Is Nepal an ideal destination to the thrill seekers?

The world has known Nepal as the country of Himalayas which reflects the peace and serenity of the nature but beside these are there any adventure sport best suited for the adrenaline junkies?                                                    picture  source:bbc.com

Matter of facts there are numerous adventurous sports which are featured in various parts of Nepal and other activities which will certainly provide with the  desired  amusement and thrill.

Bungee jumping is the first adventure sport that pops up in mind as it the one of the world’s highest bungee standing at 160m high. Despite seeming dangerous, the sport is very much safe with technicians in the field ensuring the level of optimum safety standards having met.

Nepal is a country of rivers with about more than 600 rivers flowing along all parts of the country. This has brought a huge boost in the adventure seekers for rafting and kayaking. White water rafting has been popular and growingly in demand as rafting truly pumps up the adrenaline in many. The rush which you get when the raft is manhandled by the tides all over the river could prove more than satisfying to many. While rafting is a group sport, kayaking takes thing next level with the isolation in the tides which requires much effort and precision to steer the kayak. The rush however, is inspiring and is greatly considered as one of the most effective way of relieving stress and loosening up.

Jungle safari might not be a sport but is a dangerous adventure which allows the up and front encounter with the wildlife. Many of us in the busy schedule and hectic lifestyle have already forgotten the beauty of nature and wildlife as a life form is truly an art of the nature. Nepal resides some of the most endangered and rare species in the world which can be encountered in rainforests of many regions. Animals like crocodile, gharial, one horned rhino, Bengal tiger, red panda, Asian rocky python, snow leopard etc. animals preserved in Nepal. Safari allows the visitors to have a one on one with the wild life and upon encounter, the feeling of mutual existence and appreciation to the wild life is a given.

Beside these, trail bike riding has been growing immensely popular among the visitor as the terrains in the Nepal are unaltered which offers as the existence of ideal trail for bike riding. Similarly, mountain climbing is one of the core tourism attraction but requires great commitment along with training and experience in the field.

What is it like to homestay in Nepal?

Nepal might be the country of Himalayas to many but what goes unnoticed and un-emphasized is the cultural aspect of Nepal. Culturally diverse Nepal hosts a number of lifestyles which follow different tradition and norm. Home stay allows the visitors to have a warm welcome as well as an opportunity to realize and understand the culture and tradition of Nepalese lifestyles on a daily basis. Nepalese people are humble and friendly which truly provides the visitors with a family like experience.

Tanking about the perks of homestay, the first things that pops into the minds is the food. Many visitors in Nepal have had pleasant experiences but many have yet to taste the famous Nepalese cuisine. Nepalese cuisines are different with various cultures but are highly nutritious and delicious. Home staying gives the visitors the opportunity to experience home cooked, organic and household dishes which truly reflects the prime aspect of Nepalese lifestyles. Some of the famous cuisines are rice, pulse, grains, vegetables, pickles, chicken and goat meat, porridge, stew and many more. However, many home stays will serve western dishes with respect to the preference of the visitors.

One of the educational aspect in home stay is the opportunity which the visitors get to know and understand the various tradition and occasions in Nepal. the festivals and occasions which are so dearly celebrated by the nepalese have a historical and religious significance which can be clearly enquired and details be narrated by the most relevant source. Nepalese celebrate numerous festivals and have various ceremonies which are celebrated differently in every culture. There are more festivals celebrated in Nepal than there are number of days in a year. So, there is a high chance that the visitors will be able to witness a couple of festivals and events in their time of visit.

Home stay are cheaper than hotels and Inns however they serve a very rich purpose which the commercial accommodations are unable to provide the visitors and that is a home like experience. Having a comfortable bed, nice service and space of your own does not make the experience home like but the presence of others who treat you like a part of their own family do. The interaction with the people alone will be a true experience in knowing and understanding the Nepalese history, tradition and lifestyle. So, make the next visit you plan include at least a week of home stay to ensure the best home like experience during the visit.

A visit to Kathmandu, the city of Temples

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal is surrounded by pre historic palaces and ancient temples. It is believed that some of the temples in Kathmandu date back to the times before birth of Christ. The architecture and the design of the temples and palaces which were built in the ancient era are quite unique and possess a prime significance in the lives of the Nepalese people.

Nepal hosts people from different religion and cultures who come from different backgrounds and have different traditions. This has resulted the city of temples to be a shrine for all Nepalese people belonging to different religion and backgrounds.

Out of the many temples there are some of which have prime significance not only in the country itself but also nationwide. All the Hindu religion followers are well aware of the Pashupatinath Temple which is the shrine to all Hindu as well as Buddhist followers. People following Hinduism from all around the world visit Nepal to worship the idols and the temples in the Pashupatinath.

Swayambhunath temple or the temple of Monkeys is considered as the oldest temples in all of Nepal and also one of the oldest temples in the world itself as the origin of this temples dates back to the time before the birth of Christ. Swayambhunath is truly is beautiful structure which is situated at the top of a hill within the Kathmandu valley which requires a steep climb of stairs of about 350. The temple is a structure called ‘stupa’ which has a semi spherical shape as the base and a cone structure above it with the eyes of Buddha drawn over the four sides. A glimpse of the valley from the hill can be witnessed which is truly amazing but the temple itself is decorated with holy flags and idols surrounding the stupa.

Similar to the swayambhunath temple is the bouddhanath temple which is nepal’s largest stupa. However, the ambience around the place is quite different from the swayambhunath as the place is surrounded by restaurants, handicrafts store and souvenir shops which are Tibetan influenced. On occasion such as Buddha jayanti and Lhosar, both prime occasions in the Buddhist religion the place is crowded with people worshipping around the structure carrying fire lit lights and singing peaceful and melodious hymns.

Similarly, Bhaktapur durbar square and Patan durbar square are the two palaces built in the ancient time which holds a historical significance as well as gives knowledge about the cultural practices and the tradition in Nepal. The architecture involved is unique to others but very beautiful with idols and patterns inscribed on the wood works and stones which are symbol of the ancient Kathmandu. These structure are surrounded by temples and supporting structures like bells, statues and pillars which stands in a complete harmony.

What are some of the adventures and events, which should not be missed out in your visit Nepal?

The list of number of activities and places to visit in Nepal would be too many to talk about under one heading. However, there are some of the most exciting and significant events and activities which are some of the most anticipated and kept under the highest priorities by many.

Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha who founded Buddhism is a monument well preserved and well established for the visiting 

of tourists from all around the world. Many countries inclined towards Buddhism have had their participation in the construction of temples and monuments with unique architecture and design language. The peacefulness and the tranquility around the area truly reflects the divine power in the words of wisdom provided by Lord Buddha.

Kathmandu, the city of temples is a blend of modernization with patches of old and historic monuments and temples being encountered among the concrete ambiguity. The capital of Nepal, has a historical and cultural significance due to the presence of palaces and temples all around the place. The architecture and the art pieces that are on display over the monuments brings backs the pre-historic era back to life. Also, people who are nocturnal would love the night life in thamel as the streets in thamel are filled with lights, colors and music of all sorts.

Everest base camp is the base to the roof of the world which many trekkers and climbers have jotted down onto their bucket list. Whether taking a helicopter flight over the mountain ranges to the base camp or trekking through diverse terrains just to reach the snowy tops, trip to Everest base camp is an accomplishment in itself. The view from the base camp is truly magnificent as the world’s highest peak can be viewed among many other peaks residing beside it with edged rocky surfaces getting disrupted by thin fog and with sunlight caressing its snowy top, the view is very lustrous.

Manang-mustang, the country beyond the mountains is a remote trekking destination in an already isolated environment. They lie in route of Annapurna circuit trek but is as equally a beautiful destination. With beautiful landscapes and varied terrains, manang-mustang is the ideal place for viewing the mountain ranges up north. The villages are remote and have simple but magnificent design and architecture. Many gumbas and monasteries can be found around manang and mustang which provide a divinity in the otherwise unaltered and completely natural environment.

What are some of the things which you would find only in Nepal?

Despite being a country covering small fraction of land, Nepal does not lack behind in hosting some of the world’s most unique and exciting things. Although being a small country, Nepal is geographically diversified which facilitates some of the world’s prime heritages like the Mount. Everest. Besides the diverse geographical assortment, Nepal also hosts some of the rare and unique wildlife and plantation which makes it the hub for scientific exploration and wildlife fanatics.

Some of the world’s highest mountains reside in Nepal with few elsewhere which makes this country a prime destination for mountain climbers and trekkers. The environment around these areas are naturally preserved with non-existent human interference which makes the visit even more exciting and beautiful. The photographs taken from these areas are considered as some of the best still shots in the worlds as the landscapes are mouth-watering to look at.

Due to the geographical distortions, Nepal holds more than 200 lakes whose origin is not the same as others. Some lakes are glacial which lies in the mountain areas whereas some lakes are tectonic which are spread all over Nepal. Nepal hosts the world highest lake, Tilicho Lake which is located at an altitude of 4,949 meters above sea level and Rara Lake which is the largest lake of Nepal and many consider Rara as the most beautiful lake in the world.

Talking about the flora and fauna residing in Nepal, there are many endangered species and many unique animals whose natural habitat is limited only to Nepal. Red panda, a species of panda in a verge of extinction is a beautiful creature who spends most of it time in trees.  Snow leopard is another preserved animal due to its decrease in number, which are found in high altitude in Nepal. Bengal tiger and one horned rhinoceros are the center of attraction of safari in Nepal. Similarly, spiny babbler is only found in Nepal as there are many endemic species also.

Nepal being geographically and biologically diverse, it is also culturally diverse which provides opportunity for the visitors to learn new lifestyles and tradition every time they visit Nepal. A multi-religion, multi-cultural, multi-racial and multi-lingual country, Nepal is renowned for its culture, tradition and festivals. With numerous temples belonging to different ethnicity, religion and culture Nepal shares a wide variety of architecture and history, which is very interesting and unique to other practices. 

Annapurna base camp trek

Undoubtedly, one of the most ideal place for sightseeing, Annapurna base camp is popularly known as the perfect viewing point of the Annapurna massif. It is a 55 km long massif with snowy tops and dry rocky bottom. The fact that the massif surrounds the basecamp makes it the most ideal place for viewing this huge structure which is a sanctuary in Nepal. The basecamp makes available the view of one of the highest peaks in the world that is the Annapurna I peak standing at a height of 8091 m including other peaks which stand tall at the height of 7000 m. The panorama from the base camp hosts is truly amazing whose prime highlights are the south face of Annapurna, Bahara Shikhar, Annapurna I, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, machhapuhcrre (fishtail), Hiun Chuli and other peaks which are inspiring to look at and a paradise for nature photographers.

The trek to the Annapurna basecamp is also exciting, which passes through all sorts of terrain and villages. The trek passes through grasslands, meadows, forest filled with rhododendron (national flower of Nepal), rocky granular terrain and snowy surfaces as well. The villages in these regions are settled in the hillside as the geographical complication inhibits the presence of plain lands which are culturally rich and build in conventional architecture. Spending time in those places would be an experience of a life-time getting to know more about the culture, practices and lifestyles of the locals in that area which would be something that is entirely different experience.

Talking about the wildlife in this region, the conservation area hosts about 100 mammals of which snow leopards and blue sheep are among the endangered list of animals. These beautiful creatures can be found in their habitat prowling around. Bird watching is also very popular in these regions as the region hosts about 478 species of birds of which the prime focus is allotted to multi colored Oimpheyanm Koklas and blood pheasant which are beautiful and rare creatures.

(March – May) spring is the  best season for the trekking to Annapurna base camp as the weather is clear and sunny which enables the pursuers to have a clear view of the beautiful landscapes around. Also, the hills are covered with beautiful rhododendron in the forests. Winter is the season when the crowd gets real thin, so this could make possible for those trekkers who love peace and isolation, to spend an alone time with the nature and enjoy the unaltered environment with minimum distraction. However, during the winter the temperature reaches to an extreme low which could prove uncomfortable to some. Summer or monsoon is really a bad season for trekking to Annapurna basecamp as the view gets bothered by the clouds and thick fogs, so it is encouraged to pursue the trek during spring or autumn.

Overall, the trek is an easy one without having to exert too much physical exertion and extreme conditions. Annapurna base camp trek is considered as a family trek due to its convenience as the trek move up wards and down wards along the path, which is a well surfaced trail.

Annapurna trek: the ideal circuit trek of Nepal

An Ideal trek should not only offer pleasant environment and beautiful landscapes but also provide opportunity to learn and experience many more. This trek is widely popular due to its stretch in attraction, which is not only limited to the viewing of landscapes but also the culture and knowledge. This circuit trek passes through four regions which consist of bub tropical valleys and beautiful villages. Marshyangdi is the location from where the trek actually kicks off. The trek to Annapurna trail is renowned for its thick forests and beautiful waterfalls which could be encountered along the trek.

The trek goes through the world’s deepest Gorge, the Kali Gandaki Gorge then elevating at an astounding height of 8091m at the east side of Annapurna I and furthermore elevation to 8167m at the west of Dhaulagiri taking the pursuers within the world’s tenth highest peak, the Annapurna. The trek guides through the world’s highest pass, the Thorong La which lies in the trek from Manang to Muktinath. Manang, reffered to as the country beyond the mountains is a beautiful district which truly reflects the lifestyles of people living apart from urbanization and modernization. The landscapes which surrounds this beautiful place is simply mesmerizing with rocky plateau which mimics a desert like surface but completely surrounded by snowy tops of beautiful mountain ranges. Muktinath offers the same allurement but with a tinge of divinity and serenity with Muktinath temple, a shrine to Hindu followers.

Another stop in the trek would be Poon Hill situated at a height of 3,210m which offers some of the most incredible mountain views of Gangapurna Mountain, Annapurna South Mountain, Annapurna I mountain, Dhaulagiri Mountain and Hiunchuli Mountain. Besides this, Poon Hill also is renowned for its mesmerizing sunrise view which arises from over the Annapurna Mountain. The trek diverses from walking over rice farms, forests, villages and dry & isolated rocky terrains. The photography taken from these parts could ideally be the best photographs whether it be the images of mountain ranges, dry terrains, architecture of the village homes, the people living in those remote areas or the flora and fauna.

However, to ensure travelling under favorable conditions it is wise to pursue the trek during the month of march till mid May which lies during the spring. Also, travelling to those remote parts in autumn during mid September to December would also prove favorable as the second half of the year. During these periods, the weather is sunny and clear view of all the beautiful structures and terrains around can be observed. Although, the day offers warm climate the night is rather cold border lining to the extreme, so it is mandatory to pack warm clothes. Travelling during winter and monsoon is a little risky and unfavorable as the weather get very cold and the snow could act as blockage in the trail. However, the trail is very clear during these seasons as the number of trekker during this time of year is extremely low which could mean a better experience of isolation and nature. Regardless, the pursuers must always ensure to check up the required news and information about the trail, weather and conditions before commencing on the trek.

Pursuing Everest trek: brave or foolish?

Everest trek probably is the one of the most enticing trek route in all over the world, simply because it leads to the highest peak in the world. Not only to the adventure seeker but also for amateur trekkers, Everest trek is simply a dream. The fact that trekkers pursuing their trek to the Everest or anywhere where close by the region has a fair share of contribution to the tourism industry. The recent earthquake and the series of aftershock had taken its toll on the trail to Everest which caused the route to be closed for any visitors, the shutdown has be taken off as the trail has been re-opened. Some obstructions and damages in the trail had been seen but within a short period of close down all the obstructions and the damages has been cleared.

The trail although has been indemnified, there are other risks that needs clarification to and facts that people need to be aware of. Although the trek trail has been repaired successfully, has the places for accommodation and the transportation route been overlooked? No, most definitely not. The Hotels and the lodge everywhere around the region of Khumbu has been inspected and more than 90% of the hotels and lodges are marked safe. Since, the major transportation medium to Khumbu region is through airways, it’s safe to say that the transportation to the trek is very much operational as both the tribhuvan international airport and the Tenzing Hilary airport in Lukla are completely unhampered and operational. However the weather condition is another factor to be considered as a form of risk but in unfavorable conditions, the flights are most likely not to take off.  So, it can be easily perceived that the transportation and the accommodation is safe without any risk involved by the damages of earthquake.

While pursuing the trek, there are certain things to be aware of which could prove in acting as a risk factor and that is the proper equipping of all the essential materials and required documents. There are lot of equipments that is required in the trek to Everest which needs to be critically analyzed before pursuing the trail. There are many safety instruction, guidelines and quick notes which needs complete consideration and studying by the trekkers so as to avoid any mishap or accidents in the process. With enough precautions and consideration to the guidelines provided by the authority, the Everest trek is as safe as any other trek in the world. This make it safe to say that pursuing the trek is not a foolish act.

Splendid highlights of the Everest trek

A trek to the Everest has always been overshadowed by the mighty structure of the Mount Everest, the highest peak of the world. While the peak is a shrine to trekkers and climbers which obviously is in the bucket list of many from all around the world, once pursued the hype gradually shifts from the peak to other aspects in the journey. The trekking along the high passes with the view of beautiful landscapes around truly validates the decision and the cost in pursuing the trek. The high passes which leads to kalapatthar, the prime site in viewing the beautiful Everest.

The journey starts from the escalation from Kathmandu to Lukla via mountain flight to Tenzing-Hillary airport. The trek begins along the Dudh Koshi River which is sandwiched between enormous hills. Along the trek, the continuous presence of extra ordinary landscapes truly contributes in the motivation in the trek as well as brings us closer to the nature and its spectacles. The rare view of monasteries and Gumbas, which lies in an otherwise isolated and natural surroundings, provides a divine intervention and a peaceful injection of the serenity. The summit of Kongma La, the first milestone in the trek offers the view of Khumbu icefall, cascading the peak.

Then, the challenging climb through Cho La leads to the cobalt-blue lakes situated at Gokyo, which is mouth-watering and also one of the prime focus of the trek. The lakes lie perfectly in harmony with the rocky boulders and the stony grains with perfectly complementing colors to the sky. After the inspiring view, the trek finally leads to Thame via Nangpa La, which is the route used by Tibetan traders for centuries. Many stories which date back centuries can be heard and the lifestyle of primitive Tibetans can be visualized through the mouth of the locals who are warm and courteous to any and all visitors.

The location is isolated with no interference in the natural state of the location which is the prime essence in any trek. Every step ahead in this trek is another opportunity for a beautiful photograph. The peaks that surround the valley, the tranquil lakes which settles between rocky boulders or the glacial moraines which lies unaltered, all these are what any adventurer dreams of and all nature lover admires. Communicating with the locals during tea house stays and in the Sherpa valley offers opportunities to learn more than what has been around about the history of the people living there and many more vital pointer in the trek which were unknown. For the brave and willing, conquering Everest could be the ideal purpose of the visit as the climb to the top of the world does not only come with recognition and the feeling of accomplishment but also comes with self-satisfaction and inner peace. The certification of the conquering of the Everest, which only few in the world have able to attain will most certainly would be the proudest possession to all who have been successful.

So maybe these are the reasons why this trek is called “the steps to heaven”.