From the lush green patches of Chitwan National Park, the holy shrine of Lord Pashupati, to the multifarious cafés and hippie culture of lake-side Pokhara, Nepal is an outstanding and pleasant destination for all.
A multihued slice of Asia, with its lofty snow-peak mountains, gleaming with variegated prayer flags, Nepal is enchanting.
And the most alluring fact about Nepal for us Indians is that a foreign country holiday comes in the cheapest budget. Many holiday suppliers give package tours to Nepal in the cost you can never imagine. What else do you want? From the tender-green patches of Chitwan National Park, the divine abode of Lord Pashupati, to the assorted cafés and hippie culture of lake-side Pokhara, it is a spectacular and convivial destination for one and all!
Let us take a sneak-peak into this land of Gurkhas!
What to See?
Kathmandu
The name Kathmandu derives from Kasthmandap or “House of Wood”, a pagoda-style temple. This is the capital city of Nepal. Besides, the magnificent natural beauty and historical glories, Kathmandu is also commercially affluent.
Patan
Popularly known as Lalitpur or the “city of fine arts”, Patan is the center of traditional arts, crafts and architecture representing enormous Buddhist temples and Hindu shrines.
Dhulikhel
At a distance of 30Kms east of Kathmandu, Dhulikhel is well known for its wonderful sunrises over the splendid Himalayan peaks.
Phulchowki
Phulchowki or the “Flower-covered Hill” is highest on the valley border at 2,762m. Lying 20Kms south east of Kathmandu, the ride to the trail through lovely rhododendron and oak forests to the top, is really breath-taking. On the hilltop there is a small shrine of Phulchowki Mai.
Pokhara
At a distance of 6hr drive from Kathmandu, Pokhra is famous for its scenic beauty and lakes like Phewa and Begnas which offer peaceful seclusion in the unspoiled forestland.
Where to Pray?
Swayambhunath
Holy abode, Swayambhunath is 2,500 years old; here the white semi-circular mound with an umbrella on the top represents the steps to nirvana. The Stupa is hung with multi-colored prayer flags.
Pashupatinath
The renowned shrine of lord Pashupati or Shiva, situated on banks of the sacred Bagmati River is distinguished for its marvelous structural design with a golden roof and silver doors.
Dakshinkali Temple, Lumbini, Shivapuri, Nagarkot, Bungmati & Khokana Villages, Namo Buddha, Sankhu, Budhanilkantha, are few other sacred spots.
Where to chase wild-life?
What could be exhilarating than spotting the animals on elephant’s back or watching water life on canoe rides? Besides visiting Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and Royal Chitwan National Park; don’t forget to enjoy the Tharu tribal folk dances at Royal Chitwan National Park.
What to do?
Trekking
Due to the freezing temperature during winter, one should trek on a lower altitude. Mustang, Upper Manang and Dolpo, are the most recommended trek spots during monsoon. Recommended seasons are February to May and September to November.
Cycling
Hire a bike and paddle around the unexplored corners of the Kathmandu Valley.
Fly Over Everest
Get an Ariel view of snowy Everest’s peak through aircraft voyages, ballooning, hang-gliding and paragliding.
Aqua Hunt
From the whirlpools of the Marsyangdi River, to the picturesque Trisuli River, Nepal’s array of crashing waterways offer outstanding rafting conditions. Float across the Barahi temple and witness the mesmerizing reflections of the Annapurna range on the water.
Nocturnal Fun
The nightlife at Nepal is really promising with numerous bars and clubs and live music spots, especially in Kathmandu. Basantapur Square is a must visit. Try out your luck at the local casinos, but only for fun sake. At Pokhra, the folk lover should head to enjoy the traditional Newari dance shows organized by hotel authorities.
What to shop?
Locally manufactured clothes, textiles or handicraft like woven mittens and socks, Tibetan dresses, multicolored jackets, knitted shawls, Tibetan tea bowls, papiermâché dance masks, Buddhist figurines and filigree ornaments, flutes made of bamboo are the popular bargains in Nepal.
Names to remember
- Pashmina (fine goat’s-wool blankets).
- Kukri (the national knife)
- Saranghi (a small, four-stringed viola played with a horse-hair bow)
The Reach:
Tribhuvan International Airport is an international airport in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is the only international airport in Nepal and has one domestic and one international terminal. At present, about 30 international airlines connect Nepal to destinations in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. The airport is about 6kms from the main city centre, in the Kathmandu valley. All the major airports in India has flights directed to Nepal on regular intervals.
A trip to Nepal will be among your most memorable trips, which will allure you to visit it again! Book a flight now!
