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Saturday, December 7, 2013

Trip Advisor's top holiday destination 2014

With technology and searching options, traveler and tourist have become smart and resources full. Every year Trip Advisor comes out with its list of top ten destination  highlighting the best of world's hospitality.This year 54 places across the globe, the spots were selected based on data collected from millions of TripAdvisor user searches and reviews. These were the places that have seen the “greatest increase in positive traveler feedback and traveler interest”, said the travel search engine.

Havana took the top world spot, beating off stiff competition from La Fortuna de San Carlos in Costa Rica, Kathmandu in Nepal, and Jerusalem, while Kailua-Kona, Hawaii nabbed the top U.S. destination over Anchorage and Destin, Fla.

Top 10 Destinations on the Rise in the World:


  1. Havana, Cuba
  2. La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica
  3. Kathmandu, Nepal
  4. Jerusalem, Israel
  5. Cusco, Peru
  6. Ambergris Caye, Belize
  7. Sapporo, Japan
  8. Hanoi, Vietnam
  9. Corralejo, Spain
  10. Fortaleza, Brazil

Top 10 Destinations on the Rise in the U.S.:

  1. Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
  2. Anchorage, Alaska
  3. Destin, Florida
  4. Bar Harbor, Maine
  5. Santa Fe, New Mexico
  6. Jackson, Wyoming
  7. Galveston, Texas
  8. Brooklyn, New York
  9. Moab, Utah
  10. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Everest Controversies of 2013


Everest being one of the most known landmarks has attracted huge controversies where it has charts news with its headlines. With high rise in numbers coming for Everest Expedition from all over the world, the cases and controversies related to Everest scaling are also increasing. From the small brawl to an actress climbing without permission to the live broad casting from Everest, Everest is buzzing everywhere in News.  
With such controversies happening around, the government of Nepal has decided to organize a three-day event to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the first ascent of the Mt Everest, with a three-day event from May 27-29. Reality is Everest marks its 60 diamond jubilee with popularity of high controversies and faces of dissatisfaction.
Contemplating such condition and situation the government of Nepal should seriously think about maintaining a strict rules and regulations in retrospect to the revenue and services that can be given and managed.
Fight at Everest
April 27, 2013: News tops the chart with controversies of violence breaking out at 24,000ft – 5,029ft below the summit. Professional climbers Ueli Steck, Simone Moro, and their photographer, Jonathan Griffith, were attacked at Everest's Camp II (23,000 feet) by an angry group of Sherpas. It was reported that Sherpa guides, who were fixing ropes and digging a path on the snowy trail above Camp 2, asked the climbers to wait until they were finished. Steck, Moro, and Griffith ignored them and started upwards, knocking ice chunks onto the Sherpas below.
 Moro wrote in a press release that the "lead Sherpa was tired and cold and felt that his pride had been damaged as the three climbers were moving unroped and much faster to the side of him."


Everest controversies of 2013

Arjun and Nisha Adhikari climbing without a permit
Nisha Adhikari and Arjun Kari, who have successfully scaled the Mt Everest on 20th May 2013, attracted huge controversies when they were questioned for their permit at the Everest Base camp.
During a check by the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC), Namche, the actors names were not listed in the expedition team sent to us by the ministry. However, her Everest adventure became controversial after it was discovered that she did not have the permission to climb the peak, as the papers showed her as an assistant in a Chinese expedition team. No climber can go beyond the base camp without expedition permit issued by the Nepalese government.

Daniel Hughes broadcasting
British climber Daniel Hughes has been charged with illegal broadcasting on top of Mt.Everest.
Hughes was found broadcasting live on air with BBC for a live video interview from Mt. Everest  on Sunday without permission from the Nepal Government.

According to Nepal Government, “There is a permit that is required to film or use alternative forms of communication on top of the Everest. Even using a satellite phone on Everest requires a special permission from the Ministry of Information and Communications (MoIC) and a fee of Nrs 120,000. Filming for public broadcast could be higher than USD 10,000. Hughes had not taken any permission from the authorities hence his broadcasting has been termed illegal.”

Though the climber has auctioned his red nose which he wore during the live broadcasting to raise £1 Million for the charity of Comic Relief but still his lack of carelessness shown towards authorities has made expedition controversial. 

Hughes was quoted, "This is the world's first live video call -- never been done before -- from the rooftop of the world," Hughes used his HTC one smartphone to provide video for the call.


AFP reports, “Nepalese government says Hughes' interview broke the law because Hughes did not seek the government's permission for his broadcast.”

Monday, April 22, 2013

Preparation before Trekking




Trekking is rigorous activity that requires high energy hard work, dedication, persistence and focus. Before starting any trekking there are few things that you must do. Yes, you need to prepare /shortlist your things that you will need during the trekking.   One thing that you have to understand is Trekking is not a calculative event/program, it is an unconditional program that is highly affected by various elements like climate, time, situation, natural calamity etc so the first thing one should be prepare for is uncertainty and  situation. You just have to be fully prepared for the coming.

Trekking is considered high energy draining activity so one has to be physically fit as well as need to hydrate constantly during the trip, so be well prepared for sweat and heat.

Generally during the trekking, all equipment and other items are carried by the porters. It is only necessary for you to carry a camera or small day pack, but one have to understand that trekking is not a solo activity. It is something of a team that needs proper coordination and team work so helping your guides and porter is always the best way to be friends and to know more about the place and region.

Prior trekking always do a research and search for blogs searching clues and regarding the health hazards, priorities, cultural oops, dos and don’ts

The following is a list of clothing and accessories that are recommended. This is not intended to be a comprehensive clothing and equipment list, rather it is intended to act as a reminder of those items that we feel are essential for your comfort and convenience. However personal preferences for clothing and equipment can shortlisted be which may be equally as suitable.

Before trekking always let your guide know about any physical conditions or deformity that may intrude during the trekking at times such condition can be life threatening due to carelessness.  

Needed items during the trekking 
-Trekking or running comfortable shoe- Make yourself comfortable with the shoe
-Sandals (lodge)- Gripped anti slip
-Some pair of trekking socks
-Warm jacket,
-Hiking pants
-Pile jacket
-Sun hat
-Some pair of shorts
-Fleece Jacket
- 1 medium sized quick drying towel
- Tooth brush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
- Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
- Deodorants
- Nail clippers
- Face and body moisturizer
- Feminine hygiene products
-Wet wipes (baby wipes)
 -Tissue 
-Anti bacterial hands wash
-Sleeping bag ( can be hired in Kathmandu and Pokhara)
-Sunscreen lotion
-sun glass, lip bam
-Mosquito repellent for Chitwan
-Personal medicines ( Most)
-Day bag pack
-Camera
-Trekking Poles
-Water bottle
-Head Torch
-Binoculars
-Reading book
-Trail Map/Guide book
-Journal & Pen
-Walkman
-Pencils and small notebooks
-Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble
-Swimming customs (for Kathmandu)

Just for precaution always have a small knife; some useful medicine, a match box, compass and a detail map of the region.

A new way to see Adventure with wings …




How would you feel? If you are flying hundreds of meters above in the sky, just to witness the
magnificent birds Black Kites and Egyptian Vultures. Insane or crazy or adventurous whatever you
might say but for bird lovers, it is a treat. To be precise, Parahawking is an art of training birds of prey
to fly with paragliders; it was developed and pioneered in Pokhara by combining paragliding with the
ancient art of falconry. Parahawking provides a unique insight into these birds in-flight behavior from a
completely unique perspective as well as giving an experience of adrenaline. You can imagine yourself
flying like a bird with the attention and focus of another giant bird.

Especially being recognized as one of the number 1 adventure activity in Pokhara, by BBC, Nat Geo,
Discovery Channel and recommended by the Lonely Planet, the Parahawking Tandem has been taken
seriously by adventure enthusiast.

Parahawking was developed by British falconer Scott Mason in 2001. Mason is a common name in the
Nepal rescue and rehabilitation of birds’ conservation society. With Parahawking, birds of prey are
trained to fly with paragliders, guiding them to thermals for in-flight rewards and performing aerobatic
maneuvers. During the flight the pilot or passenger will place small morsels of meat onto their gloved
hand, the birds will come and gently land on the hand to take the food, and then gracefully fly away to
find the next thermal.

On average Parahawking costs around 130 pounds where is feasible from October to mid April. Training
and flying birds are done during the dry season between September and March. Parahawking supports
Vulture conservation by donating 10 Euros from every Parahawking activity in Nepal. The Parahawking
project not only supports the Vulture conservation but during the spare time its volunteers are actively
seen in saving and raising awareness about the project of these big giant birds.

The concept of Parahawking began when Mason was on a round-the-world trip in Pokhara, Nepal,
where he was studying about birds behavior specifically griffon vulture, steppe eagle and black kite.
During one of his research session, while taking a tandem paragliding flight with British paraglider Adam
Hill, he had the opportunity to see raptors in flight, and realized that he could combine the sports of
paragliding and falconry. He figured out it was interesting as well as exciting as people were unaware
about the giant birds and people had many question regarding their in flight behavior.

The team started by training two black kites, but have since added 2 Egyptian vulture. With a lot of
restrict and limitations Parahawking has been fight against legal grounds with the wild life protection
act. Adapting the norms and regulation only rescued birds are used none of the birds have been taken
from the wild as the wild life protection act of Nepal Prohibits the use of any wildlife in any commercial
purpose.

Still struggling with controversy, Parahawking is an amazing experience where the bird guides you
through the skies. The experience is totally unique and unforgettable where you get to learn a lot about
these gentle beasts. On one hand surfing in the sky with the giant birds, you have the fun of a lifetime
where as on the other you play an important part in saving the bird by donating a certain amount for the Jatayu Restaurant.

Tamang Heritage Trail a unique way to see Nepal's cultural heritage


Located between Langtang and the Ganesh Himal, the 'Tamang Heritage Trail' offers an immersive
cultural experience and scenic views of the adventurous Mountain Range. It covers an area of
outstanding natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage preserved by its ethnic Tamang Community.
Richness in both cultural and natural aspects of this area truly fulfills your desire to make your holiday
for lifetime experience. The main inhabitants of this area are believed to be the descendants of Tibetans
from Kerung who intermingled with Tamang of the Helambu area. Tamang communities are generally
found on higher elevations with the peasants engaging in shifting cultivation and extraction of forest
products. They are mainly sheep and yak herders but grow some hardy grains and vegetables. Their
daily life activities include raising livestock, agriculture and trade with Kerung in Tibet. They also make
baskets and mats from mountain bamboo.

Practicing a unique and rich culture, it is considered as one of the prized cultural heritages of Nepal.
The people, craftsmanship, dress, traditionally built stone houses and the beautifully carved wooden
porches reflect the solitude and the serenity of the Himalayan scenery make this are an ideal model
trekking destination in Nepal.

The Tamang culture mostly searches beliefs of Shamanism that is still used in daily lives of the people.
The trek takes you through a number of settlements where these communities live, while also taking
you to a high mountain ridge to give you breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain peaks of
Langtang, Ganesh Himal and peaks in bordering Tibet. The valley offers pine forest, swift mountain
streams, rugged rock and snow- capped peaks, grassy downs and meadows strewn with daisies and wild
primula. During the trekking one can we enjoy the panoramic mountain views of the nearby peaks and
soak in the natural hot springs at Tatopani.

If you love wild life then there are great chances of spotting bears, leopards, red panda’s and musk deer
that however are no danger. In March and April the Rhododendron forests have many different species
of trees, birds and butterflies while trekking you can discover the rough history of the Tibetan ancestors.

The trail starts either from Dhunche or Syabrubesi and passes through Goljung, Gatlang, Thuman,
Timure, Briddim, Lama Hotel, Langtang valley and Kyangjin Gompa. Goljung, Gatlang and Langtang are
traditional Tamang villages culminating cultural features. The visit to beautiful local Tamang monastery
and the holy Parvatikunda Lake at Gatlang adds exhilaration to your trekking.

Trekking in Tamang Heritage Trail offers; to the mountains lovers’ opportunity to observe Syabru, Mane
and other local dances at Goljung, Brimdang and Gatlang village, this is nearby Tibetan border. The
villages also sell exclusive handicraft items like traditional caps, mufflers and other items, where the
stay is a unique experience. The ancient monasteries and houses adorned with rich wood engravings
at Thuman is an unforgettable experience. At Briddim one gets to experience the famous Tamang
hospitality, where there is home stay facility in two dozen houses.

Brief Itinerary:

Day 01 : Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1467 m.) via Trishuli

Day 02 : Syabrubesi to Gatlang (2238m.).

Day 03 : Gatlang to Tatopani (2607m.).

Day 04 : Tatopani to Thuman (2338m.) via Nagthali (3165m.).

Day 05 : Thuman to Timure (1762m.).

Day 06 : Timure to Briddim village (2229m.).

Day 07 : Briddim village to lama hotel (1900M).

Day 08 : Lama Hotel Trek ThuloSyabru (2100.):

Day 09 : Thulo Shyabru to Dhunche

Day 10 : Drive from Dhunche to Kathmandu

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 01 : Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1467 m.) via Trishuli

The trip starts from Kathmandu with a bus ride and it takes about nine hours to reach Syabrubesi. You
will stay overnight in Syabrubesi. You head north out of Kathmandu driving through scenic foothills
and ridgeline vistas to Syabru Besi passing through Dhunche. While passing along the road at the bank
of Trishuli River you catch a glimpse of Ganesh Himal, terraces and green hills. As you pass through
Dhunche you feel as if you are heading towards deep land.

Day 02 : Trek from Syabrubesi to Gatlang (2238m.).

Walking for about six hours you will experience the Tamang culture. You can see scenery from view
point. This day you walk through village. The cultural show at Goljung and Gatlang makes your trekking
a memorable one. Gatlang set high on a hillside among terraced fields is a Tamang settlement. One can
visit a Tamang monastery and beautiful Parvatikunda Lake at Gatlang.

Day 03 : Trek from Gatlang to Tatopani (2607m.).

On the way you will enjoy sightseeing of Langtang range and Ganesh Himal. At Tatopani which naturally
signifies 'hot water', you can take hot bath in natural hot springs with bathing areas in the lap of the
mountains. It is believed that taking a dip into this spring would heal you from your aches and pains. This

day's trekking provides you an opportunity to experience of the Tamang culture.

Day 04 : Trek from Tatopani to Thuman (2338m.) via Nagthali (3165m.).

Trekking about 5 hours via Bimthang you can encounter animals like red pandas, monkeys and deers.
The panoramic view of Langtang, Kerung, Ganesh Himal, Sanjen ranges can be distinctly experienced
from Nagthali. Nagthali used to be a popular meditation center for the local monks and priests. Another
cultural village Thuman is popular for its Shamanic performances and beautiful view of Langtang.
Beautiful view of the mountains can be seen from every house in Thuman.

Day 05 : Trek from Thuman to Timure (1762m.).

It takes about five hours, while trekking from Thuman to Timure you can visit nearby historical
Rasuwagadi. This day's trekking grants you an opportunity to observe Tibeto Burman Tamang culture on
the two villages on the way. Timure is on the old trade route to Tibet. A fort here is a historical reminder
of the Nepal Tibetan relations that has existed for many centuries. A suspension bridge here links Nepal
and Tibet.

Day 06 : Trek from Timure to Briddim village (2229m.).

It takes about six hours. You can experience village life of Briddim. Moreover you can enjoy cultural
show performed by community members. You can also experience of home stay and Tamang culture.
To mention about Briddim is a Tibetan Buddhist village in the bosom of Langtang Himal. As direct
descendant of ancient Tibean immigrants, the culture and tradition of Briddim closely resembles that of
nearly Tibetan villages.

Day 07 : Trek from Briddim village to lama hotel (1900M).

From Bridim village to Lama hotel it takes about 4 hour easy walking, the trek starts in the morning then
after 2 hours we will pass through forest and along the river.

Day 08 : lama Hotel Trek ThuloSyabru (2100.):

It takes 4/5 hours easy downhill walking along the river and the trail moves gentle descent passing
through forest , terraces and magnificent views of surrounded hills and Ganesh Himal and Langtang
Lirung etc.

Day 09 : Thulo Shyabru to Dhunche

It takes about 4 hours easy walking passing trough tamang village where we can explore their rich
culture, life style as well as beauty of Nature and landscape. The journey then will stop after 2 hour
trekking where you can get a breath taking views and wild experience. Then we will reach Dhunche

Day 10 : Drive from Dhunche to Kathmandu

It takes about 9 hours. It is a pleasant drive back to Kathmandu with splendid views of hills, mountains,
terraces and villages.

The first climb to Everest




It has been decades, from the day when Humans laid their first step on the highest point of earth. It
was a historical movement that marks history of human domination over nature. Edmund Hillary and
Tenzing Norgay were people who made this possible and were part of the British Everest Expedition,
1953, led by Colonel John Hunt. For this expedition Hunt had selected a team of people who were
experienced climbers from all around the British Empire. With specific criteria, Edmund Hillary was
selected as a climber from New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay, though born a Sherpa was selected for
being native to the Himalayas. More or less, the team was setup with a strategy for laying the historical
step over Mt. Everest. The team also included a filmmaker to document their progress and a writer to
record the details of the expedition.

After months of planning and organizing, the expedition began to climb. On their way up, the team
established nine camps, some of which are still used by climbers’ today. Due to harsh climatic condition
and bad weather only four of the team member would get a chance to make an attempt to reach
the summit. Hunt, the team leader, selected two teams of climbers. The first team consisted of Tom
Bourdillon and Charles Evans and the second team consisted of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay.
The first team left on May 26, 1953 to reach the summit of Mt. Everest. Although the two men made
it up to about 300 feet shy of the summit, the highest any human had yet reached, they were forced
to turn back after bad weather set in as well as a fall and problems with their oxygen tanks. With the
failure of the first team there were less hopes but Edmund and Tenzing were determine to concur
Everest. They had the pressure as well as the motivation to do something which no one had done. The
first step on Everest was not just a dream but a legacy where number of people had already lost their
lives.

Nearly at 4 a.m. on May 29, 1953, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay awoke in camp nine and readied
themselves for their climb. Like always the weather was harsh and due to heavy snow fall things were
frozen solid. Hillary discovered that his boots had frozen and thus spent two hours defrosting them.
Mount Everest has an extreme climate. The summit temperature never rises above freezing or 32° F (0°
C). Its summit temperatures in January average -33° F (-36° C) and can drop to -76° F (-60° C). In July, the
average summit temperature is -2° F (-19° C). In such harsh climate condition it is nearly impossible to
do anything.

With determination and strong will, the two men left camp at 6:30 a.m. Upon their climb, they came
upon one particularly difficult rock face, but Hillary found a way to climb it (The rock face is now
called "Hillary's Step) Stepping up in the harsh climate every step was a hard blow in the face but
determined with the objective of making history. At 11:30 a.m., Hillary and Tenzing reached the summit
of Mount Everest.
“A symmetrical, beautiful snow cone summit,” said Edmund Hillary.

Hillary reached out to shake Tenzing's hand, but Tenzing gave him a hug in return. The two men enjoyed
only 15 minutes at the top of the world because of their low air supply, but they spent their time taking
photographs, taking in the view, placing a food offering (Tenzing), and looking for any sign that the
missing climbers from 1924 had been there before them (they didn't find any).

Edmund Hillary took several photographs of the scenery and of Sherpa Tenzing waving flags
representing Britain, Nepal, the United Nations and India. Tenzing buried some sweets and biscuits
in the snow as a Buddhist offering to the gods. They looked for signs of George Mallory and

Andrew "Sandy" Irvine who had disappeared in 1924 in a similar attempt to conquer Everest, but found
nothing.

Then they began the slow and tortuous descent to rejoin their team leader Colonel John Hunt further
down the mountain at Camp VI.

When he saw the two men looking so exhausted Col Hunt assumed they had failed to reach the summit
and started planning another attempt.

Prior Hillary and Tenzing successful scaling Mount Everest had long been considered un-climbable due
to innumerable number of failures but Edmund and Tenzing mark the history with their accent. Till date
more than 5,000 people have climbed Everest and 219 have died trying. About 77 percent of those
ascents have been accomplished since 2000. Currently the permit fee of climbing Mt Everest is USD
10,000 and still the craze of Everest has not gone down in fact the human domination nature has grown
so much Nepal ha established itself as a mountaineering country.

Adventurous White water rafting in Nepal


White water rafting is one of the most exciting and sort after activity in Nepal, people from all over the
world come here just to enjoy and relax the nature’s exotic creation.

The Bhote Koshi, which runs alongside the Arniko Highway to the Tibetan border northeast of
Kathmandu, is probably the steepest and hardest commercial rafting river in Nepal. It has been rated
Class 4+ river which in normal terms mean high adventurous.
It is a Twenty- Six Kilometers of continuous white water that soaks rafters as they shoot through a
veritable maze of canyons and boulders and requires a lot of concentration. Starting above Barabise, the
river moves toward Lamosangu with a twist and turns.

Passing by the big rapids and facing waves arouses the sense of emancipation where fear and
excitement melts down and the splash of cold water refreshes you. Dare to challenge nature, come face
it at its best form with an exciting taste of adrenaline and you will know the real meaning of adventure.
This river of Nepal is ready to take you up for a rollercoaster ride that is more than fast and furious.
Full with excitement and exhilaration White Water Rafting in Bhote Koshi is accustomed to the real
adventure of what Nepal has to offer. Within the swiftly flowing rivers and tantalizing sheer music,
the rivers seem stalled in time. Shattering its image the river comes alive with raging attitude to an
aggressive twists and turns. Fear takes a new form of excitement creating an enthusiasm to testify your
will where no one can keep themselves from the adrenal rush. Divine to sight, the natural raw terrain
and unexploited greenery adds satisfaction to the eyes. The journey on the flowing torrents could thus
be an exhilarating and fun-filled adventure.

After a series of Class III rapids, easy yet so adventurous, then comes the first Class IV rapid popularly
known as Gerbil in the Plumbing followed by the technical rapid Frog in a Blender, which makes us
fearless while tackling the churning waves in a big swirling pool. After a long gutsy ride, which feels like a
ride on the back of a giant dragon?

This river is one of the most fun things you can do right out of the Kathmandu and a great way to get
an adrenaline fix during the low water months. It is one of the most exciting ways of exploring Nepal.
The Government has opened 16 rivers graded on a scale of 1 to 5 for commercial rafting. Continuous,
challenging and action-packed, the Bhote Koshi offers nothing less than the ride of a lifetime.

Bhote Koshi River rafting is also an idyllic rafting trip for the experienced Rafters and Kayakers.
During the rafting you cruise through a stupendous setting, thrilling drops, gorges and limestone
formations welcome you into another dimension where your instinct becomes your driving force and
your body is your best ally. Both experienced and novice paddlers will agree that this is the Ultimate
Rafting Experience.

Rafting in the Bhote Koshi is a full body activity, with much more than mere paddling. You learn how to
throw your body weight around the raft in desperate, yet effective attempts to swing the raft around
boulders and through the hydraulics. Owing to its sharp gradient, this is a fast flowing river, offering a
unique combination of exceptionally fun and challenging rapids without it ever getting past the point of
recreation. Suitable for both novices and expert rafters, Bhote Koshi offers the ultimate adrenaline rush.

The best time for rafting along this Bhote Koshi river is from October to December and From February
to April. This is an ideal package either for veteran or beginner on river rafting. If you have never rafted
before but want to get an experience Bhote Koshi is a wild ride. Awesome scenery of the territory,
gorges, formation of limestone and thrilling drops of river makes your adventure an ever memorable.

Jatayu Restaurant (JR) A Bird conservation project

Jatayu Restaurant (JR), the name might give you an eccentric feeling of curiosity and oddness but reality
is, it’s not a conventional restaurant that address the apatite, perhaps it’s a bizarre of its kind, a feast
that has been dedicated to birds conservation. To be specific, it is a conservational site, established
with the theme to conserve the decreasing population of three rare species of vultures’ namely white-
rumped vulture, slender-billed vulture and red-headed vulture.

Practically settling down from its name and visualizing its periphery is yet another amazement. The
restaurant not only evades the bad image of the natural scavengers but provides an overwhelming
platform to learn and to observe the behavioral aspect of this king of birds.

Nevertheless, synchronizing the graphic and bloody scene might be an interest for researchers but for
lighthearted people, it’s just a scene of a horror which explicates an open fest of bloody and fleshy
carcass where hundreds of birds line up for their meal. It has been recorded that vulture numbers
arriving at restaurant from 60 to as high as 274 vultures at one feeding scene.

The restaurant also houses a hide for the visitors to watch the fest where interested bird enthusiasts
can learn more about the bird species. The restaurant is famous among travelers, tourists and bird
enthusiasts as a wonder land where as for the locals, it’s a new concept of conservation adapting
the ecological demand. In the year 2006, when the number of Vulture population plumed down, a
situation of ecological turmoil ruled in. Suddenly attention was diverted towards the reasons behind
the turmoil where researchers came to know about implication of the Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory
Drug (NSAID) Diclofenac on the bird species. Highlighting the need of time, Bird Conservation Nepal
(BCN) played a crucial role in raising awareness about the issue. As the number of vulture population
decreased, the dead carcasses were left aside to decay, spreading diseases and threatening the
environment. The cause behind was the bird feasted on the contaminated dead animal carcass treated
with Diclofenac, which was toxic to the bird species. In addition, the consumption of the medicine
from the death carcass resulted in the death of the bird which slacked the vulture population. On the
result of that the BCN established a community-run sanctuary named Jatayu (Vulture) Restaurant at
Pithauli, Nawalparasi District which catered the extinct species with the fresh carcass uncontaminated
with Diclofenac. They first setup a community shed where cows and buffalos outgrown their productive
age are sheltered and after their death. They would be skinned out and fed at the JR to the birds.
Additionally, adapting the trend the community shelter pays NRs 200 per animal to the donors which
were previously exported to India. The community shed currently is running under the financial
support of United Nation Development Programme’s Global Environment Facility and Royal Society
for Protection of Birds (RSPB). The entire management of this restaurant is managed under the local
community with technical support from BCN. Likewise, a study of Nepal’s 75 districts by BCN finds that
the use of Diclofenac has dropped by 90 percent since 2006, thanks to work of BCN and its partners
like Nepalese government (Department of Drug Administrative and Department of National Parks and
Wildlife Conservation) the numbers are growing creating and alerting people about their ecological
importance and conservation of these nature scavengers. JR has established itself as a unique and
model sanctuary managed under public partnership.

According to BCN, “In addition to this, the centre also features collected fauna specimen, others birds,
mammals and natural history of area. There is increase in tourist numbers. A number of training such
as specimen collection and preservation for biodiversity museum management and cow rescue centre
management were held at the community level and a total of 96 beneficiaries directly benefited
from these training and seminars. Besides, these, various training for livelihood improvement of local
communities such wormi-composting ecotourism/nature guides, bee keeping, fisheries training,

ornithological training training have been conducted to encourage active participation of local people
in conservation. Conservation education and different awareness activities are also held to different
groups in the community which helped to generate a positive attitude towards vulture conservation.
Local VDCs/Veterinary professionals and vendor of East Nawalparasi declare area as Diclofenac Free
Zone (DFZs). There is home stay facilities if visitor want to live with local communities and simple
restaurants are also available in the quiet village Hotels are also available close by. There is opportunity
to gain experience of Tharu culture and religion and enjoy the delicious food made by them. There
is a religious temple of Tharu community. Visitors can take advantage of the trained guides that are
available for nature walks and cultural tours of Chitwan National Park and the nearby villages.”

Challenging your limits, the Tilicho Trekking….


Challenging your limits, the Tilicho Trail is one of the most popular trekking routes in the world. Most of
the tourists who come to Nepal go through this trekking route as it gives an overwhelming experience
of both adrenalin as well as natural beauty. It gives you the opportunities to trek within the Himalayan
range, along trails that takes one as high as 5,416m at the Thorang-La pass and at a height of 4,919
meters. Another attraction of this trekking route is the mysterious Tilicho Lake that holds the reputation
of being located at an elevation of being the highest lake. Its reputation precedes by its image of crystal
clear and emerald green water that sits quietly below Tilicho Peak, which towers above at 7,132 meters.
The unique geographical location of the Lake, situated in within the Annapurna Range, gives it the
adventurous essence. With a three days trek, the Tilicho trail starts from Manang, and should only be
undertaken by well-equipped and experienced guides. The route is highly challenging and demands a
high alert safety.

However, another most important fact is that one has to remain at high altitudes for considerable
period of time so altitude sickness is yet another obstacle. With this trekking one needs to have
excellent camping gear, food, and clothing for high altitudes on this trail as a large section of the trail is
at high altitudes and it is necessary to camp high one has to be properly acclimatized, or allow time for
it. The descending trail out of Manang follows the wooden bridge spanning the Marsyandi River, climbs
to a long flat ridge leading into a beautiful pine forest, and finally descends to another wooden bridge
across the Kangsar Khola - before climbing up to Kangsar (3,700m) where there are two small lodges.
From Kangsar, there are three trails to Tilicho Base Camp, taking 4-6 hours, depending on the trail.

The shortest and usually least dangerous path descends from Kangsar to the river, crosses a metal
suspension bridge, and follows the riverbank through wooded areas. It is best to ask the locals in
Kangsar about trail conditions. About 3 hours walking up-river, you cross a primitive bridge, ascend
steeply, and follow the ridge along a path to Tilicho Base Camp. The second path from Kangsar arrives
after about two hours at Gompa, which is an interesting place to visit.

The third trail rises steeply and circuitously, and takes about two hours longer. It descends rapidly
down a switchback landslide into Tilicho Base Camp, at about 4,300m. From Tilicho Base Camp the path
continues up along moraine ridges and grassy slopes to some large switchbacks carved out on the slope
till you reach a watershed. On the other side is Tilicho Lake. It is not possible to go around the edges of
the lake, so it is best to ascend to a ridge at 5,000m, overlooking Tilicho Lake. Campsites are also found
on its north eastern shore.

Altitude sickness like shortness of breath, exhaustion, headache, etc is the often felt symptoms so
travelers and trekkers have to be smart. Staying at the lake for more than an hour is not a comfortable
experience so it is best to descend quickly to the base camp. One can also descend to the base camp at
Manang on the lower path, which is another four hours plus. Another option is to make the trip from
Base Camp to Tilicho Lake and return to Manang in one long, rather tiring day. From Kangsar at Manang,
you can also go straight to Thorung Phedi (4,420m) and cross Thorung La (5,416m) and descend either
to Muktinath (eight hours) or walk another hour to Jharkot. It is only another three hours to Jomsom
from there.

There are two possible passes from Tilicho Lake to Jomsom, the first one is the Meso Kanto La (pass),
which unfortunately leads to a restricted military training area. An alternative option is to cross Meso
Kanto La from the north and find the traverse to Thini. Going that way will bypass the restricted area

and solve this problem. The crux is that the west slope of Meso Kanto La is very steep. When it is
snow covered, it may at best be an excruciating snow trudge but it can also be avalanche prone or not
negotiable at all without crampons, ice axe and ropes. Snow and ice can be expected there from early
September to May. The second trail is famous among tourists and is known as the Tourist La ( pass). As
the name suggests, this is much easier to negotiate and from the pass trekkers have a view far into Tibet
and Mustang.

The best seasons to visit Tilicho Lake are June, July and August. Conventional wisdom has it that it is not
only stupid, but nearly suicidal, to trek during the monsoons. But, during the monsoon season, Tilicho is
at its best, when other areas are experiencing rain. Anyone venturing up in the other seasons will find
Tilicho, although stunningly beautiful, cold and inhospitable. It is freezing cold between October to May
and snow, which rarely melts, can fall any time. Furthermore, one has to cross some steep slopes that
are avalanche prone when snow covered.

Everest has a Face




With an enigmatic presence, Mt. Everest stands as a symbol of human endurance and limitation
that testifies and has engulfed many in their quest of proving themselves. Standing tall at a height
of 8848 meters it’s the ultimate destination for mountaineering. According to locals Mount
Everest is also known as Chomolungma or "Goddess Mother of the Land". Sherpas who have
been the aborigines of the Himalayas have long revered it as an abode of the gods. Although
Everest has seen many Victories but to its other side it also hides a spiritual side, the Sherpas
still regard the mountain as a holy place. Even today all modern expeditions begin with a
ceremony in which Sherpas and other team members leave offerings and pay homage to the gods
of the mountain, hoping to remain in their good graces throughout the climb. The 20th century
orchestrated Man’s step in moon as the biggest headline creating a swarm of curiosity but still
there are so many things that remained un-answered and un-explained. Similarly, today in the
21st century a new discovery has amazed people to believe in the existence of the supernatural
power and its understanding. In-fact if you look at technical science Mount Everest was created
by the uplifting of continental crustal material caused by the collision of the Indian lithospheric
plate and the Eurasian lithospheric plate. Mt. Everest is still rising from the continuing collision.

Shocking yet admirable, the new discovery of a man and women face on Mt. Everest and Lhotse
has created an amazement to see the world’s top most point with a new angle of admiration
and anticipation. The abstract creativity of nature synchronizing in shape is a well example of
nature’s abundance where Nepal holds the pride of honoring such manifestation of mysticism.
Some people say it’s the eight wonder and some say it’s divine but to reality its one of the
extreme creation of nature gifted in the form of abstract art which signifies the human relation
with nature. Though, people from different caste and creed have their own interpretation
and meaning but reality is the image on the Mt. Everest symbolizes the enigma of human
existence and survival where the spirituality and divinity comes to the level of seeing in shape of
amazement.

The shape interprets the image as of an eye opened man in deep solitude and veneration facing
upwards to the sky who when reversed transforms and shows the feminine form.

These figures are widely historical and make this Saragmatha area the world’s greatest natural
sacred wonder. The mythical holly grail has been found.

This is proof of the spiritual bridge many on earth have waited ages to see. These figures are the
balanced motion of love and devotion.

Nepal should cater itself as the destination of spiritual land which has such shapes of artistic
work where god had created an earthly canvas on which lays the physical proof of man’s
connection to his higher form. Perhaps, the heights point on earth really signifies the connection
of man with god and what ever you name it; it’s the symbol of unity and peace.

Ghorepani - Poon Hill Trek


Excited and adrenaline pumping, the Ghorepani - Poon Hill (Pun Hill) is renowned as a classic trek. The
Ghorepani Poon Hill trek has over the years been the bestseller. The breathtaking mountain scenery and
the beautiful ethnic villages justify the popularity of Ghorepani trekking. The trek is easy, it has enough
walking along streams and forests for those who are looking for a few days close to nature, yet it is not
far away and involves no high climbing .You absolutely have no risk of altitude sickness on this trek.
Ghorepani trekking can be done all through the year except during the monsoon.

This trek majorly focuses in Annapurna region, which is world famous for trekking. The trail winds
through patchwork valleys, dense mossy forests and past icy waterfalls where you can stop to cool your
face. Around every corner is a tantalizing glimpse of the Himalayas that gives you the feeling to explore
and search more. Starting with short drive from Pokhara to Nayapul the Nepal Ghorepani Trekking
offers Mt. fishtail (6997m/22,956ft), Annapurna 1st in our first day hiking. You got to climb about 3500
stone steps on the way to Ghorepani(2,750m) from Tikhedhunga. The Ghorepani poon hill trek offers
remarkable natural panorama, eye-catching views of Annapurna South (7,219m/23,684ft) Dhaulagiri
(8167m) Machhapuchchhre(6997m) and Himchuli (6,434).

The trek offers spectacular mountain scenery along with charming villages inhabited particularly by the
Gurungs & Magars, dense rhododendron forests full of birds and deep sub-tropical valleys, all set below
the Annapurnas with the picturesque peak of Machhapuchhare (Fishtail Peak) dominating the skyline.
This trek is relatively easy because it takes you only up to 3210m at its highest point on Poon Hill .

Ghorepani is densely forested with rhododendron, the national flower of Nepal. Every spring it is
tremendous scenery to watch these forests in bloom with the panorama of the high mountains on the
skyline.This trek, in the Annapurna foothills to the view point on Poonhill, offers all the best of trekking
in Nepal. At the climax of this trek you will climb Poonhill at dawn to enjoy one of the most spectacular
views of the mountains on earth. As the sun touches the snow-capped summits the Himalayan giants,
Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Annapurna (8091m) along with a maze of other peaks, slowly begin to appear,
like magic, before our eyes. It is a rewarding trek that can be enjoyed by every lover of nature and
beautiful landscapes.

From Ghorepani we descend for the beautiful Gurung (name of a community) village of Ghandruk on
the lap of the Annapurna. The village is known for its traditional houses, rich culture and the great
landscape. Walking down through the innumerable steps we make a loop at Birethanti and catch our
vehicle for Pokhara at Nayapul .We trace back no part of the trail on this itinerary. On our whole trek,
we use the mountain lodges called the tea houses for our food and accommodation.

Itinerary:
Day 01: Your arrival to Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA), you will be received by our Airport
Representative, and transfer to hotel.

Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara - 4-5 hours scenic drive by Private Car / van. Overnight at
hotel in Pokhara.

Day 03: One hour drive to Nayapul by private Car / Van, we then begin trek to Tikhedhunga

We begin our trek at Nayapul, driving to the road head. After 15- minutes short walk along the bank of
the Modi Khola, we reach Birethanti (1065m) a large village that has many shops & teahouses. From
there, the trail continues through the village. The trail follows the north bank of the Bhurungdi Khola.
From there, the trail climbs steadily up the side of the valley to Hile at 1495m & after the short climb, we
reach Tikhedhunga at 1525m. This trek offers a short & relatively easy day, during journey & allows us to
become used to the experience of trekking in Nepal.

Day 04: Trek to Ghorepani
Leaving Tikhedunga, we begin our journey with steep climb to Ulleri. Ulleri is a large Magar village at
2070m. Then the trail continues to ascend more gently, through fine forests of oak & rhododendron
towards Banthanti at 2250m. Then we make our trek towards Nangethanti at 2460m. After an hour walk
brings you to Ghorepani at 2775m.

Day 05: Hiking to Poonhill - back to Ghorepani, and trek to Tadapani.
This morning, we will get up early in the morning, and go for hiking to Poon Hill. From here you will see
superb view of sunrise, and panoramic view of Himalayas, including Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South,
Fishtail, and so on. After visiting Poonhill, we will come back to Ghorepani, have a hot breakfast, and
continue walking to Tadapani.

Day 06: Trek to Ghandruk
The day starts with short downhill. Leaving Tadapani, we descend steeply through forests and then the
trail eases as we reach Ghandrunk (2000m), which is the village of Gurung people, one of the ethnic
groups of Nepal, have their own dialect, typical culture, costume, and life style. This village is possibly
the popular tourist destination that offers the beautiful mountain views and having easy connection
with Pokhara or Kathmandu. Overnight at Guest House. B.L.D.

Day 07: Trek down to Birethanti - Nayapul - Pokhara.
Today we begin our journey, from Ghandruk offering easy walking all downhill to Nayapul, we then drive
to Pokhara.
Day 08: Drive back to Kathmandu by car / van. Overnight stay at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 09: Full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley (Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath,
Swayambhu, and Kathmandu durbar square).

Day 10: Transfer to Airport for your onward Journey. Farewell!

Camping in Nepal




Highlighting the eight of the world's ten highest peaks, Nepal is exceptionally blessed with spectacular
and impressive trekking & camping sites. Trekking and camping go hand in hand where Trekking is done
in the most rural and remote areas testing human limitation and camping is done to utilize the resources
available. Camping helps in terms of resting, planning, strategy and energy saving. To be precise if
trekking is the objective then camping can be considered as the motivation. Like such, Camping is often
enjoyed in conjunction with various adventurous activities, such as: canoeing, climbing, fishing, hill
walking, mountain biking, motorcycling, swimming, whitewater kayaking etc.

Camping in Nepal is an unpredictable scenario that depends upon location, and time. It can change
drastically from being normal to in a situation. It is highly recommended to do a detail study before
starting your journey understanding the pros and cons of the location.

Nepal is famous in the world for outdoor activities and trekking. Every part of its earth is adventurous
and exciting where the rigid terrain and untouched wilderness keeps the excitement running. More
often in absence of proper infrastructures, camping is the best solution that is reliable and adaptable.
Especially during trekking the range of sceneries, changes from sub-tropical jungle to the Himalayan high
glacier, according to the place and time where nature has its own standards. In most of the times there
are no resources and trekkers and hikers have to be self sustained and camping helps to settle down
with effective resources.

The Himalayas are not just for the mountaineers and very experienced ice climbers and trekkers. They
offer a range of treks to suit all aptitudes and abilities, from a modest hike in the foothills to more
challenging high altitude treks. The people, the flora and fauna and the immense landscape combines
in a kaleidoscope of sights and sensations that make a camping trip among the Himalayas a unique
experience.
Similarly camping is yet another exhilaration that not only makes you feel comfortable but it helps
you to understand nature. As camping is associated with harsh climate outdoors, you have to be well
prepared. Here are some of the precautions to be taken during camping.
• Check for potential hazards. Be sure to check the site thoroughly for glass, sharp objects,
branches, large ant beds, poison ivy, bees and hazardous terrain.
• Inspect the site. Look for a level site with enough room to spread out all your gear. Also, a site
that has trees or shrubs on the side of prevailing winds will help block strong, unexpected gusts.
• Build fires in a safe area. Your open fires and fuel-burning appliances must be far enough away
from the tent to prevent ignition from sparks, flames and heat. Never use a flame or any other
heating device inside a tent. Use a flashlight or battery-powered light instead.
• Make sure your fires are always attended. Be sure you have an area for a fire that cannot spread
laterally or vertically – a grill or stone surface is ideal. When putting the fire out, drown it with
water, making sure all embers, coals and sticks are wet.
• Dispose of trash properly. Remember to recycle – use the proper recycling bins if available.
• Watch out for bugs. Avoid attracting stinging insects by wearing light-colored clothing and
avoiding perfumes or colognes.
• Beware when encountering wildlife. To ward off bears, keep your campsite clean, and do not
leave food, garbage, coolers, cooking equipment or utensils out in the open. Remember that
bears are potentially dangerous and unpredictable – never feed or approach a bear. Use a
flashlight at night – many animals feed at night and the use of a flashlight may warn them away.

Beware of poisonous plants. Familiarize yourself with any dangerous plants that are common to
the area. If you come into contact with a poisonous plant, immediately rinse the affected area
with water and apply a soothing lotion, such as calamine, to the affected area.

Backpacking is a yet another mobile option of camping that is hugely being witnessed here in Nepal.
The popularity of Backpacking has gained phenomenally especially amongst youth who are willing to go
through a challenging experience as well as cost effective solution for their trip. It is the cheapest ways
to camp, but is the most uncomfortable way of travelling with limited resources and the equipment. On
the other hand for many campers, backpacking allows them to experience the true wilderness, but there
is the possibility of severe weather and injury in the remote areas.

Wildlife camping is not very different from normal camping, except the wild camping doesn't get
restricted to season or any adventure activity. It works as a recreational program and there isn't any age
limit in this. Anyone who likes to explore nature and want to learn the facts about what nature has given
to us and what we can give in return, can take up this camping experience.

Dhaulagiri Camping: Hidden in the valleys of the mountains, the Dhaulagiri camping is an enriching
experience encompassing the Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m / 26,795 ft), the seventh highest Himalayan Peak
of the world. The Dhaulagiri camping is one of the most Adventures and challenging trekking trail that
screens the hidden lands of Dolpo to its north, and rich bio diversity with alpine forest towards the
west. During the camping one can get the opportunity to explore the amazing life styles of Gurung
and Magar peoples and their culture in the wilderness. The trekking trails of Dhaulagiri region also
includes traditional ethnic villages and untouched forests, it is a panoramic creation of nature. Tukuche
peak, Nilgiri, Annapurna and Machhapuchhare etc are its major attractions where one can enjoy the
mountains.

Makalu Camping: Located in the eastern part of Nepal in Sankhuwasabha and Solukhumbhu district,
the Makalu Region is well known for its rich bio diversity and natural beauty. The Makalu camping rout
encompasses various terrains enclosing tropical forest and snow-capped mountains at an elevation of
8000 M. Makalu region is Nepal’s largest protected area that exhibits a rich culture. The main attractions
of Makalu trekking are Mount Makalu (8463m), and Makalu Barun National Park.
The region includes various trekking trails, like Makalu base camp trek, Arun valley Trek, Makalu three
cols Trek, Gupha pokhari trek, Salpa pass trek and Sherpani pass trek. Makalu camping offers you great
opportunity to have unique experience and memory of a life time. Best season for Makalu Trekking is
March to May and September to December.

Langtang Camping: Bordering Tibet on the northern side the Langtang trekking region combines the
remote and panoramic views of the valley that covers an area of 1,710 sq. K.M. The Region has a
dynamic ecological diversity that spreads through the vivid terrain. The culture and tradition practiced
over here is more contrast to the living tradition anywhere else. Some of the most attractive areas of
the region include the Langtang Valley, the holy lakes at Gosainkunda, and the forested hillsides above
the village of Helambu. The Langtang camping route goes through the Langtang National Park that
contains a wide variety of climatic zones, from subtropical to alpine. Approximately 25% of the park
is forested that is populated with deciduous Oak, Maple, Pine, and various types of Rhododendron
trees. Various rare wild animals like Himalayan black bear, the goat-like Himalayan tahr, Rhesus
monkeys and Red Pandas. There are also stories of Yeti sightings also.

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Annapurna Camping: Annapurna camping is an exciting opportunity that is full of adventure and
excitement. Highlighting the strength of nature, the region is famous for some of the world’s highest
peaks and world’s deepest George like the Kali. The trekking region is famous for trekking, hiking,
Expedition and climbing. In the Annapurna, the upper sub-alpine steppe environment has some of
the rare wildlife like snow leopards and blue sheep. The Main attraction of Annapurna treks are the
panoramic views of Himalayan range where mountains like Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), Mt. Annapurna
I (8091m) Mt. Manaslu (8163 m), Annapurna II (7937 m.) , Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV
(7525m), Annapurna south (7219m), Nilgiri (7041m), Machhapuchhare (6998m), Hiunchuli (6441m),
Lamjung Himal (6986m),Tukuche peak (6920m), Tilicho peak (7134m) etc can be seen and felt within
the presence of nature. Annapurna region also gives you a unique opportunity to blend with in
diverse culture and tradition. During the trekking on can explore the amazing life styles and culture of
indigenous people.

Everest Camping: Everest camping is a unique experience of colorful vibes of Mt Everest. The trek
includes a visit to the world famous Tengboche monastery and breath taking views of the Himalayan
region. The trip starts from early flights in Kathmandu to the air strip at Lukla. The rest of the day is
spent on an easy trek till Phakding. With lighter start the Dudh Kosi Valley welcomes towards Namche
Bazaar. Namche was once a small village, but is now a major trading hub of the region. Generally
Namche is a point of rest or acclimatization. Tibetan people travel regularly here to sell their wares.
A night is spend at Thyangboche, the site of one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in the
Khumbu region. The trail ascends, climbing gradually up the Imja Khola eventually emerging above the
tree line before Dingboche. From Chhukung there are some amazing views of the south-face of Lhotse
to the north with a ring of smaller peaks surrounding it. Dingboche to Kalapatthar takes a further two
days via the lateral moraine of the Everest glacier and Nuptse and Lhotse which tower above. A further
five days are taken retracing to Lukla and the flight back to Kathmandu.

Camping in Nepal is not just an option, it’s a way of adventurous life that is not predictable but is full
of surprises. Practically speaking safe camping is the best way of managing resources which cannot be
denied. But looking at Nepal’s geography and terrain, Camping is the best solution in regards to the
lack of infrastructure where it gives the real feeling of being close to the nature. Merely with limited
resources camping proves to be the most effective solution from ecological point of view that restricts
limited resources and proper management.


Adventurious Caves of Nepal



Located in between the two tectonic plates Eurasian and Indian, Nepal is blessed with a variation of
landscapes that not only amazes but enthralls in every bit of its earth. Looking at it from technical point
of view it’s the same seismic power that created the Himalayan mountain range, and different cave
structures that root inside making and marking its presence. From the top mountains to the beautiful
hiding gorges Nepal has the highest and deepest point here. To the south is the Terai, a flat tropical
land ascending up trend to the Mahabharat mountain range with peaks of up to 4877m, the climatic
and cultural values varies according to place and time. This is to result lay the wide row of the Central
Hills, an undulating mountain area which builds up to the snow –covered Great Himalayan range. Great
Himalayan summits shape the northern boundary of Nepal in the east towards the west. Nepal extends
beyond the Great Himalayan range to the Trans-Himalayan area which is part of barren plateau. This
impressive complex and vaned features involve the basis of attraction in indefinite variety in Nepal.

Penetrating and rooting below the Caves of Nepal ripple and expose the records of the different
geological and mineralogical eras. These caves offer a place to discover man's most ancient colours,
hidden away for ages in the vast mountains deep beneath variety of wonders. There are many cave
systems that which were accidentally discovered by normal people while engaging in their works. Simple
explorations of these caves have discovered internal passages. So additional survey by professional
people may bring many more marvels awaiting discovery.

Located at Chobhar Kritipur municipality, Manjushree caves is one of the common caves that lie in the
southern part of Kathmandu Valley. The Manjushree Cave is related with an interesting legend of the
origin of Kathmandu Valley. Manjushree Cave has a total length of 1250m long, although only 350m of
the cave is open to visitors. One has to pay an entrance fee to explore the cave. There are five routes
which have been opened at present. These routes converge at different points, so it is possible for
visitors to enter from one point and to exit from another point. There are three entrance points; one is
the main entrance and the others are Bagh Gufa and Naya Gufa. ('Gufa' means cave in Nepali). There are
two small ponds inside the cave. The first pond is Mahadev Pond which is 40.3m from the main entrance
and the other is Naya Pond which is about 60m from main entrance.

The need of the hour is to explore fully these caves and inventory to be prepared protected with a view
of protecting unique mineralogical, geological and touristic interests. Among the infinite number of
caves in Nepal firstly attractive and beautiful is Chamero odar or Mahendra Gufa in Pokhara. Mahendra
Gufa which is located 200km from Kathmandu that gives you a good idea of the richness and its
importance of limestone Caves. Mahendra Gufa consists two kilometer that is bifurcated at one point
leading to two dark holes, the limestone walk of which bear innumerable stalagmites and stalactites.
This cave has an icicle –like pendant of calcium carbonate formed by evaporation of water percolating
through lime stone on a roof and also an upward growing conical formation on the floor formed by the
lick from the roof.

Similarly, other caves in the western region of Nepal like Gupteswar Gufa in Kusma which is 457 in long,
Pandusera Gufa in Sinja, Dhara Village in Jumla. Jumla is in the mid-western region of Nepal. The mid-
western region of Nepal stretches from Chure Himal and Rapti river in the east to Karnali river in the
west. It embraces trans –Himalayan regions of Dolpa, Mugu and Jumla in the north to the Terai's fertile
valleys of Dang and Rapti in the south. There is an interesting cave in Jumla at Dhara Village and it is a
cave containing many kinds of formations in the roof as well as walls particularly stalactites formations.
Another cave lies at the northern corner of the Dang Valley and is popularly known as Chamero Gufa. It

can be reached in about four hours walk from Tulsipur. The name of this cave is attached with a flying
mammal which are noticed everywhere within the cave.

Another equally interesting cave is on the slope of the Bandipur hill. This cave is 103 meter long and it
can be reached after half an hour's walk uphill from Bimaltar, a roadside shopping centre located on the
bank of the Marshyangdi river on Prithvi Raj Marg Highway (Kathmandu) Pokhara road.

There is another sacred caves in Khembalung which are regarded holy both for the Hindus and
Buddhists. This cave is located in Makalu –Barun National Park and conservation area. It is situated in
the Eastern Himalaya to the east of Sagarmatha National Park. The name of Makalu –Barun National
Park is derived from Mt. Makalu (8463 m) –the world's fifth highest peak at the northern borders of
Nepal. The scared caves described above have images of gods and goddesses and so sacred for worship
both by the Hindus and Buddhists.

In 2007 a team co-led by U.S. researcher and Himalaya expert Broughton Coburn and veteran
mountaineer Pete Athans scaled the crumbling cliffs on a mission to explore the human-made caves.
Inside the caves, the team found ancient Tibetan Buddhist shrines decorated with exquisitely painted
murals, including a 55-panel depiction of Buddha's life. Similarly, in 2009, the 15th-century religious
texts and wall paintings were found in caves carved into sheer cliffs in the ancient kingdom of Mustang.
Few have been able to explore the mysterious caves, since Upper Mustang is a restricted area of Nepal
that was long closed to outsiders.

Cave system of Nepal hold rich values of traditional, historic and cultural aspect that cannot be
marginalized. Proper management, exploration and research are the need of time where due to lack
of attention, cave robbers are destroying the artifacts. This can not only be a big attraction for tourism
but can be an eye opener from the culture point of view. Thus, these caves should be fully explored and
inventory to sum up in order to gain full knowledge of the formation of these caves.

King of Trekking the Great Himalaya Trail(GHT)


The Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) is the longest and highest alpine walking track in the world winding
4500kms through the tallest mountain ranges and most isolated communities from Tibet to Pakistan.
The trail, which can be undertaken in one continuous trek of 156 days, will traverse the country from
east to west.

The Nepal section of the GHT offers a kaleidoscope of experiences and World Expeditions are proud to
offer ongoing commercial treks beginning in February each year. Winding beneath the world’s highest
peaks and visiting some of the most remote communities on earth, it passes through lush green valleys,
arid high plateaus and incredible landscapes. It covers 1700km of tracks, divided into 10 different
sections. The trail covers the full distance of the Himalayan Range in Nepal from the district of Taplejung
in the East to Humla and Darchula in the West and ultimately continues through Tibet, India and
Myanmar in East of Nepal and Tibet, India and Pakistan in the West. The treks can be done subsequently
or completely separate from each other. Besides, each GHT section features a number of side-treks of
varying duration and difficulty, some of which require camping equipment and others that can be done
teahouse style. With numerous trekking options and new tourism attractions, each GHT section forms a
distinct trekking and adventure destination within itself.

Trekkers can choose between two routes. Nepal’s Upper GHT is winding through high mountain ranges
on an average altitude of 3000 to 5000 metres, providing for breath-taking views on the country’s
towering peaks. Along the Lower, Cultural route, tourists will get the chance to visit small communities
and villages and learn about the culture and traditions of Nepal’s various ethnic groups.

Upper Trail: Trekking along the Upper GHT Trail makes for an unforgettable adventure and for some it
will be the trip of a lifetime. The trail stretches over a distance of about 1,700 km and passes through
spectacular, high altitude mountain landscapes, visiting some of the most remote villages on earth,
where life remains as it was centuries back. Trekking along the Upper Trail requires to cross high passes
with altitudes up to 6,200 m and the whole trek takes about 150 days on average. Proper trekking gear
and mountaineering equipment is needed and anyone attempting this trek should be physically fit and
ideally have some trekking and mountaineering experience. For safety, a local mountain guide who
knows the terrain is definitely recommended especially in high altitudes. Due to the remoteness of the
trek, camping is required for most parts of the adventure and it is necessary that you (or your porter)
carry a tent, food and cooking equipment. But what could be better than pitching your tent surrounded
by the mighty snow-capped Himalayas and sleeping under the star lit sky?
Nepal’s Upper Trail starts north of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp and ends in Hilsa at Nepal’s Tibetan
border in the Western district of Humla.

Lower Trail: Nepal’s Lower GHT – also called the cultural route – goes mostly through the country’s mid
hills with an average altitude of 2000m. However, there are still a couple of passes to cross with the
highest being the Jang La at 4519 m between Dhorpatan and Dolpa in West-Nepal.
Trekking along the Lower GHT means walking through beautiful lush forests, pastures, green rice
terraces and fertile agricultural land, providing the basis for Nepal’s rich culture and civilization. You
will come across local settlements of many different cultural groups, giving you the chance to see
what authentic Nepali village life is all about. For most parts of the trek, you’ll be able to stay in small
guesthouses or homestays, but make sure to still take your tent for some of the more remote sections
of the route. With lots of local restaurants around, you’ll find a place to eat almost everywhere and so
you don’t necessarily need to carry large amounts of food. Shorter then the Upper Trail, the Lower GHT
stretches over a distance of 1,500 km and the whole trek will roughly take around 95 days.

The beginnings of Cross-Himalaya trekking: Not many people have walked the length of the Himalayas
in the last few decades (and written about it). However there have been some expeditions with the goal
either of traversing Nepal or going further trying to traverse the greater Himalaya range.
In 1980, one ‘inspirational’ Mr Shirahata is mentioned in the classic book “Trekking in Nepal” by
Toru Nakano as having walked the length of the country from ‘east to west’ in Nepal but no further
references or information has been found. In 1982, Arlene Blum and travel and adventure writer Hugh
Swift became the first westerners to complete a 4,500 km great Himalayan traverse across Bhutan,
Nepal and India. Starting from the eastern border of Bhutan, Swift and Blum, climbed up and down the
Himalayan range over 6,000m passes and down to river valleys at 600m, gaining and losing an average
of 1,000m each day to reach Ladakh. This is documented in Blum’s book –“Breaking Trail”.
In 1983 two British brothers, Richard and Adrian Crane ran the Himalayas, from before Kanchenjunga
to beyond Nanga Parbat in less than 100 days. According to the Crane’s book, “Running the Himalayas”,
“…in 1980 an Indian army team set out from Arunchal Pradesh in India’s north east corner and, after
one and a half to two years of travel along a high mountain route, they finished their journey just north
of Leh in the Ladakh region of the Karakorams…. it progressed in ‘relay’ fashion and possibly no one
member stayed with the expedition for the full course”. On their way, the Crane brothers met the British
Women’s Trans-Himalaya Expedition who set off from Sikkim in January 1983 and used buses where
necessary on their journey. The Cranes themselves though were however “travelling super-light. One
rucksack, one sleeping bag, one set of clothes, one pair of shoes, and shared between us: map, diaries,
camera, penknife, water jar and two plastic teaspoons. No guides, no porters, no shelter, no food, no
water. And we would be running. Looked at logically, the idea was preposterous”.

Similarly, in 1994 the French duo of Paul-Eric Bonneau and Bruno Poirier made a crossing of the
Himalayas in Nepal in 42 days (October 21 – December 1, 1994) and called their adventure “Trans-
Nepal-Himalaya”. They travelled 2000 km (+ / -55 000 m) between Pashupatinagar (eastern border) and
Mahakali (western border) including Everest base camp.

Then nearly two decades later in 2003, Rosie Swale-Pope ran the length of Nepal, and early Great
Himalayan Trail route, with a support team, doing an estimated 1,700km in 68 days to raise money
for the charity Nepal Trust. Dr Gillian Holdsworth walked a similar route in 2007 which is documented
on the British Nepal Medical Trust website. Between 2008 and 2011 Jean-Claude Latombe walked a
winding trail across Nepal in two sections of 56 and 53 days. His website has a wonderful collage of
images of the people and landscapes he encountered.

However it was early 2009 that truly gave birth to a Great Himalaya Trail in Nepal. Robin Boustead
supported by his wife Judy Smith and friends walked the trail in stages beginning in September 2008. It
took a lot of research to identify a true high-alpine route that was feasible for trekkers. Robin said: ”if
someone gathered enough information on that area, it would be a great trek for everyone”. Robin
was that someone and he has documented his route meticulously using GPS. The route, distances,
elevations, water sources, villages and camp sites are all detailed in his Great Himalaya Trail guide book.
In 2010, another adventurer, Sean Burch completed a route across Nepal in 49 days with the help of
Nepal Trust and in 2011 Shawn Forry and Justin Lichter walked an unsupported trek of 57 days across
Nepal.

In 2006 the Dutch development agency SNV and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain
Development (ICIMOD) in Kathmandu proposed to the Government of Nepal to develop an official
Great Himalaya Trail from near Kangchenjunga in the east to Api-Saipal in the Far West of Nepal and

to harness the trail for pro-poor development in Nepal’s remote mountain regions. The route would
be based on the route identified and documented by Robin Boustead. The idea was well received by
the tourism industry and development actors alike and in 2008, the Government of Nepal with Support
SNV, created the Great Himalaya Trail Development (GHTDP), a public private initiative lead by the
Nepalese Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation. With funding from the UK Department for International
Development UKAID, the Government of Nepal is working closely with the tourism industry, NGOs
and host communities to ensure that the GHT is developed into an iconic and globally significant new
tourism product for Nepal and managed in line with responsible tourism best practices, generating vital
jobs and income for local communities and contributing to the conservation of the country’s natural and
cultural heritage. Still, the Great Himalaya Trail is new and will evolve over the coming years through
the preferences and suggestions of trekkers completing the route or sections of it. This is why it is so
exciting to get on the trail now.

Source: The great Himalayan Trail

Honey Hunting Tradition in Nepal




Nepal is an amazing destination that hides many tradition and culture; from the cultural heritage
to the cliff high end honey hunting expedition nothing beats the adrenaline with the real definition
of adventure. Honey hunting to be precise is collecting wild honey from the hive hanging on a rock
hundreds of meters high where as Honey Hunting in Nepal is an age old tradition in the mountains
of Nepal that the local people celebrate risking their lives. The hives are set up in the rock cliff
approximately 300-400 meters from the ground by the indigenous bees. The locals reach such height
with the help of ladder and ropes with no secured line or safety harness with just the intention of
getting the honey.

Looking back to past, Honey hunting is one of the many activities that have been practiced in the
ancient culture of numerous civilizations. Like such here in Nepal it is one of the most prized tradition
that lives through the cultural heritage of people and tradition. In recent studies, scientists have dated
honey hunting tradition to have been practiced as far as in 13000 BC. In Nepal, honey hunting has been
practiced for thousands of years and is a vital part of a legacy that enriches it in the livelihood of the
local people.

Nepal homes the Apis laboriosa, which is considered as the biggest honeybee, these bees construct their
hives on the cliffs of the country’s foothills. They exist only in the Himalayas and build their nests in high
altitudes (from 8,200 to 13,500 ft). The nests can contain as much as 130lbs of honey and interestingly
different types of honey can be found at different altitudes. Himalayan honey bees make spring honey,
red honey, and autumn honey. Red honey, made solely by Himalayan honey bees and found at the
highest altitudes, is the most valuable because of its intoxicating and relaxing qualities. For the access
most of the honey hunter use ropes, ladders and baskets to reach out the honey combs. While doing
so the honey hunters flushes out the bees with smoke by lighting a fire underneath the hives. Generally
Honey harvesting usually takes place twice a year, when honey hunters get together and head into the
Himalayas to take on this massive task. To harvest one colony takes the honey hunters two to three
hours depending on the location of the hive and its size.

Harvesting the honey is a tradition that the men of Nepal have been doing for generations. Gurung
and rai community people are more active in this. They export this honey to other parts of Asia for five
times the price of the other honey. The most popular honey hunting destinations in Nepal are located
in Bhujung, Nai Chi, Pasgaon, Naya Gaun, Ludhi and Dare. It is an amazing sight that astounds tourists at
the speed and courage of the honey hunters, who hang from the cliffs to earn a living, and marvel at the
ancient techniques that are still in used today. The prized honey is considered very enriching to the body
and is thought to have intoxicating properties.

In Nepal the harvest ritual varies from community to community, adapting a definitive tradition of
rituals and customs. Most of these customs starts with a prayer and sacrifice of flowers, fruits, and rice.
Then a fire is lit at the base of the cliff to smoke the bees from their honeycombs. From above, a honey
hunter descends the cliff harnessed to a ladder by ropes. Another person descends down with a secure
the rope and ladder from the top and ferry tools up down as required; the honey hunter fights territorial
bees as he cuts out chunks of honey from the comb.

May be unique and adventurous?, or May be scary? Honey hunting still is a tradition that lives up to its
reputation. Just with simple tools and unique ways of tradition honey hunting in Nepal is a way of life
for the locals who risk their lives every day for the sake of their family. Honey hunting may be a way of

life but it is certainly a unique way of life that is exciting as well as full of tradition.

Best Adventure in Nepal- Canyoning



Nepal has always been an exciting destination for adventure seekers who like to push their limits, the rigid terrain and the lack of infrastructure at times may be seen as an obstacle but for hardcore adventure seekers it’s a boon. It’s a heaven to those who like to experience the real taste of adrenaline, who seeks the ultimate adventure and Canyoning combines the taste of adventure, and athletics.  To be precise, traveler and tourist love Nepal in practicing and living their adventure dreams where they do everything that is possible.   

Like such, Canyoning is yet another adventure sports that enthralls it’s follower with a new level of adventure and adrenaline. To be specific Canyoning involves various activities likes walking, scrambling, climbing, jumping, abseiling, and/or swimming through a canyon upon creeks or streams with using various techniques of hiking, scrambling, wading, boulder hopping, rock climbing, abseiling and rappelling. It’s an amazing full body and mind experience that enables you to explore some of the spectacular views and sights giving you an amazing 360 experience of being suspended in the air.
To be specific it allows you to explore some of Nepal’s most remote wilderness in the most adventurous way that has never been seen or experienced.  You will traverse though dense jungle, over deep pools and down rocky walls and waterfalls that make you feel the real Nepal. Canyons are generally formed with narrow gorges in numerous water outlets that beautifully sculpted into the walls, and sometimes take the form of spectacular waterfalls. Most canyons are formed into limestone, sandstone, granite or basalt, though other rock types are found.

Technically Canyoning is abseiling and rope work, technical climbing or down-climbing, technical jumps, and/or technical swims done with a safety line attached from the top to end. It is a comprehensive package letting you control through the experience of adventure that requires technical skills of rope management through a stream of waterfall on a fixed wall. For this sport you need to be in your top physical shape with a precise mind. There are different packages available depending upon your skills and knowledge.

Suspended hundreds of feet away from the ground may seem normal for the hardcore adventure seekers but for the faint liners it may seem dangerous and intimidating. But looking at the sport technically, you will know the main priority of this sport to be Safety. You have to take the right moves and guide yourself through the canyon, depending on your judgment based on competent instruction, experience and a realistic assessment of abilities and understanding of current canyon conditions. Canyons can be very easy or extremely difficult, though emphasis in the sport is usually on aesthetics and fun rather than pure difficulty. A wide variety of Canyoning routes are found throughout the world and are enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.

 Specially designed with tough carbon fiber and light aluminum, Canyoning gears includes climbing hardware, static ropes, helmets, wetsuits, and shoes, packs, and rope bags. While canyoners have used and adapted climbing, hiking, and river running gear for years, more and more specialized gear is invented and manufactured as canyoning popularity increases.  These items range high in price depending upon their material and quality. It may be costly but the thrill and adventure is the most prized among its followers where it’s never enough. Generally Canyoning packages starts from USD 50 and above depending upon the package and time


Some other rivers in Nepal for Canyoning
Name of the River
Location
Grade
Water Temperature
Time
Bul Bule Khola
Annapurna Himal
V3.A1.I
14
2 h
Kabindra Khola
Annapurna Himal (East)
V2.A1.I
14
30 m
Raindu Khola
Annapurna Himal (East) Marshyandi Valley, Syange Village – (1180m)
V4.A3.II
14
3h 45 m
Sansapu Khola
Annapurna Himal (East) Marshyandi valley, Syange Village – (1180m)
V4.A3.II
13
7h 30m
Gopte Khola
Annapurna Himal (East) Marshyandi valley, Bahundanda Village – (1200m)
V2.A1.I
14
6h 30m
Chipla Khola
Annapurna Himal (East) Marshyandi valley, Jagat Village – (1280m)
V5.A4.IV
13
6h 30m
Syange Khola
Annapurna Himal (East) Marshyandi valley, Syange Village – (1180m)
V6.A3.III
13
7h
Jagat Khola
Annapurna Himal (East) Marshyandi Valley, Jagat Village – (1280m)
V6.A5.IV
11
9h 30m
Tal Khola
Annapurna Himal (East) Marshyandi valley, Tal Village – (1700m)
V4.A4.IV
9
5h
Jombo Khola
BaraBise- Kodari Araniko High way- Bhotekosi Valley
V2.A1 I
13
3h
Handi Khola
BaraBise- Kodari Araniko High way- Bhotekosi Valley
V2.A1 I
13
4h
Kabre Khola
BaraBise- Kodari Araniko High way- Bhotekosi Valley
V2.A2 II
13
3h 45m
Galung Khola
BaraBise- Kodari Araniko High way- Bhotekosi Valley
V2.A2 II
13
6h
Fanfung Khola
BaraBise- Kodari (15 KM North from Bahrabise) Araniko High way- Bhotekosi Valley
V4.A3 III
13
6h 30m
Bandiba Khola
Kavre (East. Kathmandu) Sunkoshi valley
V2.A1 III
13
3h
Tantung Khola
Kavre (South-East. Kathmandu) Sunkoshi Valley, Kallery Village – (800m)
V3.A2 III
13
4h 30m

Canyoning is the new adventurous sport that not only gives you the thrill and adventure but is a unique way of seeing Nepal. For most of the adventure seeker Canyoning has become another option to visit Nepal and is one the favorite adventurous sport. Canyoning in Nepal gives you a life time adventure experience that is enriching as well as enthralling.