stone and have roofs of split shake .As direct descendants of ancient Tibetan immigrants, the culture and tradition of Briddim closely resembles that of nearly Tibetan villages.
Cultural Heritage
Briddim is a living museum reflecting Tibetan culture, tradition and lifestyle. Though they are Tamang by ethnicity, they are largely influenced by Tibetan culture. Even 6 families of Tibetan refugee are residing with the community.
Dawa Chukla Khnaga Gomba (monastery) and Dukchu Gomba are the most sacred places of the area .It is believed that the Dukchu Gomba was chosen by the great Tibetan Lama-Guru Rimpochhe as the most sacred site for meditation.
Visitors may have the opportunity to experience many festivals as well as the non periodic rituals such as i.e. birth, death and marriage during their stay in Briddim .Syabru Nach and Mane Nach are the common Tamang dance. Dawa Dangbo Chhiju (February), Chuwa Chhiju (November), Yarsang (early June),Dukpa Chhiju (August) and Lhosar (February) are the major festivals of the village .On a daily level, Mane Peme is performed by the women and Lamas at the Gombas.Chheju is a long and intricate pageant of the village .During Chhuju they raise an altar at the Gomba /Community place and more than 15 dances are performed around the altar.
The lifestyle is another interesting facet of the village .The major features of subsistence of the villager include livestock production, agriculture, and trade with Kerung (Tibet).People try to rely on local food such as Himalayan Wheat, maize, Potato, soya bean, and millet for their livelihoods. Major traditional handicrafts include friendship band, pangap, belts, gloves, muffler, woolen bag etc.
Natural Heritage
Briddim village is equally rich in natural attractions. The important natural attraction comprise the green forest of Alnus and Rhododendrons, lucrative landscape of Gotheghang and Pangsang , high altitude meadow and endangered wildlife species including Himalayan black bear, Tahr, Ghoral, Red Panda and barking dear .Danphe, Monal and blood pheasants are major attraction among the ornithologists.
Home stay Packages
Home stay at Briddim is a unique experience .All accommodations, lodgings and foodings are offered at the individual’s houses on a rotational basis .Each host family provides clean bed, toilet and a family dining room. Trekking gear is also available for those interested in alpine treks to gotheghang and Pangsang. Because Briddim is equipped to accommodate all trekking needs, no outside services and equipments are necessary for experience those entire packages. Individual trekkers and guided groups should follow the set menu, lodging fee and other survives of the committee. However the visitor has choices to accept either some or all the activities of the package.
The package includes the experience of quaint customs at the village as well as natural/Spiritual experience at Gotheghang and Pangsang areas. The package covers 4 to 7 days according to the time availability and the interest of the visitors. Even the trip could be a small part of greater Langtang trek.
How long can it take?
Days From To Time
1 Kathmandu Syabrubesi 8/9 hrs (drive)
2 Syabrubesi Briddim 3 hrs
3 Briddim Gotheghang 5 hrs
4 Gotheghang Pangsang 5hrs
5 Pangsang Briddim 6hrs
6 Briddim Syabrubesi 2:60 hrs
7 Syabrubesi Kathmandu 8/9 hrs
(Day 3 to 5 is optional)
After an 8/9 hrs memorable drive to Syabrubesi , the visitors start 3 hours light trek, passing through the scattered Bombax forest, majestic pine forest and blooming forest of Rhododendron. The Himalayan Langur and the scenic landscape of Bhotekoshi River are the interesting features of the trek. Visitors are welcomed by the Lama and member of home –stay committee with the Khata (a religious scarf) at Gomba. After taking Tibetan tea at the community house, visitors can visit the Gomba , pay homage to the God and offered a blessing from the lama.
One can enjoy the evening with the host family, living with them, eating traditional foods and sleeping at their usual but clean bed. The choice for food is confined among the local available food offered. Plain rice (Dal bhat), Tibetan Bread, Syakpa, Dhindo, Potato, Tibetan Tea, Briddim Wine, Himalayan fried wheat ‘Karu’ are the indigenous foods usually available at Briddim. Apart from the usual cultural performance during the festival and rituals, you can enjoy the cultural performance upon request to the committee. Next morning you will be served with local Tibetan tea and Tibetan bread as breakfast. You can observe local indoor rituals with your host family and go on village walk to see the lifestyle, tradition and customs of the people. The special features of the village can be explained by your host family or by the local trained guides. You can observe the live craftsmanship and buy a few.
Natural Trek
One or two day’s wilderness and alpine trek to Gotheghang and Pangsang can be made for natural as well as spiritual pleasure. This package can be arranged through your host family upon your earlier request. At Gotheghang and Pangsang, you will enjoy the flat meadow with blooming rhododendron, primulas, the scenic landscape of Kerung (Tibet), Ganesh Himal, Gosaikunda and the panoramic view of Langtang. You may also encounter the beautiful wild animals such as Musk deer,Himalayan Tahr,Red Panda and several species of birds .You will also observed livestock transhumant system of the area.
Tariff Package
Tariff is fixed by the committee. All tariffs are subject to change rationally with the decision of the committee, General tariff of fooding and accommodation is available on the local menu. If you are interested for special cultural performance and nature trek to Gotheghang and Pangsang, you can request the committee, based on the set tariff.
Access
Briddim village can be reached after 3 hour light walk from Syabrubesi, after 8/9 hour drive from Kathmandu .Syabrubesi is the starting point of the major trek to Langtang/Kyanjin. Local porters and trained guides are available at syabrubesi to help your travel.
Booking and Reservation
Briddim Homestay Tourism Management Committee (BHTMC) has no any formal promotional office at Kathmandu. However, a Guide contact office at Dhunche and Syabrubesi may help you for reservation and guiding your visits. Visitors are highly recommended to make necessary booking and reservation through the Travel /Trekking Agencies in Kathmandu.
The home stay tourism at Briddim is promoted by District Development Committee/Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Programme and Langtang National Park in association of Nepal (TAAN).Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Programme (TRPAP) is a programme of Nepal Government /Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, supported jointly by UNDP, DFID and SNV Nepal.

TOURISM RELATED ASSOCIATIONS IN NEPAL

Airlines Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN)
Anamnagar, Kathmandu, Nepal
PO Box: 20980,
Tel: 977-1-240940

Board of Airline Representatives in Nepal (BARN)
Durbar Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal
PO Box: 4162
Tel: 223162, 223502

Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Indrasties
Pachali Shahid Shukra FNCCI Milan Marg, Teku, Kathmandu, Nepal
PO Box: 269
Tel: +977-1-426 2061
Fax: +977-1-426 1022

Freight Forwarders Association of Nepal (FFAN)
Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: 977-1-257712

Handicraft Association of Nepal
Maitighar, Kathmandu, Nepal
PO Box: 784
Tel: 977-1-244231
Fax: 977-1-222940

Himalayan Rescue Association Nepal (HRAN)
Dhobichaur, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal
PO Box: 4944
Tel: 977-1-4440292
Fax: 977-1-4440293

Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN)
Kamalpokhari, Kathmandu, Nepal
PO Box: 2151
Tel: 977-1-412705
Fax: 977-1-424941

Nepal Association of Rafting Agents (NARA)
Kamaladi, Kathmandu, Nepal
PO Box: 3586
Tel: 977-1-3586
Fax: 977-1-221197

Nepal Association of Tour Oeprators (NATO)
Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: 977-1- 422 7487
Fax: 977-1- 441 8999

Nepal Association of Travel Agents (NATA)
Naxal, Kathmandu, Nepal
PO Box: 362
Tel: 977-1-418661
Fax: 977-1-418684

Nepal Entrepreneurs Association of Tourism (NEAT)
Kathmandu, Nepal
PO Box: 11034
Tel: 977-1-416326
Fax: 977-1-415284

Nepal Incentive and Convention Association (NICA)
International Convention Center, Kathmandu, Nepal
PO Box: 4258
Tel: 977-1-494491
Fax: 977-1-473696

Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA)
Naxal, Kathmandu, Nepal
PO Box: 1435
Tel: 977-1-434525
Fax: 977-1-434578

Non-Star Hotel Association Of Nepal (NSHAN)
Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
PO Box: 4720
Tel: 977-1-227119
Fax: 977-1-227892

Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)-Nepal Chapter
RNAC Building, Kathmandu, Nepal
PO Box: 1041
Tel: 977-1-224266
Fax: 977-1-256162

Restaurant & Bar Association of Nepal (Reban)
Dhobidhara, Kathmandu, Nepal
PO Box: 6908
Tel: 977-1-416078

Thamel Tourism Development Committee (TTDC)
Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
PO Box: 7655
Tel: 977-1-250513
Fax: 977-1-262775

Tourist Guide Association of Nepal (TURGAN)
Kamladi, Kathmandu, Nepal
PO Box: 5344
Tel: 977-1-225102
Fax: 977-1-423939

Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN)
Naxal, Kathmandu, Nepal
PO Box: 3612
Tel: 977-1-4427437
Fax: 977-1-441924

Yeti Airlines starts online ticketing
2009-09-07

Yeti Airlines and Everest Bank Limited (EBL) on September 6 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate EBL accountholders to book tickets of Yeti Airlines and pay online.

Under the new system, customers can check available flights on required dates and do not need to visit the airlines office and the travel agents to get tickets. They can print the ticket from their places and board the flight upon showing the printed ticket at the airport.

Pradip Bikram Shah, director-sales and marketing, Yeti Airlines and BK Pradhan, deputy general manager, EBL, signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations.

Shah said the airlines would soon join hands with other banks to expand the service. Pradhan also said the airlines would soon sign agreement with other domestic and international airlines to offer more choices to its customers.

Yarshagumba
The Himalayan region of Nepal is famous for different types of medicinal plants. Yarshagumba is one of them. Yarshagumba is currently very popular due to its use as aphrodisiac (sex stimulant) and tonic. Hence, its collection and trade is increasing. The word “Yarshagumba” has been more common, especially in different new published from Nepal, for the last three years. However few of us know what Yarshagumba actually is, what uses and other importance it has, and what the legal provision regarding it has been ruled’ even though we touched , seen and /or heard about it. Therefore, it has been tried to deal these aspects of interest.

Morphological and Biological description:
Yarshagumba is scientifically known as “Cordyceps sinensis”. Cordycapas sinensis is a fungus, parasitic on the larva of a moth, Endoclyta excrescens of the order Lepidoptera. The Tibetan calls it “Yertsagumbu” which means “summer grass winter worm”. The name “ Yertsagumbu” not only very accurately describes the appearance of this medical herb but also betrays a level of biological knowledge based on exact obercation. The parasitic mushroom, at the beginning of the monsoon period attacks a caterpillar (Endoclyta excrescens) recently emerged from its cocoon. Whereas one can observe the caterpillar still alive in spring (winter-worm). It is no longer alive in autumn, at this period of picking. The part of the mushroom peeking out above the ground( Ophilglossum) is at that time , in fact hard to distinguish from the grass of alpine pastures surrounding it ( Summer grass) (Phle, 1990).
Yarshagumba spores out during early rainy season with a short life cycle and eventually dies out when the climate becomes less humid. Therefore, even if we keep the fungus protected throughout the season, it will yield nothing.
Ecological distribution:
It is distributed from interior China, Tibet to Nepal in the high mountains of the above sea level 300 to 5000m particularly in Humla-Jumla region and mountains of Dhaulagiri range. However, this highly prized medicinal mushroom can be found in the Lamtang valley in July before the yaks come up to their summer pasture and eat it up. The alpine scrub with open slopes is referred to as the best habitat for the fungus.
The Medicinal Values:
In medical books of China, it has been described that Cordyceps sinensis is effective for hematemesis of the pulmonary tuberculosis, weak conditions in the convalescence, antiussive, anemia, asthenia, impotence, antimicrobe( Sharma and Adhikari,2057). Therefore, it has high medicinal value. The Medicinal property of this fungus is primarily due to the fungus and of a hormone call melatonin. This hormone issecreted by pineal body of the fungus and has the action of adjusting the rhythm (cardiac) of the body. It also contains cordycepin and other polysaccharides. The chemical cordycepin had been found useful in tumor growth inhibition on kidney, bladder and colon as well as inhibit DNA and RNA synthesis in cancer cells.
Tonics made from the fungus, which is traditionally sold in small bundles of fungus-infected caterpillars, reportedly are responsible for record performances by sone Chinese athletes too.
Legal and royalty provision:
Every year 10,000 to 15,000 tonnes of non-timber forest products (NTFPs), representing around 100 species, are harvested from forestland in Middle Hills and High Mountains of Nepal and traded to India (Edward, 1996). The NTFPs traded gall roughly into two groups: high value products from high altitudes and low value products from lower altitudes ( below 2000m). The most important catergory is here regerred to as ‘ medicinal and aromatic plants’ (MAPs) or by Nepali term “ Jaributi”. The government has banned the export of nine NTFPs in their unprocessed from: Cinnamomun glaucescens (sugandhakokila),, Cordyceps sinensis(Yarshagumba), Dactylorhiza hatagirea (panchaunle), Lichen species, Nardostachys grandiflora (jatamansi or bhulte), Rauvolfia serpentine (sarpagandha), silajit ( available tar-like exudates from high altitude tocks). , Taxus baccata (loth salla), and Valeriana jatamansi (sugandhawal). All nine products are belived to be threatened by over exploitation, and they are banned in order to encourage both biodiversity conservation and raw materials processing within Nepal. In addition to the ban on export, the collection of Dactylorhiza hatagiera and Cordyceps sinensis were also prohibited. But, Yarshagumba has been allowd to collect and export since Feb 2001, considering the fact that its protection through out season yields nothing as dealt above in morphological and biological description. The government, first, fixed its royalty as Rs 500 for a single fungus. The royalty was belived to be 10 times more than its real market price. The main cause of the failure in revenue collection from he mushrooms was addressed to the provision of its high royalty.Therefore, the contemporary government revised it to Rs,20,000 per kg ( which equals to about Rs6 for a single unit of mushroom) in Jan 28,2002 ( 2058, Magh 15). Even the revised royalty, based on weight, is the highest of all the NTFPs traded form Nepal to foreign countries. Onwards the date of royalty revision, the high amount of royalty collection from its trade had been expected in the nation.
The direct role of the Department of Forest is in the issuing of licenses to harvest and trade the valuable mushroom and collecting of royalties after harvest like other traded NTFPs. The authorized Forestry Department Officer, usually the DFO, investigates the request and, if approved, collects royalty, and issue a collection permit and release order. In addition, any person desirous of exporting herbs to foreign countries should be recommended by the authorized officer to the custom office concerned to allow export of herbs excluding those prohibited for export to foreign countries by HMG.’ Thus, NTFPs that are both collected and traded from government-managed forest are subject to a royalty payable by the collector. Those collected for subsistence are not taxed. In this regard, therefore, the yarsagumba is taxable if collected from government-managed land and traded out of district of origin.
As per Edward, payment of royalties by harvesters is not enforceable in Nepal. In practice, reposibility for payment is transferred away from the collection sites to wholesale traders in district centers. If a small-scale harvester can avoid both the walk to the DFO or Range office and transaction cost to obtain the permit, he will do so. In case of yarsagumba too, the harvesters may not follow the legal processes.

It has been reported in different news that the most valuable NTFP, yarsagumba is illegally exported to Tibet, i.e. without issuing collection permit and release order. It explicitly means that there is no any royalty collection from the harvest and trade of the fungus. Moreover, it is also heard that the Maoist’s regime has collected a large amount of money from the yarsagumba collectors and traders at the rate of Rs. 50 and Rs. 50000 per head respectively in norther remote parts of Rukum and Jajarkot districts. If the information holds truth, it will surely impact the socio-economic condition of the related people negatively. Consequently, its trade may not raise the livelihood of the people living in the remote mountain region, especially Karnali zone, Bajhang, Rukum, and Jajarkot. And similarly, the nation may not earn thousands of dollors annually, if its illegal collection and export is effectively controlled.

Worldwide downfall in hotel room prices
According to the hotels.com, Hotel Price Index, hotel prices around the world fell by 17 percent in the first six months of 2009, when compared to the same period in 2008.
What even more interesting is that with the exception of the Caribbean, every major region around the world experienced the sharpest price drops since the hotels.com Hotel Price Index began in January 2004.Latin American hotels were down 18 percent year over year, while North America saw a 17 percent drop and Europe’s average was 16 percent lower than it had been a year before.
The hotels.com HPI tracks the real prices paid per hotel room rather than advertised rates, using a weighted average based on the number of rooms sold in each of the markets in which hotels.com operates. The latest report issued looked at hotel prices paid at 78000 hotels across 13000 locations around the world for the period January to June 2009, compared to the same period the year before .
In the first half of 2009, the world’s most expensive destinations, with the exception of Capri, saw dramatic fall in prices paid by travelers compared to the same period in 2008.Two major US travel destinations, New York and Las Vegas, saw a 30 percent drop in hotel rates in the fastest growth in hotel rooms are predicted for New York City for 2009.London is also adding rooms in advance of the 2012 Olympics. Hotel room supply in the city increased by more than 3000 new rooms in 2008 and an additional 3400 are forecast for 2009.
In the first half of 2009 hotel prices across the United Sates dropped 17 percent with room rates on average $115 a night down from $139 a night during the same period in 2008.New York City held its spot as the most expensive domestic city for US travelers and Washington DC rose to second place (a response to the travel for the presidential inauguration).Las Vegas had the third least expensive hotel rates in the first half of 2009 but is the top spot for tourists and Orlando, the third most popular destinations for US travelers, ranked number 10 in lowest hotel rates.

Wonders of Egypt
When one thinks of Egypt, one will undoubtedly imagine pyramids, sands and mummies .However, Egypt is much more than these. One of the cradles of world’s ancient civilizations, Egypt still fascinates us as the scientists are fascinated by the riddle of sphinx.
CAIRO: It is the capital of Egypt and is said to be one of the friendliest and safest cities in the world. Visitors from any corner of the world are welcomed with Egyptian hospitality and one does not feel lost.
Cairo’s unique atmosphere is both exciting and relaxing .The city is full of life, while the life nurturing Nile River flows through. The sunrises and sunsets are a beauty to behold with minarets, church steeples and tall buildings framing the work of nature.
The Giza Pyramid Area is a must – visit .One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient world, the three Pyramids of Giza lie on the West bank of the Nile facing Cairo on top of the Giza platue. These are surrounded by small pyramids and mastabas (tombs) for kings and queens. The pyramids were built by the ancients Egyptians as tombs to preserve the bodies of their dead kings.
The three pyramids are The Great Pyramid built by King Cheops around 2650 BC, The Second pyramid built by Chephren and The Third Pyramid built by Mycerinus (Mendaure).The Sphinx is a legendary statue with the body of a lion and a human head.
The Egyptian Museum is one of the world’s famous museums housing 250000 antique pieces including mummies, sarcophagi and the treasures of Tut Ankh Amun’s tomb. One of the most famous markets here is the Khan El Khalili Bazaar which has shops dating to the 14th century.
LUXOR: Located 670 km from Cairo, it is claimed to be the world’s greatest outdoor museum full of monuments from ancient civilization. On the east bank of the Nile are the City of Living, Luxor and Karnak Temples, while the west bank houses the City of the Dead, the Tombs of the Nobles and the Valley of the Kings among others.
Luxor Temple: It was constructed for the worship of god Amon Ra and dates back to amenhotep III and Ramses II. The entrance is a huge statue representing the king seated. This temple is famous for its huge columns.
Karnak Temples: It is a complex of temples and three kilometers from Luxor Temple. The complex covers 100 acres, its history spans 13 centuries and consists of three temples, the biggest part of it dedicated to god Amon, the smallest part to god Khunsu and the southern part to goddess Mut.
Luxor is also an ideal base for trips to Esna, Dendera and Abydos.
ASWAN: It is Egypt’s sunniest southern city and is small enough to walk around. The Nile is believed to be the most beautiful here in Aswan flowing through amber desert and granite rocks, round emerald islands and covered with palm groves and tropical plants. One can explore the market which is full of spices , perfumes, scarves and baskets. Aswan is also a favorite winter resort since the beginning of the 19th century.
Places of interest in Aswan are Nubia Museum, Elephantine Island, Agha Khan Mausoleum, The Tombs of Nobles, and The Unfinished Obelisk among others.
The High Dam: This world famous dam was an engineering miracle when it was built in 1960.It provides irrigation and electricity to the whole of Egypt. Together with the old Aswan Dam, around six kilometers down river, it offers wonderful views for visitors .You can gaze across Nasser Lake , the reservoir created when the high Dam was built , and at Kalabsha in the South.
RED SEA: The Red Sea coast runs from the Gulf of Suez to the Sudanese border for 1080 km. The Red Sea is dotted with coral reefs fringed by ancient ports and is abounding in underwater life and has a rich maritime history stretching back through centuries .The thermal winds still bring thousands of migrating birds to the shores making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Today the ancient ports are known for some of the best diving and fishing resorts in the world.
SINAI: The Land of Turquoise it is considered the cross roads between Africa and Asia and was the cradle of three religions. Sinai is distinguished by fascinating natural landscapes such as Deco Mountains and palm trees all the way to the south, fresh water springs with its therapeutic properties, rare kinds of fish and coral reefs. It is famous for water sports, resorts, tourist’s villages and different diving centers.
Sinai is divided into two governorates- North and south. North Sinai Governorate lies on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and the coastline is famous for its olive and palm trees. The south Sinai Governorate extends from the Gulf of Aqaba to Ras Messalla on the Gulf of Suez.Egypt’s highest mountain is also found here – the summit of St. Catherine, which is 2637 meters. The capital Al-Tor is famous for its various fruit orchards.

New Cave Found
A new cave has been found in Kamle Bhir of Kakada VDC 6, Makawanpur district. Bikash Tamang , a local who visited the inner parts of the cave, said the cave is some 25 feet wide. He says there are beautiful sceneries and images in the inner parts. According to Tamang , a cow-shaped stone and several artistic images could be seen on the walls of the cave as well.Not all people can enter into the cave due to its congested front part. However, locals have started widening the front part of the cave in order to make an easy access to the interior. Tamang says this area can be developed as a tourist destination for domestic and foreign tourists if the cave was preserved. Tourists can reach the cave after a five hours walk from Lother Khola of Hetauda- Narayanghat road section.

Hotels in Daman are fully occupied
One of the Tourism areas in Nepal is Daman also. Now a day the hotels are fully occupied by tourists. According to Everest Panorama Resort in charge, Purna Dangol , hotels has been fully occupied by tourists day by day.
Not only Everest Panorama, View Tower, Daman Hotel, Simrik etc are also fully occupied by national as well as international tourists.
Especially tourists came here in order to view Himalayas range, sceneries and to study on plants .From Panorama Resort and View Tower; one can have great view of 8 highest mountains among 12 world highest mountains. In Simbhanjyang jungle, more than 75 species of plants are available which great advantage is for those who want to study on it.
This place is situated at 75 km south from Kathmandu.

Elephant polo

Nepal has number of adventure sports to enjoy. Elephant polo is one of the rare, adventures and only of its kind in Nepal. The World Elephant Polo Association (WEPA) organize an annual Elephant polo tournament in the airfield of Meghauli Chitwan, south west of Kathmandu and north of the Indian border.
The World Elephant Polo Association (WEPA) was established in 1982 having it's headquarter at the Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge in Chitwan, Nepal. WEPA has also established the governing rules for the Elephant Polo Tournament.
Somehow, Elephant polo is similar to the Horse polo but you can easily a bit difference. A fast (at times), exciting game, like polo but with elephants and longer sticks, this is quite possibly the biggest sport in the world.

The game is played by four players of each team on a marked pitch 140 x 70 meters, using a standard size polo ball and consists of two 10-minute chukkers of playing time, with an interval of 15 minutes. The whistle blown by the referee stops and starts play. The pitch is marked with a centre line, a circle with a radius of 15 meters in the centre of the field, and a semi-circle with a radius of 30 meters measured from the centre of the goal line at either end of the pitch. Elephants and ends are changed at half time.
Teams participate from all over the world including Scotland, Thailand, England and Hong Kong. The local favorites, the Tiger Tops Tuskers, also take a part. After the day's play all the players and guests have dinner in the Golghar, a traditional round house with a great bar.

About Sirubari Village
A new concept in Nepal Travel…..
In the past touring in Nepal has meant either trekking along the trails or staying in specially built resorts. Getting to know the locals and their culture has been difficult.
Now you can experience a stay in an unspoiled village living as a family member.
Sirubari Village: The village is a totally unspoiled Gurung settlement set in the hills at 1700 metres above sea level.The climate is ideal at any time during the September to June season with warm days and cool nights.
Sirubari village is a short drive and walk from Pokhara , the major tourist centre for the Annapurna region. It is reached from the road to Lumbini. The trail to the village is steep but well made and most people manage to reach the village after a three hour walk.
You will be welcomed into the community and invited to stay in the home of one of the village families. The accommodation is simple but comfortable with good bedding as well as clean toilet facilities. The food is delicious and you will be eating your meals as one of the family.
Each night there will be entertainment provided by the community .One evening this will be in the form of traditional Gurung and Nepali dancing and singing, you can join in if you like!
Mountain views: Just because you are not trekking it doesn’t mean that you won’t see the mountains. An easy one hour walk above the village is the viewpoint at Thumro. At 2300 meters this is the highest point south of Pokhara and the views on a clear day are spectacular.
Spread before you are rolling foothills dotted with isolated farming communities and crowned by an array of snow peaks that will leave you breathless. From Manaslu in the east, through Machhapuchare and the Annapurnas and around to Dhaulagiri the Himalayan giants all line up for your camera to capture.
Village Life: During your stay you will be able to feel what it is like to live the life of a Nepali Villager. Walk with your family while they go about their daily chores, tending animals, tilling the fields, going to school with the children, or just sitting in the sun talking to neighbors. Feel free to wander, safety, by yourself and look at all of the developments that the community have supported and funded, the primary health centre with its doctor, the agricultural service centre, the veterinary hospital, the plant nursery and forest plantation. The list goes on.
And at the end of your stay, you will be overwhelmed by the farewell that your new family will give you. If you never come this way again the village and its people will remain in your heart forever.

White water Rafting
White water rafting means cruising down a rushing river in an inflatable rubber raft or white water kayak over crashing waves and swirling rapids for the excitement of a lifetime .Nepal has earned a reputation as one of the best destinations in the world for white water rafting.
Rivers are graded on a scale of one to six .Here are some of the popular rafting trips:
The Trisuli River (grade 3+) is one of the most popular, if not the favorite; of Nepal’s raft able rivers. Many choose to incorporate a ride down the Trisuli with either a trip to Pokhara or to the Chitwan National Park.
The Kali Gandaki (4 - 6) winds through remote canyons and deep gorges for five days of intense rapids among gorgeous wilderness and mountain views.
The Bhote Koshi (4 – 5) Twenty –six km of continuous white water batters rafters as they shoot through a veritable maze of canyons and boulders.
The raging Marshyangdi (4 -5), the first 90 km are spent flying through spectacular landscapes and narrow gorges and down some of the most challenging rapids in the world. For the remaining 90 km, the scenery and wildlife are the main attraction.
The Sun Koshi (4 – 5 ) run is 270 km and requires 8-10 days to complete with road access only at the beginning and end.

Jungle Safari
While the high Himalaya makes up Nepal’s northern region, the southern lowland known as the Terai is covered with dense tropical jungles teeming with diverse wildlife and exotic birds. Here you will find some of the most exciting safari destinations in the world. You will be going into deep jungle on elephant back or four-wheel drive vehicle to view wild animals in their natural habitat. Other thrills are canoe rides on the Jungle Rivers, nature walks, bird watching excursions and village tours. and recently added camel ride .
Among the 14 national parks and wildlife reserve in the kingdom , the Royal Chitwan National Park (932 sq km) is the most popular safari destination.More than 43 species of animals are found in Chitwan .The endangered one-horned rhino, Bengal tiger, Gharial crocodile, four-horned antelope, striped hyena and the Gangetic dolphin are the main attractions here.
The best part is that it is close to Kathmandu and easily accessible (only 165 km overland ) and Bharatpur airport adjoining the park is a mere 25 –minute flight away (there are daily flights from Kathmandu).Many adventurers also choose to go down by raft. However you go , a jungle safari is an experience you will remember for a long time.

At The Museums
After you have had fill of watching the mountains, touring the monuments and ransacking the shopping centers, there’s nothing like browsing around the museums for some quite indoor relaxation. One of Nepal’s delights is the variety of museums found in the country, especially in the Kathmandu valley.
National Museum: Newly renovated and filled with treasures, including a charming dancing Ganesh , breathtaking bronzes, and a rich collection of paubha scroll paintings. The National Museum at Chhauni near Swayambhu also has an extraordinary collection of ancient firearms, leather cannons and relics of the Great Earthquake of 1934. Open daily, except Tuesdays and holidays, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Entrance fee additional charge for camera.
The National Numismatic Museum: Housed in the Mahendra Memorial Building of National Museum at Chhauni, contains an exceptional Nepalese coin collection spanning the Lichhavi and Malla dynasties (2nd to 18th century AD) as well as the shah dynasty. The museum also holds unique pieces dating back to the second century BC. Open daily, except Tuesdays and holidays, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Your ticket to the National Museum entitles you to visit the coin museum also.
The Tribhuwan Museum: Inside the Hanuman Dhoka Palace in Kathmandu Durbar Square high lights the life of King Tribhuvan (1906-1955) who helped liberate the country from the Rana regime in 1951.The galleries also have rare photographs, paintings and portraits of other Shah rulers and members of the Royals family .Cameras are not allowed . Open daily, except Tuesdays and holidays, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm .Friday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm .Entrance fee is Rs 250.
The Mahendra Museum: Yet another attraction in the historic Hanuman Dhoka Palace complex, vividly sheds light on the life of late king Mahendra (1955-1972).His cabinet room, office chamber and personal belongings such as medals , decorations, gifts, coins, stamps, and his literary creations are on exhibition in the museum. Open daily, except Tuesdays and holidays, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm .You can visit the Mahendra Museum with your ticket to the Tribhuvan Museum.
The Birendra Museum: Situated in the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, contains personal possessions, royal attires that he had donned during various state occasions. Also on display are gifts, medals and honorary titles received from various foreign governments and institutions. Open daily, except Tuesdays and holidays, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm .your ticket to the Tribhuvan Museum entitles you to visit this museum also.
The Museum of Natural History: Behind the Swayambhu stupa has exhibits on animals, butterflies, and plants. Stuffed animals, birds and crocodiles are a big draw in the museum .The entrance fee is necessary and additional for cameras. Open daily, except Saturday s and holidays, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm .The entrance fee is Rs10 and an additional Rs 20 for cameras.
National Library :Located inside Harihar Bhavan in pulchok, Patan , the National Library contains about 70000 books most of which are in English, with a smattering of books in Sanskrit, Nepali, Hindi and Nepalbhasa. The National Library preserves some rare scholarly books in Sanskrit and English dating from 17th century. Open daily except Saturday s and holidays, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Kaiser Library: Collections of a single man, Kaiser Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana (1891-1964), adorn this palatial building near Thamel. The repertoire of books here (over 45000 altogether) covers as unrelated topics as astrology and law, with history, hunting, religion and philosophy in between. Open daily, except Saturdays and holidays, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm .Friday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Asa Archives: Located on the western fringe of the old part of Kathmandu, the archives possess an exceptional collection of over 6000 loose-leaf hand written books and 1000 pal,-leaf documents. The oldest manuscripts are in Sanskrit and Nepalbhasa languages. Asa Archives (Asa Saphu Kuthi), located at Kulambhulu west of Nhokha Tole, are open daily from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm except Saturdays and holidays.
Patan Museum: Inside Patan Durbar in the Durbar Square specializes in bronze statues and religious objects, which add up to nearly 200 items .some of the art goes back to as early as the 11the century. Most of the statues are of Buddha, Vishnu, Lokeswar and Devi, covering both the Hindu and the Buddhist iconology. Open daily, except Tuesdays and holidays, from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm .Entrance fee is Rs 30 for SAARC nationals and RS120 for other foreign visitors.
The National Art Gallery: In Bhaktapur is housed in the old MallaPalace of 55 windows in the Bhaktapur Durbar Square.The museum has a rich collection of paubha scroll paintings, bronze, brass, stone and wooden images. . Open daily, except Tuesdays and holidays, from 10:05 am to 5:00 pm .Friday 10:05 am to 3:00 pm .Tickets cost Rs 10 for Indian nationals and Rs 20 for other foreign visitors and an extra Rs 20 for cameras.
The National Woodworking Museum: In Tachapal Tole (Dattatreya Square), Bhaktapur, is in the restored 15th century Pujari Math building built by the Malla king, Yaksha Malla. The Pujari Math is a museum in itself, with the very finest of Newar woodcarving including the famous peacock window. Open daily, except Tuesdays and holidays, from 10:05 am to 5:00 pm .Friday 10:05 am to 3:00 pm .Tickets cost Rs 10 for Indian nationals and Rs 20 for other foreign visitors and an extra Rs 20 for cameras.
The Bronze and Brass Museum: It is housed in a 15th century Math opposite the Pujari Math at Tachapal tole, Bhaktapur. A rich collection of domestic and ceremonial metalware is exhibit in the museum: Kalas (ritual jars), ink-pots, spittoons, and ordinary and rituals lamps. Open daily, except Tuesdays and holidays, from 10:15 am to 4:45 pm .Entrance fee is Rs 5 and extra Rs 10 for cameras.
Narayanhiti Palace Museum: The Narayanhiti Palace opened as a museum from 26th February 2009, nine months after the abolition of monarchy. The museum was formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. Ministers, foreign delegates, lawmakers, government officers and other senior citizens attended the inauguration function.
A long line of curious visitors lined up eagerly outside the museum gates when it opened for the public on 27th Feb. Visitors formed long queues to get a look inside the museum that used to be the seat of King until nine months ago when the monarchy was abolished. Nineteen different blocks used by the former royal family, most of them named after the districts, including Tribhuvan Sadan where the 1st June 2001 palace massacre took place, are open for visitors. While parts of the museum are yet to be opened for visitors, the museum currently showcases the belongings of former kings and other royals who lived at the palace.
The whole area covers an area of over 700 acres, the Palace have various historical relics, artifacts, sculptures and wildlife trophies on display for the public. The visitors also get to see the diamond-studded crown and the wardrobes of the former royals. Still there is much to be known about the complete resources the Palace possesses. The entry fee for Nepalese is Rs 100 (Rs 20 for students), Rs 250 for SAARC nationals and the Chinese while for other foreign visitors a trip inside the museum will cost Rs 500. The museum is open from 11 am till 4 pm.
Outside Kathmandu
Lumbini International Research Institute (LIRI): Located in the International Monastery Zone in Lumbini, Provides research facilities for the study of Buddhism and religion in general. Jointly run by the Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) and the Reiyukai of Japan,LIRI contains some 6000 books on religion, philosophy , art and architecture. Residential facilities for scholars are available on the premises.
Kapilvastu Museum: It is situated 24 km west of Lumbini (the birthplace of Lord Buddha) in the village of Tilaurakot. The museum holds coins, pottery and toys dating between the seventh century BC and fourth century AD. 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 .entrance fee is Rs15.
The Dhankuta Museum: It is a regional museum encompassing the eastern sector of the country. Dhankuta is the headquarter of the Eastern Development region and is located north of Dharan and Biratnagar. Apart from serving as a showcase for ethnic artifacts, the museum focuses on archeological exhibits. Open daily except Tuesdays and holidays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm .Entrance fee is Rs10.