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.